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Rajendran K, Krishnan UM. Biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 562:119857. [PMID: 38986861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is among the most common neurodegenerative disorders. AD is characterized by deposition of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, leading to associated secondary pathologies, progressive neurodegeneration, and eventually death. Currently used diagnostics are largely image-based, lack accuracy and do not detect early disease, ie, prior to onset of symptoms, thus limiting treatment options and outcomes. Although biomarkers such as amyloid-β and tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid have gained much attention, these are generally limited to disease progression. Unfortunately, identification of biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis remains a challenge. As such, body fluids such as sweat, serum, saliva, mucosa, tears, and urine are under investigation as alternative sources for biomarkers that can aid in early disease detection. This review focuses on biomarkers identified through proteomics in various biofluids and their potential for early and accurate diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayalvizhi Rajendran
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India; School of Arts, Sciences, Humanities, & Education, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India.
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Bonanni R, Cariati I, Cifelli P, Frank C, Annino G, Tancredi V, D'Arcangelo G. Exercise to Counteract Alzheimer's Disease: What Do Fluid Biomarkers Say? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6951. [PMID: 39000060 PMCID: PMC11241657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136951] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) represent an unsolved problem to date with an ever-increasing population incidence. Particularly, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread ND characterized by an accumulation of amyloid aggregates of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and Tau proteins that lead to neuronal death and subsequent cognitive decline. Although neuroimaging techniques are needed to diagnose AD, the investigation of biomarkers within body fluids could provide important information on neurodegeneration. Indeed, as there is no definitive solution for AD, the monitoring of these biomarkers is of strategic importance as they are useful for both diagnosing AD and assessing the progression of the neurodegenerative state. In this context, exercise is known to be an effective non-pharmacological management strategy for AD that can counteract cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. However, investigation of the concentration of fluid biomarkers in AD patients undergoing exercise protocols has led to unclear and often conflicting results, suggesting the need to clarify the role of exercise in modulating fluid biomarkers in AD. Therefore, this critical literature review aims to gather evidence on the main fluid biomarkers of AD and the modulatory effects of exercise to clarify the efficacy and usefulness of this non-pharmacological strategy in counteracting neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudio Frank
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Annino
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Sports Engineering Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
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3
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Wang S, Xie S, Zheng Q, Zhang Z, Wang T, Zhang G. Biofluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1380237. [PMID: 38659704 PMCID: PMC11039951 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1380237] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease, with a complex pathogenesis and an irreversible course. Therefore, the early diagnosis of AD is particularly important for the intervention, prevention, and treatment of the disease. Based on the different pathophysiological mechanisms of AD, the research progress of biofluid biomarkers are classified and reviewed. In the end, the challenges and perspectives of future research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sensen Wang
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Sitan Xie
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qinpin Zheng
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Guirong Zhang
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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4
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Lista S, Santos-Lozano A, Emanuele E, Mercuri NB, Gabelle A, López-Ortiz S, Martín-Hernández J, Maisto N, Imbimbo C, Caraci F, Imbimbo BP, Zetterberg H, Nisticò R. Monitoring synaptic pathology in Alzheimer's disease through fluid and PET imaging biomarkers: a comprehensive review and future perspectives. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:847-857. [PMID: 38228892 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently constrained by limited clinical treatment options. The initial pathophysiological event, which can be traced back to decades before the clinical symptoms become apparent, involves the excessive accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ), a peptide comprised of 40-42 amino acids, in extraneuronal plaques within the brain. Biochemical and histological studies have shown that overaccumulation of Aβ instigates an aberrant escalation in the phosphorylation and secretion of tau, a microtubule-binding axonal protein. The accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau into intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles is in turn correlated with microglial dysfunction and reactive astrocytosis, culminating in synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. As neurodegeneration progresses, it gives rise to mild clinical symptoms of AD, which may eventually evolve into overt dementia. Synaptic loss in AD may develop even before tau alteration and in response to possible elevations in soluble oligomeric forms of Aβ associated with early AD. These findings largely rely on post-mortem autopsy examinations, which typically involve a limited number of patients. Over the past decade, a range of fluid biomarkers such as neurogranin, α-synuclein, visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1), neuronal pentraxin 2, and β-synuclein, along with positron emission tomography (PET) markers like synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, have been developed. These advancements have facilitated the exploration of how synaptic markers in AD patients correlate with cognitive impairment. However, fluid biomarkers indicating synaptic loss have only been validated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), not in plasma, with the exception of VILIP-1. The most promising PET radiotracer, [11C]UCB-J, currently faces significant challenges hindering its widespread clinical use, primarily due to the necessity of a cyclotron. As such, additional research geared toward the exploration of synaptic pathology biomarkers is crucial. This will not only enable their extensive clinical application, but also refine the optimization process of AD pharmacological trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Audrey Gabelle
