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Yi LX, Zeng L, Wang Q, Tan EK, Zhou ZD. Reelin links Apolipoprotein E4, Tau, and Amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102339. [PMID: 38754634 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder that affects the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and is characterised by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. A recent report of a patient carrying a novel gain-of-function variant of RELN (H3447R, termed RELN-COLBOS) who developed resilience against presenilin-linked autosomal-dominant AD (ADAD) has generated enormous interest. The RELN-COLBOS variant enhances interactions with the apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) and very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), which are associated with delayed AD onset and progression. These findings were validated in a transgenic mouse model. Reelin is involved in neurodevelopment, neurogenesis, and neuronal plasticity. The evidence accumulated thus far has demonstrated that the Reelin pathway links apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), amyloid-β (Aβ), and tubulin-associated unit (Tau), which are key proteins that have been implicated in AD pathogenesis. Reelin and key components of the Reelin pathway have been highlighted as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xiao Yi
- National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 30843, Singapore
| | - Li Zeng
- National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 30843, Singapore; Signature Research Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Eng King Tan
- National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 30843, Singapore; Department of Neurology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore; Signature Research Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
| | - Zhi Dong Zhou
- National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 30843, Singapore; Signature Research Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
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Gujjala VA, Klimek I, Abyadeh M, Tyshkovskiy A, Oz N, Castro JP, Gladyshev VN, Newton J, Kaya A. A disease similarity approach identifies short-lived Niemann-Pick type C disease mice with accelerated brain aging as a novel mouse model for Alzheimer's disease and aging research. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.19.590328. [PMID: 38712089 PMCID: PMC11071364 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.19.590328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Since its first description in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been the most common type of dementia. Initially thought to be caused by age-associated accumulation of plaques, in recent years, research has increasingly associated AD with lysosomal storage and metabolic disorders, and the explanation of its pathogenesis has shifted from amyloid and tau accumulation to oxidative stress and impaired lipid and glucose metabolism aggravated by hypoxic conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms linking those cellular processes and conditions to disease progression have yet to be defined. Here, we applied a disease similarity approach to identify unknown molecular targets of AD by using transcriptomic data from congenital diseases known to increase AD risk, namely Down Syndrome, Niemann Pick Disease Type C (NPC), and Mucopolysaccharidoses I. We uncovered common pathways, hub genes, and miRNAs across in vitro and in vivo models of these diseases as potential molecular targets for neuroprotection and amelioration of AD pathology, many of which have never been associated with AD. We then investigated common molecular alterations in brain samples from an NPC disease mouse model by juxtaposing them with brain samples of both human and mouse models of AD. Detailed phenotypic and molecular analyses revealed that the NPC mut mouse model can serve as a potential short-lived in vivo model for AD research and for understanding molecular factors affecting brain aging. This research represents the first comprehensive approach to congenital disease association with neurodegeneration and a new perspective on AD research while highlighting shortcomings and lack of correlation in diverse in vitro models. Considering the lack of an AD mouse model that recapitulates the physiological hallmarks of brain aging, the characterization of a short-lived NPC mouse model will further accelerate the research in these fields and offer a unique model for understanding the molecular mechanisms of AD from a perspective of accelerated brain aging.
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Bischof L, Schweitzer F, Heinisch JJ. Functional Conservation of the Small GTPase Rho5/Rac1-A Tale of Yeast and Men. Cells 2024; 13:472. [PMID: 38534316 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases are molecular switches that participate in many essential cellular processes. Amongst them, human Rac1 was first described for its role in regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell migration, with a close relation to carcinogenesis. More recently, the role of Rac1 in regulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both as a subunit of NADPH oxidase complexes and through its association with mitochondrial functions, has drawn attention. Malfunctions in this context affect cellular plasticity and apoptosis, related to neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Some of these features of Rac1 are conserved in its yeast homologue Rho5. Here, we review the structural and functional similarities and differences between these two evolutionary distant proteins and propose yeast as a useful model and a device for high-throughput screens for specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnet Bischof
- AG Genetik, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Franziska Schweitzer
- AG Genetik, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Heinisch
- AG Genetik, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
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Zaki RM, Ramasamy K, Ahmad Alwi NA, Mohd Yusoff R, Lim SM. Pediococcus pentosaceus LAB6- and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB12-Derived Cell Free Supernatant Inhibited RhoA Activation and Reduced Amyloid-Β In Vitro. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:62-75. [PMID: 36443559 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10009-7] [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] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque. RhoA may serve as a potential target for prevention against AD given its role in the amyloidogenic pathway. The recent emergence of the gut-brain axis has linked lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to neuroprotection against AD. This study assessed the importance of RhoA inhibition in mediating the neuroprotective potential of LAB. To this end, de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth fermented by lactobacilli or pediococci were tested against SK-N-SH (a human neuroblastoma cell line) in the presence of RhoA activator II for 24 h after which the RhoA activity was measured using the G-LISA Kit. Fluorescence staining of f-actin stress fibres was performed to validate RhoA inhibition. SK-N-SH was transfected with plasmid expressing amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. The Aβ concentration in transfected cells exposed to LAB-derived cell free supernatant (CFS) in the presence of RhoA activator II was measured using the ELISA kit. Furthermore, this study measured organic acids in LAB-derived CFS using the gas chromatography. It was found that LAB-derived CFS yielded strain-dependent inhibition of RhoA, with LAB6- and LAB12-derived CFS being the most potent Pediococcal- and Lactiplantibacillus-based RhoA inhibitor, respectively. Lesser stress fibres were formed under treatment with LAB-derived CFS. The LAB-derived CFS also significantly inhibited Aβ in SK-N-SH transfected with APP gene in the presence of RhoA activator II. The LAB-derived CFS was presented with increased lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid. The present findings warrant in-depth study using animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramli Muhammad Zaki
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur , Ipoh, 30450, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Kalavathy Ramasamy
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Nor Amalina Ahmad Alwi
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Rosmadi Mohd Yusoff
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Siong Meng Lim
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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5
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Sandau US, Wiedrick JT, McFarland TJ, Galasko DR, Fanning Z, Quinn JF, Saugstad JA. Analysis of the longitudinal stability of human plasma miRNAs and implications for disease biomarkers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2148. [PMID: 38272952 PMCID: PMC10810819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
There is great interest in developing clinical biomarker assays that can aid in non-invasive diagnosis and/or monitoring of human diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases. Yet little is known about the longitudinal stability of miRNAs in human plasma. Here we assessed the intraindividual longitudinal stability of miRNAs in plasma from healthy human adults, and the impact of common factors (e.g., hemolysis, age) that may confound miRNA data. We collected blood by venipuncture biweekly over a 3-month period from 22 research participants who had fasted overnight, isolated total RNA, then performed miRNA qPCR. Filtering and normalization of the qPCR data revealed amplification of 134 miRNAs, 74 of which had high test-retest reliability and low percentage level drift, meaning they were stable in an individual over the 3-month time period. We also determined that, of nuisance factors, hemolysis and tobacco use have the greatest impact on miRNA levels and variance. These findings support that many miRNAs show intraindividual longitudinal stability in plasma from healthy human adults, including some reported as candidate biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula S Sandau
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jack T Wiedrick
- Biostatistics and Design Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Trevor J McFarland
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Douglas R Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zoe Fanning
- 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
| | - Julie A Saugstad
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Malasala S, Azimian F, Chen YH, Twiss JL, Boykin C, Akhtar SN, Lu Q. Enabling Systemic Identification and Functionality Profiling for Cdc42 Homeostatic Modulators. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.05.574351. [PMID: 38260445 PMCID: PMC10802479 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.05.574351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Homeostatic modulation is pivotal in modern therapeutics. However, the discovery of bioactive materials to achieve this functionality is often random and unpredictive. Here, we enabled a systemic identification and functional classification of chemicals that elicit homeostatic modulation of signaling through Cdc42, a classical small GTPase of Ras superfamily. Rationally designed for high throughput screening, the capture of homeostatic modulators (HMs) along with molecular re-docking uncovered at least five functionally distinct classes of small molecules. This enabling led to partial agonists, hormetic agonists, bona fide activators and inhibitors, and ligand-enhanced agonists. Novel HMs exerted striking functionality in bradykinin-Cdc42 activation of actin remodelingand modified Alzheimer's disease-like behavior in mouse model. This concurrent computer-aided and experimentally empowered HM profiling highlights a model path for predicting HM landscape. One Sentence Summary With concurrent experimental biochemical profiling and in silico computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) analysis, this study enabled a systemic identification and holistic classification of Cdc42 homeostatic modulators (HMs) and demonstrated the power of CADD to predict HM classes that can mimic the pharmacological functionality of interests. Introduction Maintainingbody homeostasisis the ultimate keyto health. Thereare rich resources of bioactive materials for this functionality from both natural and synthetic chemical repertories including partial agonists (PAs) and various allosteric modulators. These homeostatic modulators (HMs) play a unique role in modern therapeutics for human diseases such as mental disorders and drug addiction. Buspirone, for example, acts as a PA for serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor but is an antagonist of the dopamine D 2 receptor. Such medical useto treat general anxietydisorders (GADs) has become one of the most-commonly prescribed medications. However, most HMs in current uses target membrane proteins and are often derived from random discoveries. HMs as therapeutics targeting cytoplasmic proteins are even more rare despite that they are in paramount needs (e. g. targeting Ras superfamily small GTPases). Rationale Cdc42, a classical member of small GTPases of Ras superfamily, regulates PI3K-AKT and Raf-MEK-ERK pathways and has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric and mental disorders as well as addictive diseases and cancer. We previously reported the high-throughput in-silico screening followed by biological characterization of novel small molecule modulators (SMMs) of Cdc42-intersectin (ITSN) protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Based on a serendipitously discovered SMM ZCL278 with PA profile as a model compound, we hypothesized that there are more varieties of such HMs of Cdc42 signaling, and the model HMs can be defined by their distinct Cdc42-ITSN binding mechanisms using computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) analysis. We further reasoned that molecular modeling coupled with experimental profiling can predict HM spectrum and thus open the door for the holistic identification