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Kuo A, Hla T. Regulation of cellular and systemic sphingolipid homeostasis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00742-y. [PMID: 38890457 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
One hundred and fifty years ago, Johann Thudichum described sphingolipids as unusual "Sphinx-like" lipids from the brain. Today, we know that thousands of sphingolipid molecules mediate many essential functions in embryonic development and normal physiology. In addition, sphingolipid metabolism and signalling pathways are dysregulated in a wide range of pathologies, and therapeutic agents that target sphingolipids are now used to treat several human diseases. However, our understanding of sphingolipid regulation at cellular and organismal levels and their functions in developmental, physiological and pathological settings is rudimentary. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in sphingolipid pathways in different organelles, how secreted sphingolipid mediators modulate physiology and disease, progress in sphingolipid-targeted therapeutic and diagnostic research, and the trans-cellular sphingolipid metabolic networks between microbiota and mammals. Advances in sphingolipid biology have led to a deeper understanding of mammalian physiology and may lead to progress in the management of many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kuo
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Hla
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Wang Y, Yang J. ER-organelle contacts: A signaling hub for neurological diseases. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107149. [PMID: 38518830 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal health is closely linked to the homeostasis of intracellular organelles, and organelle dysfunction affects the pathological progression of neurological diseases. In contrast to isolated cellular compartments, a growing number of studies have found that organelles are largely interdependent structures capable of communicating through membrane contact sites (MCSs). MCSs have been identified as key pathways mediating inter-organelle communication crosstalk in neurons, and their alterations have been linked to neurological disease pathology. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a membrane-bound organelle capable of forming an extensive network of pools and tubules with important physiological functions within neurons. There are multiple MCSs between the ER and other organelles and the plasma membrane (PM), which regulate a variety of cellular processes. In this review, we focus on ER-organelle MCSs and their role in a variety of neurological diseases. We compared the biological effects between different tethering proteins and the effects of their respective disease counterparts. We also discuss how altered ER-organelle contacts may affect disease pathogenesis. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of ER-organelle MCSs in neuronal homeostasis will lay the foundation for the development of new therapies targeting ER-organelle contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunli Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, PR China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Jinghua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, PR China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
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3
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Pan Y, Li J, Lin P, Wan L, Qu Y, Cao L, Wang L. A review of the mechanisms of abnormal ceramide metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and their co-morbidities. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1348410. [PMID: 38379904 PMCID: PMC10877008 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1348410] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is rapidly increasing, revealing a strong association between these two diseases. Currently, there are no curative medication available for the comorbidity of T2DM and AD. Ceramides are structural components of cell membrane lipids and act as signal molecules regulating cell homeostasis. Their synthesis and degradation play crucial roles in maintaining metabolic balance in vivo, serving as important mediators in the development of neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. Abnormal ceramide metabolism disrupts intracellular signaling, induces oxidative stress, activates inflammatory factors, and impacts glucose and lipid homeostasis in metabolism-related tissues like the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue, driving the occurrence and progression of T2DM. The connection between changes in ceramide levels in the brain, amyloid β accumulation, and tau hyper-phosphorylation is evident. Additionally, ceramide regulates cell survival and apoptosis through related signaling pathways, actively participating in the occurrence and progression of AD. Regulatory enzymes, their metabolites, and signaling pathways impact core pathological molecular mechanisms shared by T2DM and AD, such as insulin resistance and inflammatory response. Consequently, regulating ceramide metabolism may become a potential therapeutic target and intervention for the comorbidity of T2DM and AD. The paper comprehensively summarizes and discusses the role of ceramide and its metabolites in the pathogenesis of T2DM and AD, as well as the latest progress in the treatment of T2DM with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lei Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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4
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Crivelli SM, Quadri Z, Vekaria HJ, Zhu Z, Tripathi P, Elsherbini A, Zhang L, Sullivan PG, Bieberich E. Inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase reduces reactive astrocyte secretion of mitotoxic extracellular vesicles and improves Alzheimer's disease pathology in the 5xFAD mouse. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:135. [PMID: 37605262 PMCID: PMC10440899 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), reactive astrocytes produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) that affect mitochondria in neurons. Here, we show that Aβ-induced generation of the sphingolipid ceramide by acid sphingomyelinase (A-SMase) triggered proinflammatory cytokine (C1q, TNF-α, IL-1α) release by microglia, which induced the reactive astrocytes phenotype and secretion of EVs enriched with ceramide. These EVs impeded the capacity of neurons to respond to energy demand. Inhibition of A-SMase with Arc39 and Imipramine reduced the secretion of cytokines from microglia, prompting us to test the effect of Imipramine on EV secretion and AD pathology in the 5xFAD mouse model. Brain derived-EVs from 5xFAD mice treated with Imipramine contained reduced levels of the astrocytic marker GFAP, ceramide, and Aβ and did not impair mitochondrial respiration when compared to EVs derived from untreated 5xFAD brain. Consistently, Imipramine-treated 5xFAD mice showed reduced AD pathology. Our study identifies A-SMase inhibitors as potential AD therapy by preventing cyotokine-elicited secretion of mitotoxic EVs from astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M Crivelli
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street MS519, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Zainuddin Quadri
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street MS519, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Hemendra J Vekaria
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY, 40502, USA
| | - Zhihui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street MS519, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Priyanka Tripathi
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street MS519, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Ahmed Elsherbini
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street MS519, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street MS519, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Patrick G Sullivan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY, 40502, USA
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street MS519, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY, 40502, USA.
