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Bernard K, Mota JA, Wene P, Corenblum MJ, Saez JL, Bartlett MJ, Heien ML, Doyle KP, Polt R, Hay M, Madhavan L, Falk T. The angiotensin (1-7) glycopeptide PNA5 improves cognition in a chronic progressive mouse model of Parkinson's disease through modulation of neuroinflammation. Exp Neurol 2024; 381:114926. [PMID: 39153685 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive decline in Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a prevalent and undertreated aspect of disease. Currently, no therapeutics adequately improve this aspect of disease. It has been previously shown that MAS receptor agonism via the glycosylated Angiotensin (1-7) peptide, PNA5, effectively reduces cognitive decline in models of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). PNA5 has a brain/plasma ratio of 0.255 indicating good brain penetration. The goal of the present study was to determine if (1) systemic administration of PNA5 rescued cognitive decline in a mouse model of PD, and (2) if improvements in cognitive status could be correlated with changes to histopathological or blood plasma-based changes. Mice over-expressing human, wild-type α-synuclein (αSyn) under the Thy1 promoter (Thy1-αSyn mice, "line 61") were used as a model of PD with cognitive decline. Thy1-αSyn mice were treated with a systemic dose of PNA5, or saline (1 mg/kg/day) beginning at 4 months of age and underwent behavioral testing at 6 months, compared to WT. Subsequently, mice brains were analyzed for changes to brain pathology, and blood plasma was examined with a Multiplex Immunoassay for peripheral cytokine changes. Treatment with PNA5 reversed cognitive dysfunction measured by Novel Object Recognition and spontaneous alteration in a Y-maze in Thy1-αSyn mice. PNA5 treatment was specific to cognitive deficits, as fine-motor disturbances were unchanged. Enhanced cognition was associated with decreases in hippocampal inflammation and reductions in circulating levels of Macrophage Induced Protein (MIP-1β). Additionally, neuronal loss was blunted within the CA3 hippocampal region of PNA5-treated αsyn mice. These data reveal that PNA5 treatment reduces cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of PD. These changes are associated with decreased MIP-1β levels in plasma identifying a candidate biomarker for target engagement. Thus, PNA5 treatment could potentially fill the therapeutic gap for cognitive decline in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Bernard
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Jesus A Mota
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Paige Wene
- Department of Microbiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Mandi J Corenblum
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Juben L Saez
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - M Leandro Heien
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kristian P Doyle
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Robin Polt
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Tucson, AZ, United States; BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Meredith Hay
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lalitha Madhavan
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
| | - Torsten Falk
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
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Li Q, Qiang W, Deng Y, Xiao L. Plasmonic nanoparticle-assisted single-molecule dynamic binding for protein kinase activity digital counting. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:8848-8851. [PMID: 39081047 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc02750g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we design a new approach for digital counting-based protein kinase activity assay by using plasmonic nanoparticle-assisted single-molecule dynamic binding. This method breaks the concentration-dependent limitation in single-molecule detection and displays good selectivity and sensitivity with a detection limit as low as 0.0001 U mL-1 for the protein kinase A (PKA) assay, which would find broad applications in drug screening and medical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingnan Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Centre for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Wenzhi Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Centre for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yanan Deng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Lehui Xiao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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Gong B, Zhang W, Cong W, Gu Y, Ji W, Yin T, Zhou H, Hu H, Zhuang J, Luo Y, Liu Y, Gao J, Yin Y. Systemic Administration of Neurotransmitter-Derived Lipidoids-PROTACs-DNA Nanocomplex Promotes Tau Clearance and Cognitive Recovery for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400149. [PMID: 39007278 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant burden on the economy and healthcare systems worldwide. Although the pathophysiology of AD remains debatable, its progression is strongly correlated with the accumulation of tau aggregates. Therefore, tau clearance from brain lesions can be a promising strategy for AD therapy. To achieve this, the present study combined proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), a novel protein-degradation technique that mediates degradation of target proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and a neurotransmitter-derived lipidoid (NT-lipidoid) nanoparticle delivery system with high blood-brain barrier-penetration activity, to generate a novel nanomedicine named NPD. Peptide 1, a cationic tau-targeting PROTAC is loaded onto the positively charged nanoparticles using DNA-intercalation technology. The resulting nanomedicine displayed good encapsulation efficiency, serum stability, drug release profile, and blood-brain barrier-penetration capability. Furthermore, NPD potently induced tau clearance in both cultured neuronal cells and the brains of AD mice. Moreover, intravenous injection of NPD led to a significant improvement in the cognitive function of the AD mice, without any remarkable abnormalities, thereby supporting its clinical development. Collectively, the novel nanomedicine developed in this study may serve as an innovative strategy for AD therapy, since it effectively and specifically induces tau protein clearance in brain lesions, which in turn enhances cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baofeng Gong
