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Guida F, Iannotta M, Lauritano A, Infantino R, Salviati E, Verde R, Luongo L, Sommella EM, Iannotti FA, Campiglia P, Maione S, Di Marzo V, Piscitelli F. Early biomarkers in the presymptomatic phase of cognitive impairment: changes in the endocannabinoidome and serotonergic pathways in Alzheimer's-prone mice after mTBI. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:113. [PMID: 38992700 PMCID: PMC11241935 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite extensive studies on the neurobiological correlates of traumatic brain injury (TBI), little is known about its molecular determinants on long-term consequences, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Here, we carried out behavioural studies and an extensive biomolecular analysis, including inflammatory cytokines, gene expression and the combination of LC-HRMS and MALDI-MS Imaging to elucidate the targeted metabolomics and lipidomics spatiotemporal alterations of brains from wild-type and APP-SWE mice, a genetic model of AD, at the presymptomatic stage, subjected to mild TBI. RESULTS We found that brain injury does not affect cognitive performance in APP-SWE mice. However, we detected an increase of key hallmarks of AD, including Aβ1-42 levels and BACE1 expression, in the cortices of traumatized transgenic mice. Moreover, significant changes in the expanded endocannabinoid (eCB) system, or endocannabinoidome (eCBome), occurred, including increased levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG in APP-SWE mice in both the cortex and hippocampus, and N-acylserotonins, detected for the first time in the brain. The gene expression of enzymes for the biosynthesis and inactivation of eCBs and eCB-like mediators, and some of their main molecular targets, also underwent significant changes. We also identified the formation of heteromers between cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and serotonergic 2A (5HT2A) receptors, whose levels increased in the cortex of APP-SWE mTBI mice, possibly contributing to the exacerbated pathophysiology of AD induced by the trauma. CONCLUSIONS Mild TBI induces biochemical changes in AD genetically predisposed mice and the eCBome may play a role in the pathogenetic link between brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders also by interacting with the serotonergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Guida
- Pharmacology Division, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Pharmacology Division, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Lauritano
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, (NA), Italy
| | - Rosmara Infantino
- Pharmacology Division, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Salviati
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, (SA), Italy
| | - Roberta Verde
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, (NA), Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Pharmacology Division, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, (NA), Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, (SA), Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Pharmacology Division, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, (NA), Italy.
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada.
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, (NA), Italy.
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Zhong MZ, Peng T, Duarte ML, Wang M, Cai D. Updates on mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:23. [PMID: 38462606 PMCID: PMC10926682 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00712-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States (US). Animal models, specifically mouse models have been developed to better elucidate disease mechanisms and test therapeutic strategies for AD. A large portion of effort in the field was focused on developing transgenic (Tg) mouse models through over-expression of genetic mutations associated with familial AD (FAD) patients. Newer generations of mouse models through knock-in (KI)/knock-out (KO) or CRISPR gene editing technologies, have been developed for both familial and sporadic AD risk genes with the hope to more accurately model proteinopathies without over-expression of human AD genes in mouse brains. In this review, we summarized the phenotypes of a few commonly used as well as newly developed mouse models in translational research laboratories including the presence or absence of key pathological features of AD such as amyloid and tau pathology, synaptic and neuronal degeneration as well as cognitive and behavior deficits. In addition, advantages and limitations of these AD mouse models have been elaborated along with discussions of any sex-specific features. More importantly, the omics data from available AD mouse models have been analyzed to categorize molecular signatures of each model reminiscent of human AD brain changes, with the hope to guide future selection of most suitable models for specific research questions to be addressed in the AD field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Z Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Thomas Peng
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Science Research Program, Scarsdale High School, New York, NY, 10583, USA
| | - Mariana Lemos Duarte
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Research & Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Dongming Cai
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Research & Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Neurology, N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, The University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center (GRECC), The Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
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Zhang XW, Zhu XX, Tang DS, Lu JH. Targeting autophagy in Alzheimer's disease: Animal models and mechanisms. Zool Res 2023; 44:1132-1145. [PMID: 37963840 PMCID: PMC10802106 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive impairment and memory loss. Emerging evidence suggests that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD through the regulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau metabolism, and that autophagy dysfunction exacerbates amyloidosis and tau pathology. Therefore, targeting autophagy may be an effective approach for the treatment of AD. Animal models are considered useful tools for investigating the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of diseases. This review aims to summarize the pathological alterations in autophagy in representative AD animal models and to present recent studies on newly discovered autophagy-stimulating interventions in animal AD models. Finally, the opportunities, difficulties, and future directions of autophagy targeting in AD therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao 99078, China
| | - Xiang-Xing Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, Gene Editing Technology Center of Guangdong Province, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528225, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, Gene Editing Technology Center of Guangdong Province, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528225, China. E-mail:
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao 99078, China. E-mail:
