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Komai M, Noda Y, Ikeda A, Kaneshiro N, Kamikubo Y, Sakurai T, Uehara T, Takasugi N. Nuclear SphK2/S1P signaling is a key regulator of ApoE production and Aβ uptake in astrocytes. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100510. [PMID: 38280459 PMCID: PMC10907773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100510] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between changes in astrocyte function and the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has attracted considerable attention. Interestingly, activated astrocytes in AD show abnormalities in their lipid content and metabolism. In particular, the expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a lipid transporter, is decreased. Because ApoE has anti-inflammatory and amyloid β (Aβ)-metabolizing effects, the nuclear receptors, retinoid X receptor (RXR) and LXR, which are involved in ApoE expression, are considered promising therapeutic targets for AD. However, the therapeutic effects of agents targeting these receptors are limited or vary considerably among groups, indicating the involvement of an unknown pathological factor that modifies astrocyte and ApoE function. Here, we focused on the signaling lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which is mainly produced by sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) in the brain. Using astrocyte models, we found that upregulation of SphK2/S1P signaling suppressed ApoE induction by both RXR and LXR agonists. We also found that SphK2 activation reduced RXR binding to the APOE promoter region in the nucleus, suggesting the nuclear function of SphK2/S1P. Intriguingly, suppression of SphK2 activity by RNA knockdown or specific inhibitors upregulated lipidated ApoE induction. Furthermore, the induced ApoE facilitates Aβ uptake in astrocytes. Together with our previous findings that SphK2 activity is upregulated in AD brain and promotes Aβ production in neurons, these results indicate that SphK2/S1P signaling is a promising multifunctional therapeutic target for AD that can modulate astrocyte function by stabilizing the effects of RXR and LXR agonists, and simultaneously regulate neuronal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Komai
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Noda
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuya Ikeda
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nanaka Kaneshiro
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuji Kamikubo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakurai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Valencia-Olvera AC, Balu D, Bellur S, McNally T, Saleh Y, Pham D, Ghura S, York J, Johansson JO, LaDu MJ, Tai L. A novel apoE-mimetic increases brain apoE levels, reduces Aβ pathology and improves memory when treated before onset of pathology in male mice that express APOE3. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:216. [PMID: 38102668 PMCID: PMC10722727 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01353-z] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive dysfunction and amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ). APOE is the greatest genetic risk for AD with APOE4 increasing risk up to ~ 15-fold compared to APOE3. Evidence suggests that levels and lipidation of the apoE protein could regulate AD progression. In glia, apoE is lipidated via cholesterol efflux from intracellular pools, primarily by the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Therefore, increasing ABCA1 activity is suggested to be a therapeutic approach for AD. CS-6253 (CS) is a novel apoE mimetic peptide that was developed to bind and stabilize ABCA1 and maintain its localization into the plasma membrane therefore promoting cholesterol efflux. The goal of this study was to determine whether CS could modulate apoE levels and lipidation, Aβ pathology, and behavior in a model that expresses human APOE and overproduce Aβ. METHODS In vitro, APOE3-glia or APOE4-glia were treated with CS. In vivo, male and female, E3FAD (5xFAD+/-/APOE3+/+) and E4FAD (5xFAD+/-/APOE4+/+) mice were treated with CS via intraperitoneal injection at early (from 4 to 8 months of age) and late ages (from 8 to 10 months of age). ApoE levels, ABCA1 levels and, apoE lipidation were measured by western blot and ELISA. Aβ and amyloid levels were assessed by histochemistry and ELISA. Learning and memory were tested by Morris Water Maze and synaptic proteins were measured by Western blot. RESULTS CS treatment increased apoE levels and cholesterol efflux in primary glial cultures. In young male E3FAD mice, CS treatment increased soluble apoE and lipid-associated apoE, reduced soluble oAβ and insoluble Aβ levels as well as Aβ and amyloid deposition, and improved memory and synaptic protein levels. CS treatment did not induce any therapeutic benefits in young female E3FAD and E4FAD mice or in any groups when treatment was started at later ages. CONCLUSIONS CS treatment reduced Aβ pathology and improved memory only in young male E3FAD, the cohort with the least AD pathology. Therefore, the degree of Aβ pathology or Aβ overproduction may impact the ability of targeting ABCA1 to be an effective AD therapeutic. This suggests that ABCA1-stabilizing treatment by CS-6253 works best in conditions of modest Aβ levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Valencia-Olvera
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deebika Balu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shreya Bellur
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas McNally
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yaseen Saleh
- University of Miami/Jackson Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Don Pham
- Department of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shivesh Ghura
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jason York
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Mary Jo LaDu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leon Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Majeed J, Sabbagh MN, Kang MH, Lawrence JJ, Pruitt K, Bacus S, Reyna E, Brown M, Decourt B. Cancer drugs with high repositioning potential for Alzheimer's disease. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023; 28:311-332. [PMID: 38100555 PMCID: PMC10877737 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2296079] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the recent full FDA approval of lecanemab, there is currently no disease modifying therapy (DMT) that can efficiently slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the general population. This statement emphasizes the need to identify novel DMTs in the shortest time possible to prevent a global epidemic of AD cases as the world population experiences an increase in lifespan. AREAS COVERED Here, we review several classes of anti-cancer drugs that have been or are being investigated in Phase II/III clinical trials for AD, including immunomodulatory drugs, RXR agonists, sex hormone therapies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. EXPERT OPINION Given the overall course of brain pathologies during the progression of AD, we express a great enthusiasm for the repositioning of anti-cancer drugs as possible AD DMTs. We anticipate an increasing number of combinatorial therapy strategies to tackle AD symptoms and their underlying pathologies. However, we strongly encourage improvements in clinical trial study designs to better assess target engagement and possible efficacy over sufficient periods of drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Majeed
- University of Arizona Honors College, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Marwan N. Sabbagh
- Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Min H. Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - J. Josh Lawrence
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kevin Pruitt
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Ellie Reyna
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Maddy Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Boris Decourt
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Roseman University of Health Sciences, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Liu Y, Wang P, Jin G, Shi P, Zhao Y, Guo J, Yin Y, Shao Q, Li P, Yang P. The novel function of bexarotene for neurological diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102021. [PMID: 37495118 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102021] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist, is approved by FDA to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. However, it has also demonstrated promising therapeutic potential for neurological diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and particularly Alzheimer's disease(AD). In AD, bexarotene inhibits the production and aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ), activates Liver X Receptor/RXR heterodimers to increase lipidated apolipoprotein E to remove Aβ, mitigates the negative impact of Aβ, regulates neuroinflammation, and ultimately improves cognitive function. For other neurological diseases, its mechanisms of action include inhibiting inflammatory responses, up-regulating microglial phagocytosis, and reducing misfolded protein aggregation, all of which aid in alleviating neurological damage. Here, we briefly discuss the characteristics, applications, and adverse effects of bexarotene, summarize its pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic results in various neurological diseases, and elaborate on the problems encountered in preclinical research, with the aim of providing help for the further application of bexarotene in central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Liu
- College of Pharamacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, China; College of Third Clinical, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Pengwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Guofang Jin
- College of Pharamacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, China
| | - Peijie Shi
- College of Pharamacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, China; Xinxiang First People's Hospital, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- Xinxiang First People's Hospital, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jiayi Guo
- College of Pharamacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yaling Yin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qianhang Shao
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Peng Li
- College of Pharamacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Pengfei Yang
- College of Pharamacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, China.
