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Gammie SC, Messing A, Hill MA, Kelm-Nelson CA, Hagemann TL. Large-scale gene expression changes in APP/PSEN1 and GFAP mutation models exhibit high congruence with Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291995. [PMID: 38236817 PMCID: PMC10796008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with both genetic and non-genetic causes. Animal research models are available for a multitude of diseases and conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS), and large-scale CNS gene expression data exist for many of these. Although there are several models specifically for AD, each recapitulates different aspects of the human disease. In this study we evaluate over 500 animal models to identify those with CNS gene expression patterns matching human AD datasets. Approaches included a hypergeometric based scoring system that rewards congruent gene expression patterns but penalizes discordant gene expression patterns. The top two models identified were APP/PS1 transgenic mice expressing mutant APP and PSEN1, and mice carrying a GFAP mutation that is causative of Alexander disease, a primary disorder of astrocytes in the CNS. The APP/PS1 and GFAP models both matched over 500 genes moving in the same direction as in human AD, and both had elevated GFAP expression and were highly congruent with one another. Also scoring highly were the 5XFAD model (with five mutations in APP and PSEN1) and mice carrying CK-p25, APP, and MAPT mutations. Animals with the APOE3 and 4 mutations combined with traumatic brain injury ranked highly. Bulbectomized rats scored high, suggesting anosmia could be causative of AD-like gene expression. Other matching models included the SOD1G93A strain and knockouts for SNORD116 (Prader-Willi mutation), GRID2, INSM1, XBP1, and CSTB. Many top models demonstrated increased expression of GFAP, and results were similar across multiple human AD datasets. Heatmap and Uniform Manifold Approximation Plot results were consistent with hypergeometric ranking. Finally, some gene manipulation models, including for TYROBP and ATG7, were identified with reversed AD patterns, suggesting possible neuroprotective effects. This study provides insight for the pathobiology of AD and the potential utility of available animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Gammie
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Albee Messing
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mason A. Hill
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Cynthia A. Kelm-Nelson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Tracy L. Hagemann
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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2
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Hua T, Robitaille M, Roberts-Thomson SJ, Monteith GR. The intersection between cysteine proteases, Ca 2+ signalling and cancer cell apoptosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119532. [PMID: 37393017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119532] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a highly complex and regulated cell death pathway that safeguards the physiological balance between life and death. Over the past decade, the role of Ca2+ signalling in apoptosis and the mechanisms involved have become clearer. The initiation and execution of apoptosis is coordinated by three distinct groups of cysteines proteases: the caspase, calpain and cathepsin families. Beyond its physiological importance, the ability to evade apoptosis is a prominent hallmark of cancer cells. In this review, we will explore the involvement of Ca2+ in the regulation of caspase, calpain and cathepsin activity, and how the actions of these cysteine proteases alter intracellular Ca2+ handling during apoptosis. We will also explore how apoptosis resistance can be achieved in cancer cells through deregulation of cysteine proteases and remodelling of the Ca2+ signalling toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinh Hua
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Mélanie Robitaille
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | | | - Gregory R Monteith
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; Mater Research Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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3
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Griffioen G. Calcium Dyshomeostasis Drives Pathophysiology and Neuronal Demise in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13243. [PMID: 37686048 PMCID: PMC10487569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713243] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This review postulates that age-related neurodegeneration entails inappropriate activation of intrinsic pathways to enable brain plasticity through deregulated calcium (Ca2+) signalling. Ca2+ in the cytosol comprises a versatile signal controlling neuronal cell physiology to accommodate adaptive structural and functional changes of neuronal networks (neuronal plasticity) and, as such, is essential for brain function. Although disease risk factors selectively affect different neuronal cell types across age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), these appear to have in common the ability to impair the specificity of the Ca2+ signal. As a result, non-specific Ca2+ signalling facilitates the development of intraneuronal pathophysiology shared by age-related NDDs, including mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, impaired proteostasis, and decreased axonal transport, leading to even more Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. These core pathophysiological processes and elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels comprise a self-enforcing feedforward cycle inevitably spiralling toward high levels of cytosolic Ca2+. The resultant elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels ultimately gear otherwise physiological effector pathways underlying plasticity toward neuronal demise. Ageing impacts mitochondrial function indiscriminately of the neuronal cell type and, therefore, contributes to the feedforward cycle of pathophysiology development seen in all age-related NDDs. From this perspective, therapeutic interventions to safely restore Ca2+ homeostasis would mitigate the excessive activation of neuronal destruction pathways and, therefore, are expected to have promising neuroprotective potential.