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Stagni F, Bartesaghi R. The Challenging Pathway of Treatment for Neurogenesis Impairment in Down Syndrome: Achievements and Perspectives. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:903729. [PMID: 35634470 PMCID: PMC9130961 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.903729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by triplication of Chromosome 21. Gene triplication may compromise different body functions but invariably impairs intellectual abilities starting from infancy. Moreover, after the fourth decade of life people with DS are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Neurogenesis impairment during fetal life stages and dendritic pathology emerging in early infancy are thought to be key determinants of alterations in brain functioning in DS. Although the progressive improvement in medical care has led to a notable increase in life expectancy for people with DS, there are currently no treatments for intellectual disability. Increasing evidence in mouse models of DS reveals that pharmacological interventions in the embryonic and neonatal periods may greatly benefit brain development and cognitive performance. The most striking results have been obtained with pharmacotherapies during embryonic life stages, indicating that it is possible to pharmacologically rescue the severe neurodevelopmental defects linked to the trisomic condition. These findings provide hope that similar benefits may be possible for people with DS. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding (i) the scope and timeline of neurogenesis (and dendritic) alterations in DS, in order to delineate suitable windows for treatment; (ii) the role of triplicated genes that are most likely to be the key determinants of these alterations, in order to highlight possible therapeutic targets; and (iii) prenatal and neonatal treatments that have proved to be effective in mouse models, in order to rationalize the choice of treatment for human application. Based on this body of evidence we will discuss prospects and challenges for fetal therapy in individuals with DS as a potential means of drastically counteracting the deleterious effects of gene triplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Stagni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Renata Bartesaghi,
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Chen X, Salehi A, Pearn ML, Overk C, Nguyen PD, Kleschevnikov AM, Maccecchini M, Mobley WC. Targeting increased levels of APP in Down syndrome: Posiphen-mediated reductions in APP and its products reverse endosomal phenotypes in the Ts65Dn mouse model. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:271-292. [PMID: 32975365 PMCID: PMC7984396 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent clinical trials targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have yet to demonstrate efficacy. Reviewing the hypotheses for AD pathogenesis and defining possible links between them may enhance insights into both upstream initiating events and downstream mechanisms, thereby promoting discovery of novel treatments. Evidence that in Down syndrome (DS), a population markedly predisposed to develop early onset AD, increased APP gene dose is necessary for both AD neuropathology and dementia points to normalization of the levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its products as a route to further define AD pathogenesis and discovering novel treatments. BACKGROUND AD and DS share several characteristic manifestations. DS is caused by trisomy of whole or part of chromosome 21; this chromosome contains about 233 protein-coding genes, including APP. Recent evidence points to a defining role for increased expression of the gene for APP and for its 99 amino acid C-terminal fragment (C99, also known as β-CTF) in dysregulating the endosomal/lysosomal system. The latter is critical for normal cellular function and in neurons for transmitting neurotrophic signals. NEW/UPDATED HYPOTHESIS We hypothesize that the increase in APP gene dose in DS initiates a process in which increased levels of full-length APP (fl-APP) and its products, including β-CTF and possibly Aβ peptides (Aβ42 and Aβ40), drive AD pathogenesis through an endosome-dependent mechanism(s), which compromises transport of neurotrophic signals. To test this hypothesis, we carried out studies in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS and examined the effects of Posiphen, an orally available small molecule shown in prior studies to reduce fl-APP. In vitro, Posiphen lowered fl-APP and its C-terminal fragments, reversed Rab5 hyperactivation and early endosome enlargement, and restored retrograde transport of neurotrophin signaling. In vivo, Posiphen treatment (50 mg/kg/d, 26 days, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) of Ts65Dn mice was well tolerated and demonstrated no adverse effects in behavior. Treatment resulted in normalization of the levels of fl-APP, C-terminal fragments and small reductions in Aβ species, restoration to normal levels of Rab5 activity, reduced phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and reversed deficits in TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B) activation and in the Akt (protein kinase B [PKB]), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), and CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) signaling pathways. Remarkably, Posiphen treatment also restored the level of choline acetyltransferase protein to 2N levels. These findings support the APP gene dose hypothesis, point to the need for additional studies to explore the mechanisms by which increased APP gene expression acts to increase the risk for AD in DS, and to possible utility of treatments to normalize the levels of APP and its products for preventing AD in those with DS. MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR THE HYPOTHESIS Important unanswered questions are: (1) When should one intervene in those with DS; (2) would an APP-based strategy have untoward consequences on possible adaptive changes induced by chronically increased APP gene dose; (3) do other genes present on chromosome 21, or on other chromosomes whose expression is dysregulated in DS, contribute to AD pathogenesis; and (4) can one model strategies that combine the use of an APP-based treatment with those directed at other AD phenotypes including p-tau and inflammation. LINKAGE TO OTHER MAJOR THEORIES The APP gene dose hypothesis interfaces with the amyloid cascade hypothesis of AD as well as with the genetic and cell biological observations that support it. Moreover, upregulation of fl-APP protein and products may drive downstream events that dysregulate tau homeostasis and inflammatory responses that contribute to propagation of AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu‐Qiao Chen
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ahmad Salehi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesStanford Medical SchoolPalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew L. Pearn
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity of California San Diego, School of MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- V.A. San Diego Healthcare SystemSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Phuong D. Nguyen
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - William C. Mobley
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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Cheng Y, Saville L, Gollen B, Isaac C, Belay A, Mehla J, Patel K, Thakor N, Mohajerani MH, Zovoilis A. Increased processing of SINE B2 ncRNAs unveils a novel type of transcriptome deregulation in amyloid beta neuropathology. eLife 2020; 9:61265. [PMID: 33191914 PMCID: PMC7717908 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional importance of many non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) generated by repetitive elements and their connection with pathologic processes remains elusive. B2 RNAs, a class of ncRNAs of the B2 family of SINE repeats, mediate through their processing the transcriptional activation of various genes in response to stress. Here, we show that this response is dysfunctional during amyloid beta toxicity and pathology in the mouse hippocampus due to increased levels of B2 RNA processing, leading to constitutively elevated B2 RNA target gene expression and high Trp53 levels. Evidence indicates that Hsf1, a master regulator of stress response, mediates B2 RNA processing in hippocampal cells and is activated during amyloid toxicity, accelerating the processing of SINE RNAs and gene hyper-activation. Our study reveals that in mouse, SINE RNAs constitute a novel pathway deregulated in amyloid beta pathology, with potential implications for similar cases in the human brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Cheng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Luke Saville
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Babita Gollen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Christopher Isaac
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Abel Belay
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Jogender Mehla
- Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Kush Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Nehal Thakor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Majid H Mohajerani
- Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - Athanasios Zovoilis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada.,Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
