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Yao Y, Muench M, Alle T, Zhang B, Lucero B, Perez‐Tremble R, McGrosso D, Newman M, Gonzalez DJ, Lee VM, Ballatore C, Brunden KR. A small-molecule microtubule-stabilizing agent safely reduces Aβ plaque and tau pathology in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:4540-4558. [PMID: 38884283 PMCID: PMC11247666 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intraneuronal inclusions composed of tau protein are found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Tau normally binds microtubules (MTs), and its disengagement from MTs and misfolding in AD is thought to result in MT abnormalities. We previously identified triazolopyrimidine-containing MT-stabilizing compounds that provided benefit in AD mouse models and herein describe the characterization and efficacy testing of an optimized candidate, CNDR-51997. METHODS CNDR-51997 underwent pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, safety pharmacology, and mouse tolerability testing. In addition, the compound was examined for efficacy in 5XFAD amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque mice and PS19 tauopathy mice. RESULTS CNDR-51997 significantly reduced Aβ plaques in 5XFAD mice and tau pathology in PS19 mice, with the latter also showing attenuated axonal dystrophy and gliosis. CNDR-51997 was well tolerated at doses that exceeded efficacy doses, with a good safety pharmacology profile. DISCUSSION CNDR-51997 may be a candidate for advancement as a potential therapeutic agent for AD and/or other tauopathies. Highlights There is evidence of microtubule alterations (MT) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain and in mouse models of AD pathology. Intermittent dosing with an optimized, brain-penetrant MT-stabilizing small-molecule, CNDR-51997, reduced both Aβ plaque and tau inclusion pathology in established mouse models of AD. CNDR-51997 attenuated axonal dystrophy and gliosis in a tauopathy mouse model, with a strong trend toward reduced hippocampal neuron loss. CNDR-51997 is well tolerated in mice at doses that are meaningfully greater than required for efficacy in AD mouse models, and the compound has a good safety pharmacology profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemang Yao
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease ResearchPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Megan Muench
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease ResearchPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Thibault Alle
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease ResearchPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Bobby Lucero
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Roxanne Perez‐Tremble
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease ResearchPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dominic McGrosso
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mira Newman
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease ResearchPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - David J. Gonzalez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Virginia M.‐Y. Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease ResearchPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kurt R. Brunden
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease ResearchPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Singh H, Das A, Khan MM, Pourmotabbed T. New insights into the therapeutic approaches for the treatment of tauopathies. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1020-1026. [PMID: 37862204 PMCID: PMC10749630 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, which involve progressive neurodegeneration, cognitive deficits, and aberrant tau protein accumulation. The development of tauopathies cannot currently be stopped or slowed down by treatment measures. Given the significant contribution of tau burden in primary tauopathies and the strong association between pathogenic tau accumulation and cognitive deficits, there has been a lot of interest in creating therapies that can alleviate tau pathology and render neuroprotective effects. Recently, small molecules, immunotherapies, and gene therapy have been used to reduce the pathological tau burden and prevent neurodegeneration in animal models of tauopathies. However, the major pitfall of the current therapeutic approach is the difficulty of drugs and gene-targeting modalities to cross the blood-brain barrier and their unintended side effects. In this review, the current therapeutic strategies used for tauopathies including the use of oligonucleotide-based gene therapy approaches that have shown a promising result for the treatment of tauopathies and Alzheimer's disease in preclinical animal models, have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshi Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Delhi, India
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Asmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Moshahid Khan
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for Muscle, Metabolism and Neuropathology, Division of Regenerative and Rehabilitation Sciences and Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tayebeh Pourmotabbed
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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3
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Dan L, Zhang Z. Alzheimer's disease: an axonal injury disease? Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1264448. [PMID: 37927337 PMCID: PMC10620718 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1264448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia and is anticipated to impose a substantial economic burden in the future. Over a significant period, the widely accepted amyloid cascade hypothesis has guided research efforts, and the recent FDA approval of an anti- amyloid-beta (Aβ) protofibrils antibody, believed to decelerate AD progression, has further solidified its significance. However, the excessive emphasis placed on the amyloid cascade hypothesis has overshadowed the physiological nature of Aβ and tau proteins within axons. Axons, specialized neuronal structures, sustain damage during the early stages of AD, exerting a pivotal influence on disease progression. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the relationship between axonal damage and AD pathology, amalgamating the physiological roles of Aβ and tau proteins, along with the impact of AD risk genes such as APOE and TREM2. Furthermore, we underscore the exceptional significance of axonal damage in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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4
