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Kumar S, Akhila PV, Suchiang K. Hesperidin ameliorates Amyloid-β toxicity and enhances oxidative stress resistance and lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through acr-16 mediated activation of the autophagy pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 209:366-380. [PMID: 37913913 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.10.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in aged populations. Aberrant amyloid-beta accumulation is a common pathological feature in AD patients. Dysfunction of autophagy and impairment of α7nAChR functioning are associated with enhanced amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation in AD patients. Hesperidin, a flavone glycoside found primarily in citrus species, is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of hesperidin as an antiaging and anti-Aβ phytochemical were unclear. In this study, we found that hesperidin upregulates the acr-16 expression level in C. elegans as evidenced by increased GFP-tagged ACR-16 and GFP-tagged pmyo-3:ACR-16 expression in muscle and ventral nerve cord. Further, hesperidin upregulates the autophagy genes in wild-type N2, evident by increased GFP-tagged LGG-1 foci. However, hesperidin failed to upregulate the autophagy genes level in acr-16 mutant worms that suggests autophagy activation is mediated through acr-16. In addition, hesperidin showed antiaging and anti-oxidative effects, as evidenced by positive changes in different markers necessary for health span and lifespan. Additionally, hesperidin could upregulate acr-16 and autophagy genes (lgg-1 & bec-1) and ameliorates Aβ-induced toxicity as observed with reduce ROS accumulation, paralysis rate, and enhanced lifespan even in worms AD model CL4176 and CL2006 strain. Our finding suggests that hesperidin significantly enhances oxidative stress resistance, prolongs the lifespan, and protects against Aβ-induced toxicity in C. elegans. Thus, acr-16 mediated autophagy and antioxidation is associated with anti-aging and anti-Aβ effect of hesperidin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
| | - P V Akhila
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Kitlangki Suchiang
- Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793022, India.
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Wang C, Zheng C. Using Caenorhabditis elegans to Model Therapeutic Interventions of Neurodegenerative Diseases Targeting Microbe-Host Interactions. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875349. [PMID: 35571084 PMCID: PMC9096141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from both clinical studies and animal models indicates the importance of the interaction between the gut microbiome and the brain in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Although how microbes modulate neurodegeneration is still mostly unclear, recent studies have started to probe into the mechanisms for the communication between microbes and hosts in NDs. In this review, we highlight the advantages of using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to disentangle the microbe-host interaction that regulates neurodegeneration. We summarize the microbial pro- and anti-neurodegenerative factors identified using the C. elegans ND models and the effects of many are confirmed in mouse models. Specifically, we focused on the role of bacterial amyloid proteins, such as curli, in promoting proteotoxicity and neurodegeneration by cross-seeding the aggregation of endogenous ND-related proteins, such as α-synuclein. Targeting bacterial amyloid production may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating NDs, and several compounds, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), were shown to suppress neurodegeneration at least partly by inhibiting curli production. Because bacterial amyloid fibrils contribute to biofilm formation, inhibition of amyloid production often leads to the disruption of biofilms. Interestingly, from a list of 59 compounds that showed neuroprotective effects in C. elegans and mouse ND models, we found that about half of them are known to inhibit bacterial growth or biofilm formation, suggesting a strong correlation between the neuroprotective and antibiofilm activities. Whether these potential therapeutics indeed protect neurons from proteotoxicity by inhibiting the cross-seeding between bacterial and human amyloid proteins awaits further investigations. Finally, we propose to screen the long list of antibiofilm agents, both FDA-approved drugs and novel compounds, for their neuroprotective effects and develop new pharmaceuticals that target the gut microbiome for the treatment of NDs. To this end, the C. elegans ND models can serve as a platform for fast, high-throughput, and low-cost drug screens that target the microbe-host interaction in NDs.