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Yamashima T, Seike T, Mochly-Rosen D, Chen CH, Kikuchi M, Mizukoshi E. Implication of the cooking oil-peroxidation product "hydroxynonenal" for Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1211141. [PMID: 37693644 PMCID: PMC10486274 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1211141] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that reduces cell injuries via detoxification of lipid-peroxidation product, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (hydroxynonenal). It is generated exogenously via deep-frying of linoleic acid-rich cooking oils and/or endogenously via oxidation of fatty acids involved in biomembranes. Although its toxicity for human health is widely accepted, the underlying mechanism long remained unknown. In 1998, Yamashima et al. have formulated the "calpain-cathepsin hypothesis" as a molecular mechanism of ischemic neuronal death. Subsequently, they found that calpain cleaves Hsp70.1 which became vulnerable after the hydroxynonenal-induced carbonylation at the key site Arg469. Since it is the pivotal aberration that induces lysosomal membrane rupture, they suggested that neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease similarly occurs by chronic ischemia via the calpain-cathepsin cascade triggered by hydroxynonenal. For nearly three decades, amyloid β (Aβ) peptide was thought to be a root substance of Alzheimer's disease. However, because of both the insignificant correlations between Aβ depositions and occurrence of neuronal death or dementia, and the negative results of anti-Aβ medicines tested so far in the patients with Alzheimer's disease, the strength of the "amyloid cascade hypothesis" has been weakened. Recent works have suggested that hydroxynonenal is a mediator of programmed cell death not only in the brain, but also in the liver, pancreas, heart, etc. Increment of hydroxynonenal was considered an early event in the development of Alzheimer's disease. This review aims at suggesting ways out of the tunnel, focusing on the implication of hydroxynonenal in this disease. Herein, the mechanism of Alzheimer neuronal death is discussed by focusing on Hsp70.1 with a dual function as chaperone protein and lysosomal stabilizer. We suggest that Aβ is not a culprit of Alzheimer's disease, but merely a byproduct of autophagy/lysosomal failure resulting from hydroxynonenal-induced Hsp70.1 disorder. Enhancing ALDH2 activity to detoxify hydroxynonenal emerges as a promising strategy for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsumori Yamashima
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takuya Seike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Daria Mochly-Rosen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Che-Hong Chen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Eishiro Mizukoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
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Dzobo K, Dandara C. The Extracellular Matrix: Its Composition, Function, Remodeling, and Role in Tumorigenesis. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37092398 PMCID: PMC10123695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular processes and ultimately influence cell phenotype. Importantly, the ECM's composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity influence cellular phenotypes. Under normal conditions and during development, the synthesized ECM constantly undergoes degradation and remodeling processes via the action of matrix proteases that maintain tissue homeostasis. In many pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation is dysregulated, causing its integrity to be altered. Both physical and chemical cues from the ECM are sensed via receptors including integrins and play key roles in driving cellular proliferation and differentiation and in the progression of various diseases such as cancers. Advances in 'omics' technologies have seen an increase in studies focusing on bidirectional cell-matrix interactions, and here, we highlight the emerging knowledge on the role played by the ECM during normal development and in pathological conditions. This review summarizes current ECM-targeted therapies that can modify ECM tumors to overcome drug resistance and better cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- Medical Research Council, SA Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- The South African Medical Research Council-UCT Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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6
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Loss of small GTPase Rab7 activation in prion infection negatively affects a feedback loop regulating neuronal cholesterol metabolism. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102883. [PMID: 36623732 PMCID: PMC9926124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal and infectious neurodegenerative diseases that occur in humans and animals. They are caused by the misfolding of the cellular prion protein PrPc into the infectious isoform PrPSc. PrPSc accumulates mostly in endolysosomal vesicles of prion-infected cells, eventually causing neurodegeneration. In response to prion infection, elevated cholesterol levels and a reduction in membrane-attached small GTPase Rab7 have been observed in neuronal cells. Here, we investigated the molecular events causing an impaired Rab7 membrane attachment and the potential mechanistic link with elevated cholesterol levels in prion infection. We demonstrate that prion infection is associated with reduced levels of active Rab7 (Rab7.GTP) in persistently prion-infected neuronal cell lines, primary cerebellar granular neurons, and neurons in the brain of mice with terminal prion disease. In primary cerebellar granular neurons, levels of active Rab7 were increased during the very early stages of the prion infection prior to a significant decrease concomitant with PrPSc accumulation. The reduced activation of Rab7 in prion-infected neuronal cell lines is also associated with its reduced ubiquitination status, decreased interaction with its effector RILP, and altered lysosomal positioning. Consequently, the Rab7-mediated trafficking of low-density lipoprotein to lysosomes is delayed. This results in an impaired feedback regulation of cholesterol synthesis leading to an increase in cholesterol levels. Notably, transient overexpression of the constitutively active mutant of Rab7 rescues the delay in the low-density lipoprotein trafficking, hence reducing cholesterol levels and attenuating PrPSc propagation, demonstrating a mechanistic link between the loss of Rab7.GTP and elevated cholesterol levels.
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7
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Smyth P, Sasiwachirangkul J, Williams R, Scott CJ. Cathepsin S (CTSS) activity in health and disease - A treasure trove of untapped clinical potential. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 88:101106. [PMID: 35868042 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amongst the lysosomal cysteine cathepsin family of proteases, cathepsin S (CTSS) holds particular interest due to distinctive properties including a normal restricted expression profile, inducible upregulation and activity at a broad pH range. Consequently, while CTSS is well-established as a member of the proteolytic cocktail within the lysosome, degrading unwanted and damaged proteins, it has increasingly been shown to mediate a number of distinct, more selective roles including antigen processing and antigen presentation, and cleavage of substrates both intra and extracellularly. Increasingly, aberrant CTSS expression has been demonstrated in a variety of conditions and disease states, marking it out as both a biomarker and potential therapeutic target. This review seeks to contextualise CTSS within the cysteine cathepsin family before providing an overview of the broad range of pathologies in which roles for CTSS have been identified. Additionally, current clinical progress towards specific inhibitors is detailed, updating the position of the field in exploiting this most unique of proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Smyth
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Jutharat Sasiwachirangkul
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Rich Williams
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Christopher J Scott
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.
