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Martínez-Camarena Á, Bellia F, Paz Clares M, Vecchio G, Nicolas J, García-España E. Polymeric Nanozyme with SOD Activity Capable of Inhibiting Self- and Metal-Induced α-Synuclein Aggregation. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401331. [PMID: 38687026 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401331] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, Parkinson's disease is still an idiopathic pathology for which no cure has yet been found. This is partly explained by the multifactorial character of most neurodegenerative syndromes, whose generation involves multiple pathogenic factors. In Parkinson's disease, two of the most important ones are the aggregation of α-synuclein and oxidative stress. In this work, we address both issues by synthesizing a multifunctional nanozyme based on grafting a pyridinophane ligand that can strongly coordinate CuII, onto biodegradable PEGylated polyester nanoparticles. The resulting nanozyme exhibits remarkable superoxide dismutase activity together with the ability to inhibit the self-induced aggregation of α-synuclein into amyloid-type fibrils. Furthermore, the combination of the chelator and the polymer produces a cooperative effect whereby the resulting nanozyme can also halve CuII-induced α-synuclein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Martínez-Camarena
- ICMol, Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de València, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Spain
- Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91400, France
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, 95125, Italy
- MatMoPol Research Group, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Istituto di Cristallografia, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania, 95126, Italy
| | - M Paz Clares
- ICMol, Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de València, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - Graziella Vecchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, 95125, Italy
| | - Julien Nicolas
- Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91400, France
| | - Enrique García-España
- ICMol, Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de València, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Spain
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Cai Y, Wang LW, Wu J, Chen ZW, Yu XF, Liu FH, Gao DP. Fasudil alleviates alcohol-induced cognitive deficits and hippocampal morphology injury partly by altering the assembly of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115068. [PMID: 38830386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115068] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) manifests predominantly as cognitive impairment and brain atrophy with the hippocampus showing particular vulnerability. Fasudil, a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, has established neuroprotective properties; however, its impact on alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal structural damage remains unelucidated. This study probes Fasudil's neuroprotective potential and identifies its mechanism of action in an in vivo context. Male C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to 30% (v/v, 6.0 g/kg) ethanol by intragastric administration for four weeks. Concurrently, these mice received a co-treatment with Fasudil through intraperitoneal injections at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day. Fasudil was found to mitigate alcohol-induced spatial and recognition memory deficits, which were quantified using Y maze, Morris water maze, and novel object recognition tests. Concurrently, Fasudil attenuated hippocampal structural damage prompted by chronic alcohol exposure. Notably, Fasudil moderated alcohol-induced disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules-mechanisms central to the maintenance of hippocampal synaptic integrity. Collectively, our findings indicate that Fasudil partially reverses alcohol-induced cognitive and morphological detriments by modulating cytoskeletal dynamics, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies for ARBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Lu-Wan Wang
- School of Medical, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Zi-Wei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Xue-Feng Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Fu-He Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Da-Peng Gao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, 247 Renmin Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, PR China.
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Yuan S, Jiang SC, Zhang ZW, Li ZL, Hu J. Substance Addiction Rehabilitation Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:615. [PMID: 38794185 PMCID: PMC11124501 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050615] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The relapse rate of substance abusers is high, and addiction rehabilitation adjunct drugs need to be developed urgently. There have been numerous reports on blocking the formation of substance addiction, but studies on drugs that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms are very limited. Both the dopamine transporter (DAT) hypothesis and D3 dopamine receptor (D3R) hypothesis are proposed. DAT activators reduce the extracellular dopamine level, and D3R antagonists reduce the neuron's sensitivity to dopamine, both of which may exacerbate the withdrawal symptoms subsequently. The D3R partial agonist SK608 has biased signaling properties via the G-protein-dependent pathway but did not induce D3R desensitization and, thus, may be a promising drug for the withdrawal symptoms. Drugs for serotoninergic neurons or GABAergic neurons and anti-inflammatory drugs may have auxiliary effects to addiction treatments. Drugs that promote structural synaptic plasticity are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yuan
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Si-Cong Jiang
- Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Comp. Ltd., Chengdu 611138, China;
| | - Zhong-Wei Zhang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Zi-Lin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Medical University of the Air Force, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Jing Hu
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China;
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Wolff AW, Peine J, Höfler J, Zurek G, Hemker C, Lingor P. SAFE-ROCK: A Phase I Trial of an Oral Application of the ROCK Inhibitor Fasudil to Assess Bioavailability, Safety, and Tolerability in Healthy Participants. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:291-302. [PMID: 38416402 PMCID: PMC10980656 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intravenous (IV) formulation of Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor fasudil has been approved for the treatment of subarachnoid haemorrhage since 1995. Additionally, fasudil has shown promising preclinical results for various chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and dementia, in which long-term intravenous (IV) administration might not be suitable. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the absolute bioavailability of oral, in comparison to IV, application of the approved formulation of fasudil (ERIL®) and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the oral application of fasudil. METHODS This was a phase I, single-center, open-label, randomized, two period cross-over clinical trial in healthy women and men. By applying a cross-over design, each subject served as their own control. Two treatments were investigated, separated by a wash out phase of at least 3 days. Oral fasudil was administered once on day 1 to assess pharmacokinetics and three times on day 2, at an interval of 8 ± 1 h, to assess safety and gastrointestinal tolerability. For pharmacometrics of IV fasudil, it was administered once on day 1. Plasma profiles of fasudil and its active metabolite hydroxyfasudil after oral or IV administration were measured by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Tolerability was assessed as proportion of subjects without significant drug intolerance, and safety was assessed by the proportion of subjects without clinical or laboratory treatment-associated serious adverse events. Gastrointestinal safety was assessed by applying the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). RESULTS Fourteen subjects aged 30-70 years were included in this trial. After oral administration, fasudil concentrations in blood were mostly very low [1.4 g/L; coefficient of variation (CV) 41.0%]. After IV application, the peak concentration was 100.6 µg/L (CV 74.2%); however, a high variance in peak concentrations were assessed for both treatments. The maximal concentrations of hydroxyfasudil in blood were similar after oral and IV treatment [111.6 µg/L (CV 24.1%) and 108.4 µg/L (CV 19.7%), respectively]. Exposure of hydroxyfasudil (assessed as AUC0-tz) differed between both treatments, with 449 µg × h/L after IV treatment and 309 µg × h/L after oral treatment. Therefore, the absolute bioavailability of hydroxyfasudil after the oral treatment was approximately 69% of the IV treatment. No serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred during this trial, and good tolerability of oral fasudil (90 mg/day) was documented. CONCLUSIONS Oral fasudil was generally well tolerated in the studied population, and no safety concerns were identified. However, systemic bioavailability of oral hydroxyfasudil corresponded to 69%, and dose adjustments need to considered. The results presented here lay grounds for future trials of fasudil in chronic diseases, which require an oral long-term application. This trial was registered with EudraCT (no. 2019-001805-26).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W Wolff
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Peine
- Institute for Clinical Research, AtoZ-CRO GmbH, Overath, Germany
| | | | | | - Claus Hemker
- CTC North GmbH & Co. KG at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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5
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Semenyuk PI. Alpha-synuclein phosphorylation induces amyloid conversion via enhanced electrostatic bridging: Insights from molecular modeling of the full-length protein. Biophys Chem 2024; 307:107196. [PMID: 38335809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107196] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Fibril formation from alpha-synuclein is a key point in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and other synucleinopathies. The mechanism of the amyloid-like conversion followed by the formation of pre-fibrillar soluble oligomers and fibrils is not completely clear; furthermore, it is unclear how the Parkinson's disease-related point mutations located in the pre-NAC region enhance fibrillation. In the present paper, atomistic replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of the full-length alpha-synuclein and its two mutants, A53T and E46K, elucidated amyloid conversion intermediates. Both mutants demonstrated an enhanced tendency for the conversion but in different manners; the main intermediate conformations populated in the WT alpha-synuclein conformational ensemble disappeared due to mutations, indicating a different conversion pathway. Analysis of the preferable beta-hairpin positions and intermediate conformations seems to reflect a tendency to form a particular amyloid fibril polymorph. A strong elevation of amyloid transformation level was shown also for Ser129-phosphorylated alpha-synuclein. Altered intermediate conformations, the most preferable beta-hairpin positions in the NAC region, and prevalent salt bridges propose the formation of so-called polymorph 2 or even a novel type of fibrils. A better understanding of the detailed mechanism of the amyloid conversion sheds light on the effect of Lewy body-related phosphorylation and might help in the development of new therapeutics for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel I Semenyuk
- Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Leninskie gory 1/40, Russia.