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5
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van Kruining D, Losen M, Crivelli SM, de Jong JJA, Jansen JFA, Backes WH, Monereo‐Sánchez J, van Boxtel MPJ, Köhler S, Linden DEJ, Schram MT, Mielke MM, Martinez‐Martinez P. Plasma ceramides relate to mild cognitive impairment in middle-aged men: The Maastricht Study. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12459. [PMID: 37675435 PMCID: PMC10478166 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction There is an urgent need for biomarkers identifying individuals at risk of early-stage cognitive impairment. Using cross-sectional data from The Maastricht Study, this study included 197 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 200 cognitively unimpaired individuals aged 40 to 75, matched by age, sex, and educational level. Methods We assessed the association of plasma sphingolipid and ceramide transfer protein (CERT) levels with MCI and adjusted for potentially confounding risk factors. Furthermore, the relationship of plasma sphingolipids and CERTs with magnetic resonance imaging brain volumes was assessed and age- and sex-stratified analyses were performed. Results Associations of plasma ceramide species C18:0 and C24:1 and combined plasma ceramide chain lengths (ceramide risk score) with MCI were moderated by sex, but not by age, and higher levels were associated with MCI in men. No associations were found among women. In addition, higher levels of ceramide C20:0, C22:0, and C24:1, but not the ceramide risk score, were associated with larger volume of the hippocampus after controlling for covariates, independent of MCI. Although higher plasma ceramide C18:0 was related to higher plasma CERT levels, no association of CERT levels was found with MCI or brain volumes. Discussion Our results warrant further analysis of plasma ceramides as potential markers for MCI in middle-aged men. In contrast to previous studies, no associations of plasma sphingolipids with MCI or brain volumes were found in women, independent of age. These results highlight the importance of accounting for sex- and age-related factors when examining sphingolipid and CERT metabolism related to cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan van Kruining
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Mario Losen
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Simone M. Crivelli
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Joost J. A. de Jong
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F. A. Jansen
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Electrical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoventhe Netherlands
| | - Walter H. Backes
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Monereo‐Sánchez
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Martin P. J. van Boxtel
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Köhler
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - David E. J. Linden
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Miranda T. Schram
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Internal MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
- Heart and Vascular CenterMaastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Faculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Michelle M. Mielke
- Department of Epidemiology and PreventionWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Pilar Martinez‐Martinez
- School for Mental Health and NeuroscienceFaculty of HealthMedicine, and Life SciencesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
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Gaudioso Á, Jiang X, Casas J, Schuchman EH, Ledesma MD. Sphingomyelin 16:0 is a therapeutic target for neuronal death in acid sphingomyelinase deficiency. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:248. [PMID: 37024473 PMCID: PMC10079961 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the SMPD1 gene encoding for the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). While intravenous infusion of recombinant ASM is an effective treatment for the peripheral disease, the neurological complications of ASMD remain unaddressed. It has been shown that aberrantly high level of total brain sphingomyelin (SM) is a key pathological event leading to neurodegeneration. Using mice lacking ASM (ASMko), which mimic the disease, we here demonstrate that among the SM species, SM16:0 shows the highest accumulation and toxicity in ASMko neurons. By targeting lysosomes, SM16:0 causes permeabilization and exocytosis of these organelles and induces oxidative stress and cell death. We also show that genetic silencing of Ceramide Synthase 5, which is involved in SM16:0 synthesis and overexpressed in the ASMko brain, prevents disease phenotypes in ASMko cultured neurons and mice. The levels of SM16:0 in plasma also show a strong correlation with those in brain that is higher than in liver, even at early stages of the disease. These results identify SM16:0 both as a novel therapeutic target and potential biomarker of brain pathology in ASMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Gaudioso
- Centro Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xuntian Jiang
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Edward H Schuchman