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8
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Mondal A, Appu AP, Sadhukhan T, Bagh MB, Previde RM, Sadhukhan S, Stojilkovic S, Liu A, Mukherjee AB. Ppt1-deficiency dysregulates lysosomal Ca ++ homeostasis contributing to pathogenesis in a mouse model of CLN1 disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2022; 45:635-656. [PMID: 35150145 PMCID: PMC9090967 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the PPT1 gene encoding palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) underlie the CLN1 disease, a devastating neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. The mechanism of pathogenesis underlying CLN1 disease has remained elusive. PPT1 is a lysosomal enzyme, which catalyzes the removal of palmitate from S-palmitoylated proteins (constituents of ceroid lipofuscin) facilitating their degradation and clearance by lysosomal hydrolases. Thus, it has been proposed that Ppt1-deficiency leads to lysosomal accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin leading to CLN1 disease. While S-palmitoylation is catalyzed by palmitoyl acyltransferases (called ZDHHCs), palmitoyl-protein thioesterases (PPTs) depalmitoylate these proteins. We sought to determine the mechanism by which Ppt1-deficiency may impair lysosomal degradative function leading to infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis pathogenesis. Here, we report that in Ppt1-/- mice, which mimic CLN1 disease, low level of inositol 3-phosphate receptor-1 (IP3R1) that mediates Ca++ transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the lysosome dysregulated lysosomal Ca++ homeostasis. Intriguingly, the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 4 (NFATC4), which regulates IP3R1-expression, required S-palmitoylation for trafficking from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. We identified two palmitoyl acyltransferases, ZDHHC4 and ZDHHC8, which catalyzed S-palmitoylation of NFATC4. Notably, in Ppt1-/- mice, reduced ZDHHC4 and ZDHHC8 levels markedly lowered S-palmitoylated NFATC4 (active) in the nucleus, which inhibited IP3R1-expression, thereby dysregulating lysosomal Ca++ homeostasis. Consequently, Ca++ -dependent lysosomal enzyme activities were markedly suppressed. Impaired lysosomal degradative function impaired autophagy, which caused lysosomal storage of undigested cargo. Importantly, IP3R1-overexpression in Ppt1-/- mouse fibroblasts ameliorated this defect. Our results reveal a previously unrecognized role of Ppt1 in regulating lysosomal Ca++ homeostasis and suggest that this defect contributes to pathogenesis of CLN1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Mondal
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Abhilash P. Appu
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Tamal Sadhukhan
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Maria B. Bagh
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
| | - Rafael M. Previde
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830
| | | | - Stanko Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Aiyi Liu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Anil B Mukherjee
- Section on Developmental Genetics, Division of Translational Medicine
- Correspondence to AM () or ABM ()
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The cellular prion protein interacts with and promotes the activity of Na,K-ATPases. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258682. [PMID: 34847154 PMCID: PMC8631662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The prion protein (PrP) is best known for its ability to cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals. Here, we revisited its molecular environment in the brain using a well-developed affinity-capture mass spectrometry workflow that offers robust relative quantitation. The analysis confirmed many previously reported interactions. It also pointed toward a profound enrichment of Na,K-ATPases (NKAs) in proximity to cellular PrP (PrPC). Follow-on work validated the interaction, demonstrated partial co-localization of the ATP1A1 and PrPC, and revealed that cells exposed to cardiac glycoside (CG) inhibitors of NKAs exhibit correlated changes to the steady-state levels of both proteins. Moreover, the presence of PrPC was observed to promote the ion uptake activity of NKAs in a human co-culture paradigm of differentiated neurons and glia cells, and in mouse neuroblastoma cells. Consistent with this finding, changes in the expression of 5’-nucleotidase that manifest in wild-type cells in response to CG exposure can also be observed in untreated PrPC-deficient cells. Finally, the endoproteolytic cleavage of the glial fibrillary acidic protein, a hallmark of late-stage prion disease, can also be induced by CGs, raising the prospect that a loss of NKA activity may contribute to the pathobiology of prion diseases.
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Clinical and Radiological Deterioration in a Case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Hints to Accelerated Age-Dependent Neurodegeneration. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111730. [PMID: 34829958 PMCID: PMC8615966 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic inflammation and the host immune responses associated with certain viral infections may accelerate the rate of neurodegeneration in patients with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD), a rare, transmissible neurodegenerative disease. However, the effects of the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 infection on the pathogenesis of CJD are unknown. In this study, we describe the case of an elderly female patient with sporadic CJD that exhibited clinical deterioration with the emergence of seizures and radiological neurodegenerative progression following an infection with SARS-CoV-2 and severe COVID-19. Despite efforts to control the progression of the disease, a dismal outcome ensued. This report further evidences the age-dependent neurological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and proposes a vulnerability to CJD and increased CJD progression following COVID-19.
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11
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Gómez-López VM, Viramontes-Pintos A, Ontiveros-Torres MÁ, Garcés-Ramírez L, de la Cruz F, Villanueva-Fierro I, Bravo-Muñoz M, Harrington CR, Martínez-Robles S, Yescas P, Guadarrama-Ortíz P, Hernandes-Alejandro M, Montiel-Sosa F, Pacheco-Herrero M, Luna-Muñoz J. Tau Protein Phosphorylated at Threonine-231 is Expressed Abundantly in the Cerebellum in Prion Encephalopathies. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 81:769-785. [PMID: 33814431 PMCID: PMC8203236 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are rare neurodegenerative disorders that affect animals and humans. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, and Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans belong to this group. The causative agent of TSEs is called “prion”, which corresponds to a pathological form (PrPSc) of a normal cellular protein (PrPC) expressed in nerve cells. PrPSc is resistant to degradation and can induce abnormal folding of PrPC, and TSEs are characterized by extensive spongiosis and gliosis and the presence of PrPSc amyloid plaques. CJD presents initially with clinical symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In AD, tau aggregates and amyloid-β protein plaques are associated with memory loss and cognitive impairment in patients. Objective: In this work, we study the role of tau and its relationship with PrPSc plaques in CJD. Methods: Multiple immunostainings with specific antibodies were carried out and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Results: We found increased expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), and an exacerbated apoptosis in the granular layer in cases with prion disease. In these cases, tau protein phosphorylated at Thr-231 was overexpressed in the axons and dendrites of Purkinje cells and the extensions of parallel fibers in the cerebellum. Conclusion: We conclude that phosphorylation of tau may be a response to a toxic and inflammatory environment generated by the pathological form of prion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vıctor Manuel Gómez-López