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Huang W, Liu J, Le S, Yao M, Shi Y, Yan J. In situ single-molecule investigations of the impacts of biochemical perturbations on conformational intermediates of monomeric α-synuclein. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016114. [PMID: 38435467 PMCID: PMC10908564 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein aggregation is a common trait in synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease. Being an unstructured protein, α-synuclein exists in several distinct conformational intermediates, contributing to both its function and pathogenesis. However, the regulation of these monomer conformations by biochemical factors and potential drugs has remained elusive. In this study, we devised an in situ single-molecule manipulation approach to pinpoint kinetically stable conformational intermediates of monomeric α-synuclein and explore the effects of various biochemical factors and drugs. We uncovered a partially folded conformation located in the non-amyloid-β component (NAC) region of monomeric α-synuclein, which is regulated by a preNAC region. This conformational intermediate is sensitive to biochemical perturbations and small-molecule drugs that influencing α-synuclein's aggregation tendency. Our findings reveal that this partially folded intermediate may play a role in α-synuclein aggregation, offering fresh perspectives for potential treatments aimed at the initial stage of higher-order α-synuclein aggregation. The single-molecule approach developed here can be broadly applied to the study of disease-related intrinsically disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmao Huang
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - Jingzhun Liu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411
| | | | | | - Yi Shi
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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7
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Liu S, Wu Q, Wang L, Xing C, Guo J, Li B, Ma H, Zhong H, Zhou M, Zhu S, Zhu R, Ning G. Coordination function index: A novel indicator for assessing hindlimb locomotor recovery in spinal cord injury rats based on catwalk gait parameters. Behav Brain Res 2024; 459:114765. [PMID: 37992973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114765] [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] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
In preclinical studies of spinal cord injury (SCI), behavioral assessments are crucial for evaluating treatment effectiveness. Commonly used methods include Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score and the Louisville swim scale (LSS), relying on subjective observations. The CatWalk automated gait analysis system is also widely used in SCI studies, providing extensive gait parameters from footprints. However, these parameters are often used independently or combined simply without utilizing the vast amount of data provided by CatWalk. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel approach encompassing multiple CatWalk parameters for a comprehensive and objective assessment of locomotor function. In this work, we screened 208 CatWalk XT gait parameters and identified 38 suitable for assessing hindlimb motor function recovery in a rat thoracic contusion SCI model. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reveal structural relationships among these parameters. Weighted scores for Coordination effectively differentiated hindlimb motor function levels, termed as the Coordinated Function Index (CFI). CFI showed high reliability, exhibiting high correlations with BBB scores, LSS, and T2WI lesion area. Finally, we simplified CFI based on factor loadings and correlation analysis, obtaining a streamlined version with reliable assessment efficacy. In conclusion, we developed a systematic assessment indicator utilizing multiple CatWalk parameters to objectively evaluate hindlimb motor function recovery in rats after thoracic contusion SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Liyue Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Cong Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Junrui Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Baicao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongpeng Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Shibo Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Rusen Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangzhi Ning
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord lnjury, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.
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Wolff AW, Bidner H, Remane Y, Zimmer J, Aarsland D, Rascol O, Wyse RK, Hapfelmeier A, Lingor P. Protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase IIa study of the safety, tolerability, and symptomatic efficacy of the ROCK-inhibitor Fasudil in patients with Parkinson's disease (ROCK-PD). Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1308577. [PMID: 38419648 PMCID: PMC10899319 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1308577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Fasudil has shown symptomatic and disease-modifying effects in Parkinson's disease (PD) models in vitro and in vivo. In Japan, Fasudil has been approved for the treatment of subarachnoid haemorrhage since 1995 and shows a favourable safety profile. Objectives/design To investigate the safety, tolerability, and symptomatic efficacy of ROCK-inhibitor Fasudil in comparison to placebo in a randomized, national, multicenter, double-blind phase IIa study in patients with PD. Methods/analysis We plan to include 75 patients with at least 'probable' PD (MDS criteria), Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3, and age 30-80 years in 13 German study sites. Patients must be non-fluctuating and their response to PD medication must have been stable for 6 weeks. Patients will be randomly allocated to treatment with the oral investigational medicinal product (IMP) containing either Fasudil in two dosages, or placebo, for a total of 22 days. As primary analysis, non-inferiority of low/high dose of Fasudil on the combined endpoint consisting of occurrence of intolerance and/or treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) over 22 days will be assessed in a sequential order, starting with the lower dose. Secondary endpoints will include tolerability alone over 22 days and occurrence of treatment-related SAEs (SARs) over 22 and 50 days and will be compared on group level. Additional secondary endpoints include efficacy on motor and non-motor symptoms, measured on established scales, and will be assessed at several timepoints. Biomaterial will be collected to determine pharmacokinetics of Fasudil and its active metabolite, and to evaluate biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Ethics/registration/discussion After positive evaluation by the competent authority and the ethics committee, patient recruitment started in the 3rd quarter of 2023. ROCK-PD is registered with Eudra-CT (2021-003879-34) and clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05931575). Results of this trial can pave way for conducting extended-duration studies assessing both symptomatic efficacy and disease-modifying properties of Fasudil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W Wolff
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helen Bidner
- Münchner Studienzentrum (MSZ), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yvonne Remane
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Janine Zimmer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Age-Related Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Olivier Rascol
- Clinical Investigation Center CIC1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, University of Toulouse 3, University Hospital of Toulouse, INSERM, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Alexander Hapfelmeier
- Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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9
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Galkin M, Priss A, Kyriukha Y, Shvadchak V. Navigating α-Synuclein Aggregation Inhibition: Methods, Mechanisms, and Molecular Targets. CHEM REC 2024; 24:e202300282. [PMID: 37919046 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a yet incurable, age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the aggregation of small neuronal protein α-synuclein into amyloid fibrils. Inhibition of this process is a prospective strategy for developing a disease-modifying treatment. We overview here small molecule, peptide, and protein inhibitors of α-synuclein fibrillization reported to date. Special attention was paid to the specificity of inhibitors and critical analysis of their action mechanisms. Namely, the importance of oxidation of polyphenols and cross-linking of α-synuclein into inhibitory dimers was highlighted. We also compared strategies of targeting monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillar α-synuclein species, thoroughly discussed the strong and weak sides of different approaches to testing the inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Galkin
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anastasiia Priss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yevhenii Kyriukha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Volodymyr Shvadchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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10
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Bétemps D, Arsac JN, Nicot S, Canal D, Tlili H, Belondrade M, Morignat E, Verchère J, Gaillard D, Bruyère-Ostells L, Mayran C, Lakhdar L, Bougard D, Baron T. Protease-Sensitive and -Resistant Forms of Human and Murine Alpha-Synucleins in Distinct Brain Regions of Transgenic Mice (M83) Expressing the Human Mutated A53T Protein. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1788. [PMID: 38136658 PMCID: PMC10741842 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121788] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neurodegenerative diseases associated with the misfolding of the alpha-synuclein (aS) protein (synucleinopathies) are similar to prion diseases to the extent that lesions are spread by similar molecular mechanisms. In a transgenic mouse model (M83) overexpressing a mutated (A53T) form of human aS, we had previously found that Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) triggered the aggregation of aS, which is associated with a high resistance to the proteinase K (PK) digestion of both human and murine aS, a major hallmark of the disease-associated prion protein. In addition, PMCA was also able to trigger the aggregation of murine aS in C57Bl/6 mouse brains after seeding with sick M83 mouse brains. Here, we show that intracerebral inoculations of M83 mice with C57Bl/6-PMCA samples strikingly shortens the incubation period before the typical paralysis that develops in this transgenic model, demonstrating the pathogenicity of PMCA-aggregated murine aS. In the hind brain regions of these sick M83 mice containing lesions with an accumulation of aS phosphorylated at serine 129, aS also showed a high PK resistance in the N-terminal part of the protein. In contrast to M83 mice, old APPxM83 mice co-expressing human mutated amyloid precursor and presenilin 1 proteins were seen to have an aggregation of aS, especially in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum, which also contained the highest load of aS phosphorylated at serine 129. This was proven by three techniques: a Western blot analysis of PK-resistant aS; an ELISA detection of aS aggregates; or the identification of aggregates of aS using immunohistochemical analyses of cytoplasmic/neuritic aS deposits. The results obtained with the D37A6 antibody suggest a higher involvement of murine aS in APPxM83 mice than in M83 mice. Our study used novel tools for the molecular study of synucleinopathies, which highlight similarities with the molecular mechanisms involved in prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Bétemps
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Jean-Noël Arsac
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Simon Nicot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Dominique Canal
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Habiba Tlili
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Maxime Belondrade
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Eric Morignat
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Jérémy Verchère
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Damien Gaillard
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Lilian Bruyère-Ostells
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Charly Mayran
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Latifa Lakhdar
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Daisy Bougard
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Thierry Baron
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
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11
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Lingli C, Hongmei N, Penghuan J, Hongli Z, Yuye L, Rui W, Fei R, Zhihong Y, Dongfang H, Yaming G. Inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway activity improves neural damage and cognitive deficits in the fluorosis model. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115554. [PMID: 37806133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Excessive fluoride intake poses health risks to humans and animals. Many studies have indicated that fluoride exposure can damage the cytoskeleton and synapses, which has negative effects on the intellectual development of humans and animals. Our previous study suggested that the RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway is activated by NaF exposure in HT-22 cells and plays a vital role in cytoskeletal assembly and synaptogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying RhoA/ROCK-mediated cytoskeletal injury induced by fluoride remains unclear. In this study, Neuro-2A cells and ICR mice were used to investigate the effects of RhoA/ROCK activation inhibition on NaF-induced synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. We detected the expression of GAP, RhoA, ROCK1/2, and (p)-MLC in vivo and in vitro model. The results showed that NaF exposure activated the RhoA/ROCK/MLC signalling pathway. We measured the effects of RhoA/ROCK inhibition on synaptic injury and intellectual impairment induced by NaF exposure. In vitro, Y-27632 suppressed activated RhoA/ROCK, attenuated morphological and ultrastructural damage, and decreased the survival rate and synapse-functional protein expression caused by NaF. In vivo, the results showed that the RhoA/ROCK/MLC pathway was inhibited by fasudil and improved pathological damage in the hippocampus, cognitive impairment, and decreased expression of neurofunctional proteins induced by NaF. Overall, these results suggest that fasudil and Y-27632 can reverse neurotoxicity caused by fluoride exposure. Furthermore, inhibition of RhoA/ROCK may be a future treatment for CNS injury, and more detailed studies on other neurodegenerative disease models are required to confirm its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lingli
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China; Postdoctoral Research and Development Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Ning Hongmei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Jia Penghuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Zhang Hongli
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Liu Yuye
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Wang Rui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Ren Fei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Yin Zhihong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Hu Dongfang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China
| | - Ge Yaming
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan Provence, 453003, China.