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Horgusluoglu E, Neff R, Song W, Wang M, Wang Q, Arnold M, Krumsiek J, Galindo‐Prieto B, Ming C, Nho K, Kastenmüller G, Han X, Baillie R, Zeng Q, Andrews S, Cheng H, Hao K, Goate A, Bennett DA, Saykin AJ, Kaddurah‐Daouk R, Zhang B. Integrative metabolomics-genomics approach reveals key metabolic pathways and regulators of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:1260-1278. [PMID: 34757660 PMCID: PMC9085975 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Metabolites, the biochemical products of the cellular process, can be used to measure alterations in biochemical pathways related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the relationships between systemic abnormalities in metabolism and the pathogenesis of AD are poorly understood. In this study, we aim to identify AD-specific metabolomic changes and their potential upstream genetic and transcriptional regulators through an integrative systems biology framework for analyzing genetic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic data in AD. Metabolite co-expression network analysis of the blood metabolomic data in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) shows short-chain acylcarnitines/amino acids and medium/long-chain acylcarnitines are most associated with AD clinical outcomes, including episodic memory scores and disease severity. Integration of the gene expression data in both the blood from the ADNI and the brain from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership Alzheimer's Disease (AMP-AD) program reveals ABCA1 and CPT1A are involved in the regulation of acylcarnitines and amino acids in AD. Gene co-expression network analysis of the AMP-AD brain RNA-seq data suggests the CPT1A- and ABCA1-centered subnetworks are associated with neuronal system and immune response, respectively. Increased ABCA1 gene expression and adiponectin protein, a regulator of ABCA1, correspond to decreased short-chain acylcarnitines and amines in AD in the ADNI. In summary, our integrated analysis of large-scale multiomics data in AD systematically identifies novel metabolites and their potential regulators in AD and the findings pave a way for not only developing sensitive and specific diagnostic biomarkers for AD but also identifying novel molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emrin Horgusluoglu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ryan Neff
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Won‐Min Song
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Matthias Arnold
- Institute of Computational BiologyHelmholtz Zentrum MünchenGerman Research Center for Environmental HealthNeuherbergGermany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jan Krumsiek
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsWeill Cornell MedicineInstitute for Computational BiomedicineEnglander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Beatriz Galindo‐Prieto
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsWeill Cornell MedicineInstitute for Computational BiomedicineEnglander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research InstituteBrain and Mind Research InstituteWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Chen Ming
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Kwangsik Nho
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences; Indiana Alzheimer Disease CenterIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Gabi Kastenmüller
- Institute of Computational BiologyHelmholtz Zentrum MünchenGerman Research Center for Environmental HealthNeuherbergGermany
| | - Xianlin Han
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging StudiesUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | | | - Qi Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Shea Andrews
- Department of NeuroscienceRonald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's DiseaseIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Haoxiang Cheng
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Alison Goate
- Department of NeuroscienceRonald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's DiseaseIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease CenterRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Andrew J. Saykin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences; Indiana Alzheimer Disease CenterIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Rima Kaddurah‐Daouk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Duke Institute of Brain SciencesDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of MedicineDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesMount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease ModelingIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiIcahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale BiologyNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Wu M, Zhai Y, Liang X, Chen W, Lin R, Ma L, Huang Y, Zhao D, Liang Y, Zhao W, Fang J, Fang S, Chen Y, Wang Q, Li W. Connecting the Dots Between Hypercholesterolemia and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Mechanism Based on 27-Hydroxycholesterol. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:842814. [PMID: 35464321 PMCID: PMC9021879 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.842814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a complex and multifactorial disease involving genetic and environmental factors, with hypercholesterolemia considered as one of the risk factors. Numerous epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between AD and serum cholesterol levels, and experimental studies also provide evidence that elevated cholesterol levels accelerate AD pathology. However, the underlying mechanism of hypercholesterolemia accelerating AD pathogenesis is not clear. Here, we review the metabolism of cholesterol in the brain and focus on the role of oxysterols, aiming to reveal the link between hypercholesterolemia and AD. 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) is the major peripheral oxysterol that flows into the brain, and it affects β-amyloid (Aβ) production and elimination as well as influencing other pathogenic mechanisms of AD. Although the potential link between hypercholesterolemia and AD is well established, cholesterol-lowering drugs show mixed results in improving cognitive function. Nevertheless, drugs that target cholesterol exocytosis and conversion show benefits in improving AD pathology. Herbs and natural compounds with cholesterol-lowering properties also have a potential role in ameliorating cognition. Collectively, hypercholesterolemia is a causative risk factor for AD, and 27-OHC is likely a potential mechanism for hypercholesterolemia to promote AD pathology. Drugs that regulate cholesterol metabolism are probably beneficial for AD, but more research is needed to unravel the mechanisms involved in 27-OHC, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingan Wu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhai
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weichun Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyi Lin
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linlin Ma
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansong Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhuan Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunbo Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Wang,
| | - Weirong Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Weirong Li,
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Lewandowski CT, Laham MS, Thatcher GR. Remembering your A, B, C's: Alzheimer's disease and ABCA1. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:995-1018. [PMID: 35530134 PMCID: PMC9072248 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of ATP binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1) is central to cholesterol mobilization. Reduced ABCA1 expression or activity is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other disorders. Therapeutic approaches to boost ABCA1 activity have yet to be translated successfully to the clinic. The risk factors for AD development and progression, including comorbid disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, highlight the intersection of cholesterol transport and inflammation. Upregulation of ABCA1 can positively impact APOE lipidation, insulin sensitivity, peripheral vascular and blood–brain barrier integrity, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Various strategies towards ABCA1-boosting compounds have been described, with a bias toward nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) agonists. These agonists display beneficial preclinical effects; however, important side effects have limited development. In particular, ligands that bind liver X receptor (LXR), the primary NHR that controls ABCA1 expression, have shown positive effects in AD mouse models; however, lipogenesis and unwanted increases in triglyceride production are often observed. The longstanding approach, focusing on LXRβ vs. LXRα selectivity, is over-simplistic and has failed. Novel approaches such as phenotypic screening may lead to small molecule NHR modulators that elevate ABCA1 function without inducing lipogenesis and are clinically translatable.
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Patel K, Srivastava S, Kushwah S, Mani A. Perspectives on the Role of APOE4 as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2021; 5:899-910. [PMID: 35088039 PMCID: PMC8764632 DOI: 10.3233/adr-210027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is coupled with chronic cognitive dysfunction. AD cases are mostly late onset, and genetic risk factors like the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) play a key role in this process. APOE ɛ2, APOE ɛ3, and APOE ɛ4 are three key alleles in the human APOE gene. For late onset, APOE ɛ4 has the most potent risk factor while APOE ɛ2 plays a defensive role. Several studies suggests that APOE ɛ4 causes AD via different processes like neurofibrillary tangle formation by amyloid-β accumulation, exacerbated neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular disease, and synaptic loss. But the pathway is still unclear that which actions of APOE ɛ4 lead to AD development. Since APOE was found to contribute to many AD pathways, targeting APOE ɛ4 can lead to a hopeful plan of action in development of new drugs to target AD. In this review, we focus on recent studies and perspectives, focusing on APOE ɛ4 as a key molecule in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Patel
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Siwangi Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Shikha Kushwah
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Ashutosh Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
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Willems S, Zaienne D, Merk D. Targeting Nuclear Receptors in Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9592-9638. [PMID: 34251209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors, also known as ligand-activated transcription factors, regulate gene expression upon ligand signals and present as attractive therapeutic targets especially in chronic diseases. Despite the therapeutic relevance of some nuclear receptors in various pathologies, their potential in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation is insufficiently established. This perspective gathers preclinical and clinical data for a potential role of individual nuclear receptors as future targets in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, and concomitantly evaluates the level of medicinal chemistry targeting these proteins. Considerable evidence suggests the high promise of ligand-activated transcription factors to counteract neurodegenerative diseases with a particularly high potential of several orphan nuclear receptors. However, potent tools are lacking for orphan receptors, and limited central nervous system exposure or insufficient selectivity also compromises the suitability of well-studied nuclear receptor ligands for functional studies. Medicinal chemistry efforts are needed to develop dedicated high-quality tool compounds for the therapeutic validation of nuclear receptors in neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Zaienne
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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10
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Miziak B, Błaszczyk B, Czuczwar SJ. Some Candidate Drugs for Pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer's Disease. PHARMACEUTICALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:ph14050458. [PMID: 34068096 PMCID: PMC8152728 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD; progressive neurodegenerative disorder) is associated with cognitive and functional impairment with accompanying neuropsychiatric symptoms. The available pharmacological treatment is of a symptomatic nature and, as such, it does not modify the cause of AD. The currently used drugs to enhance cognition include an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist (memantine) and cholinesterase inhibitors. The PUBMED, Medical Subject Heading and Clinical Trials databases were used for searching relevant data. Novel treatments are focused on already approved drugs for other conditions and also searching for innovative drugs encompassing investigational compounds. Among the approved drugs, we investigated, are intranasal insulin (and other antidiabetic drugs: liraglitude, pioglitazone and metformin), bexarotene (an anti-cancer drug and a retinoid X receptor agonist) or antidepressant drugs (citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, mirtazapine). The latter, especially when combined with antipsychotics (for instance quetiapine or risperidone), were shown to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD patients. The former enhanced cognition. Procognitive effects may be also expected with dietary antioxidative and anti-inflammatory supplements—curcumin, myricetin, and resveratrol. Considering a close relationship between brain ischemia and AD, they may also reduce post-brain ischemia neurodegeneration. An investigational compound, CN-105 (a lipoprotein E agonist), has a very good profile in AD preclinical studies, and its clinical trial for postoperative dementia is starting soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Barbara Błaszczyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, High School of Economics, Law and Medical Sciences, 25-734 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Stanisław J. Czuczwar
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-448-65-00; Fax: +48-81-65-00-01
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11
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Vidal V, Puente A, García-Cerro S, García Unzueta MT, Rueda N, Riancho J, Martínez-Cué C. Bexarotene Impairs Cognition and Produces Hypothyroidism in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:613211. [PMID: 33935706 PMCID: PMC8082148 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.613211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
All individuals with Down syndrome (DS) eventually develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, including neurodegeneration, increases in β-amyloid (Aβ) expression, and aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles, between the third and fourth decade of their lives. There is currently no effective treatment to prevent AD neuropathology and the associated cognitive degeneration in DS patients. Due to evidence that the accumulation of Aβ aggregates in the brain produces the neurodegenerative cascade characteristic of AD, many strategies which promote the clearance of Aβ peptides have been assessed as potential therapeutics for this disease. Bexarotene, a member of a subclass of retinoids that selectively activates retinoid receptors, modulates several pathways essential for cognitive performance and Aβ clearance. Consequently, bexarotene might be a good candidate to treat AD-associated neuropathology. However, the effects of bexarotene treatment in AD remain controversial. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate whether chronic bexarotene treatment administered to the most commonly used murine model of DS, the Ts65Dn (TS) mouse could reduce Aβ expression in their brains and improve their cognitive abilities. Chronic administration of bexarotene to aged TS mice and their CO littermates for 9 weeks diminished the reference, working, and spatial learning and memory of TS mice, and the spatial memory of CO mice in the Morris water maze. This treatment also produced marked hypoactivity in the plus maze, open field, and hole board tests in TS mice, and in the open field and hole board tests in CO mice. Administration of bexarotene reduced the expression of Aβ1-40, but not of Aβ1-42, in the hippocampi of TS mice. Finally, bexarotene increased Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in TS mice and reduced Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in CO mice, while animals of both karyotypes displayed reduced thyroxine levels after bexarotene administration. The bexarotene-induced hypothyroidism could be responsible for the hypoactivity of TS and CO mice and their diminished performance in the Morris water maze. Together, these results do not provide support for the use of bexarotene as a potential treatment of AD neuropathology in the DS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Vidal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Alba Puente