and classification of multifunctional cytoplasmic target-dependent HMs as therapeutics. Results The originally discovered Cdc42 inhibitor ZCL278 displaying PA properties prompted the inquiry whether this finding represented a random encounter of PAs or whether biologically significant PAs can be widely present. The top ranked compounds were initially defined by structural fitness and binding scores to Cdc42. Because higher binding scores do not necessarily translate to higher functionality, we performed exhaustive experimentations with over 2,500 independent Cdc42-GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) assays to profile the GTP loading activities on all 44 top ranked compounds derived from the SMM library. The N-MAR-GTP fluorophore-based Cdc42-GEF assay platform provided the first glimpse of the breadth of HMs. A spectrum of Cdc42 HMs was uncovered that can be categorized into five functionally distinct classes: Class I-partial competitive agonists, Class II-hormetic agonists, Class III- bona fide inhibitors (or inverse agonists), Class IV- bona fide activators or agonists, and Class V-ligand-enhanced agonists. Remarkably, model HMs such as ZCL278, ZCL279, and ZCL367 elicited striking biological functionality in bradykinin-Cdc42 activation of actin remodeling and modified Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like behavior in mouse model. Concurrently, we applied Schrödinger-enabled analyses to perform CADD predicted classification of Cdc42 HMs. We modified the classic molecular docking to instill a preferential binding pocket order (PBPO) of Cdc42-ITSN, which was based on the five binding pockets in interface of Cdc42-ITSN. We additionally applied a structure-based pharmacophore hypothesis generation for the model compounds. Then, using Schrödinger's Phase Shape, 3D ligand alignments assigned HMs to Class I, II, III, IV, and V compounds. In this HM library compounds, PBPO, matching pharmacophoric featuring, and shape alignment, all put ZCL993 in Class II compound category, which was confirmed in the Cdc42-GEF assay. Conclusion HMs can target diseased cells or tissues while minimizing impacts on tissues that are unaffected. Using Cdc42 HM model compounds as a steppingstone, GTPase activation-based screening of SMM library uncovered five functionally distinct Cdc42 HM classes among which novel efficacies towards alleviating dysregulated AD-like features in mice were identified. Furthermore, molecular re-docking of HM model compounds led to the concept of PBPO. The CADD analysis with PBPO revealed similar profile in a color-coded spectrum to these five distinct classes of Cdc42 HMs identified by biochemical functionality-based screening. The current study enabled a systemic identification and holistic classification of Cdc42 HMs and demonstrated the power of CADD to predict an HM category that can mimic the pharmacological functionality of interests. With artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) on the horizon to mirror experimental pharmacological discovery like AlphaFold for protein structure prediction, our study highlights a model path to actively capture and profile HMs in potentially any PPI landscape. Graphic Abstract Identification and functional classification of Cdc42 homeostatic modulators HMs Using Cdc42 HM model compounds as reference, GTPase activation-based screening of compound libraries uncovered five functionally distinct Cdc42 HM classes. HMs showed novel efficacies towards alleviating dysregulated Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like behavioral and molecular deficits. In parallel, molecular re-docking of HM model compounds established their preferential binding pocket orders (PBPO). PBPO-based profiling (Red reflects the most, whereas green reflects the least, preferable binding pocket) revealed trends of similar pattern to the five classes from the functionality-based classification.
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Guido G, Mangano K, Tancheva L, Kalfin R, Leone GM, Saraceno A, Fagone P, Nicoletti F, Petralia MC. Evaluation of Cell-Specific Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Relevance of In Vitro Models. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2187. [PMID: 38137009 PMCID: PMC10743149 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder classically characterized by two neuropathological hallmarks: β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in AD are still elusive, which dampens the possibility of finding new and more effective therapeutic interventions. Current in vitro models are limited in modelling the complexity of AD pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to characterize the AD expression signature upon a meta-analysis of multiple human datasets, including different cell populations from various brain regions, and compare cell-specific alterations in AD patients and in vitro models to highlight the appropriateness and the limitations of the currently available models in recapitulating AD pathology. The meta-analysis showed consistent enrichment of the Rho GTPases signaling pathway among different cell populations and in the models. The accuracy of in vitro models was higher for neurons and lowest for astrocytes. Our study underscores the particularly low fidelity in modelling down-regulated genes across all cell populations. The top enriched pathways arising from meta-analysis of human data differ from the enriched pathways arising from the overlap. We hope that our data will prove useful in indicating a starting point in the development of future, more complex, 3D in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Guido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (K.M.); (G.M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (K.M.); (G.M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Lyubka Tancheva
- Department of Biological Effects of Natural and Synthetic Substances, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str. Block 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (L.T.); (R.K.)
| | - Reni Kalfin
- Department of Biological Effects of Natural and Synthetic Substances, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str. Block 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (L.T.); (R.K.)
- Department of Healthcare, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Ivan Mihailov Str. 66, 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| | - Gian Marco Leone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (K.M.); (G.M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Saraceno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (K.M.); (G.M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (K.M.); (G.M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (K.M.); (G.M.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
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Chen X, Xie L, Sheehy R, Xiong Y, Muneer A, Wrobel J, Park KS, Liu J, Velez J, Luo Y, Li YD, Quintanilla L, Li Y, Xu C, Wen Z, Song J, Jin J, Deshmukh M. Novel brain-penetrant inhibitor of G9a methylase blocks Alzheimer's disease proteopathology for precision medication. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2743792. [PMID: 38045363 PMCID: PMC10690335 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2743792/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Current amyloid beta-targeting approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics only slow cognitive decline for small numbers of patients. This limited efficacy exists because AD is a multifactorial disease whose pathological mechanism(s) and diagnostic biomarkers are largely unknown. Here we report a new mechanism of AD pathogenesis in which the histone methyltransferase G9a noncanonically regulates translation of a hippocampal proteome that defines the proteopathic nature of AD. Accordingly, we developed a novel brain-penetrant inhibitor of G9a, MS1262, across the blood-brain barrier to block this G9a-regulated, proteopathologic mechanism. Intermittent MS1262 treatment of multiple AD mouse models consistently restored both cognitive and noncognitive functions to healthy levels. Comparison of proteomic/phosphoproteomic analyses of MS1262-treated AD mice with human AD patient data identified multiple pathological brain pathways that elaborate amyloid beta and neurofibrillary tangles as well as blood coagulation, from which biomarkers of early stage of AD including SMOC1 were found to be affected by MS1262 treatment. Notably, these results indicated that MS1262 treatment may reduce or avoid the risk of blood clot burst for brain bleeding or a stroke. This mouse-to-human conservation of G9a-translated AD proteopathology suggests that the global, multifaceted effects of MS1262 in mice could extend to relieve all symptoms of AD patients with minimum side effect. In addition, our mechanistically derived biomarkers can be used for stage-specific AD diagnosis and companion diagnosis of individualized drug effects.
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Wu J, Liang Y, Fu P, Feng A, Lu Q, Unwalla HJ, Marciano DP, Black SM, Wang T. Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 3 Induces Endothelial Barrier Loss via ADAM10-Mediated Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin Cleavage. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16083. [PMID: 38003272 PMCID: PMC10671260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216083] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-supporting strategy employed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, MV-associated mechanical stress exacerbates existing lung inflammation in ICU patients, resulting in limited improvement in mortality and a condition known as Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury (VILI). Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a circulating bioactive lipid that maintains endothelial integrity primarily through S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1). During VILI, mechanical stress upregulates endothelial S1PR3 levels. Unlike S1PR1, S1PR3 mediates endothelial barrier disruption through Rho-dependent pathways. However, the specific impact of elevated S1PR3 on lung endothelial function, apart from Rho activation, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of S1PR3 in endothelial pathobiology during VILI using an S1PR3 overexpression adenovirus. S1PR3 overexpression caused cytoskeleton rearrangement, formation of paracellular gaps, and a modified endothelial response towards S1P. It resulted in a shift from S1PR1-dependent barrier enhancement to S1PR3-dependent barrier disruption. Moreover, S1PR3 overexpression induced an ADAM10-dependent cleavage of Vascular Endothelial (VE)-cadherin, which hindered endothelial barrier recovery. S1PR3-induced cleavage of VE-cadherin was at least partially regulated by S1PR3-mediated NFκB activation. Additionally, we employed an S1PR3 inhibitor TY-52156 in a murine model of VILI. TY-52156 effectively attenuated VILI-induced increases in bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts and protein concentration, suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited lung inflammation as assessed via a histological evaluation. These findings confirm that mechanical stress associated with VILI increases S1PR3 levels, thereby altering the pulmonary endothelial response towards S1P and impairing barrier recovery. Inhibiting S1PR3 is validated as an effective therapeutic strategy for VILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Wu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Ying Liang
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Panfeng Fu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Anlin Feng
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Qing Lu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Hoshang J. Unwalla
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - David P. Marciano
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Stephen M. Black
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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Xie L, Sheehy RN, Xiong Y, Muneer A, Wrobel JA, Park KS, Velez J, Liu J, Luo YJ, Li YD, Quintanilla L, Li Y, Xu C, Deshmukh M, Wen Z, Jin J, Song J, Chen X. Novel brain-penetrant inhibitor of G9a methylase blocks Alzheimer's disease proteopathology for precision medication. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.10.25.23297491. [PMID: 37961307 PMCID: PMC10635198 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.25.23297491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Current amyloid beta-targeting approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics only slow cognitive decline for small numbers of patients. This limited efficacy exists because AD is a multifactorial disease whose pathological mechanism(s) and diagnostic biomarkers are largely unknown. Here we report a new mechanism of AD pathogenesis in which the histone methyltransferase G9a noncanonically regulates translation of a hippocampal proteome that defines the proteopathic nature of AD. Accordingly, we developed a novel brain-penetrant inhibitor of G9a, MS1262, across the blood-brain barrier to block this G9a-regulated, proteopathologic mechanism. Intermittent MS1262 treatment of multiple AD mouse models consistently restored both cognitive and noncognitive functions to healthy levels. Comparison of proteomic/phosphoproteomic analyses of MS1262-treated AD mice with human AD patient data identified multiple pathological brain pathways that elaborate amyloid beta and neurofibrillary tangles as well as blood coagulation, from which biomarkers of early stage of AD including SMOC1 were found to be affected by MS1262 treatment. Notably, these results indicated that MS1262 treatment may reduce or avoid the risk of blood clot burst for brain bleeding or a stroke. This mouse-to-human conservation of G9a-translated AD proteopathology suggests that the global, multifaceted effects of MS1262 in mice could extend to relieve all symptoms of AD patients with minimum side effect. In addition, our mechanistically derived biomarkers can be used for stage-specific AD diagnosis and companion diagnosis of individualized drug effects. One-Sentence Summary A brain-penetrant inhibitor of G9a methylase blocks G9a translational mechanism to reverse Alzheimer's disease related proteome for effective therapy.