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12
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Groh J, Abdelwahab T, Kattimani Y, Hörner M, Loserth S, Gudi V, Adalbert R, Imdahl F, Saliba AE, Coleman M, Stangel M, Simons M, Martini R. Microglia-mediated demyelination protects against CD8 + T cell-driven axon degeneration in mice carrying PLP defects. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6911. [PMID: 37903797 PMCID: PMC10616105 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42570-2] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon degeneration and functional decline in myelin diseases are often attributed to loss of myelin but their relation is not fully understood. Perturbed myelinating glia can instigate chronic neuroinflammation and contribute to demyelination and axonal damage. Here we study mice with distinct defects in the proteolipid protein 1 gene that develop axonal damage which is driven by cytotoxic T cells targeting myelinating oligodendrocytes. We show that persistent ensheathment with perturbed myelin poses a risk for axon degeneration, neuron loss, and behavioral decline. We demonstrate that CD8+ T cell-driven axonal damage is less likely to progress towards degeneration when axons are efficiently demyelinated by activated microglia. Mechanistically, we show that cytotoxic T cell effector molecules induce cytoskeletal alterations within myelinating glia and aberrant actomyosin constriction of axons at paranodal domains. Our study identifies detrimental axon-glia-immune interactions which promote neurodegeneration and possible therapeutic targets for disorders associated with myelin defects and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos Groh
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Tassnim Abdelwahab
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yogita Kattimani
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Hörner
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Section of Neurodegeneration, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silke Loserth
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktoria Gudi
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Adalbert
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Fabian Imdahl
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antoine-Emmanuel Saliba
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Coleman
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Stangel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mikael Simons
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Rudolf Martini
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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13
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Peng Y, Ye JR, Wang SS, He WB, Feng ZP, Sun HS, Chu SF, Zhang Z, Chen NH. A small molecule 20C from Gastrodia elata inhibits α-synuclein aggregation and prevents progression of Parkinson's disease. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:594. [PMID: 37673867 PMCID: PMC10482970 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06116-0] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is pathologically manifested by the aggregation of α-synuclein, which has been envisioned as a promising disease-modifying target for PD. Here, we identified 20C, a bibenzyl compound derived from Gastrodia elata, able to inhibit the aggregation of A53T variants of α-synuclein directly in vitro. Computational analysis revealed that 20C binds to cavities in mature α-synuclein fibrils, and it indeed displays a strong interaction with α-synuclein and reduced their β-sheet structure by microscale thermophoresis and circular dichroism, respectively. Moreover, incubating neural cells with 20C reduced the amounts of α-synuclein inclusions significantly. The treatment of A53T α-Syn transgenic mice with 20C significantly reduces the toxic α-synuclein levels, improves behavioral performance, rescues dopaminergic neuron, and enhances functional connections between SNc and PD associated brain areas. The transcriptome analysis of SNc demonstrated that 20C improves mitochondrial dynamics, which protects mitochondrial morphology and function against α-synuclein induced degeneration. Overall, 20C appears to be a promising candidate for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jun-Rui Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medical & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Sha-Sha Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Wen-Bin He
- Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Zhong-Ping Feng
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hong-Shuo Sun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Shi-Feng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medical & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medical & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medical & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
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14
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Siwecka N, Saramowicz K, Galita G, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Targeted Therapy for α-Synucleinopathy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37631265 PMCID: PMC10459316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (N.S.); (K.S.); (G.G.); (W.R.-K.)
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15
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Killick R, Elliott C, Ribe E, Broadstock M, Ballard C, Aarsland D, Williams G. Neurodegenerative Disease Associated Pathways in the Brains of Triple Transgenic Alzheimer's Model Mice Are Reversed Following Two Weeks of Peripheral Administration of Fasudil. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11219. [PMID: 37446396 PMCID: PMC10342807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311219] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The pan Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor fasudil acts as a vasodilator and has been used as a medication for post-cerebral stroke for the past 29 years in Japan and China. More recently, based on the involvement of ROCK inhibition in synaptic function, neuronal survival, and processes associated with neuroinflammation, it has been suggested that the drug may be repurposed for neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, fasudil has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in many neurodegenerative disease models. To facilitate an understanding of the wider biological processes at play due to ROCK inhibition in the context of neurodegeneration, we performed a global gene expression analysis on the brains of Alzheimer's disease model mice treated with fasudil via peripheral IP injection. We then performed a comparative analysis of the fasudil-driven transcriptional profile with profiles generated from a meta-analysis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Our results show that fasudil tends to drive gene expression in a reverse sense to that seen in brains with post-mortem neurodegenerative disease. The results are most striking in terms of pathway enrichment analysis, where pathways perturbed in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are overwhelmingly driven in the opposite direction by fasudil treatment. Thus, our results bolster the repurposing potential of fasudil by demonstrating an anti-neurodegenerative phenotype in a disease context and highlight the potential of in vivo transcriptional profiling of drug activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Killick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK; (R.K.); (E.R.); (D.A.)
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2UL, UK;
| | - Christina Elliott
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Elena Ribe
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK; (R.K.); (E.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Martin Broadstock
- Wolfson CARD, King’s College London, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK;
| | - Clive Ballard
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2UL, UK;
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK; (R.K.); (E.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Gareth Williams
- Wolfson CARD, King’s College London, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK;
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16
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Timotius IK, Roelofs RF, Richmond-Hacham B, Noldus LPJJ, von Hörsten S, Bikovski L. CatWalk XT gait parameters: a review of reported parameters in pre-clinical studies of multiple central nervous system and peripheral nervous system disease models. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1147784. [PMID: 37351154 PMCID: PMC10284348 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1147784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Automated gait assessment tests are used in studies of disorders characterized by gait impairment. CatWalk XT is one of the first commercially available automated systems for analyzing the gait of rodents and is currently the most used system in peer-reviewed publications. This automated gait analysis system can generate a large number of gait parameters. However, this creates a new challenge in selecting relevant parameters that describe the changes within a particular disease model. Here, for the first time, we performed a multi-disorder review on published CatWalk XT data. We identify commonly reported CatWalk XT gait parameters derived from 91 peer-reviewed experimental studies in mice, covering six disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The disorders modeled in mice were traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, sciatic nerve injury (SNI), spinal cord injury (SCI), Parkinson's disease (PD), and ataxia. Our review consisted of parameter selection, clustering, categorization, statistical evaluation, and data visualization. It suggests that certain gait parameters serve as potential indicators of gait dysfunction across multiple disease models, while others are specific to particular models. The findings also suggest that the more site-specific the injury is, the fewer parameters are reported to characterize its gait abnormalities. This study strives to present a clearly organized picture of gait parameters used in each one of the different mouse models, potentially helping novel CatWalk XT users to apply this information to similar or related mouse models they are working on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanna K. Timotius
- Department of Electronics Engineering, Satya Wacana Christian University, Salatiga, Indonesia
- Department of Experimental Therapy, University Hospital Erlangen and Preclinical Experimental Animal Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Bar Richmond-Hacham
- Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Lucas P. J. J. Noldus
- Noldus Information Technology BV, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Department of Experimental Therapy, University Hospital Erlangen and Preclinical Experimental Animal Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lior Bikovski
- Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- School of Behavioral Sciences, Netanya Academic College, Netanya, Israel
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17
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Vendruscolo M. Thermodynamic and kinetic approaches for drug discovery to target protein misfolding and aggregation. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37276120 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2221024] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein misfolding diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, are characterized by the aberrant aggregation of proteins. These conditions are still largely untreatable, despite having a major impact on our healthcare systems and societies. AREAS COVERED We describe drug discovery strategies to target protein misfolding and aggregation. We compare thermodynamic approaches, which are based on the stabilization of the native states of proteins, with kinetic approaches, which are based on the slowing down of the aggregation process. This comparison is carried out in terms of the current knowledge of the process of protein misfolding and aggregation, the mechanisms of disease and the therapeutic targets. EXPERT OPINION There is an unmet need for disease-modifying treatments that target protein misfolding and aggregation for the over 50 human disorders known to be associated with this phenomenon. With the approval of the first drugs that can prevent misfolding or inhibit aggregation, future efforts will be focused on the discovery of effective compounds with these mechanisms of action for a wide range of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Zhang H, Lu F, Liu P, Qiu Z, Li J, Wang X, Xu H, Zhao Y, Li X, Wang H, Lu D, Qi R. A direct interaction between RhoGDIα/Tau alleviates hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:58-71. [PMID: 35080740 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RhoGDIα is an inhibitor of RhoGDP dissociation that involves in Aβ metabolism and NFTs production in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by regulating of RhoGTP enzyme activity. Our previous research revealed that RhoGDIα, as the target of Polygala saponin (Sen), might alleviate apoptosis of the nerve cells caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). To further clarify the role of RhoGDIα in the generation of NFTs, we explored the relationship between RhoGDIα and Tau. We found out that RhoGDIα and Tau can bind with each other and interact by using coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and GST pulldown methods in vitro. This RhoGDIα-Tau partnership was further verified by using immunofluorescence colocalization and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches in PC12 cells. Using the RNA interference (RNAi) technique, we found that the RhoGDIα may be involved in an upstream signaling pathway for Tau. Subsequently, in Aβ25-35- and H/R-induced PC12 cells, forced expression of RhoGDIα via cDNA plasmid transfection was found to reduce the hyperphosphorylation of Tau, augment the expression of bcl-2 protein, and inhibit the expression of Bax protein (reducing the Bax/bcl-2 ratio) and the activity of caspase-3. In mouse AD and VaD models, forced expression of RhoGDIα via injection of a viral vector (pAAV-EGFP-RhoGDIα) into the lateral ventricle of the brain alleviated the pathological symptoms of AD and VaD. Finally, GST pulldown confirmed that the binding sites on RhoGDIα for Tau were located in the range of the ΔC33 fragment (aa 1-33). These results indicate that RhoGDIα is involved in the phosphorylation of Tau and apoptosis in AD and VaD. Overexpression of RhoGDIα can inhibit the generation of NFTs and delay the progress of these two types of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heping Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Lu
- Department of Emergency, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Panhong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zhaohui Qiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, ShenZhen, 518033, China
| | - Jianling Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yandong Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xuemin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Huadong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Daxiang Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Renbin Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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19
