1
|
Bhatt A, Bhardwaj H, Srivastava P. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroscience 2024; 555:52-68. [PMID: 39032806 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most progressive and prevalent types of neurodegenerative diseases in the aging population (aged >65 years) and is considered a major factor for dementia, affecting 55 million people worldwide. In the current scenario, drug-based therapies have been employed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease but are only able to provide symptomatic relief to patients rather than a permanent solution from Alzheimer's. Recent advancements in stem cell research unlock new horizons for developing effective and highly potential therapeutic approaches due to their self-renewal, self-replicating, regenerative, and high differentiation capabilities. Stem cells come in multiple lineages such as embryonic, neural, and induced pluripotent, among others. Among different kinds of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells are the most investigated for Alzheimer's treatment due to their multipotent nature, low immunogenicity, ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and low risk of tumorigenesis, immune & inflammatory modulation, etc. They have been seen to substantially promote neurogenesis, synaptogenesis by secreting neurotrophic growth factors, as well as in ameliorating the Aβ and tau-mediated toxicity. This review covers the pathophysiology of AD, new medications, and therapies. Further, it will focus on the advancements and benefits of Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapies, their administration methods, clinical trials concerning AD progression, along with their future prospective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Bhatt
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), NH09, Adhyatmik Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Harshita Bhardwaj
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), NH09, Adhyatmik Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Priyanka Srivastava
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), NH09, Adhyatmik Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sheng L, Bhalla R. Biomarkers and Target-Specific Small-Molecule Drugs in Alzheimer's Diagnostic and Therapeutic Research: From Amyloidosis to Tauopathy. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:2273-2302. [PMID: 38844706 PMCID: PMC11310295 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04178-w] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of human dementia and is responsible for over 60% of diagnosed dementia cases worldwide. Abnormal deposition of β-amyloid and the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles have been recognised as the two pathological hallmarks targeted by AD diagnostic imaging as well as therapeutics. With the progression of pathological studies, the two hallmarks and their related pathways have remained the focus of researchers who seek for AD diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the past decades. In this work, we reviewed the development of the AD biomarkers and their corresponding target-specific small molecule drugs for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, underlining their success, failure, and future possibilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Sheng
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Rajiv Bhalla
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hroudová J, Fišar Z. Alzheimer's disease approaches - Focusing on pathology, biomarkers and clinical trial candidates. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111069. [PMID: 38917881 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The strategy for the development of new drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) recognizes that an effective therapy requires early therapeutic intervention and a multifactorial approach that considers the individual initiators of AD development. Current knowledge of AD includes the understanding of pathophysiology, risk factors, biomarkers, and the evolving patterns of biomarker abnormalities. This knowledge is essential in identifying potential molecular targets for new drug development. This review summarizes promising AD drug candidates, many of which are currently in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials. New agents are classified according to the Common Alzheimer's Disease Research Ontology (CADRO). The main targets of new drugs for AD are processes related to amyloid beta and tau neurotoxicity, neurotransmission, inflammation, metabolism and bioenergetics, synaptic plasticity, and oxidative stress. These interventions are aimed at preventing disease onset and slowing or eliminating disease progression. The efficacy of pharmacotherapy may be enhanced by combining these drugs with other treatments, antioxidants, and dietary supplements. Ongoing research into AD pathophysiology, risk factors, biomarkers, and the dynamics of biomarker abnormalities may contribute to the understanding of AD and offer hope for effective therapeutic strategies in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Hroudová
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Zdeněk Fišar
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abdul Manap AS, Almadodi R, Sultana S, Sebastian MG, Kavani KS, Lyenouq VE, Shankar A. Alzheimer's disease: a review on the current trends of the effective diagnosis and therapeutics. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1429211. [PMID: 39185459 PMCID: PMC11341404 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1429211] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive decline and accelerating memory loss characterize it. Alzheimer's disease advances sequentially, starting with preclinical stages, followed by mild cognitive and/or behavioral impairment, and ultimately leading to Alzheimer's disease dementia. In recent years, healthcare providers have been advised to make an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's, prior to individuals developing Alzheimer's disease dementia. Regrettably, the identification of early-stage Alzheimer's disease in clinical settings can be arduous due to the tendency of patients and healthcare providers to disregard symptoms as typical signs of aging. Therefore, accurate and prompt diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is essential in order to facilitate the development of disease-modifying and secondary preventive therapies prior to the onset of symptoms. There has been a notable shift in the goal of the diagnosis process, transitioning from merely confirming the presence of symptomatic AD to recognizing the illness in its early, asymptomatic phases. Understanding the evolution of disease-modifying therapies and putting effective diagnostic and therapeutic management into practice requires an understanding of this concept. The outcomes of this study will enhance in-depth knowledge of the current status of Alzheimer's disease's diagnosis and treatment, justifying the necessity for the quest for potential novel biomarkers that can contribute to determining the stage of the disease, particularly in its earliest stages. Interestingly, latest clinical trial status on pharmacological agents, the nonpharmacological treatments such as behavior modification, exercise, and cognitive training as well as alternative approach on phytochemicals as neuroprotective agents have been covered in detailed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimi Syamima Abdul Manap
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reema Almadodi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shirin Sultana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Vanessa Elle Lyenouq
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aravind Shankar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sharma M, Pal P, Gupta SK. Advances in Alzheimer's disease: A multifaceted review of potential therapies and diagnostic techniques for early detection. Neurochem Int 2024; 177:105761. [PMID: 38723902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most formidable neurological disorders, affecting millions globally. This review provides a holistic overview of the therapeutic strategies, both conventional and novel, aimed at mitigating the impact of AD. Initially, we delve into the conventional approach, emphasizing the role of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, which has been a cornerstone in AD management. As our understanding of AD evolves, several novel potential approaches emerge. We discuss the promising roles of Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition, Tau Protein inhibitors, COX-2 inhibition, PPAR-γ agonism, and FAHH inhibition, among others. The potential of the endocannabinoids (eCB) system, cholesterol-lowering drugs, metal chelators, and MMPs inhibitors are also explored, culminating in the exploration of the pivotal role of microRNA in AD progression. Parallel to these therapeutic insights, we shed light on the novel tools and methodologies revolutionizing AD research. From the quantitative analysis of gene expression by qRTPCR to the evaluation of mitochondrial function using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the advances in diagnostic and research tools offer renewed hope. Moreover, we explore the current landscape of clinical trials, highlighting the leading drug interventions and their respective stages of development. This comprehensive review concludes with a look into the future perspectives, capturing the potential breakthroughs and innovations on the horizon. Through a synthesis of current knowledge and emerging research, this article aims to provide a consolidated resource for clinicians, researchers, and academicians in the realm of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sharma
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pankaj Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Sukesh Kumar Gupta
- KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India; Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS), School of Medicine, Wayne State University, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Paul S, Biswas P. Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of the Self-Assembly of Tau-Derived PHF6 and Its Inhibition by Oleuropein Aglycone from Extra Virgin Olive Oil. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:5630-5641. [PMID: 38814052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02393] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other taupathies are neurodegenerative disorders associated with the amyloid deposition of the Tau protein in the brain. This amyloid formation may be inhibited by small molecules, which is recognized as one of the best therapeutic strategies to stop the progression of the disease. This work focuses on the small nucleating segment, hexapeptide-paired helical filament 6 (PHF6), responsible for Tau aggregation. Using computational modeling and classical molecular dynamics simulations, we show that PHF6 monomers collapse in water to form β-sheet rich structures, and the main olive oil polyphenol oleuropein aglycone (OleA) prevents peptide aggregation significantly. We gradually increase the ratio of the PHF6-OleA from 1:1 to 1:3 and find that for the 1:1 ratio, the peptide monomers are prone to form aggregated structures, while for the 1:2 ratio, the formation of the extended β-sheet structure is significantly less. For a 1:3 ratio of protein/OleA, the peptide residues are sufficiently crowded by OleA molecules through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and π-π stacking; hence, the peptide chains prefer to exist in a monomeric random coil conformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Paul