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Bozhkov AI, Ohiienko SL, Bondar AY, Klimova EM, Ivanov EG. Induced Liver Fibrosis Is Accompanied in Young and Old Animals by Age-Dependent Changes in Bone Marrow Cells. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057019030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Kuo YM, Nwankwo EI, Nussbaum RL, Rogers J, Maccecchini ML. Translational inhibition of α-synuclein by Posiphen normalizes distal colon motility in transgenic Parkinson mice. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2019; 8:1-15. [PMID: 30906671 PMCID: PMC6420700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with motor as well as non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal dysfunction. In humans, these precede the motor symptoms by decades. Previously developed and characterized transgenic mice expressing the mutant human α-synuclein gene (SNCA) (either A53T or A30P), but not the endogenous mouse Snca, serve as models for familial PD. These animals demonstrate both robust abnormalities in enteric nervous system (ENS) function as well as synuclein-immunoreactive aggregates in ENS ganglia by 3 months of age, recapitulating early gastrointestinal abnormalities seen before the gait impairment characteristics of human and murine PD. Posiphen is a translational inhibitor of α-synuclein that targets the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of SNCA mRNA and could be a potential drug for the treatment of PD. However, its efficacy in ameliorating symptoms of PD has not yet been evaluated. Here, we used these transgenic mouse models to investigate the efficacy of Posiphen in reversing the gastrointestinal dysfunction. We show that Posiphen normalizes the colonic motility of both transgenic mouse models, although it did not affect the Whole Gut Transit Time (WGTT). Pharmacokinetics studies revealed that Posiphen is more abundant in the brain than in blood, in agreement with its lipophilicity, and the main metabolite is N8-NorPosiphen, a molecule with similar properties as Posiphen. The brain Posiphen levels necessary to effect optimal function were calculated and compared with efficacious brain levels from previous studies, showing that a 2-3 mM concentration of Posiphen and metabolites is sufficient for functional efficacy. Finally, 10 mg/kg Posiphen reduced α-synuclein levels in the gut of hSNCAA53T mice treated for twenty-one weeks, while 50 and 65 mg/kg Posiphen reduced α-synuclein levels in the brain of hSNCAA53T mice treated for twenty-one days. In conclusion, this is the first study showing the preclinical efficacy of Posiphen in normalizing the colonic motility in mouse models of gastrointestinal dysfunction in early PD. This result is in agreement with the ability of Posiphen to reach the nervous system, and its mechanism of action, the translational inhibition of α-synuclein expression. These significant findings support further development of Posiphen as a drug for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yien-Ming Kuo
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ejike Innocent Nwankwo
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical SchoolCNY2, Building 149, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Robert L Nussbaum
- Invitae Corporation1400 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Department of Medicine, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jack Rogers
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical SchoolCNY2, Building 149, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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Turcato F, Kim P, Barnett A, Jin Y, Scerba M, Casey A, Selman W, Greig NH, Luo Y. Sequential combined Treatment of Pifithrin-α and Posiphen Enhances Neurogenesis and Functional Recovery After Stroke. Cell Transplant 2018; 27:607-621. [PMID: 29871513 PMCID: PMC6041885 DOI: 10.1177/0963689718766328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Although cerebral ischemia can activate endogenous reparative processes, such as
proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ)
and subgranular zone (SGZ), the majority of these new cells die shortly after injury and
do not appropriately differentiate into neurons, or migrate and functionally integrate
into the brain. The purpose of this study was to examine a novel strategy for treatment
of stroke after injury by optimizing the survival of ischemia-induced endogenous NSCs in
the SVZ and SGZ. Methods: Adult SVZ and SGZ NSCs were grown as neurospheres in culture and treated with a p53
inactivator, pifithrin-α (PFT-α), and an amyloid precursor protein (APP)-lowering drug,
posiphen, and effects on neurosphere number, size and neuronal differentiation were
evaluated. This combined sequential treatment approach was then evaluated in mice
challenged with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Locomotor behavior and
cognition were evaluated at 4 weeks, and the number of new surviving neurons was
quantified in nestin creERT2-YFP mice. Results: PFT-α and posiphen enhanced the self-renewal, proliferation rate and neuronal
differentiation of adult SVZ and SGZ NSCs in culture. Their sequential combination in
mice challenged with MCAo-induced stroke mitigated locomotor and cognitive impairments
and increased the survival of SVZ and SGZ NSCs cells. PFT-α and the combined
posiphen+PFT-α treatment similarly improved locomotion behavior in stroke challenged
mice. Notably, however, the combined treatment provided significantly more potent
cognitive function enhancement in stroke mice, as compared with PFT-α single
treatment. Interpretation: Delayed combined sequential treatment with an inhibitor of p53 dependent apoptosis
(PFT-α) and APP synthesis (posiphen) proved able to enhance stroke-induced endogenous
neurogenesis and improve the functional recovery in stroke animals. Whereas the combined
sequential treatment provided no further improvement in locomotor function, as compared
with PFT-α alone treatment, suggesting a potential ceiling in the locomotion behavioral
outcome in stroke animals, combined treatment more potently augmented cognitive function
recovery after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Turcato
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.,2 Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Paul Kim
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Austin Barnett
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Yongming Jin
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Mike Scerba
- 3 National Institute of Aging, Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, USA
| | - Anthony Casey
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Warren Selman
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Nigel H Greig
- 3 National Institute of Aging, Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, USA
| | - Yu Luo
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
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Translational inhibition of APP by Posiphen: Efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics in the APP/PS1 mouse. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2018; 4:37-45. [PMID: 29955650 PMCID: PMC6021259 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Translational inhibition of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by Posiphen has been shown to reduce APP and its fragments in cell culture, animal models, and mildly cognitively impaired patients, making it a promising drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Methods We used a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (APP/presenilin-1) to examine Posiphen's efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics. Results Posiphen treatment normalized impairments in spatial working memory, contextual fear learning, and synaptic function in APP/presenilin-1 mice, without affecting their visual acuity, motor skills, or motivation and without affecting wild-type mice. Posiphen had a prolonged effect in reducing APP and all related peptides for at least 9 hours after the last dose. Its concentration was higher in the brain than in plasma, and the most abundant metabolite was N8-norPosiphen. Discussion This is the first study demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting the translation of APP and its fragments in an Alzheimer's disease model.