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Wolff A, Schumacher NU, Pürner D, Machetanz G, Demleitner AF, Feneberg E, Hagemeier M, Lingor P. Parkinson's disease therapy: what lies ahead? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:793-820. [PMID: 37147404 PMCID: PMC10199869 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been constantly increasing in the last decades. With rising life expectancy, a longer disease duration in PD patients is observed, further increasing the need and socioeconomic importance of adequate PD treatment. Today, PD is exclusively treated symptomatically, mainly by dopaminergic stimulation, while efforts to modify disease progression could not yet be translated to the clinics. New formulations of approved drugs and treatment options of motor fluctuations in advanced stages accompanied by telehealth monitoring have improved PD patients care. In addition, continuous improvement in the understanding of PD disease mechanisms resulted in the identification of new pharmacological targets. Applying novel trial designs, targeting of pre-symptomatic disease stages, and the acknowledgment of PD heterogeneity raise hopes to overcome past failures in the development of drugs for disease modification. In this review, we address these recent developments and venture a glimpse into the future of PD therapy in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wolff
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas U Schumacher
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Pürner
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerrit Machetanz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia F Demleitner
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Emily Feneberg
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Maike Hagemeier
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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20
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Ru Q, Wang Y, Zhou E, Chen L, Wu Y. The potential therapeutic roles of Rho GTPases in substance dependence. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1125277. [PMID: 37063367 PMCID: PMC10097952 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1125277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases family are considered to be molecular switches that regulate various cellular processes, including cytoskeleton remodeling, cell polarity, synaptic development and maintenance. Accumulating evidence shows that Rho GTPases are involved in neuronal development and brain diseases, including substance dependence. However, the functions of Rho GTPases in substance dependence are divergent and cerebral nuclei-dependent. Thereby, comprehensive integration of their roles and correlated mechanisms are urgently needed. In this review, the molecular functions and regulatory mechanisms of Rho GTPases and their regulators such as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) in substance dependence have been reviewed, and this is of great significance for understanding their spatiotemporal roles in addictions induced by different addictive substances and in different stages of substance dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lin Chen
- *Correspondence: Lin Chen, ; Yuxiang Wu,
| | - Yuxiang Wu
- *Correspondence: Lin Chen, ; Yuxiang Wu,
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21
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Luo S, Wohl S, Zheng W, Yang S. Biophysical and Integrative Characterization of Protein Intrinsic Disorder as a Prime Target for Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030530. [PMID: 36979465 PMCID: PMC10046839 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein intrinsic disorder is increasingly recognized for its biological and disease-driven functions. However, it represents significant challenges for biophysical studies due to its high conformational flexibility. In addressing these challenges, we highlight the complementary and distinct capabilities of a range of experimental and computational methods and further describe integrative strategies available for combining these techniques. Integrative biophysics methods provide valuable insights into the sequence–structure–function relationship of disordered proteins, setting the stage for protein intrinsic disorder to become a promising target for drug discovery. Finally, we briefly summarize recent advances in the development of new small molecule inhibitors targeting the disordered N-terminal domains of three vital transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqi Luo
- Center for Proteomics and Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Samuel Wohl
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Wenwei Zheng
- College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
- Correspondence: (W.Z.); (S.Y.)
| | - Sichun Yang
- Center for Proteomics and Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence: (W.Z.); (S.Y.)
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22
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Development of Small Molecules Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregation: A Promising Strategy to Treat Parkinson’s Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030839. [PMID: 36986700 PMCID: PMC10059018 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, is characterized by the accumulation of protein deposits in the dopaminergic neurons. These deposits are primarily composed of aggregated forms of α-Synuclein (α-Syn). Despite the extensive research on this disease, only symptomatic treatments are currently available. However, in recent years, several compounds, mainly of an aromatic character, targeting α-Syn self-assembly and amyloid formation have been identified. These compounds, discovered by different approaches, are chemically diverse and exhibit a plethora of mechanisms of action. This work aims to provide a historical overview of the physiopathology and molecular aspects associated with Parkinson’s disease and the current trends in small compound development to target α-Syn aggregation. Although these molecules are still under development, they constitute an important step toward discovering effective anti-aggregational therapies for Parkinson’s disease.
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23
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Galzitskaya OV, Grishin SY, Glyakina AV, Dovidchenko NV, Konstantinova AV, Kravchenko SV, Surin AK. The Strategies of Development of New Non-Toxic Inhibitors of Amyloid Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043781. [PMID: 36835194 PMCID: PMC9964835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, due to the aging of the population and the development of diagnostic medicine, the number of identified diseases associated with the accumulation of amyloid proteins has increased. Some of these proteins are known to cause a number of degenerative diseases in humans, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease (PD), and insulin and its analogues in insulin-derived amyloidosis. In this regard, it is important to develop strategies for the search and development of effective inhibitors of amyloid formation. Many studies have been carried out aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of amyloid aggregation of proteins and peptides. This review focuses on three amyloidogenic peptides and proteins-Aβ, α-synuclein, and insulin-for which we will consider amyloid fibril formation mechanisms and analyze existing and prospective strategies for the development of effective and non-toxic inhibitors of amyloid formation. The development of non-toxic inhibitors of amyloid will allow them to be used more effectively for the treatment of diseases associated with amyloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana V. Galzitskaya
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Sergei Y. Grishin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Anna V. Glyakina
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology RAS, The Branch of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Nikita V. Dovidchenko
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Anastasiia V. Konstantinova
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Kravchenko
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Alexey K. Surin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
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24
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Cao K, Zhu Y, Hou Z, Liu M, Yang Y, Hu H, Dai Y, Wang Y, Yuan S, Huang G, Mei J, Sadler PJ, Liu Y. α-Synuclein as a Target for Metallo-Anti-Neurodegenerative Agents. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215360. [PMID: 36345707 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The unique thermodynamic and kinetic coordination chemistry of ruthenium allows it to modulate key adverse aggregation and membrane interactions of α-synuclein (α-syn) associated with Parkinson's disease. We show that the low-toxic RuIII complex trans-[ImH][RuCl4 (Me2 SO)(Im)] (NAMI-A) has dual inhibitory effects on both aggregation and membrane interactions of α-syn with submicromolar affinity, and disassembles pre-formed fibrils. NAMI-A abolishes the cytotoxicity of α-syn towards neuronal cells and mitigates neurodegeneration and motor impairments in a rat model of Parkinson's. Multinuclear NMR and MS analyses show that NAMI-A binds to residues involved in protein aggregation and membrane binding. NMR studies reveal the key steps in pro-drug activation and the effect of activated NAMI-A species on protein folding. Our findings provide a new basis for designing ruthenium complexes which could mitigate α-syn-induced Parkinson's pathology differently from organic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiming Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yang Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zhuanghao Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Manman Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Hongze Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yi Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Siming Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Guangming Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jiaming Mei
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Peter J Sadler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Yangzhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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25
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Adulla A, Patel U, Ashok A, Katiyar P, Kaulakis M, Kritikos AE, Pillai S, Lee H, Lindner E, Rhee DJ, Singh N. α-Synuclein modulates fibronectin expression in the trabecular meshwork independent of TGFβ2. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109351. [PMID: 36539052 PMCID: PMC10384565 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109351] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD), a neuromotor disorder with prominent visual symptoms. The underlying cause of motor dysfunction has been studied extensively, and is attributed to the death of dopaminergic neurons mediated in part by intracellular aggregation of α-Syn. The cause of visual symptoms, however, is less clear. Neuroretinal degeneration due to the presence of aggregated α-Syn has been reported, but the evidence is controversial. Other symptoms including those arising from primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) are believed to be the side-effects of medications prescribed for PD. Here, we explored the alternative hypothesis that dysfunction of α-Syn in the anterior eye alters the interaction between the actin cytoskeleton of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM), impairing their ability to respond to physiological changes in intraocular pressure (IOP). A similar dysfunction in neurons is responsible for impaired neuritogenesis, a characteristic feature of PD. Using cadaveric human and bovine TM tissue and primary human TM cells as models, we report two main observations: 1) α-Syn is expressed in human and bovine TM cells, and significant amounts of monomeric and oligomeric α-Syn are present in the AH, and 2) primary human TM cells and human and bovine TM tissue endocytose extracellular recombinant monomeric and oligomeric α-Syn via the prion protein (PrPC), and upregulate fibronectin (FN) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibrogenic proteins implicated in POAG. Transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2), a fibrogenic cytokine implicated in ∼50% cases of POAG, is also increased, and so is RhoA-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK-1). However, silencing of α-Syn in primary human TM cells reduces FN, α-SMA, and ROCK-1 in the absence or presence of over-expressed active TGFβ2, suggesting modulation of FN and ROCK-1 independent of, or upstream of TGFβ2. These observations suggest that extracellular α-Syn modulates ECM proteins in the TM independently or via PrPC by activating the RhoA-ROCK pathway. These observations reveal a novel function of α-Syn in the anterior eye, and offer new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Adulla
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Urvi Patel
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Ajay Ashok
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Priya Katiyar
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Mare Kaulakis
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Alexander E Kritikos
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sachin Pillai
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - HyunPin Lee
- Departments of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Ewald Lindner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 4, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Douglas J Rhee
- Departments of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Neena Singh
- Departments of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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26
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How Well Do Rodent Models of Parkinson's Disease Recapitulate Early Non-Motor Phenotypes? A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123026. [PMID: 36551782 PMCID: PMC9775565 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prodromal phase of Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by many non-motor symptoms, and these have recently been posited to be predictive of later diagnosis. Genetic rodent models can develop non-motor phenotypes, providing tools to identify mechanisms underlying the early development of PD. However, it is not yet clear how reproducible non-motor phenotypes are amongst genetic PD rodent models, whether phenotypes are age-dependent, and the translatability of these phenotypes has yet to be explored. A systematic literature search was conducted on studies using genetic PD rodent models to investigate non-motor phenotypes; cognition, anxiety/depressive-like behaviour, gastrointestinal (GI) function, olfaction, circadian rhythm, cardiovascular and urinary function. In total, 51 genetic models of PD across 150 studies were identified. We found outcomes of most phenotypes were inconclusive due to inadequate studies, assessment at different ages, or variation in experimental and environmental factors. GI dysfunction was the most reproducible phenotype across all genetic rodent models. The mouse model harbouring mutant A53T, and the wild-type hα-syn overexpression (OE) model recapitulated the majority of phenotypes, albeit did not reliably produce concurrent motor deficits and nigral cell loss. Furthermore, animal models displayed different phenotypic profiles, reflecting the distinct genetic risk factors and heterogeneity of disease mechanisms. Currently, the inconsistent phenotypes within rodent models pose a challenge in the translatability and usefulness for further biomechanistic investigations. This review highlights opportunities to improve phenotype reproducibility with an emphasis on phenotypic assay choice and robust experimental design.