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Wang W, Wang Z, Cao J, Dong Y, Chen Y. Roles of Rac1-Dependent Intrinsic Forgetting in Memory-Related Brain Disorders: Demon or Angel. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10736. [PMID: 37445914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals are required to handle daily massive amounts of information in an ever-changing environment, and the resulting memories and experiences determine their survival and development, which is critical for adaptive evolution. However, intrinsic forgetting, which actively deletes irrelevant information, is equally important for memory acquisition and consolidation. Recently, it has been shown that Rac1 activity plays a key role in intrinsic forgetting, maintaining the balance of the brain's memory management system in a controlled manner. In addition, dysfunctions of Rac1-dependent intrinsic forgetting may contribute to memory deficits in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, these new findings will provide insights into the neurobiology of memory and forgetting, pathological mechanisms and potential therapies for brain disorders that alter intrinsic forgetting mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yulan Dong
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
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12
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St. Jean J, Slavcev R, Rao PN. The effects of amyloid beta aggregation on neuronal transcription. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:375-379. [PMID: 37092125 PMCID: PMC10114506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating condition that impairs cognition and episodic memory. AD is well known for its behavioural phenotype however, knowing its cellular pathology, which is primarily based on the presence of amyloid beta (Aβ) in various aggregation states, is crucial for the development of research efforts against the disorder. The most notable of these aggregation states are the oligomeric and fibril forms of Aβ. This paper aims to describe the transcriptomic profile of neuronal cells exposed to these aggregation states in order to better understand the disorder and identify potential therapeutic genetic targets. The primary findings of this paper illustrate the significant effects of Aβ on genes associated with metabolism as well as the dramatically increased effects of oligomeric Aβ relative to fibril Aβ with respect to the overall changes in gene expression. The presented results also support the further examination of the role of GTPases in the deleterious effects of Aβ.
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13
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Yin G, Huang J, Petela J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu J, Liu B, Shi J, Gao Y. Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:212. [PMID: 37221195 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as "undruggable". Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12C covalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12C mutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Johnny Petela
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuetong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Gong
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bei Liu
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, School of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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14
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Merchant JP, Zhu K, Henrion MYR, Zaidi SSA, Lau B, Moein S, Alamprese ML, Pearse RV, Bennett DA, Ertekin-Taner N, Young-Pearse TL, Chang R. Predictive network analysis identifies JMJD6 and other potential key drivers in Alzheimer's disease. Commun Biol 2023; 6:503. [PMID: 37188718 PMCID: PMC10185548 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04791-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of genetic studies on late-onset Alzheimer's disease, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To better comprehend its complex etiology, we use an integrative approach to build robust predictive (causal) network models using two large human multi-omics datasets. We delineate bulk-tissue gene expression into single cell-type gene expression and integrate clinical and pathologic traits, single nucleotide variation, and deconvoluted gene expression for the construction of cell type-specific predictive network models. Here, we focus on neuron-specific network models and prioritize 19 predicted key drivers modulating Alzheimer's pathology, which we then validate by knockdown in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. We find that neuronal knockdown of 10 of the 19 targets significantly modulates levels of amyloid-beta and/or phosphorylated tau peptides, most notably JMJD6. We also confirm our network structure by RNA sequencing in the neurons following knockdown of each of the 10 targets, which additionally predicts that they are upstream regulators of REST and VGF. Our work thus identifies robust neuronal key drivers of the Alzheimer's-associated network state which may represent therapeutic targets with relevance to both amyloid and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie P Merchant
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kuixi Zhu
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, PO Box 30096, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Syed S A Zaidi
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Branden Lau
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Research Labs, Genetics Core, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sara Moein
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Melissa L Alamprese
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Richard V Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nilüfer Ertekin-Taner
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rui Chang
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- INTelico Therapeutics LLC, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- PATH Biotech LLC, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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15
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González B, Aldea M, Cullen PJ. Chaperone-Dependent Degradation of Cdc42 Promotes Cell Polarity and Shields the Protein from Aggregation. Mol Cell Biol 2023; 43:200-222. [PMID: 37114947 PMCID: PMC10184603 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2023.2198171] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases are global regulators of cell polarity and signaling. By exploring the turnover regulation of the yeast Rho GTPase Cdc42p, we identified new regulatory features surrounding the stability of the protein. We specifically show that Cdc42p is degraded at 37 °C by chaperones through lysine residues located in the C-terminus of the protein. Cdc42p turnover at 37 °C occurred by the 26S proteasome in an ESCRT-dependent manner in the lysosome/vacuole. By analyzing versions of Cdc42p that were defective for turnover, we show that turnover at 37 °C promoted cell polarity but was defective for sensitivity to mating pheromone, presumably mediated through a Cdc42p-dependent MAP kinase pathway. We also identified one residue (K16) in the P-loop of the protein that was critical for Cdc42p stability. Accumulation of Cdc42pK16R in some contexts led to the formation of protein aggregates, which were enriched in aging mother cells and cells undergoing proteostatic stress. Our study uncovers new aspects of protein turnover regulation of a Rho-type GTPase that may extend to other systems. Moreover, residues identified here that mediate Cdc42p turnover correlate with several human diseases, which may suggest that turnover regulation of Cdc42p is important to aspects of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz González
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Martí Aldea
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul J. Cullen
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, New York, USA
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16
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Lin J, de Rezende VL, de Aguiar da Costa M, de Oliveira J, Gonçalves CL. Cholesterol metabolism pathway in autism spectrum disorder: From animal models to clinical observations. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 223:173522. [PMID: 36717034 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent impairment of social skills, including aspects of perception, interpretation, and response, combined with restricted and repetitive behavior. ASD is a complex and multifactorial condition, and its etiology could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Despite numerous clinical and experimental studies, no etiological factor, biomarker, and specific model of transmission have been consistently associated with ASD. However, an imbalance in cholesterol levels has been observed in many patients, more specifically, a condition of hypocholesterolemia, which seems to be shared between ASD and ASD-related genetic syndromes such as fragile X syndrome (FXS), Rett syndrome (RS), and Smith- Lemli-Opitz (SLO). Furthermore, it is known that alterations in cholesterol levels lead to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, impaired myelination and synaptogenesis. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the cholesterol metabolic pathways in the ASD context, as well as in genetic syndromes related to ASD, through clinical observations and animal models. In fact, SLO, FXS, and RS patients display early behavioral markers of ASD followed by cholesterol disturbances. Several studies have demonstrated the role of cholesterol in psychiatric conditions and how its levels modulate brain neurodevelopment. This review suggests an important relationship between ASD pathology and cholesterol metabolism impairment; thus, some strategies could be raised - at clinical and pre-clinical levels - to explore whether cholesterol metabolism disturbance has a generally adverse effect in exacerbating the symptoms of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Lin
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Victória Linden de Rezende
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Maiara de Aguiar da Costa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jade de Oliveira
- Laboratory for Research in Metabolic Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cinara Ludvig Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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17
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Zhang H, Li X, Wang X, Xu J, Elefant F, Wang J. Cellular response to β-amyloid neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease and implications in new therapeutics. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:3-9. [PMID: 36872303 PMCID: PMC9986234 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Amyloid (Aβ) is a specific pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because of its neurotoxicity, AD patients exhibit multiple brain dysfunctions. Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is the central concept in the development of AD therapeutics today, and most DMT drugs that are currently in clinical trials are anti-Aβ drugs, such as aducanumab and lecanemab. Therefore, understanding Aβ's neurotoxic mechanism is crucial for Aβ-targeted drug development. Despite its total length of only a few dozen amino acids, Aβ is incredibly diverse. In addition to the well-known Aβ1-42 , N-terminally truncated, glutaminyl cyclase (QC) catalyzed, and pyroglutamate-modified Aβ (pEAβ) is also highly amyloidogenic and far more cytotoxic. The extracellular monomeric Aβx-42 (x = 1-11) initiates the aggregation to form fibrils and plaques and causes many abnormal cellular responses through cell membrane receptors and receptor-coupled signal pathways. These signal cascades further influence many cellular metabolism-related processes, such as gene expression, cell cycle, and cell fate, and ultimately cause severe neural cell damage. However, endogenous cellular anti-Aβ defense processes always accompany the Aβ-induced microenvironment alterations. Aβ-cleaving endopeptidases, Aβ-degrading ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and Aβ-engulfing glial cell immune responses are all essential self-defense mechanisms that we can leverage to develop new drugs. This review discusses some of the most recent advances in understanding Aβ-centric AD mechanisms and suggests prospects for promising anti-Aβ strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and LifeBeijing University of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Xianghua Li
- Faculty of Environment and LifeBeijing University of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Faculty of Environment and LifeBeijing University of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Jiayu Xu
- Faculty of Environment and LifeBeijing University of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Felice Elefant
- Department of BiologyDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Juan Wang
- Faculty of Environment and LifeBeijing University of TechnologyBeijingChina
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18
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Nik Akhtar S, Bunner WP, Brennan E, Lu Q, Szatmari EM. Crosstalk between the Rho and Rab family of small GTPases in neurodegenerative disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1084769. [PMID: 36779014 PMCID: PMC9911442 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1084769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is associated with defects in cytoskeletal dynamics and dysfunctions of the vesicular trafficking and sorting systems. In the last few decades, studies have demonstrated that the key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics are proteins from the Rho family GTPases, meanwhile, the central hub for vesicle sorting and transport between target membranes is the Rab family of GTPases. In this regard, the role of Rho and Rab GTPases in the induction and maintenance of distinct functional and morphological neuronal domains (such as dendrites and axons) has been extensively studied. Several members belonging to these two families of proteins have been associated with many neurodegenerative disorders ranging from dementia to motor neuron degeneration. In this analysis, we attempt to present a brief review of the potential crosstalk between the Rab and Rho family members in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Nik Akhtar
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Wyatt P. Bunner
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Brennan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Qun Lu
