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Yu K, Yao KR, Aguinaga MA, Choquette JM, Liu C, Wang Y, Liao D. G272V and P301L Mutations Induce Isoform Specific Tau Mislocalization to Dendritic Spines and Synaptic Dysfunctions in Cellular Models of 3R and 4R Tau Frontotemporal Dementia. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1215232024. [PMID: 38858079 PMCID: PMC11236579 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1215-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau pathologies are detected in the brains of some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Tau proteins are expressed in six isoforms with either three or four microtubule-binding repeats (3R tau or 4R tau) due to alternative RNA splicing. AD, LBD, and CTE brains contain pathological deposits of both 3R and 4R tau. FTD patients can exhibit either 4R tau pathologies in most cases or 3R tau pathologies less commonly in Pick's disease, which is a subfamily of FTD. Here, we report the isoform-specific roles of tau in FTD. The P301L mutation, linked to familial 4R tau FTD, induces mislocalization of 4R tau to dendritic spines in primary hippocampal cultures that were prepared from neonatal rat pups of both sexes. Contrastingly, the G272V mutation, linked to familial Pick's disease, induces phosphorylation-dependent mislocalization of 3R tau but not 4R tau proteins to dendritic spines. The overexpression of G272V 3R tau but not 4R tau proteins leads to the reduction of dendritic spine density and suppression of mEPSCs in 5-week-old primary rat hippocampal cultures. The decrease in mEPSC amplitude caused by G272V 3R tau is dynamin-dependent whereas that caused by P301L 4R tau is dynamin-independent, indicating that the two tau isoforms activate different signaling pathways responsible for excitatory synaptic dysfunction. Our 3R and 4R tau studies here will shed new light on diverse mechanisms underlying FTD, AD, LBD, and CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of General Practice, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Katherine R Yao
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108
| | - Miguel A Aguinaga
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108
| | - Jessica M Choquette
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Chengliang Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Dezhi Liao
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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Zubčić K, Franić D, Pravica M, Hof PR, Šimić G, Boban M. Effects of heterologous human tau protein expression in yeast models of proteotoxic stress response. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14304. [PMID: 37341072 PMCID: PMC11163194 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary histological characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, which are large aggregates of tau protein. Aging is the primary risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease, however, the underlying causes of tau protein aggregation and toxicity are unclear. AIMS Here we investigated tau aggregation and toxicity under the conditions of compromised protein homeostasis. METHODS We used heterologous expression of human tau protein in the unicellular eukaryote yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with evolutionarily conserved protein quality control pathways and examined tau-dependent toxicity and aggregation using growth assays, fluorescence microscopy, and a split luciferase-based reporter NanoBiT. RESULTS Tau protein expressed in yeast under mild proteotoxic stress, or in mutants with impaired pathways for proteotoxic stress response, did not lead to synthetic toxicity or the formation of obvious aggregates. Chronologically old cells also did not develop observable tau aggregates. Our examination of tau oligomerization in living cells using NanoBiT reporter suggests that tau does not form significant levels of oligomers under basal conditions or under mild proteotoxic stress. CONCLUSION Together our data suggest that human tau protein does not represent a major burden to the protein quality control system in yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Zubčić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Dina Franić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Mihaela Pravica
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's DiseaseFriedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Goran Šimić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Mirta Boban
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
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Buchholz S, Zempel H. The six brain-specific TAU isoforms and their role in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative dementia syndromes. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3606-3628. [PMID: 38556838 PMCID: PMC11095451 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13784] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alternative splicing of the human MAPT gene generates six brain-specific TAU isoforms. Imbalances in the TAU isoform ratio can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the need for precise control over TAU isoform balance. Tauopathies, characterized by intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TAU, exhibit extensive neurodegeneration and can be classified by the TAU isoforms present in pathological accumulations. METHODS A comprehensive review of TAU and related dementia syndromes literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and preprint server. RESULTS While TAU is recognized as key driver of neurodegeneration in specific tauopathies, the contribution of the isoforms to neuronal function and disease development remains largely elusive. DISCUSSION In this review we describe the role of TAU isoforms in health and disease, and stress the importance of comprehending and studying TAU isoforms in both, physiological and pathological context, in order to develop targeted therapeutic interventions for TAU-associated diseases. HIGHLIGHTS MAPT splicing is tightly regulated during neuronal maturation and throughout life. TAU isoform expression is development-, cell-type and brain region specific. The contribution of TAU to neurodegeneration might be isoform-specific. Ineffective TAU-based therapies highlight the need for specific targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buchholz
- Institute of Human GeneticsFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital CologneUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
- Present address:
Department Schaefer, Neurobiology of AgeingMax Planck Institute for Biology of AgeingCologneGermany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human GeneticsFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital CologneUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
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Shi H, Zhao Y. Modulation of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease by Dietary Bioactive Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:831. [PMID: 38255905 PMCID: PMC10815728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020831] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein essential for microtubule assembly and stability in neurons. The abnormal intracellular accumulation of tau aggregates is a major characteristic of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. In AD, the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which is composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, is positively correlated with the severity of the cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that the accumulation and aggregation of tau cause synaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration. Thus, the prevention of abnormal tau phosphorylation and elimination of tau aggregates have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for AD. However, currently tau-targeting therapies for AD and other tauopathies are limited. A number of dietary bioactive compounds have been found to modulate the posttranslational modifications of tau, including phosphorylation, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) mediated modification (SUMOylation) and acetylation, as well as inhibit tau aggregation and/or promote tau degradation. The advantages of using these dietary components over synthetic substances in AD prevention and intervention are their safety and accessibility. This review summarizes the mechanisms leading to tau pathology in AD and highlights the effects of bioactive compounds on the hyperphosphorylation, aggregation and clearance of tau protein. The potential of using these bioactive compounds for AD prevention and intervention is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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Zou Y, Guan L, Tan J, Qi B, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Sun Y. Atomistic Insights into the Inhibitory Mechanism of Tyrosine Phosphorylation against the Aggregation of Human Tau Fragment PHF6. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:335-345. [PMID: 36594671 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal aggregation of the microtubule-associated protein tau into intracellular fibrillary inclusions is characterized as the hallmark of tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The hexapeptide 306VQIVYK311 (PHF6) of R3 plays an important role in the aggregation of tau. Recent experimental studies reported that phosphorylation of residue tyrosine 310 (Y310) could decrease the propensity of PHF6 to form fibrils and inhibit tau aggregation. However, the underlying inhibitory mechanism is not well understood. In this work, we systematically investigated the influences of phosphorylation on the conformational ensembles and oligomerization dynamics of PHF6 by performing extensive all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our replica exchange MD simulations demonstrate that Y310 phosphorylation could effectively suppress the formation of β-structure and shift PHF6 oligomers toward coil-rich aggregates. The interaction analyses show that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions among PHF6 peptides, as well as Y310-Y310 π-π stacking and I308-Y310 CH-π interactions, are weakened by phosphorylation. Additional microsecond MD simulations show that Y310 phosphorylation could inhibit the oligomerization of PHF6 by preventing the formation of large β-sheet oligomers and multi-layer β-sheet aggregates. This study provides mechanistic insights into the phosphorylation-inhibited tau aggregation, which may be helpful for the in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zou
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 886 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Lulu Guan
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 886 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwang Tan
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 886 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Bote Qi
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 886 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
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Emerging Roles of Extracellular Vesicles in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Synaptic Dysfunction and Vesicle-Neuron Interaction. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010063. [PMID: 36611856 PMCID: PMC9818402 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered by many to be a synaptic failure. Synaptic function is in fact deeply affected in the very early disease phases and recognized as the main cause of AD-related cognitive impairment. While the reciprocal involvement of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau peptides in these processes is under intense investigation, the crucial role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by different brain cells as vehicles for these molecules and as mediators of early synaptic alterations is gaining more and more ground in the field. In this review, we will summarize the current literature on the contribution of EVs derived from distinct brain cells to neuronal alterations and build a working model for EV-mediated propagation of synaptic dysfunction in early AD. A deeper understanding of EV-neuron interaction will provide useful targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at hampering AD progression.