- National Dementia BioBank. Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán, UNAM, Estado de México, México.,Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, CINVESTAV, CDMX, México
| | - Amparo Viramontes-Pintos
- National Dementia BioBank. Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán, UNAM, Estado de México, México
| | | | - Linda Garcés-Ramírez
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, México
| | - Fidel de la Cruz
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CDMX, México
| | | | - Marely Bravo-Muñoz
- National Dementia BioBank. Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán, UNAM, Estado de México, México
| | - Charles R Harrington
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sandra Martínez-Robles
- National Dementia BioBank. Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán, UNAM, Estado de México, México
| | - Petra Yescas
- Genética, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, "Manuel Velazco Suerez" CDMX, México
| | - Parménides Guadarrama-Ortíz
- Departamento de Neurocirugía, Centro Especializado en Neurocirugía y Neurociencias, México, (CENNM), CDMX, México
| | - Mario Hernandes-Alejandro
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Biotecnología del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Gustavo A. Madero, México
| | - Francisco Montiel-Sosa
- National Dementia BioBank. Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán, UNAM, Estado de México, México
| | - Mar Pacheco-Herrero
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
| | - José Luna-Muñoz
- National Dementia BioBank. Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Cuautitlán, UNAM, Estado de México, México.,National Brain Bank. Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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12
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Abstract
Introduction: Prion diseases are a class of rare and fatal neurodegenerative diseases for which no cure is currently available. They are characterized by conformational conversion of cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the disease-associated 'scrapie' isoform (PrPSc). Under an etiological point of view, prion diseases can be divided into acquired, genetic, and idiopathic form, the latter of which are the most frequent.Areas covered: Therapeutic approaches targeting prion diseases are based on the use of chemical and nature-based compounds, targeting either PrPC or PrPSc or other putative player in pathogenic mechanism. Other proposed anti-prion treatments include passive and active immunization strategies, peptides, aptamers, and PrPC-directed RNA interference techniques. The treatment efficacy has been mainly assessed in cell lines or animal models of the disease testing their ability to reduce prion accumulation.Expert opinion: The assessed strategies focussing on the identification of an efficient anti-prion therapy faced various issues, which go from permeation of the blood brain barrier to immunological tolerance of the host. Indeed, the use of combinatory approaches, which could boost a synergistic anti-prion effect and lower the potential side effects of single treatments and may represent an extreme powerful and feasible way to tackle prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zattoni
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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13
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Betancor M, Moreno-Martínez L, López-Pérez Ó, Otero A, Hernaiz A, Barrio T, Badiola JJ, Osta R, Bolea R, Martín-Burriel I. Therapeutic Assay with the Non-toxic C-Terminal Fragment of Tetanus Toxin (TTC) in Transgenic Murine Models of Prion Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5312-5326. [PMID: 34283400 PMCID: PMC8497292 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02489-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The non-toxic C-terminal fragment of the tetanus toxin (TTC) has been described as a neuroprotective molecule since it binds to Trk receptors and activates Trk-dependent signaling, activating neuronal survival pathways and inhibiting apoptosis. Previous in vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of this molecule to increase mice survival, inhibit apoptosis and regulate autophagy in murine models of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy. Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders in which the main pathogenic event is the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into an abnormal and misfolded isoform known as PrPSc. These diseases share different pathological features with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. Hitherto, there are no effective therapies to treat prion diseases. Here, we present a pilot study to test the therapeutic potential of TTC to treat prion diseases. C57BL6 wild-type mice and the transgenic mice Tg338, which overexpress PrPC, were intracerebrally inoculated with scrapie prions and then subjected to a treatment consisting of repeated intramuscular injections of TTC. Our results indicate that TTC displays neuroprotective effects in the murine models of prion disease reducing apoptosis, regulating autophagy and therefore increasing neuronal survival, although TTC did not increase survival time in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Betancor
- Centro de Encefalopatías Y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno-Martínez
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biochemistry (LAGENBIO), Faculty of Veterinary, Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar López-Pérez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia Otero
- Centro de Encefalopatías Y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adelaida Hernaiz
- Centro de Encefalopatías Y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Laboratory of Genetics and Biochemistry (LAGENBIO), Faculty of Veterinary, Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tomás Barrio
- UMR Institut National de La Recherche Pour L'Agriculture, L'Alimentation Et L'Environment (INRAE)/École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT) 1225 IHAP (Interactions Hôtes-Agents Pathogènes), 31076, Toulouse, France
| | - Juan José Badiola
- Centro de Encefalopatías Y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosario Osta
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biochemistry (LAGENBIO), Faculty of Veterinary, Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Bolea
- Centro de Encefalopatías Y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Martín-Burriel
- Centro de Encefalopatías Y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Laboratory of Genetics and Biochemistry (LAGENBIO), Faculty of Veterinary, Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Liu Y, Che X, Zhang H, Fu X, Yao Y, Luo J, Yang Y, Cai R, Yu X, Yang J, Zhou MS. CAPN1 (Calpain1)-Mediated Impairment of Autophagic Flux Contributes to Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Neuronal Damage. Stroke 2021; 52:1809-1821. [PMID: 33874744 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyang Liu
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Xiaohang Che
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Haotian Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Xiaoxiao Fu
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Yang Yao
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Ruiping Cai
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Xiangnan Yu
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
| | - Ming-Sheng Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College, China (Y.L., Y. Yao, Y. Yang, R.C., M.-S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China (Y.L., X.C., H.Z., X.F., X.Y., J.Y.)
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, China (J.L.)
