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Zhu B, Parsons T, Foley C, Shaw Y, Dunckley T, Hulme C, Hodge JJL. DYRK1A antagonists rescue degeneration and behavioural deficits of in vivo models based on amyloid-β, Tau and DYRK1A neurotoxicity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15847. [PMID: 36151233 PMCID: PMC9508268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves pathological processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) into amyloid-β and microtubule associated protein Tau (MAPT) into hyperphosphorylated Tau tangles leading to neurodegeneration. Only 5% of AD cases are familial making it difficult to predict who will develop the disease thereby hindering our ability to treat the causes of the disease. A large population who almost certainly will, are those with Down syndrome (DS), who have a 90% lifetime incidence of AD. DS is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21 resulting in three copies of APP and other AD-associated genes, like dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) overexpression. This implies that DYRK1a inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for DS and AD, however It is not clear how overexpression of each of these genes contributes to the pathology of each disease as well as how effective a DYRK1A inhibitor would be at suppressing any of these. To address this knowledge gap, we used Drosophila models with human Tau, human amyloid-β or fly DYRK1A (minibrain (mnb)) neuronal overexpression resulting in photoreceptor neuron degeneration, premature death, decreased locomotion, sleep and memory loss. DYRK1A small molecule Type 1 kinase inhibitors (DYR219 and DYR533) were effective at suppressing these disease relevant phenotypes confirming their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangfu Zhu
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Tom Parsons
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Christopher Foley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Yeng Shaw
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Travis Dunckley
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Christopher Hulme
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.,Division of Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - James J L Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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2
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Zhu B, Parsons T, Stensen W, Mjøen Svendsen JS, Fugelli A, Hodge JJL. DYRK1a Inhibitor Mediated Rescue of Drosophila Models of Alzheimer’s Disease-Down Syndrome Phenotypes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:881385. [PMID: 35928283 PMCID: PMC9345315 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.881385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease which is becoming increasingly prevalent due to ageing populations resulting in huge social, economic, and health costs to the community. Despite the pathological processing of genes such as Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) into Amyloid-β and Microtubule Associated Protein Tau (MAPT) gene, into hyperphosphorylated Tau tangles being known for decades, there remains no treatments to halt disease progression. One population with increased risk of AD are people with Down syndrome (DS), who have a 90% lifetime incidence of AD, due to trisomy of human chromosome 21 (HSA21) resulting in three copies of APP and other AD-associated genes, such as DYRK1A (Dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A) overexpression. This suggests that blocking DYRK1A might have therapeutic potential. However, it is still not clear to what extent DYRK1A overexpression by itself leads to AD-like phenotypes and how these compare to Tau and Amyloid-β mediated pathology. Likewise, it is still not known how effective a DYRK1A antagonist may be at preventing or improving any Tau, Amyloid-β and DYRK1a mediated phenotype. To address these outstanding questions, we characterised Drosophila models with targeted overexpression of human Tau, human Amyloid-β or the fly orthologue of DYRK1A, called minibrain (mnb). We found targeted overexpression of these AD-associated genes caused degeneration of photoreceptor neurons, shortened lifespan, as well as causing loss of locomotor performance, sleep, and memory. Treatment with the experimental DYRK1A inhibitor PST-001 decreased pathological phosphorylation of human Tau [at serine (S) 262]. PST-001 reduced degeneration caused by human Tau, Amyloid-β or mnb lengthening lifespan as well as improving locomotion, sleep and memory loss caused by expression of these AD and DS genes. This demonstrated PST-001 effectiveness as a potential new therapeutic targeting AD and DS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangfu Zhu
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Parsons
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Wenche Stensen
- Department of Chemistry, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Pharmasum Therapeutics AS, ShareLab, Forskningsparken i Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - John S. Mjøen Svendsen
- Department of Chemistry, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Pharmasum Therapeutics AS, ShareLab, Forskningsparken i Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Fugelli
- Pharmasum Therapeutics AS, ShareLab, Forskningsparken i Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - James J. L. Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: James J. L. Hodge,
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3
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Carvalho da Silva AM, Lemos C, Silva HB, Ferreira IL, Tomé AR, Rego AC, Cunha RA. Simultaneous Alteration of the Circadian Variation of Memory, Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity, and Metabolism in a Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:835885. [PMID: 35431906 PMCID: PMC9009366 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.835885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive memory deficits accompanied by synaptic and metabolic deficits, namely of mitochondrial function. AD patients also display a disrupted circadian pattern. Thus, we now compared memory performance, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondria function in 24-week-old non-transgenic (non-Tg) and triple transgenic male mice modeling AD (3xTg-AD) at Zeitgeber 04 (ZT-4, inactive phase) and ZT-16 (active phase). Using the Morris water maze test to minimize the influence of circadian-associated locomotor activity, we observed a circadian variation in hippocampus-dependent learning performance in non-Tg mice, which was impaired in 3xTg-AD mice. 3xTg-AD mice also displayed a lack of circadian variation of their performance in the reversal spatial learning task. Additionally, the amplitude of hippocampal long-term potentiation also exhibited a circadian profile in non-Tg mice, which was not observed in 3xTg-AD mice. Moreover, cerebral cortical synaptosomes of non-Tg mice also displayed a circadian variation of FCCP-stimulated oxygen consumption as well as in mitochondrial calcium retention that were blunted in 3xTg-AD mice. In sum, this multidimensional study shows that the ability to maintain a circadian oscillation in brain behavior, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic mitochondria function are simultaneously impaired in 3xTg-AD mice, highlighting the effects of circadian misalignment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- António M. Carvalho da Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- *Correspondence: António M. Carvalho da Silva,
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B. Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ildete L. Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Angelo R. Tomé
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A. Cristina Rego
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- A. Cristina Rego,
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Rodrigo A. Cunha,
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4
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Abstract
Endogenous biological clocks, orchestrated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, time the circadian rhythms that synchronize physiological and behavioural functions in humans. The circadian system influences most physiological processes, including sleep, alertness and cognitive performance. Disruption of circadian homeostasis has deleterious effects on human health. Neurodegenerative disorders involve a wide range of symptoms, many of which exhibit diurnal variations in frequency and intensity. These disorders also disrupt circadian homeostasis, which in turn has negative effects on symptoms and quality of life. Emerging evidence points to a bidirectional relationship between circadian homeostasis and neurodegeneration, suggesting that circadian function might have an important role in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the circadian system has become an attractive target for research and clinical care innovations. Studying circadian disruption in neurodegenerative disorders could expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration and facilitate the development of novel, circadian-based interventions for these disabling disorders. In this Review, we discuss the alterations to the circadian system that occur in movement (Parkinson disease and Huntington disease) and cognitive (Alzheimer disease and frontotemporal dementia) neurodegenerative disorders and provide directions for future investigations in this field.