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Chockanathan U, Padmanabhan K. From synapses to circuits and back: Bridging levels of understanding in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5564-5586. [PMID: 35244297 PMCID: PMC10926359 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioural changes that include memory loss and cognitive decline and is associated with the appearance of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles throughout the brain. Although aspects of the disease percolate across multiple levels of neuronal organization, from the cellular to the behavioural, it is increasingly clear that circuits are a critical junction between the cellular pathology and the behavioural phenotypes that bookend these levels of analyses. In this review, we discuss critical aspects of neural circuit research, beginning with synapses and progressing to network activity and how they influence our understanding of disease processed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaysankar Chockanathan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Krishnan Padmanabhan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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8
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Zhang H, Jiang X, Ma L, Wei W, Li Z, Chang S, Wen J, Sun J, Li H. Role of Aβ in Alzheimer’s-related synaptic dysfunction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:964075. [PMID: 36092715 PMCID: PMC9459380 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.964075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction is closely related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is also recognized as synaptic disorder. β-amyloid (Aβ) is one of the main pathogenic factors in AD, which disrupts synaptic plasticity and mediates the synaptic toxicity through different mechanisms. Aβ disrupts glutamate receptors, such as NMDA and AMPA receptors, which mediates calcium dyshomeostasis and damages synapse plasticity characterized by long-term potentiation (LTP) suppression and long-term depression (LTD) enhancement. As Aβ stimulates and Ca2+ influx, microglial cells and astrocyte can be activated and release cytokines, which reduces glutamate uptake and further impair synapse function. Besides, extracellular glutamate accumulation induced by Aβ mediates synapse toxicity resulting from reduced glutamate receptors and glutamate spillovers. Aβ also mediates synaptic dysfunction by acting on various signaling pathways and molecular targets, disrupting mitochondria and energy metabolism. In addition, Aβ overdeposition aggravates the toxic damage of hyperphosphorylated tau to synapses. Synaptic dysfunction plays a critical role in cognitive impairment of AD. The review addresses the possible mechanisms by which Aβ mediates AD-related synaptic impairment from distant perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Zhang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefan Jiang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Ma
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zehui Li
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Surui Chang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Wen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Li,
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NMDA and AMPA Receptors at Synapses: Novel Targets for Tau and α-Synuclein Proteinopathies. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071550. [PMID: 35884851 PMCID: PMC9313101 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A prominent feature of neurodegenerative diseases is synaptic dysfunction and spine loss as early signs of neurodegeneration. In this context, accumulation of misfolded proteins has been identified as one of the most common causes driving synaptic toxicity at excitatory glutamatergic synapses. In particular, a great effort has been placed on dissecting the interplay between the toxic deposition of misfolded proteins and synaptic defects, looking for a possible causal relationship between them. Several studies have demonstrated that misfolded proteins could directly exert negative effects on synaptic compartments, altering either the function or the composition of pre- and post-synaptic receptors. In this review, we focused on the physiopathological role of tau and α-synuclein at the level of postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein mainly expressed by central nervous system neurons where it exerts several physiological functions. In some cases, it undergoes aberrant post-translational modifications, including hyperphosphorylation, leading to loss of function and toxic aggregate formation. Similarly, aggregated species of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein play a key role in synucleinopathies, a group of neurological conditions that includes Parkinson’s disease. Here, we discussed how tau and α-synuclein target the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory synapses and, specifically, AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors. Notably, recent studies have reported their direct functional interactions with these receptors, which in turn could contribute to the impaired glutamatergic transmission observed in many neurodegenerative diseases.
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Fan X, Xia L, Zhou Z, Qiu Y, Zhao C, Yin X, Qian W. Tau Acts in Concert With Kinase/Phosphatase Underlying Synaptic Dysfunction. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:908881. [PMID: 35711910 PMCID: PMC9196307 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.908881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by two pathological features: neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), formed by microtubule-associated protein tau, and abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ). Multiple evidence placed synaptic tau as the vital fact of AD pathology, especially at the very early stage of AD. In the present review, we discuss tau phosphorylation, which is critical for the dendritic localization of tau and synaptic plasticity. We review the related kinases and phosphatases implicated in the synaptic function of tau. We also review the synergistic effects of these kinases and phosphatases on tau-associated synaptic deficits. We aim to open a new perspective on the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liye Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chenhao Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaomin Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Qian
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Navarro-Hortal MD, Romero-Márquez JM, Osta S, Jiménez-Trigo V, Muñoz-Ollero P, Varela-López A. Natural Bioactive Products and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology: Lessons from Caenorhabditis elegans Transgenic Models. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10020028. [PMID: 35645249 PMCID: PMC9149938 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-dependent, progressive disorder affecting millions of people. Currently, the therapeutics for AD only treat the symptoms. Although they have been used to discover new products of interest for this disease, mammalian models used to investigate the molecular determinants of this disease are often prohibitively expensive, time-consuming and very complex. On the other hand, cell cultures lack the organism complexity involved in AD. Given the highly conserved neurological pathways between mammals and invertebrates, Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful tool for the investigation of the pathophysiology of human AD. Numerous models of both Tau- and Aβ-induced toxicity, the two prime components observed to correlate with AD pathology and the ease of performing RNA interference for any gene in the C. elegans genome, allow for the identification of multiple therapeutic targets. The effects of many natural products in main AD hallmarks using these models suggest promising health-promoting effects. However, the way in which they exert such effects is not entirely clear. One of the reasons is that various possible therapeutic targets have not been evaluated in many studies. The present review aims to explore shared therapeutical targets and the potential of each of them for AD treatment or prevention.