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Chang CF, Lai JH, Wu JCC, Greig NH, Becker RE, Luo Y, Chen YH, Kang SJ, Chiang YH, Chen KY. (-)-Phenserine inhibits neuronal apoptosis following ischemia/reperfusion injury. Brain Res 2017; 1677:118-128. [PMID: 28963051 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stroke commonly leads to adult disability and death worldwide. Its major symptoms are spastic hemiplegia and discordant motion, consequent to neuronal cell death induced by brain vessel occlusion. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is upregulated and allied with inflammation and apoptosis after stroke. Recent studies suggest that AChE inhibition ameliorates ischemia-reperfusion injury and has neuroprotective properties. (-)-Phenserine, a reversible AChE inhibitor, has a broad range of actions independent of its AChE properties, including neuroprotective ones. However, its protective effects and detailed mechanism of action in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) remain to be elucidated. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of (-)-phenserine for stroke in the rat focal cerebral ischemia model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) damage model in SH-SY5Y neuronal cultures. (-)-Phenserine mitigated OGD/PR-induced SH-SY5Y cell death, providing an inverted U-shaped dose-response relationship between concentration and survival. In MCAO challenged rats, (-)-phenserine reduced infarction volume, cell death and improved body asymmetry, a behavioral measure of stoke impact. In both cellular and animal studies, (-)-phenserine elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels, and decreased activated-caspase 3, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, potentially mediated through the ERK-1/2 signaling pathway. These actions mitigated neuronal apoptosis in the stroke penumbra, and decreased matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) expression. In synopsis, (-)-phenserine significantly reduced neuronal damage induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of MCAO and cellular model of OGD/RP, demonstrating that its anti-apoptotic/neuroprotective/neurotrophic cholinergic and non-cholinergic properties warrant further evaluation in conditions of brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Fu Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxiao Branch, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Translational Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Huei Lai
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Translational Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neurotrauma and Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - John Chung-Che Wu
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Translational Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neurotrauma and Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Robert E Becker
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Aristea Translational Medicine, Park City, UT, USA
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yen-Hua Chen
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Translational Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neurotrauma and Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuo-Jhen Kang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Translational Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neurotrauma and Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsiao Chiang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Translational Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neurotrauma and Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Yun Chen
- Translational Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neurotrauma and Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Hoffer BJ, Pick CG, Hoffer ME, Becker RE, Chiang YH, Greig NH. Repositioning drugs for traumatic brain injury - N-acetyl cysteine and Phenserine. J Biomed Sci 2017; 24:71. [PMID: 28886718 PMCID: PMC5591517 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-017-0377-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality of both young adults of less than 45 years of age and the elderly, and contributes to about 30% of all injury deaths in the United States of America. Whereas there has been a significant improvement in our understanding of the mechanism that underpin the primary and secondary stages of damage associated with a TBI incident, to date however, this knowledge has not translated into the development of effective new pharmacological TBI treatment strategies. Prior experimental and clinical studies of drugs working via a single mechanism only may have failed to address the full range of pathologies that lead to the neuronal loss and cognitive impairment evident in TBI and other disorders. The present review focuses on two drugs with the potential to benefit multiple pathways considered important in TBI. Notably, both agents have already been developed into human studies for other conditions, and thus have the potential to be rapidly repositioned as TBI therapies. The first is N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) that is currently used in over the counter medications for its anti-inflammatory properties. The second is (-)-phenserine ((-)-Phen) that was originally developed as an experimental Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug. We briefly review background information about TBI and subsequently review literature suggesting that NAC and (-)-Phen may be useful therapeutic approaches for TBI, for which there are no currently approved drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry J Hoffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Chaim G Pick
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Michael E Hoffer
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Yung-Hsiao Chiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Long-term treatment with intranasal insulin ameliorates cognitive impairment, tau hyperphosphorylation, and microglial activation in a streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's rat model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45971. [PMID: 28382978 PMCID: PMC5382700 DOI: 10.1038/srep45971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence reveals that aberrant brain insulin signaling plays an important role in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Intranasal insulin administration has been reported to improve memory and attention in healthy participants and in AD patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we treated intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-injected (ICV-STZ) rats, a commonly used animal model of sporadic AD, with daily intranasal delivery of insulin (2 U/day) for 6 consecutive weeks and then studied their cognitive function with the Morris water maze test and biochemical changes via Western blotting. We observed cognitive deficits, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation in the brains of ICV-STZ rats. Intranasal insulin treatment for 6 weeks significantly improved cognitive function, attenuated the level of tau hyperphosphorylation, ameliorated microglial activation, and enhanced neurogenesis in ICV-STZ rats. Additionally, our results indicate that intranasal delivery of insulin probably attenuates tau hyperphosphorylation through the down-regulation of ERK1/2 and CaMKII in the brains of ICV-STZ rats. Our findings demonstrate a beneficial effect of intranasal insulin and provide the mechanistic basis for treating AD patients with intranasal insulin.
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Bitto A, Giuliani D, Pallio G, Irrera N, Vandini E, Canalini F, Zaffe D, Ottani A, Minutoli L, Rinaldi M, Guarini S, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Effects of COX1-2/5-LOX blockade in Alzheimer transgenic 3xTg-AD mice. Inflamm Res 2017; 66:389-398. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-017-1022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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15
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Papp D, Kovács T, Billes V, Varga M, Tarnóci A, Hackler L, Puskás LG, Liliom H, Tárnok K, Schlett K, Borsy A, Pádár Z, Kovács AL, Hegedűs K, Juhász G, Komlós M, Erdős A, Gulyás B, Vellai T. AUTEN-67, an autophagy-enhancing drug candidate with potent antiaging and neuroprotective effects. Autophagy 2016; 12:273-86. [PMID: 26312549 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2015.1082023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a major molecular mechanism that eliminates cellular damage in eukaryotic organisms. Basal levels of autophagy are required for maintaining cellular homeostasis and functioning. Defects in the autophagic process are implicated in the development of various age-dependent pathologies including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in accelerated aging. Genetic activation of autophagy has been shown to retard the accumulation of damaged cytoplasmic constituents, delay the incidence of age-dependent diseases, and extend life span in genetic models. This implies that autophagy serves as a therapeutic target in treating such pathologies. Although several autophagy-inducing chemical agents have been identified, the majority of them operate upstream of the core autophagic process, thereby exerting undesired side effects. Here, we screened a small-molecule library for specific inhibitors of MTMR14, a myotubularin-related phosphatase antagonizing the formation of autophagic membrane structures, and isolated AUTEN-67 (autophagy enhancer-67) that significantly increases autophagic flux in cell lines and in vivo models. AUTEN-67 promotes longevity and protects neurons from undergoing stress-induced cell death. It also restores nesting behavior in a murine model of Alzheimer disease, without apparent side effects. Thus, AUTEN-67 is a potent drug candidate for treating autophagy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diána Papp
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Tibor Kovács
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary.,b Department of Genetics , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Viktor Billes