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Zhao X, Zeng W, Xu H, Sun Z, Hu Y, Peng B, McBride JD, Duan J, Deng J, Zhang B, Kim SJ, Zoll B, Saito T, Sasaguri H, Saido TC, Ballatore C, Yao H, Wang Z, Trojanowski JQ, Brunden KR, Lee VMY, He Z. A microtubule stabilizer ameliorates protein pathogenesis and neurodegeneration in mouse models of repetitive traumatic brain injury. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabo6889. [PMID: 37703352 PMCID: PMC10787216 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo6889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Tau pathogenesis is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the events leading to initial tau misfolding and subsequent tau spreading in patient brains are largely unknown, traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be a risk factor for tau-mediated neurodegeneration. Using a repetitive TBI (rTBI) paradigm, we report that rTBI induced somatic accumulation of phosphorylated and misfolded tau, as well as neurodegeneration across multiple brain areas in 7-month-old tau transgenic PS19 mice but not wild-type (WT) mice. rTBI accelerated somatic tau pathology in younger PS19 mice and WT mice only after inoculation with tau preformed fibrils and AD brain-derived pathological tau (AD-tau), respectively, suggesting that tau seeds are needed for rTBI-induced somatic tau pathology. rTBI further disrupted axonal microtubules and induced punctate tau and TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology in the optic tracts of WT mice. These changes in the optic tract were associated with a decline of visual function. Treatment with a brain-penetrant microtubule-stabilizing molecule reduced rTBI-induced tau, TDP-43 pathogenesis, and neurodegeneration in the optic tract as well as visual dysfunction. Treatment with the microtubule stabilizer also alleviated rTBI-induced tau pathology in the cortices of AD-tau-inoculated WT mice. These results indicate that rTBI facilitates abnormal microtubule organization, pathological tau formation, and neurodegeneration and suggest microtubule stabilization as a potential therapeutic avenue for TBI-induced neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhao
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zihan Sun
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingxin Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Beibei Peng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jennifer D McBride
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jiangtao Duan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Juan Deng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Soo-Jung Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bryan Zoll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory of Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sasaguri
- Laboratory of Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory of Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Haishan Yao
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhaoyin Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhuohao He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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5
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Eteläinen TS, Silva MC, Uhari-Väänänen JK, De Lorenzo F, Jäntti MH, Cui H, Chavero-Pieres M, Kilpeläinen T, Mechtler C, Svarcbahs R, Seppälä E, Savinainen JR, Puris E, Fricker G, Gynther M, Julku UH, Huttunen HJ, Haggarty SJ, Myöhänen TT. A prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor reduces tau pathology in cellular models and in mice with tauopathy. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq2915. [PMID: 37043557 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq2915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, higher-order aggregates, and tau filaments. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major tau dephosphorylating phosphatase, and a decrease in its activity has been demonstrated in tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. Prolyl oligopeptidase is a serine protease that is associated with neurodegeneration, and its inhibition normalizes PP2A activity without toxicity under pathological conditions. Here, we assessed whether prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition could protect against tau-mediated toxicity in cellular models in vitro and in the PS19 transgenic mouse model of tauopathy carrying the human tau-P301S mutation. We show that inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase with the inhibitor KYP-2047 reduced tau aggregation in tau-transfected HEK-293 cells and N2A cells as well as in human iPSC-derived neurons carrying either the P301L or tau-A152T mutation. Treatment with KYP-2047 resulted in increased PP2A activity and activation of autophagic flux in HEK-293 cells and N2A cells and in patient-derived iNeurons, as indicated by changes in autophagosome and autophagy receptor markers; this contributed to clearance of insoluble tau. Furthermore, treatment of PS19 transgenic mice for 1 month with KYP-2047 reduced tau burden in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid and slowed cognitive decline according to several behavioral tests. In addition, a reduction in an oxidative stress marker was seen in mouse brains after KYP-2047 treatment. This study suggests that inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase could help to ameliorate tau-dependent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony S Eteläinen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - M Catarina Silva
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Johanna K Uhari-Väänänen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Francesca De Lorenzo
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Maria H Jäntti
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Hengjing Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Marta Chavero-Pieres
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Tommi Kilpeläinen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Christina Mechtler
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Reinis Svarcbahs
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Erin Seppälä
- School of Medicine / Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Juha R Savinainen
- School of Medicine / Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Mikko Gynther
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Ulrika H Julku
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Henri J Huttunen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Herantis Pharma Plc., Espoo 02600, Finland
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Timo T Myöhänen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
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6
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Alle T, Varricchio C, Yao Y, Lucero B, Nzou G, Demuro S, Muench M, Vuong KD, Oukoloff K, Cornec AS, Francisco KR, Caffrey CR, Lee VMY, Smith AB, Brancale A, Brunden KR, Ballatore C. Microtubule-Stabilizing 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidines as Candidate Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Disease: Matched Molecular Pair Analyses and Computational Studies Reveal New Structure-Activity Insights. J Med Chem 2023; 66:435-459. [PMID: 36534051 PMCID: PMC9841533 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule (MT)-stabilizing 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines (TPDs) hold promise as candidate therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. However, depending on the choice of substituents around the TPD core, these compounds can elicit markedly different cellular phenotypes that likely arise from the interaction of TPD congeners with either one or two spatially distinct binding sites within tubulin heterodimers (i.e., the seventh site and the vinca site). In the present study, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of new TPD congeners, as well as matched molecular pair analyses and computational studies, that further elucidate the structure-activity relationships of MT-active TPDs. These studies led to the identification of novel MT-normalizing TPD candidates that exhibit favorable ADME-PK, including brain penetration and oral bioavailability, as well as brain pharmacodynamic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Alle
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Carmine Varricchio
- Cardiff
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF103NB, U.K.