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15
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Luchicchi A, Hart B, Frigerio I, van Dam AM, Perna L, Offerhaus HL, Stys PK, Schenk GJ, Geurts JJG. Axon-Myelin Unit Blistering as Early Event in MS Normal Appearing White Matter. Ann Neurol 2021; 89:711-725. [PMID: 33410190 PMCID: PMC8048993 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology. Although the prevalent view regards a CD4+‐lymphocyte autoimmune reaction against myelin at the root of the disease, recent studies propose autoimmunity as a secondary reaction to idiopathic brain damage. To gain knowledge about this possibility we investigated the presence of axonal and myelinic morphological alterations, which could implicate imbalance of axon‐myelin units as primary event in MS pathogenesis. Methods Using high resolution imaging histological brain specimens from patients with MS and non‐neurological/non‐MS controls, we explored molecular changes underpinning imbalanced interaction between axon and myelin in normal appearing white matter (NAWM), a region characterized by normal myelination and absent inflammatory activity. Results In MS brains, we detected blister‐like swellings formed by myelin detachment from axons, which were substantially less frequently retrieved in non‐neurological/non‐MS controls. Swellings in MS NAWM presented altered glutamate receptor expression, myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) distribution, and lipid biochemical composition of myelin sheaths. Changes in tethering protein expression, widening of nodes of Ranvier and altered distribution of sodium channels in nodal regions of otherwise normally myelinated axons were also present in MS NAWM. Finally, we demonstrate a significant increase, compared with controls, in citrullinated proteins in myelin of MS cases, pointing toward biochemical modifications that may amplify the immunogenicity of MS myelin. Interpretation Collectively, the impaired interaction of myelin and axons potentially leads to myelin disintegration. Conceptually, the ensuing release of (post‐translationally modified) myelin antigens may elicit a subsequent immune attack in MS. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:711–725
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Luchicchi
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert't Hart
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Irene Frigerio
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie van Dam
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Perna
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herman L Offerhaus
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Peter K Stys
- Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Geert J Schenk
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Poerwoatmodjo A, Schenk GJ, Geurts JJG, Luchicchi A. Cysteine Proteases and Mitochondrial Instability: A Possible Vicious Cycle in MS Myelin? Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:612383. [PMID: 33335477 PMCID: PMC7736044 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.612383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Poerwoatmodjo
- Division Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra (UMC), Location Vrije Universiteit (VU) Medical Center, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert J Schenk
- Division Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra (UMC), Location Vrije Universiteit (VU) Medical Center, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Division Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra (UMC), Location Vrije Universiteit (VU) Medical Center, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antonio Luchicchi
- Division Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra (UMC), Location Vrije Universiteit (VU) Medical Center, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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17
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Jastaniah A, Gaisina IN, Knopp RC, Thatcher GRJ. Synthesis of α-Ketoamide-Based Stereoselective Calpain-1 Inhibitors as Neuroprotective Agents. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2280-2285. [PMID: 32840034 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Calpain inhibitors have been proposed as drug candidates for neurodegenerative disorders, with ABT-957 entering clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The structure of ABT-957 was very recently disclosed, and trials were terminated owing to inadequate CNS concentrations to obtain a pharmacodynamic effect. The multistep synthesis of an α-ketoamide peptidomimetic inhibitor series potentially including ABT-957 was optimized to yield diastereomerically pure compounds that are potent and selective for calpain-1 over papain and cathepsins B and K. As the final oxidation step, with its optimized synthesis protocol, does not alter the configuration of the substrate, the synthesis of the diastereomeric pair (R)-1-benzyl-N-((S)-4-((4-fluorobenzyl)amino)-3,4-dioxo-1-phenylbutan-2-yl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (1 c) and (R)-1-benzyl-N-((R)-4-((4-fluorobenzyl)amino)-3,4-dioxo-1-phenylbutan-2-yl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (1 g) was feasible. This allowed the exploration of stereoselective inhibition of calpain-1, with 1 c (IC50 =78 nM) being significantly more potent than 1 g. Moreover, inhibitor 1 c restored cognitive function in amnestic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Jastaniah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Irina N Gaisina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Rachel C Knopp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
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18
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López-Pérez Ó, Badiola JJ, Bolea R, Ferrer I, Llorens F, Martín-Burriel I. An Update on Autophagy in Prion Diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:975. [PMID: 32984276 PMCID: PMC7481332 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a dynamic intracellular mechanism involved in protein and organelle turnover through lysosomal degradation. When properly regulated, autophagy supports normal cellular and developmental processes, whereas defects in autophagic degradation have been associated with several pathologies, including prion diseases. Prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of the pathological misfolded isoform (PrPSc) of the physiological cellular prion protein (PrPc) in the central nervous system. Autophagic vacuoles have been described in experimental models of TSE and in the natural disease in humans. The precise connection of this process with prion-related neuropathology, or even whether autophagy is completely beneficial or pathogenic during neurodegeneration, is poorly understood. Thus, the biological role of autophagy in these diseases is still open to debate. During the last years, researchers have used a wide range of morphological, genetic and biochemical methods to monitor and manipulate the autophagic pathway and thus determine the specific role of this process in TSE. It has been suggested that PrPc could play a crucial role in modulating the autophagic pathway in neuronal cells, and the presence of abnormal autophagic activity has been frequently observed in several models of TSE both in vitro and in vivo, as well as in human prion diseases. Altogether, these findings suggest that autophagy is implicated in prion neuropathology and points to an impairment or failure of the process, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease. Additionally, autophagy is now emerging as a host defense response in controlling prion infection that plays a protective role by facilitating the clearance of aggregation-prone proteins accumulated within neurons. Since autophagy is one of the pathways of PrPSc degradation, and drug-induced stimulation of autophagic flux (the dynamic process of autophagic degradation activity) produces anti-prion effects, new treatments based on its activation have been tested to develop therapeutic strategies for prion diseases. In this review, we summarize previous and recent findings concerning the role of autophagy in TSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar López-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón-IISA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes (CEETE), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón-IISA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan José Badiola
- Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes (CEETE), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón-IISA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosa Bolea
- Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes (CEETE), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón-IISA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Franc Llorens
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Neurology, Clinical Dementia Center and National Reference Center for CJD Surveillance, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inmaculada Martín-Burriel
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón-IISA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes (CEETE), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón-IISA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