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Sadananda G, Velmurugan JD, Subramaniam JR. DMSO Delays Alzheimer Disease Causing Aβ-induced Paralysis in C. elegans Through Modulation of Glutamate/Acetylcholine Neurotransmission. Ann Neurosci 2021; 28:55-64. [PMID: 34733055 PMCID: PMC8558977 DOI: 10.1177/09727531211046369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disease with
progressive dementia and neurotransmission (NT)-dysfunction-related
complications in older adults, is known to be caused by abnormal Amyloid-β
(Aβ) peptide and associated amyloid plaques in the brain. Drugs to cure AD
are not in sight. Two major excitatory neurotransmitters, glutamate (Glu)
and acetylcholine (ACh), and their signaling systems are implicated in
AD. Objective: To determine the effect of various NT-altering compounds including fenobam,
quisqualic acid, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the protection against Aβ
toxicity. Further, to identify the potential mechanism through which the
protection happens. Methods: The well-known C. elegans AD model, CL4176, in which human
Aβ expression is turned on upon a temperature shift to 25 °C that leads to
paralysis, was screened for protection/delay in paralysis because of Αβ
toxicity. While screening the compounds, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a
universal solvent used to solubilize compounds, was identified to provide
protection. Aldicarb and levamisole assays were performed to identify the
contribution of ACh neurotransmission in Αβ toxicity protection by DMSO. Results: One percent and two percent DMSO delayed paralysis by 48% and 90%,
respectively. DMSO was dominant over one of the Glu-NT pathway-related
compounds, Fenobam-Group I mGluR antagonist. But DMSO provided only 30% to
50% protection against Quisqualic acid, the Glu-agonist. DMSO (2%) delayed
ACh-NT, both presynaptic acetylcholine esterase inhibitor (AchEi)-aldicarb
and postsynaptic-iAChR-agonst-levamisole induced paralysis, by ∼70% in
CL4176. DMSO seems to be altering Ca2+ ion permeability essential
for NT as EthyleneDiamine Tetra-Acetic acid (EDTA) and DMSO provided similar
aldicarb resistance either combined or alone in wildtype worms. But
postsynaptic Ca2+ depletion by EDTA could reverse DMSO-induced
levamisole hypersensitivity. Surprisingly, the absence of FOrkhead boXO
(FOXO) transcription factor homolog, daf-16
(loss-of-function mutant), a critical transcription factor in the reduced
IIS-mediated longevity in C. elegans, abolished
DMSO-mediated AldR. Conclusion: DMSO and Fenobam protect against Aβ toxicity through modulation of NT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Sadananda
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Janaki Devi Velmurugan
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jamuna R Subramaniam
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Metformin activates chaperone-mediated autophagy and improves disease pathologies in an Alzheimer disease mouse model. Protein Cell 2021; 12:769-787. [PMID: 34291435 PMCID: PMC8464644 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-021-00858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a lysosome-dependent selective degradation pathway implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms that regulate CMA are not fully understood. Here, using unbiased drug screening approaches, we discover Metformin, a drug that is commonly the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes, can induce CMA. We delineate the mechanism of CMA induction by Metformin to be via activation of TAK1-IKKα/β signaling that leads to phosphorylation of Ser85 of the key mediator of CMA, Hsc70, and its activation. Notably, we find that amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) is a CMA substrate and that it binds to Hsc70 in an IKKα/β-dependent manner. The inhibition of CMA-mediated degradation of APP enhances its cytotoxicity. Importantly, we find that in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), activation of CMA by Hsc70 overexpression or Metformin potently reduces the accumulated brain Aβ plaque levels and reverses the molecular and behavioral AD phenotypes. Our study elucidates a novel mechanism of CMA regulation via Metformin-TAK1-IKKα/β-Hsc70 signaling and suggests Metformin as a new activator of CMA for diseases, such as AD, where such therapeutic intervention could be beneficial.
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Lee SY, Hur SJ. Mechanisms of Neuroprotective Effects of Peptides Derived from Natural Materials and Their Production and Assessment. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:923-935. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yun Lee
- Dept. of Animal Science and TechnologyChung‐Ang Univ. 4726 Seodong‐daero, Daedeok‐myeon Anseong‐si Gyeonggi 17546 Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jin Hur
- Dept. of Animal Science and TechnologyChung‐Ang Univ. 4726 Seodong‐daero, Daedeok‐myeon Anseong‐si Gyeonggi 17546 Republic of Korea
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Ma L, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Cheng B, Peng A, Huang K. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for target identification and drug screening against neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 819:169-180. [PMID: 29208474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been widely used as a model system because of its small size, transparent body, short generation time and lifespan (~3 days and 3 weeks, respectively), completely sequenced genome and tractability to genetic manipulation. Protein misfolding and aggregation are key pathological features in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Animal models, including C. elegans, have been extensively used to discover and validate new drugs against neurodegenerative diseases. The well-defined and genetically tractable nervous system of C. elegans offers an effective model to explore basic mechanistic pathways of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent progress in high-throughput drug screening also provides a powerful approach for identifying chemical modulators of biological processes. Here, we summarize the latest progress of using C. elegans as a model system for target identification and drug screening in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yudan Zhao
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Biao Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China
| | - Anlin Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Center for Biomedicine Research, Wuhan Institute of Biotechnology, Wuhan 430075, China.