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Susana García-Cerro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Noemí Rueda
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Riancho
- Neurology Service, Hospital Sierrallana-IDIVAL, Torrelavega, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-Cué
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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12
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Mallick S, Marshall PA, Wagner CE, Heck MC, Sabir ZL, Sabir MS, Dussik CM, Grozic A, Kaneko I, Jurutka PW. Evaluating Novel RXR Agonists That Induce ApoE and Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Cultured Human Glioblastoma Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:857-871. [PMID: 33570383 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is considerable interest in identifying effective and safe drugs for neurodegenerative disorders. Cell culture and animal model work have demonstrated that modulating gene expression through RXR-mediated pathways may mitigate or reverse cognitive decline. However, because RXR is a dimeric partner for several transcription factors, activating off-target transcription is a concern with RXR ligands (rexinoids). This off-target gene modulation leads to unwanted side effects that can include low thyroid function and significant hyperlipidemia. There is a need to develop rexinoids that have binding specificity for subsets of RXR heterodimers, to drive desired gene modulation, but that do not induce spurious effects. Herein, we describe experiments in which we analyze a series of novel and previously reported rexinoids for their ability to modulate specific gene pathways implicated in neurodegenerative disorders employing a U87 cell culture model. We demonstrate that, compared to the FDA-approved rexinoid bexarotene (1), several of these compounds are equally or more effective at stimulating gene expression via LXREs or Nurr1/NBREs and are superior at inducing ApoE and/or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and protein expression, including analogs 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, 23, and 24, suggesting a possible therapeutic role for these compounds in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease (PD). A subset of these potent RXR agonists can synergize with a presumed Nurr1 ligand and antimalarial drug (amodiaquine) to further enhance Nurr1/NBREs-directed transcription. This novel discovery has potential clinical implications for treatment of PD since it suggests that the combination of an RXR agonist and a Nurr1 ligand can significantly enhance RXR-Nurr1 heterodimer activity and drive enhanced therapeutic expression of the TH gene to increase endogenous synthesis of dopamine. These data indicate that is it possible and prudent to develop novel rexinoids for testing of gene expression and side effect profiles for use in potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, as individual rexinoids can have markedly different gene expression profiles but similar structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Mallick
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Pamela A. Marshall
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Carl E. Wagner
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Michael C. Heck
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Zhela L. Sabir
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Marya S. Sabir
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Christoper M. Dussik
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Aleksandra Grozic
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Ichiro Kaneko
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Peter W. Jurutka
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
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13
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Serrano-Pozo A, Das S, Hyman BT. APOE and Alzheimer's disease: advances in genetics, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:68-80. [PMID: 33340485 PMCID: PMC8096522 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 132.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The APOE ε4 allele remains the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease and the APOE ε2 allele the strongest genetic protective factor after multiple large scale genome-wide association studies and genome-wide association meta-analyses. However, no therapies directed at APOE are currently available. Although initial studies causally linked APOE with amyloid-β peptide aggregation and clearance, over the past 5 years our understanding of APOE pathogenesis has expanded beyond amyloid-β peptide-centric mechanisms to tau neurofibrillary degeneration, microglia and astrocyte responses, and blood-brain barrier disruption. Because all these pathological processes can potentially contribute to cognitive impairment, it is important to use this new knowledge to develop therapies directed at APOE. Several therapeutic approaches have been successful in mouse models expressing human APOE alleles, including increasing or reducing APOE levels, enhancing its lipidation, blocking the interactions between APOE and amyloid-β peptide, and genetically switching APOE4 to APOE3 or APOE2 isoforms, but translation to human clinical trials has proven challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sudeshna Das
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Chiang ACA, Seua AV, Singhmar P, Arroyo LD, Mahalingam R, Hu J, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ. Bexarotene normalizes chemotherapy-induced myelin decompaction and reverses cognitive and sensorimotor deficits in mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:193. [PMID: 33183353 PMCID: PMC7661216 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Frequently reported neurotoxic sequelae of cancer treatment include cognitive deficits and sensorimotor abnormalities that have long-lasting negative effects on the quality of life of an increasing number of cancer survivors. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and there is no effective treatment. We show here that cisplatin treatment of mice not only caused cognitive dysfunction but also impaired sensorimotor function. These functional deficits are associated with reduced myelin density and complexity in the cingulate and sensorimotor cortex. At the ultrastructural level, myelin abnormalities were characterized by decompaction. We used this model to examine the effect of bexarotene, an agonist of the RXR-family of nuclear receptors. Administration of only five daily doses of bexarotene after completion of cisplatin treatment was sufficient to normalize myelin density and fiber coherency and to restore myelin compaction in cingulate and sensorimotor cortex. Functionally, bexarotene normalized performance of cisplatin-treated mice in tests for cognitive and sensorimotor function. RNAseq analysis identified the TR/RXR pathway as one of the top canonical pathways activated by administration of bexarotene to cisplatin-treated mice. Bexarotene also activated neuregulin and netrin pathways that are implicated in myelin formation/maintenance, synaptic function and axonal guidance. In conclusion, short term treatment with bexarotene is sufficient to reverse the adverse effects of cisplatin on white matter structure, cognitive function, and sensorimotor performance. These encouraging findings warrant further studies into potential clinical translation and the underlying mechanisms of bexarotene for chemobrain.
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15
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Li Z, Shue F, Zhao N, Shinohara M, Bu G. APOE2: protective mechanism and therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:63. [PMID: 33148290 PMCID: PMC7640652 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, the major genetic risk modifier for Alzheimer's disease (AD), have yielded significant insights into the pathogenic mechanism. Among the three common coding variants, APOE*ε4 increases, whereas APOE*ε2 decreases the risk of late-onset AD compared with APOE*ε3. Despite increased understanding of the detrimental effect of APOE*ε4, it remains unclear how APOE*ε2 confers protection against AD. Accumulating evidence suggests that APOE*ε2 protects against AD through both amyloid-β (Aβ)-dependent and independent mechanisms. In addition, APOE*ε2 has been identified as a longevity gene, suggesting a systemic effect of APOE*ε2 on the aging process. However, APOE*ε2 is not entirely benign; APOE*ε2 carriers exhibit increased risk of certain cerebrovascular diseases and neurological disorders. Here, we review evidence from both human and animal studies demonstrating the protective effect of APOE*ε2 against AD and propose a working model depicting potential underlying mechanisms. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies designed to leverage the protective effect of APOE2 to treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghua Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Francis Shue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Mitsuru Shinohara
- Department of Aging Neurobiology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka, Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan.
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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16
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Clark JN, Whiting A, McCaffery P. Retinoic acid receptor-targeted drugs in neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:1097-1108. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1811232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Nicol Clark
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Peter McCaffery
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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17
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Mamun AA, Uddin MS, Bin Bashar MF, Zaman S, Begum Y, Bulbul IJ, Islam MS, Sarwar MS, Mathew B, Amran MS, Md Ashraf G, Bin-Jumah MN, Mousa SA, Abdel-Daim MM. Molecular Insight into the Therapeutic Promise of Targeting APOE4 for Alzheimer's Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:5086250. [PMID: 32509144 PMCID: PMC7245681 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5086250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes chronic cognitive dysfunction. Most of the AD cases are late onset, and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) isoform is a key genetic risk factor. The APOE gene has 3 key alleles in humans including APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. Among them, APOE4 is the most potent genetic risk factor for late-onset AD (LOAD), while APOE2 has a defensive effect. Research data suggest that APOE4 leads to the pathogenesis of AD through various processes such as accelerated beta-amyloid aggregations that raised neurofibrillary tangle formation, cerebrovascular diseases, aggravated neuroinflammation, and synaptic loss. However, the precise mode of actions regarding in what way APOE4 leads to AD pathology remains unclear. Since APOE contributes to several pathological pathways of AD, targeting APOE4 might serve as a promising strategy for the development of novel drugs to combat AD. In this review, we focus on the recent studies about APOE4-targeted therapeutic strategies that have been advanced in animal models and are being prepared for use in humans for the management of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Fahim Bin Bashar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sonia Zaman
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yesmin Begum
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Md. Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Division of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Research Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ahalia School of Pharmacy, Palakkad, India
| | - Md. Shah Amran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - May N. Bin-Jumah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11474, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaker A. Mousa
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, New York, NY 12144, USA
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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18
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Bibi N, Rizvi SMD, Batool A, Kamal MA. Inhibitory Mechanism of An Anticancer Drug, Bexarotene Against Amyloid β Peptide Aggregation: Repurposing Via Neuroinformatics Approach. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:2989-2995. [PMID: 31368868 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190801123235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggregation of Amyloid β (Aβ) peptide is a crucial feature of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. In fact, Aβ peptides are misfolded and aggregated to frame Amyloid fibrils, which is considered as one of the major contributing events in the onset of AD. All these observations have prompted the researchers to design therapeutic molecules with robust anti-Aβ aggregation potential. Interestingly, in the last few decades, drug repurposing has turned into a fruitful and savvy approach for the treatment of several diseases. Bexarotene is an anticancer drug that has been under consideration for its ability to suppress Aβ-peptide aggregation. However, the exact mechanistic aspect of suppression of Aβ-peptide accumulation has not yet been completely revealed. METHODS In the present study, we have attempted to decipher the mechanistic aspects of the anti-aggregation potential of bexarotene by using the computational biology approach. RESULTS We have observed the effect of 'Aβ-bexarotene' interaction on the aggregation ability of the Aβ-peptide and decoded the involvement of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and beta-secretase (BACE-1). A deep structural analysis of Aβ upon binding with bexarotene revealed critical binding sites and structural twists involved in Aβ aggregation. It is evident from the present that bexarotene could significantly restrain the process of primary nucleation of Aβ. In addition, bexarotene showed a strong interaction with RAGE and BACE-1, suggesting them as plausible targets for the neuro-therapeutic action of bexarotene. CONCLUSION Hence, we could safely suggest that bexarotene is a potent drug candidate that could reduce Aβ- peptide aggregation by applying different mechanistic pathways. These results might boost the portfolio of pharmaceutical companies looking for the development of new chemical entities against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nousheen Bibi
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Syed M D Rizvi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abida Batool
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad A Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia.,Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, NSW, Australia
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19
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Scearce-Levie K, Sanchez PE, Lewcock JW. Leveraging preclinical models for the development of Alzheimer disease therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:447-462. [PMID: 32612262 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A large number of mouse models have been engineered, characterized and used to advance biomedical research in Alzheimer disease (AD). Early models simply damaged the rodent brain through toxins or lesions. Later, the spread of genetic engineering technology enabled investigators to develop models of familial AD by overexpressing human genes such as those encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilins (PSEN1 or PSEN2) carrying mutations linked to early-onset AD. Recently, more complex models have sought to explore the impact of multiple genetic risk factors in the context of different biological challenges. Although none of these models has proven to be a fully faithful reproduction of the human disease, models remain essential as tools to improve our understanding of AD biology, conduct thorough pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, discover translatable biomarkers and evaluate specific therapeutic approaches. To realize the full potential of animal models as new technologies and knowledge become available, it is critical to define an optimal strategy for their use. Here, we review progress and challenges in the use of AD mouse models, highlight emerging scientific innovations in model development, and introduce a conceptual framework for use of preclinical models for therapeutic development.