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Erzsebet M. Szatmari Qun Lu
| | - Erzsebet M. Szatmari
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Erzsebet M. Szatmari Qun Lu
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19
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Li X, Zhang M, Zhou G, Xie Z, Wang Y, Han J, Li L, Wu Q, Zhang S. Role of Rho GTPases in inflammatory bowel disease. Cell Death Dis 2023; 9:24. [PMID: 36690621 PMCID: PMC9871048 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01329-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Rat sarcoma virus homolog (Rho) guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) function as "molecular switch" in cellular signaling regulation processes and are associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This chronic intestinal tract inflammation primarily encompasses two diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The pathogenesis of IBD is complex and considered to include four main factors and their interactions: genetics, intestinal microbiota, immune system, and environment. Recently, several novel pathogenic components have been identified. In addition, potential therapies for IBD targeting Rho GTPases have emerged and proven to be clinically effective. This review mainly focuses on Rho GTPases and their possible mechanisms in IBD pathogenesis. The therapeutic possibility of Rho GTPases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Li
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mudan Zhang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Gaoshi Zhou
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhuo Xie
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jing Han
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Li Li
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Qirui Wu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shenghong Zhang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDivision of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
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20
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Nik Akhtar S, Lu Q. RhoA-LIMK Signaling Axis Reveals Rostral-Caudal Plane and Spatial Dysregulation in the Brain of Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Models. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:1643-1656. [PMID: 37718806 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230408] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RhoA signaling is widely reported to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its therapeutic targeting demonstrated mixed outcomes. We hypothesize that the activation and inactivation states of RhoA and LIMK are different in the cortex and in subregions of hippocampus along the rostral-caudal dimensions. OBJECTIVE We intended to elucidate the plane and spatial dependent RhoA signaling in association with AD. METHODS We applied antibody pRhoA that recognizes an inactive state of RhoA (S188 phosphorylation) and antibody pLIMK against an active state of LIMK (T508 phosphorylation) to investigate RhoA signaling in wildtype (WT) and triple transgenic AD (3xTg-AD) mouse model. We prepared serial sections from the rostral to caudal coronal planes of the entire mouse brain followed by immunofluorescence staining with pRhoA and pLIMK antibodies. RESULTS Both pRhoA and pLIMK elicited a shift of expression pattern from rostral to caudal planes. Additionally, pRhoA demonstrated dynamic redistribution between the nucleus and cytoplasm. pLIMK did not show such nucleus and cytoplasm redistribution but the expression level was changed from rostral to caudal planes. At some planes, pRhoA showed an increasing trend in expression in the cortex but a decreasing trend in the dentate gyrus of the 3xTg-AD mouse hippocampus. pLIMK tends to decrease in the cortex but increase in the dentate gyrus of 3xTg-AD mouse hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS RhoA activation is dysregulated in both human and mouse AD brains, and the RhoA-LIMK signaling axis reveals spatial dysregulation along the rostral-caudal plane dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Nik Akhtar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Qun Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. Greenville, NC, USA
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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21
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Ren G, Song S, Zhang SX, Liu Y, Lv Y, Wang YH, Zhao R, Li XY. Brain region-specific genome-wide deoxyribonucleic acid methylation analysis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:971565. [PMID: 37122620 PMCID: PMC10133508 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.971565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuropathology and cognitive decline and associated with age. The comprehensive deoxyribonucleic acid methylation (DNAm)-transcriptome profile association analysis conducted in this study aimed to establish whole-genome DNAm profiles and explore DNAm-related genes and their potential functions. More appropriate biomarkers were expected to be identified in terms of AD. Materials and methods Illumina 450KGSE59685 dataset AD (n = 54) and HC (n = 21) and ribonucleic-acid-sequencing data GSE118553 dataset AD patients (n = 21) and HCs (n = 13) were obtained from the gene expression omnibus database before a comprehensive DNAm-transcriptome profile association analysis, and we performed functional enrichment analysis by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses (KEGG). Three transgenic mice and three wild-type mice were used to validate the hub genes. Results A total of 18,104 DNAm sites in healthy controls (n = 21) and AD patients (n = 54) were surveyed across three brain regions (superior temporal gyrus, entorhinal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). With the addition of the transcriptome analysis, eight hypomethylated-related highly expressed genes and 61 hypermethylated-related lowly expressed genes were identified. Based on 69 shared differentially methylated genes (DMGs), the function enrichment analysis indicated Guanosine triphosphate enzymes (GTPase) regulator activity, a synaptic vesicle cycle, and tight junction functioning. Following this, mice-based models of AD were constructed, and five hub DMGs were verified, which represented a powerful, disease-specific DNAm signature for AD. Conclusion The results revealed that the cross-brain region DNAm was altered in those with AD. The alterations in DNAm affected the target gene expression and participated in the key biological processes of AD. The study provides a valuable epigenetic resource for identifying DNAm-based diagnostic biomarkers, developing effective drugs, and studying AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Ren
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shan Song
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xin-Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xin-Yi Li,
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22
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Chen M, Jia S, Xue M, Huang H, Xu Z, Yang D, Zhu W, Song Q. Dual-Stream Subspace Clustering Network for revealing gene targets in Alzheimer's disease. Comput Biol Med 2022; 151:106305. [PMID: 36401971 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106305] [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] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of scRNA-seq technology in recent years has enabled us to capture high-throughput gene expression profiles at single-cell resolution, reveal the heterogeneity of complex cell populations, and greatly advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms in human diseases. Traditional methods for gene co-expression clustering are limited to discovering effective gene groups in scRNA-seq data. In this paper, we propose a novel gene clustering method based on convolutional neural networks called Dual-Stream Subspace Clustering Network (DS-SCNet). DS-SCNet can accurately identify important gene clusters from large scales of single-cell RNA-seq data and provide useful information for downstream analysis. Based on the simulated datasets, DS-SCNet successfully clusters genes into different groups and outperforms mainstream gene clustering methods, such as DBSCAN and DESC, across different evaluation metrics. To explore the biological insights of our proposed method, we applied it to real scRNA-seq data of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). DS-SCNet analyzed the single-cell RNA-seq data with 10,850 genes, and accurately identified 8 optimal clusters from 6673 cells. Enrichment analysis of these gene clusters revealed functional signaling pathways including the ILS signaling, the Rho GTPase signaling, and hemostasis pathways. Further analysis of gene regulatory networks identified new hub genes such as ELF4 as important regulators of AD, which indicates that DS-SCNet contributes to the discovery and understanding of the pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghan Chen
- Department of Computer Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Shishen Jia
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengfan Xue
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - Ziang Xu
- Department of Computer Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Defu Yang
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qianqian Song
- Center for Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston Salem, NC, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA.
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23
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Jeong A, Auger SA, Maity S, Fredriksen K, Zhong R, Li L, Distefano MD. In Vivo Prenylomic Profiling in the Brain of a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease Reveals Increased Prenylation of a Key Set of Proteins. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2863-2876. [PMID: 36109170 PMCID: PMC9799064 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of protein prenylation has been implicated in many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prenylomic analysis, the combination of metabolic incorporation of an isoprenoid analogue (C15AlkOPP) into prenylated proteins with a bottom-up proteomic analysis, has allowed the identification of prenylated proteins in various cellular models. Here, transgenic AD mice were administered with C15AlkOPP through intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion over 13 days. Using prenylomic analysis, 36 prenylated proteins were enriched in the brains of AD mice. Importantly, the prenylated forms of 15 proteins were consistently upregulated in AD mice compared to nontransgenic wild-type controls. These results highlight the power of this in vivo metabolic labeling approach to identify multiple post-translationally modified proteins that may serve as potential therapeutic targets for a disease that has proved refractory to treatment thus far. Moreover, this method should be applicable to many other types of protein modifications, significantly broadening its scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeong
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | | | - Sanjay Maity
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | | | - Rui Zhong
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | - Ling Li
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
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24
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Boligala GP, Yang MV, van Wunnik JC, Pruitt K. Nuclear Dishevelled: An enigmatic role in governing cell fate and Wnt signaling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119305. [PMID: 35688346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Dishevelled gene was first identified in Drosophila mutants with disoriented hair and bristle polarity and subsequent work has now demonstrated its importance in critical and diverse aspects of biology. Since those early discoveries, Dishevelled has been shown to coordinate a plethora of developmental and cellular processes that range from controlling cell polarity during gastrulation to partnering with chromatin modifying enzymes to regulate histone methylation at genomic loci. While the role of DVL in development is well-respected and the cytosolic function of DVL has been studied more extensively, its nuclear role continues to remain murky. In this review we highlight some of the seminal discoveries that have contributed to the field, but the primary focus is to discuss recent advances with respect to the nuclear role of Dishevelled. This nuclear function of Dishevelled is a dimension which is proving to be increasingly important yet remains enigmatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Priya Boligala
- Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Mingxiao V Yang
- Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jenna C van Wunnik
- Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Pruitt
- Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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25
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Statins Use in Alzheimer Disease: Bane or Boon from Frantic Search and Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101290. [PMID: 36291224 PMCID: PMC9599431 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was used to describe pre-senile dementia to differentiate it from senile dementia, which develops in the adult age group of more than 65 years. AD is characterized by the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque and tau-neurofibrillary tangles (TNTs) in the brain. The neuropathological changes in AD are related to the deposition of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and progression of neuroinflammation, neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy dysfunction, and cholinergic synaptic dysfunction. Statins are one of the main cornerstone drugs for the management of cardiovascular disorders regardless of dyslipidemia status. Increasing the use of statins, mainly in the elderly groups for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, may affect their cognitive functions. Extensive and prolonged use of statins may affect cognitive functions in healthy subjects and dementia patients. Statins-induced cognitive impairments in both patients and health providers had been reported according to the post-marketing survey. This survey depends mainly on sporadic cases, and no cognitive measures were used. Evidence from prospective and observational studies gives no robust conclusion regarding the beneficial or detrimental effects of statins on cognitive functions in AD patients. Therefore, this study is a narrative review aimed with evidences to the beneficial, detrimental, and neutral effects of statins on AD.