| | - Yuemang Yao
- Center
for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Bobby Lucero
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Goodwell Nzou
- Center
for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Stefania Demuro
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Megan Muench
- Center
for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Khoa D. Vuong
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Killian Oukoloff
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Anne-Sophie Cornec
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Karol R. Francisco
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Virginia M.-Y. Lee
- Center
for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Amos B. Smith
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Andrea Brancale
- Cardiff
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF103NB, U.K.
| | - Kurt R. Brunden
- Center
for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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7
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Iwanski MK, Kapitein LC. Cellular cartography: Towards an atlas of the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1052245. [PMID: 37035244 PMCID: PMC10073685 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1052245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules, one of the major components of the cytoskeleton, play a crucial role during many aspects of neuronal development and function, such as neuronal polarization and axon outgrowth. Consequently, the microtubule cytoskeleton has been implicated in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The polar nature of microtubules is quintessential for their function, allowing them to serve as tracks for long-distance, directed intracellular transport by kinesin and dynein motors. Most of these motors move exclusively towards either the plus- or minus-end of a microtubule and some have been shown to have a preference for either dynamic or stable microtubules, those bearing a particular post-translational modification or those decorated by a specific microtubule-associated protein. Thus, it becomes important to consider the interplay of these features and their combinatorial effects on transport, as well as how different types of microtubules are organized in the cell. Here, we discuss microtubule subsets in terms of tubulin isotypes, tubulin post-translational modifications, microtubule-associated proteins, microtubule stability or dynamicity, and microtubule orientation. We highlight techniques used to study these features of the microtubule cytoskeleton and, using the information from these studies, try to define the composition, role, and organization of some of these subsets in neurons.
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8
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Lucero EM, Freund RK, Smith A, Johnson NR, Dooling B, Sullivan E, Prikhodko O, Ahmed MM, Bennett DA, Hohman TJ, Dell’Acqua ML, Chial HJ, Potter H. Increased KIF11/ kinesin-5 expression offsets Alzheimer Aβ-mediated toxicity and cognitive dysfunction. iScience 2022; 25:105288. [PMID: 36304124 PMCID: PMC9593841 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that amyloid-beta (Aβ) competitively inhibits the kinesin motor protein KIF11 (Kinesin-5/Eg5), leading to defects in the microtubule network and in neurotransmitter and neurotrophin receptor localization and function. These biochemical and cell biological mechanisms for Aβ-induced neuronal dysfunction may underlie learning and memory defects in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we show that KIF11 overexpression rescues Aβ-mediated decreases in dendritic spine density in cultured neurons and in long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices. Furthermore, Kif11 overexpression from a transgene prevented spatial learning deficits in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. Finally, increased KIF11 expression in neuritic plaque-positive AD patients' brains was associated with better cognitive performance and higher expression of synaptic protein mRNAs. Taken together, these mechanistic biochemical, cell biological, electrophysiological, animal model, and human data identify KIF11 as a key target of Aβ-mediated toxicity in AD, which damages synaptic structures and functions critical for learning and memory in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban M. Lucero
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Program for Human Medical Genetics and Genomics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ronald K. Freund
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alexandra Smith
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Noah R. Johnson
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Breanna Dooling
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Program for Human Medical Genetics and Genomics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Olga Prikhodko
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Md. Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Timothy J. Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark L. Dell’Acqua
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Heidi J. Chial
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Huntington Potter
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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9
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Xia Y, Prokop S, Bell BM, Gorion KMM, Croft CL, Nasif L, Xu G, Riffe CJ, Manaois AN, Strang KH, Quintin SS, Paterno G, Tansey MG, Borchelt DR, Golde TE, Giasson BI. Pathogenic tau recruits wild-type tau into brain inclusions and induces gut degeneration in transgenic SPAM mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:446. [PMID: 35550593 PMCID: PMC9098443 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03373-1] [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: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological tau inclusions are neuropathologic hallmarks of many neurodegenerative diseases. We generated and characterized a transgenic mouse model expressing pathogenic human tau with S320F and P301S aggregating mutations (SPAM) at transgene levels below endogenous mouse tau protein levels. This mouse model develops a predictable temporal progression of tau pathology in the brain with biochemical and ultrastructural properties akin to authentic tau inclusions. Surprisingly, pathogenic human tau extensively recruited endogenous mouse tau into insoluble aggregates. Despite the early onset and rapid progressive nature of tau pathology, major neuroinflammatory and transcriptional changes were only detectable at later time points. Moreover, tau SPAM mice are the first model to develop loss of enteric neurons due to tau accumulation resulting in a lethal phenotype. With moderate transgene expression, rapidly progressing tau pathology, and a highly predictable lethal phenotype, the tau SPAM model reveals new associations of tau neurotoxicity in the brain and intestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Xia