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20
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Lewandowski CT, Maldonado Weng J, LaDu MJ. Alzheimer's disease pathology in APOE transgenic mouse models: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 139:104811. [PMID: 32087290 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The focus on amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles has yielded no Alzheimer's disease (AD) modifying treatments in the past several decades, despite successful studies in preclinical mouse models. This inconsistency has caused a renewed focus on improving the fidelity and reliability of AD mouse models, with disparate views on how this improvement can be accomplished. However, the interactive effects of the universal biological variables of AD, which include age, APOE genotype, and sex, are often overlooked. Age is the greatest risk factor for AD, while the ε4 allele of the human APOE gene, encoding apolipoprotein E, is the greatest genetic risk factor. Sex is the final universal biological variable of AD, as females develop AD at almost twice the rate of males and, importantly, female sex exacerbates the effects of APOE4 on AD risk and rate of cognitive decline. Therefore, this review evaluates the importance of context for understanding the role of APOE in preclinical mouse models. Specifically, we detail how human AD pathology is mirrored in current transgenic mouse models ("What") and describe the critical need for introducing human APOE into these mouse models ("Who"). We next outline different methods for introducing human APOE into mice ("How") and highlight efforts to develop temporally defined and location-specific human apoE expression models ("When" and "Where"). We conclude with the importance of choosing the human APOE mouse model relevant to the question being addressed, using the selection of transgenic models for testing apoE-targeted therapeutics as an example ("Why").
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Affiliation(s)
- Cutler T Lewandowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Juan Maldonado Weng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Mary Jo LaDu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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21
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Williams T, Borchelt DR, Chakrabarty P. Therapeutic approaches targeting Apolipoprotein E function in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:8. [PMID: 32005122 PMCID: PMC6995170 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-0358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the primary genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the presence of the Ɛ4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE). APOE is a polymorphic lipoprotein that is a major cholesterol carrier in the brain. It is also involved in various cellular functions such as neuronal signaling, neuroinflammation and glucose metabolism. Humans predominantly possess three different allelic variants of APOE, termed E2, E3, and E4, with the E3 allele being the most common. The presence of the E4 allele is associated with increased risk of AD whereas E2 reduces the risk. To understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie APOE-related genetic risk, considerable effort has been devoted towards developing cellular and animal models. Data from these models indicate that APOE4 exacerbates amyloid β plaque burden in a dose-dependent manner. and may also enhance tau pathogenesis in an isoform-dependent manner. Other studies have suggested APOE4 increases the risk of AD by mechanisms that are distinct from modulation of Aβ or tau pathology. Further, whether plasma APOE, by influencing systemic metabolic pathways, can also possibly alter CNS function indirectly is not complete;y understood. Collectively, the available studies suggest that APOE may impact multiple signaling pathways and thus investigators have sought therapeutics that would disrupt pathological functions of APOE while preserving or enhancing beneficial functions. This review will highlight some of the therapeutic strategies that are currently being pursued to target APOE4 towards preventing or treating AD and we will discuss additional strategies that holds promise for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosha Williams
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - David R Borchelt
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Paramita Chakrabarty
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA. .,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Bespalov A, Steckler T, Skolnick P. Be positive about negatives-recommendations for the publication of negative (or null) results. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1312-1320. [PMID: 31753777 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Both positive and negative (null or neutral) results are essential for the progress of science and its self-correcting nature. However, there is general reluctance to publish negative results, and this may be due a range of factors (e.g., the widely held perception that negative results are more difficult to publish, the preference to publish positive findings that are more likely to generate citations and funding for additional research). It is particularly challenging to disclose negative results that are not consistent with previously published positive data, especially if the initial publication appeared in a high impact journal. Ideally, there should be both incentives and support to reduce the costs associated with investing efforts into preparing publications with negative results. We describe here a set of criteria that can help scientists, reviewers and editors to publish technically sound, scientifically high-impact negative (or null) results originating from rigorously designed and executed studies. Proposed criteria emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and communication among scientists (also including the authors of original publications with positive results).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Bespalov
- Partnership for Assessment and Accreditation of Scientific Practice, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Amyloid-β-independent regulators of tau pathology in Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 21:21-35. [PMID: 31780819 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The global epidemic of Alzheimer disease (AD) is worsening, and no approved treatment can revert or arrest progression of this disease. AD pathology is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Genetic data, as well as autopsy and neuroimaging studies in patients with AD, indicate that Aβ plaque deposition precedes cortical tau pathology. Because Aβ accumulation has been considered the initial insult that drives both the accumulation of tau pathology and tau-mediated neurodegeneration in AD, the development of AD therapeutics has focused mostly on removing Aβ from the brain. However, striking preclinical evidence from AD mouse models and patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cell models indicates that tau pathology can progress independently of Aβ accumulation and arises downstream of genetic risk factors for AD and aberrant metabolic pathways. This Review outlines novel insights from preclinical research that implicate apolipoprotein E, the endocytic system, cholesterol metabolism and microglial activation as Aβ-independent regulators of tau pathology. These factors are discussed in the context of emerging findings from clinical pathology, functional neuroimaging and other approaches in humans. Finally, we discuss the implications of these new insights for current Aβ-targeted strategies and highlight the emergence of novel therapeutic strategies that target processes upstream of both Aβ and tau.
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Bexarotene therapy ameliorates behavioral deficits and induces functional and molecular changes in very-old Triple Transgenic Mice model of Alzheimer´s disease. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223578. [PMID: 31596896 PMCID: PMC6785083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor agonist, improves cognition in murine models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study evaluated the effects of bexarotene on pathological and electrophysiological changes in very old triple transgenic AD mice (3xTg-AD mice). Methods 24-month-old 3xTg-AD mice were treated with bexarotene (100 mg/kg/day for 30 days). The Morris water maze was used to evaluate spatial memory; immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate pathological changes; and in vivo electrophysiological recordings were used to evaluate basal transmission and plasticity in the commissural CA3-CA1 pathway. Results In addition to cognitive improvement, bexarotene-treated 3xTg-AD mice were found to have 1) reductions of astrogliosis and reactive microglia both in cortex and hippocampus; 2) increased ApoE expression restricted to CA1; 3) increased number of cells co-labeled with ApoE and NeuN; 4) recovery of NeuN expression, suggesting neuronal protection; and, 5) recovery of basal synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. Discussion These results indicate that bexarotene-induced improvement in cognition is due to multiple changes that contribute to recovery of synaptic plasticity.