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Caamaño-Moreno M, Gargini R. Tauopathies: the role of tau in cellular crosstalk and synaptic dysfunctions. Neuroscience 2022; 518:38-53. [PMID: 35272005 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.02.034] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases among which are many of the most prevalent and with higher incidence worldwide, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the World Health Organization, this set of diseases will continue to increase their incidence, affecting millions of people by 2050. All of them are characterized by aberrant aggregation of tau protein in neurons and glia that are distributed in different brain regions according to their susceptibility. Numerous studies reveal that synaptic regulation not only has a neuronal component, but glia plays a fundamental role in it beyond its neuroinflammatory role. Despite this, it has not been emphasized how the glial inclusions of tau in this cell type directly affect this and many other essential functions, whose alterations have been related to the development of tauopathies. In this way, this review shows how tau inclusions in glia influence the synaptic dysfunctions that result in the cognitive symptoms characteristic of tauopathies. Thus, the mechanisms affected by inclusions in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes are unraveled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Caamaño-Moreno
- Instituto de investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gargini
- Instituto de investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Neurooncology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III-UFIEC, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
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Zou Y, Guan L. Unraveling the Influence of K280 Acetylation on the Conformational Features of Tau Core Fragment: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:801577. [PMID: 34966788 PMCID: PMC8710698 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.801577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal aggregation of the microtubule-associated protein Tau is closely associated with tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The hexapeptide 275VQIINK280 (PHF6*), a fibril-nucleating core motif of Tau, has been shown to play a vital role in the aggregation of Tau. Mounting experiment evidence demonstrated the acetylation of a single-lysine residue K280 in the PHF6* was a critical event for the formation of pathological Tau amyloid deposits. However, the underlying mechanisms by which K280 acetylation affects Tau aggregation at the atomic level remain elusive. In this work, we performed replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the influence of acetylation of K280 on the aggregation of PHF6*. Our simulations show that acetylation of K280 not only enhances the self-assembly capability of PHF6* peptides but also increases the β-sheet structure propensity of the PHF6*. The inter-molecular interactions among PHF6* peptides are strengthened by the acetylation of K280, resulting in an increased ordered β-sheet-rich conformations of the PHF6* assemblies along with a decrease of the structural diversity. The residue-pairwise contact frequency analysis shows that K280 acetylation increases the interactions among the hydrophobic chemical groups from PHF6* peptides, which promotes the aggregation of PHF6*. This study offers mechanistic insights into the effects of acetylation on the aggregation of PHF6*, which will be helpful for an in-depth understanding of the relationship between acetylation and Tau aggregation at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zou
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lulu Guan
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Wu M, Zhang M, Yin X, Chen K, Hu Z, Zhou Q, Cao X, Chen Z, Liu D. The role of pathological tau in synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:45. [PMID: 34753506 PMCID: PMC8579533 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline, accompanied by amyloid-β (Aβ) overload and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation in the brain. Synaptic dysfunction, an important pathological hallmark in AD, is recognized as the main cause of the cognitive impairments. Accumulating evidence suggests that synaptic dysfunction could be an early pathological event in AD. Pathological tau, which is detached from axonal microtubules and mislocalized into pre- and postsynaptic neuronal compartments, is suggested to induce synaptic dysfunction in several ways, including reducing mobility and release of presynaptic vesicles, decreasing glutamatergic receptors, impairing the maturation of dendritic spines at postsynaptic terminals, disrupting mitochondrial transport and function in synapses, and promoting the phagocytosis of synapses by microglia. Here, we review the current understanding of how pathological tau mediates synaptic dysfunction and contributes to cognitive decline in AD. We propose that elucidating the mechanism by which pathological tau impairs synaptic function is essential for exploring novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moxin Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China.,Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Manqing Zhang
- Medical College of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Xiaoping Yin
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Xianming Cao
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China. .,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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15
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Matsumoto S, Tsunematsu T. Association between Sleep, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's Disease. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1127. [PMID: 34827122 PMCID: PMC8614785 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The majority of neurodegenerative diseases are pathologically associated with protein misfolding and aggregation. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of dementia that slowly affects memory and cognitive function, and is characterized by the aggregation of the β-amyloid protein and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder typically resulting in rigidity and tremor, which is pathologically linked to the aggregation of α-synuclein, particularly in dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Sleep disorders commonly occur in AD and PD patients, and it can precede the onset of these diseases. For example, cognitively normal older individuals who have highly fragmented sleep had a 1.5-fold increased risk of subsequently developing AD. This suggests that sleep abnormalities may be a potential biomarker of these diseases. In this review, we describe the alterations of sleep in AD and PD, and discuss their potential in the early diagnosis of these diseases. We further discuss whether sleep disturbance could be a target for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumire Matsumoto
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Division, Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan;
| | - Tomomi Tsunematsu
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Division, Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan;
- Super-Network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan
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16
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a deterioration of neuronal connectivity. The pathological accumulation of tau in neurons is one of the hallmarks of AD and has been connected to the loss of dendritic spines of pyramidal cells, which are the major targets of cortical excitatory synapses and key elements in memory storage. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the loss of dendritic spines in individuals with AD are still unclear. Here, we used graph-theory approaches to compare the distribution of dendritic spines from neurons with and without tau pathology of AD individuals. We found that the presence of tau pathology determines the loss of dendritic spines in clusters, ruling out alternative models where spine loss occurs at random locations. Since memory storage has been associated with synaptic clusters, the present results provide a new insight into the mechanisms by which tau drives synaptic damage in AD, paving the way to memory deficits through alterations of spine organization.
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17
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Garcez ML, Cassoma RCS, Mina F, Bellettini-Santos T, da Luz AP, Schiavo GL, Medeiros EB, Campos ACBF, da Silva S, Rempel LCT, Steckert AV, Barichello T, Budni J. Folic acid prevents habituation memory impairment and oxidative stress in an aging model induced by D-galactose. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:213-224. [PMID: 33219893 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00647-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of folic acid treatment in an animal model of aging induced by D-galactose (D-gal). For this propose, adult male Wistar rats received D-gal intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) and/or folic acid orally (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. D-gal caused habituation memory impairment, and folic acid (10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) reversed this effect. However, folic acid 50 mg/kg per se caused habituation memory impairment. D-gal increased the lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to proteins in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus from rats. Folic acid (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 50 mg/kg) partially reversed the oxidative damage to lipids in the hippocampus, but not in the prefrontal cortex, and reversed protein oxidative damage in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. D-gal induced synaptophysin and BCL-2 decrease in the hippocampus and phosphorylated tau increase in the prefrontal cortex. Folic acid was able to reverse these D-gal-related alterations in the protein content. The present study shows folic acid supplementation as an alternative during the aging to prevent cognitive impairment and brain alterations that can cause neurodegenerative diseases. However, additional studies are necessary to elucidate the effect of folic acid in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lima Garcez
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Chiengo Sapalo Cassoma
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Francielle Mina
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Tatiani Bellettini-Santos
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Aline Pereira da Luz
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Luis Schiavo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Behenck Medeiros
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Brunatto Falchetti Campos
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Sabrina da Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Lisienny Campoli Tono Rempel
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Amanda Valnier Steckert
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Barichello
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathophysiology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Josiane Budni
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil.