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27
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O'Brien JT, Chouliaras L, Sultana J, Taylor JP, Ballard C. RENEWAL: REpurposing study to find NEW compounds with Activity for Lewy body dementia-an international Delphi consensus. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:169. [PMID: 36369100 PMCID: PMC9650797 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug repositioning and repurposing has proved useful in identifying new treatments for many diseases, which can then rapidly be brought into clinical practice. Currently, there are few effective pharmacological treatments for Lewy body dementia (which includes both dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia) apart from cholinesterase inhibitors. We reviewed several promising compounds that might potentially be disease-modifying agents for Lewy body dementia and then undertook an International Delphi consensus study to prioritise compounds. We identified ambroxol as the top ranked agent for repurposing and identified a further six agents from the classes of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and angiotensin receptor blockers that were rated by the majority of our expert panel as justifying a clinical trial. It would now be timely to take forward all these compounds to Phase II or III clinical trials in Lewy body dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK.
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Leonidas Chouliaras
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet Sultana
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - John-Paul Taylor
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Clive Ballard
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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28
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Zhu J, Salvatella X, Robustelli P. Small molecules targeting the disordered transactivation domain of the androgen receptor induce the formation of collapsed helical states. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6390. [PMID: 36302916 PMCID: PMC9613762 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins, which do not adopt well-defined structures under physiological conditions, are implicated in many human diseases. Small molecules that target the disordered transactivation domain of the androgen receptor have entered human trials for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), but no structural or mechanistic rationale exists to explain their inhibition mechanisms or relative potencies. Here, we utilize all-atom molecular dynamics computer simulations to elucidate atomically detailed binding mechanisms of the compounds EPI-002 and EPI-7170 to the androgen receptor. Our simulations reveal that both compounds bind at the interface of two transiently helical regions and induce the formation of partially folded collapsed helical states. We find that EPI-7170 binds androgen receptor more tightly than EPI-002 and we identify a network of intermolecular interactions that drives higher affinity binding. Our results suggest strategies for developing more potent androgen receptor inhibitors and general strategies for disordered protein drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhu
- grid.254880.30000 0001 2179 2404Dartmouth College, Department of Chemistry, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - Xavier Salvatella
- grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.425902.80000 0000 9601 989XICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 0810 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul Robustelli
- grid.254880.30000 0001 2179 2404Dartmouth College, Department of Chemistry, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
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29
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Proteinopathies: Deciphering Physiology and Mechanisms to Develop Effective Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7513-7540. [PMID: 36205914 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03042-8] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a cluster of diseases marked by progressive neuronal loss, axonal transport blockage, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and aggregation of misfolded proteins. NDs are more prevalent beyond the age of 50, and their symptoms often include motor and cognitive impairment. Even though various proteins are involved in different NDs, the mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation are very similar. Recently, several studies have discovered that, like prions, these misfolded proteins have the inherent capability of translocation from one neuron to another, thus having far-reaching implications for understanding the processes involved in the onset and progression of NDs, as well as the development of innovative therapy and diagnostic options. These misfolded proteins can also influence the transcription of other proteins and form aggregates, tangles, plaques, and inclusion bodies, which then accumulate in the CNS, leading to neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. This review demonstrates protein misfolding and aggregation in NDs, and similarities and differences between different protein aggregates have been discussed. Furthermore, we have also reviewed the disposal of protein aggregates, the various molecular machinery involved in the process, their regulation, and how these molecular mechanisms are targeted to build innovative therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In addition, the landscape of various therapeutic interventions for targeting protein aggregation for the effective prevention or treatment of NDs has also been discussed.
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30
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REMD Simulations of Full-Length Alpha-Synuclein Together with Ligands Reveal Binding Region and Effect on Amyloid Conversion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911545. [PMID: 36232847 PMCID: PMC9569888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein is a key protein involved in the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies. The intrinsically disordered nature of alpha-synuclein hinders the computational screening of new drug candidates for the treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases. In the present work, replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of the full-length alpha-synuclein together with low-molecular ligands were utilized to predict the binding site and effect on the amyloid-like conversion of the protein. This approach enabled an accurate prediction of the binding sites for three tested compounds (fasudil, phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate, and spermine), giving good agreement with data from experiments by other groups. Lots of information about the binding and protein conformational ensemble enabled the suggestion of a putative effect of the ligands on the amyloid-like conversion of alpha-synuclein and the mechanism of anti- and pro-amyloid activity of the tested compounds. Therefore, this approach looks promising for testing new drug candidates for binding with alpha-synuclein or other intrinsically disordered proteins and at the same time the estimation of the effect on protein behavior, including amyloid-like aggregation.
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31
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Hao X, Shi B, Li W, Wu Y, Ai N, Zhu L, Wu Z, Li Z. Fasudil inhibits hepatic artery spasm by repressing the YAP/ERK/ ET A/ET B signaling pathway via inhibiting ROCK activation. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7378-7389. [PMID: 36126209 PMCID: PMC9550242 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204233] [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: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Fasudil on HA spasm and its underlying mechanism. METHODS Rabbits were divided into Sham, Fasudil, and Model groups for experiments. Fasudil was injected into the left medial lobe of the rabbit liver using a 16G lumbar puncture needle through the laparotomic route. The spasm model was established by inserting the catheter sheath into the femoral arteries of rabbits, followed by celiac artery angiography and left HA catheterization with a micro-catheter. Next, the GSE60887 and GSE37924 datasets concerning Fasudil treatment were analyzed. Moreover, immunofluorescence staining was conducted for YAP1 and α-SMA. Finally, Western blotting was performed to examine the expressions of YAP1, ROCK, ERK1/2, ETA, and ETB. RESULTS Fasudil could relieve HA spasm. The Go and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the MAPK signaling pathway and the Hippo signaling pathway were enriched in vasospasm. Besides, GSEA revealed that ROCK was functionally enriched in the MAPK and Hippo signaling pathways. Co-expression analysis revealed that MAPK1 was significantly correlated with YAP1 and MYC, and YAP1 was significantly correlated with ETA and ETB. It was manifested in the results of immunofluorescence staining that the YAP1-positive fluorescence area was significantly decreased after Fasudil treatment. Moreover, Western blotting results showed that Fasudil decreased the expressions of YAP1, RhoA, ROCK, ETA, ETB, and p-ERK1/2. In addition, in-vitro Western blotting revealed that Fasudil suppressed the YAP/ERK/ETA/ETB signaling pathway in the case of HA spasm by inhibiting ROCK activation. CONCLUSIONS Fasudil ameliorates HA spasm through suppressing the YAP/ERK/ETA/ETB signaling pathway and the ROCK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Hao
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Bo Shi
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Weijing Li
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yongchao Wu
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Ning Ai
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Zhonglin Wu
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Department of Radiology, The 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
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32
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Mao Z, Gao M, Zhao X, Li L, Peng J. Neuroprotective Effect of Dioscin against Parkinson’s Disease via Adjusting Dual-Specificity phosphatase 6(DUSP6)-Mediated Oxidative Stress. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103151. [PMID: 35630630 PMCID: PMC9146847 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploration of lead compounds against Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease, is of great important. Dioscin, a bioactive natural product, shows various pharmacological effects. However, the activities and mechanisms of dioscin against PD have not been well investigated. In this study, the tests on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PC12 cells and rats were carried out. The results showed that dioscin dramatically improved cell viability, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, improved motor behavior and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) levels and restored the levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats. Mechanism investigation showed that dioscin not only markedly increased the expression level of dual- specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) by 1.87-fold in cells and 2.56-fold in rats, and decreased phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK) level by 2.12-fold in cells and 2.34-fold in rats, but also increased the levels of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased the levels of kelch-1ike ECH-associated protein l (Keap1) in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, DUSP6 siRNA transfection experiment in PC12 cells validated the protective effects of dioscin against PD via regulating DUSP6 to adjust the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Our data supported that dioscin has protection against PD in regulating oxidative stress via DUSP6 signal, which should be considered as an efficient candidate for the treatment of PD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Mao
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China; (Z.M.); (M.G.); (X.Z.)
- College of Intergrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Meng Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China; (Z.M.); (M.G.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xuerong Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China; (Z.M.); (M.G.); (X.Z.)