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Weicong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yuankai Gu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Wenbo Ji
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Tong Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Honglei Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jianhua Zhuang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Yi Luo
- New Drug Discovery and Development, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, 519080, China
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - You Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
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Gaikwad S, Puangmalai N, Sonawane M, Montalbano M, Price R, Iyer MS, Ray A, Moreno S, Kayed R. Nasal tau immunotherapy clears intracellular tau pathology and improves cognitive functions in aged tauopathy mice. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj5958. [PMID: 38959324 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj5958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Pathological tau aggregates cause cognitive decline in neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). These aggregates are prevalent within intracellular compartments. Current tau immunotherapies have shown limited efficacy in clearing intracellular tau aggregates and improving cognition in clinical trials. In this study, we developed toxic tau conformation-specific monoclonal antibody-2 (TTCM2), which selectively recognized pathological tau aggregates in brain tissues from patients with AD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). TTCM2 potently inhibited tau-seeding activity, an essential mechanism underlying tauopathy progression. To effectively target intracellular tau aggregates and ensure rapid delivery to the brain, TTCM2 was loaded in micelles (TTCM2-ms) and administered through the intranasal route. We found that intranasally administered TTCM2-ms efficiently entered the brain in hTau-tauopathy mice, targeting pathological tau in intracellular compartments. Moreover, a single intranasal dose of TTCM2-ms effectively cleared pathological tau, elevated synaptic proteins, and improved cognitive functions in aged tauopathy mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that TTCM2-ms cleared intracellular, synaptic, and seed-competent tau aggregates through tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), an intracellular antibody receptor and E3 ubiquitin ligase known to facilitate proteasomal degradation of cytosolic antibody-bound proteins. TRIM21 was found to be essential for TTCM2-ms-mediated clearance of tau pathology. Our study collectively provides evidence of the effectiveness of nasal tau immunotherapy in targeting and clearing intracellular tau pathology through TRIM21 and enhancing cognition in aged tauopathy mice. This study could be valuable in designing effective tau immunotherapies for AD and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Gaikwad
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Minal Sonawane
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rachel Price
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre," Viale G. Marconi 446 00146 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre," Viale G. Marconi 446 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Meftah S, Cavallini A, Murray TK, Jankowski L, Bose S, Ashby MC, Brown JT, Witton J. Synaptic alterations associated with disrupted sensory encoding in a mouse model of tauopathy. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae134. [PMID: 38712321 PMCID: PMC11073755 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Synapse loss is currently the best biological correlate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Synapses seem to be highly vulnerable to tau-mediated disruption in neurodegenerative tauopathies. However, it is unclear how and when this leads to alterations in function related to the progression of tauopathy and neurodegeneration. We used the well-characterized rTg4510 mouse model of tauopathy at 5-6 months and 7-8 months of age, respectively, to study the functional impact of cortical synapse loss. The earlier age was used as a model of prodromal tauopathy, with the later age corresponding to more advanced tau pathology and presumed progression of neurodegeneration. Analysis of synaptic protein expression in the somatosensory cortex showed significant reductions in synaptic proteins and NMDA and AMPA receptor subunit expression in rTg4510 mice. Surprisingly, in vitro whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology from putative pyramidal neurons in layer 2/3 of the somatosensory cortex suggested no functional alterations in layer 4 to layer 2/3 synaptic transmission at 5-6 months. From these same neurons, however, there were alterations in dendritic structure, with increased branching proximal to the soma in rTg4510 neurons. Therefore, in vivo whole-cell patch clamp recordings were utilized to investigate synaptic function and integration in putative pyramidal neurons in layer 2/3 of the somatosensory cortex. These recordings revealed a significant increase in the peak response to synaptically driven sensory stimulation-evoked activity and a loss of temporal fidelity of the evoked signal to the input stimulus in rTg4510 neurons. Together, these data suggest that loss of synapses, changes in receptor expression and dendritic restructuring may lead to alterations in synaptic integration at a network level. Understanding these compensatory processes could identify targets to help delay symptomatic onset of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Meftah
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Annalisa Cavallini
- Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PH, UK
| | - Tracey K Murray
- Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PH, UK
| | - Lukasz Jankowski
- Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PH, UK
| | - Suchira Bose
- Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PH, UK
| | - Michael C Ashby
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jonathan T Brown
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Jonathan Witton
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
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6