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Kuang H, Zhu YG, Zhou ZF, Yang MW, Hong FF, Yang SL. Sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease: the predictive roles and potential mechanisms. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1965-1972. [PMID: 33642368 PMCID: PMC8343328 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and can even occur in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, which appears before Alzheimer's disease. Sleep disorders further impair cognitive function and accelerate the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau in patients with Alzheimer's disease. At present, sleep disorders are considered as a risk factor for, and may be a predictor of, Alzheimer's disease development. Given that sleep disorders are encountered in other types of dementia and psychiatric conditions, sleep-related biomarkers to predict Alzheimer's disease need to have high specificity and sensitivity. Here, we summarize the major Alzheimer's disease-specific sleep changes, including abnormal non-rapid eye movement sleep, sleep fragmentation, and sleep-disordered breathing, and describe their ability to predict the onset of Alzheimer's disease at its earliest stages. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these sleep changes is also crucial if we are to clarify the role of sleep in Alzheimer's disease. This paper therefore explores some potential mechanisms that may contribute to sleep disorders, including dysregulation of the orexinergic, glutamatergic, and γ-aminobutyric acid systems and the circadian rhythm, together with amyloid-β accumulation. This review could provide a theoretical basis for the development of drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease based on sleep disorders in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Kuang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Ge Zhu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Zhou
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Mei-Wen Yang
- Department of Nurse, Nanchang University Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fen-Fang Hong
- Department of Experimental Teaching Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shu-Long Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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6
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Deciphering the Interacting Mechanisms of Circadian Disruption and Alzheimer's Disease. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1603-1617. [PMID: 33871799 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the crucial causative factors for progressive dementia. Neuropathologically, AD is characterized by the extracellular accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in cortical and limbic regions of the human brain. The circadian system is one of the many affected physiological processes in AD, the dysfunction of which may reflect in the irregularity of the sleep/wake cycle. The interplay of circadian and sleep disturbances inducing AD progression is bidirectional. Sleep-associated pathological alterations are frequently evident in AD. Understanding the interrelation between circadian disruption and AD may allow for earlier identification of AD pathogenesis as well as better suited approaches and potential therapies to combat dementia. In this article, we examine the existing literature related to the molecular mechanisms of the circadian clock and interacting mechanisms of circadian disruption and AD pathogenesis.
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7
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Carter B, Justin HS, Gulick D, Gamsby JJ. The Molecular Clock and Neurodegenerative Disease: A Stressful Time. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:644747. [PMID: 33889597 PMCID: PMC8056266 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.644747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm dysfunction occurs in both common and rare neurodegenerative diseases. This dysfunction manifests as sleep cycle mistiming, alterations in body temperature rhythms, and an increase in symptomatology during the early evening hours known as Sundown Syndrome. Disruption of circadian rhythm homeostasis has also been implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, individuals exposed to a shifting schedule of sleep and activity, such as health care workers, are at a higher risk. Thus, a bidirectional relationship exists between the circadian system and neurodegeneration. At the heart of this crosstalk is the molecular circadian clock, which functions to regulate circadian rhythm homeostasis. Over the past decade, this connection has become a focal point of investigation as the molecular clock offers an attractive target to combat both neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and circadian rhythm dysfunction, and a pivotal role for neuroinflammation and stress has been established. This review summarizes the contributions of molecular clock dysfunction to neurodegenerative disease etiology, as well as the mechanisms by which neurodegenerative diseases affect the molecular clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Carter
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Hannah S Justin
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Danielle Gulick
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Joshua J Gamsby
- Gamsby Laboratory, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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8
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Kent BA, Feldman HH, Nygaard HB. Sleep and its regulation: An emerging pathogenic and treatment frontier in Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 197:101902. [PMID: 32877742 PMCID: PMC7855222 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A majority of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience some form of sleep disruption, including nocturnal sleep fragmentation, increased daytime napping, decreased slow-wave sleep (SWS, stage N3), and decreased rapid-eye-movement sleep (REM). Clinical studies are investigating whether such sleep disturbances are a consequence of the underlying disease, and whether they also contribute to the clinical and pathological manifestations of AD. Emerging research has provided a direct link between several of these sleep disruptions and AD pathophysiology, suggesting that treating sleep disorders in this population may target basic mechanisms of the disease. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of sleep disturbances associated with the spectrum of AD, ranging from the preclinical stages through dementia. We discuss how sleep interacts with AD pathophysiology and, critically, whether sleep impairments can be targeted to modify the disease course in a subgroup of affected AD patients. Ultimately, larger studies that fully utilize new diagnostic and experimental tools will be required to better define the most relevant sleep disturbance to target in AD, the interventions that best modulate this target symptom, and whether successful early intervention can modify AD risk and prevent dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A Kent
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Howard H Feldman
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Haakon B Nygaard
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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9
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Sharma A, Sethi G, Tambuwala MM, Aljabali AAA, Chellappan DK, Dua K, Goyal R. Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Alzheimer's Disease: The Dynamics of a Vicious Cycle. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 19:248-264. [PMID: 32348224 PMCID: PMC8033974 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200429013041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All mammalian cells exhibit circadian rhythm in cellular metabolism and energetics. Autonomous cellular clocks are modulated by various pathways that are essential for robust time keeping. In addition to the canonical transcriptional translational feedback loop, several new pathways of circadian timekeeping - non-transcriptional oscillations, post-translational modifications, epigenetics and cellular signaling in the circadian clock - have been identified. The physiology of circadian rhythm is expansive, and its link to the neurodegeneration is multifactorial. Circadian rhythm disruption is prevelant in contamporary society where light-noise, shift-work, and transmeridian travel are commonplace, and is also reported from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Circadian alignment by bright light therapy in conjunction with chronobiotics is beneficial for treating sundowning syndrome and other cognitive symptoms in advanced AD patients. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the clinical and translational reports to review the physiology of the circadian clock, delineate its dysfunction in AD, and unravel the dynamics of the vicious cycle between two pathologies. The review delineates the role of putative targets like clock proteins PER, CLOCK, BMAL1, ROR, and clock-controlled proteins like AVP, SIRT1, FOXO, and PK2 towards future approaches for management of AD. Furthermore, the role of circadian rhythm disruption in aging is delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Sharma
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173 212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Medical Drive, 117 600, Singapore
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County, Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Rohit Goyal
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173 212, Himachal Pradesh, India
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10
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Alzheimer's Disease and Sleep-Wake Disturbances: Amyloid, Astrocytes, and Animal Models. J Neurosci 2019; 38:2901-2910. [PMID: 29563238 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1135-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep-wake abnormalities are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and can be a major reason for institutionalization. However, an emerging concept is that these sleep-wake disturbances are part of the causal pathway accelerating the neurodegenerative process. Recently, new findings have provided intriguing evidence for a positive feedback loop between sleep-wake dysfunction and β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation. Studies in both humans and animal models have shown that extended periods of wakefulness increase Aβ levels and aggregation, and accumulation of Aβ causes fragmentation of sleep. This perspective is aimed at presenting evidence supporting causal links between sleep-wake dysfunction and aggregation of Aβ peptide in Alzheimer's disease, and explores the role of astrocytes, a specialized type of glial cell, in this context underlying Alzheimer's disease pathology. The utility of current animal models and the unexplored potential of alternative animal models for testing mechanisms involved in the reciprocal relationship between sleep disruption and Aβ are also discussed.Dual Perspectives Companion Paper: Microglia-Mediated Synapse Loss in Alzheimer's Disease by Lawrence Rajendran and Rosa Paolicelli.