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19
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Prasad KN, Bondy SC. Oxidative and Inflammatory Events in Prion Diseases: Can They Be Therapeutic Targets? Curr Aging Sci 2020; 11:216-225. [PMID: 30636622 PMCID: PMC6635421 DOI: 10.2174/1874609812666190111100205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of incurable infectious terminal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the aggregated misfolded PrPsc in selected mammals including humans. The complex physical interaction between normal prion protein PrPc and infectious PrPsc causes conformational change from the α- helix structure of PrPc to the β-sheet structure of PrPsc, and this process is repeated. Increased oxidative stress is one of the factors that facilitate the conversion of PrPc to PrPsc. This overview presents evidence to show that increased oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the progression of this disease. Evidence is given for the participation of redoxsensitive metals Cu and Fe with PrPsc inducing oxidative stress by disturbing the homeostasis of these metals. The fact that some antioxidants block the toxicity of misfolded PrPc peptide supports the role of oxidative stress in prion disease. After exogenous infection in mice, PrPsc enters the follicular dendritic cells where PrPsc replicates before neuroinvasion where they continue to replicate and cause inflammation leading to neurodegeneration. Therefore, reducing levels of oxidative stress and inflammation may decrease the rate of the progression of this disease. It may be an important order to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at the same time. This may be achieved by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes by activating the Nrf2 pathway together with simultaneous administration of dietary and endogenous antioxidants. It is proposed that a mixture of micronutrients could enable these concurrent events thereby reducing the progression of human prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar N Prasad
- Engage Global, 245 El Faison Drive, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Stephen C Bondy
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
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20
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Geranylated 4-phenylcoumarins extracted from Mesua elegans induced caspase-independent cell death in prostate cancer cell lines through calpain-2 and cathepsin B. Sci Rep 2020; 10:986. [PMID: 31969640 PMCID: PMC6976669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Geranylated 4-phenylcoumarins DMDP-1 and DMDP-2 isolated from Mesua elegans were elucidated for their role in inducing caspase-independent programmed cell death (CI-PCD) in prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and DU 145, respectively. Cell homeostasis disruption was demonstrated upon treatment, as shown by the increase in calcium ion through colourimetric assay and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers GRP 78 and p-eIF2α through western blot. Subsequently, cytoplasmic death protease calpain-2 also showed increased activity during DMDP-1 & -2 treatments, while lysosomic death protease cathepsin B activity was significantly increased in PC-3 treated with DMDP-1. Flow cytometry showed a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential in both cell lines, while western blotting showed translocation of mitochondrial death protease AIF into the cytoplasm in its truncated form. Furthermore, DMDP-1 & -2 treatments caused significant increase in superoxide level and oxidative DNA damage. Concurrent inhibition of calpain-2 and cathepsin B during the treatment showed an attenuation of cell death in both cell lines. Hence, DMDP-1 & -2 induce CI-PCD in prostate cancer cell lines through calpain-2 and cathepsin B.
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21
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Lin HH, Chen SJ, Shen MR, Huang YT, Hsieh HP, Lin SY, Lin CC, Chang WSW, Chang JY. Lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin S is involved in cancer cell motility by regulating store-operated Ca2+ entry. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:118517. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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22
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Thüne K, Schmitz M, Villar-Piqué A, Altmeppen HC, Schlomm M, Zafar S, Glatzel M, Llorens F, Zerr I. The cellular prion protein and its derived fragments in human prion diseases and their role as potential biomarkers. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:1007-1018. [PMID: 31512940 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1667231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Human prion diseases are a heterogeneous group of incurable and debilitating conditions characterized by a progressive degeneration of the central nervous system. The conformational changes of the cellular prion protein and its formation into an abnormal isoform, spongiform degeneration, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation are central to prion disease pathogenesis. It has been postulated that truncated variants of aggregation-prone proteins are implicated in neurodegenerative mechanisms. An increasing body of evidence indicates that proteolytic fragments and truncated variants of the prion protein are formed and accumulated in the brain of prion disease patients. These prion protein variants provide a high degree of relevance to disease pathology and diagnosis. Areas covered: In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on the occurrence of truncated prion protein species and their potential roles in pathophysiological states during prion diseases progression. In addition, we discuss their usability as a diagnostic biomarker in prion diseases. Expert opinion: Either as a primary factor in the formation of prion diseases or as a consequence from neuropathological affection, abnormal prion protein variants and fragments may provide independent information about mechanisms of prion conversion, pathological states, or disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Thüne
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Matthias Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Anna Villar-Piqué
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, CIBERNED, Hospitalet de Llobregat , Spain
| | | | - Markus Schlomm
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Saima Zafar
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center HH-Eppendorf (UKE) , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Franc Llorens
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, CIBERNED, Hospitalet de Llobregat , Spain.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
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23
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Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by rapidly progressive dementia. Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) is the most prevalent. We report that, specific gene-expression alterations utilizing a reliable in vivo mouse model (tg340-PRNP129MM) with sCJD MM1 subtype, correlate with human disease manifestations in the brain cortex related to disease progression. RNA-editing functions mediated by the APOBEC and ADAR deaminases possibly affecting protein expression necessary for normal brain function, are altered in disease stages. Our data provide powerful evidence, derived from a humanized sCJD mouse model and human autopsy material, discerning the critical role of gene expression and RNA-editing signatures, introducing disease-associated targets that can be extrapolated in other neurodegenerative disorders with common clinical and molecular features. Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolding of the normal prion protein into an infectious cellular pathogen. Clinically characterized by rapidly progressive dementia and accounting for 85% of human prion disease cases, sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) is the prevalent human prion disease. Although sCJD neuropathological hallmarks are well-known, associated molecular alterations are elusive due to rapid progression and absence of preclinical stages. To investigate transcriptome alterations during disease progression, we utilized tg340-PRNP129MM mice infected with postmortem material from sCJD patients of the most susceptible genotype (MM1 subtype), a sCJD model that faithfully recapitulates the molecular and pathological alterations of the human disease. Here we report that transcriptomic analyses from brain cortex in the context of disease progression, reveal epitranscriptomic alterations (specifically altered RNA edited pathway profiles, eg., ER stress, lysosome) that are characteristic and possibly protective mainly for preclinical and clinical disease stages. Our results implicate regulatory epitranscriptomic mechanisms in prion disease neuropathogenesis, whereby RNA-editing targets in a humanized sCJD mouse model were confirmed in pathological human autopsy material.