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary.,b Department of Genetics , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Máté Varga
- b Department of Genetics , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Anna Tarnóci
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary.,b Department of Genetics , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | | | - László G Puskás
- c Avidin Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary.,d Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Center , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Hanna Liliom
- e Department of Physiology and Neurobiology , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Krisztián Tárnok
- e Department of Physiology and Neurobiology , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Katalin Schlett
- e Department of Physiology and Neurobiology , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary.,f MTA-ELTE NAP B Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Adrienn Borsy
- g Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Zsolt Pádár
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Attila L Kovács
- h Department of Anatomy , Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Krisztina Hegedűs
- h Department of Anatomy , Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Gábor Juhász
- h Department of Anatomy , Cell and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Marcell Komlós
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Attila Erdős
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Balázs Gulyás
- i Karolinska Institute , Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Stockholm , Sweden.,j Imperial College-NTU, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore.,k Imperial College London , Department of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences , London , UK
| | - Tibor Vellai
- a Velgene Biotechnology Research Ltd. , Szeged , Hungary.,b Department of Genetics , Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest , Hungary
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Multiple beneficial effects of melanocortin MC 4 receptor agonists in experimental neurodegenerative disorders: Therapeutic perspectives. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 148:40-56. [PMID: 27916623 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides induce neuroprotection in acute and chronic experimental neurodegenerative conditions. Melanocortins likewise counteract systemic responses to brain injuries. Furthermore, they promote neurogenesis by activating critical signaling pathways. Melanocortin-induced long-lasting improvement in synaptic activity and neurological performance, including learning and memory, sensory-motor orientation and coordinated limb use, has been consistently observed in experimental models of acute and chronic neurodegeneration. Evidence indicates that the neuroprotective and neurogenic effects of melanocortins, as well as the protection against systemic responses to a brain injury, are mediated by brain melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptors, through an involvement of the vagus nerve. Here we discuss the targets and mechanisms underlying the multiple beneficial effects recently observed in animal models of neurodegeneration. We comment on the potential clinical usefulness of melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents in ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer's disease.
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17
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Tweedie D, Fukui K, Li Y, Yu QS, Barak S, Tamargo IA, Rubovitch V, Holloway HW, Lehrmann E, Wood WH, Zhang Y, Becker KG, Perez E, Van Praag H, Luo Y, Hoffer BJ, Becker RE, Pick CG, Greig NH. Cognitive Impairments Induced by Concussive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Mouse Are Ameliorated by Treatment with Phenserine via Multiple Non-Cholinergic and Cholinergic Mechanisms. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156493. [PMID: 27254111 PMCID: PMC4890804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), often caused by a concussive impact to the head, affects an estimated 1.7 million Americans annually. With no approved drugs, its pharmacological treatment represents a significant and currently unmet medical need. In our prior development of the anti-cholinesterase compound phenserine for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, we recognized that it also possesses non-cholinergic actions with clinical potential. Here, we demonstrate neuroprotective actions of phenserine in neuronal cultures challenged with oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity, two insults of relevance to TBI. These actions translated into amelioration of spatial and visual memory impairments in a mouse model of closed head mild TBI (mTBI) two days following cessation of clinically translatable dosing with phenserine (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg BID x 5 days initiated post mTBI) in the absence of anti-cholinesterase activity. mTBI elevated levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), a marker of oxidative stress. Phenserine counteracted this by augmenting homeostatic mechanisms to mitigate oxidative stress, including superoxide dismutase [SOD] 1 and 2, and glutathione peroxidase [GPx], the activity and protein levels of which were measured by specific assays. Microarray analysis of hippocampal gene expression established that large numbers of genes were exclusively regulated by each individual treatment with a substantial number of them co-regulated between groups. Molecular pathways associated with lipid peroxidation were found to be regulated by mTBI, and treatment of mTBI animals with phenserine effectively reversed injury-induced regulations in the ‘Blalock Alzheimer’s Disease Up’ pathway. Together these data suggest that multiple phenserine-associated actions underpin this compound’s ability to ameliorate cognitive deficits caused by mTBI, and support the further evaluation of the compound as a therapeutic for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tweedie
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Koji Fukui
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
- Division of Bioscience and Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Saitama 3378570, Japan
| | - Yazhou Li
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Qian-sheng Yu
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Shani Barak
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Ian A. Tamargo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Vardit Rubovitch
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Harold W. Holloway
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Elin Lehrmann
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - William H. Wood
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Kevin G. Becker
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Evelyn Perez
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Henriette Van Praag
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Barry J. Hoffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Robert E. Becker
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
- Independent Researcher, 7123 Pinebrook Road, Park City, UT 94098, United States of America
| | - Chaim G. Pick
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978 Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Xu ZQ, Huang H, Chen YL, Gao YY, Xu J, Marshall C, Cai ZY, Xiao M. Different Expression Patterns of Amyloid-β Protein Precursor Secretases in Human and Mouse Hippocampal Neurons: A Potential Contribution to Species Differences in Neuronal Susceptibility to Amyloid-β Pathogenesis. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 51:179-95. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-150634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huang Huang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya-Li Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun-Ying Gao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Charles Marshall
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health, Hazard, KY, USA
| | - Zhi-You Cai
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Neural Stem Cell Transplant-Induced Effect on Neurogenesis and Cognition in Alzheimer Tg2576 Mice Is Inhibited by Concomitant Treatment with Amyloid-Lowering or Cholinergic α7 Nicotinic Receptor Drugs. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:370432. [PMID: 26257960 PMCID: PMC4518185 DOI: 10.1155/2015/370432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulating regeneration in the brain has the potential to rescue neuronal networks and counteract progressive pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated whether drugs with different mechanisms of action could enhance neurogenesis and improve cognition in mice receiving human neural stem cell (hNSC) transplants. Six- to nine-month-old AD Tg2576 mice were treated for five weeks with the amyloid-modulatory and neurotrophic drug (+)-phenserine or with the partial α7 nicotinic receptor (nAChR) agonist JN403, combined with bilateral intrahippocampal hNSC transplantation. We observed improved spatial memory in hNSC-transplanted non-drug-treated Tg2576 mice but not in those receiving drugs, and this was accompanied by an increased number of Doublecortin- (DCX-) positive cells in the dentate gyrus, a surrogate marker for newly generated neurons. Treatment with (+)-phenserine did however improve graft survival in the hippocampus. An accumulation of α7 nAChR-expressing astrocytes was observed around the injection site, suggesting their involvement in repair and scarring processes. Interestingly, JN403 treatment decreased the number of α7 nAChR-expressing astrocytes, correlating with a reduction in the number of DCX-positive cells in the dentate gyrus. We conclude that transplanting hNSCs enhances endogenous neurogenesis and prevents further cognitive deterioration in Tg2576 mice, while simultaneous treatments with (+)-phenserine or JN403 result in countertherapeutic effects.