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Stefan Prokop
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Brach M. Bell
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Kimberly-Marie M. Gorion
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Cara L. Croft
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Lith Nasif
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Guilian Xu
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Cara J. Riffe
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Alyssa N. Manaois
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Kevin H. Strang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Stephan S. Quintin
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Giavanna Paterno
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Malú Gámez Tansey
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - David R. Borchelt
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Todd E. Golde
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Benoit I. Giasson
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
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10
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Kulkarni R, Thakur A, Kumar H. Microtubule Dynamics Following Central and Peripheral Nervous System Axotomy. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1358-1369. [PMID: 35451811 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbance in the neuronal network leads to instability in the microtubule (MT) railroad of axons, causing hindrance in the intra-axonal transport and making it difficult to re-establish the broken network. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons can stabilize their MTs, leading to the formation of regeneration-promoting structures called "growth cones". However, central nervous system (CNS) neurons lack this intrinsic reparative capability and, instead, form growth-incompetent structures called "retraction bulbs", which have a disarrayed MT network. It is evident from various studies that although axonal regeneration depends on both cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic factors, any therapy that aims at axonal regeneration ultimately converges onto MTs. Understanding the neuronal MT dynamics will help develop effective therapeutic strategies in diseases where the MT network gets disrupted, such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is also essential to know the factors that aid or inhibit MT stabilization. In this review, we have discussed the MT dynamics postaxotomy in the CNS and PNS, and factors that can directly influence MT stability in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Kulkarni
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Akshata Thakur
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
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11
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Zhang Y, Wu KM, Yang L, Dong Q, Yu JT. Tauopathies: new perspectives and challenges. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:28. [PMID: 35392986 PMCID: PMC8991707 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00533-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tauopathies are a class of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by neuronal and/or glial tau-positive inclusions. MAIN BODY Clinically, tauopathies can present with a range of phenotypes that include cognitive/behavioral-disorders, movement disorders, language disorders and non-specific amnestic symptoms in advanced age. Pathologically, tauopathies can be classified based on the predominant tau isoforms that are present in the inclusion bodies (i.e., 3R, 4R or equal 3R:4R ratio). Imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood-based tau biomarkers have the potential to be used as a routine diagnostic strategy and in the evaluation of patients with tauopathies. As tauopathies are strongly linked neuropathologically and genetically to tau protein abnormalities, there is a growing interest in pursuing of tau-directed therapeutics for the disorders. Here we synthesize emerging lessons on tauopathies from clinical, pathological, genetic, and experimental studies toward a unified concept of these disorders that may accelerate the therapeutics. CONCLUSIONS Since tauopathies are still untreatable diseases, efforts have been made to depict clinical and pathological characteristics, identify biomarkers, elucidate underlying pathogenesis to achieve early diagnosis and develop disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, 12th Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040 China
| | - Kai-Min Wu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, 12th Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040 China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, 12th Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040 China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, 12th Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040 China
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, 12th Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040 China
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12