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24
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López-Pérez Ó, Otero A, Filali H, Sanz-Rubio D, Toivonen JM, Zaragoza P, Badiola JJ, Bolea R, Martín-Burriel I. Dysregulation of autophagy in the central nervous system of sheep naturally infected with classical scrapie. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1911. [PMID: 30760781 PMCID: PMC6374525 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a dynamic cellular mechanism involved in protein and organelle turnover through lysosomal degradation. Autophagy regulation modulates the pathologies associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Using sheep naturally infected with scrapie as a natural animal model of prion diseases, we investigated the regulation of autophagy in the central nervous system (CNS) during the clinical phase of the disease. We present a gene expression and protein distribution analysis of different autophagy-related markers and investigate their relationship with prion-associated lesions in several areas of the CNS. Gene expression of autophagy markers ATG5 and ATG9 was downregulated in some areas of scrapie brains. In contrast, ATG5 protein accumulates in medulla oblongata and positively correlates with prion deposition and scrapie-related lesions. The accumulation of this protein and p62, a marker of autophagy impairment, suggests that autophagy is decreased in the late phases of the disease. However, the increment of LC3 proteins and the mild expression of p62 in basal ganglia and cerebellum, primarily in Purkinje cells, suggests that autophagy machinery is still intact in less affected areas. We hypothesize that specific cell populations of the CNS may display neuroprotective mechanisms against prion-induced toxicity through the induction of PrPSc clearance by autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar López-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Alicia Otero
- Centro de Investigación en Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Hicham Filali
- Centro de Investigación en Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - David Sanz-Rubio
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Janne M Toivonen
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Pilar Zaragoza
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Juan J Badiola
- Centro de Investigación en Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Rosa Bolea
- Centro de Investigación en Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Martín-Burriel
- Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica (LAGENBIO), Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación en Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, IA2, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.
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25
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Etwebi Z, Landesberg G, Preston K, Eguchi S, Scalia R. Mechanistic Role of the Calcium-Dependent Protease Calpain in the Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by MPO (Myeloperoxidase). Hypertension 2019; 71:761-770. [PMID: 29507101 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.10305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
MPO (myeloperoxidase) is a peroxidase enzyme secreted by activated leukocytes that plays a pathogenic role in cardiovascular disease, mainly by initiating endothelial dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms of the endothelial damaging action of MPO remain though largely elusive. Calpain is a calcium-dependent protease expressed in the vascular wall. Activation of calpains has been implicated in inflammatory disorders of the vasculature. Using endothelial cells and genetically modified mice, this study identifies the µ-calpain isoform as novel downstream signaling target of MPO in endothelial dysfunction. Mouse lung microvascular endothelial cells were stimulated with 10 nmol/L MPO for 180 minutes. MPO denitrosylated µ-calpain C-terminus domain, and time dependently activated µ-calpain, but not the m-calpain isoform. MPO also reduced Thr172 AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and Ser1177 eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) phosphorylation via upregulation of PP2A (protein phosphatase 2) expression. At the functional level, MPO increased endothelial VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) abundance and the adhesion of leukocytes to the mouse aorta. In MPO-treated endothelial cells, pharmacological inhibition of calpain activity attenuated expression of VCAM-1 and PP2A, and restored Thr172 AMPK and Ser1177 eNOS phosphorylation. Compared with wild-type mice, µ-calpain deficient mice experienced reduced leukocyte adhesion to the aortic endothelium in response to MPO. Our data first establish a role for calpain in the endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation of MPO. The MPO/calpain/PP2A signaling pathway may provide novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of inflammatory vascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zienab Etwebi
- From the Department of Physiology and the Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gavin Landesberg
- From the Department of Physiology and the Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kyle Preston
- From the Department of Physiology and the Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Satoru Eguchi
- From the Department of Physiology and the Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rosario Scalia
- From the Department of Physiology and the Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
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26
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Kanata E, Thüne K, Xanthopoulos K, Ferrer I, Dafou D, Zerr I, Sklaviadis T, Llorens F. MicroRNA Alterations in the Brain and Body Fluids of Humans and Animal Prion Disease Models: Current Status and Perspectives. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:220. [PMID: 30083102 PMCID: PMC6064744 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are transmissible progressive neurodegenerative conditions characterized by rapid neuronal loss accompanied by a heterogeneous neuropathology, including spongiform degeneration, gliosis and protein aggregation. The pathogenic mechanisms and the origins of prion diseases remain unclear on the molecular level. Even though neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases, represent distinct entities, their pathogenesis shares a number of features including disturbed protein homeostasis, an overload of protein clearance pathways, the aggregation of pathological altered proteins, and the dysfunction and/or loss of specific neuronal populations. Recently, direct links have been established between neurodegenerative diseases and miRNA dysregulated patterns. miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in the fundamental post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Studies of miRNA alterations in the brain and body fluids in human prion diseases provide important insights into potential miRNA-associated disease mechanisms and biomarker candidates. miRNA alterations in prion disease models represent a unique tool to investigate the cause-consequence relationships of miRNA dysregulation in prion disease pathology, and to evaluate the use of miRNAs in diagnosis as biomarkers. Here, we provide an overview of studies on miRNA alterations in human prion diseases and relevant disease models, in relation to pertinent studies on other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Kanata
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Prion Diseases Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katrin Thüne
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Xanthopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Network Center for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitra Dafou
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Theodoros Sklaviadis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Prion Diseases Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Franc Llorens