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Fanaee-Danesh E, Gali CC, Tadic J, Zandl-Lang M, Carmen Kober A, Agujetas VR, de Dios C, Tam-Amersdorfer C, Stracke A, Albrecher NM, Manavalan APC, Reiter M, Sun Y, Colell A, Madeo F, Malle E, Panzenboeck U. Astaxanthin exerts protective effects similar to bexarotene in Alzheimer's disease by modulating amyloid-beta and cholesterol homeostasis in blood-brain barrier endothelial cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:2224-2245. [PMID: 31055081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by overproduction, impaired clearance, and deposition of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) and connected to cholesterol homeostasis. Since the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is involved in these processes, we investigated effects of the retinoid X receptor agonist, bexarotene (Bex), and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α agonist and antioxidant, astaxanthin (Asx), on pathways of cellular cholesterol metabolism, amyloid precursor protein processing/Aβ production and transfer at the BBB in vitro using primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (pBCEC), and in 3xTg AD mice. Asx/Bex downregulated transcription/activity of amyloidogenic BACE1 and reduced Aβ oligomers and ~80 kDa intracellular 6E10-reactive APP/Aβ species, while upregulating non-amyloidogenic ADAM10 and soluble (s)APPα production in pBCEC. Asx/Bex enhanced Aβ clearance to the apical/plasma compartment of the in vitro BBB model. Asx/Bex increased expression levels of ABCA1, LRP1, and/or APOA-I. Asx/Bex promoted cholesterol efflux, partly via PPARα/RXR activation, while cholesterol biosynthesis/esterification was suppressed. Silencing of LRP-1 or inhibition of ABCA1 by probucol reversed Asx/Bex-mediated effects on levels of APP/Aβ species in pBCEC. Murine (m)BCEC isolated from 3xTg AD mice treated with Bex revealed elevated expression of APOE and ABCA1. Asx/Bex reduced BACE1 and increased LRP-1 expression in mBCEC from 3xTg AD mice when compared to vehicle-treated or non-Tg treated mice. In parallel, Asx/Bex reduced levels of Aβ oligomers in mBCEC and Aβ species in brain soluble and insoluble fractions of 3xTg AD mice. Our results suggest that both agonists exert beneficial effects at the BBB by balancing cholesterol homeostasis and enhancing clearance of Aβ from cerebrovascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Fanaee-Danesh
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Chaitanya Chakravarthi Gali
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jelena Tadic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martina Zandl-Lang
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alexandra Carmen Kober
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Vicente Roca Agujetas
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina de Dios
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Tam-Amersdorfer
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anika Stracke
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nicole Maria Albrecher
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Marielies Reiter
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Yidan Sun
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Colell
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ernst Malle
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ute Panzenboeck
- Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Fitz NF, Nam KN, Koldamova R, Lefterov I. Therapeutic targeting of nuclear receptors, liver X and retinoid X receptors, for Alzheimer's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3599-3610. [PMID: 30924124 PMCID: PMC6715597 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
After 15 years of research into Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics, including billions of US dollars provided by federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and private foundations, there are still no meaningful therapies that can delay the onset or slow the progression of AD. An understanding of the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the hypothesis that pathogenic mechanisms in familial and sporadic forms of AD are very similar led to the assumption that pharmacological inhibition of secretases or immunological approaches to clear amyloid depositions in the brain would have been the core to drug discovery strategies and successful therapies. However, there are other understudied approaches including targeting genes, gene networks, and metabolic pathways outside the proteolytic processing of APP. The advancement of newly developed sequencing technologies and mass spectrometry, as well as the availability of animal models expressing human apolipoprotein E isoforms, has been critical in rationalizing additional AD therapeutics. The purpose of this review is to present one of those approaches, based on the role of ligand-activated nuclear liver X and retinoid X receptors in the brain. This therapeutic approach was initially proposed utilizing in vitro models 15 years ago and has since been examined in numerous studies using AD-like mouse models. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Fitz
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyong Nyon Nam
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Radosveta Koldamova
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Iliya Lefterov
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer disease: pathobiology and targeting strategies. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:501-518. [PMID: 31367008 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0228-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 676] [Impact Index Per Article: 135.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphism in the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is a major genetic risk determinant of late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD), with the APOE*ε4 allele conferring an increased risk and the APOE*ε2 allele conferring a decreased risk relative to the common APOE*ε3 allele. Strong evidence from clinical and basic research suggests that a major pathway by which APOE4 increases the risk of AD is by driving earlier and more abundant amyloid pathology in the brains of APOE*ε4 carriers. The number of amyloid-β (Aβ)-dependent and Aβ-independent pathways that are known to be differentially modulated by APOE isoforms is increasing. For example, evidence is accumulating that APOE influences tau pathology, tau-mediated neurodegeneration and microglial responses to AD-related pathologies. In addition, APOE4 is either pathogenic or shows reduced efficiency in multiple brain homeostatic pathways, including lipid transport, synaptic integrity and plasticity, glucose metabolism and cerebrovascular function. Here, we review the recent progress in clinical and basic research into the role of APOE in AD pathogenesis. We also discuss how APOE can be targeted for AD therapy using a precision medicine approach.
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Martín-Maestro P, Sproul A, Martinez H, Paquet D, Gerges M, Noggle S, Starkov AA. Autophagy Induction by Bexarotene Promotes Mitophagy in Presenilin 1 Familial Alzheimer's Disease iPSC-Derived Neural Stem Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:8220-8236. [PMID: 31203573 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01665-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis defects have been demonstrated in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The neurogenesis impairment is an early critical event in the course of familiar AD (FAD) associated with neuronal loss. It was suggested that neurologic dysfunction in AD may be caused by impaired functioning of hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs). Multiple metabolic and structural abnormalities in neural mitochondria have long been suspected to play a critical role in AD pathophysiology. We hypothesize that the cause of such abnormalities could be defective elimination of damaged mitochondria. In the present study, we evaluated mitophagy efficacy in a cellular AD model, hiPSC-derived NSCs harboring the FAD-associated PS1 M146L mutation. We found several mitochondrial respiratory chain defects such as lower expression levels of cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV), cytochrome c reductase (complex III), succinate dehydrogenase (complex II), NADH:CoQ reductase (complex I), and also ATP synthase (complex V), most of which had been previously associated with AD. The mitochondrial network morphology and abundance in these cells was aberrant. This was associated with a marked mitophagy failure stemming from autophagy induction blockage, and deregulation of the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics. We show that treating these cells with autophagy-stimulating drug bexarotene restored autophagy and compensated mitochondrial anomalies in PS1 M146L NSCs, by enhancing the clearance of mitochondria. Our data support the hypothesis that pharmacologically induced mitophagy enhancement is a relevant and novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Sproul
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology and the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Dominik Paquet
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Meri Gerges
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott Noggle
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anatoly A Starkov
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Chernick D, Ortiz-Valle S, Jeong A, Qu W, Li L. Peripheral versus central nervous system APOE in Alzheimer's disease: Interplay across the blood-brain barrier. Neurosci Lett 2019; 708:134306. [PMID: 31181302 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele has been demonstrated as the preeminent genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), which comprises greater than 90% of all AD cases. The discovery of the connection between different APOE genotypes and AD risk in the early 1990s spurred three decades of intense and comprehensive research into the function of APOE in the normal and diseased brain. The importance of APOE in the periphery has been well established, due to its pivotal role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular health. The influence of vascular factors on brain function and AD risk has been extensively studied in recent years. As a major apolipoprotein regulating multiple molecular pathways beyond its canonical lipid-related functions in the periphery and the central nervous system, APOE represents a critical link between the two compartments, and may influence AD risk from both sides of the blood-brain barrier. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the different functions of APOE in the periphery and in the brain, and highlights several promising APOE-targeted therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Wenhui Qu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ling Li
- Departments of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
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30
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The Role of APOE and TREM2 in Alzheimer's Disease-Current Understanding and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010081. [PMID: 30587772 PMCID: PMC6337314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. The extracellular deposits of Amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain-called amyloid plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles-intracellular tau aggregates, are morphological hallmarks of the disease. The risk for AD is a complicated interplay between aging, genetic risk factors, and environmental influences. One of the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles-APOEε4, is the major genetic risk factor for late-onset AD (LOAD). APOE is the primary cholesterol carrier in the brain, and plays an essential role in lipid trafficking, cholesterol homeostasis, and synaptic stability. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified other candidate LOAD risk loci, as well. One of those is the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), which, in the brain, is expressed primarily by microglia. While the function of TREM2 is not fully understood, it promotes microglia survival, proliferation, and phagocytosis, making it important for cell viability and normal immune functions in the brain. Emerging evidence from protein binding assays suggests that APOE binds to TREM2 and APOE-containing lipoproteins in the brain as well as periphery, and are putative ligands for TREM2, thus raising the possibility of an APOE-TREM2 interaction modulating different aspects of AD pathology, potentially in an isoform-specific manner. This review is focusing on the interplay between APOE isoforms and TREM2 in association with AD pathology.
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31
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Chernick D, Ortiz-Valle S, Jeong A, Swaminathan SK, Kandimalla KK, Rebeck GW, Li L. High-density lipoprotein mimetic peptide 4F mitigates amyloid-β-induced inhibition of apolipoprotein E secretion and lipidation in primary astrocytes and microglia. J Neurochem 2018; 147:647-662. [PMID: 30028014 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E (apoE) ε4 allele is the primary genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE in the brain is produced primarily by astrocytes; once secreted from these cells, apoE binds lipids and forms high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-like particles. Accumulation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) in the brain is a key hallmark of AD, and is thought to initiate a pathogenic cascade leading to neurodegeneration and dementia. The level and lipidation state of apoE affect Aβ aggregation and clearance pathways. Elevated levels of plasma HDL are associated with lower risk and severity of AD; the underlying mechanisms, however, have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to investigate the impact of an HDL mimetic peptide, 4F, on the secretion and lipidation of apoE. We found that 4F significantly increases apoE secretion and lipidation in primary human astrocytes as well as in primary mouse astrocytes and microglia. Aggregated Aβ inhibits glial apoE secretion and lipidation, causing accumulation of intracellular apoE, an effect that is counteracted by co-treatment with 4F. Pharmacological and gene editing approaches show that 4F mediates its effects partially through the secretory pathway from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus and requires the lipid transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter A1. We conclude that the HDL mimetic peptide 4F promotes glial apoE secretion and lipidation and mitigates the detrimental effects of Aβ on proper cellular trafficking and functionality of apoE. These findings suggest that treatment with such an HDL mimetic peptide may provide therapeutic benefit in AD. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 580.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Chernick
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Suresh K Swaminathan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Karunya K Kandimalla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - G William Rebeck
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Yuan C, Guo X, Zhou Q, Du F, Jiang W, Zhou X, Liu P, Chi T, Ji X, Gao J, Chen C, Lang H, Xu J, Liu D, Yang Y, Qiu S, Tang X, Chen G, Zou L. OAB-14, a bexarotene derivative, improves Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies and cognitive impairments by increasing β-amyloid clearance in APP/PS1 mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:161-180. [PMID: 30389579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex, though the clinical failures of anti-AD candidates targeting Aβ production (such as β- and γ-secretase inhibitors) make people suspect the Aβ hypothesis, in which the neurotoxicity of Aβ is undoubtedly involved. According to studies, >95% of AD patients with sporadic AD are primarily associated with abnormal Aβ clearance. Therefore, drugs that increase Aβ clearance are becoming new prospects for the treatment of AD. Here, the novel small molecule OAB-14, designed using bexarotene as the lead compound, significantly alleviated cognitive impairments in amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) transgenic mice after administration for 15 days or 3 months. OAB-14 rapidly cleared 71% of Aβ by promoting microglia phagocytosis and increasing IDE and NEP expression. This compound also attenuated the downstream pathological events of Aβ accumulation, such as synaptic degeneration, neuronal loss, tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, OAB-14 had no significant effect on body weight or liver toxicity after acute and chronic treatment. OAB-14 was well tolerated and its maximum-tolerated dose in mice was >4.0 g/kg. Based on these findings, OAB-14 represents a promising new candidate for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Qifan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Fangyu Du
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Wei Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Tianyan Chi
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Xuefei Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jinheng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Chengwen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Hongli Lang
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Danyang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Shimeng Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Xing Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China.
| | - Libo Zou
- Department of Pharmacology, Life Science and Biopharmaceutics School, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China.