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Osorio C, Sfera A, Anton JJ, Thomas KG, Andronescu CV, Li E, Yahia RW, Avalos AG, Kozlakidis Z. Virus-Induced Membrane Fusion in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:845580. [PMID: 35531328 PMCID: PMC9070112 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.845580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of epidemiological and research data has associated neurotropic viruses with accelerated brain aging and increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders. Many viruses replicate optimally in senescent cells, as they offer a hospitable microenvironment with persistently elevated cytosolic calcium, abundant intracellular iron, and low interferon type I. As cell-cell fusion is a major driver of cellular senescence, many viruses have developed the ability to promote this phenotype by forming syncytia. Cell-cell fusion is associated with immunosuppression mediated by phosphatidylserine externalization that enable viruses to evade host defenses. In hosts, virus-induced immune dysfunction and premature cellular senescence may predispose to neurodegenerative disorders. This concept is supported by novel studies that found postinfectious cognitive dysfunction in several viral illnesses, including human immunodeficiency virus-1, herpes simplex virus-1, and SARS-CoV-2. Virus-induced pathological syncytia may provide a unified framework for conceptualizing neuronal cell cycle reentry, aneuploidy, somatic mosaicism, viral spreading of pathological Tau and elimination of viable synapses and neurons by neurotoxic astrocytes and microglia. In this narrative review, we take a closer look at cell-cell fusion and vesicular merger in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. We present a "decentralized" information processing model that conceptualizes neurodegeneration as a systemic illness, triggered by cytoskeletal pathology. We also discuss strategies for reversing cell-cell fusion, including, TMEM16F inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, senolytics, and tubulin stabilizing agents. Finally, going beyond neurodegeneration, we examine the potential benefit of harnessing fusion as a therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Osorio
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Adonis Sfera
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Anton
- Department of Psychiatry, Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Karina G. Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Christina V. Andronescu
- Medical Anthropology – Department of Anthropology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Erica Li
- School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Rayan W. Yahia
- School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Andrea García Avalos
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Facultad de Medicina Campus, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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13
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Wordeman L, Vicente JJ. Microtubule Targeting Agents in Disease: Classic Drugs, Novel Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225650. [PMID: 34830812 PMCID: PMC8616087 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) represent one of the most successful first-line therapies prescribed for cancer treatment. They interfere with microtubule (MT) dynamics by either stabilizing or destabilizing MTs, and in culture, they are believed to kill cells via apoptosis after eliciting mitotic arrest, among other mechanisms. This classical view of MTA therapies persisted for many years. However, the limited success of drugs specifically targeting mitotic proteins, and the slow growing rate of most human tumors forces a reevaluation of the mechanism of action of MTAs. Studies from the last decade suggest that the killing efficiency of MTAs arises from a combination of interphase and mitotic effects. Moreover, MTs have also been implicated in other therapeutically relevant activities, such as decreasing angiogenesis, blocking cell migration, reducing metastasis, and activating innate immunity to promote proinflammatory responses. Two key problems associated with MTA therapy are acquired drug resistance and systemic toxicity. Accordingly, novel and effective MTAs are being designed with an eye toward reducing toxicity without compromising efficacy or promoting resistance. Here, we will review the mechanism of action of MTAs, the signaling pathways they affect, their impact on cancer and other illnesses, and the promising new therapeutic applications of these classic drugs.
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14
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Zhang L, Fang Y, Zhao X, Zheng Y, Ma Y, Li S, Huang Z, Li L. BRUCE silencing leads to axonal dystrophy by repressing autophagosome-lysosome fusion in Alzheimer's disease. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:421. [PMID: 34354038 PMCID: PMC8342531 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01427-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal dystrophy is a swollen and tortuous neuronal process that contributes to synaptic alterations occurring in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous study identified that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) binds to tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) at the axon terminal and then the signal is propagated along the axon to the cell body and affects neuronal function through retrograde transport. Therefore, this study was designed to identify a microRNA (miRNA) that alters related components of the transport machinery to affect BDNF retrograde signaling deficits in AD. Hippocampus tissues were isolated from APP/PS1 transgenic (AD-model) mice and C57BL/6J wild-type mice and subject to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and immunohistochemical staining. Autophagosome-lysosome fusion and nuclear translocation of BDNF was detected using immunofluorescence in HT22 cells. The interaction among miR-204, BIR repeat containing ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (BRUCE) and Syntaxin 17 (STX17) was investigated using dual luciferase reporter gene assay and co-immunoprecipitation assay. The expression of relevant genes and proteins were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Knockdown of STX17 or BRUCE inhibited autophagosome-lysosome fusion and impacted axon growth in HT22 cells. STX17 immunoprecipitating with BRUCE and co-localization of them demonstrated BRUCE interacted with STX17. BRUCE was the target of miR-204, and partial loss of miR-204 by inhibitor promoted autophagosome-lysosome fusion to prevent axon dystrophy and accumulated BDNF nuclear translocation to rescue BDNF/TrkB signaling deficits in HT22 cells. The overall results demonstrated that inhibition of miR-204 prevents axonal dystrophy by blocking BRUCE interaction with STX17, which unraveled potential novel therapeutic targets for delaying AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China.