- CMRR, Memory Resources and Research Center, Montpellier University of Excellence i-site, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Susana López-Ortiz
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Martín-Hernández
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Nunzia Maisto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Camillo Imbimbo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research and Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, 43122, Parma, Italy
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, WC1N, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, WC1E 6BT, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53726, WI, USA
| | - Robert Nisticò
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Mao R, Hu M, Liu X, Ye L, Xu B, Sun M, Xu S, Shao W, Tan Y, Xu Y, Bai F, Shu S. Impairments of GABAergic transmission in hippocampus mediate increased susceptibility of epilepsy in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:147. [PMID: 38388921 PMCID: PMC10885444 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01528-7] [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] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are often co-morbid with unprovoked seizures, making clinical diagnosis and management difficult. Although it has an important role in both AD and epilepsy, abnormal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission is recognized only as a compensative change for glutamatergic damage. Neuregulin 1 (NRG1)-ErbB4 signaling can promote GABA release and suppress epileptogenesis, but its effects on cognition in AD are still controversial. METHODS Four-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice (APP mice) were used as animal models in the early stage of AD in this study. Acute/chronic chemical-kindling epilepsy models were established with pentylenetetrazol. Electroencephalogram and Racine scores were performed to assess seizures. Behavioral tests were used to assess cognition and emotion. Electrophysiology, western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the alterations in synapses, GABAergic system components and NRG1-ErbB4 signaling. Furthermore, NRG1 was administrated intracerebroventricularly into APP mice and then its antiepileptic and cognitive effects were evaluated. RESULTS APP mice had increased susceptibility to epilepsy and resulting hippocampal synaptic damage and cognitive impairment. Electrophysiological analysis revealed decreased GABAergic transmission in the hippocampus. This abnormal GABAergic transmission involved a reduction in the number of parvalbumin interneurons (PV+ Ins) and decreased levels of GABA synthesis and transport. We also found impaired NRG1-ErbB4 signaling which mediated by PV+ Ins loss. And NRG1 administration could effectively reduce seizures and improve cognition in four-month-old APP mice. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that abnormal GABAergic transmission mediated hippocampal hyperexcitability, further excitation/inhibition imbalance, and promoted epileptogenesis in the early stage of AD. Appropriate NRG1 administration could down-regulate seizure susceptibility and rescue cognitive function. Our study provided a potential direction for intervening in the co-morbidity of AD and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Mao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengsha Hu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingsong Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxuan Shao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Tan
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline of Neurology, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Neurology Medical Center, Nanjing, China.
| | - Feng Bai
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline of Neurology, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Neurology Medical Center, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shu Shu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline of Neurology, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Neurology Medical Center, Nanjing, China.
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Adashek JJ, Pandya C, Maragakis NJ, De P, Cohen PR, Kato S, Kurzrock R. Neuregulin-1 and ALS19 (ERBB4): at the crossroads of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cancer. BMC Med 2024; 22:74. [PMID: 38369520 PMCID: PMC10875826 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03293-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) is implicated in both cancer and neurologic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, to date, there has been little cross-field discussion between neurology and oncology in regard to these genes and their functions. MAIN BODY Approximately 0.15-0.5% of cancers harbor NRG1 fusions that upregulate NRG1 activity and hence that of the cognate ERBB3/ERBB4 (HER3/HER4) receptors; abrogating this activity with small molecule inhibitors/antibodies shows preliminary tissue-agnostic anti-cancer activity. Notably, ERBB/HER pharmacologic suppression is devoid of neurologic toxicity. Even so, in ALS, attenuated ERBB4/HER4 receptor activity (due to loss-of-function germline mutations or other mechanisms in sporadic disease) is implicated; indeed, ERBB4/HER4 is designated ALS19. Further, secreted-type NRG1 isoforms may be upregulated (perhaps via a feedback loop) and could contribute to ALS pathogenesis through aberrant glial cell stimulation via enhanced activity of other (e.g., ERBB1-3/HER1-3) receptors and downstream pathways. Hence, pan-ERBB inhibitors, already in use for cancer, may be agents worthy of testing in ALS. CONCLUSION Common signaling cascades between cancer and ALS may represent novel therapeutic targets for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Chinmayi Pandya
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Pradip De
- Cancer Genomics, Avera Cancer Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Philip R Cohen
- Department of Dermatology, Davis Medical Center, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- WIN Consortium, Paris, France.