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Parbati Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yao D, Li T, Yu L, Hu M, He Y, Zhang R, Wu J, Li S, Kuang W, Yang X, Liu G, Xie Y. Selective degradation of hyperphosphorylated tau by proteolysis-targeting chimeras ameliorates cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1351792. [PMID: 38919259 PMCID: PMC11196765 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1351792] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Hyperphosphorylated tau plays an indispensable role in neuronal dysfunction and synaptic damage in AD. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel type of chimeric molecule that can degrade target proteins by inducing their polyubiquitination. This approach has shown promise for reducing tau protein levels, which is a potential therapeutic target for AD. Compared with traditional drug therapies, the use of PROTACs to reduce tau levels may offer a more specific and efficient strategy for treating AD, with fewer side effects. In the present study, we designed and synthesized a series of small-molecule PROTACs to knock down tau protein. Of these, compound C8 was able to lower both total and phosphorylated tau levels in HEK293 cells with stable expression of wild-type full-length human tau (termed HEK293-htau) and htau-overexpressed mice. Western blot findings indicated that C8 degraded tau protein through the ubiquitin-proteasome system in a time-dependent manner. In htau-overexpressed mice, the results of both the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests revealed that C8 markedly improved cognitive function. Together, our findings suggest that the use of the small-molecule PROTAC C8 to degrade phosphorylated tau may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongping Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China and Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingxing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye He
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China and Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruiming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuoyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Weihong Kuang
- Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xifei Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Shenzhen Medical Key Discipline of Health Toxicology (2020–2024), Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gongping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China and Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yongmei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anbaraki A, Dindar Z, Mousavi-Jarrahi Z, Ghasemi A, Moeini Z, Evini M, Saboury AA, Seyedarabi A. The novel anti-fibrillary effects of volatile compounds α-asarone and β-caryophyllene on tau protein: Towards promising therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132401. [PMID: 38761902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132401] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The abnormal deposition of tau protein is one of the critical causes of tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, there has been great interest in the use of essential oils and volatile compounds in aromatherapy for treating AD, since volatile compounds can directly reach the brain through intranasal administration. The volatile compounds α-asarone (ASA) and β-caryophyllene (BCP) have revealed various important neuroprotective properties, useful in treating AD. In this study, the volatile compounds ASA and BCP were assessed for their effectiveness in preventing tau fibrillation, disassembly of pre-formed tau fibrils, and disaggregation of tau aggregates. SDS-PAGE and AFM analyses revealed that ASA and BCP inhibited tau fibrillation/aggregation and decreased the mean size of tau oligomers. Tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, showed a reduction in ThT and ANS fluorescence intensities, and a decrease in the β-sheet content. Additionally, ASA and BCP disassembled the pre-formed tau fibrils to the granular and linear oligomeric intermediates. Treatment of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, revealed protective effects as shown by reduced toxicity of the cells, due to the inhibition of tau fibrillation/aggregation. Overall, ASA and BCP appeared to be promising therapeutic candidates for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afrooz Anbaraki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Dindar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Atiyeh Ghasemi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Moeini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Evini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arefeh Seyedarabi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sharma M, Aggarwal N, Mishra J, Panda JJ. Neuroglia targeting nano-therapeutic approaches to rescue aging and neurodegenerating brain. Int J Pharm 2024; 654:123950. [PMID: 38430951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite intense efforts at the bench, the development of successful brain-targeting therapeutics to relieve malicious neural diseases remains primitive. The brain, being a beautifully intricate organ, consists of heterogeneous arrays of neuronal and glial cells. Primarily acting as the support system for neuronal functioning and maturation, glial cells have been observed to be engaged more apparently in the progression and worsening of various neural pathologies. The diseased state is often related to metabolic alterations in glial cells, thereby modulating their physiological homeostasis in conjunction with neuronal dysfunction. A plethora of data indicates the effect of oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and DNA damage in neuroglia impairments. Still, a deeper insight is needed to gain a conflict-free understanding in this arena. As a consequence, glial cells hold the potential to be identified as promising targets for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at brain protection. In this review, we describe the recent strides taken in the direction of understanding the impact of oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and DNA damage on neuroglia impairment and neuroglia-directed nanotherapeutic approaches to mitigate the burden of various neural disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Nidhi Aggarwal
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Jibanananda Mishra
- School of Biosciences, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab 147301, India.
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmad F, Karan A, Sharma R, Sharma NS, Sundar V, Jayaraj R, Mukherjee S, DeCoster MA. Evolving therapeutic interventions for the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102229. [PMID: 38364913 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients experience diverse symptoms, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, mood changes, and mental issues. The fundamental objective of this review is to discuss novel therapeutic approaches, with special emphasis on recently approved marketed formulations for the treatment of AD, especially Aducanumab, the first FDA approved moiety that surpasses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reduces amyloid plaques in the brain, thereby reducing associated cognitive decline. However, it is still in the phase IV trial and is to be completed by 2030. Other drugs such as lecanemab are also under clinical trial and has recently been approved by the FDA and is also discussed here. In this review, we also focus on active and passive immunotherapy for AD as well as several vaccines, such as amyloid-beta epitope-based vaccines, amyloid-beta DNA vaccines, and stem cell therapy for AD, which are in clinical trials. Furthermore, ongoing pre-clinical trials associated with AD and other novel strategies such as curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, Crispr/ cas9, precision medicine, as well as some emerging therapies like anti-sense therapy are also highlighted. Additionally, we discuss some off-labeled drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anti-diabetic drugs, and lithium, which can manage symptoms of AD and different non-pharmacological approaches are also covered which can help to manage AD. In summary, we have tried to cover all the therapeutic interventions which are available for the treatment and management of AD under sections approved, clinical phase, pre-clinical phase or futuristic interventions, off-labelled drugs, and non-pharmacological interventions for AD, offering positive findings and well as challenges that remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi, India
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Mechanical and Bioengineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Rashi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana, Delhi, India
| | - Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sundar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Richard Jayaraj
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mark A DeCoster
- Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA; Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Micromanufacturing, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Smith B, Ownby RL. Disease-Modifying Treatments and Their Future in Alzheimer's Disease Management. Cureus 2024; 16:e56105. [PMID: 38618323 PMCID: PMC11014642 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56105] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory impairment, a loss of cholinergic neurons, and cognitive decline that insidiously progresses to dementia. The pathoetiology of AD is complex, as genetic predisposition, age, inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated proteostasis all contribute to its development and progression. The histological hallmarks of AD are the formation and accumulation of amyloid-β plaques and interfibrillar tau tangles within the central nervous system. These histological hallmarks trigger neuroinflammation and disrupt the physiological structure and functioning of neurons, leading to cognitive dysfunction. Most treatments currently available for AD focus only on symptomatic relief. Disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) that target the biology of the disease in hopes of slowing or reversing disease progression are desperately needed. This narrative review investigates novel DMTs and their therapeutic targets that are either in phase three of development or have been recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The target areas of some of these novel DMTs consist of combatting amyloid or tau accumulation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and dysregulated proteostasis, metabolism, or circadian rhythm. Neuroprotection and neuroplasticity promotion were also key target areas. DMT therapeutic target diversity may permit improved therapeutic responses in certain subpopulations of AD, particularly if the therapeutic target of the DMT being administered aligns with the subpopulation's most prominent pathological findings. Clinicians should be cognizant of how these novel drugs differ in therapeutic targets, as this knowledge may potentially enhance the level of care they can provide to AD patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blake Smith
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Raymond L Ownby
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cheng Z, Han T, Yao J, Wang K, Dong X, Yu F, Huang H, Han M, Liao Q, He S, Lyu W, Li Q. Targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β for Alzheimer's disease: Recent advances and future Prospects. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116065. [PMID: 38160617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116065] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Senile plaques induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) abnormal aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) caused by tau hyperphosphorylation are important pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a conserved kinase; one member GSK-3β is highly expressed in the AD brain and involved in the formation of NFT. Hence, pharmacologically inhibiting GSK-3β activity and expression is a good approach to treat AD. As summarized in this article, multiple GSK-3β inhibitors has been comprehensively summarized over recent five years. However, only lithium carbonate and Tideglusib have been studied in clinical trials of AD. Besides ATP-competitive and non-ATP-competitive inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors and other types of inhibitors have gradually attracted more interest. Moreover, considering the close relationship between GSK-3β and other targets involved in cholinergic hypothesis, Aβ aggregation hypothesis, tau hyperphosphorylation hypothesis, oxidative stress hypothesis, neuro-inflammation hypothesis, etc., diverse multifunctional molecules and multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) have also been disclosed. We hope that these recent advances and critical perspectives will facilitate the discovery of safe and effective GSK-3β inhibitors for AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zimeng Cheng
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyue Han
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtong Yao
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixuan Wang
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglin Han
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Liao
- Shandong Kangqiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu He