| | - Yu Fang
- grid.412633.1ICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- grid.412633.1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 P.R. China
| | - Yake Zheng
- grid.412633.1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 P.R. China
| | - Yunqing Ma
- grid.412633.1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 P.R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- grid.412633.1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 P.R. China
| | - Zhi Huang
- grid.412633.1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 P.R. China
| | - Lihao Li
- grid.412633.1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 P.R. China
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15
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Xia Y, Nasif L, Giasson BI. Pathogenic MAPT mutations Q336H and Q336R have isoform-dependent differences in aggregation propensity and microtubule dysfunction. J Neurochem 2021; 158:455-466. [PMID: 33772783 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders characterized by brain deposition of tau inclusions. These insidious disorders include Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, the two leading causes of dementia. Mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene lead to familial forms of frontotemporal dementia. Previously, we used cell-based assays to screen over 20 missense tau mutations and found that decreased microtubule (MT) binding affinity was the most shared property. As a break from this trend, the MAPT mutations Q336H and Q336R are thought to promote MT assembly rather than inhibit it based on in vitro studies. Q336H and Q336R MAPT mutations also cause early onset frontotemporal dementia with Pick bodies, which are mostly composed of 3R tau isoforms. To provide further insights on the pathobiology of these mutations, we assessed Q336H and Q336R tau mutants for aggregation propensity and MT binding in cell-based assays in the context of both 0N3R and 0N4R tau isoforms. Q336R tau was prone to prion-like seeded aggregation but both Q336H and Q336R tau led to increased MT binding. Additionally, we found that different tau isoforms with these mutations heterogeneously regulate different MT subpopulations of tyrosinated and acetylated MTs, markers of newly formed MTs and stable MTs. The Q336H and Q336R tau mutations may exemplify an alternative mechanism where pathogenic tau can bind MTs with higher affinity and hyperstabilize MTs, which prevent proper MT regulation and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Xia
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lith Nasif
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Benoit I Giasson
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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16
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Oukoloff K, Nzou G, Varricchio C, Lucero B, Alle T, Kovalevich J, Monti L, Cornec AS, Yao Y, James MJ, Trojanowski JQ, Lee VMY, Smith AB, Brancale A, Brunden KR, Ballatore C. Evaluation of the Structure-Activity Relationship of Microtubule-Targeting 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidines Identifies New Candidates for Neurodegenerative Tauopathies. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1073-1102. [PMID: 33411523 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Studies in tau and Aβ plaque transgenic mouse models demonstrated that brain-penetrant microtubule (MT)-stabilizing compounds, including the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, hold promise as candidate treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative tauopathies. Triazolopyrimidines have already been investigated as anticancer agents; however, the antimitotic activity of these compounds does not always correlate with stabilization of MTs in cells. Indeed, previous studies from our laboratories identified a critical role for the fragment linked at C6 in determining whether triazolopyrimidines promote MT stabilization or, conversely, disrupt MT integrity in cells. To further elucidate the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and to identify potentially improved MT-stabilizing candidates for neurodegenerative disease, a comprehensive set of 68 triazolopyrimidine congeners bearing structural modifications at C6 and/or C7 was designed, synthesized, and evaluated. These studies expand upon prior understanding of triazolopyrimidine SAR and enabled the identification of novel analogues that, relative to the existing lead, exhibit improved physicochemical properties, MT-stabilizing activity, and pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Oukoloff
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Goodwell Nzou
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Carmine Varricchio
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF103NB, U.K
| | - Bobby Lucero
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Thibault Alle
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jane Kovalevich
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ludovica Monti
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Anne-Sophie Cornec
- Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Yuemang Yao
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Michael J James
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Amos B Smith
- Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Andrea Brancale
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF103NB, U.K
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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17
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Boiarska Z, Passarella D. Microtubule-targeting agents and neurodegeneration. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:604-615. [PMID: 33279455 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The association of microtubule (MT) breakdown with neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity has provided an emerging therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Tubulin binders are able to modulate MT dynamics and, as a result, are of particular interest both as potential therapeutics and experimental tools used to validate this strategy. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and recent advancements regarding MT-targeting approaches for neurodegeneration and evaluate the potential application of MT-targeting agents (MTAs) based on available preclinical and clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlata Boiarska
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Passarella
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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18