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11
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Buhl E, Higham JP, Hodge JJL. Alzheimer's disease-associated tau alters Drosophila circadian activity, sleep and clock neuron electrophysiology. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104507. [PMID: 31207389 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, which is associated with an enormous personal, social and economic burden worldwide. However, there are few current treatments with none of them targeting the underlying causes of the disease. Sleep and circadian rhythm defects are not only distressing symptoms of AD and other tauopathies and are a leading cause of care home admission but are also thought to accelerate AD pathology. Despite this, little is understood about the underlying causes of these behavioural changes. Expression of the 0N4R isoform of tau has been associated with AD pathology and we show that expressing it in the Drosophila clock network gives rise to circadian and sleep phenotypes which closely match the behavioural changes seen in human AD patients. Tauopathic flies exhibited greater locomotor activity throughout the day and night and displayed a loss of sleep, particularly at night. Under constant darkness, the locomotor behaviour of tau-expressing flies was less rhythmic than controls indicating a defect in their intrinsic circadian rhythm. Current clamp recordings from wake-promoting, pigment dispersing factor (PDF)-positive large lateral ventral clock neurons (l-LNvs) revealed elevated spontaneous firing throughout the day and night which likely underlies the observed hyperactive circadian phenotype. Interestingly, expression of tau in only the PDF-positive pacemaker neurons, which are thought to be the most important for behaviour under constant conditions, was not sufficient or even necessary to affect circadian rhythmicity. This work establishes Drosophila as a model to investigate interactions between human pathological versions of tau and the machinery that controls neuronal excitability, allowing the identification of underlying mechanisms of disease that may reveal new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Buhl
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - James P Higham
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - James J L Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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12
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Higham JP, Malik BR, Buhl E, Dawson JM, Ogier AS, Lunnon K, Hodge JJL. Alzheimer's Disease Associated Genes Ankyrin and Tau Cause Shortened Lifespan and Memory Loss in Drosophila. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:260. [PMID: 31244615 PMCID: PMC6581016 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau, including the 0N4R isoform and accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. However, less than 5% of AD cases are familial, with many additional risk factors contributing to AD including aging, lifestyle, the environment and epigenetics. Recent epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of AD have identified a number of loci that are differentially methylated in the AD cortex. Indeed, hypermethylation and reduced expression of the Ankyrin 1 (ANK1) gene in AD has been reported in the cortex in numerous different post-mortem brain cohorts. Little is known about the normal function of ANK1 in the healthy brain, nor the role it may play in AD. We have generated Drosophila models to allow us to functionally characterize Drosophila Ank2, the ortholog of human ANK1 and to determine its interaction with human Tau and Aβ. We show expression of human Tau 0N4R or the oligomerizing Aβ 42 amino acid peptide caused shortened lifespan, degeneration, disrupted movement, memory loss, and decreased excitability of memory neurons with co-expression tending to make the pathology worse. We find that Drosophila with reduced neuronal Ank2 expression have shortened lifespan, reduced locomotion, reduced memory and reduced neuronal excitability similar to flies overexpressing either human Tau 0N4R or Aβ42. Therefore, we show that the mis-expression of Ank2 can drive disease relevant processes and phenocopy some features of AD. Therefore, we propose targeting human ANK1 may have therapeutic potential. This represents the first study to characterize an AD-relevant gene nominated from EWAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Higham
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Bilal R. Malik
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Edgar Buhl
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer M. Dawson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anna S. Ogier
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Lunnon
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - James J. L. Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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13
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Kent BA, Michalik M, Marchant EG, Yau KW, Feldman HH, Mistlberger RE, Nygaard HB. Delayed daily activity and reduced NREM slow-wave power in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 78:74-86. [PMID: 30884411 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep, which are thought to reflect an impairment of internal circadian timekeeping that contribute to clinical symptoms and disease progression. To evaluate these hypotheses, a suitable preclinical model of AD is needed. We performed a comprehensive assessment of circadian rhythms and sleep in the APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model using long-term in vivo electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring and behavioral assays from 5 to 22 months of age. APP/PS1 mice were crossed with a PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) mouse model to evaluate synchrony among peripheral circadian oscillators. The APP/PS1 mice exhibited a mild but persistent phase delay of nocturnal activity onset in 12:12h light:dark conditions, as well as a shift toward higher frequencies in the EEG power spectra compared to littermate controls. Our results suggest that APP/PS1 mice may not be the optimal preclinical model for studying the specific circadian changes associated with AD but that quantitative EEG may offer a sensitive measure of AD-associated changes in sleep quality that can be modeled in APP/PS1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A Kent
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mateusz Michalik
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | | | - Kiana W Yau
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Howard H Feldman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Haakon B Nygaard
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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14
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Younan ND, Chen KF, Rose RS, Crowther DC, Viles JH. Prion protein stabilizes amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers and enhances Aβ neurotoxicity in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:13090-13099. [PMID: 29887525 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) can act as a cell-surface receptor for β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide; however, a role for PrPC in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is contested. Here, we expressed a range of Aβ isoforms and PrPC in the Drosophila brain. We found that co-expression of Aβ and PrPC significantly reduces the lifespan, disrupts circadian rhythms, and increases Aβ deposition in the fly brain. In contrast, under the same conditions, expression of Aβ or PrPC individually did not lead to these phenotypic changes. In vitro studies revealed that substoichiometric amounts of PrPC trap Aβ as oligomeric assemblies and fragment-preformed Aβ fibers. The ability of membrane-anchored PrPC to trap Aβ as cytotoxic oligomers at the membrane surface and fragment inert Aβ fibers suggests a mechanism by which PrPC exacerbates Aβ deposition and pathogenic phenotypes in the fly, supporting a role for PrPC in AD. This study provides a second animal model linking PrPC expression with Aβ toxicity and supports a role for PrPC in AD pathogenesis. Blocking the interaction of Aβ and PrPC represents a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine D Younan