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sharma C, Mazumder A. A Comprehensive Review on Potential Molecular Drug Targets for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:45-56. [PMID: 38305393 DOI: 10.2174/0118715249263300231116062740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an onset and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that has been linked to various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Recent research has revealed several potential targets for drug development, such as the prevention of Aβ production and removal, prevention of tau hyperphosphorylation, and keeping neurons alive. Drugs that target numerous ADrelated variables have been developed, and early results are encouraging. This review provides a concise map of the different receptor signaling pathways associated with Alzheimer's Disease, as well as insight into drug design based on these pathways. It discusses the molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis, such as oxidative stress, aging, Aβ turnover, thiol groups, and mitochondrial activities, and their role in the disease. It also reviews the potential drug targets, in vivo active agents, and docking studies done in AD and provides prospects for future drug development. This review intends to provide more clarity on the molecular processes that occur in Alzheimer's patient's brains, which can be of use in diagnosing and preventing the condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanchal Sharma
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), 19 Knowledge Park-II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida-201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Avijit Mazumder
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), 19 Knowledge Park-II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida-201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
He C, Gu J, Wang D, Wang K, Wang Y, You Q, Wang L. Small molecules targeting molecular chaperones for tau regulation: Achievements and challenges. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115859. [PMID: 37839344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal post-translational modification of microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT) is a prominent pathological feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous research has focused on designing small molecules to target Tau modification, aiming to restore microtubule stability and regulate Tau levels in vivo. However, progress has been hindered, and no effective Tau-targeted drugs have been successfully marketed, which urgently requires more strategies. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), especially Hsp90 and Hsp70, have been found to play a crucial role in Tau maturation and degradation. This review explores innovative approaches using small molecules that interact with the chaperone system to regulate Tau levels. We provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms involving HSPs and their co-chaperones in the Tau regulation cycle. Additionally, we analyze small molecules targeting these chaperone systems to modulate Tau function. By understanding the characteristics of the molecular chaperone system and its specific impact on Tau, we aim to provide a perspective that seeks to regulate Tau levels through the manipulation of the molecular chaperone system and ultimately develop effective treatments for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Danni Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Keran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ariafar S, Makhdoomi S, Mohammadi M. Arsenic and Tau Phosphorylation: a Mechanistic Review. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:5708-5720. [PMID: 37211576 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03634-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic poisoning can affect the peripheral nervous system and cause peripheral neuropathy. Despite different studies on the mechanism of intoxication, the complete process is not explained yet, which can prevent further intoxication and produce effective treatment. In the following paper, we would like to consider the idea that arsenic might cause some diseases via inflammation induction, and tauopathy in neurons. Tau protein, one of the microtubule-associated proteins expressed in neurons, contributes to neuronal microtubules structure. Arsenic may be involved in cellular cascades involved in modulating tau function or hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, which ultimately leads to nerve destruction. For proof of this assumption, some investigations have been planned to measure the association between arsenic and quantities of phosphorylation of tau protein. Additionally, some researchers have investigated the association between microtubule trafficking in neurons and the levels of tau protein phosphorylation. It should be noticed that changing tau phosphorylation in arsenic toxicity may add a new feature to understanding the mechanism of poisonousness and aid in discovering novel therapeutic candidates such as tau phosphorylation inhibitors for drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saba Ariafar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sajjad Makhdoomi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Mohammadi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Khan T, Waseem R, Shahid M, Ansari J, Ahanger IA, Hassan I, Islam A. Recent advancement in therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease: Insights from clinical trials. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102113. [PMID: 37918760 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, characterized by the presence of plaques of amyloid beta and Tau proteins. There is currently no permanent cure for AD; the only medications approved by the FDA for mild to moderate AD are cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, and immunotherapies against core pathophysiology, that provide temporary relief only. Researchers worldwide have made significant attempts to find new targets and develop innovative therapeutic molecules to treat AD. The FDA-approved drugs are palliative and couldn't restore the damaged neuron cells of AD. Stem cells have self-differentiation properties, making them prospective therapeutics to treat AD. The promising results in pre-clinical studies of stem cell therapy for AD seek attention worldwide. Various stem cells, mainly mesenchymal stem cells, are currently in different phases of clinical trials and need more advancements to take this therapy to the translational level. Here, we review research from the past decade that has identified several hypotheses related to AD pathology. Moreover, this article also focuses on the recent advancement in therapeutic strategies for AD treatment including immunotherapy and stem cell therapy detailing the clinical trials that are currently undergoing development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanzeel Khan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Rashid Waseem
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohammad Shahid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaoud Ansari
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ishfaq Ahmad Ahanger
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Kashmir,190006, India
| | - Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li Q, Qi S, Liang J, Tian Y, He S, Liao Q, Xing S, Han L, Chen X. Review of triazole scaffolds for treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110623. [PMID: 37451665 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110623] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Triazole scaffolds, a series of 5-membered heterocycles, are well known for their high efficacy, low toxicity, and superior pharmacokinetics. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the first neurodegenerative disorder with complex pathological mechanisms. Triazole, as an aromatic group with three nitrogen atoms, forms polar and non-polar interactions with diverse key residues in the receptor-ligand binding procedure, and has been widely used in the molecular design in the development of anti-AD agents. Moreover, considering the simple synthesis approaches, triazole scaffolds are commonly used to link two pharmacodynamic groups in one chemical molecule, forming multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs). Furthermore, the click reaction between azide- and cyano-modified enzyme and ligand provides feasibility for the new modulator discovery, compound tissue distribution evaluation, enzyme localization, and pharmacological mechanism study, promoting the diagnosis of AD course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Shulei Qi
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jinxin Liang
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yuqing Tian
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, PR China
| | - Siyu He
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Qinghong Liao
- Shandong Junrong Technology Transfer Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, PR China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lingfei Han
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xuehong Chen
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang X, Broce I, Qiu Y, Deters KD, Fan CC, Dale AM, Edland SD, Banks SJ. A simple genetic stratification method for lower cost, more expedient clinical trials in early Alzheimer's disease: A preliminary study of tau PET and cognitive outcomes. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:3078-3086. [PMID: 36701211 PMCID: PMC10368787 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12952] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying individuals who are most likely to accumulate tau and exhibit cognitive decline is critical for Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials. METHODS Participants (N = 235) who were cognitively normal or with mild cognitive impairment from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were stratified by a cutoff on the polygenic hazard score (PHS) at 65th percentile (above as high-risk group and below as low-risk group). We evaluated the associations between the PHS risk groups and tau positron emission tomography and cognitive decline, respectively. Power analyses estimated the sample size needed for clinical trials to detect differences in tau accumulation or cognitive change. RESULTS The high-risk group showed faster tau accumulation and cognitive decline. Clinical trials using the high-risk group would require a fraction of the sample size as trials without this inclusion criterion. DISCUSSION Incorporating a PHS inclusion criterion represents a low-cost and accessible way to identify potential participants for AD clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Iris Broce
- University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yuqi Qiu
- East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bhatti JS, Khullar N, Mishra J, Kaur S, Sehrawat A, Sharma E, Bhatti GK, Selman A, Reddy PH. Stem cells in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease - Promises and pitfalls. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166712. [PMID: 37030521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166712] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread form of neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss and multiple cognitive issues. The underlying mechanisms of AD include the build-up of amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau, synaptic damage, elevated levels of microglia and astrocytes, abnormal microRNAs, mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, and age-related neuronal loss. However, the etiology of AD is complex and involves a multitude of environmental and genetic factors. Currently, available AD medications only alleviate symptoms and do not provide a permanent cure. Therefore, there is a need for therapies that can prevent or reverse cognitive decline, brain tissue loss, and neural instability. Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for AD because stem cells possess the unique ability to differentiate into any type of cell and maintain their self-renewal. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of AD and existing pharmacological treatments. This review article focuses on the role of various types of stem cells in neuroregeneration, the potential challenges, and the future of stem cell-based therapies for AD, including nano delivery and gaps in stem cell technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder Singh Bhatti
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Nanotherapeutics, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.