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26
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Panda S, Swain SK, Sahu BP, Sarangi R. Gene expression and involvement of signaling pathways during host-pathogen interplay in Orientia tsutsugamushi infection. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:180. [PMID: 35860421 PMCID: PMC9295102 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03239-7] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a neglected tropical disease that affects one-third of the world’s population. The disease is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT), an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium. OT efficiently escapes from the endosomal pathway after entering the host cell and replicates inside cytosol. OT infection promotes cellular autophagy, the autonomous defense mechanism unlike other bacteria. This study has discussed the bacterial invasion process through the extracellular matrix and the immune response activated by the bacterium within the hosts. Furthermore, we have emphasized the importance of extracellular matrix and their cross-talk with the immune cells, such as, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells followed by their inflammatory response. We have also put an insight into the host factors associated with signaling pathways during scrub typhus disease with a special focus on the OT-induced stress response, autophagy, apoptosis, and innate immunity. Multiple cytokines and chemokines play a significant role in activating different immune-related signaling pathways. Due to the presence of high antigenic diversity among strains, the signaling pathways during the host–pathogen interplay of OT with its host is very complicated. Thus, it hinders to mitigate the severity of the pandemic occurred by the respective pathogen. Our investigation will provide a useful guide to better understand the virulence and physiology of this intracellular pathogen which will lead towards a better therapeutic diagnosis and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasmita Panda
- Department of Pediatrics, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Deemed to be University, K8, Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751003 India
| | - Subrat Kumar Swain
- Centre for Genomics and Biomedical Informatics, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Deemed to be University, K8, Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751003 India
| | - Basanta Pravas Sahu
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552 India
| | - Rachita Sarangi
- Department of Pediatrics, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan Deemed to be University, K8, Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751003 India
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27
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C. Silva T, Young JI, Zhang L, Gomez L, Schmidt MA, Varma A, Chen XS, Martin ER, Wang L. Cross-tissue analysis of blood and brain epigenome-wide association studies in Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4852. [PMID: 35982059 PMCID: PMC9388493 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32475-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To better understand DNA methylation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) from both mechanistic and biomarker perspectives, we performed an epigenome-wide meta-analysis of blood DNA methylation in two large independent blood-based studies in AD, the ADNI and AIBL studies, and identified 5 CpGs, mapped to the SPIDR, CDH6 genes, and intergenic regions, that are significantly associated with AD diagnosis. A cross-tissue analysis that combined these blood DNA methylation datasets with four brain methylation datasets prioritized 97 CpGs and 10 genomic regions that are significantly associated with both AD neuropathology and AD diagnosis. An out-of-sample validation using the AddNeuroMed dataset showed the best performing logistic regression model includes age, sex, immune cell type proportions, and methylation risk score based on prioritized CpGs in cross-tissue analysis (AUC = 0.696, 95% CI: 0.616 - 0.770, P-value = 2.78 × 10-5). Our study offers new insights into epigenetics in AD and provides a valuable resource for future AD biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago C. Silva
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Juan I. Young
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Lanyu Zhang
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Lissette Gomez
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Michael A. Schmidt
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Achintya Varma
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - X. Steven Chen
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Eden R. Martin
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Lily Wang
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
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28
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Zhang Y, Niu C. Relation of CDC42, Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells with cognitive function decline in Alzheimer's disease. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:1428-1436. [PMID: 35976992 PMCID: PMC9463943 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) regulates neurite outgrowth, neurotransmitter, and T help (Th) cell-mediated neuroinflammation, while its clinical implication in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation of CDC42 with Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, as well as CDC42' longitudinal change and relation to cognitive function decline in AD patients. METHODS 150 AD patients were enrolled, then their blood Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells were quantified by flow cytometry at baseline; CDC42 was detected by RT-qPCR and MMSE score was assessed at baseline and during 3-year follow-up. Meanwhile, CDC42, Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells were quantified in 30 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 30 healthy controls (HCs). RESULTS CDC42 (p < 0.001) and Th2 cells (p < 0.001) were lowest in AD patients, followed by PD patients, highest in HCs; but Th1 cells (p = 0.001) and Th17 cells (p < 0.001) showed opposite trends. CDC42 was not related to Th1 cells (p = 0.134), positively correlated with Th2 cells (p = 0.023) and MMSE (p < 0.001), while negatively associated with Th17 cells (p < 0.001) in AD patients. CDC42 was only related to Th17 cells (p = 0.048) and MMSE (p = 0.048) in PD patients; and it was not linked with Th1, Th2, Th17 cells, or MMSE in HCs (all p > 0.05). During a 3-year follow-up, CDC42 was gradually declined in AD patients (p < 0.001), its decline was positively correlated with MMSE decline at 1 year (p = 0.004), 2 years (p = 0.005), and 3 years (p = 0.026). INTERPRETATION CDC42 might have the potency to serve as a biomarker for estimating AD risk and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chenglin Niu
- Department of ICU, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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29
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Santana DA, Bedrat A, Puga RD, Turecki G, Mechawar N, Faria TC, Gigek CO, Payão SL, Smith MA, Lemos B, Chen ES. The role of H3K9 acetylation and gene expression in different brain regions of Alzheimer's disease patients. Epigenomics 2022; 14:651-670. [PMID: 35588246 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate H3K9 acetylation and gene expression profiles in three brain regions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and elderly controls, and to identify AD region-specific abnormalities. Methods: Brain samples of auditory cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum from AD patients and controls underwent chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA sequencing and network analyses. Results: We found a hyperacetylation of AD cerebellum and a slight hypoacetylation of AD hippocampus. The transcriptome revealed differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus and auditory cortex. Network analysis revealed Rho GTPase-mediated mechanisms. Conclusions: These findings suggest that some crucial mechanisms, such as Rho GTPase activity and cytoskeletal organization, are differentially dysregulated in brain regions of AD patients at the epigenetic and transcriptomic levels, and might contribute toward future research on AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daliléia A Santana
- Department of Morphology & Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo,SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Amina Bedrat
- Department of Environmental Health & Molecular & Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-5810, USA
| | - Renato D Puga
- Hermes Pardini Institute, São Paulo, SP, 04038-030, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H1R3, Canada
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H1R3, Canada
| | - Tathyane C Faria
- Department of Morphology & Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo,SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Carolina O Gigek
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Spencer Lm Payão
- Department of Genetics, Blood Center, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília, SP, 17519-050, Brazil
| | - Marília Ac Smith
- Department of Morphology & Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo,SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Lemos
- Department of Environmental Health & Molecular & Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-5810, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Chen
- Department of Morphology & Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo,SP, 04023-062, Brazil.,Department of Environmental Health & Molecular & Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115-5810, USA
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30
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Cheng X, Ye J, Zhang X, Meng K. Longitudinal Variations of CDC42 in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke During 3-Year Period: Correlation With CD4 + T Cells, Disease Severity, and Prognosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:848933. [PMID: 35547377 PMCID: PMC9081787 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.848933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) modulates CD4+ T-cell differentiation, blood lipids, and neuronal apoptosis and is involved in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, the clinical role of CDC42 in AIS remains unanswered. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CDC42 in a 3-year follow-up and its correlation with disease severity, T helper (Th)1/2/17 cells, and the prognosis in patients with AIS. Methods Blood CDC42 was detected in 143 patients with AIS at multiple time points during the 3-year follow-up period and in 70 controls at admission by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, blood Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and their secreted cytokines (interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)) in patients with AIS were detected by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results Compared with controls (p < 0.001), CDC42 was reduced in patients with AIS. CDC42 was negatively correlated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p < 0.001), whereas, in patients with AIS (all p < 0.050), it was positively associated with Th2 cells and IL-4 but negatively correlated with Th17 cells and IL-17A. CDC42 was decreased from admission to 3 days and gradually increased from 3 days to 3 years in patients with AIS (P<0.001). In a 3-year follow-up, 24 patients with AIS recurred and 8 patients died. On the 3rd day, 7th day, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year, CDC42 was decreased in recurrent patients than that in non-recurrent patients (all p < 0.050). CDC42 at 7 days (p = 0.033) and 3 months (p = 0.023) was declined in reported deceased patients than in survived patients. Conclusion CDC42 is used as a biomarker to constantly monitor disease progression and recurrence risk of patients with AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cheng
- Department of Neurology, ShanXi Province People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Control, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianxin Ye
- Department of Neurology, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, ShanXi Province People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Kun Meng
- Department of Neurology, ShanXi Province People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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31
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Abstract
Immunity could be viewed as the common factor in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. The immune and nervous systems coevolve as the embryo develops. Immunity can release cytokines that activate MAPK signaling in neural cells. In specific embryonic brain cell types, dysregulated signaling that results from germline or embryonic mutations can promote changes in chromatin organization and gene accessibility, and thus expression levels of essential genes in neurodevelopment. In cancer, dysregulated signaling can emerge from sporadic somatic mutations during human life. Neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer share similarities. In neurodevelopmental disorders, immunity, and cancer, there appears an almost invariable involvement of small GTPases (e.g., Ras, RhoA, and Rac) and their pathways. TLRs, IL-1, GIT1, and FGFR signaling pathways, all can be dysregulated in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Although there are signaling similarities, decisive differentiating factors are timing windows, and cell type specific perturbation levels, pointing to chromatin reorganization. Finally, we discuss drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Corresponding author
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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32
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Unlocking the Memory Component of Alzheimer’s Disease:Biological Processes and Pathways across Brain Regions. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020263. [PMID: 35204764 PMCID: PMC8961579 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of memory and a general cognitive decline leading to dementia. AD is characterized by changes in the behavior of the genome and can be traced across multiple brain regions and cell types. It is mainly associated with β-amyloid deposits and tau protein misfolding, leading to neurofibrillary tangles. In recent years, however, research has shown that there is a high complexity of mechanisms involved in AD neurophysiology and functional decline enabling its diverse presentation and allowing more questions to arise. In this study, we present a computational approach to facilitate brain region-specific analysis of genes and biological processes involved in the memory process in AD. Utilizing current genetic knowledge we provide a gene set of 265 memory-associated genes in AD, combinations of which can be found co-expressed in 11 different brain regions along with their functional role. The identified genes participate in a spectrum of biological processes ranging from structural and neuronal communication to epigenetic alterations and immune system responses. These findings provide new insights into the molecular background of AD and can be used to bridge the genotype–phenotype gap and allow for new therapeutic hypotheses.