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Network Center for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Ferrer I. Sisyphus in Neverland. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 62:1023-1047. [PMID: 29154280 PMCID: PMC5870014 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The study of life and living organisms and the way in which these interact and organize to form social communities have been central to my career. I have been fascinated by biology, neurology, and neuropathology, but also by history, sociology, and art. Certain current historical, political, and social events, some occurring proximally but others affecting people in apparently distant places, have had an impact on me. Epicurus, Seneca, and Camus shared their philosophical positions which I learned from. Many scientists from various disciplines have been exciting sources of knowledge as well. I have created a world of hypothesis and experiments but I have also got carried away by serendipity following unexpected observations. It has not been an easy path; errors and wanderings are not uncommon, and opponents close to home much more abundant than one might imagine. Ambition, imagination, resilience, and endurance have been useful in moving ahead in response to setbacks. In the end, I have enjoyed my dedication to science and I am grateful to have glimpsed beauty in it. These are brief memories of a Spanish neuropathologist born and raised in Barcelona, EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidro Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona; Service of Pathological Anatomy, Bellvitge University Hospital; CIBERNED; Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Llorens F, Thüne K, Tahir W, Kanata E, Diaz-Lucena D, Xanthopoulos K, Kovatsi E, Pleschka C, Garcia-Esparcia P, Schmitz M, Ozbay D, Correia S, Correia Â, Milosevic I, Andréoletti O, Fernández-Borges N, Vorberg IM, Glatzel M, Sklaviadis T, Torres JM, Krasemann S, Sánchez-Valle R, Ferrer I, Zerr I. YKL-40 in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of neurodegenerative dementias. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:83. [PMID: 29126445 PMCID: PMC5681777 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND YKL-40 (also known as Chitinase 3-like 1) is a glycoprotein produced by inflammatory, cancer and stem cells. Its physiological role is not completely understood but YKL-40 is elevated in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in several neurological and neurodegenerative diseases associated with inflammatory processes. Yet the precise characterization of YKL-40 in dementia cases is missing. METHODS In the present study, we comparatively analysed YKL-40 levels in the brain and CSF samples from neurodegenerative dementias of different aetiologies characterized by the presence of cortical pathology and disease-specific neuroinflammatory signatures. RESULTS YKL-40 was normally expressed in fibrillar astrocytes in the white matter. Additionally YKL-40 was highly and widely expressed in reactive protoplasmic cortical and perivascular astrocytes, and fibrillar astrocytes in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD). Elevated YKL-40 levels were also detected in Alzheimer's disease (AD) but not in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In AD, YKL-40-positive astrocytes were commonly found in clusters, often around β-amyloid plaques, and surrounding vessels with β-amyloid angiopathy; they were also distributed randomly in the cerebral cortex and white matter. YKL-40 overexpression appeared as a pre-clinical event as demonstrated in experimental models of prion diseases and AD pathology. CSF YKL-40 levels were measured in a cohort of 288 individuals, including neurological controls (NC) and patients diagnosed with different types of dementia. Compared to NC, increased YKL-40 levels were detected in sCJD (p < 0.001, AUC = 0.92) and AD (p < 0.001, AUC = 0.77) but not in vascular dementia (VaD) (p > 0.05, AUC = 0.71) or in DLB/Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) (p > 0.05, AUC = 0.70). Further, two independent patient cohorts were used to validate the increased CSF YKL-40 levels in sCJD. Additionally, increased YKL-40 levels were found in genetic prion diseases associated with the PRNP-D178N (Fatal Familial Insomnia) and PRNP-E200K mutations. CONCLUSIONS Our results unequivocally demonstrate that in neurodegenerative dementias, YKL-40 is a disease-specific marker of neuroinflammation showing its highest levels in prion diseases. Therefore, YKL-40 quantification might have a potential for application in the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in dementias with a neuroinflammatory component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Llorens
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Thüne
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Waqas Tahir
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eirini Kanata
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Daniela Diaz-Lucena
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Konstantinos Xanthopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Present address: Unit of Lymphoid Malignancies, Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleni Kovatsi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Paula Garcia-Esparcia
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Matthias Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Duru Ozbay
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susana Correia
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ângela Correia
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Olivier Andréoletti
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Ina M. Vorberg
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Theodoros Sklaviadis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Juan Maria Torres
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susanne Krasemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Valle
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clínic, Institut d’Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
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29
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Kumar V, Ahmad A. Targeting calpains: A novel immunomodulatory approach for microbial infections. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 814:28-44. [PMID: 28789934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Calpains are a family of Ca2+ dependent cytosolic non-lysosomal proteases with well conserved cysteine-rich domains for enzymatic activity. Due to their functional dependency on Ca2+ concentrations, they are involved in various cellular processes that are regulated by intracellular ca2+ concentration (i.e. embryo development, cell development and migration, maintenance of cellular architecture and structure etc.). Calpains are widely studied proteases in mammalian (i.e. mouse and human) physiology and pathophysiology due to their ubiquitous presence. For example, these proteases have been found to be involved in various inflammatory disorders such as neurodegeneration, cancer, brain and myocardial ischemia and infarction, cataract and muscular dystrophies etc. Besides their role in these sterile inflammatory conditions, calpains have also been shown to regulate a wide range of infectious diseases (i.e. sepsis, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea and bacillary dysentery etc.). One of these regulatory mechanisms mediated by calpains (i.e. calpain 1 and 2) during microbial infections involves the regulation of innate immune response, inflammation and cell death. Thus, the major emphasis of this review is to highlight the importance of calpains in the pathogenesis of various microbial (i.e. bacterial, fungal and viral) diseases and the use of calpain modulators as potential immunomodulators in microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Children's Health Queensland Clinical Unit, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ali Ahmad
- Laboratory of innate immunity, CHU Ste-Justine Research Center/Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Montreal, 3175 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1C5.
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