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18
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Marquez A, Guernsey LS, Frizzi KE, Cundiff M, Constantino I, Muttalib N, Arenas F, Zhou X, Lim SH, Ferdousi M, Ponirakis G, Silverdale M, Kobylecki C, Jones M, Marshall A, Malik RA, Jolivalt CG. Tau associated peripheral and central neurodegeneration: Identification of an early imaging marker for tauopathy. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 151:105273. [PMID: 33482356 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological hyperphosphorylated tau is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Using transgenic mice overexpressing human non-mutated tau (htau mice), we assessed the contribution of tau to peripheral and central neurodegeneration. Indices of peripheral small and large fiber neuropathy and learning and memory performances were assessed at 3 and 6 months of age. Overexpression of human tau is associated with peripheral neuropathy at 6 months of age. Our study also provides evidence that non-mutated tau hyperphosphorylation plays a critical role in memory deficits. In addition, htau mice had reduced stromal corneal nerve length with preservation of sub-basal corneal nerves, consistent with a somatofugal degeneration. Corneal nerve degeneration occurred prior to any cognitive deficits and peripheral neuropathy. Stromal corneal nerve loss was observed in patients with FTD but not AD. Corneal confocal microscopy may be used to identify early neurodegeneration and differentiate FTD from AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucie S Guernsey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Katie E Frizzi
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Morgan Cundiff
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | | | - Nabeel Muttalib
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Fernanda Arenas
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Xiajun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Sze Hway Lim
- Department of Neurology, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Monty Silverdale
- Department of Neurology, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher Kobylecki
- Department of Neurology, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Jones
- Department of Neurology, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Salford Royal Hospital, National Health Service Foundation Trust, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar and Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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19
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Li Y, Wen G, Ding R, Ren X, Jing C, Liu L, Yao J, Zhang G, Lu Y, Li B, Wu X. Effects of Single-Dose and Long-Term Ketamine Administration on Tau Phosphorylation-Related Enzymes GSK-3β, CDK5, PP2A, and PP2B in the Mouse Hippocampus. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:2068-2076. [PMID: 32705526 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01613-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine is a recreational drug that causes emotional and cognitive impairments, but its specific mechanisms of action are still unclear. Recent evidence suggests that Tau protein phosphorylation and targeted delivery to the postsynaptic area are closely related to its neurotoxicity, and our recent studies have shown that long-term ketamine administration causes excessive Tau protein phosphorylation. However, the regulatory mechanism of Tau protein phosphorylation induced by ketamine has not been clarified. In the present study, we administered a single ketamine injection and long-term (6 months) ketamine injections in C57BL/6 mice, to investigate the effects of different doses of ketamine on the expression levels of Tau protein and its phosphorylation, the expression levels and activities of the related protein phosphokinases GSK-3β and CDK5, and the expression levels and activities of the related protein phosphatases PP2A and PP2B in the mouse hippocampus. Our results showed that both single-dose and long-term ketamine administration induced excessive phosphorylation of the Tau protein at ser202/thr205 and ser396. A single ketamine administration caused an increase in the activity of GSK-3β (at high doses) and a decrease in the activity of PP2A. On the other hand, long-term ketamine administration resulted in an increase in the activities of GSK-3β (at high doses) and CDK5, and a decrease in the activity of PP2A. Our results indicate that GSK-3β, CDK5, and PP2A may be involved in ketamine-induced Tau protein phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Gehua Wen
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Runtao Ding
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinghua Ren
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenchen Jing
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baoman Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xu Wu
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Kang SG, Eskandari-Sedighi G, Hromadkova L, Safar JG, Westaway D. Cellular Biology of Tau Diversity and Pathogenic Conformers. Front Neurol 2020; 11:590199. [PMID: 33304310 PMCID: PMC7693435 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.590199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau accumulation is a prominent feature in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders and remarkable effort has been expended working out the biochemistry and cell biology of this cytoplasmic protein. Tau's wayward properties may derive from germline mutations in the case of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-MAPT) but may also be prompted by less understood cues—perhaps environmental or from molecular damage as a consequence of chronological aging—in the case of idiopathic tauopathies. Tau properties are undoubtedly affected by its covalent structure and in this respect tau protein is not only subject to changes in length produced by alternative splicing and endoproteolysis, but different types of posttranslational modifications that affect different amino acid residues. Another layer of complexity concerns alternate conformations—“conformers”—of the same covalent structures; in vivo conformers can encompass soluble oligomeric species, ramified fibrillar structures evident by light and electron microscopy and other forms of the protein that have undergone liquid-liquid phase separation to make demixed liquid droplets. Biological concepts based upon conformers have been charted previously for templated replication mechanisms for prion proteins built of the PrP polypeptide; these are now providing useful explanations to feature tau pathobiology, including how this protein accumulates within cells and how it can exhibit predictable patterns of spread across different neuroanatomical regions of an affected brain. In sum, the documented, intrinsic heterogeneity of tau forms and conformers now begins to speak to a fundamental basis for diversity in clinical presentation of tauopathy sub-types. In terms of interventions, emphasis upon subclinical events may be worthwhile, noting that irrevocable cell loss and ramified protein assemblies feature at end-stage tauopathy, whereas earlier events may offer better opportunities for diverting pathogenic processes. Nonetheless, the complexity of tau sub-types, which may be present even within intermediate disease stages, likely mitigates against one-size-fits-all therapeutic strategies and may require a suite of interventions. We consider the extent to which animal models of tauopathy can be reasonably enrolled in the campaign to produce such interventions and to slow the otherwise inexorable march of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Gyun Kang
- Center for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Lenka Hromadkova
- Department of Neurology and Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jiri G Safar
- Department of Neurology and Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - David Westaway
- Center for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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21
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Alyenbaawi H, Allison WT, Mok SA. Prion-Like Propagation Mechanisms in Tauopathies and Traumatic Brain Injury: Challenges and Prospects. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1487. [PMID: 33121065 PMCID: PMC7692808 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of tau protein in the form of filamentous aggregates is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). These dementias share traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a prominent risk factor. Tau aggregates can transfer between cells and tissues in a "prion-like" manner, where they initiate the templated misfolding of normal tau molecules. This enables the spread of tau pathology to distinct parts of the brain. The evidence that tauopathies spread via prion-like mechanisms is considerable, but work detailing the mechanisms of spread has mostly used in vitro platforms that cannot fully reveal the tissue-level vectors or etiology of progression. We review these issues and then briefly use TBI and CTE as a case study to illustrate aspects of tauopathy that warrant further attention in vivo. These include seizures and sleep/wake disturbances, emphasizing the urgent need for improved animal models. Dissecting these mechanisms of tauopathy progression continues to provide fresh inspiration for the design of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel Alyenbaawi
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada; (H.A.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - W. Ted Allison
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada; (H.A.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Sue-Ann Mok
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada; (H.A.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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22
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Keramidis I, Vourkou E, Papanikolopoulou K, Skoulakis EMC. Functional Interactions of Tau Phosphorylation Sites That Mediate Toxicity and Deficient Learning in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:569520. [PMID: 33192295 PMCID: PMC7609872 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.569520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylated Tau protein is the main component of the neurofibrillary tangles, characterizing degenerating neurons in Alzheimer’s disease and other Tauopathies. Expression of human Tau protein in Drosophila CNS results in increased toxicity, premature mortality and learning and memory deficits. Herein we use novel transgenic lines to investigate the contribution of specific phosphorylation sites previously implicated in Tau toxicity. These three different sites, Ser238, Thr245, and Ser262 were tested either by blocking their phosphorylation, by Ser/Thr to Ala substitution, or pseudophosphorylation, by changing Ser/Thr to Glu. We validate the hypothesis that phosphorylation at Ser262 is necessary for Tau-dependent learning deficits and a “facilitatory gatekeeper” to Ser238 occupation, which is linked to Tau toxicity. Importantly we reveal that phosphorylation at Thr245 acts as a “suppressive gatekeeper”, preventing phosphorylation of many sites including Ser262 and consequently of Ser238. Therefore, we elucidate novel interactions among phosphosites central to Tau mediated neuronal dysfunction and toxicity, likely driven by phosphorylation-dependent conformational plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Keramidis