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Kamp F, Scheidt HA, Winkler E, Basset G, Heinel H, Hutchison JM, LaPointe LM, Sanders CR, Steiner H, Huster D. Bexarotene Binds to the Amyloid Precursor Protein Transmembrane Domain, Alters Its α-Helical Conformation, and Inhibits γ-Secretase Nonselectively in Liposomes. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1702-1713. [PMID: 29717863 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bexarotene is a pleiotropic molecule that has been proposed as an amyloid-β (Aβ)-lowering drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It acts by upregulation of an apolipoprotein E (apoE)-mediated Aβ clearance mechanism. However, whether bexarotene induces removal of Aβ plaques in mouse models of AD has been controversial. Here, we show by NMR and CD spectroscopy that bexarotene directly interacts with and stabilizes the transmembrane domain α-helix of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in a region where cholesterol binds. This effect is not mediated by changes in membrane lipid packing, as bexarotene does not share with cholesterol the property of inducing phospholipid condensation. Bexarotene inhibited the intramembrane cleavage by γ-secretase of the APP C-terminal fragment C99 to release Aβ in cell-free assays of the reconstituted enzyme in liposomes, but not in cells, and only at very high micromolar concentrations. Surprisingly, in vitro, bexarotene also inhibited the cleavage of Notch1, another major γ-secretase substrate, demonstrating that its inhibition of γ-secretase is not substrate specific and not mediated by acting via the cholesterol binding site of C99. Our data suggest that bexarotene is a pleiotropic molecule that interfere with Aβ metabolism through multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frits Kamp
- Biomedical Center - BMC, Metabolic Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Holger A. Scheidt
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Edith Winkler
- Biomedical Center - BMC, Metabolic Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Gabriele Basset
- Biomedical Center - BMC, Metabolic Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Hannes Heinel
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - James M. Hutchison
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Loren M. LaPointe
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Charles R. Sanders
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Harald Steiner
- Biomedical Center - BMC, Metabolic Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich 80539, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)−Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
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Mondal S, Hegarty E, Sahn JJ, Scott LL, Gökçe SK, Martin C, Ghorashian N, Satarasinghe PN, Iyer S, Sae-Lee W, Hodges TR, Pierce JT, Martin SF, Ben-Yakar A. High-Content Microfluidic Screening Platform Used To Identify σ2R/Tmem97 Binding Ligands that Reduce Age-Dependent Neurodegeneration in C. elegans SC_APP Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1014-1026. [PMID: 29426225 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with tractable genetics and a well-defined nervous system, provides a unique whole-animal model system to identify novel drug targets and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Large-scale drug or target screens in models that recapitulate the subtle age- and cell-specific aspects of neurodegenerative diseases are limited by a technological requirement for high-throughput analysis of neuronal morphology. Recently, we developed a single-copy model of amyloid precursor protein (SC_APP) induced neurodegeneration that exhibits progressive degeneration of select cholinergic neurons. Our previous work with this model suggests that small molecule ligands of the sigma 2 receptor (σ2R), which was recently cloned and identified as transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97), are neuroprotective. To determine structure-activity relationships for unexplored chemical space in our σ2R/Tmem97 ligand collection, we developed an in vivo high-content screening (HCS) assay to identify potential drug leads. The HCS assay uses our recently developed large-scale microfluidic immobilization chip and automated imaging platform. We discovered norbenzomorphans that reduced neurodegeneration in our C. elegans model, including two compounds that demonstrated significant neuroprotective activity at multiple doses. These findings provide further evidence that σ2R/Tmem97-binding norbenzomorphans may represent a new drug class for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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35
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Dheer Y, Chitranshi N, Gupta V, Abbasi M, Mirzaei M, You Y, Chung R, Graham SL, Gupta V. Bexarotene Modulates Retinoid-X-Receptor Expression and Is Protective Against Neurotoxic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response and Apoptotic Pathway Activation. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:9043-9056. [PMID: 29637440 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Retinoid X-receptors (RXRs) are members of the ligand-dependent transcription factor family of nuclear receptors that have gained recent research focus as potential targets for neurodegenerative disorders. Bexarotene is an RXR pharmacological agonist that is shown to be neuroprotective through its effects in promoting amyloid beta (Aβ) uptake by the glial cells in the brain. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of bexarotene on RXR expression in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and validate the drug effects in the brain in vivo. The protein expression studies were carried out using a combination of various drug treatment paradigms followed by expression analysis using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Our study demonstrated that bexarotene promoted the expression of RXR α, β and γ isoforms at optimal concentrations in the cells and in the mice brain. Interestingly, a decreased RXR expression was identified in Alzheimer's disease mouse model and in the cells that were treated with Aβ. Bexarotene treatment not only rescued the RXR expression loss caused by Aβ treatment (p < 0.05) but also protected the cells against Aβ-induced ER stress (p < 0.05) and pro-apoptotic BAD protein activation (p < 0.05). In contrast, higher concentrations of bexarotene upregulated the ER stress proteins and led to BAD activation. Our study revealed that these downstream neurotoxic effects of high drug concentrations could be prevented by pharmacological targeting of the TrkB receptor. The ER stress and BAD activation induced by high concentrations of bexarotene were rescued by the TrkB agonist, 7,8 dihydroxyflavone (p < 0.05) while TrkB inhibitor CTX-B treatment further exacerbated these effects. Together, these findings suggest a cross-talk of TrkB signalling with downstream effects of bexarotene toxicity and indicate that therapeutic targeting of RXRs could prevent the Aβ-induced molecular neurotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Dheer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Mojdeh Abbasi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
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36
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Zhao N, Liu CC, Qiao W, Bu G. Apolipoprotein E, Receptors, and Modulation of Alzheimer's Disease. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:347-357. [PMID: 28434655 PMCID: PMC5599322 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a lipid carrier in both the peripheral and the central nervous systems. Lipid-loaded apoE lipoprotein particles bind to several cell surface receptors to support membrane homeostasis and injury repair in the brain. Considering prevalence and relative risk magnitude, the ε4 allele of the APOE gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE4 contributes to AD pathogenesis by modulating multiple pathways, including but not limited to the metabolism, aggregation, and toxicity of amyloid-β peptide, tauopathy, synaptic plasticity, lipid transport, glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function, vascular integrity, and neuroinflammation. Emerging knowledge on apoE-related pathways in the pathophysiology of AD presents new opportunities for AD therapy. We describe the biochemical and biological features of apoE and apoE receptors in the central nervous system. We also discuss the evidence and mechanisms addressing differential effects of apoE isoforms and the role of apoE receptors in AD pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on the clinical and preclinical studies related to amyloid-β pathology. Finally, we summarize the current strategies of AD therapy targeting apoE, and postulate that effective strategies require an apoE isoform-specific approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Chia-Chen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Wenhui Qiao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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37
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Zhang C, Griciuc A, Hudry E, Wan Y, Quinti L, Ward J, Forte AM, Shen X, Ran C, Elmaleh DR, Tanzi RE. Cromolyn Reduces Levels of the Alzheimer's Disease-Associated Amyloid β-Protein by Promoting Microglial Phagocytosis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1144. [PMID: 29348604 PMCID: PMC5773545 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) deposition is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ deposition triggers both pro-neuroinflammatory microglial activation and neurofibrillary tangle formation. Cromolyn sodium is an asthma therapeutic agent previously shown to reduce Aβ levels in transgenic AD mouse brains after one-week of treatment. Here, we further explored these effects as well as the mechanism of action of cromolyn, alone, and in combination with ibuprofen in APPSwedish-expressing Tg2576 mice. Mice were treated for 3 months starting at 5 months of age, when the earliest stages of β-amyloid deposition begin. Cromolyn, alone, or in combination with ibuprofen, almost completely abolished longer insoluble Aβ species, i.e. Aβ40 and Aβ42, but increased insoluble Aβ38 levels. In addition to its anti-aggregation effects on Aβ, cromolyn, alone, or plus ibuprofen, but not ibuprofen alone, increased microglial recruitment to, and phagocytosis of β-amyloid deposits in AD mice. Cromolyn also promoted Aβ42 uptake in microglial cell-based assays. Collectively, our data reveal robust effects of cromolyn, alone, or in combination with ibuprofen, in reducing aggregation-prone Aβ levels and inducing a neuroprotective microglial activation state favoring Aβ phagocytosis versus a pro-neuroinflammatory state. These findings support the use of cromolyn, alone, or with ibuprofen, as a potential AD therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Ana Griciuc
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Yu Wan
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Luisa Quinti
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Joseph Ward
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Angela M Forte
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | | | - ChongZhao Ran
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - David R Elmaleh
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA.