| | - Naina Khullar
- Department of Zoology, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Jayapriya Mishra
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Nanotherapeutics, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Satinder Kaur
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Nanotherapeutics, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Abhishek Sehrawat
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Nanotherapeutics, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Eva Sharma
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Nanotherapeutics, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Gurjit Kaur Bhatti
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, University Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Ashley Selman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gao WR, Hu XH, Yu KY, Cai HY, Wang ZJ, Wang L, Wu MN. Selective orexin 1 receptor antagonist SB-334867 aggravated cognitive dysfunction in 3xTg-AD mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114171. [PMID: 36280008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114171] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is the main clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous research found that elevated orexin level in the cerebrospinal fluid was closely related to the course of AD, and orexin-A treatment could increase amyloid β protein (Aβ) deposition and aggravate spatial memory impairment in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, recent research found that dual orexin receptor (OXR) antagonist might affect Aβ level and cognitive dysfunction in AD, but the effects of OX1R or OX2R alone is unreported until now. Considering that OX1R is highly expressed in the hippocampus and plays important roles in learning and memory, the effects of OX1R in AD cognitive dysfunction and its possible mechanism should be investigated. In the present study, selective OX1R antagonist SB-334867 was used to block OX1R. Then, different behavioral tests were performed to observe the effects of OX1R blockade on cognitive function of 3xTg-AD mice exhibited both Aβ and tau pathology, in vivo electrophysiological recording and western blot were used to investigate the potential mechanism. The results showed that chronic OX1R blockade aggravated the impairments of short-term working memory, long-term spatial memory and synaptic plasticity in 9-month-old female 3xTg-AD mice, increased levels of soluble Aβ oligomers and p-tau, and decreased PSD-95 expression in the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice. These results indicate that the detrimental effects of SB-334867 on cognitive behaviors in 3xTg-AD mice are closely related to the decrease of PSD-95 and depression of in vivo long-term potentiation (LTP) caused by increased Aβ oligomers and p-tau.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Rui Gao
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Hu
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Kai-Yue Yu
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hong-Yan Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Panza F, Solfrizzi V, Daniele A, Lozupone M. Passive tau-based immunotherapy for tauopathies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:611-619. [PMID: 37620094 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies are heterogeneous clinicopathological entities characterized by abnormal neuronal and/or glial inclusions of the microtubule-binding protein tau. In secondary tauopathies, i.e., Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau deposition can be observed, but tau may coexist with another protein, i.e., amyloid-β. In the last 20 years, little progress has been made in developing disease-modifying drugs for primary and secondary tauopathies and available symptomatic drugs have limited efficacy. Treatments are being developed to interfere with the aggregation process or to promote the clearance of tau protein. Several tau-targeted passive immunotherapy approaches are in development for treating tauopathies. At present, 12 anti-tau antibodies have entered clinical trials, and 7 of them are still in clinical testing for primary tauopathies and AD (semorinemab, bepranemab, E2814, JNJ-63733657, Lu AF87908, PNT00, and APNmAb005). However, none of these seven agents have reached Phase III. The most advanced anti-tau monoclonal antibody for treating AD is semorinemab, while bepranemab is the only anti-tau monoclonal antibody still in clinical testing for treating progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome. Two other anti-tau monoclonal antibodies have been discontinued for the treatment of primary tauopathies, i.e., gosuranemab and tilavonemab. Further evidence will come from ongoing Phase I/II trials on passive immunotherapeutics for treating primary and secondary tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Brandt NJ, Wheeler C, Courtin SO. Navigating Disease-Modifying Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease: Focusing on Medications in Phase 3 Clinical Trials. J Gerontol Nurs 2023; 49:6-10. [PMID: 36594914 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20221205-02] [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: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 18 months, there has been scrutiny and controversy over the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's accelerated approval of aducanumab, a novel monoclonal antibody to treat Alzheimer's disease and prevent disease progression. As clinicians, educators, and advocates for our patients and caregivers impacted daily by this debilitating illness, this approval reinforces the need to maintain vigilance and awareness about emerging agents. The intent of the current article is to highlight some of the medications in Phase 3 clinical trials and share resources and updates on disease-modifying agents and their unique pharmacology. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(1), 6-10.].
Collapse
|
23
|
Burns S, Selman A, Sehar U, Rawat P, Reddy AP, Reddy PH. Therapeutics of Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Developments. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122402. [PMID: 36552610 PMCID: PMC9774459 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With increasing aging, dementia is a growing public health concern globally. Patients with dementia have multiple psychological and behavioral changes, including depression, anxiety, inappropriate behavior, paranoia, agitation, and hallucinations. The major types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VCID), Lewy body dementia (LBD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and mixed dementia (MiAD). Among these, AD is the most common form of dementia in the elderly population. In the last three decades, tremendous progress has been made in understanding AD's biology and disease progression, particularly its molecular basis, biomarker development, and drug discovery. Multiple cellular changes have been implicated in the progression of AD, including amyloid beta, phosphorylated tau, synaptic damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, deregulated microRNAs, inflammatory changes, hormonal deregulation, and others; based on these changes, therapeutic strategies have been developed, which are currently being tested in animal models and human clinical trials. The purpose of our article is to highlight recent therapeutic strategies' developments, critically discuss current strategies' failures, and propose new strategies to combat this devasting mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Burns
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Ashley Selman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Ujala Sehar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Priyanka Rawat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Arubala P. Reddy
- Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P. Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-806-743-3194; Fax: +1-806-743-2334
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Baazaoui N, Iqbal K. Alzheimer's Disease: Challenges and a Therapeutic Opportunity to Treat It with a Neurotrophic Compound. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101409. [PMID: 36291618 PMCID: PMC9599095 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with an insidious onset and multifactorial nature. A deficit in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity are considered the early pathological features associated with neurofibrillary tau and amyloid β pathologies and neuroinflammation. The imbalance of neurotrophic factors with an increase in FGF-2 level and a decrease in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 4 (NT-4) in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and parietal cortex and disruption of the brain micro-environment are other characteristics of AD. Neurotrophic factors are crucial in neuronal differentiation, maturation, and survival. Several attempts to use neurotrophic factors to treat AD were made, but these trials were halted due to their blood-brain barrier (BBB) impermeability, short-half-life, and severe side effects. In the present review we mainly focus on the major etiopathology features of AD and the use of a small neurotrophic and neurogenic peptide mimetic compound; P021 that was discovered in our laboratory and was found to overcome the difficulties faced in the administration of the whole neurotrophic factor proteins. We describe pre-clinical studies on P021 and its potential as a therapeutic drug for AD and related neurodegenerative disorders. Our study is limited because it focuses only on P021 and the relevant literature; a more thorough investigation is required to review studies on various therapeutic approaches and potential drugs that are emerging in the AD field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Baazaoui
- Biology Department, College of Sciences and Arts Muhayil Assir, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-718-494-5259; Fax: +1-718-494-1080
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mumtaz I, Ayaz MO, Khan MS, Manzoor U, Ganayee MA, Bhat AQ, Dar GH, Alghamdi BS, Hashem AM, Dar MJ, Ashraf GM, Maqbool T. Clinical relevance of biomarkers, new therapeutic approaches, and role of post-translational modifications in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:977411. [PMID: 36158539 PMCID: PMC9490081 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.977411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive loss of cognitive functions like thinking, memory, reasoning, behavioral abilities, and social skills thus affecting the ability of a person to perform normal daily functions independently. There is no definitive cure for this disease, and treatment options available for the management of the disease are not very effective as well. Based on histopathology, AD is characterized by the accumulation of insoluble deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Although several molecular events contribute to the formation of these insoluble deposits, the aberrant post-translational modifications (PTMs) of AD-related proteins (like APP, Aβ, tau, and BACE1) are also known to be involved in the onset and progression of this disease. However, early diagnosis of the disease as well as the development of effective therapeutic approaches is impeded by lack of proper clinical biomarkers. In this review, we summarized the current status and clinical relevance of biomarkers from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood and extracellular vesicles involved in onset and progression of AD. Moreover, we highlight the effects of several PTMs on the AD-related proteins, and provide an insight how these modifications impact the structure and function of proteins leading to AD pathology. Finally, for disease-modifying therapeutics, novel approaches, and targets are discussed for the successful treatment and management of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibtisam Mumtaz