- From the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Ko-Fan Chen
- the Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom, and
| | - Ruth-Sarah Rose
- From the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Damian C Crowther
- the Neuroscience IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
| | - John H Viles
- From the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom,
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15
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Giebultowicz JM. Circadian regulation of metabolism and healthspan in Drosophila. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 119:62-68. [PMID: 29277395 PMCID: PMC5910265 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Circadian clocks generate daily rhythms in gene expression, cellular functions, physiological processes and behavior. The core clock mechanism consists of transcriptional-translational negative feedback loops that turn over with an endogenous circa 24h period. Classical genetic experiments in the fly Drosophila melanogaster played an essential role in identification of clock genes that turned out to be largely conserved between flies and mammals. Like in mammals, circadian clocks in flies generate transcriptional rhythms in a variety of metabolic pathways related to feeding and detoxification. Given that rhythms pervade metabolism and the loss of metabolic homeostasis is involved in aging and disease, there is increasing interest in understanding how the clocks and the rhythms they control change during aging. The importance of circadian clocks for healthy aging is supported by studies reporting that genetic or environmental clock disruptions are associated with reduced healthspan and lifespan. For example, arrhythmia caused by mutations in core clock genes lead to symptoms of accelerated aging in both flies and mammals, including neurodegenerative phenotypes. Despite the wealth of descriptive data, the mechanisms by which functional clocks confer healthspan and lifespan benefits are poorly understood. Studies in Drosophila discussed here are beginning to unravel causative relationships between the circadian system and aging. In particular, recent data suggest that clocks may be involved in inducing rhythmic expression of specific genes late in life in response to age-related increase in oxidative stress. This review will summarize insights into links between circadian system and aging in Drosophila, which were obtained using powerful genetics tools available for this model organism and taking advantage of the short adult lifespan in flies that is measured in days rather than years.
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16
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Chauhan R, Chen KF, Kent BA, Crowther DC. Central and peripheral circadian clocks and their role in Alzheimer's disease. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:1187-1199. [PMID: 28993311 PMCID: PMC5665458 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.030627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and cellular oscillations constitute an internal clock that tracks the time of day and permits organisms to optimize their behaviour and metabolism to suit the daily demands they face. The workings of this internal clock become impaired with age. In this review, we discuss whether such age-related impairments in the circadian clock interact with age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Findings from mouse and fly models of Alzheimer's disease have accelerated our understanding of the interaction between neurodegeneration and circadian biology. These models show that neurodegeneration likely impairs circadian rhythms either by damaging the central clock or by blocking its communication with other brain areas and with peripheral tissues. The consequent sleep and metabolic deficits could enhance the susceptibility of the brain to further degenerative processes. Thus, circadian dysfunction might be both a cause and an effect of neurodegeneration. We also discuss the primary role of light in the entrainment of the central clock and describe important, alternative time signals, such as food, that play a role in entraining central and peripheral circadian clocks. Finally, we propose how these recent insights could inform efforts to develop novel therapeutic approaches to re-entrain arrhythmic individuals with neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Chauhan
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Ko-Fan Chen
- Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Brianne A Kent
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Damian C Crowther
- Neuroscience, Innovative Medicines and Early Development, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
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17
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Berlandi J, Lin FJ, Ambrée O, Rieger D, Paulus W, Jeibmann A. Swing Boat: Inducing and Recording Locomotor Activity in a Drosophila melanogaster Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:159. [PMID: 28912696 PMCID: PMC5582087 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that physical activity can slow down progression of neurodegeneration in humans. To date, automated ways to induce activity have been predominantly described in rodent models. To study the impact of activity on behavior and survival in adult Drosophila melanogaster, we aimed to develop a rotating tube device "swing boat" which is capable of monitoring activity and sleep patterns as well as survival rates of flies. For the purpose of a first application, we tested our device on a transgenic fly model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Activity of flies was recorded in a climate chamber using the Drosophila Activity Monitoring (DAM) System connected to data acquisition software. Locomotor activity was induced by a rotating tube device "swing boat" by repetitively tilting the tubes for 30 min per day. A non-exercising group of flies was used as control and activity and sleep patterns were obtained. The GAL4-/UAS system was used to drive pan-neuronal expression of human Aβ42 in flies. Immunohistochemical stainings for Aβ42 were performed on paraffin sections of adult fly brains. Daily rotation of the fly tubes evoked a pronounced peak of activity during the 30 min exercise period. Pan-neuronal expression of human Aβ42 in flies caused abnormalities in locomotor activity, reduction of life span and elevated sleep fragmentation in comparison to wild type flies. Furthermore, the formation of amyloid accumulations was observed in the adult fly brain. Gently induced activity over 12 days did not evoke prominent effects in wild type flies but resulted in prolongation of median survival time by 7 days (32.6%) in Aβ42-expressing flies. Additionally, restoration of abnormally decreased night time sleep (10%) and reduced sleep fragmentation (28%) were observed compared to non-exercising Aβ42-expressing flies. On a structural level no prominent effects regarding prevalence of amyloid aggregations and Aβ42 RNA expression were detected following activity induction. The rotating tube device successfully induced activity in flies shown by quantitative activity analysis. Our setup enabled quantitative analysis of activity and sleep patterns as well as of survival rates. Induced activity in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease improved survival and ameliorated sleep phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Berlandi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital MünsterMünster, Germany