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece
| | - Ergina Vourkou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece.,1st Department of Neurology, Memory and Movement Disorders Clinic, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece
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23
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Corsetti V, Borreca A, Latina V, Giacovazzo G, Pignataro A, Krashia P, Natale F, Cocco S, Rinaudo M, Malerba F, Florio R, Ciarapica R, Coccurello R, D’Amelio M, Ammassari-Teule M, Grassi C, Calissano P, Amadoro G. Passive immunotherapy for N-truncated tau ameliorates the cognitive deficits in two mouse Alzheimer's disease models. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa039. [PMID: 32954296 PMCID: PMC7425324 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and neuropathological studies have shown that tau pathology better correlates with the severity of dementia than amyloid plaque burden, making tau an attractive target for the cure of Alzheimer's disease. We have explored whether passive immunization with the 12A12 monoclonal antibody (26-36aa of tau protein) could improve the Alzheimer's disease phenotype of two well-established mouse models, Tg2576 and 3xTg mice. 12A12 is a cleavage-specific monoclonal antibody which selectively binds the pathologically relevant neurotoxic NH226-230 fragment (i.e. NH2htau) of tau protein without cross-reacting with its full-length physiological form(s). We found out that intravenous administration of 12A12 monoclonal antibody into symptomatic (6 months old) animals: (i) reaches the hippocampus in its biologically active (antigen-binding competent) form and successfully neutralizes its target; (ii) reduces both pathological tau and amyloid precursor protein/amyloidβ metabolisms involved in early disease-associated synaptic deterioration; (iii) improves episodic-like type of learning/memory skills in hippocampal-based novel object recognition and object place recognition behavioural tasks; (iv) restores the specific up-regulation of the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein involved in consolidation of experience-dependent synaptic plasticity; (v) relieves the loss of dendritic spine connectivity in pyramidal hippocampal CA1 neurons; (vi) rescues the Alzheimer's disease-related electrophysiological deficits in hippocampal long-term potentiation at the CA3-CA1 synapses; and (vii) mitigates the neuroinflammatory response (reactive gliosis). These findings indicate that the 20-22 kDa NH2-terminal tau fragment is crucial target for Alzheimer's disease therapy and prospect immunotherapy with 12A12 monoclonal antibody as safe (normal tau-preserving), beneficial approach in contrasting the early Amyloidβ-dependent and independent neuropathological and cognitive alterations in affected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Borreca
- Humanitas University Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paraskevi Krashia
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Natale
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cocco
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rinaudo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rita Florio
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Coccurello
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute for Complex Systems (ISC), CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D’Amelio
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Grassi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)–National Research Council (CNR), 00133 Rome, Italy
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24
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Fan L, Mao C, Hu X, Zhang S, Yang Z, Hu Z, Sun H, Fan Y, Dong Y, Yang J, Shi C, Xu Y. New Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurol 2020; 10:1312. [PMID: 31998208 PMCID: PMC6965067 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly and the most prevalent cause of dementia, is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. The prevalence of AD continues to increase worldwide, becoming a great healthcare challenge of the twenty-first century. In the more than 110 years since AD was discovered, many related pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed, and the most recognized hypotheses are the amyloid and tau hypotheses. However, almost all clinical trials targeting these mechanisms have not identified any effective methods to treat AD. Scientists are gradually moving away from the simple assumption, as proposed in the original amyloid hypothesis, to new theories of pathogenesis, including gamma oscillations, prion transmission, cerebral vasoconstriction, growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1α (GHSR1α)-mediated mechanism, and infection. To place these findings in context, we first reviewed the neuropathology of AD and further discussed new insights in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Fan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengyuan Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinchao Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhengwei Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huifang Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yali Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changhe Shi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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25
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Amadoro G, Latina V, Corsetti V, Calissano P. N-terminal tau truncation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD): Developing a novel diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165584. [PMID: 31676377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Tau truncation occurs at early stages during the development of human Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathy dementias. Tau cleavage, particularly in its N-terminal projection domain, is able to drive per se neurodegeneration, regardless of its pro-aggregative pathway(s) and in fragment(s)-dependent way. In this short review, we highlight the pathological relevance of the 20-22 kDa NH2-truncated tau fragment which is endowed with potent neurotoxic "gain-of-function" action(s), both in vitro and in vivo. An extensive comment on its clinical value as novel progression/diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in the context of tau-mediated neurodegeneration is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - V Latina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Corsetti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - P Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
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26
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Ju IG, Kim N, Choi JG, Lee JK, Oh MS. Cuscutae Japonicae Semen Ameliorates Memory Dysfunction by Rescuing Synaptic Damage in Alzheimer's Disease Models. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11112591. [PMID: 31661844 PMCID: PMC6893468 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in the elderly. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and progressive cognitive impairment. To alleviate the symptoms of AD, functional foods and nutrients have been used for centuries. In this study, we investigated whether Cuscutae Japonicae Semen (CJS), a medicinal food traditionally used in East Asia, has effects on memory improvement and synapse protection in AD. We orally administered CJS to 5x familiar AD (5xFAD) transgenic mice and performed the Morris water maze test. The results showed that CJS treatment ameliorated the decline of memory function. Then, we demonstrated that CJS attenuated the degeneration of pre- and post-synaptic proteins in the hippocampi of 5xFAD mice. To demonstrate the effects of CJS in vitro, we treated Aβ in primary neuronal culture with CJS and observed that CJS rescued the loss of functional synapses. The protective effects of CJS on the synapse were due to the inhibition of activated caspase-3 expression. Additionally, CJS inhibited the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and tau proteins, which contribute to synaptic dysfunction. Taken together, our results suggest that CJS is efficient in alleviating memory loss by rescuing caspase-3-mediated synaptic damage in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Gyoung Ju
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Namkwon Kim
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Jin Gyu Choi
- BK21 PLUS Integrated Education and Research Center for Nature-inspired Drug Development Targeting Healthy Aging, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Jong Kil Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Myung Sook Oh
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy and Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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27
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Li Y, Ding R, Ren X, Wen G, Dong Z, Yao H, Tan Y, Yu H, Wang X, Zhan X, Yao J, Lu Y, Zhang G, Wu X. Long-term ketamine administration causes Tau protein phosphorylation and Tau protein-dependent AMPA receptor reduction in the hippocampus of mice. Toxicol Lett 2019; 315:107-115. [PMID: 31470060 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As a recreational drug of abuse and an injectable anesthetic, ketamine has been shown to cause cognitive dysfunction and induce psychotic states. Although the specific mechanism is still unclear, it may be linked to synaptic receptors, including the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor. Recent evidence suggests that Tau protein phosphorylation and targeted delivery to the postsynaptic area is involved in maintaining neuronal plasticity, indicating that the neurotoxicity induced by ketamine may be related to the transfer of Tau protein after phosphorylation. In this study, we established a model of long-term (6 months) ketamine administration in wild-type (C57BL/6) and Tau knockout mice to investigate the effects of different doses of ketamine administration on Tau protein expression and phosphorylation in the mouse hippocampus. We also investigated changes in AMPA receptor expression in the synaptic membrane of wild-type and Tau knockout mice. Our results showed that long-term ketamine administration led to excessive Tau protein phosphorylation at Ser202/Thr205 and Ser396, but not at Ser199, Ser262 and Ser404. Most importantly, long-term ketamine administration decreased AMPA receptor levels in the hippocampal cell membrane in a Tau protein-dependent manner. Our results reveal the role of Tau protein phosphorylation in the mechanism of ketamine neurotoxicity, suggesting that the changes of membrane AMPA receptor and synaptic function induced by ketamine are mediated by abnormal phosphorylation of Tau protein at specific sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Runtao Ding