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Nassar A, Kodi T, Satarker S, Chowdari Gurram P, Upadhya D, SM F, Mudgal J, Nampoothiri M. Astrocytic MicroRNAs and Transcription Factors in Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutic Interventions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244111. [PMID: 36552875 PMCID: PMC9776935 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are important for maintaining cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and neurotransmission. Indeed, inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration contribute to the altered morphology, gene expression, and function of astrocytes. Astrocytes, in collaboration with numerous microRNAs, regulate brain cholesterol levels as well as glutamatergic and inflammatory signaling, all of which contribute to general brain homeostasis. Neural electrical activity, synaptic plasticity processes, learning, and memory are dependent on the astrocyte-neuron crosstalk. Here, we review the involvement of astrocytic microRNAs that potentially regulate cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The interaction between astrocytic microRNAs and long non-coding RNA and transcription factors specific to astrocytes also contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, astrocytic microRNAs arise as a promising target, as AD conditions are a worldwide public health problem. This review examines novel therapeutic strategies to target astrocyte dysfunction in AD, such as lipid nanodiscs, engineered G protein-coupled receptors, extracellular vesicles, and nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Nassar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Triveni Kodi
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Fayaz SM
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence:
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8
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Crivelli SM, Luo Q, Kruining DV, Giovagnoni C, Mané-Damas M, den Hoedt S, Berkes D, De Vries HE, Mulder MT, Walter J, Waelkens E, Derua R, Swinnen JV, Dehairs J, Wijnands EPM, Bieberich E, Losen M, Martinez-Martinez P. FTY720 decreases ceramides levels in the brain and prevents memory impairments in a mouse model of familial Alzheimer's disease expressing APOE4. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113240. [PMID: 35689862 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The protection mediated by the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) declines during Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression, especially in patients carrying the apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) isoform. The drug FTY720 mimics S1P bioactivity, but its efficacy in treating AD is unclear. Two doses of FTY720 (0.1 mg / kg and 0.5 mg / kg daily) were given by oral gavage for 15 weeks to transgenic mouse models of familial AD carrying human apolipoprotein E (APOE) APOE3 (E3FAD) or APOE4 (E4FAD). After 12 weeks of treatment, animals were subjected to behavioral tests for memory, locomotion, and anxiety. Blood was withdrawn at different time points and brains were collected for sphingolipids analysis by mass spectrometry, gene expression by RT-PCR and Aβ quantification by ELISA. We discovered that low levels of S1P in the plasma is associated with a higher probability of failing the memory test and that FTY720 prevents memory impairments in E4FAD. The beneficial effect of FTY720 was induced by a shift of the sphingolipid metabolism in the brain towards a lower production of toxic metabolites, like ceramide d18:1/16:0 and d18:1/22:0, and reduction of amyloid-β burden and inflammation. In conclusion, we provide further evidence of the druggability of the sphingolipid system in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M Crivelli
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands; Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington 40506, KY, USA.
| | - Qian Luo
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands
| | - Daan van Kruining
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands
| | - Caterina Giovagnoni
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands
| | - Marina Mané-Damas
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra den Hoedt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laboratory Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000CA, the Netherlands
| | - Dusan Berkes
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 81237 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Helga E De Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam 1007MB, the Netherlands
| | - Monique T Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laboratory Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000CA, the Netherlands
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn D-53127, Germany
| | - Etienne Waelkens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation and Proteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Rita Derua
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation and Proteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Johannes V Swinnen
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jonas Dehairs
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Erwin P M Wijnands
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington 40506, KY, USA; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40502, USA
| | - Mario Losen
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht 6200MD, the Netherlands.
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9
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Custodia A, Romaus-Sanjurjo D, Aramburu-Núñez M, Álvarez-Rafael D, Vázquez-Vázquez L, Camino-Castiñeiras J, Leira Y, Pías-Peleteiro JM, Aldrey JM, Sobrino T, Ouro A. Ceramide/Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Axis as a Key Target for Diagnosis and Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158082. [PMID: 35897658 PMCID: PMC9331765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Sphingolipids, such as ceramide or sphingosine 1-phosphate, are bioactive molecules implicated in structural and signaling functions. Metabolic dysfunction in the highly conserved pathways to produce sphingolipids may lead to or be a consequence of an underlying disease. Recent studies on transcriptomics and sphingolipidomics have observed alterations in sphingolipid metabolism of both enzymes and metabolites involved in their synthesis in several neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. In this review, we highlight the most relevant findings related to ceramide and neurodegeneration, with a special focus on AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tomás Sobrino
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (A.O.); Tel.: +34-981951098 (T.S.); +34-664326589 (A.O.)
| | - Alberto Ouro
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (A.O.); Tel.: +34-981951098 (T.S.); +34-664326589 (A.O.)