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Harris CJ, Gray NE, Caruso M, Hunter M, Ralle M, Quinn JF. Copper Modulation and Memory Impairment due to Hippocampal Tau Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 78:49-60. [PMID: 32250309 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background:Environmental copper has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease based on evidence that: 1) brain copper levels increase with age, 2) copper promotes misfolding and toxicity of amyloid-β in vitro, 3) copper-modulating interventions reduce amyloid pathology in animal models. However, the effect of copper upon non-amyloid Alzheimer’s pathology is relatively under-explored.Objective:To determine if modulation of brain copper level affects brain tau pathology and/or associated cognitive impairment.Methods:We tested the hypothesis that brain copper modulates tau pathology by manipulating brain levels of copper in the PS19 transgenic mouse model of tau pathology. We treated PS19 and wild-type mice with oral zinc acetate, an established therapy for long term control of excess brain copper, and examined treatment effects upon brain copper, brain tau, NFT-like pathology, and spatial memory. We treated a second cohort of mice with exogenous dietary copper in order to evaluate whether excess environmental copper promotes brain tau pathology.Results:Copper-lowering with oral zinc attenuated spatial memory impairment in female but not male PS19 mice, without a significant effect upon tau pathology. Copper loading increased brain copper, but did not have an effect on brain tau pathology or spatial memory function.Conclusion:These findings suggest that a strategy to lower brain copper may be viable for symptomatic benefit in the setting of tau neuropathology, but unlikely to have robust effects on the underlying pathology. These findings are consistent with dietary or other exogenous copper being unlikely to promote tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Harris
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nora E Gray
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Maya Caruso
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marguex Hunter
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Martina Ralle
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joseph F Quinn
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Parkinsons Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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Miller JH, Das V. Potential for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases with Natural Products or Synthetic Compounds that Stabilize Microtubules. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:4362-4372. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200621171302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
No effective therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative diseases exist, despite significant attempts to find
drugs that can reduce or rescue the debilitating symptoms of tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Pick’s disease. A number of in vitro and in
vivo models exist for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including cell models employing induced-pluripotent
stem cells, cerebral organoids, and animal models of disease. Recent research has focused on microtubulestabilizing
agents, either natural products or synthetic compounds that can prevent the axonal destruction caused
by tau protein pathologies. Although promising results have come from animal model studies using brainpenetrant
natural product microtubule-stabilizing agents, such as paclitaxel analogs that can access the brain,
epothilones B and D, and other synthetic compounds such as davunetide or the triazolopyrimidines, early clinical
trials in humans have been disappointing. This review aims to summarize the research that has been carried out in
this area and discuss the potential for the future development of an effective microtubule stabilizing drug to treat
neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Miller
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Viswanath Das
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hněvotínska 5, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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20
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Microtubule Dysfunction: A Common Feature of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197354. [PMID: 33027950 PMCID: PMC7582320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are particularly susceptible to microtubule (MT) defects and deregulation of the MT cytoskeleton is considered to be a common insult during the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence that dysfunctions in the MT system have a direct role in neurodegeneration comes from findings that several forms of neurodegenerative diseases are associated with changes in genes encoding tubulins, the structural units of MTs, MT-associated proteins (MAPs), or additional factors such as MT modifying enzymes which modulating tubulin post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate MT functions and dynamics. Efforts to use MT-targeting therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are underway. Many of these agents have provided several benefits when tested on both in vitro and in vivo neurodegenerative model systems. Currently, the most frequently addressed therapeutic interventions include drugs that modulate MT stability or that target tubulin PTMs, such as tubulin acetylation. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the relevance of MT dysfunctions to the process of neurodegeneration and briefly discuss advances in the use of MT-targeting drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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21
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Yao Y, Nzou G, Alle T, Tsering W, Maimaiti S, Trojanowski JQ, Lee VMY, Ballatore C, Brunden KR. Correction of microtubule defects within Aβ plaque-associated dystrophic axons results in lowered Aβ release and plaque deposition. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:1345-1357. [PMID: 32918367 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The hallmark pathologies of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain are amyloid beta (Aβ)-containing senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles formed from the microtubule (MT)-binding tau protein. Tau becomes hyperphosphorylated and disengages from MTs in AD, with evidence of resulting MT structure/function defects. Brain-penetrant MT-stabilizing compounds can normalize MTs and axonal transport in mouse models with tau pathology, thereby reducing neuron loss and decreasing tau pathology. MT dysfunction is also observed in dystrophic axons adjacent to Aβ plaques, resulting in accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and BACE1 with the potential for enhanced localized Aβ generation. We have examined whether the brain-penetrant MT-stabilizing compound CNDR-51657 might decrease plaque-associated axonal dystrophy and Aβ release in 5XFAD mice that develop an abundance of Aβ plaques. Administration of CNDR-51657 to 1.5-month-old male and female 5XFAD mice for 4 or 7 weeks led to decreased soluble brain Aβ that coincided with reduced APP and BACE1 levels, resulting in decreased formation of insoluble Aβ deposits. These data suggest a vicious cycle whereby initial Aβ plaque formation causes MT disruption in nearby axons, resulting in the local accumulation of APP and BACE1 that facilitates additional Aβ generation and plaque deposition. The ability of a MT-stabilizing compound to attenuate this cycle, and also reduce deficits resulting from reduced tau binding to MTs, suggests that molecules of this type hold promise as potential AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemang Yao