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Jiang S, Sydney EJ, Runyan AM, Serpe R, Srikanth M, Figueroa HY, Yang M, Myeku N. 5-HT4 receptor agonists treatment reduces tau pathology and behavioral deficit in the PS19 mouse model of tauopathy. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1338502. [PMID: 38638303 PMCID: PMC11024353 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1338502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulation of tau in synapses in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been shown to cause synaptic damage, synaptic loss, and the spread of tau pathology through trans-synaptically connected neurons. Moreover, synaptic loss correlates with a decline in cognitive function, providing an opportunity to investigate therapeutic strategies to target synapses and synaptic tau to rescue or prevent cognitive decline in AD. One of the promising synaptic targets is the 5-HT4 serotonergic receptor present postsynaptically in the brain structures involved in the memory processes. 5-HT4R stimulation exerts synaptogenic and pro-cognitive effects involving synapse-to-nucleus signaling essential for synaptic plasticity. However, it is not known whether 5-HT4R activation has a therapeutic effect on tau pathology. Methods The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic stimulation of 5-HT4R by two agonists, prucalopride and RS-67333, in PS19 mice, a model of tauopathy. We utilized gradient assays to isolate pre- and post-synaptic compartments, followed by biochemical analyses for tau species and ubiquitinated proteins in the synaptic compartments and total brain tissue. Next, we performed kinetic assays to test the proteasome's hydrolysis capacity in treatment conditions. Moreover, behavioral tests such as the open field and non-maternal nest-building tests were used to evaluate anxiety-like behaviors and hippocampal-related cognitive functioning in the treatment paradigm. Results Our results show that 5-HT4R agonism reduced tauopathy, reduced synaptic tau, increased proteasome activity, and improved cognitive functioning in PS19 mice. Our data suggest that enhanced proteasome activity by synaptic mediated signaling leads to the enhanced turnover of tau initially within synapses where the receptors are localized, and over time, the treatment attenuated the accumulation of tau aggregation and improved cognitive functioning of the PS19 mice. Conclusion Therefore, stimulation of 5-HT4R offers a promising therapy to rescue synapses from the accumulation of toxic synaptic tau, evident in the early stages of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eric J. Sydney
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Avery M. Runyan
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rossana Serpe
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Malavika Srikanth
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Helen Y. Figueroa
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mu Yang
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine and Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Natura Myeku
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Kanaan NM. Tau here, tau there, tau almost everywhere: Clarifying the distribution of tau in the adult CNS. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:107-115. [PMID: 38102924 PMCID: PMC10851165 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21820] [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] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau has gained significant attention over the last several decades primarily due to its apparent role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, most notably Alzheimer's disease. While the field has focused largely on tau's potential contributions to disease mechanisms, comparably less work has focused on normal tau physiology. Moreover, as the field has grown, some misconceptions and dogmas regarding normal tau physiology have become engrained in the traditional narrative. Here, one of the most common misconceptions regarding tau, namely its normal cellular/subcellular distribution in the CNS, is discussed. The literature describing the presence of tau in neuronal somata, dendrites, axons and synapses, as well as in glial cells is described. The origins for the erroneous description of tau as an "axon-specific," "axon-enriched" and/or "neuron-specific" protein are discussed as well. The goal of this work is to help address these specific dogmatic misconceptions and provide a concise description of tau's normal cellular/subcellular localization in the adult CNS. This information can help refine our collective understanding of- and hypotheses about tau biology and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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8
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Ribeiro FC, Cozachenco D, Heimfarth L, Fortuna JTS, de Freitas GB, de Sousa JM, Alves-Leon SV, Leite REP, Suemoto CK, Grinberg LT, De Felice FG, Lourenco MV, Ferreira ST. Synaptic proteasome is inhibited in Alzheimer's disease models and associates with memory impairment in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1127. [PMID: 37935829 PMCID: PMC10630330 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05511-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteasome plays key roles in synaptic plasticity and memory by regulating protein turnover, quality control, and elimination of oxidized/misfolded proteins. Here, we investigate proteasome function and localization at synapses in Alzheimer's disease (AD) post-mortem brain tissue and in experimental models. We found a marked increase in ubiquitinylated proteins in post-mortem AD hippocampi compared to controls. Using several experimental models, we show that amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) inhibit synaptic proteasome activity and trigger a reduction in synaptic proteasome content. We further show proteasome inhibition specifically in hippocampal synaptic fractions derived from APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Reduced synaptic proteasome activity instigated by AβOs is corrected by treatment with rolipram, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, in mice. Results further show that dynein inhibition blocks AβO-induced reduction in dendritic proteasome content in hippocampal neurons. Finally, proteasome inhibition induces AD-like pathological features, including reactive oxygen species and dendritic spine loss in hippocampal neurons, inhibition of hippocampal mRNA translation, and memory impairment in mice. Results suggest that proteasome inhibition may contribute to synaptic and memory deficits in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe C Ribeiro