| | - Fang-Ju Lin
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital MünsterMünster, Germany.,Department of Biology, Coastal Carolina UniversityConway, SC, United States
| | - Oliver Ambrée
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital MünsterMünster, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Biology, University of OsnabrückOsnabrück, Germany
| | - Dirk Rieger
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of WürzburgWürzburg, Germany
| | - Werner Paulus
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital MünsterMünster, Germany
| | - Astrid Jeibmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital MünsterMünster, Germany
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18
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Gerstner JR, Lenz O, Vanderheyden WM, Chan MT, Pfeiffenberger C, Pack AI. Amyloid-β induces sleep fragmentation that is rescued by fatty acid binding proteins in Drosophila. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:1548-1564. [PMID: 27320125 PMCID: PMC5167666 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of sleep/wake activity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients significantly affects their quality of life and that of their caretakers and is a major contributing factor for institutionalization. Levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) have been shown to be regulated by neuronal activity and to correlate with the sleep/wake cycle. Whether consolidated sleep can be disrupted by Aβ alone is not well understood. We hypothesize that Aβ42 can increase wakefulness and disrupt consolidated sleep. Here we report that flies expressing the human Aβ42 transgene in neurons have significantly reduced consolidated sleep compared with control flies. Fatty acid binding proteins (Fabp) are small hydrophobic ligand carriers that have been clinically implicated in AD. Aβ42 flies that carry a transgene of either the Drosophila Fabp or the mammalian brain-type Fabp show a significant increase in nighttime sleep and long consolidated sleep bouts, rescuing the Aβ42-induced sleep disruption. These studies suggest that alterations in Fabp levels and/or activity may be associated with sleep disturbances in AD. Future work to determine the molecular mechanisms that contribute to Fabp-mediated rescue of Aβ42-induced sleep loss will be important for the development of therapeutics in the treatment of AD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R. Gerstner
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Washington State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, WA
| | - Olivia Lenz
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - William M. Vanderheyden
- Washington State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, WA
| | - May T. Chan
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Cory Pfeiffenberger
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Allan I. Pack
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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19
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Van Erum J, Van Dam D, De Deyn PP. Sleep and Alzheimer's disease: A pivotal role for the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Sleep Med Rev 2017; 40:17-27. [PMID: 29102282 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which accounts for most of the dementia cases, is, aside from cognitive deterioration, often characterized by the presence of non-cognitive symptoms. Society is desperately in need for interventions that alleviate the economic and social burden related to AD. Circadian dysrhythmia, one of these symptoms in particular, immensely decreases the self-care ability of AD patients and is one of the main reasons of caregiver exhaustion. Studies suggest that these circadian disturbances form the root of sleep-wake problems, diagnosed in more than half of AD patients. Sleep abnormalities have generally been considered merely a consequence of AD pathology. Recent evidence suggests that a bidirectional relationship exists between sleep and AD, and that poor sleep might negatively impact amyloid burden, as well as cognition. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the main circadian pacemaker, is subjected to several alterations during the course of the disease. Its functional deterioration might fulfill a crucial role in the relation between AD pathophysiology and the development of sleep abnormalities. This review aims to give a concise overview of the anatomy and physiology of the SCN, address how AD pathology precisely impacts the SCN and to what degree these alterations can contribute to the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Van Erum
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Debby Van Dam
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Memory Clinic of Hospital Network Antwerp (ZNA) Middelheim and Hoge Beuken, Antwerp, Belgium.
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20
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Feng G, Pang J, Yi X, Song Q, Zhang J, Li C, He G, Ping Y. Down-Regulation of K V4 Channel in Drosophila Mushroom Body Neurons Contributes to Aβ42-Induced Courtship Memory Deficits. Neuroscience 2017. [PMID: 28627422 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is widely believed to be an early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Kv4 is an A-type K+ channel, and our previous report shows the degradation of Kv4, induced by the Aβ42 accumulation, may be a critical contributor to the hyperexcitability of neurons in a Drosophila AD model. Here, we used well-established courtship memory assay to investigate the contribution of the Kv4 channel to short-term memory (STM) deficits in the Aβ42-expressing AD model. We found that Aβ42 over-expression in Drosophila leads to age-dependent courtship STM loss, which can be also induced by driving acute Aβ42 expression post-developmentally. Interestingly, mutants with eliminated Kv4-mediated A-type K+ currents (IA) by transgenically expressing dominant-negative subunit (DNKv4) phenocopied Aβ42 flies in defective courtship STM. Kv4 channels in mushroom body (MB) and projection neurons (PNs) were found to be required for courtship STM. Furthermore, the STM phenotypes can be rescued, at least partially, by restoration of Kv4 expression in Aβ42 flies, indicating the STM deficits could be partially caused by Kv4 degradation. In addition, IA is significantly decreased in MB neurons (MBNs) but not in PNs, suggesting Kv4 degradation in MBNs, in particular, plays a critical role in courtship STM loss in Aβ42 flies. These data highlight causal relationship between region-specific Kv4 degradation and age-dependent learning decline in the AD model, and provide a mechanism for the disturbed cognitive function in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Feng
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders (No.13dz2260500), Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jie Pang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders (No.13dz2260500), Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xin Yi
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qian Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Can Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guang He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yong Ping
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders (No.13dz2260500), Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.