- Laboratory of Nanotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Nanotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Mir Owais Ayaz
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India
- Centre for Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Utter Pradesh, India
| | - Mohamad Sultan Khan
- Neurobiology and Molecular Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Umar Manzoor
- Laboratory of Immune and Inflammatory Disease, Jeju Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Mohd Azhardin Ganayee
- Laboratory of Nanotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Nanotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Aadil Qadir Bhat
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India
- Centre for Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Utter Pradesh, India
| | - Ghulam Hassan Dar
- Sri Pratap College, Cluster University Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Badrah S. Alghamdi
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Pre-clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Jamal Dar
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India
- Centre for Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Utter Pradesh, India
| | - Gulam Md. Ashraf
- Pre-clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Maqbool
- Laboratory of Nanotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Nanotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
La Barbera L, Mauri E, D’Amelio M, Gori M. Functionalization strategies of polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery in Alzheimer’s disease: Current trends and future perspectives. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:939855. [PMID: 35992936 PMCID: PMC9387393 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.939855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder whose primary causes are mostly unknown. Due to the increase in life expectancy of world population, including developing countries, AD, whose incidence rises dramatically with age, is at the forefront among neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, a definitive cure is not yet within reach, imposing substantial medical and public health burdens at every latitude. Therefore, the effort to devise novel and effective therapeutic strategies is still of paramount importance. Genetic, functional, structural and biochemical studies all indicate that new and efficacious drug delivery strategies interfere at different levels with various cellular and molecular targets. Over the last few decades, therapeutic development of nanomedicine at preclinical stage has shown to progress at a fast pace, thus paving the way for its potential impact on human health in improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. Clinical translation of nano-based therapeutics, despite current limitations, may present important advantages and innovation to be exploited in the neuroscience field as well. In this state-of-the-art review article, we present the most promising applications of polymeric nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery for bypassing the blood-brain barrier of AD preclinical models and boost pharmacological safety and efficacy. In particular, novel strategic chemical functionalization of polymeric nanocarriers that could be successfully employed for treating AD are thoroughly described. Emphasis is also placed on nanotheranostics as both potential therapeutic and diagnostic tool for targeted treatments. Our review highlights the emerging role of nanomedicine in the management of AD, providing the readers with an overview of the nanostrategies currently available to develop future therapeutic applications against this chronic neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia La Barbera
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Mauri
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D’Amelio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuele Gori
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC) - National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Manuele Gori,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Khoury R, Gallop A, Roberts K, Grysman N, Lu J, Grossberg GT. Pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease: what’s new on the horizon? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1305-1323. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2097868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, St. Georges Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- University of Balamand, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Amy Gallop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Kelsey Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Noam Grysman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jiaxi Lu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - George T. Grossberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, St Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Current Progress on Neuroprotection Induced by Artemisia, Ginseng, Astragalus, and Ginkgo Traditional Chinese Medicines for the Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3777021. [PMID: 35746960 PMCID: PMC9213169 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3777021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with the occurrence of diverse degenerative changes in various tissues and organs and with an increased incidence of neurological disorders, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, the search for effective components derived from medicinal plants in delaying aging and preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases has been increasing and the number of related publications shows a rising trend. Here, we present a concise, updated review on the preclinical and clinical research progress in the assessment of the therapeutic potential of different traditional Chinese medicines and derived active ingredients and their effect on the signaling pathways involved in AD neuroprotection. Recognized by their multitargeting ability, these natural compounds hold great potential in developing novel drugs for AD.
Collapse
|
29
|
Pal S, Roy R, Paul S. Deciphering the Role of ATP on PHF6 Aggregation. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:4761-4775. [PMID: 35759245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c01768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aggregation of Tau protein, which are involved in Alzheimer's disease, are associated with the self-assembly of the hexapeptide sequence, paired helical filament 6 (PHF6) from repeat 3 of Tau. In order to treat Alzheimer's disease and other such tauopathies, one of the therapeutic strategies is to inhibit aggregation of Tau and its nucleating segments. Therefore, we have studied the effect of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on the aggregation of PHF6. ATP has, interestingly, demonstrated its ability to inhibit and dissolve protein aggregates. Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, we observed that the hydrophobic core of PHF6 segment displays extended β-sheet conformation, which stabilizes PHF6 aggregates. However, the distribution of ATP around the vicinity of the peptides enables PHF6 to remain discrete and attain random coil conformers. The interpeptide interactions are substituted by PHF6-ATP interactions through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions (including π-π stacking). Furthermore, the adenosine moiety of ATP contributes more than the triphosphate chain toward PHF6-ATP interaction. Ultimately, this work establishes the inhibitory activity of ATP against Tau aggregation; hence, the therapeutic effect of ATP should be explored further in regard to the effective treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Rituparna Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sivanantharajah L, Mudher A. Curcumin as a Holistic Treatment for Tau Pathology. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:903119. [PMID: 35662729 PMCID: PMC9160965 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.903119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Global forecasts for prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) estimate that 152.8 million people will have dementia in 2050, a sharp rise from 57.4 million in 2019 (GBD 2019). This rise can be attributable to increases in population growth and aging, but in the absence of disease-modifying therapies it poses a huge societal challenge that must be addressed urgently. One way to combat this challenge is to explore the utility of holistic treatments that may protect against AD, including traditional herbs, spices and other nutraceuticals that are pharmacologically safe, inexpensive and readily available. In this light, the spice turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, has been investigated as a potential holistic treatment for AD over the past 2 decades; however, promising results with animal studies have not translated to success in clinical trials. One issue is that most animal models examining the effects of curcumin and curcumin derivatives in AD have been done with a focus at ameliorating amyloid pathology. Due to the limited success of Amyloid-β-based drugs in recent clinical trials, tau-focused therapeutics provide a promising alternative. In this article, we aim to provide a clearer picture of what is currently known about the effectiveness of curcumin and curcumin derivatives to ameliorate tau pathology. Tau focused studies may help inform more successful clinical studies by placing greater emphasis on the development and optimised delivery of curcumin derivatives that more effectively target tau pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lovesha Sivanantharajah
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor Gwynedd, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Lovesha Sivanantharajah,
| | - Amritpal Mudher
- Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Advancements in the development of multi-target directed ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 61:116742. [PMID: 35398739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial irreversible neurological disorder which results in cognitive impairment, loss of cholinergic neurons in synapses of the basal forebrain and neuronal death. Exact pathology of the disease is not yet known however, many hypotheses have been proposed for its treatment. The available treatments including monotherapies and combination therapies are not able to combat the disease effectively because of its complex pathological mechanism. A multipotent drug for AD has the potential to bind or inhibit multiple targets responsible for the progression of the disease like aggregated Aβ, hyperphosphorylated tau proteins, cholinergic and adrenergic receptors, MAO enzymes, overactivated N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor etc. The traditional approach of one disease-one target-one drug has been rationalized to one drug-multi targets for the chronic diseases like AD and cancer. Thus, over the last decade research focus has been shifted towards the development of multi target directed ligands (MTDLs) which can simultaneously inhibit multiple targets and stop or slow the progression of the disease. The MTDLs can be more effective against AD and eliminate any possibility of drug-drug interactions. Many important active pharmacophore units have been fused, merged or incorporated into different scaffolds to synthesize new potent drugs. In the current article, we have described various hypothesis for AD and effectiveness of the MTDLs treatment strategy is discussed in detail. Different chemical scaffolds and their synthetic strategies have been described and important functionalities are identified in the chemical scaffold that have the potential to bind to the multiple targets. The important leads identified in this study with MTDL characteristics have the potential to be developed as drug candidates for the effective treatment of AD.