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Wirianto M, Wang CY, Kim E, Koike N, Gomez-Gutierrez R, Nohara K, Escobedo G, Choi JM, Han C, Yagita K, Jung SY, Soto C, Lee HK, Morales R, Yoo SH, Chen Z. The clock modulator Nobiletin mitigates astrogliosis-associated neuroinflammation and disease hallmarks in an Alzheimer's disease model. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22186. [PMID: 35120261 PMCID: PMC8887996 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101633r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, and there is a pressing need to identify disease‐modifying factors and devise interventional strategies. The circadian clock, our intrinsic biological timer, orchestrates various cellular and physiological processes including gene expression, sleep, and neuroinflammation; conversely, circadian dysfunctions are closely associated with and/or contribute to AD hallmarks. We previously reported that the natural compound Nobiletin (NOB) is a clock‐enhancing modulator that promotes physiological health and healthy aging. In the current study, we treated the double transgenic AD model mice, APP/PS1, with NOB‐containing diets. NOB significantly alleviated β‐amyloid burden in both the hippocampus and the cortex, and exhibited a trend to improve cognitive function in these mice. While several systemic parameters for circadian wheel‐running activity, sleep, and metabolism were unchanged, NOB treatment showed a marked effect on the expression of clock and clock‐controlled AD gene expression in the cortex. In accordance, cortical proteomic profiling demonstrated circadian time‐dependent restoration of the protein landscape in APP/PS1 mice treated with NOB. More importantly, we found a potent efficacy of NOB to inhibit proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and inflammasome formation in the cortex, and immunostaining further revealed a specific effect to diminish astrogliosis, but not microgliosis, by NOB in APP/PS1 mice. Together, these results underscore beneficial effects of a clock modulator to mitigate pathological and cognitive hallmarks of AD, and suggest a possible mechanism via suppressing astrogliosis‐associated neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Wirianto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chih-Yen Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eunju Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nobuya Koike
- Department of Physiology and Systems Bioscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ruben Gomez-Gutierrez
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Kazunari Nohara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gabriel Escobedo
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jong Min Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chorong Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Yagita
- Department of Physiology and Systems Bioscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claudio Soto
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hyun Kyoung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA.,Centro Integrativo de Biologia Y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Seung-Hee Yoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
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George B, D Gokhale S, Yaswanth PM, Vijayan A, Devika S, Suchithra TV. Identification of Alzheimer associated differentially expressed gene through microarray data and transfer learning-based image analysis. Neurosci Lett 2022; 766:136357. [PMID: 34808269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136357] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Major factors contribute to mental stress and enhance the progression of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). The factors that lead to neurodegeneration, such as tau protein hyperphosphorylation and increased amyloid-beta production, can be mimicked in animal stress models. The present study identifies differentially expressed genes (DEGs) data and its corresponding predictive image analysis in rat models. The gene expression profile of GSE72062, GSE85162, GSE143951 and GSE85238 was downloaded from NCBI, GEO archive to analyse DEGs. Functional enrichment and pathway relationship networks, gene signal, protein interaction and micro-RNA interaction DEGs networks were constructed and investigated. The image analysis of histopathological slides of rat brain images corresponding to AD microarray-based DEGs profile was undertaken using the convolution neural networks (ConvNets) model. Enrichment of network in terms of GO concluded with 10 DEGs, namely ARHGAP32, GNA11, NR5A1, GNAT3, FOSL1, HELZ2, NMUR2, BDKRB1, RPL3L and RPL39L as potential gene targets to control neurodegeneration and progression of sporadic AD. The image analysis of AD microarray-based DEGs profile builds a successful predictive model of 89% and 61% training and test accuracy with a minimum of 2.480% loss using transfer learning, VGG16 model. Interestingly, the ARHGAP32 gene, a Rho GTPase activating class, was identified to have a functional relationship with two significant genes BCL2 and MMP9, that are well explored in AD. The current investigation upgrades the traditional pre-clinical AD research using microarray data analysis and ConvNets. The model successfully predicts DEG from histopathology slides of rat brain samples, paving the way for image analysis to determine the underlying molecular makeup of the test samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benu George
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode 673601, India
| | - Sheetal D Gokhale
- Department of Information Technology, K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Vidyanagar, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai 400077, India
| | - P M Yaswanth
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode 673601, India
| | - Ajay Vijayan
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode 673601, India
| | - S Devika
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode 673601, India
| | - T V Suchithra
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode 673601, India.
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Song J. Comparison of Cerebral Cortex Transcriptome Profiles in Ischemic Stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease Models. Clin Nutr Res 2022; 11:159-170. [PMID: 35949563 PMCID: PMC9348914 DOI: 10.7762/cnr.2022.11.3.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are representative geriatric diseases with a rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Recent studies have reported an association between ischemic stroke neuropathology and AD neuropathology. Ischemic stroke shares some similar characteristics with AD, such as glia activation-induced neuroinflammation, amyloid beta accumulation, and neuronal cell loss, as well as some common risk factors with AD progression. Although there are considerable similarities in neuropathology between ischemic stroke and AD, no studies have ever compared specific genetic changes of brain cortex between ischemic stroke and AD. Therefore, in this study, I compared the cerebral cortex transcriptome profile of 5xFAD mice, an AD mouse model, with those of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice, an ischemic stroke mouse model. The data showed that the expression of many genes with important functional implications in MCAO mouse brain cortex were related to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal cell death in 5xFAD mouse model. In addition, changes in various protein-coding RNAs involved in synaptic plasticity, amyloid beta accumulation, neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, glial activation, inflammation and neurite outgrowth were observed. The findings could serve as an important basis for further studies to elucidate the pathophysiology of AD in patients with ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea
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Serum Glycoproteomics and Identification of Potential Mechanisms Underlying Alzheimer’s Disease. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:1434076. [PMID: 34931130 PMCID: PMC8684523 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1434076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives. This study compares glycoproteomes in Thai Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients with those of cognitively normal individuals. Methods. Study participants included outpatients with clinically diagnosed AD (
) and healthy controls without cognitive impairment (
). Blood samples were collected from all participants for biochemical analysis and for
(APOE) genotyping by real-time TaqMan PCR assays. Comparative serum glycoproteomic profiling by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was then performed to identify differentially abundant proteins with functional relevance. Results. Statistical differences in age, educational level, and APOE ɛ3/ɛ4 and ɛ4/ɛ4 haplotype frequencies were found between the AD and control groups. The frequency of the APOE ɛ4 allele was significantly higher in the AD group than in the control group. In total, 871 glycoproteins were identified, including 266 and 259 unique proteins in control and AD groups, respectively. There were 49 and 297 upregulated and downregulated glycoproteins, respectively, in AD samples compared with the controls. Unique AD glycoproteins were associated with numerous pathways, including Alzheimer’s disease-presenilin pathway (16.6%), inflammation pathway mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling (9.2%), Wnt signaling pathway (8.2%), and apoptosis signaling pathway (6.7%). Conclusion. Functions and pathways associated with protein-protein interactions were identified in AD. Significant changes in these proteins can indicate the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AD, and they have the potential to serve as AD biomarkers. Such findings could allow us to better understand AD pathology.