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Danielle Cozachenco
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luana Heimfarth
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana T S Fortuna
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme B de Freitas
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jorge M de Sousa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Clementino Chagas Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Soniza V Alves-Leon
- Division of Neurology, Clementino Chagas Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renata E P Leite
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia K Suemoto
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lea T Grinberg
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mychael V Lourenco
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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9
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Wang Q, Wang Y, Li S, Shi J. PACAP-Sirtuin3 alleviates cognitive impairment through autophagy in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:184. [PMID: 37891608 PMCID: PMC10605376 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01334-2] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy is vital in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Thus far, no studies have specifically investigated the relationship between pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and autophagy, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study used in vitro and in vivo models, along with clinical samples, to explore interactions between PACAP and autophagy in AD. METHODS AD model mice were administered 6 μl of 0.1 mg/ml PACAP liquid intranasally for 4 weeks, then subjected to behavioral analyses to assess the benefits of PACAP treatment. The underlying mechanisms of PACAP-induced effects were investigated by methods including real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Exosomes were extracted from human serum and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to examine autophagy pathways. The clinical and therapeutic implications of PACAP and autophagy were extensively investigated throughout the experiment. RESULTS Impaired autophagy was a critical step in amyloid β (Aβ) and Tau deposition; PACAP enhanced autophagy and attenuated cognitive impairment. RNA sequencing revealed three pathways that may be involved in AD progression: PI3K-AKT, mTOR, and AMPK. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that sirtuin3 knockdown diminished the ability of PACAP to restore normal autophagy function, resulting in phagocytosis dysregulation and the accumulation of pTau, Tau, and Aβ. Additionally, the autophagic biomarker MAP1LC3 demonstrated a positive association with PACAP in human serum. CONCLUSIONS PACAP reverses AD-induced cognitive impairment through autophagy, using sirtuin3 as a key mediator. MAP1LC3 has a positive relationship with PACAP in humans. These findings provide insights regarding potential uses of intranasal PACAP and sirtuin3 agonists in AD treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04320368.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119, South 4Th Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119, South 4Th Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiping Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119, South 4Th Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119, South 4Th Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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10
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Shen Z, Sun D, Savastano A, Varga SJ, Cima-Omori MS, Becker S, Honigmann A, Zweckstetter M. Multivalent Tau/PSD-95 interactions arrest in vitro condensates and clusters mimicking the postsynaptic density. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6839. [PMID: 37891164 PMCID: PMC10611757 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease begins with mild memory loss and slowly destroys memory and thinking. Cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease has been associated with the localization of the microtubule-associated protein Tau at the postsynapse. However, the correlation between Tau at the postsynapse and synaptic dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we show that Tau arrests liquid-like droplets formed by the four postsynaptic density proteins PSD-95, GKAP, Shank, Homer in solution, as well as NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)-receptor-associated protein clusters on synthetic membranes. Tau-mediated condensate/cluster arrest critically depends on the binding of multiple interaction motifs of Tau to a canonical GMP-binding pocket in the guanylate kinase domain of PSD-95. We further reveal that competitive binding of a high-affinity phosphorylated peptide to PSD-95 rescues the diffusional dynamics of an NMDA truncated construct, which contains the last five amino acids of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B fused to the C-terminus of the tetrameric GCN4 coiled-coil domain, in postsynaptic density-like condensates/clusters. Taken together, our findings propose a molecular mechanism where Tau modulates the dynamic properties of the postsynaptic density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Shen
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daxiao Sun
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Adriana Savastano
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sára Joana Varga
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria-Sol Cima-Omori
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alf Honigmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnologisches Zentrum (BIOTEC), Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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11