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Xinghua Ren
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Gehua Wen
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Zhibin Dong
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Hui Yao
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Yaqing Tan
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Hao Yu
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Xiaoni Zhan
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Yan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry in Congenital Malformation, the Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
| | - Xu Wu
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
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28
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The neuroprotection of liraglutide on diabetic cognitive deficits is associated with improved hippocampal synapses and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Life Sci 2019; 231:116566. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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29
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Martini AC, Forner S, Trujillo-Estrada L, Baglietto-Vargas D, LaFerla FM. Past to Future: What Animal Models Have Taught Us About Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 64:S365-S378. [PMID: 29504540 DOI: 10.3233/jad-179917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) impairs memory and causes significant cognitive deficits. The disease course is prolonged, with a poor prognosis, and thus exacts an enormous economic and social burden. Over the past two decades, genetically engineered mouse models have proven indispensable for understanding AD pathogenesis, as well as for discovering new therapeutic targets. Here we highlight significant studies from our laboratory that have helped advance the AD field by elucidating key pathogenic processes operative in AD and exploring a variety of aspects of the disease which may yield novel therapeutic strategies for combatting this burdensome disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra C Martini
- Institute for Memory Impairments andNeurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stefania Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments andNeurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Laura Trujillo-Estrada
- Institute for Memory Impairments andNeurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - David Baglietto-Vargas
- Institute for Memory Impairments andNeurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments andNeurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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30
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Trujillo‐Estrada L, Nguyen C, da Cunha C, Cai L, Forner S, Martini AC, Ager RR, Prieto GA, Cotman CW, Baglietto‐Vargas D, LaFerla FM. Tau underlies synaptic and cognitive deficits for type 1, but not type 2 diabetes mouse models. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12919. [PMID: 30809950 PMCID: PMC6516168 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most devastating diseases that currently affects the aging population. Recent evidence indicates that DM is a risk factor for many brain disorders, due to its direct effects on cognition. New findings have shown that the microtubule-associated protein tau is pathologically processed in DM; however, it remains unknown whether pathological tau modifications play a central role in the cognitive deficits associated with DM. To address this question, we used a gain-of-function and loss-of-function approach to modulate tau levels in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) mouse models. Our study demonstrates that tau differentially contributes to cognitive and synaptic deficits induced by DM. On one hand, overexpressing wild-type human tau further exacerbates cognitive and synaptic impairments induced by T1DM, as human tau mice treated under T1DM conditions show robust deficits in learning and memory processes. On the other hand, neither a reduction nor increase in tau levels affects cognition in T2DM mice. Together, these results shine new light onto the different molecular mechanisms that underlie the cognitive and synaptic impairments associated with T1DM and T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillo‐Estrada
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Cassidy Nguyen
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Celia da Cunha
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Lena Cai
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Stefania Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Alessandra C. Martini
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Rahasson R. Ager
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Gilberto Aleph Prieto
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Carl W. Cotman
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
- Department of Neurobiology and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - David Baglietto‐Vargas
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
- Department of Neurobiology and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
| | - Frank M. LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
- Department of Neurobiology and BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCalifornia
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31
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Rankovic M, Zweckstetter M. Upregulated levels and pathological aggregation of abnormally phosphorylated Tau-protein in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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32
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Crimins JL, Puri R, Calakos KC, Yuk F, Janssen WGM, Hara Y, Rapp PR, Morrison JH. Synaptic distributions of pS214-tau in rhesus monkey prefrontal cortex are associated with spine density, but not with cognitive decline. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:856-873. [PMID: 30408169 PMCID: PMC6333519 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Female rhesus monkeys and women are subject to age- and menopause-related deficits in working memory, an executive function mediated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Long-term cyclic administration of 17β-estradiol improves working memory, and restores highly plastic axospinous synapses within layer III dlPFC of aged ovariectomized monkeys. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that synaptic distributions of tau protein phosphorylated at serine 214 (pS214-tau) are altered with age or estradiol treatment, and couple to working memory performance. First, ovariectormized young and aged monkeys received vehicle or estradiol treatment, and were tested on the delayed response (DR) test of working memory. Serial section electron microscopic immunocytochemistry was then performed to quantitatively assess the subcellular synaptic distributions of pS214-tau. Overall, the majority of synapses contained pS214-tau immunogold particles, which were predominantly localized to the cytoplasm of axon terminals. pS214-tau was also abundant within synaptic and cytoplasmic domains of dendritic spines. The density of pS214-tau immunogold within the active zone, cytoplasmic, and plasmalemmal domains of axon terminals, and subjacent to the postsynaptic density within the subsynaptic domains of dendritic spines, were each reduced with age. None of the variables examined were directly linked to cognitive status, but a high density of pS214-tau immunogold particles within presynaptic cytoplasmic and plasmalemmal domains, and within postsynaptic subsynaptic and plasmalemmal domains, accompanied high synapse density. Together, these data support a possible physiological, rather than pathological, role for pS214-tau in the modulation of synaptic morphology in monkey dlPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L. Crimins
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Rishi Puri
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Katina C. Calakos
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Frank Yuk
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - William G. M. Janssen
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Yuko Hara
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Peter R. Rapp
- National Institute on Aging, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - John H. Morrison
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA 95616
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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33
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Castellani RJ, Perry G. Tau Biology, Tauopathy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Diagnostic Challenges. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 67:447-467. [PMID: 30584140 PMCID: PMC6398540 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the pathobiology of tau protein, given its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Tau is an important microtubule associated protein, required for the assembly of tubulin into microtubules and maintaining structural integrity of axons. Tau has other diverse cellular functions involving signal transduction, cellular proliferation, developmental neurobiology, neuroplasticity, and synaptic activity. Alternative splicing results in tau isoforms with differing microtubule binding affinity, differing representation in pathological inclusions in certain disease states, and differing roles in developmental biology and homeostasis. Tau haplotypes confer differing susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Tau phosphorylation is a normal metabolic process, critical in controlling tau's binding to microtubules, and is ongoing within the brain at all times. Tau may be hyperphosphorylated, and may aggregate as detectable fibrillar deposits in tissues, in both aging and neurodegenerative disease. The hypothesis that p-tau is neurotoxic has prompted constructs related to isomers, low-n assembly intermediates or oligomers, and the "tau prion". Human postmortem studies have elucidated broad patterns of tauopathy, with tendencies for those patterns to differ as a function of disease phenotype. However, there is extensive overlap, not only between genuine neurodegenerative diseases, but also between aging and disease. Recent studies highlight uniqueness to pathological patterns, including a pattern attributed to repetitive head trauma, although clinical correlations have been elusive. The diagnostic process for tauopathies and neurodegenerative diseases in general is challenging in many respects, and may be particularly problematic for postmortem evaluation of former athletes and military service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy J. Castellani