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7
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Brito AF, Fajemiroye JO, Neri HFS, Silva DM, Silva DPB, Sanz G, Vaz BG, de Carvalho FS, Ghedini PC, Lião LM, Menegatti R, Costa EA. Anxiolytic-like effect of 2-(4-((1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethan-1-ol is mediated through the benzodiazepine and nicotinic pathways. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:432-442. [PMID: 28160425 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we proposed the design, synthesis of a new compound 2-(4-((1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (LQFM032), and pharmacological evaluation of its anxiolytic-like effect. This new compound was subjected to pharmacological screening referred to as Irwin test, prior to sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep, open-field and wire tests. The anxiolytic-like effect of this compound was evaluated using elevated plus maze and light-dark box tests. In addition, the mnemonic activity was evaluated through step-down test. In sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep test, LQFM032 decreased latency and increased duration of sleep. In the open-field test, LQFM032 altered behavioral parameter, that suggested anxiolytic-like activity, as increased in crossings and time spent at the center of open field. In the plus maze test and light-dark box test, the LQFM032 showed anxiolytic-like activity, increased entries and time spent on open arms, and increased in number of transitions and time spent on light area, respectively. Those effects was antagonized by flumazenil but not with 1-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-4-(4-phthalimidobutyl)piperazine (NAN-190). The LQFM032 did not alter mnemonic activity. Moreover, the anxiolytic-like activity of LQFM032 was antagonized by mecamylamine. In summary, LQFM032 showed benzodiazepine and nicotinic pathways mediated anxiolytic-like activity without altering the mnemonic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane F Brito
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - James O Fajemiroye
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Hiasmin F S Neri
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Dayane M Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Daiany P B Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Germán Sanz
- Chemistry Institute, Laboratory of Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Boniek G Vaz
- Chemistry Institute, Laboratory of Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo C Ghedini
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Luciano M Lião
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Menegatti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Elson A Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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8
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Quan X, Yue W, Luo Y, Cao J, Wang H, Wang Y, Lu Z. The protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 regulates Aβ-induced toxicity in human cells and Caenorhabditis elegans
models of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2015; 134:969-77. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Quan
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Wenhui Yue
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Yunfeng Luo
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Jianwei Cao
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
| | - Zhongbing Lu
- College of Life Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Science; Beijing China
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9
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Luo Y, Yue W, Quan X, Wang Y, Zhao B, Lu Z. Asymmetric dimethylarginine exacerbates Aβ-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in human cell and Caenorhabditis elegans models of Alzheimer disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 79:117-26. [PMID: 25499850 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests a strong association between cardiovascular risk factors and incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, has been identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor and is also increased in plasma of patients with AD. However, whether ADMA is involved in the pathogenesis of AD is unknown. In this study, we found that ADMA content was increased in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans β-amyloid (Aβ) overexpression model, strain CL2006, and in human SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing the Swedish mutant form of human Aβ precursor protein (APPsw). Moreover, ADMA treatment exacerbated Aβ-induced paralysis and oxidative stress in CL2006 worms and further elevated oxidative stress and Aβ secretion in APPsw cells. Knockdown of type 1 protein arginine N-methyltransferase to reduce ADMA production failed to show a protective effect against Aβ toxicity, but resulted in more paralysis in CL2006 worms as well as increased oxidative stress and Aβ secretion in APPsw cells. However, overexpression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) to promote ADMA degradation significantly attenuated oxidative stress and Aβ secretion in APPsw cells. Collectively, our data support the hypothesis that elevated ADMA contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Our findings suggest that strategies to increase DDAH1 activity in neuronal cells may be a novel approach to attenuating AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Luo
- College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenhui Yue
- College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin Quan
- College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baolu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhongbing Lu
- College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China.
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10
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Gao J, Adam BL, Terry AV. Evaluation of nicotine and cotinine analogs as potential neuroprotective agents for Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:1472-8. [PMID: 24581918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The currently available therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related forms of dementia are limited by modest efficacy, adverse side effects, and the fact that they do not prevent the relentless progression of the illness. The purpose of the studies described here was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the nicotine metabolite cotinine as well as a small series of cotinine and nicotine analogs (including stereoisomers) and to compare their effects to the four clinically prescribed AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CB-3545, Georgia Regents University, 1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, United States
| | - Bao-Ling Adam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CB-3545, Georgia Regents University, 1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, United States
| | - Alvin V Terry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CB-3545, Georgia Regents University, 1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, United States.