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Overeem LH, Raffaelli B, Fleischmann R, Süße M, Vogelgesang A, Maceski AM, Papadopoulou A, Ruprecht K, Su W, Koch M, Siebert A, Arkuszewski M, Tenenbaum N, Kuhle J, Reuter U. Serum tau protein elevation in migraine: a cross-sectional case-control study. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:130. [PMID: 37726712 PMCID: PMC10507851 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01663-5] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine is a disorder associated with neuropeptide release, pain and inflammation. Tau protein has recently been linked to inflammatory diseases and can be influenced by neuropeptides such as CGRP, a key neurotransmitter in migraine. Here, we report serum concentrations of total-tau protein in migraine patients and healthy controls. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, interictal blood samples from n = 92 patients with episodic migraine (EM), n = 93 patients with chronic migraine (CM), and n = 42 healthy matched controls (HC) were studied. We assessed serum total-tau protein (t-tau) and for comparison neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L (UCH-L1) concentrations using the Neurology 4-plex kit, on a single molecule array HD-X Analyzer (Quanterix Corp Lexington, MA). Matched serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were used for post-hoc evaluations of a central nervous system (CNS) source of relevant findings. We applied non-parametric tests to compare groups and assess correlations. RESULTS Serum t-tau concentrations were elevated in EM [0.320 (0.204 to 0.466) pg/mL] and CM [0.304 (0.158 to 0.406) pg/mL] patients compared to HC [0.200 (0.114 to 0.288) pg/mL] (p = 0.002 vs. EM; p = 0.025 vs. CM). EM with aura [0.291 (0.184 to 0.486 pg/mL); p = 0.013] and EM without aura [0.332 (0.234 to 0.449) pg/mL; p = 0.008] patients had higher t-tau levels than HC but did not differ between each other. Subgroup analysis of CM with/without preventive treatment revealed elevated t-tau levels compared to HC only in the non-prevention group [0.322 (0.181 to 0.463) pg/mL; p = 0.009]. T-tau was elevated in serum (p = 0.028) but not in cerebrospinal fluid (p = 0.760). In contrast to t-tau, all proteins associated with cell damage (NfL, GFAP, and UCH-L1), did not differ between groups. DISCUSSION Migraine is associated with t-tau elevation in serum but not in the CSF. Our clinical study identifies t-tau as a new target for migraine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Hendrik Overeem
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Doctoral Program, International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences, Humboldt Graduate School, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Bianca Raffaelli
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Robert Fleischmann
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, 17475, Germany
| | - Marie Süße
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, 17475, Germany
| | - Antje Vogelgesang
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, 17475, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Maleska Maceski
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Athina Papadopoulou
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Klemens Ruprecht
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Wendy Su
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, 4056, Switzerland
| | - Mirja Koch
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, 4056, Switzerland
| | - Anke Siebert
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | | | - Nadia Tenenbaum
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Reuter
- Department of Neurology With Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, 17475, Germany.
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12
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Colom-Cadena M, Davies C, Sirisi S, Lee JE, Simzer EM, Tzioras M, Querol-Vilaseca M, Sánchez-Aced É, Chang YY, Holt K, McGeachan RI, Rose J, Tulloch J, Wilkins L, Smith C, Andrian T, Belbin O, Pujals S, Horrocks MH, Lleó A, Spires-Jones TL. Synaptic oligomeric tau in Alzheimer's disease - A potential culprit in the spread of tau pathology through the brain. Neuron 2023; 111:2170-2183.e6. [PMID: 37192625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease, fibrillar tau pathology accumulates and spreads through the brain and synapses are lost. Evidence from mouse models indicates that tau spreads trans-synaptically from pre- to postsynapses and that oligomeric tau is synaptotoxic, but data on synaptic tau in human brain are scarce. Here we used sub-diffraction-limit microscopy to study synaptic tau accumulation in postmortem temporal and occipital cortices of human Alzheimer's and control donors. Oligomeric tau is present in pre- and postsynaptic terminals, even in areas without abundant fibrillar tau deposition. Furthermore, there is a higher proportion of oligomeric tau compared with phosphorylated or misfolded tau found at synaptic terminals. These data suggest that accumulation of oligomeric tau in synapses is an early event in pathogenesis and that tau pathology may progress through the brain via trans-synaptic spread in human disease. Thus, specifically reducing oligomeric tau at synapses may be a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Colom-Cadena
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Caitlin Davies
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sònia Sirisi
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4 UU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Simzer
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Makis Tzioras
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marta Querol-Vilaseca
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Érika Sánchez-Aced
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ya Yin Chang
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kristjan Holt
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert I McGeachan
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jamie Rose
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jane Tulloch
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lewis Wilkins
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and Sudden Death Brain Bank, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Teodora Andrian
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine Lab, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivia Belbin
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sílvia Pujals
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mathew H Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4 UU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alberto Lleó
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.