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21
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Prakash P, Nambiar A, Sheeba V. Oscillating PDF in termini of circadian pacemaker neurons and synchronous molecular clocks in downstream neurons are not sufficient for sustenance of activity rhythms in constant darkness. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175073. [PMID: 28558035 PMCID: PMC5448722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila, neuropeptide Pigment Dispersing Factor (PDF) is expressed in small and large ventral Lateral Neurons (sLNv and lLNv), among which sLNv are critical for activity rhythms in constant darkness. Studies show that this is mediated by rhythmic accumulation and likely secretion of PDF from sLNv dorsal projections, which in turn synchronises molecular oscillations in downstream circadian neurons. Using targeted expression of a neurodegenerative protein Huntingtin in LNv, we evoke a selective loss of neuropeptide PDF and clock protein PERIOD from sLNv soma. However, PDF is not lost from sLNv dorsal projections and lLNv. These flies are behaviourally arrhythmic in constant darkness despite persistence of PDF oscillations in sLNv dorsal projections and synchronous PERIOD oscillations in downstream circadian neurons. We find that PDF oscillations in sLNv dorsal projections are not sufficient for sustenance of activity rhythms in constant darkness and this is suggestive of an additional component that is possibly dependent on sLNv molecular clock and PDF in sLNv soma. Additionally, despite loss of PERIOD in sLNv, their activity rhythms entrain to light/dark cycles indicating that sLNv molecular clocks are not necessary for entrainment. Under constant light, these flies lack PDF from both soma and dorsal projections of sLNv, and when subjected to light/dark cycles, show morning and evening anticipation and accurately phased morning and evening peaks. Thus, under light/dark cycles, PDF in sLNv is not necessary for morning anticipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavitra Prakash
- Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Aishwarya Nambiar
- Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Vasu Sheeba
- Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail: ,
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22
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Circadian Rhythm Neuropeptides in Drosophila: Signals for Normal Circadian Function and Circadian Neurodegenerative Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040886. [PMID: 28430154 PMCID: PMC5412466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm is a ubiquitous phenomenon in many organisms ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. During more than four decades, the intrinsic and exogenous regulations of circadian rhythm have been studied. This review summarizes the core endogenous oscillation in Drosophila and then focuses on the neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and hormones that mediate its outputs and integration in Drosophila and the links between several of these (pigment dispersing factor (PDF) and insulin-like peptides) and neurodegenerative disease. These signaling molecules convey important network connectivity and signaling information for normal circadian function, but PDF and insulin-like peptides can also convey signals that lead to apoptosis, enhanced neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in flies carrying circadian mutations or in a senescent state.
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23
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Kent BA, Mistlberger RE. Sleep and hippocampal neurogenesis: Implications for Alzheimer's disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 45:35-52. [PMID: 28249715 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and currently there are no effective disease-modifying treatments available. Hallmark symptoms of AD include impaired hippocampus-dependent episodic memory and disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms. The pathways connecting these symptoms are of particular interest because it is well established that sleep and circadian disruption can impair hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. In rodents, these procedures also markedly suppress adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a form of brain plasticity that is believed to play an important role in pattern separation, and thus episodic memory. A causal role for sleep disruptions in AD pathophysiology is suggested by evidence for sleep-dependent glymphatic clearance of metabolic waste products from the brain. This review explores a complementary hypothesis that sleep and circadian disruptions in AD contribute to cognitive decline by activating neuroendocrine and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways that suppress hippocampal neurogenesis. Evidence for this hypothesis underscores the promise of sleep, circadian rhythms, and neurogenesis as therapeutic targets for remediation of memory impairment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A Kent
- Division of Neurology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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24
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Perrimon N, Bonini NM, Dhillon P. Fruit flies on the front line: the translational impact of Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:229-31. [PMID: 26935101 PMCID: PMC4833334 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.024810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has been adopted as one of the most-used model systems since it was first introduced by Thomas Morgan for the study of heredity in the early 20th century. Its experimental tractability and similarity of its biological pathways to those of humans have placed the model at the forefront of research into human development and disease. With the ongoing accumulation of genetic tools and assays, the fly community has at its fingertips the resources to generate diverse Drosophila disease models for the study of genes and pathways involved in a wide range of disorders. In recent years, the fly has also been used successfully for drug screening. In this Editorial, we introduce a Special Collection of reviews, interviews and original research articles that highlight some of the many ways that Drosophila has made, and continues to make, an impact on basic biological insights and translational science. Drosophila Collection: This Editorial introduces a new Special Collection, ‘Spotlight on Drosophila: Translational Impact’, providing a summary of its contents so far and highlighting the impact of Drosophila as a model for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nancy M Bonini
- Biology Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paraminder Dhillon
- Disease Models & Mechanisms, The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9LF, UK
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25
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Song Q, Feng G, Huang Z, Chen X, Chen Z, Ping Y. Aberrant Axonal Arborization of PDF Neurons Induced by Aβ42-Mediated JNK Activation Underlies Sleep Disturbance in an Alzheimer's Model. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:6317-6328. [PMID: 27718103 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0165-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Impaired sleep patterns are common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cellular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbance in AD remain largely unknown. Here, using a Drosophila Aβ42 AD model, we show that Aβ42 markedly decreases sleep in a large population, which is accompanied with postdevelopmental axonal arborization of wake-promoting pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) neurons. The arborization is mediated in part via JNK activation and can be reversed by decreasing JNK signaling activity. Axonal arborization and impaired sleep are correlated in Aβ42 and JNK kinase hemipterous mutant flies. Image reconstruction revealed that these aberrant fibers preferentially project to pars intercerebralis (PI), a fly brain region analogous to the mammalian hypothalamus. Moreover, PDF signaling in PI neurons was found to modulate sleep/wake activities, suggesting that excessive release of PDF by these aberrant fibers may lead to the impaired sleep in Aβ42 flies. Finally, inhibition of JNK activation in Aβ42 flies restores nighttime sleep loss, decreases Aβ42 accumulation, and attenuates neurodegeneration. These data provide a new mechanism by which sleep disturbance could be induced by Aβ42 burden, a key initiator of a complex pathogenic cascade in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders (No.13dz2260500), Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ge Feng
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zehua Huang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaoman Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhaohuan Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yong Ping