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Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibition Modulates Amyloid-Beta-Induced Microglia Polarization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147711. [PMID: 34299330 PMCID: PMC8306898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of endocannabinoid (eCB) to change functional microglial phenotype can be explored as a possible target for therapeutic intervention. Since the inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the main catabolic enzyme of anandamide (AEA), may provide beneficial effects in mice model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like pathology, we aimed at determining whether the FAAH inhibitor URB597 might target microglia polarization and alter the cytoskeleton reorganization induced by the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). The morphological evaluation showed that Aβ treatment increased the surface area of BV-2 cells, which acquired a flat and polygonal morphology. URB597 treatment partially rescued the control phenotype of BV-2 cells when co-incubated with Aβ. Moreover, URB597 reduced both the increase of Rho protein activation in Aβ-treated BV-2 cells and the Aβ-induced migration of BV-2 cells, while an increase of Cdc42 protein activation was observed in all samples. URB597 also increased the number of BV-2 cells involved in phagocytosis. URB597 treatment induced the polarization of microglial cells towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, as demonstrated by the decreased expression of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines along with the parallel increase of Arg-1 and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these data suggest that FAAH inhibition promotes cytoskeleton reorganization, regulates phagocytosis and cell migration processes, thus driving microglial polarization towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype.
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Cotman SL, Lefrancois S. CLN3, at the crossroads of endocytic trafficking. Neurosci Lett 2021; 762:136117. [PMID: 34274435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The CLN3 gene was identified over two decades ago, but the primary function of the CLN3 protein remains unknown. Recessive inheritance of loss of function mutations in CLN3 are responsible for juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease, or CLN3 disease), a fatal childhood onset neurodegenerative disease causing vision loss, seizures, progressive dementia, motor function loss and premature death. CLN3 is a multipass transmembrane protein that primarily localizes to endosomes and lysosomes. Defects in endocytosis, autophagy, and lysosomal function are common findings in CLN3-deficiency model systems. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects have not yet been fully elucidated. In this mini-review, we will summarize the current understanding of the CLN3 protein interaction network and discuss how this knowledge is starting to delineate the molecular pathogenesis of CLN3 disease. Accumulating evidence strongly points towards CLN3 playing a role in regulation of the cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal associated proteins to tether cellular membranes, regulation of membrane complexes such as channels/transporters, and modulating the function of small GTPases to effectively mediate vesicular movement and membrane dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Cotman
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mass General Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Stéphane Lefrancois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval H7V 1B7, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C7, Canada; Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal H2X 3Y7, Canada.
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Desale SE, Chidambaram H, Chinnathambi S. G-protein coupled receptor, PI3K and Rho signaling pathways regulate the cascades of Tau and amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:17. [PMID: 35006431 PMCID: PMC8607389 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of amyloid-β plaques in the extracellular environment and aggregates of Tau protein that forms neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in neuronal cells. Along with these pathological proteins, the disease shows neuroinflammation, neuronal death, impairment in the immune function of microglia and synaptic loss, which are mediated by several important signaling pathways. The PI3K/Akt-mediated survival-signaling pathway is activated by many receptors such as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor. The signaling pathway not only increases the survival of neurons but also regulates inflammation, phagocytosis, cellular protection, Tau phosphorylation and Aβ secretion as well. In this review, we focused on receptors, which activate PI3K/Akt pathway and its potential to treat Alzheimer's disease. Among several membrane receptors, GPCRs are the major drug targets for therapy, and GPCR signaling pathways are altered during Alzheimer's disease. Several GPCRs are involved in the pathogenic progression, phosphorylation of Tau protein by activation of various cellular kinases and are involved in the amyloidogenic pathway of amyloid-β synthesis. Apart from various GPCR signaling pathways, GPCR regulating/ interacting proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. These include several small GTPases, Ras homolog enriched in brain, GPCR associated sorting proteins, β-arrestins, etc., that play a critical role in disease progression and has been elaborated in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Eknath Desale
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| | - Hariharakrishnan Chidambaram
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| | - Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
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Progress in the therapeutic inhibition of Cdc42 signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1443-1456. [PMID: 34100887 PMCID: PMC8286826 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and a key regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, controlling cell motility, polarity and cell cycle progression. It signals downstream of the master regulator Ras and is essential for cell transformation by this potent oncogene. Overexpression of Cdc42 is observed in several cancers, where it is linked to poor prognosis. As a regulator of both cell architecture and motility, deregulation of Cdc42 is also linked to tumour metastasis. Like Ras, Cdc42 and other components of the signalling pathways it controls represent important potential targets for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we consider the progress that has been made targeting Cdc42, its regulators and effectors, including new modalities and new approaches to inhibition. Strategies under consideration include inhibition of lipid modification, modulation of Cdc42-GEF, Cdc42-GDI and Cdc42-effector interactions, and direct inhibition of downstream effectors.
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Walgrave H, Balusu S, Snoeck S, Vanden Eynden E, Craessaerts K, Thrupp N, Wolfs L, Horré K, Fourne Y, Ronisz A, Silajdžić E, Penning A, Tosoni G, Callaerts-Vegh Z, D'Hooge R, Thal DR, Zetterberg H, Thuret S, Fiers M, Frigerio CS, De Strooper B, Salta E. Restoring miR-132 expression rescues adult hippocampal neurogenesis and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1805-1821.e8. [PMID: 34033742 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells residing in the hippocampal neurogenic niche sustain lifelong neurogenesis in the adult brain. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is functionally linked to mnemonic and cognitive plasticity in humans and rodents. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the process of generating new neurons at the hippocampal neurogenic niche is impeded, yet the mechanisms involved are unknown. Here we identify miR-132, one of the most consistently downregulated microRNAs in AD, as a potent regulator of AHN, exerting cell-autonomous proneurogenic effects in adult neural stem cells and their progeny. Using distinct AD mouse models, cultured human primary and established neural stem cells, and human patient material, we demonstrate that AHN is directly affected by AD pathology. miR-132 replacement in adult mouse AD hippocampus restores AHN and relevant memory deficits. Our findings corroborate the significance of AHN in mouse models of AD and reveal the possible therapeutic potential of targeting miR-132 in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Walgrave
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sriram Balusu
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Snoeck
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elke Vanden Eynden
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katleen Craessaerts
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicky Thrupp
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Wolfs
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Horré
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick Fourne
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alicja Ronisz
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Neuropathology, KU Leuven, and Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Edina Silajdžić
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Amber Penning
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giorgia Tosoni
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zsuzsanna Callaerts-Vegh
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Neuropathology, KU Leuven, and Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sandrine Thuret
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Mark Fiers
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Evgenia Salta
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Guiler W, Koehler A, Boykin C, Lu Q. Pharmacological Modulators of Small GTPases of Rho Family in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661612. [PMID: 34054432 PMCID: PMC8149604 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical Rho GTPases, including RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, are members of the Ras small GTPase superfamily and play essential roles in a variety of cellular functions. Rho GTPase signaling can be turned on and off by specific GEFs and GAPs, respectively. These features empower Rho GTPases and their upstream and downstream modulators as targets for scientific research and therapeutic intervention. Specifically, significant therapeutic potential exists for targeting Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases due to their widespread cellular activity and alterations in neural tissues. This study will explore the roles of Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases with focus on the applications of pharmacological modulators in recent discoveries. There have been exciting developments of small molecules, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and natural products and toxins for each classical Rho GTPase category. A brief overview of each category followed by examples in their applications will be provided. The literature on their roles in various diseases [e.g., Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS)] highlights the unique and broad implications targeting Rho GTPases for potential therapeutic intervention. Clearly, there is increasing knowledge of therapeutic promise from the discovery of pharmacological modulators of Rho GTPases for managing and treating these conditions. The progress is also accompanied by the recognition of complex Rho GTPase modulation where targeting its signaling can improve some aspects of pathogenesis while exacerbating others in the same disease model. Future directions should emphasize the importance of elucidating how different Rho GTPases work in concert and how they produce such widespread yet different cellular responses during neurodegenerative disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qun Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurogenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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Tigro H, Kronqvist N, Abelein A, Galan-Acosta L, Chen G, Landreh M, Lyashkov A, Aon MA, Ferrucci L, Shimmo R, Johansson J, Moaddel R. The synthesis and characterization of Bri2 BRICHOS coated magnetic particles and their application to protein fishing: Identification of novel binding proteins. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 198:113996. [PMID: 33690096 PMCID: PMC10644258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.113996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human integral membrane protein 2B (ITM2B or Bri2) is a member of the BRICHOS family, proteins that efficiently prevent Aβ42 aggregation via a unique mechanism. The identification of novel Bri2 BRICHOS client proteins could help elucidate signaling pathways and determine novel targets to prevent or cure amyloid diseases. To identify Bri2 BRICHOS interacting partners, we carried out a 'protein fishing' experiment using recombinant human (rh) Bri2 BRICHOS-coated magnetic particles, which exhibit essentially identical ability to inhibit Aβ42 fibril formation as free rh Bri2 BRICHOS, in combination with proteomic analysis on homogenates of SH-SY5Y cells. We identified 70 proteins that had more significant interactions with rh Bri2 BRICHOS relative to the corresponding control particles. Three previously identified Bri2 BRICHOS interacting proteins were also identified in our 'fishing' experiments. The binding affinity of Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), the top 'hit', was calculated and was identified as a strong interacting partner. Enrichment analysis of the retained proteins identified three biological pathways: Rho GTPase, heat stress response and pyruvate, cysteine and methionine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Tigro
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Nina Kronqvist
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Axel Abelein
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lorena Galan-Acosta
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gefei Chen
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Alexey Lyashkov
- Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, United States
| | - Miguel A Aon
- Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, United States
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, United States
| | - Ruth Shimmo
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jan Johansson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, 21224, United States.