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Goodwell Nzou
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thibault Alle
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wangchen Tsering
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shaniya Maimaiti
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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22
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Pinheiro S, Pinheiro EMC, Muri EMF, Pessôa JC, Cadorini MA, Greco SJ. Biological activities of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and analogs. Med Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-020-02609-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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23
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Duggal P, Mehan S. Neuroprotective Approach of Anti-Cancer Microtubule Stabilizers Against Tauopathy Associated Dementia: Current Status of Clinical and Preclinical Findings. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2019; 3:179-218. [PMID: 31435618 PMCID: PMC6700530 DOI: 10.3233/adr-190125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal microtubule (MT) tau protein provides cytoskeleton to neuronal cells and plays a vital role including maintenance of cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell division. Tau hyperphosphorylation mediates MT destabilization resulting in axonopathy and neurotransmitter deficit, and ultimately causing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a dementing disorder affecting vast geriatric populations worldwide, characterized by the existence of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in a hyperphosphorylated state. Pre-clinically, streptozotocin stereotaxically mimics the behavioral and biochemical alterations similar to AD associated with tau pathology resulting in MT assembly defects, which proceed neuropathological cascades. Accessible interventions like cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonist clinically provides only symptomatic relief. Involvement of microtubule stabilizers (MTS) prevents tauopathy particularly by targeting MT oriented cytoskeleton and promotes polymerization of tubulin protein. Multiple in vitro and in vivo research studies have shown that MTS can hold substantial potential for the treatment of AD-related tauopathy dementias through restoration of tau function and axonal transport. Moreover, anti-cancer taxane derivatives and epothiolones may have potential to ameliorate MT destabilization and prevent the neuronal structural and functional alterations associated with tauopathies. Therefore, this current review strictly focuses on exploration of various clinical and pre-clinical features available for AD to understand the neuropathological mechanisms as well as introduce pharmacological interventions associated with MT stabilization. MTS from diverse natural sources continue to be of value in the treatment of cancer, suggesting that these agents have potential to be of interest in the treatment of AD-related tauopathy dementia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Duggal
- Neuropharmacology Division, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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24
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Zhang J, Lin Y, Dai X, Fang W, Wu X, Chen X. Metformin treatment improves the spatial memory of aged mice in an APOE genotype-dependent manner. FASEB J 2019; 33:7748-7757. [PMID: 30894020 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802718r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aging and apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are highly susceptible to cognitive dysfunction. Recent research has indicated that metformin, a prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, may affect cognitive function; however, findings regarding its efficacy are largely controversial. The current study reported that a 5-mo metformin administration (300 mg/kg/d) starting at 13 mo old improved the spatial memory of ApoE3-target replacement (TR) mice, not ApoE4-TR mice. It found that in aged ApoE3-TR mice, metformin treatment, at a molecular level, inhibited AMPK activity, increased insulin signaling, and activated mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, resulting in an enhanced expression of postsynaptic proteins; but the response of the neuronal AMPK activity and insulin signaling to metformin was blunt in aged ApoE4-TR mice. Meanwhile, metformin treatment also increased the phosphorylation of tau in both ApoE3-TR and ApoE4-TR mice, implying that metformin may have side effects in human. These findings suggest that metformin can improve the cognitive performance of aged mice in an APOE genotype-dependent manner, which provides empirical insights into the clinical value of metformin for ApoE4- and age-related AD prevention and treatment.-Zhang, J., Lin, Y., Dai, X., Fang, W., Wu, X., Chen, X. Metformin treatment improves the spatial memory of aged mice in an APOE genotype-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yingbin Lin
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoman Dai
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenting Fang
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xilin Wu
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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25
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Oukoloff K, Lucero B, Francisco KR, Brunden KR, Ballatore C. 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines in drug design. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 165:332-346. [PMID: 30703745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (TP) heterocycle, in spite of its relatively simple structure, has proved to be remarkably versatile as evidenced by its use in many different applications reported over the years in different areas of drug design. For example, as the ring system of TPs is isoelectronic with that of purines, this heterocycle has been proposed as a possible surrogate of the purine ring. However, depending on the choice of substituents, the TP ring has also been described as a potentially viable bio-isostere of the carboxylic acid functional group and of the N-acetyl fragment of ε-N-acetylated lysine. In addition, the metal-chelating properties of the TP ring have also been exploited to generate candidate treatments for cancer and parasitic diseases. In the present review article, we discuss recent applications of the TP scaffold in medicinal chemistry, and provide an overview of its properties and methods of synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Oukoloff
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bobby Lucero
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Karol R Francisco
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6323, USA
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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