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11
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Posadas I, López-Hernández B, Ceña V. Nicotinic receptors in neurodegeneration. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:298-314. [PMID: 24179465 PMCID: PMC3648781 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x11311030005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have focused on expanding our knowledge of the structure and diversity of peripheral and central nicotinic receptors. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are members of the Cys-loop superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels, which include GABA (A and C), serotonin, and glycine receptors. Currently, 9 alpha (α2-α10) and 3 beta (β2-β4) subunits have been identified in the central nervous system (CNS), and these subunits assemble to form a variety of functional nAChRs. The pentameric combination of several alpha and beta subunits leads to a great number of nicotinic receptors that vary in their properties, including their sensitivity to nicotine, permeability to calcium and propensity to desensitize. In the CNS, nAChRs play crucial roles in modulating presynaptic, postsynaptic, and extrasynaptic signaling, and have been found to be involved in a complex range of CNS disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), schizophrenia, Tourette´s syndrome, anxiety, depression and epilepsy. Therefore, there is growing interest in the development of drugs that modulate nAChR functions with optimal benefits and minimal adverse effects. The present review describes the main characteristics of nAChRs in the CNS and focuses on the various compounds that have been tested and are currently in phase I and phase II trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including PD, AD and age-associated memory and mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Posadas
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath. CSIC-Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas. Albacete, Spain and CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
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12
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Martinez-Finley EJ, Chakraborty S, Caito S, Fretham S, Aschner M. C. elegans and Neurodegeneration In Caenorhabditis Elegans: Anatomy, Life Cycles and Biological Functions. ADVANCES IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 44:1-46. [PMID: 32346495 PMCID: PMC7188451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ebany J. Martinez-Finley
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sudipta Chakraborty
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sam Caito
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Stephanie Fretham
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Michael Aschner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- The Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Reserpine modulates neurotransmitter release to extend lifespan and alleviate age-dependent Aβ proteotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Exp Gerontol 2011; 47:188-97. [PMID: 22212533 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a debilitating process often associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD occurs at a very high incidence posing a huge burden to the society. Model organisms such as C. elegans become essential to understand aging or lifespan extension - the etiology, molecular mechanism and identification of new drugs against age associated diseases. The AD model, manifesting Aβ proteotoxicity, in C. elegans is well established and has provided valuable insights. Earlier, we have reported that Reserpine, an FDA-approved antihypertensive drug, increases C. elegans lifespan with a high quality of life and ameliorates Aβ toxicity in C. elegans. But reserpine does not seem to act through the known lifespan extension pathways or inhibition of its known target, vesicular monoamine transporter, VMAT. Reserpine's mode of action and the pathways it activates are not known. Here, we have evaluated the presynaptic neurotransmitter(s) release pathway and identified acetylcholine (ACh) as the crucial player for reserpine's action. The corroborating evidences are: i) lack of lifespan extension in the ACh loss of function (hypomorphic) - synthesis (cha-1) and transport (unc-17) mutants; ii) mitigation of chronic aldicarb effect; iii) lifespan extension in dopamine (cat-2) and dopamine and serotonin (bas-1) biosynthetic mutants; iv) no rescue from exogenous serotonin induced paralysis in the AD model worms; upon reserpine treatment. Thus, modulation of acetylcholine is essential for reserpine's action.
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14
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Terry AV, Decker MW. Neurobiology of nAChRs and cognition: a mini review of Dr. Jerry J. Buccafusco's contributions over a 25 year career. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:883-90. [PMID: 21684265 PMCID: PMC3162099 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights some of the many contributions of the late Dr. Jerry J. Buccafusco to the neurobiology of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and cognition over a 25 year period. The article is written by two of Dr. Buccafusco's professional colleagues, one from academia and one from the pharmaceutical industry. While Dr. Buccafusco's expertise in the cholinergic field was extensive, his insights into the practical relevance of his work (with a long-term goal of formulating new drug development strategies) were unique, and a great asset to both the basic science community and pharmaceutical companies. In 1988, Dr. Buccafusco's laboratory was the first to report the cognitive enhancing action of low doses of nicotine in non-human primates. Since that time he studied a large number of novel pro-cognitive agents from several pharmacological classes in rodents as well as monkeys. Based on years of observing paradoxical effects of nicotinic ligands in vitro and in vivo, Dr. Buccafusco made the provocative argument that it might be possible to develop new chemical entities (with pro-cognitive actions) that have the ability to desensitize nAChRs without producing an antecedent agonist action. Some of his more recent work focused on development of single molecular entities that act on multiple CNS targets (including nAChRs) to enhance cognition, provide neuroprotection, and/or provide additional therapeutic actions (e.g., antipsychotic effects). Dr. Buccafusco's influence will live on in the work of the numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty that he mentored over the years who now serve in prestigious positions throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin V Terry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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