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Correspondence: (L.L.); or (J.P.); Tel.: +86-411-8611-0411
| | - Jinyong Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China; (Z.M.); (M.G.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Correspondence: (L.L.); or (J.P.); Tel.: +86-411-8611-0411
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33
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RhoA Signaling in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091520. [PMID: 35563826 PMCID: PMC9103838 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091520] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) is a small GTPase of the Rho family involved in regulating multiple signal transduction pathways that influence a diverse range of cellular functions. RhoA and many of its downstream effector proteins are highly expressed in the nervous system, implying an important role for RhoA signaling in neurons and glial cells. Indeed, emerging evidence points toward a role of aberrant RhoA signaling in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of RhoA regulation and downstream cellular functions with an emphasis on the role of RhoA signaling in neurodegenerative diseases and the therapeutic potential of RhoA inhibition in neurodegeneration.
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34
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Peña-Díaz S, Pujols J, Vasili E, Pinheiro F, Santos J, Manglano-Artuñedo Z, Outeiro TF, Ventura S. The small aromatic compound SynuClean-D inhibits the aggregation and seeded polymerization of multiple α-synuclein strains. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101902. [PMID: 35390347 PMCID: PMC9079179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, as well as the accumulation of intraneuronal proteinaceous inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The major protein component of Lewy inclusions is the intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein (α-Syn), which can adopt diverse amyloid structures. Different conformational strains of α-Syn have been proposed to be related to the onset of distinct synucleinopathies; however, how specific amyloid fibrils cause distinctive pathological traits is not clear. Here, we generated three different α-Syn amyloid conformations at different pH and salt concentrations and analyzed the activity of SynuClean-D (SC-D), a small aromatic molecule, on these strains. We show that incubation of α-Syn with SC-D reduced the formation of aggregates and the seeded polymerization of α-Syn in all cases. Moreover, we found that SC-D exhibited a general fibril disaggregation activity. Finally, we demonstrate that treatment with SC-D also reduced strain-specific intracellular accumulation of phosphorylated α-Syn inclusions. Taken together, we conclude that SC-D may be a promising hit compound to inhibit polymorphic α-Syn aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Peña-Díaz
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Pujols
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Eftychia Vasili
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Francisca Pinheiro
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jaime Santos
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Zoe Manglano-Artuñedo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom; Scientific Employee With a Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; ICREA, Passeig Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain.
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35
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Wenger N, Vogt A, Skrobot M, Garulli EL, Kabaoglu B, Salchow-Hömmen C, Schauer T, Kroneberg D, Schuhmann M, Ip CW, Harms C, Endres M, Isaias I, Tovote P, Blum R. Rodent models for gait network disorders in Parkinson's disease - a translational perspective. Exp Neurol 2022; 352:114011. [PMID: 35176273 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gait impairments in Parkinson's disease remain a scientific and therapeutic challenge. The advent of new deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices capable of recording brain activity from chronically implanted electrodes has fostered new studies of gait in freely moving patients. The hope is to identify gait-related neural biomarkers and improve therapy using closed-loop DBS. In this context, animal models offer the opportunity to investigate gait network activity at multiple biological scales and address unresolved questions from clinical research. Yet, the contribution of rodent models to the development of future neuromodulation therapies will rely on translational validity. In this review, we summarize the most effective strategies to model parkinsonian gait in rodents. We discuss how clinical observations have inspired targeted brain lesions in animal models, and whether resulting motor deficits and network oscillations match recent findings in humans. Gait impairments with hypo-, bradykinesia and altered limb rhythmicity were successfully modelled in rodents. However, clear evidence for the presence of freezing of gait was missing. The identification of reliable neural biomarkers for gait impairments has remained challenging in both animals and humans. Moving forward, we expect that the ongoing investigation of circuit specific neuromodulation strategies in animal models will lead to future optimizations of gait therapy in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Wenger
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Germany.
| | - Arend Vogt
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matej Skrobot
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa L Garulli
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Burce Kabaoglu
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Salchow-Hömmen
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Schauer
- Technische Universität Berlin, Control Systems Group, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kroneberg
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Michael Schuhmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Chi Wang Ip
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Harms
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Department of Neurology with experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin Site, Germany; DZNE (German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease), Berlin Site, Germany
| | - Ioannis Isaias
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Tovote
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078 Wuerzburg, Germany; Center for Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Robert Blum
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
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36
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Robustelli P, Ibanez-de-Opakua A, Campbell-Bezat C, Giordanetto F, Becker S, Zweckstetter M, Pan AC, Shaw DE. Molecular Basis of Small-Molecule Binding to α-Synuclein. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:2501-2510. [PMID: 35130691 PMCID: PMC8855421 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Intrinsically disordered
proteins (IDPs) are implicated in many
human diseases. They have generally not been amenable to conventional
structure-based drug design, however, because their intrinsic conformational
variability has precluded an atomic-level understanding of their binding
to small molecules. Here we present long-time-scale, atomic-level
molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of monomeric α-synuclein
(an IDP whose aggregation is associated with Parkinson’s disease)
binding the small-molecule drug fasudil in which the observed protein–ligand
interactions were found to be in good agreement with previously reported
NMR chemical shift data. In our simulations, fasudil, when bound,
favored certain charge–charge and π-stacking interactions
near the C terminus of α-synuclein but tended not to form these
interactions simultaneously, rather breaking one of these interactions
and forming another nearby (a mechanism we term dynamic shuttling). Further simulations with small molecules chosen to modify these
interactions yielded binding affinities and key structural features
of binding consistent with subsequent NMR experiments, suggesting
the potential for MD-based strategies to facilitate the rational design
of small molecules that bind with disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Robustelli
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, New York 10036, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Becker
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,DFG Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Albert C Pan
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - David E Shaw
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, New York 10036, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
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37
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Hideshima M, Kimura Y, Aguirre C, Kakuda K, Takeuchi T, Choong CJ, Doi J, Nabekura K, Yamaguchi K, Nakajima K, Baba K, Nagano S, Goto Y, Nagai Y, Mochizuki H, Ikenaka K. Two-step screening method to identify α-synuclein aggregation inhibitors for Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:351. [PMID: 35013421 PMCID: PMC8748996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the formation of neuronal inclusions of α-synuclein in patient brains. As the disease progresses, toxic α-synuclein aggregates transmit throughout the nervous system. No effective disease-modifying therapy has been established, and preventing α-synuclein aggregation is thought to be one of the most promising approaches to ameliorate the disease. In this study, we performed a two-step screening using the thioflavin T assay and a cell-based assay to identify α-synuclein aggregation inhibitors. The first screening, thioflavin T assay, allowed the identification of 30 molecules, among a total of 1262 FDA-approved small compounds, which showed inhibitory effects on α-synuclein fibrilization. In the second screening, a cell-based aggregation assay, seven out of these 30 candidates were found to prevent α-synuclein aggregation without causing substantial toxicity. Of the seven final candidates, tannic acid was the most promising compound. The robustness of our screening method was validated by a primary neuronal cell model and a Caenorhabditis elegans model, which demonstrated the effect of tannic acid against α-synuclein aggregation. In conclusion, our two-step screening system is a powerful method for the identification of α-synuclein aggregation inhibitors, and tannic acid is a promising candidate as a disease-modifying drug for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Hideshima
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Kimura
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - César Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keita Kakuda
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshihide Takeuchi
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Chi-Jing Choong
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Junko Doi
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kei Nabekura
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yamaguchi
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kichitaro Nakajima
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kousuke Baba
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nagano
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuji Goto
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Kensuke Ikenaka
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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38
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Wang J, Zheng B, Yang S, Zheng H, Wang J. Opicapone Protects Against Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Increase in Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:2018-2028. [PMID: 34709593 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00429-8] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-related brain vascular disorders and brain endothelial dysfunction are important characteristics of the pathogeneses of subarachnoid hemorrhage and stroke. Upregulated homocysteine (Hcy) can impair the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Opicapone has been recently licensed for the management of Parkinson's disease (PD); however, it is unknown whether it possesses a protective effect in brain vessels against HHcy. To investigate the beneficial effects of Opicapone on BBB permeability against HHcy, we carried out both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Mice were allocated into four groups: the Control, Opicapone, HHcy, and HHcy + Opicapone. Interestingly, we found that the administration of Opicapone attenuated the increased BBB permeability in Hcy-treated mice, as determined by sodium fluorescein staining. The immunofluorescence staining showed that Opicapone prevented homocysteine-induced reduction of claudin-2 in the mice cortices. The in situ zymography assay revealed that Opicapone suppressed homocysteine-increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity in the cortices. In bEnd.3 brain endothelial cells, Opicapone treatment ameliorated homocysteine-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Furthermore, Opicapone alleviated homocysteine-induced decrease in claudin-2 level in bEnd.3 cells. In summary, our results show that Opicapone protects against HHcy-induced BBB permeability by reducing the expression and gelatinase activity of MMPs, and increasing the expression of claudin-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Ya'an Peoples Hospital, Ya'an, 625000, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Ya'an Peoples Hospital, Ya'an, 625000, Sichuan, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jianhong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China.
