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Sirwani N, Hedtke SM, Grant K, McColl G, Grant WN. Levels of Amyloid Beta ( Aβ) Expression in the Caenorhabditis elegans Neurons Influence the Onset and Severity of Neuronally Mediated Phenotypes. Cells 2024; 13:1598. [PMID: 39329779 DOI: 10.3390/cells13181598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the formation of neuronal extracellular senile plaques composed of aggregates of fibrillar amyloid β (Aβ) peptides, with the Aβ1-42 peptide being the most abundant species. These Aβ peptides have been proposed to contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease; however, there are few tools available to test this hypothesis directly. In particular, there are no data that establish a dose-response relationship between Aβ peptide expression level and disease. We have generated a panel of transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strains expressing the human Aβ1-42 peptide under the control of promoter regions of two pan-neuronal expressed genes, snb-1 and rgef-1. Phenotypic data show strong age-related defects in motility, subtle changes in chemotaxis, reduced median and maximum lifespan, changes in health span indicators, and impaired learning. The Aβ1-42 expression level of these strains differed as a function of promoter identity and transgene copy number, and the timing and severity of phenotypes mediated by Aβ1-42 were strongly positively correlated with expression level. The pan-neuronal expression of varying levels of human Aβ1-42 in a nematode model provides a new tool to investigate the in vivo toxicity of neuronal Aβ expression and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying AD progression in the absence of endogenous Aβ peptides. More importantly, it allows direct quantitative testing of the dose-response relationship between neuronal Aβ peptide expression and disease for the first time. These strains may also be used to develop screens for novel therapeutics to treat Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sirwani
- Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Shannon M Hedtke
- Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Kirsten Grant
- Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Gawain McColl
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Warwick N Grant
- Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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Wu M, Li Y, Miao Y, Qiao H, Wang Y. Exploring the efficient natural products for Alzheimer's disease therapy via Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) models. J Drug Target 2023; 31:817-831. [PMID: 37545435 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2245582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a grievous neurodegenerative disorder and a major form of senile dementia, which is partially caused by abnormal amyloid-beta peptide deposition and Tau protein phosphorylation. But until now, the exact pathogenesis of AD and its treatment strategy still need to investigate. Fortunately, natural products have shown potential as therapeutic agents for treating symptoms of AD due to their neuroprotective activity. To identify the excellent lead compounds for AD control from natural products of herbal medicines, as well as, detect their modes of action, suitable animal models are required. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) is an important model for studying genetic and cellular biological pathways in complex biological processes. Various Drosophila AD models were broadly used for AD research, especially for the discovery of neuroprotective natural products. This review focused on the research progress of natural products in AD disease based on the fruit fly AD model, which provides a reference for using the invertebrate model in developing novel anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaodong Miao
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanhuan Qiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiwen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Insulin and Its Key Role for Mitochondrial Function/Dysfunction and Quality Control: A Shared Link between Dysmetabolism and Neurodegeneration. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060943. [PMID: 35741464 PMCID: PMC9220302 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Insulin was discovered and isolated from the beta cells of pancreatic islets of dogs and is associated with the regulation of peripheral glucose homeostasis. Insulin produced in the brain is related to synaptic plasticity and memory. Defective insulin signaling plays a role in brain dysfunction, such as neurodegenerative disease. Growing evidence suggests a link between metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). This association is due to a common state of insulin resistance (IR) and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review takes a journey into the past to summarize what was known about the physiological and pathological role of insulin in peripheral tissues and the brain. Then, it will land in the present to analyze the insulin role on mitochondrial health and the effects on insulin resistance and neurodegenerative diseases that are IR-dependent. Specifically, we will focus our attention on the quality control of mitochondria (MQC), such as mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial biogenesis, and selective autophagy (mitophagy), in healthy and altered cases. Finally, this review will be projected toward the future by examining the most promising treatments that target the mitochondria to cure neurodegenerative diseases associated with metabolic disorders.