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NDP-α-MSH induces intense neurogenesis and cognitive recovery in Alzheimer transgenic mice through activation of melanocortin MC4 receptors. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 67:13-21. [PMID: 26003413 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocortins exert neuroprotection in a variety of experimental neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further, in previous research we showed that these endogenous peptides stimulate neurogenesis in an acute neurodegenerative disorder such as ischemic stroke. In the present research, we investigated the potential neurogenic effect of melanocortins in AD using APPSwe transgenic mice (Tg2576). To this purpose, 24week-old animals were prepared for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of proliferating cells on days 1-11 of the study. Treatment of Tg2576 mice with nanomolar doses of the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH), administered once daily from day 1 to 50, improved brain histology and cognitive functions relative to saline-treated Tg2576 animals. No signs of toxicity were observed. Immunohistochemical examination of the hippocampus at the end of the study (day 50) showed that NDP-α-MSH-treated Tg2576 mice had a greater number of BrdU immunoreactive cells colocalized with NeuN (an indicator of mature neurons) and Zif268 (an indicator of functionally integrated neurons) in the dentate gyrus, relative to saline-treated Tg2576 animals; no newly formed astrocytes were found. Animal pretreatment with the selective melanocortin MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 before each NDP-α-MSH administration prevented all the beneficial effects of the peptide. The present data indicate that MC4 receptor stimulation by a melanocortin prevents cognitive decline in experimental AD, this effect being associated not only with neuroprotection but also with an intense neurogenesis. MC4 receptor agonists could be innovative and safe candidates to counteract AD progression in humans.
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Longitudinal PET-MRI reveals β-amyloid deposition and rCBF dynamics and connects vascular amyloidosis to quantitative loss of perfusion. Nat Med 2014; 20:1485-92. [PMID: 25384087 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of β-amyloid deposition and related second-order physiological effects, such as regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), are key factors for a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We present longitudinal in vivo data on the dynamics of β-amyloid deposition and the decline of rCBF in two different amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mouse models of AD. Using a multiparametric positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging approach, we demonstrate that in the presence of cerebral β-amyloid angiopathy (CAA), β-amyloid deposition is accompanied by a decline of rCBF. Loss of perfusion correlates with the growth of β-amyloid plaque burden but is not related to the number of CAA-induced microhemorrhages. However, in a mouse model of parenchymal β-amyloidosis and negligible CAA, rCBF is unchanged. Because synaptically driven spontaneous network activity is similar in both transgenic mouse strains, we conclude that the disease-related decline of rCBF is caused by CAA.
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Proneurogenic Group II mGluR antagonist improves learning and reduces anxiety in Alzheimer Aβ oligomer mouse. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:1235-42. [PMID: 25113378 PMCID: PMC4217144 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Proneurogenic compounds have recently shown promise in some mouse models of Alzheimer's pathology. Antagonists at Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (Group II mGluR: mGlu2, mGlu3) are reported to stimulate neurogenesis. Agonists at those receptors trigger γ-secretase-inhibitor-sensitive biogenesis of Aβ42 peptides from isolated synaptic terminals, which is selectively suppressed by antagonist pretreatment. We have assessed the therapeutic potential of chronic pharmacological inhibition of Group II mGluR in Dutch APP (Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein E693Q) transgenic mice that accumulate Dutch amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers but never develop Aβ plaques. BCI-838 is a clinically well-tolerated, orally bioavailable, investigational prodrug that delivers to the brain BCI-632, the active Group II mGluR antagonist metabolite. Dutch Aβ-oligomer-forming APP transgenic mice (APP E693Q) were dosed with BCI-838 for 3 months. Chronic treatment with BCI-838 was associated with reversal of transgene-related amnestic behavior, reduction in anxiety, reduction in levels of brain Aβ monomers and oligomers, and stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. Group II mGluR inhibition may offer a unique package of relevant properties as an Alzheimer's disease therapeutic or prophylactic by providing both attenuation of neuropathology and stimulation of repair.