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10
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Crivelli SM, Giovagnoni C, Zhu Z, Tripathi P, Elsherbini A, Quadri Z, Pu J, Zhang L, Ferko B, Berkes D, Spassieva SD, Martinez‐Martinez P, Bieberich E. Function of ceramide transfer protein for biogenesis and sphingolipid composition of extracellular vesicles. J Extracell Vesicles 2022; 11:e12233. [PMID: 35642450 PMCID: PMC9156972 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is induced by the sphingolipid ceramide. How this pathway is regulated is not entirely understood. Here, we report that the ceramide transport protein (CERT) mediates a non-vesicular transport of ceramide between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the multivesicular endosome at contact sites. The process depends on the interaction of CERT's PH domain with PI4P generated by PI4KIIα at endosomes. Furthermore, a complex is formed between the START domain of CERT, which carries ceramide, and the Tsg101 protein, which is part of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT-I). Inhibition of ceramide biosynthesis reduces CERT-Tsg101 complex formation. Overexpression of CERT increases EV secretion while its inhibition reduces EV formation and the concentration of ceramides and sphingomyelins in EVs. In conclusion, we discovered a function of CERT in regulating the sphingolipid composition and biogenesis of EVs, which links ceramide to the ESCRT-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M. Crivelli
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Veterans Affairs Medical CenterLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Caterina Giovagnoni
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologySchool for Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Zhihui Zhu
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Priyanka Tripathi
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Veterans Affairs Medical CenterLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Ahmed Elsherbini
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Zainuddin Quadri
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Veterans Affairs Medical CenterLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Veterans Affairs Medical CenterLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Branislav Ferko
- Department of Organic ChemistrySlovak University of TechnologyBratislavaSlovak Republic
| | - Dusan Berkes
- Department of Organic ChemistrySlovak University of TechnologyBratislavaSlovak Republic
| | | | - Pilar Martinez‐Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and NeuropsychologySchool for Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Veterans Affairs Medical CenterLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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11
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Hanada K, Sakai S, Kumagai K. Natural Ligand-Mimetic and Nonmimetic Inhibitors of the Ceramide Transport Protein CERT. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042098. [PMID: 35216212 PMCID: PMC8875512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are recognized as key players in the inter-organelle trafficking of lipids and are rapidly gaining attention as a novel molecular target for medicinal products. In mammalian cells, ceramide is newly synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and converted to sphingomyelin in the trans-Golgi regions. The ceramide transport protein CERT, a typical LTP, mediates the ER-to-Golgi transport of ceramide at an ER-distal Golgi membrane contact zone. About 20 years ago, a potent inhibitor of CERT, named (1R,3S)-HPA-12, was found by coincidence among ceramide analogs. Since then, various ceramide-resembling compounds have been found to act as CERT inhibitors. Nevertheless, the inevitable issue remains that natural ligand-mimetic compounds might directly bind both to the desired target and to various undesired targets that share the same natural ligand. To resolve this issue, a ceramide-unrelated compound named E16A, or (1S,2R)-HPCB-5, that potently inhibits the function of CERT has recently been developed, employing a series of in silico docking simulations, efficient chemical synthesis, quantitative affinity analysis, protein-ligand co-crystallography, and various in vivo assays. (1R,3S)-HPA-12 and E16A together provide a robust tool to discriminate on-target effects on CERT from off-target effects. This short review article will describe the history of the development of (1R,3S)-HPA-12 and E16A, summarize other CERT inhibitors, and discuss their possible applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Hanada
- Department of Quality Assurance, Radiation Safety and Information Management, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; (S.S.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Shota Sakai
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; (S.S.); (K.K.)
| | - Keigo Kumagai
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; (S.S.); (K.K.)
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12
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Chung LH, Liu D, Liu XT, Qi Y. Ceramide Transfer Protein (CERT): An Overlooked Molecular Player in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13184. [PMID: 34947980 PMCID: PMC8705978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are a class of essential lipids implicated in constructing cellular membranes and regulating nearly all cellular functions. Sphingolipid metabolic network is centered with the ceramide-sphingomyelin axis. Ceramide is well-recognized as a pro-apoptotic signal; while sphingomyelin, as the most abundant type of sphingolipids, is required for cell growth. Therefore, the balance between these two sphingolipids can be critical for cancer cell survival and functioning. Ceramide transfer protein (CERT) dictates the ratio of ceramide to sphingomyelin within the cell. It is the only lipid transfer protein that specifically delivers ceramide from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, where ceramide serves as the substrate for sphingomyelin synthesis. In the past two decades, an increasing body of evidence has suggested a critical role of CERT in cancer, but much more intensive efforts are required to draw a definite conclusion. Herein, we review all research findings of CERT, focusing on its molecular structure, cellular functions and implications in cancer. This comprehensive review of CERT will help to better understand the molecular mechanism of cancer and inspire to identify novel druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Hoa Chung
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (D.L.); (X.T.L.)
| | | | | | - Yanfei Qi
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (D.L.); (X.T.L.)