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Shalaby MA, Nounou HA, Deif MM. The potential value of capsaicin in modulating cognitive functions in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer’s disease. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-019-0094-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Deshpande P, Gogia N, Singh A. Exploring the efficacy of natural products in alleviating Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1321-1329. [PMID: 30964049 PMCID: PMC6524497 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.253509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (hereafter AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. There are multiple factors that cause AD, viz., accumulation of extracellular Amyloid-beta 42 plaques, intracellular hyper-phosphorylated Tau tangles, generation of reactive oxygen species due to mitochondrial dysfunction and genetic mutations. The plaques and tau tangles trigger aberrant signaling, which eventually cause cell death of the neurons. As a result, there is shrinkage of brain, cognitive defects, behavioral and psychological problems. To date, there is no direct cure for AD. Thus, scientists have been testing various strategies like screening for the small inhibitor molecule library or natural products that may block or prevent onset of AD. Historically, natural products have been used in many cultures for the treatment of various diseases. The research on natural products have gained importance as the active compounds extracted from them have medicinal values with reduced side effects, and they are bioavailable. The natural products may target the proteins or members of signaling pathways that get altered in specific diseases. Many natural products are being tested in various animal model systems for their role as a potential therapeutic target for AD, and to address questions about how these natural products can rescue AD or other neurodegenerative disorders. Some of these products are in clinical trials and results are promising because of their neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-amyloidogenic, anticholinesterase activities and easy availability. This review summarizes the use of animal model systems to identify natural products, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neha Gogia
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Biology; Premedical Program; Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton (TREND); The Integrative Science and Engineering Center; Center for Genomic Advocacy (TCGA), Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA
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Morsy A, Trippier PC. Current and Emerging Pharmacological Targets for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 72:S145-S176. [PMID: 31594236 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
No cure or disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has yet been realized. However, a multitude of pharmacological targets have been identified for possible engagement to enable drug discovery efforts for AD. Herein, we review these targets comprised around three main therapeutic strategies. First is an approach that targets the main pathological hallmarks of AD: amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles which primarily focuses on reducing formation and aggregation, and/or inducing their clearance. Second is a strategy that modulates neurotransmitter signaling. Comprising this strategy are the cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockade treatments that are clinically approved for the symptomatic treatment of AD. Additional targets that aim to stabilize neuron signaling through modulation of neurotransmitters and their receptors are also discussed. Finally, the third approach comprises a collection of 'sensitive targets' that indirectly influence Aβ or tau accumulation. These targets are proteins that upon Aβ accumulation in the brain or direct Aβ-target interaction, a modification in the target's function is induced. The process occurs early in disease progression, ultimately causing neuronal dysfunction. This strategy aims to restore normal target function to alleviate Aβ-induced toxicity in neurons. Overall, we generally limit our analysis to targets that have emerged in the last decade and targets that have been validated using small molecules in in vitro and/or in vivo models. This review is not an exhaustive list of all possible targets for AD but serves to highlight the most promising and critical targets suitable for small molecule drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
- UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Picone P, Sabatino MA, Ditta LA, Amato A, San Biagio PL, Mulè F, Giacomazza D, Dispenza C, Di Carlo M. Nose-to-brain delivery of insulin enhanced by a nanogel carrier. J Control Release 2017; 270:23-36. [PMID: 29196041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidences suggest that insulin delivery to the brain can be an important pharmacological therapy for some neurodegenerative pathologies, including Alzheimer disease (AD). Due to the presence of the Blood Brain Barrier, a suitable carrier and an appropriate route of administration are required to increase the efficacy and safety of the treatment. Here, poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)-based nanogels (NG), synthetized by e-beam irradiation, alone and with covalently attached insulin (NG-In) were characterized for biocompatibility and brain delivery features in a mouse model. Preliminarily, the biodistribution of the "empty" nanocarrier after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection was investigated by using a fluorescent-labeled NG. By fluorescence spectroscopy, SEM and dynamic light scattering analyses we established that urine clearance occurs in 24h. Histological liver and kidneys inspections indicated that no morphological alterations of tissues occurred and no immunological response was activated after NG injection. Furthermore, after administration of the insulin-conjugated nanogels (NG-In) through the intranasal route (i.n.) no alteration or immunogenic response of the nasal mucosa was observed, suggesting that the formulation is well tolerated in mouse. Moreover, an enhancement of NG-In delivery to the different brain areas and of its biological activity, measured as Akt activation levels, with reference to free insulin administration was demonstrated. Taken together, these results indicate that the synthesized NG-In enhances brain insulin delivery upon i.n. administration and strongly encourage its further evaluation as therapeutic agent against some neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Picone
- Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare (IBIM), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Sabatino
- Dipartimento dell'Innovazione Industriale e Digitale (DIID), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorena Anna Ditta
- Dipartimento dell'Innovazione Industriale e Digitale (DIID), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Amato
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi San Biagio
- Istituto di Biofisica (IBF), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Flavia Mulè
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Giacomazza
- Istituto di Biofisica (IBF), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Clelia Dispenza
- Dipartimento dell'Innovazione Industriale e Digitale (DIID), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy; Istituto di Biofisica (IBF), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Marta Di Carlo
- Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare (IBIM), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
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Sadigh-Eteghad S, Sabermarouf B, Majdi A, Talebi M, Farhoudi M, Mahmoudi J. Amyloid-beta: a crucial factor in Alzheimer's disease. Med Princ Pract 2014; 24:1-10. [PMID: 25471398 PMCID: PMC5588216 DOI: 10.1159/000369101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia which affects people older than 60 years of age. In AD, the dysregulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) level leads to the appearance of senile plaques which contain Aβ depositions. Aβ is a complex biological molecule which interacts with many types of receptors and/or forms insoluble assemblies and, eventually, its nonphysiological depositions alternate with the normal neuronal conditions. In this situation, AD signs appear and the patients experience marked cognitional disabilities. In general, intellect, social skills, personality, and memory are influenced by this disease and, in the long run, it leads to a reduction in quality of life and life expectancy. Due to the pivotal role of Aβ in the pathobiology of AD, a great deal of effort has been made to reveal its exact role in neuronal dysfunctions and to finding efficacious therapeutic strategies against its adverse neuronal outcomes. Hence, the determination of its different molecular assemblies and the mechanisms underlying its pathological effects are of interest. In the present paper, some of the well-established structural forms of Aβ, its interactions with various receptors and possible molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying its neurotoxicity are discussed. In addition, several Aβ-based rodent models of AD are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Javad Mahmoudi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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