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Dejanovic B, Sheng M, Hanson JE. Targeting synapse function and loss for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:23-42. [PMID: 38012296 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Synapse dysfunction and loss are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases that correlate with cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse synaptic damage remain elusive. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular pathways that impair synapses in neurodegenerative diseases, including the effects of protein aggregation and neuroinflammation. We also highlight emerging therapeutic approaches that aim to restore synaptic function and integrity, such as enhancing synaptic plasticity, preventing synaptotoxicity, modulating neuronal network activity and targeting immune signalling. We discuss the preclinical and clinical evidence for each strategy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for developing effective synapse-targeting therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jesse E Hanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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8
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Liu J, Geraghty JR, Schram S, Cropper HC, Lei J, Loeb JA, Song F. Prevention of Alzheimer Pathology by Blocking Neuregulin Signaling on Microglia. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0422-23.2023. [PMID: 37903620 PMCID: PMC10644371 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0422-23.2023] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plaque formation, microglial activation, and synaptic loss are pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease; however, removing plaques has had little clinical benefit. Here, we show that neuregulin-1, a glial growth factor, induces inflammatory cytokines and promotes phagocytic activity in vitro and augments microglial activation and plaque formation in 5XFAD Alzheimer's mice. Brain-specific targeting of neuregulin-1 by intraventricular delivery of a novel neuregulin-1 fusion protein antagonist, GlyB4, significantly alters microglial morphology and function to a nonpathogenic morphology in early-stage 5XFAD mice and prevents plaques from forming. Once plaques have already formed, GlyB4 reduces new plaque formation and prevents synaptic loss. Selective, targeted disruption of neuregulin-1 signaling on brain microglia with GlyB4 could be a novel "upstream" approach to slow or stop disease progression in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Liu
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Joseph R Geraghty
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Sarah Schram
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Haley C Cropper
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Justin Lei
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Jeffrey A Loeb
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Fei Song
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
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9
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Voelker P, Weible AP, Niell CM, Rothbart MK, Posner MI. Molecular Mechanisms for Changing Brain Connectivity in Mice and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15840. [PMID: 37958822 PMCID: PMC10648558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115840] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to examine commonalities in the molecular basis of learning in mice and humans. In previous work we have demonstrated that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and hippocampus (HC) are involved in learning a two-choice visuospatial discrimination task. Here, we began by looking for candidate genes upregulated in mouse ACC and HC with learning. We then determined which of these were also upregulated in mouse blood. Finally, we used RT-PCR to compare candidate gene expression in mouse blood with that from humans following one of two forms of learning: a working memory task (network training) or meditation (a generalized training shown to change many networks). Two genes were upregulated in mice following learning: caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 6 (Card6) and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (Impdh2). The Impdh2 gene product catalyzes the first committed step of guanine nucleotide synthesis and is tightly linked to cell proliferation. The Card6 gene product positively modulates signal transduction. In humans, Card6 was significantly upregulated, and Impdh2 trended toward upregulation with training. These genes have been shown to regulate pathways that influence nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a factor previously found to be related to enhanced synaptic function and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Voelker
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA (M.I.P.)
| | - Aldis P. Weible
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; (A.P.W.); (C.M.N.)
| | - Cristopher M. Niell
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; (A.P.W.); (C.M.N.)
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Mary K. Rothbart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA (M.I.P.)
| | - Michael I. Posner
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA (M.I.P.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; (A.P.W.); (C.M.N.)