- Departments of Pathology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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34
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Tang M, Harrison J, Deaton CA, Johnson GVW. Tau Clearance Mechanisms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1184:57-68. [PMID: 32096028 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9358-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Efficient quality control mechanisms are essential for a healthy, functional neuron. Recognition and degradation of misfolded, damaged, or potentially toxic proteins, is a crucial aspect of protein quality control. Tau is a protein that is highly expressed in neurons, and plays an important role in modulating a number of physiological processes. Maintaining appropriate levels of tau is key for neuronal health; hence perturbations in tau clearance mechanisms are likely significant contributors to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. In this chapter we will first briefly review the two primary degradative mechanisms that mediate tau clearance: the proteasome system and the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This will be followed by a discussion about what is known about the contribution of each of these pathways to tau clearance. We will also present recent findings on tau degradation through the endolysosomal system. Further, how deficits in these degradative systems may contribute to the accumulation of dysfunctional or toxic forms of tau in neurodegenerative conditions is considered.
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35
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Tapia-Rojas C, Cabezas-Opazo F, Deaton CA, Vergara EH, Johnson GVW, Quintanilla RA. It's all about tau. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 175:54-76. [PMID: 30605723 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tau is a protein that is highly enriched in neurons and was originally defined by its ability to bind and stabilize microtubules. However, it is now becoming evident that the functions of tau extend beyond its ability to modulate microtubule dynamics. Tau plays a role in mediating axonal transport, synaptic structure and function, and neuronal signaling pathways. Although tau plays important physiological roles in neurons, its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, and most prominently in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD), has directed the majority of tau studies. However, a thorough knowledge of the physiological functions of tau and its post-translational modifications under normal conditions are necessary to provide the foundation for understanding its role in pathological settings. In this review, we will focus on human tau, summarizing tau structure and organization, as well as its posttranslational modifications associated with physiological processes. We will highlight possible mechanisms involved in mediating the turnover of tau and finally discuss newly elucidated tau functions in a physiological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheril Tapia-Rojas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabian Cabezas-Opazo
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carol A Deaton
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Erick H Vergara
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en Adolescentes (CIIA), Santiago, Chile.
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36
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Postsynaptic p47phox regulates long-term depression in the hippocampus. Cell Discov 2018; 4:44. [PMID: 30181899 PMCID: PMC6110736 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well documented that reactive oxygen species (ROS) affects neurodegeneration in the brain. Several studies also implicate ROS in the regulation of synapse function and learning and memory processes, although the precise source of ROS generation within these contexts remains to be further explored. Here we show that postsynaptic superoxide generation through PKCζ-activated NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) is critical for long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission in the CA1-Shaffer collateral synapse of the rat hippocampus. Specifically, PKCζ-dependent phosphorylation of p47phox at serine 316, a NOX2 regulatory subunit, is required for LTD but is not necessary for long-term potentiation (LTP). Our data suggest that postsynaptic p47phox phosphorylation at serine 316 is a key upstream determinant for LTD and synapse weakening.
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Fricker M, Tolkovsky AM, Borutaite V, Coleman M, Brown GC. Neuronal Cell Death. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:813-880. [PMID: 29488822 PMCID: PMC5966715 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00011.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 684] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal cell death occurs extensively during development and pathology, where it is especially important because of the limited capacity of adult neurons to proliferate or be replaced. The concept of cell death used to be simple as there were just two or three types, so we just had to work out which type was involved in our particular pathology and then block it. However, we now know that there are at least a dozen ways for neurons to die, that blocking a particular mechanism of cell death may not prevent the cell from dying, and that non-neuronal cells also contribute to neuronal death. We review here the mechanisms of neuronal death by intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, oncosis, necroptosis, parthanatos, ferroptosis, sarmoptosis, autophagic cell death, autosis, autolysis, paraptosis, pyroptosis, phagoptosis, and mitochondrial permeability transition. We next explore the mechanisms of neuronal death during development, and those induced by axotomy, aberrant cell-cycle reentry, glutamate (excitoxicity and oxytosis), loss of connected neurons, aggregated proteins and the unfolded protein response, oxidants, inflammation, and microglia. We then reassess which forms of cell death occur in stroke and Alzheimer's disease, two of the most important pathologies involving neuronal cell death. We also discuss why it has been so difficult to pinpoint the type of neuronal death involved, if and why the mechanism of neuronal death matters, the molecular overlap and interplay between death subroutines, and the therapeutic implications of these multiple overlapping forms of neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fricker
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales , Australia ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom ; Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences , Kaunas , Lithuania ; and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Aviva M Tolkovsky
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales , Australia ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom ; Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences , Kaunas , Lithuania ; and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Vilmante Borutaite
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales , Australia ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom ; Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences , Kaunas , Lithuania ; and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Michael Coleman
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales , Australia ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom ; Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences , Kaunas , Lithuania ; and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Guy C Brown
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales , Australia ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom ; Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences , Kaunas , Lithuania ; and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
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AD-Related N-Terminal Truncated Tau Is Sufficient to Recapitulate In Vivo the Early Perturbations of Human Neuropathology: Implications for Immunotherapy. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:8124-8153. [PMID: 29508283 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The NH2tau 26-44 aa (i.e., NH2htau) is the minimal biologically active moiety of longer 20-22-kDa NH2-truncated form of human tau-a neurotoxic fragment mapping between 26 and 230 amino acids of full-length protein (htau40)-which is detectable in presynaptic terminals and peripheral CSF from patients suffering from AD and other non-AD neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, whether its exogenous administration in healthy nontransgenic mice is able to elicit a neuropathological phenotype resembling human tauopathies has not been yet investigated. We explored the in vivo effects evoked by subchronic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of NH2htau or its reverse counterpart into two lines of young (2-month-old) wild-type mice (C57BL/6 and B6SJL). Six days after its accumulation into hippocampal parenchyma, significant impairment in memory/learning performance was detected in NH2htau-treated group in association with reduced synaptic connectivity and neuroinflammatory response. Compromised short-term plasticity in paired-pulse facilitation paradigm (PPF) was detected in the CA3/CA1 synapses from NH2htau-impaired animals along with downregulation in calcineurin (CaN)-stimulated pCREB/c-Fos pathway(s). Importantly, these behavioral, synaptotoxic, and neuropathological effects were independent from the genetic background, occurred prior to frank neuronal loss, and were specific because no alterations were detected in the control group infused with its reverse counterpart. Finally, a 2.0-kDa peptide which biochemically and immunologically resembles the injected NH2htau was endogenously detected in vivo, being present in hippocampal synaptosomal preparations from AD subjects. Given that the identification of the neurotoxic tau species is mandatory to develop a more effective tau-based immunological approach, our evidence can have important translational implications for cure of human tauopathies.