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23
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Liu J, Ma Y, Tian S, Zhang L, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Xu D. T cells promote the regeneration of neural precursor cells in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease mice. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:1541-7. [PMID: 25317172 PMCID: PMC4192972 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.139481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is closely associated with disorders of neurogenesis in the brain, and growing evidence supports the involvement of immunological mechanisms in the development of the disease. However, at present, the role of T cells in neuronal regeneration in the brain is unknown. We injected amyloid-beta 1–42 peptide into the hippocampus of six BALB/c wild-type mice and six BALB/c-nude mice with T-cell immunodeficiency to establish an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. A further six mice of each genotype were injected with same volume of normal saline. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the number of regenerated neural progenitor cells in the hippocampus of BALB/c wild-type mice was significantly higher than that in BALB/c-nude mice. Quantitative fluorescence PCR assay showed that the expression levels of peripheral T cell-associated cytokines (interleukin-2, interferon-γ) and hippocampal microglia-related cytokines (interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α) correlated with the number of regenerated neural progenitor cells in the hippocampus. These results indicate that T cells promote hippocampal neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease and T-cell immunodeficiency restricts neuronal regeneration in the hippocampus. The mechanism underlying the promotion of neuronal regeneration by T cells is mediated by an increased expression of peripheral T cells and central microglial cytokines in Alzheimer's disease mice. Our findings provide an experimental basis for understanding the role of T cells in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China ; Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Courses, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuxin Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Courses, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sumin Tian
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Courses, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Courses, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Courses, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yaqiong Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Courses, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dachuan Xu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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24
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Neuroprotective effects of sulforaphane on cholinergic neurons in mice with Alzheimer's disease-like lesions. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:14396-410. [PMID: 25196440 PMCID: PMC4159858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150814396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in elderly individuals, and effective therapies are unavailable. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of sulforaphane (an activator of NF-E2-related factor 2) on mice with AD-like lesions induced by combined administration of aluminum and d-galactose. Step-down-type passive avoidance tests showed sulforaphane ameliorated cognitive impairment in AD-like mice. Immunohistochemistry results indicated sulforaphane attenuated cholinergic neuron loss in the medial septal and hippocampal CA1 regions in AD-like mice. However, spectrophotometry revealed no significant difference in acetylcholine level or the activity of choline acetyltransferase or acetylcholinesterase in the cerebral cortex among groups of control and AD-like mice with and without sulforaphane treatment. Sulforaphane significantly increased the numbers of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive neurons in the subventricular and subgranular zones in AD-like mice which were significantly augmented compared with controls. Atomic absorption spectrometry revealed significantly lower aluminum levels in the brains of sulforaphane-treated AD-like mice than in those that did not receive sulforaphane treatment. In conclusion, sulforaphane ameliorates neurobehavioral deficits by reducing cholinergic neuron loss in the brains of AD-like mice, and the mechanism may be associated with neurogenesis and aluminum load reduction. These findings suggest that phytochemical sulforaphane has potential application in AD therapeutics.
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Giuliani D, Galantucci M, Neri L, Canalini F, Calevro A, Bitto A, Ottani A, Vandini E, Sena P, Sandrini M, Squadrito F, Zaffe D, Guarini S. Melanocortins protect against brain damage and counteract cognitive decline in a transgenic mouse model of moderate Alzheimer׳s disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:144-50. [PMID: 25034807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that melanocortins induce neuroprotection in experimental acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) of mild severity. Here we investigated whether melanocortins afford neuroprotection and counteract cognitive decline in AD with a medium level of severity by using 24 week-old (at the start of the study) APPSwe transgenic mice (Tg2576). Saline-treated (days 1-50) control Tg2576 mice showed an impairment in spatial learning and memory, associated (at day 50, end of the study) with hippocampus at low levels of the synaptic activity-dependent gene Zif268, relevant brain changes such as cerebral cortex/hippocampus increased level of β-amyloid (Aβ) deposit, and neuronal loss, in comparison with wild-type animals. Treatment of Tg2576 mice (once daily at days 1-50) with a nanomolar dose of the melanocortin analog [Nle4,D-Phe7]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) reduced cerebral cortex/hippocampus level of Aβ deposit, decreased neuronal loss, increased hippocampus Zif268 expression and improved cognitive functions, relative to saline-treated Tg2576 mice. Pharmacological blockade of melanocortin MC4 receptors with the MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 prevented all favorable effects of NDP-α-MSH. Our data indicate that MC4 receptor-stimulating melanocortins are able to counteract cognitive decline in experimental AD of medium severity through induction of neuroprotection and improvement of synaptic transmission. After further studies, these agents could gain a role as disease modifying therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Maria Galantucci
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Neri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Canalini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anita Calevro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ottani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vandini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Sena
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sandrini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Zaffe
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Guarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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26
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Fitzsimons CP, van Bodegraven E, Schouten M, Lardenoije R, Kompotis K, Kenis G, van den Hurk M, Boks MP, Biojone C, Joca S, Steinbusch HWM, Lunnon K, Mastroeni DF, Mill J, Lucassen PJ, Coleman PD, van den Hove DLA, Rutten BPF. Epigenetic regulation of adult neural stem cells: implications for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2014; 9:25. [PMID: 24964731 PMCID: PMC4080757 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-9-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence has demonstrated that several aspects of adult neural stem cells (NSCs), including their quiescence, proliferation, fate specification and differentiation, are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. These control the expression of specific sets of genes, often including those encoding for small non-coding RNAs, indicating a complex interplay between various epigenetic factors and cellular functions.Previous studies had indicated that in addition to the neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD), plasticity-related changes are observed in brain areas with ongoing neurogenesis, like the hippocampus and subventricular zone. Given the role of stem cells e.g. in hippocampal functions like cognition, and given their potential for brain repair, we here review the epigenetic mechanisms relevant for NSCs and AD etiology. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation of adult NSCs will advance our knowledge on the role of adult neurogenesis in degeneration and possibly regeneration in the AD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma van Bodegraven
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn Schouten
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Lardenoije
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Konstantinos Kompotis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gunter Kenis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark van den Hurk
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marco P Boks
- Department Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Biojone
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samia Joca
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Harry WM Steinbusch
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Katie Lunnon
- University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Level 4, Barrack Road, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Diego F Mastroeni
- University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Level 4, Barrack Road, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Level 4, Barrack Road, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul D Coleman
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel LA van den Hove
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart PF Rutten
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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27