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13
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Hurtle BT, Xie L, Donnelly CJ. Disrupting pathologic phase transitions in neurodegeneration. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168549. [PMID: 37395272 DOI: 10.1172/jci168549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid-like protein deposits found in aged and diseased human brains have revealed a relationship between insoluble protein accumulations and the resulting deficits in neurologic function. Clinically diverse neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, exhibit unique and disease-specific biochemical protein signatures and abnormal protein depositions that often correlate with disease pathogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that many pathologic proteins assemble into liquid-like protein phases through the highly coordinated process of liquid-liquid phase separation. Over the last decade, biomolecular phase transitions have emerged as a fundamental mechanism of cellular organization. Liquid-like condensates organize functionally related biomolecules within the cell, and many neuropathology-associated proteins reside within these dynamic structures. Thus, examining biomolecular phase transitions enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating toxicity across diverse neurodegenerative diseases. This Review explores the known mechanisms contributing to aberrant protein phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies and outlining potential therapeutic strategies to regulate these pathologic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan T Hurtle
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Longxin Xie
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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14
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Meftah S, Gan J. Alzheimer’s disease as a synaptopathy: Evidence for dysfunction of synapses during disease progression. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1129036. [PMID: 36970154 PMCID: PMC10033629 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1129036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The synapse has consistently been considered a vulnerable and critical target within Alzheimer’s disease, and synapse loss is, to date, one of the main biological correlates of cognitive decline within Alzheimer’s disease. This occurs prior to neuronal loss with ample evidence that synaptic dysfunction precedes this, in support of the idea that synaptic failure is a crucial stage within disease pathogenesis. The two main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal aggregates of amyloid or tau proteins, have had demonstrable effects on synaptic physiology in animal and cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease. There is also growing evidence that these two proteins may have a synergistic effect on neurophysiological dysfunction. Here, we review some of the main findings of synaptic alterations in Alzheimer’s disease, and what we know from Alzheimer’s disease animal and cellular models. First, we briefly summarize some of the human evidence to suggest that synapses are altered, including how this relates to network activity. Subsequently, animal and cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease are considered, highlighting mouse models of amyloid and tau pathology and the role these proteins may play in synaptic dysfunction, either in isolation or examining how the two pathologies may interact in dysfunction. This specifically focuses on neurophysiological function and dysfunction observed within these animal models, typically measured using electrophysiology or calcium imaging. Following synaptic dysfunction and loss, it would be impossible to imagine that this would not alter oscillatory activity within the brain. Therefore, this review also discusses how this may underpin some of the aberrant oscillatory patterns seen in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and human patients. Finally, an overview of some key directions and considerations in the field of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease is covered. This includes current therapeutics that are targeted specifically at synaptic dysfunction, but also methods that modulate activity to rescue aberrant oscillatory patterns. Other important future avenues of note in this field include the role of non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes and microglia, and mechanisms of dysfunction independent of amyloid and tau in Alzheimer’s disease. The synapse will certainly continue to be an important target within Alzheimer’s disease for the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Meftah
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Gan
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jian Gan,
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15
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OMICS Analyses Unraveling Related Gene and Protein-Driven Molecular Mechanisms Underlying PACAP 38-Induced Neurite Outgrowth in PC12 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044169. [PMID: 36835581 PMCID: PMC9964364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to understand mechanism/s of neuronal outgrowth in the rat adrenal-derived pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) under pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) treatment. Neurite projection elongation was suggested to be mediated via Pac1 receptor-mediated dephosphorylation of CRMP2, where GSK-3β, CDK5, and Rho/ROCK dephosphorylated CRMP2 within 3 h after addition of PACAP, but the dephosphorylation of CRMP2 by PACAP remained unclear. Thus, we attempted to identify the early factors in PACAP-induced neurite projection elongation via omics-based transcriptomic (whole genome DNA microarray) and proteomic (TMT-labeled liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) analyses of gene and protein expression profiles from 5-120 min after PACAP addition. The results revealed a number of key regulators involved in neurite outgrowth, including known ones, called 'Initial Early Factors', e.g., genes Inhba, Fst, Nr4a1,2,3, FAT4, Axin2, and proteins Mis12, Cdk13, Bcl91, CDC42, including categories of 'serotonergic synapse, neuropeptide and neurogenesis, and axon guidance'. cAMP signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and a calcium signaling pathway might be involved in CRMP2 dephosphorylation. Cross-referencing previous research, we tried to map these molecular components onto potential pathways, and we may provide important new information on molecular mechanisms of neuronal differentiation induced by PACAP. Gene and protein expression data are publicly available at NCBI GSE223333 and ProteomeXchange, identifier PXD039992.