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Xu AH, Yang Y, Sun YX, Zhang CD. Exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor attenuates cognitive impairment induced by okadaic acid in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:2173-2181. [PMID: 30323150 PMCID: PMC6199930 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.241471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and a typical pathological change in Alzheimer's disease is neurofibrillary tangles caused by hyperphosphorylation of tau. An in vivo model of Alzheimer's disease was developed by injecting okadaic acid (2 μL) and exogenous BDNF (2 μL) into the hippocampi of adult male Wister rats. Spatial learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze. The expression levels of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), PP2Ac-Yp307, p-tau (Thr231), and p-tau (Ser396/404) were detected by western blot assay. The expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, and synaptophysin mRNA were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results indicated that BDNF expression was suppressed in the hippocampus of OA-treated rats, which resulted in learning and memory deficits. Intra-hippocampal injection of BDNF attenuated this OA-induced cognitive impairment. Finally, our findings indicated an involvement of the PI3K/GSK-3β/AKT pathway in the mechanism of BDNF in regulating cognitive function. These results indicate that BDNF has beneficial effect on Alzheimer's disease, and highlight the potential of BDNF as a drug target for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Hua Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yong-Xin Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao-Dong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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40
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Florenzano F, Veronica C, Ciasca G, Ciotti MT, Pittaluga A, Olivero G, Feligioni M, Iannuzzi F, Latina V, Maria Sciacca MF, Sinopoli A, Milardi D, Pappalardo G, Marco DS, Papi M, Atlante A, Bobba A, Borreca A, Calissano P, Amadoro G. Extracellular truncated tau causes early presynaptic dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Oncotarget 2017; 8:64745-64778. [PMID: 29029390 PMCID: PMC5630290 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The largest part of tau secreted from AD nerve terminals and released in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is C-terminally truncated, soluble and unaggregated supporting potential extracellular role(s) of NH2 -derived fragments of protein on synaptic dysfunction underlying neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we show that sub-toxic doses of extracellular-applied human NH2 tau 26-44 (aka NH 2 htau) -which is the minimal active moiety of neurotoxic 20-22kDa peptide accumulating in vivo at AD synapses and secreted into parenchyma- acutely provokes presynaptic deficit in K+ -evoked glutamate release on hippocampal synaptosomes along with alteration in local Ca2+ dynamics. Neuritic dystrophy, microtubules breakdown, deregulation in presynaptic proteins and loss of mitochondria located at nerve endings are detected in hippocampal cultures only after prolonged exposure to NH 2 htau. The specificity of these biological effects is supported by the lack of any significant change, either on neuronal activity or on cellular integrity, shown by administration of its reverse sequence counterpart which behaves as an inactive control, likely due to a poor conformational flexibility which makes it unable to dynamically perturb biomembrane-like environments. Our results demonstrate that one of the AD-relevant, soluble and secreted N-terminally truncated tau forms can early contribute to pathology outside of neurons causing alterations in synaptic activity at presynaptic level, independently of overt neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Institute of Physics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo F Vito 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Neuroscience, CNR, IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Viale Cembrano, Italy
| | - Gunedalina Olivero
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Viale Cembrano, Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Cura Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Danilo Milardi
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Catania, Italy
| | | | - De Spirito Marco
- Institute of Physics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo F Vito 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Institute of Physics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo F Vito 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Atlante
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, CNR, Bari, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, Italy
| | - Antonella Bobba
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, CNR, Bari, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, Italy
| | - Antonella Borreca
- Institute of Cellular Biology and Neuroscience, CNR, IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
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Lee JK, Kim NJ. Recent Advances in the Inhibition of p38 MAPK as a Potential Strategy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22081287. [PMID: 28767069 PMCID: PMC6152076 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22081287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a crucial target for chronic inflammatory diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, as well as neurodegeneration, and there is no known cure. Recent studies on the underlying biology of AD in cellular and animal models have indicated that p38 MAPK is capable of orchestrating diverse events related to AD, such as tau phosphorylation, neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. Thus, the inhibition of p38 MAPK is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of AD. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the targeting of p38 MAPK as a potential strategy for the treatment of AD and envision possibilities of p38 MAPK inhibitors as a fundamental therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Kil Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Nam-Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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42
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Forner S, Baglietto-Vargas D, Martini AC, Trujillo-Estrada L, LaFerla FM. Synaptic Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease: A Dysregulated Symphony. Trends Neurosci 2017; 40:347-357. [PMID: 28494972 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and devastating neurodegeneration, not only as a result of the extracellular accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and intracellular accumulation of tau, but also as a consequence of the dysfunction and loss of synapses. Although significant advances have been made in our understanding of the relationship of the pathological role of Aβ and tau in synapse dysfunction, several questions remain as to how Aβ and tau interdependently cause impairments in synaptic function in AD. Overall, more insight into these questions should enable researchers in this field to develop novel therapeutic targets to mitigate or delay the cognitive deficits associated with this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - David Baglietto-Vargas
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Alessandra C Martini
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Laura Trujillo-Estrada
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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43
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Yi JH, Brown C, Whitehead G, Piers T, Lee YS, Perez CM, Regan P, Whitcomb DJ, Cho K. Glucocorticoids activate a synapse weakening pathway culminating in tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Pharmacol Res 2017; 121:42-51. [PMID: 28416463 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that the stress hormones glucocorticoids (GCs) can cause cognitive deficits and neurodegeneration. Previous studies have found GCs facilitate physiological synapse weakening, termed long-term depression (LTD), though the precise mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. Here we show that GCs activate glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a kinase crucial to synapse weakening signals. Critically, this ultimately leads to phosphorylation of the microtubule associated protein tau, specifically at the serine 396 residue, and this is a causal factor in the GC-mediated impairment of synaptic function. These findings reveal the link between GCs and synapse weakening signals, and the potential for stress-induced priming of neurodegeneration. This could have important implications for our understanding of how stress can lead to neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Hyun Yi
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Brown
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; Chonnam-Bristol Frontier Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 501-757, South Korea
| | - Garry Whitehead
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Piers
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; Chonnam-Bristol Frontier Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 501-757, South Korea; Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Young Seok Lee
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Celia Martinez Perez
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Regan
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Whitcomb
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Kwangwook Cho
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
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