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38
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Pham HDQ, Thai NQ, Bednarikova Z, Linh HQ, Gazova Z, Li MS. Bexarotene cannot reduce amyloid beta plaques through inhibition of production of amyloid beta peptides:in silicoandin vitrostudy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:24329-24338. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cp00049b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, it has been reported that anti-cancer drug bexarotene can remarkably destroy amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in mouse models suggesting therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Dinh Quoc Pham
- Institute of Physics
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- 02-668 Warsaw
- Poland
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology
| | - Nguyen Quoc Thai
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology
- Quang Trung Software City
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam
- Biomedical Engineering Department
| | - Zuzana Bednarikova
- Department of Biophysics
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- Slovak Academy of Sciences
- 040 01 Kosice
- Slovakia
| | - Huynh Quang Linh
- Biomedical Engineering Department
- University of Technology
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam
| | - Zuzana Gazova
- Department of Biophysics
- Institute of Experimental Physics
- Slovak Academy of Sciences
- 040 01 Kosice
- Slovakia
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- 02-668 Warsaw
- Poland
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39
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Huy PDQ, Thai NQ, Bednarikova Z, Phuc LH, Linh HQ, Gazova Z, Li MS. Bexarotene Does Not Clear Amyloid Beta Plaques but Delays Fibril Growth: Molecular Mechanisms. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1960-1969. [PMID: 28689412 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2012, it was reported that anticancer drug bexarotene reduced amyloid plaque and improved mental functioning in a small sample of mice engineered to exhibit Alzheimer's like symptoms. It has been suggested that bexarotene stimulates expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) leading to intracellular clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ). However, the effect of bexarotene on clearance of plaques has not been seen in some mouse models. Two interesting questions include whether bexarotene can destroy Aβ fibrils via direct interaction with them and how this compound impacts the lag phase in the fibril growth process. By the Thioflavin T fluorescence assay and atomic force microscopy, we have shown that bexarotene prolongs the lag phase, but it does not degrade Aβ fibrils. The impotence of bexarotene in destroying fibrils means that this compound is weakly bound to Aβ. On the other hand, the weak binding would prevent bexarotene from prolonging the lag phase. Thus, our two main in vitro observations seem to contradict each other. In order to settle this problem at the atomic level, we have performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit water. We have demonstrated that bexarotene is not capable to reduce amyloid deposits due to weak binding to Aβ fibrils. However, it delays the self-assembly through reduction of the β-content of Aβ monomers at high enough ligand concentrations. Bexarotene is the first compound which displays such an unusual behavior. We have also shown that bexarotene has a low binding propensity to Aβ monomer and dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pham Dinh Quoc Huy
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward,
District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Thai
- Division of Theoretical Physics, Dong Thap University, 783 Pham Huu Lau Street, Ward 6, Cao Lanh
City, Dong Thap, Vietnam
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Technology, VNU HCM
268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Zuzana Bednarikova
- Department of Theoretical
Physics, University of Natural Sciences, VNU, 227 Nguyen Van Cu,
District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Phuc
- Department of Biophysics Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040
01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Huynh Quang Linh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Technology, VNU HCM
268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Zuzana Gazova
- Department of Theoretical
Physics, University of Natural Sciences, VNU, 227 Nguyen Van Cu,
District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
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40
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Schellinck H. Measuring Olfactory Processes in Mus musculus. Behav Processes 2017; 155:19-25. [PMID: 28882652 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper briefly reviews the literature that describes olfactory acuity and odour discrimination learning. The results of current studies that examined the role of the neurotransmitters noradrenalin and acetylcholine in odour discrimination learning are discussed as are those that investigated pattern recognition and models of human disease. The methodology associated with such work is also described and its role in creating disparate results assessed. Recommendations for increasing the reliability and validity of experiments so as to further our understanding of olfactory processes in both healthy mice and those modelling human disease are made throughout the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Schellinck
- Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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41
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Raven F, Ward JF, Zoltowska KM, Wan Y, Bylykbashi E, Miller SJ, Shen X, Choi SH, Rynearson KD, Berezovska O, Wagner SL, Tanzi RE, Zhang C. Soluble Gamma-secretase Modulators Attenuate Alzheimer's β-amyloid Pathology and Induce Conformational Changes in Presenilin 1. EBioMedicine 2017; 24:93-101. [PMID: 28919280 PMCID: PMC5652037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A central pathogenic event of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of the Aβ42 peptide, which is generated from amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) via cleavages by β- and γ-secretase. We have developed a class of soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) that preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels. However, the effects of SGSMs in AD animals and cells expressing familial AD mutations, as well as the mechanism of γ-secretase modulation remain largely unknown. Here, a representative of this SGSM scaffold, SGSM-36, was investigated using animals and cells expressing FAD mutations. SGSM-36 preferentially reduced Aβ42 levels without affecting either α- and β-secretase processing of APP nor Notch processing. Furthermore, an allosteric site was identified within the γ-secretase complex that allowed access of SGSM-36 using cell-based, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy analysis. Collectively, these studies provide mechanistic insights regarding SGSMs of this class and reinforce their therapeutic potential in AD. A novel class soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) are characterized as potential therapeutics for AD. A representative compound, SGSM-36, preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels using animal and cell models of AD. An allosteric site was identified within γ-secretase to be accessible by SGSM-36.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no treatment to slow or halt disease progression. Considerable evidence shows that the primary pathological event leading to AD is the production and accumulation of Aβ42 peptide. We have developed a class of soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) that preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels. The presented studies have primarily elucidated the mechanisms by which our SGSMs decrease Aβ42 levels and attenuate β-amyloid pathology. The results of these experiments will be useful toward the ongoing efforts toward the development of an effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Raven
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph F Ward
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Katarzyna M Zoltowska
- Alzheimer Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Yu Wan
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA; Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, PR China
| | - Enjana Bylykbashi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Sean J Miller
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Xunuo Shen
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Se Hoon Choi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0624, USA
| | - Oksana Berezovska
- Alzheimer Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0624, USA; Research Biologist, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, 92161, United States.
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA.
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA.
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42
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Rohn TT, Moore ZD. Nuclear Localization of Apolipoprotein E4: A New Trick for an Old Protein. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY AND NEUROTHERAPY 2017; 4:067. [PMID: 29264400 PMCID: PMC5734658 DOI: 10.23937/2378-3001/1410067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the most important genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is harboring the ApoE4 allele. Much is known regarding the functions of the ApoE4 protein including cholesterol transport in the CNS and a critical role in clearing beta-amyloid deposits in the AD brain. However, recent studies demonstrating the nuclear localization suggest a novel function beyond the classical known actions of ApoE4. The purpose of the current review is to examine how this secreted protein traffics to the nucleus and to discuss possible outcomes of nuclear localization in the CNS. It is suggested that proteolytic fragmentation of ApoE4 is a key step leading to nuclear localization and the outcome of this event is to initiate transcription of various genes involved in inflammation and cell death. Therefore, the nuclear localization and induction of gene expression may provide a link between harboring the ApoE4 allele and enhanced dementia risk observed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy T Rohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, USA
| | - Zachary D Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, USA
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Nurr1:RXRα heterodimer activation as monotherapy for Parkinson's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:3999-4004. [PMID: 28348207 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616874114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra and the gradual depletion of dopamine (DA). Current treatments replenish the DA deficit and improve symptoms but induce dyskinesias over time, and neuroprotective therapies are nonexistent. Here we report that Nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1):Retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) activation has a double therapeutic potential for PD, offering both neuroprotective and symptomatic improvement. We designed BRF110, a unique in vivo active Nurr1:RXRα-selective lead molecule, which prevents DAergic neuron demise and striatal DAergic denervation in vivo against PD-causing toxins in a Nurr1-dependent manner. BRF110 also protects against PD-related genetic mutations in patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived DAergic neurons and a genetic mouse PD model. Remarkably, besides neuroprotection, BRF110 up-regulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) transcription; increases striatal DA in vivo; and has symptomatic efficacy in two postneurodegeneration PD models, without inducing dyskinesias on chronic daily treatment. The combined neuroprotective and symptomatic effects of BRF110 identify Nurr1:RXRα activation as a potential monotherapeutic approach for PD.