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16
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Jiang S, Sydney EJ, Runyan AM, Serpe R, Figueroa HY, Yang M, Myeku N. 5-HT4 receptor agonists treatment reduces tau pathology and behavioral deficit in the PS19 mouse model of tauopathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.03.526871. [PMID: 36778352 PMCID: PMC9915615 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.03.526871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of tau in synapses in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been shown to cause synaptic damage, synaptic loss, and the spread of pathology through synaptically connected neurons. Synaptic loss correlates with a decline in cognition, providing an opportunity to investigate strategies to target synaptic tau to rescue or prevent cognitive decline. One of the promising synaptic targets is the 5-HT4 receptor present post-synaptically in the brain areas involved in the memory processes. 5-HT4R activation exerts synaptogenic and pro-cognitive effects involving synapse-to-nucleus signaling essential for synaptic plasticity. However, it is not known whether 5-HT4R activation has a therapeutic effect on tauopathy. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of stimulation of 5-HT4R in tauopathy mice. Our results show that 5-HT4R agonism led to reduced tauopathy and synaptic tau and correlated with increased proteasome activity and improved cognitive functioning in PS19 mice. Thus, stimulation of 5-HT4R offers a promising therapy to rescue synapses from toxic synaptic tau.
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17
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Lilek J, Ajroud K, Feldman AZ, Krishnamachari S, Ghourchian S, Gefen T, Spencer CL, Kawles A, Mao Q, Tranovich JF, Jack CR, Mesulam MM, Reichard RR, Zhang H, Murray ME, Knopman D, Dickson DW, Petersen RC, Smith B, Ashe KH, Mielke MM, Nelson KM, Flanagan ME. Accumulation of pTau231 at the Postsynaptic Density in Early Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:241-260. [PMID: 36744338 PMCID: PMC10041451 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphorylated cytoplasmic tau inclusions correlate with and precede cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, pathological tau accumulation and relationships to synaptic changes remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To address this, we examined postmortem brain from 50 individuals with the full spectrum of AD (clinically and neuropathologically). Total tau, pTau231, and AMPA GluR1 were compared across two brain regions (entorhinal and middle frontal cortices), as well as clinically stratified groups (control, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, AD dementia), NIA-AA Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathologic Change designations (Not, Low, Intermediate, High), and Braak tangle stages (1-6). Significant co-existing pathology was excluded to isolate changes attributed to pathologic AD. METHODS Synaptosomal fractionation and staining were performed to measure changes in total Tau, pTau231, and AMPA GluR1. Total Tau and pTau231 were quantified in synaptosomal fractions using Quanterix Simoa HD-X. RESULTS Increasing pTau231 in frontal postsynaptic fractions correlated positively with increasing clinical and neuropathological AD severity. Frontal cortex is representative of early AD, as it does not become involved by tau tangles until late in AD. Entorhinal total tau was significantly higher in the amnestic mild cognitive impairment group when compared to AD, but only after accounting for AD associated synaptic changes. Alterations in AMPA GluR1 observed in the entorhinal cortex, but not middle frontal cortex, suggest that pTau231 mislocalization and aggregation in postsynaptic structures may impair glutamatergic signaling by promoting AMPA receptor dephosphorylation and internalization. CONCLUSION Results highlight the potential effectiveness of early pharmacological interventions targeting pTau231 accumulation at the postsynaptic density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Lilek
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | - Kaouther Ajroud
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tamar Gefen
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | - Callen L. Spencer
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | - Allegra Kawles
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | - Qinwen Mao
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - M-Marsel Mesulam
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | - R. Ross Reichard
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventative Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
| | | | - David Knopman
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Benjamin Smith
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Karen H. Ashe
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michelle M. Mielke
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Nelson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Margaret E. Flanagan
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
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18
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Lu J, Piper SJ, Zhao P, Miller LJ, Wootten D, Sexton PM. Targeting VIP and PACAP Receptor Signaling: New Insights into Designing Drugs for the PACAP Subfamily of Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8069. [PMID: 35897648 PMCID: PMC9331257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide (PACAP) and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) are neuropeptides involved in a diverse array of physiological and pathological processes through activating the PACAP subfamily of class B1 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): VIP receptor 1 (VPAC1R), VIP receptor 2 (VPAC2R), and PACAP type I receptor (PAC1R). VIP and PACAP share nearly 70% amino acid sequence identity, while their receptors PAC1R, VPAC1R, and VPAC2R share 60% homology in the transmembrane regions of the receptor. PACAP binds with high affinity to all three receptors, while VIP binds with high affinity to VPAC1R and VPAC2R, and has a thousand-fold lower affinity for PAC1R compared to PACAP. Due to the wide distribution of VIP and PACAP receptors in the body, potential therapeutic applications of drugs targeting these receptors, as well as expected undesired side effects, are numerous. Designing selective therapeutics targeting these receptors remains challenging due to their structural similarities. This review discusses recent discoveries on the molecular mechanisms involved in the selectivity and signaling of the PACAP subfamily of receptors, and future considerations for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lu
- Drug Discovery Biology, Australian Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (J.L.); (S.J.P.); (P.Z.)
| | - Sarah J. Piper
- Drug Discovery Biology, Australian Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (J.L.); (S.J.P.); (P.Z.)