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39
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Liang J, Tang M, Wang L, Huang R, Fu A, Zhou J. Design and development of novel fasudil derivatives as potent antibreast cancer agent that improves intestinal flora and intestinal barrier function in rats. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:1065-1078. [PMID: 34587363 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to develop novel fasudil derivatives after incorporation of substituted thiazoles as potent anti-breast cancer (BC) agents. The compounds were developed using a facile synthetic route in excellent yields. The entire set of developed compounds was tested for inhibitory activity against rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK; ROCK1 and ROCK2) kinase, where they exhibit potent and selective inhibition of ROCK1 as compared to ROCK2. The most potent ROCK2 inhibitor, compound 6h significantly inhibited the viability of BC cells (MCF-7). It also causes inhibition of migration and invasion of MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the anti-BC activity of compound 6h was studied in 7,12 dimethyl Benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced BC in female Sprague Dawley rats. Results suggest that it causes significant improvement in the bodyweight of the animals with a reduction in oxidative stress in the liver and mammary tissues of rats. It showed improvement in the intestinal barrier function of rats by restoring the level of Diamine oxidase, d-lactate, and endotoxin. In western blot analysis, it showed improvement in (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1 in the colon tissue of the rat as compared to the DMBA group. Our study demonstrated the development of the novel class of fasudil derivatives potent anti-BC agent that improves intestinal flora and intestinal barrier function in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Liang
- Oncology Radiotherapy Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mu Tang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lieliang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ailong Fu
- Department of Pathology, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Juying Zhou
- Oncology Radiotherapy Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Weber AJ, Adamson AB, Greathouse KM, Andrade JP, Freeman CD, Seo JV, Rae RJ, Walker CK, Herskowitz JH. Conditional deletion of ROCK2 induces anxiety-like behaviors and alters dendritic spine density and morphology on CA1 pyramidal neurons. Mol Brain 2021; 14:169. [PMID: 34794469 PMCID: PMC8600782 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinase isoform 2 (ROCK2) is an attractive drug target for several neurologic disorders. A critical barrier to ROCK2-based research and therapeutics is the lack of a mouse model that enables investigation of ROCK2 with spatial and temporal control of gene expression. To overcome this, we generated ROCK2fl/fl mice. Mice expressing Cre recombinase in forebrain excitatory neurons (CaMKII-Cre) were crossed with ROCK2fl/fl mice (Cre/ROCK2fl/fl), and the contribution of ROCK2 in behavior as well as dendritic spine morphology in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and basolateral amygdala (BLA) was examined. Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice spent reduced time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and increased time in the dark of the light-dark box test compared to littermate controls. These results indicated that Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors. To examine dendritic spine morphology, individual pyramidal neurons in CA1 hippocampus, mPFC, and the BLA were targeted for iontophoretic microinjection of fluorescent dye, followed by high-resolution confocal microscopy and neuronal 3D reconstructions for morphometry analysis. In dorsal CA1, Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice displayed significantly increased thin spine density on basal dendrites and reduced mean spine head volume across all spine types on apical dendrites. In ventral CA1, Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice exhibited significantly increased spine length on apical dendrites. Spine density and morphology were comparable in the mPFC and BLA between both genotypes. These findings suggest that neuronal ROCK2 mediates spine density and morphology in a compartmentalized manner among CA1 pyramidal cells, and that in the absence of ROCK2 these mechanisms may contribute to anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey J Weber
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ashley B Adamson
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Kelsey M Greathouse
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Julia P Andrade
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Cameron D Freeman
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jung Vin Seo
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rosaria J Rae
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Courtney K Walker
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jeremy H Herskowitz
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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Saffari B, Amininasab M. Crocin Inhibits the Fibrillation of Human α-synuclein and Disassembles Mature Fibrils: Experimental Findings and Mechanistic Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:4037-4057. [PMID: 34636232 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of human alpha-synuclein (hαS) is pivotally implicated in the development of most types of synucleinopathies. Molecules that can inhibit or reverse the aggregation process of amyloidogenic proteins have potential therapeutic value. The anti-aggregating activity of multiple carotenoid compounds has been reported over the past decades against a growing list of amyloidogenic polypeptides. Here, we aimed to determine whether crocin, the main carotenoid glycoside component of saffron, would inhibit hαS aggregation or could disassemble its preformed fibrils. By employing a series of biochemical and biophysical techniques, crocin was exhibited to inhibit hαS fibrillation in a dose-dependent fashion by stabilizing very early aggregation intermediates in off-pathway non-toxic conformations with little β-sheet content. We also observed that crocin at high concentrations could efficiently destabilize mature fibrils and disassemble them into seeding-incompetent intermediates by altering their β-sheet conformation and reshaping their structure. Our atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated that crocin molecules bind to both the non amyloid-β component (NAC) region and C-terminal domain of hαS. These interactions could thereby stabilize the autoinhibitory conformation of the protein and prevent it from adopting aggregation-prone structures. MD simulations further suggested that ligand molecules prefer to reside longitudinally along the fibril axis onto the edges of the inter-protofilament interface where they establish hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds with steric zipper stabilizing residues. These interactions turned out to destabilize hαS fibrils by altering the interstrand twist angles, increasing the rigidity of the fibril core, and elevating its radius of gyration. Our findings suggest the potential pharmaceutical implication of crocin in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Saffari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 14155-6455, Iran
| | - Mehriar Amininasab
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 14155-6455, Iran
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Dauer Née Joppe K, Tatenhorst L, Caldi Gomes L, Zhang S, Parvaz M, Carboni E, Roser AE, El DeBakey H, Bähr M, Vogel-Mikuš K, Wang Ip C, Becker S, Zweckstetter M, Lingor P. Brain iron enrichment attenuates α-synuclein spreading after injection of preformed fibrils. J Neurochem 2021; 159:554-573. [PMID: 34176164 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regional iron accumulation and α-synuclein (α-syn) spreading pathology within the central nervous system are common pathological findings in Parkinson's disease (PD). Whereas iron is known to bind to α-syn, facilitating its aggregation and regulating α-syn expression, it remains unclear if and how iron also modulates α-syn spreading. To elucidate the influence of iron on the propagation of α-syn pathology, we investigated α-syn spreading after stereotactic injection of α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum of mouse brains after neonatal brain iron enrichment. C57Bl/6J mouse pups received oral gavage with 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg carbonyl iron or vehicle between postnatal days 10 and 17. At 12 weeks of age, intrastriatal injections of 5-µg PFFs were performed to induce seeding of α-syn aggregates. At 90 days post-injection, PFFs-injected mice displayed long-term memory deficits, without affection of motor behavior. Interestingly, quantification of α-syn phosphorylated at S129 showed reduced α-syn pathology and attenuated spreading to connectome-specific brain regions after brain iron enrichment. Furthermore, PFFs injection caused intrastriatal microglia accumulation, which was alleviated by iron in a dose-dependent way. In primary cortical neurons in a microfluidic chamber model in vitro, iron application did not alter trans-synaptic α-syn propagation, possibly indicating an involvement of non-neuronal cells in this process. Our study suggests that α-syn PFFs may induce cognitive deficits in mice independent of iron. However, a redistribution of α-syn aggregate pathology and reduction of striatal microglia accumulation in the mouse brain may be mediated via iron-induced alterations of the brain connectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Dauer Née Joppe
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lars Tatenhorst
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lucas Caldi Gomes
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mojan Parvaz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eleonora Carboni
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Elisa Roser
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hazem El DeBakey
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Katarina Vogel-Mikuš
- Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chi Wang Ip
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department of NMR Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Goettingen, Germany
- Research group Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Li Y, Xia Y, Yin S, Wan F, Hu J, Kou L, Sun Y, Wu J, Zhou Q, Huang J, Xiong N, Wang T. Targeting Microglial α-Synuclein/TLRs/NF-kappaB/NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis in Parkinson's Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:719807. [PMID: 34691027 PMCID: PMC8531525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.719807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
According to emerging studies, the excessive activation of microglia and the subsequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the exact mechanisms governing chronic neuroinflammation remain elusive. Findings demonstrate an elevated level of NLRP3 inflammasome in activated microglia in the substantia nigra of PD patients. Activated NLRP3 inflammasome aggravates the pathology and accelerates the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal protein aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), a pathologically relevant protein of PD, were reported to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome of microglia through interaction with toll-like receptors (TLRs). This eventually releases pro-inflammatory cytokines through the translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and causes an impairment of mitochondria, thus damaging the dopaminergic neurons. Currently, therapeutic drugs for PD are primarily aimed at providing relief from its clinical symptoms, and there are no well-established strategies to halt or reverse this disease. In this review, we aimed to update existing knowledge on the role of the α-syn/TLRs/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and microglial activation in PD. In addition, this review summarizes recent progress on the α-syn/TLRs/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis of microglia as a potential target for PD treatment by inhibiting microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunna Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sijia Yin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Wan
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Kou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yadi Sun
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiulu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinsha Huang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nian Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Scheiblich H, Dansokho C, Mercan D, Schmidt SV, Bousset L, Wischhof L, Eikens F, Odainic A, Spitzer J, Griep A, Schwartz S, Bano D, Latz E, Melki R, Heneka MT. Microglia jointly degrade fibrillar alpha-synuclein cargo by distribution through tunneling nanotubes. Cell 2021; 184:5089-5106.e21. [PMID: 34555357 PMCID: PMC8527836 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are the CNS resident immune cells that react to misfolded proteins through pattern recognition receptor ligation and activation of inflammatory pathways. Here, we studied how microglia handle and cope with α-synuclein (α-syn) fibrils and their clearance. We found that microglia exposed to α-syn establish a cellular network through the formation of F-actin-dependent intercellular connections, which transfer α-syn from overloaded microglia to neighboring naive microglia where the α-syn cargo got rapidly and effectively degraded. Lowering the α-syn burden attenuated the inflammatory profile of microglia and improved their survival. This degradation strategy was compromised in cells carrying the LRRK2 G2019S mutation. We confirmed the intercellular transfer of α-syn assemblies in microglia using organotypic slice cultures, 2-photon microscopy, and neuropathology of patients. Together, these data identify a mechanism by which microglia create an "on-demand" functional network in order to improve pathogenic α-syn clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Scheiblich
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cira Dansokho
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dilek Mercan
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne V Schmidt
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Luc Bousset
- Institut François Jacob, MIRCen, CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Lena Wischhof
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Frederik Eikens
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandru Odainic
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jasper Spitzer
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Angelika Griep
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephanie Schwartz
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniele Bano
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Eicke Latz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Innate Immunity, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut François Jacob, MIRCen, CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Geriatric Psychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany; Divison of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 01605 Worcester, MA, USA.