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang Q, Fang C, Huang X, Xue L. Research progress of the CXCR4 mechanism in Alzheimer's disease. IBRAIN 2022; 8:3-14. [PMID: 37786419 PMCID: PMC10528775 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease with complex clinical manifestations and pathogeneses such as abnormal deposition of beta-amyloid protein and inflammation caused by the excessive activation of microglia. CXC motif chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a type of G protein-coupled receptor that binds to CXC motif ligand 12 (CXCL12) to activate downstream signaling pathways, such as the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription and the renin-angiotensin system (Ras)/RAF proto-oncogene serine (Raf)/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-regulated protein kinase; most of these signaling pathways are involved in inflammatory responses. CXCR4 is highly expressed in the microglia and astrocytes; this might be one of the important causes of inflammation caused by microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we summarize the mechanism and therapeutics of AD, the structures of CXCR4 and the CXCL12 ligand, and the mechanisms of CXCR4/CXCL12 that are involved in the occurrence and development of AD. The possible treatment of AD through microglia and astrocytes is also discussed, with the aim of providing a new method for the treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu‐Lin Wang
- Department of Clinical MedicineChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Chang‐Le Fang
- Department of AnesthesiologySouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Xue‐Yan Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Lu‐Lu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Silva MC, Nandi G, Donovan KA, Cai Q, Berry BC, Nowak RP, Fischer ES, Gray NS, Ferguson FM, Haggarty SJ. Discovery and Optimization of Tau Targeted Protein Degraders Enabled by Patient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Neuronal Models of Tauopathy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:801179. [PMID: 35317195 PMCID: PMC8934437 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.801179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of misfolded, aggregating proteins concurrent with disease onset and progression is a hallmark of neurodegenerative proteinopathies. An important class of these are tauopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), associated with accumulation of aberrant forms of tau protein in the brain. Pathological tau undergoes abnormal post-translational modifications, misfolding, oligomerization and changes in solubility, cellular redistribution, and spreading. Development and testing of experimental therapeutics that target these pathological tau conformers requires use of cellular models that recapitulate neuronal endogenous, non-heterologous tau expression under genomic and physiological contexts relevant to disease. In this study, we employed FTD-patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived neurons, expressing a tau variant or mutation, as primary models for driving a medicinal chemistry campaign around tau targeting degrader series. Our screening goal was to establish structure-activity relationships (SAR) for the different chemical series to identify the molecular composition that most efficiently led to tau degradation in human FTD ex vivo neurons. We describe the identification of the lead compound QC-01-175 and follow-up optimization strategies for this molecule. We present three final lead molecules with tau degradation activity in mutant neurons, which establishes potential disease relevance and will drive future studies on specificity and pharmacological properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Catarina Silva
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ghata Nandi
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Quan Cai
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bethany C. Berry
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Radoslaw P. Nowak
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fleur M. Ferguson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Fleur M. Ferguson,
| | - Stephen J. Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Stephen J. Haggarty,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Silvestro S, Valeri A, Mazzon E. Aducanumab and Its Effects on Tau Pathology: Is This the Turning Point of Amyloid Hypothesis? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042011. [PMID: 35216126 PMCID: PMC8880389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of people around the world. The two main pathological mechanisms underlying the disease are beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of Tau proteins in the brain. Their reduction has been associated with slowing of cognitive decline and disease progression. Several antibodies aimed to target Aβ or Tau in order to represent hope for millions of patients, but only a small number managed to be selected to participate in clinical trials. Aducanumab is a monoclonal antibody recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which, targeting (Aβ) oligomers and fibrils, was able to reduce Aβ accumulation and slow the progression of cognitive impairment. It was also claimed to have an effect on the second hallmark of AD, decreasing the level of phospho-Tau evaluated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and by positron emission tomography (PET). This evidence may represent a turning point in the development of AD-efficient drugs.
Collapse
|
35
|
Khwaja S, Kumar K, Das R, Negi AS. Microtubule associated proteins as targets for anticancer drug development. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105320. [PMID: 34492559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic equilibrium of tubulin-microtubule is an essential aspect of cell survivality. Modulation of this dynamics has become an important target for the cancer drug development. Tubulin exists in the alpha-beta dimer form which polymerizes to form microtubule and further depolymerizes back to tubulin dimer. The microtubule plays an essential role in mitosis and cell multiplication. Antitubulin drugs disturb the microtubule dynamics which is essentially required for DNA segregation and cell division during mitosis so killing the cancerous cells. Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs) interact with cellular cytoskeletal microtubules. MAPs bind to the either polymerized or depolymerized tubulin dimers within the cell and mostly causing stabilization of microtubules. Some of the tubulin binding drugs are in clinical use and others in clinical trial. MAPs inhibitors are also in clinical trial. Post-translational modification of lysine-40 either in histone or in alpha tubulin has an important role in gene expression and is balanced between histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferases (HATs). HDAC inhibitors have the anticancer properties to form a drug for the treatment of cancer. They act by inducing cell cycle arrest and cell death. Some of the HDAC inhibitors are approved to be used as anticancer drug while others are under different phases of clinical trial. The present review updates on various MAPs, their role in cancer progression, MAPs inhibitors and their future prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadiya Khwaja
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatics Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kapil Kumar
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatics Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Ranjana Das
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatics Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Arvind Singh Negi
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatics Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sharma A, Anand JS, Kumar Y. Immunotherapeutics for AD: A Work in Progress. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 21:752-765. [PMID: 34477533 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210903101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), often called the 'Plague of the 21st Century,' is a progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the degeneration and death of neurons. Multiple factors, such as genetic defects, epigenetic regulations, environmental factors, or cerebrovascular damage, are a manifestation of the neurodegenerative process that begins to occur decades before the onset of disease. To date, no treatment or therapeutic strategy has proven to be potent in inhibiting its progress or reversing the effects of the disease. The ever-increasing numbers and lack of sufficient therapies that can control or reverse the effects of the disease have propelled research in the direction of devising efficient therapeutic strategies for AD. This review comprehensively discusses the active and passive immunotherapies against Amyloid-β and Tau protein, which remain the popular choice of targets for AD therapeutics. Some of the prospective immunotherapies against Aβ plaques have failed due to various reasons. Much of the research is focused on targeting Tau, specifically, targeting the mid-region of extracellular Tau due to their potential to prevent seeding and hence the spread of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Thus, there is a need to thoroughly understand the disease onset mechanisms and discover effective therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering (BSE), Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Jaspreet Singh Anand
- University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Yatender Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering (BSE), Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, 110078, India
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Jurcau A, Simion A. Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease with Therapeutic Implications. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:94-108. [PMID: 32124703 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200303121016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The significant gain in life expectancy led to an increase in the incidence and prevalence of dementia. Although vascular risk factors have long and repeatedly been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), translating these findings into effective preventive measures has failed. In addition, the finding that incident ischemic stroke approximately doubles the risk of a patient to develop AD has been recently reinforced. Current knowledge and pathogenetic hypotheses of AD are discussed. The implication of oxidative stress in the development of AD is reviewed, with special emphasis on its sudden burst in the setting of acute ischemic stroke and the possible link between this increase in oxidative stress and consequent cognitive impairment. Current knowledge and future directions in the prevention and treatment of AD are discussed outlining the hypothesis of a possible beneficial effect of antioxidant treatment in acute ischemic stroke in delaying the onset/progression of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Jurcau
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410154 Oradea, Romania.,Clinical Municipal Hospital "Dr. G Curteanu", Neurology Ward, Oradea, Romania
| | - Aurel Simion