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10
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Abdelaziz HA, Abdelbaki TN, Dean YE, Assem S. Is neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) a potential blood biomarker linking depression to obesity? A case-control study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:670. [PMID: 37710187 PMCID: PMC10503040 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05160-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM No definite biomarker linking depression and obesity has been found yet. Our study aimed to investigate neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) as a potential blood biomarker for this association. METHODS A case-control study was conducted on 108 obese subjects assigned for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 100 non-obese controls. Depression was assessed pre- and post-operatively. Serum NRG-1 was measured. RESULTS Pre-operatively depression was significantly higher among obese compared to non-obese patients. After the operation, 1.9% of the severely depressed subjects reported no depression, while 5.6% became moderately depressed; about 6% of the moderately depressed and 16% of the mildly depressed became not depressed. Serum NRG-1 level was significantly lower among obese and severely depressed compared to the controls. It was negatively correlated to the level of depression pre- and post-operative (r = -0.764 and -0.467 respectively). The sensitivity of serum NRG1 as a predictor for depression pre- and post-operative was 92.45% and 52.94% respectively. Specificity was 69.09% and 79.73% respectively at cut-off values of ≤ 3.5 and ≤ 2.5 ng/ml. CONCLUSION NRG-1 is a possible biomarker for the diagnosis of depression pre-bariatric surgery and the prediction of its prognosis post-operatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Ahmed Abdelaziz
- Family Health, Mental Heath Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tamer Nabil Abdelbaki
- Faculty of Medicine, General Surgery Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Yomna E Dean
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Sara Assem
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Vincent B, Maitra S. BACE1-dependent metabolism of neuregulin 1: Bridging the gap in explaining the occurrence of schizophrenia-like symptoms in Alzheimer's disease with psychosis? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101988. [PMID: 37331479 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101988] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by cortico-neuronal atrophy, impaired memory and other cognitive declines. On the other hand, schizophrenia is a neuro-developmental disorder with an overtly active central nervous system pruning system resulting into abrupt connections with common symptoms including disorganised thoughts, hallucination and delusion. Nevertheless, the fronto-temporal anomaly presents itself as a common denominator for the two pathologies. There is even a strong presumption of increased risk of developing co-morbid dementia for schizophrenic individuals and psychosis for Alzheimer's disease patients, overall leading to a further deteriorated quality of life. However, convincing proofs of how these two disorders, although very distant from each other when considering their aetiology, develop coexisting symptoms is yet to be resolved. At the molecular level, the two primarily neuronal proteins β-amyloid precursor protein and neuregulin 1 have been considered in this relevant context, although the conclusions are for the moment only hypotheses. In order to propose a model for explaining the psychotic schizophrenia-like symptoms that sometimes accompany AD-associated dementia, this review projects out on the similar sensitivity shared by these two proteins regarding their metabolism by the β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Vincent
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Excellence DistALZ, Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France.
| | - Subhamita Maitra
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå 90736, Sweden
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Ribarič S. Detecting Early Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease with Brain Synaptic Structural and Functional Evaluation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:355. [PMID: 36830892 PMCID: PMC9952956 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020355] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Early cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's (AD) is associated with quantifiable structural and functional connectivity changes in the brain. AD dysregulation of Aβ and tau metabolism progressively disrupt normal synaptic function, leading to loss of synapses, decreased hippocampal synaptic density and early hippocampal atrophy. Advances in brain imaging techniques in living patients have enabled the transition from clinical signs and symptoms-based AD diagnosis to biomarkers-based diagnosis, with functional brain imaging techniques, quantitative EEG, and body fluids sampling. The hippocampus has a central role in semantic and episodic memory processing. This cognitive function is critically dependent on normal intrahippocampal connections and normal hippocampal functional connectivity with many cortical regions, including the perirhinal and the entorhinal cortex, parahippocampal cortex, association regions in the temporal and parietal lobes, and prefrontal cortex. Therefore, decreased hippocampal synaptic density is reflected in the altered functional connectivity of intrinsic brain networks (aka large-scale networks), including the parietal memory, default mode, and salience networks. This narrative review discusses recent critical issues related to detecting AD-associated early cognitive decline with brain synaptic structural and functional markers in high-risk or neuropsychologically diagnosed patients with subjective cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samo Ribarič
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Stecker M. A Perspective: Challenges in Dementia Research. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:1368. [PMID: 36295529 PMCID: PMC9609997 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although dementia is a common and devastating disease that has been studied intensely for more than 100 years, no effective disease modifying treatment has been found. At this impasse, new approaches are important. The purpose of this paper is to provide, in the context of current research, one clinician's perspective regarding important challenges in the field in the form of specific challenges. These challenges not only illustrate the scope of the problems inherent in finding treatments for dementia, but can also be specific targets to foster discussion, criticism and new research. One common theme is the need to transform research activities from small projects in individual laboratories/clinics to larger multinational projects, in which each clinician and researcher works as an integral part. This transformation will require collaboration between researchers, large corporations, regulatory/governmental authorities and the general population, as well as significant financial investments. However, the costs of transforming the approach are small in comparison with the cost of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Stecker
- Fresno Institute of Neuroscience, Fresno, CA 93720, USA
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