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45
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Haque ME, Akther M, Azam S, Kim IS, Lin Y, Lee YH, Choi DK. Targeting α-synuclein aggregation and its role in mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:23-45. [PMID: 34528272 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lewy bodies that contain aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn) in the dopaminergic (DA) neuron are the main culprit behind neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides, mitochondrial dysfunction has a well established and prominent role in the pathogenesis of PD. However, the exact mechanism by which α-syn causes dopaminergic neuronal loss was unclear. Recent evidence suggests that aggregated α-syn localises in the mitochondria and contributes to oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in neurons. Therefore, the involvement of aggregated α-syn in mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated neuronal loss has made it an emerging drug target for the treatment of PD. However, the exact mechanism by which α-syn permeabilises through the mitochondrial membrane and affects the electron transport chain remains under investigation. In the present study, we describe mitochondria-α-syn interactions and how α-syn aggregation modulates mitochondrial homeostasis in PD pathogenesis. We also discuss recent therapeutic interventions targeting α-syn aggregation that may help researchers to design novel therapeutic treatments for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ezazul Haque
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahbuba Akther
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Shofiul Azam
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Su Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuxi Lin
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Chung Buk, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Chung Buk, Republic of Korea.,Department of Bio-analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Research Headquarters, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
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46
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NADPH-Oxidase, Rho-Kinase and Autophagy Mediate the (Pro)renin-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Microglial Response and Enhancement of Dopaminergic Neuron Death. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091340. [PMID: 34572972 PMCID: PMC8472832 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the tissue renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in tissue oxidative and inflammatory responses. Among RAS components, renin, its precursor (pro)renin and its specific receptor (PRR) have been less investigated, particularly in the brain. We previously showed the presence of PRR in neurons and glial cells in the nigrostriatal system of rodents and primates, including humans. Now, we used rat and mouse models and cultures of BV2 and primary microglial cells to study the role of PRR in microglial pro-inflammatory responses. PRR was upregulated in the nigral region, particularly in microglia during the neuroinflammatory response. In the presence of the angiotensin type-1 receptor blocker losartan, to exclude angiotensin-related effects, treatment of microglial cells with (pro)renin induces the expression of microglial pro-inflammatory markers, which is mediated by upregulation of NADPH-oxidase and Rho-kinase activities, downregulation of autophagy and upregulation of inflammasome activity. Conditioned medium from (pro)renin-treated microglia increased dopaminergic cell death relative to medium from non-treated microglia. However, these effects were blocked by pre-treatment of microglia with the Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil. Activation of microglial PRR enhances the microglial pro-inflammatory response and deleterious effects of microglia on dopaminergic cells, and microglial NADPH-oxidase, Rho-Kinase and autophagy are involved in this process.
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Yang YJ, Bu LL, Shen C, Ge JJ, He SJ, Yu HL, Tang YL, Jue Z, Sun YM, Yu WB, Zuo CT, Wu JJ, Wang J, Liu FT. Fasudil Promotes α-Synuclein Clearance in an AAV-Mediated α-Synuclein Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease by Autophagy Activation. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 10:969-979. [PMID: 32568105 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-191909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, but the disease-modifying therapies focusing on the core pathological changes are still unavailable. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) has been suggested as a promising target for developing neuroprotective therapies in PD. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the promotion of α-synuclein (α-syn) clearance in a rat model. METHODS In a rat model induced by unilateral injection of adeno-associated virus of serotype 9 (AAV9) expressing A53T α-syn (AAV9-A53T-α-syn) into the right substantia nigra, we aimed to investigate whether Fasudil could promote α-syn clearance and thereby attenuate motor impairments and dopaminergic deficits. RESULTS In our study, treatment with Fasudil (5 mg/kg rat weight/day) for 8 weeks significantly improved the motor deficits in the Cylinder and Rotarod tests. In the in vivo positron emission tomography imaging with the ligand 18F-dihydrotetrabenazine, Fasudil significantly enhanced the dopaminergic imaging in the injected striatum of the rat model (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle group, p < 0.01 vs. left striatum in Fasudil group). The following mechanistic study confirmed that Fasudil could promote the autophagic clearance of α-syn by Becline 1 and Akt/mTOR pathways. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that Fasudil, the ROCK2 inhibitor, could attenuate the anatomical and behavioral lesions in the Parkinsonian rat model by autophagy activation. Our results identify Fasudil as a drug with high translational potential as disease-modifying treatment for PD and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Lu Bu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Shen
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jie Ge
- PET Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Jin He
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ling Yu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Lin Tang
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Jue
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Min Sun
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Bo Yu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Jian-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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48
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Martín-Cámara O, Cores Á, López-Alvarado P, Menéndez JC. Emerging targets in drug discovery against neurodegenerative diseases: Control of synapsis disfunction by the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113742. [PMID: 34388381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic spine morphology is controlled by the activity of Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA, which need to be finely balanced, and in particular RhoA/ROCK prevents the formation of new protrusions by stabilizing actin formation. These processes are crucial to the maturation process, slowing the de novo generation of new spines. The RhoA/ROCK also influences plasticity processes, and selective modulation by ROCK1 of MLC-dependent actin dynamics leads to neurite retraction, but not to spine retraction. ROCK1 is also responsible for the reduction of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. These and other evidences suggest that ROCK1 is the main isoform acting on the presynaptic neuron. On the other hand, ROCK2 seems to have broad effects on LIMK/cofilin-dependent plasticity processes such as cofilin-dependent PSD changes. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is an important factor in several different brain-related pathologies via both downstream and upstream pathways. In the aggregate, these evidences show that the RhoA/ROCK pathway has a central role in the etiopathogenesis of a large group of CNS diseases, which underscores the importance of the pharmacological modulation of RhoA/ROCK as an important pathway to drug discovery in the neurodegenerative disease area. This article aims at providing the first review of the role of compounds acting on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the control of synaptic disfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olmo Martín-Cámara
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Cores
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Alvarado
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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49
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Martinez Hernandez A, Silbern I, Geffers I, Tatenhorst L, Becker S, Urlaub H, Zweckstetter M, Griesinger C, Eichele G. Low-Expressing Synucleinopathy Mouse Models Based on Oligomer-Forming Mutations and C-Terminal Truncation of α-Synuclein. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:643391. [PMID: 34220415 PMCID: PMC8248494 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.643391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (αSyn) is the main protein component of Lewy bodies, intracellular inclusions found in the brain of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Neurotoxic αSyn species are broadly modified post-translationally and, in patients with genetic forms of PD, carry genetically encoded amino acid substitutions. Mutations and C-terminal truncation can increase αSyn oligomerization and fibrillization. Although several genetic mouse models based on αSyn mutations and/or truncations exist, there is still a lack of mouse models for synucleinopathies not relying on overexpression. We report here two synucleinopathy mouse models, which are based on a triple alanine to proline mutation and a C-terminal truncation of αSyn, but do not overexpress the mutant protein when compared to the endogenous mouse protein. We knocked hαSyn TP or hαSynΔ119 (h stands for "human") into the murine αSyn locus. hαSynTP is a structure-based mutant with triple alanine to proline substitutions that favors oligomers, is neurotoxic and evokes PD-like symptoms in Drosophila melanogaster. hαSynΔ119 lacks 21 amino acids at the C-terminus, favors fibrillary aggregates and occurs in PD. Knocking-in of hαSyn TP or hαSynΔ119 into the murine αSyn locus places the mutant protein under the control of the endogenous regulatory elements while simultaneously disrupting the mαSyn gene. Mass spectrometry revealed that hαSyn TP and hαSynΔ119 mice produced 12 and 10 times less mutant protein, compared to mαSyn in wild type mice. We show phenotypes in 1 and 1.5 years old hαSyn TP and hαSynΔ119 mice, despite the lower levels of hαSynTP and hαSynΔ119 expression. Direct comparison of the two mouse models revealed many commonalities but also aspects unique to each model. Commonalities included strong immunoactive state, impaired olfaction and motor coordination deficits. Neither model showed DAergic neuronal loss. Impaired climbing abilities at 1 year of age and a deviant gait pattern at 1.5 years old were specific for hαSynΔ119 mice, while a compulsive behavior was exclusively detected in hαSyn TP mice starting at 1 year of age. We conclude that even at very moderate levels of expression the two αSyn variants evoke measurable and progressive deficiencies in mutant mice. The two transgenic mouse models can thus be suitable to study αSyn-variant-based pathology in vivo and test new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martinez Hernandez
- Genes and Behavior Department, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ivan Silbern
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Insa Geffers
- Genes and Behavior Department, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lars Tatenhorst
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- NMR-Based Structural Biology Department, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,NMR-Based Structural Biology Department, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, DZNE, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Griesinger
- Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany.,NMR-Based Structural Biology Department, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gregor Eichele
- Genes and Behavior Department, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
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50
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Sandoval IM, Marmion DJ, Meyers KT, Manfredsson FP. Gene Therapy to Modulate Alpha-Synuclein in Synucleinopathies. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:S189-S197. [PMID: 34092656 PMCID: PMC8543271 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The protein alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a key contributor to the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with aggregation, trans-neuronal spread, and/or depletion of α-Syn being viewed as crucial events in the molecular processes that result in neurodegeneration. The exact succession of pathological occurrences that lead to neuronal death are still largely unknown and are likely to be multifactorial in nature. Despite this unknown, α-Syn dose and stability, autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction, and inflammation, amongst other cellular impairments, have all been described as participatory events in the neurodegenerative process. To that end, in this review we discuss the logical points for gene therapy to intervene in α-Syn-mediated disease and review the preclinical body of work where gene therapy has been used, or could conceptually be used, to ameliorate α-Syn induced neurotoxicity. We discuss gene therapy in the traditional sense of modulating gene expression, as well as the use of viral vectors and nanoparticles as methods to deliver other therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivette M Sandoval
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - David J Marmion
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kimberly T Meyers
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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