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Lee SJ, Zdradzinski MD, Sahoo PK, Kar AN, Patel P, Kawaguchi R, Aguilar BJ, Lantz KD, McCain CR, Coppola G, Lu Q, Twiss JL. Selective axonal translation of the mRNA isoform encoding prenylated Cdc42 supports axon growth. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:237797. [PMID: 33674450 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.251967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The small Rho-family GTPase Cdc42 has long been known to have a role in cell motility and axon growth. The eukaryotic Ccd42 gene is alternatively spliced to generate mRNAs with two different 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) that encode proteins with distinct C-termini. The C-termini of these Cdc42 proteins include CaaX and CCaX motifs for post-translational prenylation and palmitoylation, respectively. Palmitoyl-Cdc42 protein was previously shown to contribute to dendrite maturation, while the prenyl-Cdc42 protein contributes to axon specification and its mRNA was detected in neurites. Here, we show that the mRNA encoding prenyl-Cdc42 isoform preferentially localizes into PNS axons and this localization selectively increases in vivo during peripheral nervous system (PNS) axon regeneration. Functional studies indicate that prenyl-Cdc42 increases axon length in a manner that requires axonal targeting of its mRNA, which, in turn, needs an intact C-terminal CaaX motif that can drive prenylation of the encoded protein. In contrast, palmitoyl-Cdc42 has no effect on axon growth but selectively increases dendrite length. Together, these data show that alternative splicing of the Cdc42 gene product generates an axon growth promoting, locally synthesized prenyl-Cdc42 protein. This article has an associated First Person interview with one of the co-first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Joon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
| | - Matthew D Zdradzinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
| | - Pabitra K Sahoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
| | - Amar N Kar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
| | - Priyanka Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1761, USA
| | - Byron J Aguilar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Kelsey D Lantz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
| | - Caylee R McCain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1761, USA.,Department of Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1761, USA
| | - Qun Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Jeffery L Twiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208USA
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45
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Li J, Xu C, Zhang J, Jin C, Shi X, Zhang C, Jia S, Xu J, Gui X, Xing L, Lu L, Xu L. Identification of miRNA-Target Gene Pairs in the Parietal and Frontal Lobes of the Brain in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Using Bioinformatic Analyses. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:964-979. [PMID: 33586092 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03215-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing health concern worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively studied in many diseases, including AD. To identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and genes specific to AD, we used bioinformatic analyses to investigate candidate miRNA-mRNA pairs involved in the pathogenesis of AD. We focused on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are targets of DEmiRNAs. The GEO2R tool and the HISAT2-DESeq2 software were used to identify DEmiRNAs and DEGs. Bioinformatic tools available online, such as TAM and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), were used to perform functional annotation and enrichment analysis. Targets of miRNAs were predicted using the miRTarBase. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape, which are available online, were utilized to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and identify hub genes. Furthermore, transcription factors (TFs) encoded by the DEGs were predicted using the TransmiR database and TF-miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed. Finally, the expression profile of a hub gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was compared between healthy individuals and AD patients. We identified 26 correlated miRNA-mRNA pairs. In the parietal lobe, miRNA-mRNA pairs involved in protein folding were enriched, and in the frontal lobe, miRNA-mRNA pairs involved in synaptic transmission, abnormal protein degradation, and apoptosis were enriched. In addition, HSP90AB1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was found to be significantly downregulated in AD patients, and this was consistent with its expression profile in the parietal lobe of AD patients. Our results provide brain region-specific changes in miRNA-mRNA associations in AD patients, further our understanding of potential underlying molecular mechanisms of AD, and reveal promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Li
- Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chunli Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh People's Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Junfang Zhang
- Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Caixia Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujuan Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Jia
- Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xin Gui
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Libo Xing
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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46
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A novel RhoA-related gene, DjRhoA, contributes to the regeneration of brain and intestine in planarian Dugesia japonica. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:1359-1365. [PMID: 33059921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.020] [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: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A small GTPase, RhoA, plays a variety of functions in the regulation of cellular and developmental events via its downstream effectors, including cytokinesis, cell migration, and phagocytosis. In this study, a novel RhoA-related gene from the planarian Dugesia japonica, DjRhoA, was cloned and characterized. The full-length cDNA of DjRhoA is 869 bp, and the open reading frame encodes a poly-peptide of 194 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DjRhoA clustered with another RhoA-related protein, DjRho2, and located on the base of phylogenetic tree. Whole-mount in situ hybridization results indicated that DjRhoA was expressed in the brain primordia and intestine during regeneration. Knockdown of DjRhoA induces defects in the brain and intestine. These results suggested that DjRhoA was responsible for the regeneration of brain and intestine in Dugesia japonica.
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47
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Banerjee A, Kulkarni S. Orientia tsutsugamushi: The dangerous yet neglected foe from the East. Int J Med Microbiol 2020; 311:151467. [PMID: 33338890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2020.151467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT), the causative agent of the vector-borne Scrub typhus zoonotic disease in humans, is a unique microorganism that exists in the Asia-Pacific region since a long time. In spite of its occurrence, the organism had been neglected until recent years. Humans are the accidental dead-end hosts of O. tsutsugamushi and display manifestations which are both severe and misleading. The vast antigenic diversity of OT and non-pathognomic symptoms of Scrub typhus, create hurdles in the clinical management of the disease and impede the OT-research. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have reported the resurgence of OT- infections and have raised concerns for its expanding distribution. This has triggered the development of advanced techniques for diagnosis and research on exploring a successful vaccine candidate to reduce the burden of the disease. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to provide an update on the recent advances in the OT-research and highlight the key areas that have remained obscure and demand attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Banerjee
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Bhosari, Pune, 411026, India
| | - Smita Kulkarni
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Bhosari, Pune, 411026, India.
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48
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Yang T, Tran KC, Zeng AY, Massa SM, Longo FM. Small molecule modulation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor inhibits multiple amyloid beta-induced tau pathologies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20322. [PMID: 33230162 PMCID: PMC7683564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal preclinical and clinical studies suggest that Aβ drives neurite and synapse degeneration through an array of tau-dependent and independent mechanisms. The intracellular signaling networks regulated by the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) substantially overlap with those linked to Aβ and to tau. Here we examine the hypothesis that modulation of p75NTR will suppress the generation of multiple potentially pathogenic tau species and related signaling to protect dendritic spines and processes from Aβ-induced injury. In neurons exposed to oligomeric Aβ in vitro and APP mutant mouse models, modulation of p75NTR signaling using the small-molecule LM11A-31 was found to inhibit Aβ-associated degeneration of neurites and spines; and tau phosphorylation, cleavage, oligomerization and missorting. In line with these effects on tau, LM11A-31 inhibited excess activation of Fyn kinase and its targets, tau and NMDA-NR2B, and decreased Rho kinase signaling changes and downstream aberrant cofilin phosphorylation. In vitro studies with pseudohyperphosphorylated tau and constitutively active RhoA revealed that LM11A-31 likely acts principally upstream of tau phosphorylation, and has effects preventing spine loss both up and downstream of RhoA activation. These findings support the hypothesis that modulation of p75NTR signaling inhibits a broad spectrum of Aβ-triggered, tau-related molecular pathology thereby contributing to synaptic resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kevin C Tran
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anne Y Zeng
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Stephen M Massa
- Department of Neurology, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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49
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Lavanderos B, Silva I, Cruz P, Orellana-Serradell O, Saldías MP, Cerda O. TRP Channels Regulation of Rho GTPases in Brain Context and Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:582975. [PMID: 33240883 PMCID: PMC7683514 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.582975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are mediated by several pathophysiological mechanisms, including developmental and degenerative abnormalities caused primarily by disturbances in cell migration, structural plasticity of the synapse, and blood-vessel barrier function. In this context, critical pathways involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases are related to structural, scaffolding, and enzymatic activity-bearing proteins, which participate in Ca2+- and Ras Homologs (Rho) GTPases-mediated signaling. Rho GTPases are GDP/GTP binding proteins that regulate the cytoskeletal structure, cellular protrusion, and migration. These proteins cycle between GTP-bound (active) and GDP-bound (inactive) states due to their intrinsic GTPase activity and their dynamic regulation by GEFs, GAPs, and GDIs. One of the most important upstream inputs that modulate Rho GTPases activity is Ca2+ signaling, positioning ion channels as pivotal molecular entities for Rho GTPases regulation. Multiple non-selective cationic channels belonging to the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) family participate in cytoskeletal-dependent processes through Ca2+-mediated modulation of Rho GTPases. Moreover, these ion channels have a role in several neuropathological events such as neuronal cell death, brain tumor progression and strokes. Although Rho GTPases-dependent pathways have been extensively studied, how they converge with TRP channels in the development or progression of neuropathologies is poorly understood. Herein, we review recent evidence and insights that link TRP channels activity to downstream Rho GTPase signaling or modulation. Moreover, using the TRIP database, we establish associations between possible mediators of Rho GTPase signaling with TRP ion channels. As such, we propose mechanisms that might explain the TRP-dependent modulation of Rho GTPases as possible pathways participating in the emergence or maintenance of neuropathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Lavanderos
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Ian Silva
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Cruz
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Octavio Orellana-Serradell
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - María Paz Saldías
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Oscar Cerda
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile.,The Wound Repair, Treatment and Health (WoRTH) Initiative, Santiago, Chile
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50
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Sharma M, Pruitt K. Wnt Pathway: An Integral Hub for Developmental and Oncogenic Signaling Networks. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8018. [PMID: 33126517 PMCID: PMC7663720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway is an integral cell-to-cell signaling hub which regulates crucial development processes and maintenance of tissue homeostasis by coordinating cell proliferation, differentiation, cell polarity, cell movement, and stem cell renewal. When dysregulated, it is associated with various developmental diseases, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. We now better appreciate the complexity and crosstalk of the Wnt pathway with other signaling cascades. Emerging roles of the Wnt signaling in the cancer stem cell niche and drug resistance have led to development of therapeutics specifically targeting various Wnt components, with some agents currently in clinical trials. This review highlights historical and recent findings on key mediators of Wnt signaling and how they impact antitumor immunity and maintenance of cancer stem cells. This review also examines current therapeutics being developed that modulate Wnt signaling in cancer and discusses potential shortcomings associated with available therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Pruitt
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
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