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology, Australian Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (J.L.); (S.J.P.); (P.Z.)
| | - Laurence J. Miller
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA;
| | - Denise Wootten
- Drug Discovery Biology, Australian Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (J.L.); (S.J.P.); (P.Z.)
| | - Patrick M. Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Australian Research Council Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (J.L.); (S.J.P.); (P.Z.)
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Kimura T, Ono M, Seki C, Sampei K, Shimojo M, Kawamura K, Zhang MR, Sahara N, Takado Y, Higuchi M. A quantitative in vivo imaging platform for tracking pathological tau depositions and resultant neuronal death in a mouse model. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:4298-4311. [PMID: 35798978 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Depositions of tau fibrils are implicated in diverse neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, and precise assessments of tau pathologies and their impacts on neuronal survival are crucial for pursuing the neurodegenerative tau pathogenesis with and without potential therapies. We aimed to establish an in vivo imaging system to quantify tau accumulations with positron emission tomography (PET) and brain atrophy with volumetric MRI in rTg4510 transgenic mice modeling neurodegenerative tauopathies. METHODS A total of 91 rTg4510 and non-transgenic control mice underwent PET with a tau radiotracer, 18F-PM-PBB3, and MRI at various ages (1.8-12.3 months). Using the cerebellum as reference, the radiotracer binding in target regions was estimated as standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) and distribution volume ratio (DVR). Histopathological staining of brain sections derived from scanned animals was also conducted to investigate the imaging-neuropathology correlations. RESULTS 18F-PM-PBB3 SUVR at 40-60 min in the neocortex, hippocampus, and striatum of rTg4510 mice agreed with DVR, became significantly different from control values around 4-5 months of age, and progressively and negatively correlated with age and local volumes, respectively. Neocortical SUVR also correlated with the abundance of tau inclusions labeled with PM-PBB3 fluorescence, Gallyas-Braak silver impregnation, and anti-phospho-tau antibodies in postmortem assays. The in vivo and ex vivo 18F-PM-PBB3 binding was blocked by non-radioactive PM-PBB3. 18F-PM-PBB3 yielded a 1.6-fold greater dynamic range for tau imaging than its ancestor, 11C-PBB3. CONCLUSION Our imaging platform has enabled the quantification of tau depositions and consequent neuronal loss and is potentially applicable to the evaluation of candidate anti-tau and neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeko Kimura
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Maiko Ono
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Chie Seki
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Kazuaki Sampei
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Masafumi Shimojo
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kawamura
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Ming-Rong Zhang
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sahara
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yuhei Takado
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Makoto Higuchi
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
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Protective Effects of PACAP in a Rat Model of Diabetic Neuropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910691. [PMID: 34639032 PMCID: PMC8509403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with a widespread occurrence and diverse effects. PACAP has well-documented neuro- and cytoprotective effects, proven in numerous studies. Among others, PACAP is protective in models of diabetes-associated diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. As the neuropeptide has strong neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions, we aimed at investigating the effects of PACAP in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy, another common complication of diabetes. Rats were treated with PACAP1-38 every second day for 8 weeks starting simultaneously with the streptozotocin injection. Nerve fiber morphology was examined with electron microscopy, chronic neuronal activation in pain processing centers was studied with FosB immunohistochemistry, and functionality was assessed by determining the mechanical nociceptive threshold. PACAP treatment did not alter body weight or blood glucose levels during the 8-week observation period. However, PACAP attenuated the mechanical hyperalgesia, compared to vehicle-treated diabetic animals, and it markedly reduced the morphological signs characteristic for neuropathy: axon–myelin separation, mitochondrial fission, unmyelinated fiber atrophy, and basement membrane thickening of endoneurial vessels. Furthermore, PACAP attenuated the increase in FosB immunoreactivity in the dorsal spinal horn and periaqueductal grey matter. Our results show that PACAP is a promising therapeutic agent in diabetes-associated complications, including diabetic neuropathy.
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