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders (No.13dz2260500), Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Dissel S, Klose M, Donlea J, Cao L, English D, Winsky-Sommerer R, van Swinderen B, Shaw PJ. Enhanced sleep reverses memory deficits and underlying pathology in Drosophila models of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2016; 2:15-26. [PMID: 29094110 PMCID: PMC5662006 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that sleep can reverse cognitive impairment during Alzheimer's disease, we enhanced sleep in flies either co-expressing human amyloid precursor protein and Beta-secretase (APP:BACE), or in flies expressing human tau. The ubiquitous expression of APP:BACE or human tau disrupted sleep. The sleep deficits could be reversed and sleep could be enhanced when flies were administered the GABA-A agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo-[5,4-c]pyridine-3-ol (THIP). Expressing APP:BACE disrupted both Short-term memory (STM) and Long-term memory (LTM) as assessed using Aversive Phototaxic Suppression (APS) and courtship conditioning. Flies expressing APP:BACE also showed reduced levels of the synaptic protein discs large (DLG). Enhancing sleep in memory-impaired APP:BACE flies fully restored both STM and LTM and restored DLG levels. Sleep also restored STM to flies expressing human tau. Using live-brain imaging of individual clock neurons expressing both tau and the cAMP sensor Epac1-camps, we found that tau disrupted cAMP signaling. Importantly, enhancing sleep in flies expressing human tau restored proper cAMP signaling. Thus, we demonstrate that sleep can be used as a therapeutic to reverse deficits that accrue during the expression of toxic peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease. THIP can be used to enhance sleep in two Drosophila models of Alzheimer's disease. Enhanced sleep reverses memory deficits in fly's expressing human APP:BACE and tau. Enhanced sleep restores cAMP levels in clock neurons expressing tau. Sleep can be used as a therapeutic to reverse Alzheimer's disease related deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Dissel
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Markus Klose
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Jeff Donlea
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California: Los Angeles Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Lijuan Cao
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Denis English
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Raphaelle Winsky-Sommerer
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Surrey Guildford Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno van Swinderen
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Paul J Shaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
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27
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Khabirova E, Chen KF, O'Neill JS, Crowther DC. Flyglow: Single-fly observations of simultaneous molecular and behavioural circadian oscillations in controls and an Alzheimer's model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33759. [PMID: 27658441 PMCID: PMC5034315 DOI: 10.1038/srep33759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are essential for health and are frequently disturbed in disease. A full understanding of the causal relationships between behavioural and molecular circadian rhythms requires simultaneous longitudinal observations over time in individual organisms. Current experimental paradigms require the measurement of each rhythm separately across distinct populations of experimental organisms, rendering the comparability of the resulting datasets uncertain. We therefore developed FLYGLOW, an assay using clock gene controlled luciferase expression detected by exquisitely sensitive EM-CCD imaging, to enable simultaneous quantification of parameters including locomotor, sleep consolidation and molecular rhythms in single flies over days/weeks. FLYGLOW combines all the strengths of existing techniques, and also allows powerful multiparametric paired statistics. We found the age-related transition from rhythmicity to arrhythmicity for each parameter occurs unpredictably, with some flies showing loss of one or more rhythms during middle-age. Using single-fly correlation analysis of rhythm robustness and period we demonstrated the independence of the peripheral clock from circadian behaviours in wild type flies as well as in an Alzheimer’s model. FLYGLOW is a useful tool for investigating the deterioration of behavioural and molecular rhythms in ageing and neurodegeneration. This approach may be applied more broadly within behavioural neurogenetics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Khabirova
- University of Cambridge, Department of Genetics, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Ko-Fan Chen
- University of Cambridge, Department of Genetics, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - John S O'Neill
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Damian C Crowther
- University of Cambridge, Department of Genetics, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, United Kingdom.,AstraZeneca, Neuroscience, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
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28
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Mattis J, Sehgal A. Circadian Rhythms, Sleep, and Disorders of Aging. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2016; 27:192-203. [PMID: 26947521 PMCID: PMC4808513 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sleep-wake cycles are known to be disrupted in people with neurodegenerative disorders. These findings are now supported by data from animal models for some of these disorders, raising the question of whether the disrupted sleep/circadian regulation contributes to the loss of neural function. As circadian rhythms and sleep consolidation also break down with normal aging, changes in these may be part of what makes aging a risk factor for disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mechanisms underlying the connection between circadian/sleep dysregulation and neurodegeneration remain unclear, but several recent studies provide interesting possibilities. While mechanistic analysis is under way, it is worth considering treatment of circadian/sleep disruption as a means to alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mattis
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- HHMI, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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29
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Epigenetic mechanisms of dietary restriction induced aging in Drosophila. Exp Gerontol 2015; 72:38-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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30
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Modeling the complex pathology of Alzheimer's disease in Drosophila. Exp Neurol 2015; 274:58-71. [PMID: 26024860 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and the most common neurodegenerative disorder. AD is mostly a sporadic disorder and its main risk factor is age, but mutations in three genes that promote the accumulation of the amyloid-β (Aβ42) peptide revealed the critical role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in AD. Neurofibrillary tangles enriched in tau are the other pathological hallmark of AD, but the lack of causative tau mutations still puzzles researchers. Here, we describe the contribution of a powerful invertebrate model, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, to uncover the function and pathogenesis of human APP, Aβ42, and tau. APP and tau participate in many complex cellular processes, although their main function is microtubule stabilization and the to-and-fro transport of axonal vesicles. Additionally, expression of secreted Aβ42 induces prominent neuronal death in Drosophila, a critical feature of AD, making this model a popular choice for identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors mediating Aβ42 neurotoxicity. Overall, Drosophila has made significant contributions to better understand the complex pathology of AD, although additional insight can be expected from combining multiple transgenes, performing genome-wide loss-of-function screens, and testing anti-tau therapies alone or in combination with Aβ42.
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31
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Sleep, circadian rhythms, and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Exp Mol Med 2015; 47:e148. [PMID: 25766617 PMCID: PMC4351409 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2014.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the sleep–wake cycle and circadian rhythms are common symptoms of Alzheimer Disease (AD), and they have generally been considered as late consequences of the neurodegenerative processes. Recent evidence demonstrates that sleep–wake and circadian disruption often occur early in the course of the disease and may even precede the development of cognitive symptoms. Furthermore, the sleep–wake cycle appears to regulate levels of the pathogenic amyloid-beta peptide in the brain, and manipulating sleep can influence AD-related pathology in mouse models via multiple mechanisms. Finally, the circadian clock system, which controls the sleep–wake cycle and other diurnal oscillations in mice and humans, may also have a role in the neurodegenerative process. In this review, we examine the current literature related to the mechanisms by which sleep and circadian rhythms might impact AD pathogenesis, and we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these systems for the prevention of AD.