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13
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den Hoedt S, Crivelli SM, Leijten FPJ, Losen M, Stevens JAA, Mané-Damas M, de Vries HE, Walter J, Mirzaian M, Sijbrands EJG, Aerts JMFG, Verhoeven AJM, Martinez-Martinez P, Mulder MT. Effects of Sex, Age, and Apolipoprotein E Genotype on Brain Ceramides and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate in Alzheimer's Disease and Control Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:765252. [PMID: 34776936 PMCID: PMC8579780 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.765252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE)4 is a strong risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and aberrant sphingolipid levels have been implicated in AD. We tested the hypothesis that the APOE4 genotype affects brain sphingolipid levels in AD. Seven ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) were quantified by LC-MSMS in hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, and plasma of <3 months and >5 months old human APOE3 and APOE4-targeted replacement mice with or without the familial AD (FAD) background of both sexes (145 animals). APOE4 mice had higher Cer(d18:1/24:0) levels in the cortex (1.7-fold, p = 0.002) than APOE3 mice. Mice with AD background showed higher levels of Cer(d18:1/24:1) in the cortex than mice without (1.4-fold, p = 0.003). S1P levels were higher in all three brain regions of older mice than of young mice (1.7-1.8-fold, all p ≤ 0.001). In female mice, S1P levels in hippocampus (r = −0.54 [−0.70, −0.35], p < 0.001) and in cortex correlated with those in plasma (r = −0.53 [−0.71, −0.32], p < 0.001). Ceramide levels were lower in the hippocampus (3.7–10.7-fold, all p < 0.001), but higher in the cortex (2.3–12.8-fold, p < 0.001) of female than male mice. In cerebellum and plasma, sex effects on individual ceramides depended on acyl chain length (9.5-fold lower to 11.5-fold higher, p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, sex is a stronger determinant of brain ceramide levels in mice than APOE genotype, AD background, or age. Whether these differences impact AD neuropathology in men and women remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra den Hoedt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Simone M Crivelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Frank P J Leijten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mario Losen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jo A A Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marina Mané-Damas
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mina Mirzaian
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric J G Sijbrands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Adrie J M Verhoeven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Monique T Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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14
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Disentangling Mitochondria in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111520. [PMID: 34768950 PMCID: PMC8583788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia in older adults and is fast becoming a major societal and economic burden due to an increase in life expectancy. Age seems to be the major factor driving AD, and currently, only symptomatic treatments are available. AD has a complex etiology, although mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities have been widely and deeply investigated as plausible mechanisms for its neuropathology. Aβ plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates, along with cognitive deficits and behavioral problems, are the hallmarks of the disease. Restoration of mitochondrial bioenergetics, prevention of oxidative stress, and diet and exercise seem to be effective in reducing Aβ and in ameliorating learning and memory problems. Many mitochondria-targeted antioxidants have been tested in AD and are currently in development. However, larger streamlined clinical studies are needed to provide hard evidence of benefits in AD. This review discusses the causative factors, as well as potential therapeutics employed in the treatment of AD.
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Ceramide Metabolism Enzymes-Therapeutic Targets against Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57070729. [PMID: 34357010 PMCID: PMC8303233 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57070729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are both structural molecules that are essential for cell architecture and second messengers that are involved in numerous cell functions. Ceramide is the central hub of sphingolipid metabolism. In addition to being the precursor of complex sphingolipids, ceramides induce cell cycle arrest and promote cell death and inflammation. At least some of the enzymes involved in the regulation of sphingolipid metabolism are altered in carcinogenesis, and some are targets for anticancer drugs. A number of scientific reports have shown how alterations in sphingolipid pools can affect cell proliferation, survival and migration. Determination of sphingolipid levels and the regulation of the enzymes that are implicated in their metabolism is a key factor for developing novel therapeutic strategies or improving conventional therapies. The present review highlights the importance of bioactive sphingolipids and their regulatory enzymes as targets for therapeutic interventions with especial emphasis in carcinogenesis and cancer dissemination.
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