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410154 Oradea, Romania.,Clinical Municipal Hospital "Dr. G Curteanu", Neurological Rehabilitation Ward, Oradea, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Desale SE, Chidambaram H, Chinnathambi S. G-protein coupled receptor, PI3K and Rho signaling pathways regulate the cascades of Tau and amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:17. [PMID: 35006431 PMCID: PMC8607389 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of amyloid-β plaques in the extracellular environment and aggregates of Tau protein that forms neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in neuronal cells. Along with these pathological proteins, the disease shows neuroinflammation, neuronal death, impairment in the immune function of microglia and synaptic loss, which are mediated by several important signaling pathways. The PI3K/Akt-mediated survival-signaling pathway is activated by many receptors such as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor. The signaling pathway not only increases the survival of neurons but also regulates inflammation, phagocytosis, cellular protection, Tau phosphorylation and Aβ secretion as well. In this review, we focused on receptors, which activate PI3K/Akt pathway and its potential to treat Alzheimer's disease. Among several membrane receptors, GPCRs are the major drug targets for therapy, and GPCR signaling pathways are altered during Alzheimer's disease. Several GPCRs are involved in the pathogenic progression, phosphorylation of Tau protein by activation of various cellular kinases and are involved in the amyloidogenic pathway of amyloid-β synthesis. Apart from various GPCR signaling pathways, GPCR regulating/ interacting proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. These include several small GTPases, Ras homolog enriched in brain, GPCR associated sorting proteins, β-arrestins, etc., that play a critical role in disease progression and has been elaborated in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Eknath Desale
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| | - Hariharakrishnan Chidambaram
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| | - Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Barbolina MV. Dichotomous role of microtubule associated protein tau as a biomarker of response to and a target for increasing efficacy of taxane treatment in cancers of epithelial origin. Pharmacol Res 2021; 168:105585. [PMID: 33798735 PMCID: PMC8165012 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the World Health Organization estimates that one in six deaths globally is due to cancer. Chemotherapy is one of the major modalities used to treat advanced cancers and their metastasis. However, the existence of acquired and intrinsic resistance to anti-cancer drugs often diminishes their therapeutic effect. In order to pre-select patients who could benefit the most from these treatments, the efforts of many research groups have been focused on identification of biomarkers of therapy response. Taxanes paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere) have been introduced as chemotherapy for treatment of cancers of ovary in 1992 and breast in 1996, respectively. Since then, clinical use of taxanes has expanded to include lung, prostate, gastric, head and neck, esophageal, pancreatic, and cervical cancers, as well as Kaposi sarcoma. Several independent molecular mechanisms have been shown to support taxane chemoresistance. One such mechanism is dependent on microtubule associated protein tau. Tau binds to the same site on the inner side of the microtubules that is also occupied by paclitaxel or docetaxel, and several studies have demonstrated that low/no tau expression significantly correlated with better response to the taxane treatment, suggesting that levels of tau expression could have a predictive value in pre-selecting patient cohorts that are likely to benefit from the treatment. However, several other studies have found no correlation between tau expression and taxane response, introducing a controversy and precluding its wide use as a predictive biomarker. Based on the knowledge of tau biology accumulated thus far, in this review we attempt to critically analyze the studies that evaluated tau as a biomarker of taxane response. Further, we identify yet unknown aspects of tau biology understanding of which is necessary for improvement of development of tau as a biomarker of response and a target for increasing response to taxane treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Barbolina
- University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fatiha Muhammad E, Kumar A, Wahab HA, Zhang KYJ. Identification of 1,2,4-Triazolylthioethanone Scaffold for the Design of New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Mol Inform 2021; 40:e2100020. [PMID: 34060234 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202100020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are the most effective drugs for Alzheimer's disease treatment. However, considering the potential and failure rates of AChE inhibitors, chemical scaffolds targeting cholinesterase specifically are still very limited. Herein, we report a new class of AChE inhibitors identified by employing a virtual screening approach that combines shape similarity with molecular docking calculations. Virtual screening followed by the evaluation of AChE inhibitory activity allowed us to identify 1,2,4-triazolylthioethanones as a novel class of AChE inhibitors. Thirteen compounds with 1,2,4-triazolylthiothanone core and IC50 values in the range of 0.15±0.07 to 3.32±0.92 μM have been reported here. Our findings shed light into a class of AChE inhibitors that could be useful starting point for the development of novel therapeutics to tackle Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erma Fatiha Muhammad
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Habibah A Wahab
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yao H, Uras G, Zhang P, Xu S, Yin Y, Liu J, Qin S, Li X, Allen S, Bai R, Gong Q, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Xu J. Discovery of Novel Tacrine-Pyrimidone Hybrids as Potent Dual AChE/GSK-3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7483-7506. [PMID: 34024109 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Based on a multitarget strategy, a series of novel tacrine-pyrimidone hybrids were identified for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Biological evaluation results demonstrated that these hybrids exhibited significant inhibitory activities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3). The optimal compound 27g possessed excellent dual AChE/GSK-3 inhibition both in terms of potency and equilibrium (AChE: IC50 = 51.1 nM; GSK-3β: IC50 = 89.3 nM) and displayed significant amelioration on cognitive deficits in scopolamine-induced amnesia mice and efficient reduction against phosphorylation of tau protein on Ser-199 and Ser-396 sites in glyceraldehyde (GA)-stimulated differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, compound 27g exhibited eligible pharmacokinetic properties, good kinase selectivity, and moderate neuroprotection against GA-induced reduction in cell viability and neurite damage in SH-SY5Y-derived neurons. The multifunctional profiles of compound 27g suggest that it deserves further investigation as a promising lead for the prospective treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Giuseppe Uras
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ying Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuai Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xinuo Li
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Stephanie Allen
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Renren Bai
- College of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Qi Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Jinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tian Hui Kwan A, Arfaie S, Therriault J, Rosa-Neto P, Gauthier S. Lessons Learnt from the Second Generation of Anti-Amyloid Monoclonal Antibodies Clinical Trials. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2021; 49:334-348. [PMID: 33321511 DOI: 10.1159/000511506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with complex pathophysiology that affects over 50 million people worldwide. Most drug therapies, to date, have focused on targeting the amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathway, but clinical outcomes of anti-Aβ antibodies have been unsuccessful and unable to meet their primary endpoints. Similar trends have also been observed in treatments that target the tau pathway. SUMMARY This paper reviews recent anti-Aβ passive monotherapies, since Bapineuzumab, that have progressed to phase 3 clinical trials. Specifically, we discuss the 4 clinical trial programs of Solanezumab (targets Aβ monomers), Aducanumab (targets Aβ oligomers and plaques), Crenezumab (targets Aβ oligomers), and Gantenerumab (targets Aβ fibrils) which are all exogenous monoclonal antibodies. We conclude with potential reasons for why they have not met their primary endpoints and discuss lessons learnt from these trials. Key Message: Future disease-modifying trials (DMTs) for AD should be conducted in asymptomatic, Aβ-positive individuals. Moreover, potential additive and/or synergistic benefits focusing on anti-Aβ and anti-tau drug combinations merit further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tian Hui Kwan
- Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, The McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Saman Arfaie
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, The McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Joseph Therriault
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, The McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, The McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Serge Gauthier
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, The McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada, .,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada, .,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jangampalli Adi P, Reddy PH. Phosphorylated tau targeted small-molecule PROTACs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166162. [PMID: 33940164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-stabilizing protein that plays an important role in the formation of axonal microtubules in neurons. Phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) has received great attention in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a potential therapeutic target due to its involvement with synaptic damage and neuronal dysfunction. Mounting evidence suggests that amyloid beta (Aβ)-targeted clinical trials continuously failed; therefore, it is important to consider alternative therapeutic strategies such as p-tau-PROTACs targeted small molecules for AD and other tauopathies. The present article describes the characteristics of tau biology, structure, and function in both healthy and pathological states in AD. It also explains data from studies that have identified the involvement of p-tau in neuronal damage and synaptic and cognitive functions in AD. Current article also covers several aspects, including small molecule inhibitors, and the development of p-tau-PROTACs targeted drug molecules to treat patients with AD and other tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen YS, Shu K, Kang HC. Deep Brain Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease: Targeting the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:53-70. [PMID: 33492288 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is becoming a prevalent disease in the elderly population. Past decades have witnessed the development of drug therapies with varying targets. However, all drugs with a single molecular target fail to reverse or ameliorate AD progression, which ultimately results in cortical and subcortical network dysregulation. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been proven effective for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and other neurological diseases. As such, DBS has also been gradually acknowledged as a potential therapy for AD. The current review focuses on DBS of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM). As a critical component of the cerebral cholinergic system and the Papez circuit in the basal ganglia, the NBM plays an indispensable role in the subcortical regulation of memory, attention, and arousal state, which makes the NBM a promising target for modulation of neural network dysfunction and AD treatment. We summarized the intricate projection relations and functionality of the NBM, current approaches for stereotactic localization and evaluation of the NBM, and the therapeutic effects of NBM-DBS both in patients and animal models. Furthermore, the current shortcomings of NBM-DBS, such as variations in cortical blood flow, increased temperature in the target area, and stimulation-related neural damage, were presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Si Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui-Cong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Xiao S, Wu Q, Yao X, Zhang J, Zhong W, Zhao J, Liu Q, Zhang M. Inhibitory Effects of Isobavachalcone on Tau Protein Aggregation, Tau Phosphorylation, and Oligomeric Tau-Induced Apoptosis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:123-132. [PMID: 33320518 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases without any effective medicine treatments. The neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein are one important pathological characteristic. Thus, one practicable strategy for AD drug design is to discover compounds that could inhibit tau protein aggregation and/or phosphorylation. In this study, isobavachalcone, a natural plant-derived compound, has been shown to inhibit tau protein aggregation and disaggregate tau fibrils in vitro by directly interacting with tau protein at amino acids I278, V309, etc. It is able to reduce tau phosphorylation at four disease-related sites in vivo by regulating the critical kinase and protein phosphatase, GSK3β and PP2A. The compound also exhibits protection against tau oligomers-induced apoptosis through the mitochondria and ER mediated apoptotic pathways. In summary, isobavachalcone is a promising candidate for further evaluation as a potential preventive and therapeutic medicine for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Qiuping Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Xuanbao Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Weicong Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Junyi Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Mohan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chidambaram H, Chinnathambi S. Role of cysteines in accelerating Tau filament formation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:4366-4375. [PMID: 33317395 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1856720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is majorly associated with intracellular accumulation of Tau into paired helical filaments and tangles. The self-aggregated dimeric and oligomeric species of Tau formed are more toxic to neuronal cells and acts as seeds for filament formation. The two cysteine residues and the two hexapeptide regions of full-length Tau play a key role in initialization and filament formation during Tau aggregation. The role of cysteine residues in Tau aggregation has been studied by in-vitro aggregation assay that was measured by Thioflavin S fluorescence to observe the kinetics of aggregation. In this study, we have performed in-vitro aggregation assay with recombinant full-length Tau and the cysteine mutants to understand the mechanism of cysteine independent Tau aggregation. Here, we report that cysteine mutant full-length Tau can aggregate to form filaments under in-vitro conditions. To visualize the polymorphisms of Tau and cysteine mutants under different aggregation conditions anionic cofactor, heparin was employed. Wild-type Tau showed rapid aggregation to form oligomers and filaments. On the other hand, the cysteine mutant delayed the initial Tau aggregation. This indicates the importance of cysteine residues in accelerating initial Tau nucleation for its aggregation. The filament morphology of wild-type and cysteine mutant Tau has been characterized using transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hariharakrishnan Chidambaram
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Microfluidic Protein Imaging Platform: Study of Tau Protein Aggregation and Alzheimer's Drug Response. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7040162. [PMID: 33322166 PMCID: PMC7763324 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau protein aggregation is identified as one of the key phenomena associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we performed on-chip confocal imaging of tau protein aggregation and tau–drug interactions using a spiral-shaped passive micromixing platform. Numerical simulations and experiments were performed in order to validate the performance of the micromixer design. We performed molecular modeling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced tau aggregation in order to successfully validate the concept of helical tau filament formation. Tau aggregation and native tau restoration were realized using an immunofluorescence antibody assay. The dose–response behavior of an Alzheimer’s drug, methylthioninium chloride (MTC), was monitored on-chip for defining the optimum concentration of the drug. The proposed device was tested for reliability and repeatability of on-chip tau imaging. The amount of the tau protein sample used in our experiments was significantly less than the usage for conventional techniques, and the whole protein–drug assay was realized in less than two hours. We identified that intensity-based tau imaging could be used to study Alzheimer’s drug response. In addition, it was demonstrated that cell-free, microfluidic tau protein assays could be used as potential on-chip drug evaluation tools for Alzheimer’s disease.
Collapse
|
48
|
Guha S, Johnson GVW, Nehrke K. The Crosstalk Between Pathological Tau Phosphorylation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Key to Understanding and Treating Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:5103-5120. [PMID: 32851560 PMCID: PMC7544674 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02084-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder. A defining hallmark of the AD brain is the presence of intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) which are made up of abnormally modified tau, with aberrant phosphorylation being the most studied posttranslational modification (PTM). Although the accumulation of tau as NFTs is an invariant feature of the AD brain, it has become evident that these insoluble aggregates are likely not the primary pathogenic form of tau, rather soluble forms of tau with abnormal PTMs are the mediators of toxicity. The most prevalent PTM on tau is phosphorylation, with the abnormal modification of specific residues on tau playing a key role in its toxicity. Even though it is widely accepted that tau with aberrant PTMs facilitates neurodegeneration, the precise cellular mechanisms remain unknown. Nonetheless, there is an evolving conceptual framework that an important contributing factor may be selective pathological tau species compromising mitochondrial biology. Understanding the mechanisms by which tau with site-specific PTM impacts mitochondria is crucial for understanding the role tau plays in AD. Here, we provide a brief introduction to tau and its phosphorylation and function in a physiological context, followed by a discussion of the impact of soluble phosphorylated tau species on neuronal processes in general and mitochondria more specifically. We also discuss how therapeutic strategies that attenuate pathological tau species in combination with treatments that improve mitochondrial biology could be a potential therapeutic avenue to mitigate disease progression in AD and other tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Guha
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Keith Nehrke
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, 14642, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Silva MC, Haggarty SJ. Tauopathies: Deciphering Disease Mechanisms to Develop Effective Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238948. [PMID: 33255694 PMCID: PMC7728099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the pathological accumulation of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) in the form of neurofibrillary tangles and paired helical filaments in neurons and glia, leading to brain cell death. These diseases include frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and can be sporadic or inherited when caused by mutations in the MAPT gene. Despite an incredibly high socio-economic burden worldwide, there are still no effective disease-modifying therapies, and few tau-focused experimental drugs have reached clinical trials. One major hindrance for therapeutic development is the knowledge gap in molecular mechanisms of tau-mediated neuronal toxicity and death. For the promise of precision medicine for brain disorders to be fulfilled, it is necessary to integrate known genetic causes of disease, i.e., MAPT mutations, with an understanding of the dysregulated molecular pathways that constitute potential therapeutic targets. Here, the growing understanding of known and proposed mechanisms of disease etiology will be reviewed, together with promising experimental tau-directed therapeutics, such as recently developed tau degraders. Current challenges faced by the fields of tau research and drug discovery will also be addressed.
Collapse
|
50
|
Ettcheto M, Busquets O, Espinosa-Jiménez T, Verdaguer E, Auladell C, Camins A. A Chronological Review of Potential Disease-Modifying Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1286-1299. [PMID: 32066356 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200211121416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has become a worldwide health problem. This pathology has been classically characterized for its affectation on cognitive function and the presence of depositions of extracellular amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. To this day, no effective treatment has been developed. Multiple strategies have been proposed over the years with the aim of finding new therapeutic approaches, such as the sequestration of Aβ in plasma or the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, given the significant role of the insulin receptor in the brain in the proper maintenance of cognitive function, drugs focused on the amelioration of insulin resistance have been proposed as potentially useful and effective in the treatment of AD. In the present review, taking into account the molecular complexity of the disease, it has been proposed that the most appropriate therapeutic strategy is a combinatory treatment of several drugs that will regulate a wide spectrum of the described altered pathological pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Busquets
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Triana Espinosa-Jiménez
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|