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32
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Blake MR, Holbrook SD, Kotwica-Rolinska J, Chow ES, Kretzschmar D, Giebultowicz JM. Manipulations of amyloid precursor protein cleavage disrupt the circadian clock in aging Drosophila. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 77:117-26. [PMID: 25766673 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by severe cognitive deterioration. While causes of AD pathology are debated, a large body of evidence suggests that increased cleavage of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) producing the neurotoxic Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide plays a fundamental role in AD pathogenesis. One of the detrimental behavioral symptoms commonly associated with AD is the fragmentation of sleep-activity cycles with increased nighttime activity and daytime naps in humans. Sleep-activity cycles, as well as physiological and cellular rhythms, which may be important for neuronal homeostasis, are generated by a molecular system known as the circadian clock. Links between AD and the circadian system are increasingly evident but not well understood. Here we examined whether genetic manipulations of APP-like (APPL) protein cleavage in Drosophila melanogaster affect rest-activity rhythms and core circadian clock function in this model organism. We show that the increased β-cleavage of endogenous APPL by the β-secretase (dBACE) severely disrupts circadian behavior and leads to reduced expression of clock protein PER in central clock neurons of aging flies. Our data suggest that behavioral rhythm disruption is not a product of APPL-derived Aβ production but rather may be caused by a mechanism common to both α and β-cleavage pathways. Specifically, we show that increased production of the endogenous Drosophila Amyloid Intracellular Domain (dAICD) caused disruption of circadian rest-activity rhythms, while flies overexpressing endogenous APPL maintained stronger circadian rhythms during aging. In summary, our study offers a novel entry point toward understanding the mechanism of circadian rhythm disruption in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Blake
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Scott D Holbrook
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | - Eileen S Chow
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Doris Kretzschmar
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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33
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Musiek ES. Circadian clock disruption in neurodegenerative diseases: cause and effect? Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:29. [PMID: 25774133 PMCID: PMC4343016 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbance of the circadian system, manifested as disrupted daily rhythms of physiologic parameters such as sleep, activity, and hormone secretion, has long been observed as a symptom of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease. Circadian abnormalities have generally been considered consequences of the neurodegeneration. Recent evidence suggests, however, that circadian disruption might actually contribute to the neurodegenerative process, and thus might be a modifiable cause of neural injury. Herein we will review the evidence implicating circadian rhythms disturbances and clock gene dysfunction in neurodegeneration, with an emphasis on future research directions and potential therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik S Musiek
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders and Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis , Saint Louis, MO, USA
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34
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Abstract
Circadian clocks are cell-autonomous molecular feedback loops that generate daily rhythms in gene expression, cellular functions, physiological processes and behavior. The mechanisms of circadian clocks are well understood in young fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster, but less is known about how circadian system changes during organismal aging. Similar as in humans, rest/activity rhythms tend to weaken with age in fruit flies, suggesting conservation of aging-related changes in the circadian system. It has been shown that aging is associated with reduced expression of core clock genes in peripheral head clocks while similar reduction may not occur in central clock neurons regulating behavioral rhythms. Arrhythmic flies with mutations in core clock genes display accelerated aging and shortened lifespan suggesting that weakened circadian rhythms may contribute to aging phenotypes. To understand whether strong circadian clocks support organism's healthspan and lifespan, future research needs to focus on age-related changes in clock genes as well as clock-controlled genes in specific organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga M. Giebultowicz
- Corresponding author: Jadwiga M. Giebultowicz, Oregon State University, Department of Integrative Biology, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA, Phone: (541) 737-5530,
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35
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Kent BA. Synchronizing an aging brain: can entraining circadian clocks by food slow Alzheimer's disease? Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:234. [PMID: 25225484 PMCID: PMC4150207 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global epidemic. Unfortunately, we are still without effective treatments or a cure for this disease, which is having devastating consequences for patients, their families, and societies around the world. Until effective treatments are developed, promoting overall health may hold potential for delaying the onset or preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. In particular, chronobiological concepts may provide a useful framework for identifying the earliest signs of age-related disease as well as inexpensive and noninvasive methods for promoting health. It is well reported that AD is associated with disrupted circadian functioning to a greater extent than normal aging. However, it is unclear if the central circadian clock (i.e., the suprachiasmatic nucleus) is dysfunctioning, or whether the synchrony between the central and peripheral clocks that control behavior and metabolic processes are becoming uncoupled. Desynchrony of rhythms can negatively affect health, increasing morbidity and mortality in both animal models and humans. If the uncoupling of rhythms is contributing to AD progression or exacerbating symptoms, then it may be possible to draw from the food-entrainment literature to identify mechanisms for re-synchronizing rhythms to improve overall health and reduce the severity of symptoms. The following review will briefly summarize the circadian system, its potential role in AD, and propose using a feeding-related neuropeptide, such as ghrelin, to synchronize uncoupled rhythms. Synchronizing rhythms may be an inexpensive way to promote healthy aging and delay the onset of neurodegenerative disease such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A. Kent
- Department of Psychology, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK
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36
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Long DM, Blake MR, Dutta S, Holbrook SD, Kotwica-Rolinska J, Kretzschmar D, Giebultowicz JM. Relationships between the circadian system and Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in Drosophila. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106068. [PMID: 25171136 PMCID: PMC4149435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks coordinate physiological, neurological, and behavioral functions into circa 24 hour rhythms, and the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian clock oscillations are conserved from Drosophila to humans. Clock oscillations and clock-controlled rhythms are known to dampen during aging; additionally, genetic or environmental clock disruption leads to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to age-related pathologies. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), are associated with a decay of circadian rhythms, but it is not clear whether circadian disruption accelerates neuronal and motor decline associated with these diseases. To address this question, we utilized transgenic Drosophila expressing various Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, which are prone to form aggregates characteristic of AD pathology in humans. We compared development of AD-like symptoms in adult flies expressing Aβ peptides in the wild type background and in flies with clocks disrupted via a null mutation in the clock gene period (per01). No significant differences were observed in longevity, climbing ability and brain neurodegeneration levels between control and clock-deficient flies, suggesting that loss of clock function does not exacerbate pathogenicity caused by human-derived Aβ peptides in flies. However, AD-like pathologies affected the circadian system in aging flies. We report that rest/activity rhythms were impaired in an age-dependent manner. Flies expressing the highly pathogenic arctic Aβ peptide showed a dramatic degradation of these rhythms in tune with their reduced longevity and impaired climbing ability. At the same time, the central pacemaker remained intact in these flies providing evidence that expression of Aβ peptides causes rhythm degradation downstream from the central clock mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani M. Long
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Blake
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Sudeshna Dutta
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Scott D. Holbrook
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Joanna Kotwica-Rolinska
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Doris Kretzschmar
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jadwiga M. Giebultowicz
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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