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44
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Moutinho M, Landreth GE. Therapeutic potential of nuclear receptor agonists in Alzheimer's disease. J Lipid Res 2017; 58:1937-1949. [PMID: 28264880 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r075556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by an extensive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, which triggers a set of deleterious processes, including synaptic dysfunction, inflammation, and neuronal injury, leading to neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. A large body of evidence supports that nuclear receptor (NR) activation could be a promising therapeutic approach for AD. NRs are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene expression and have cell type-specific effects. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of NRs in AD. Moreover, we summarize studies reported in the last 10-15 years and their major outcomes arising from the pharmacological targeting of NRs in AD animal models. The dissection of the pathways regulated by NRs in the context of AD is of importance in identifying novel and effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Moutinho
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106 and Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Gary E Landreth
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106 and Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
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45
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Gray GM, Ma N, Wagner CE, van der Vaart A. Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular flooding studies of the retinoid X-receptor ligand binding domain. J Mol Model 2017; 23:98. [PMID: 28251414 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-017-3260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Bexarotene is an FDA approved retinoid X-receptor (RXR) agonist for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and its use in other cancers and Alzheimer's disease is being investigated. The drug causes serious side effects, which might be reduced by chemical modifications of the molecule. To rationalize known agonists and to help identify sites for potential substitutions we present molecular simulations in which the RXR ligand-binding domain was flooded with a large number of drug-like molecules, and molecular dynamics simulations of a series of bexarotene-like ligands bound to the RXR ligand-binding domain. Based on the flooding simulations, two regions of interest for ligand modifications were identified: a hydrophobic area near the bridgehead and another near the fused ring. In addition, positional fluctuations of the phenyl ring were generally smaller than fluctuations of the fused ring of the ligands. Together, these observations suggest that the fused ring might be a good target for the design of higher affinity bexarotene-like ligands, while the phenyl ring is already optimized. In addition, notable differences in ligand position and interactions between the RXRα and RXRβ were observed, as well as differences in hydrogen bonding and solvation, which might be exploited in the development of subspecies-specific ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey M Gray
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. CHE 205, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. CHE 205, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Carl E Wagner
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale, AZ, 85306, USA
| | - Arjan van der Vaart
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. CHE 205, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
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46
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Carter AY, Letronne F, Fitz NF, Mounier A, Wolfe CM, Nam KN, Reeves VL, Kamboh H, Lefterov I, Koldamova R. Liver X receptor agonist treatment significantly affects phenotype and transcriptome of APOE3 and APOE4 Abca1 haplo-deficient mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172161. [PMID: 28241068 PMCID: PMC5328633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) controls cholesterol and phospholipid efflux to lipid-poor apolipoprotein E (APOE) and is transcriptionally controlled by Liver X receptors (LXRs) and Retinoic X Receptors (RXRs). In APP transgenic mice, lack of Abca1 increased Aβ deposition and cognitive deficits. Abca1 haplo-deficiency in mice expressing human APOE isoforms, increased level of Aβ oligomers and worsened memory deficits, preferentially in APOE4 mice. In contrast upregulation of Abca1 by LXR/RXR agonists significantly ameliorated pathological phenotype of those mice. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of LXR agonist T0901317 (T0) on the phenotype and brain transcriptome of APP/E3 and APP/E4 Abca1 haplo-deficient (APP/E3/Abca1+/- and APP/E4/Abca1+/-) mice. Our data demonstrate that activated LXRs/RXR ameliorated APOE4-driven pathological phenotype and significantly affected brain transcriptome. We show that in mice expressing either APOE isoform, T0 treatment increased mRNA level of genes known to affect brain APOE lipidation such as Abca1 and Abcg1. In both APP/E3/Abca1+/- and APP/E4/Abca1+/- mice, the application of LXR agonist significantly increased ABCA1 protein level accompanied by an increased APOE lipidation, and was associated with restoration of APOE4 cognitive deficits, reduced levels of Aβ oligomers, but unchanged amyloid load. Finally, using Gene set enrichment analysis we show a significant APOE isoform specific response to LXR agonist treatment: Gene Ontology categories “Microtubule Based Process” and “Synapse Organization” were differentially affected in T0-treated APP/E4/Abca1+/- mice. Altogether, the results are suggesting that treatment of APP/E4/Abca1+/- mice with LXR agonist T0 ameliorates APOE4-induced AD-like pathology and therefore targeting the LXR-ABCA1-APOE regulatory axis could be effective as a potential therapeutic approach in AD patients, carriers of APOEε4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Y. Carter
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Florent Letronne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas F. Fitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anais Mounier
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cody M. Wolfe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyong Nyon Nam
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Valerie L. Reeves
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hafsa Kamboh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Iliya Lefterov
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- * E-mail: (RK); (IL)
| | - Radosveta Koldamova
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- * E-mail: (RK); (IL)
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47
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Neuronally-directed effects of RXR activation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42270. [PMID: 28205585 PMCID: PMC5311933 DOI: 10.1038/srep42270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by extensive neuron loss that accompanies profound impairments in memory and cognition. We examined the neuronally directed effects of the retinoid X receptor agonist bexarotene in an aggressive model of AD. We report that a two week treatment of 3.5 month old 5XFAD mice with bexarotene resulted in the clearance of intraneuronal amyloid deposits. Importantly, neuronal loss was attenuated by 44% in the subiculum in mice 4 months of age and 18% in layer V of the cortex in mice 8 months of age. Moreover, bexarotene treatment improved remote memory stabilization in fear conditioned mice and improved olfactory cross habituation. These improvements in neuron viability and function were correlated with significant increases in the levels of post-synaptic marker PSD95 and the pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin. Moreover, bexarotene pretreatment improved neuron survival in primary 5XFAD neurons in vitro in response to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. The salutary effects of bexarotene were accompanied by reduced plaque burden, decreased astrogliosis, and suppression of inflammatory gene expression. Collectively, these data provide evidence that bexarotene treatment reduced neuron loss, elevated levels of markers of synaptic integrity that was linked to improved cognition and in an aggressive model of AD.
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48
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Hane FT, Robinson M, Lee BY, Bai O, Leonenko Z, Albert MS. Recent Progress in Alzheimer's Disease Research, Part 3: Diagnosis and Treatment. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 57:645-665. [PMID: 28269772 PMCID: PMC5389048 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research has grown exponentially over the past few decades, especially since the isolation and identification of amyloid-β from postmortem examination of the brains of AD patients. Recently, the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (JAD) put forth approximately 300 research reports which were deemed to be the most influential research reports in the field of AD since 2010. JAD readers were asked to vote on these most influential reports. In this 3-part review, we review the results of the 300 most influential AD research reports to provide JAD readers with a readily accessible, yet comprehensive review of the state of contemporary research. Notably, this multi-part review identifies the "hottest" fields of AD research providing guidance for both senior investigators as well as investigators new to the field on what is the most pressing fields within AD research. Part 1 of this review covers pathogenesis, both on a molecular and macro scale. Part 2 review genetics and epidemiology, and part 3 covers diagnosis and treatment. This part of the review, diagnosis and treatment, reviews the latest diagnostic criteria, biomarkers, imaging, and treatments in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis T. Hane
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
- Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Morgan Robinson
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Brenda Y. Lee
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Owen Bai
- Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Zoya Leonenko
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Mitchell S. Albert
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
- Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
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49
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Bonet-Costa V, Herranz-Pérez V, Blanco-Gandía M, Mas-Bargues C, Inglés M, Garcia-Tarraga P, Rodriguez-Arias M, Miñarro J, Borras C, Garcia-Verdugo JM, Viña J. Clearing Amyloid-β through PPARγ/ApoE Activation by Genistein is a Treatment of Experimental Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 51:701-11. [PMID: 26890773 DOI: 10.3233/jad-151020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance from brain, which is decreased in Alzheimer's disease, is facilitated by apolipoprotein E (ApoE). ApoE is upregulated by activation of the retinoid X receptor moiety of the RXR/PPARγ dimeric receptor. Genistein, a non-toxic, well-tested, and inexpensive drug activates the other moiety of the receptor PPARγ. Treatment of an Alzheimer's disease mouse model with genistein results in a remarkable and rapid improvement in various parameters of cognition, such as hippocampal learning, recognition memory, implicit memory, and odor discrimination. This is associated with a lowering of Aβ levels in brain, in the number and the area of amyloid plaques (confirmed in vivo by positron emission tomography) as well as in microglial reactivity. Finally, incubation of primary astrocytes with genistein results in a PPARγ-mediated increased release of ApoE. Our results strongly suggest that controlled clinical trials should be performed to test the effect of genistein as treatment of human Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicent Bonet-Costa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Herranz-Pérez
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Institute Cavanilles, University of Valencia, CIBERNED, Valencia, Spain.,Multiple sclerosis and Neuro-regeneration mixed unit, IIS Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Mas-Bargues
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Inglés
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Garcia-Tarraga
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Institute Cavanilles, University of Valencia, CIBERNED, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Rodriguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Miñarro
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Consuelo Borras
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Verdugo
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Institute Cavanilles, University of Valencia, CIBERNED, Valencia, Spain.,Multiple sclerosis and Neuro-regeneration mixed unit, IIS Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Viña
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
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50
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Mohammadzadeh Honarvar N, Saedisomeolia A, Abdolahi M, Shayeganrad A, Taheri Sangsari G, Hassanzadeh Rad B, Muench G. Molecular Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms of Retinoids and Carotenoids in Alzheimer's Disease: a Review of Current Evidence. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 61:289-304. [PMID: 27864661 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0857-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered as one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive loss of mental function and ability to learn. AD is a multifactorial disorder. Various hypotheses are suggested for the pathophysiology of AD including "Aβ hypothesis," "tau hypothesis," and "cholinergic hypothesis." Recently, it has been demonstrated that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Neuroinflammation causes synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death within the brain. Excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators induces Aβ peptide production/accumulation and hyperphosphorylated tau generating inflammatory molecules and cytokines. These inflammatory molecules disrupt blood-brain barrier integrity and increase the production of Aβ42 oligomers. Retinoids and carotenoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents having neuroprotective properties. They are able to prevent disease progression through several mechanisms such as suppression of Aβ peptide production/accumulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory mediator's secretion as well as improvement of cognitive performance. These observations, therefore, confirm the neuroprotective role of retinoids and carotenoids through multiple pathways. Therefore, the administration of these nutrients is considered as a promising approach to the prevention and/or treatment of AD in the future. The aim of this review is to present existing evidences regarding the beneficial effects of retinoids and carotenoids on AD's risk and outcomes, seeking the mechanism of their action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyaz Mohammadzadeh Honarvar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Saedisomeolia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia. .,School of Molecular Bioscience, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mina Abdolahi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Shayeganrad
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Gerald Muench
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
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