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Chen J, Pan H, Chen C, Wu W, Iskandar K, He J, Piermartiri T, Jacobowitz DM, Yu QS, McDonough JH, Greig NH, Marini AM. (-)-Phenserine attenuates soman-induced neuropathology. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99818. [PMID: 24955574 PMCID: PMC4067273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents are deadly chemical weapons that pose an alarming threat to military and civilian populations. The irreversible inhibition of the critical cholinergic degradative enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by OP nerve agents leads to cholinergic crisis. Resulting excessive synaptic acetylcholine levels leads to status epilepticus that, in turn, results in brain damage. Current countermeasures are only modestly effective in protecting against OP-induced brain damage, supporting interest for evaluation of new ones. (-)-Phenserine is a reversible AChE inhibitor possessing neuroprotective and amyloid precursor protein lowering actions that reached Phase III clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease where it exhibited a wide safety margin. This compound preferentially enters the CNS and has potential to impede soman binding to the active site of AChE to, thereby, serve in a protective capacity. Herein, we demonstrate that (-)-phenserine protects neurons against soman-induced neuronal cell death in rats when administered either as a pretreatment or post-treatment paradigm, improves motoric movement in soman-exposed animals and reduces mortality when given as a pretreatment. Gene expression analysis, undertaken to elucidate mechanism, showed that (-)-phenserine pretreatment increased select neuroprotective genes and reversed a Homer1 expression elevation induced by soman exposure. These studies suggest that (-)-phenserine warrants further evaluation as an OP nerve agent protective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hongna Pan
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Chen
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wei Wu
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kevin Iskandar
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey He
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tetsade Piermartiri
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David M. Jacobowitz
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Qian-Sheng Yu
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John H. McDonough
- Pharmacology Branch, Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ann M. Marini
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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28
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Fjell AM, McEvoy L, Holland D, Dale AM, Walhovd KB. What is normal in normal aging? Effects of aging, amyloid and Alzheimer's disease on the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 117:20-40. [PMID: 24548606 DOI: 10.1016/pneurobio.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
What can be expected in normal aging, and where does normal aging stop and pathological neurodegeneration begin? With the slow progression of age-related dementias such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is difficult to distinguish age-related changes from effects of undetected disease. We review recent research on changes of the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus in aging and the borders between normal aging and AD. We argue that prominent cortical reductions are evident in fronto-temporal regions in elderly even with low probability of AD, including regions overlapping the default mode network. Importantly, these regions show high levels of amyloid deposition in AD, and are both structurally and functionally vulnerable early in the disease. This normalcy-pathology homology is critical to understand, since aging itself is the major risk factor for sporadic AD. Thus, rather than necessarily reflecting early signs of disease, these changes may be part of normal aging, and may inform on why the aging brain is so much more susceptible to AD than is the younger brain. We suggest that regions characterized by a high degree of life-long plasticity are vulnerable to detrimental effects of normal aging, and that this age-vulnerability renders them more susceptible to additional, pathological AD-related changes. We conclude that it will be difficult to understand AD without understanding why it preferably affects older brains, and that we need a model that accounts for age-related changes in AD-vulnerable regions independently of AD-pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders M Fjell
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Linda McEvoy
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dominic Holland
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Anders M Dale
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kristine B Walhovd
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
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GSK3β, CREB, and BDNF in peripheral blood of patients with Alzheimer's disease and depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:83-93. [PMID: 24334212 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play critical roles in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and memory and participate in the pathophysiology of both depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS This study was designed to determine the association of GSK3β activity, CREB activity and BDNF concentration in peripheral blood of patients with AD with or without depressive symptoms and in depressive patients without AD. GSK3β activity in platelets, CREB activity in lymphocytes and BDNF concentration in plasma, platelet-rich plasma or platelets were measured in 85 AD patients (36 of whom displayed co-morbid depressive symptoms), 65 non-AD patients with depressive disorder and 96 healthy controls. AD patients were clinically assessed for stage of dementia, cognitive impairment and severity of depressive symptoms. Depressive patients were clinically assessed for severity of depression. RESULTS We observed increased CREB activity and GSK3β activity in AD with depressive symptoms or in AD at mild stage of dementia. Decreased BDNF concentration was found in platelet-rich plasma of AD patients at moderate to severe stages of dementia or in AD without depressive symptoms. An association was revealed of the severity of cognitive impairment with the increase of GSK3β in the platelets of AD patients with mild dementia. In depressive patients, a lower concentration of phosphorylated GSK3β was associated with a higher severity of depression. Association was confirmed between severity of depression, CREB activation, and BDNF concentration in drug-naïve depressive patients. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrated that AD is accompanied by increased CREB activity in lymphocytes and a decreased concentration of BDNF in platelet-rich plasma. The decreased BDNF concentration appears to correlate with moderate to severe stages of dementia in AD. Observation of decreased phosphorylation of GSK3β in platelets of both AD patients with depressive symptoms and depressive patients after treatment confirms the role of increased GSK3β activity in the pathophysiology of both AD and depressive disorder. Associations were confirmed between AD and platelet GSK3β activity, lymphocyte CREB activity and plasma BDNF. CREB activity and platelet BDNF concentration seems to be related to depressive disorder.
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30
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Beauquis J, Vinuesa A, Pomilio C, Pavía P, Galván V, Saravia F. Neuronal and glial alterations, increased anxiety, and cognitive impairment before hippocampal amyloid deposition in PDAPP mice, model of Alzheimer's disease. Hippocampus 2014; 24:257-69. [PMID: 24132937 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD), hippocampal alterations have been well described in advanced stages of the pathology, when amyloid deposition, inflammation and glial activation occur, but less attention has been directed to studying early brain and behavioral changes. Using an animal model of AD, the transgenic PDAPP-J20 mouse at 5 months of age, when no amyloid plaques are present and low cerebral levels of amyloid peptides are detectable, we found structural, morphological, and cellular alterations in the hippocampus. Young transgenic mice showed a reduced hippocampal volume with less number of pyramidal and granular neurons, which additionally exhibited cell atrophy. The neurogenic capability in this zone, measured as DCX+ cells, was strongly diminished and associated to alterations in cell maturity. A decrease in presynaptic synaptophysin optical density was detected in mossy fibers reaching CA3 subfield but not in Golgi stained- CA1 dendritic spine density. Employing confocal microscopy and accurate stereological tools we also found a reduction in the number of GFAP+ cells, along with decreased astrocyte complexity, suggesting a potential detriment of neural support. According with untimely neuroglial alterations, young PDAPP mice failed in the novel location recognition test, that depends on hippocampal function. Moreover, multivariate statistical analysis of the behavioral outcome in the open-field test evidenced an elevated anxiety score in Tg mice compared with age-matched control mice. In line with this, the transgenic group showed a higher number of c-Fos+ nuclei in central and basolateral amygdala, a result that supports the early involvement of the emotionality factor in AD pathology. Applying an integrative approach, this work focuses on early structural, morphological and functional changes and provides new and compelling evidence of behavioral alterations that precede manifest AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Beauquis
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental CONICET and Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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31
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Fjell AM, McEvoy L, Holland D, Dale AM, Walhovd KB. What is normal in normal aging? Effects of aging, amyloid and Alzheimer's disease on the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 117:20-40. [PMID: 24548606 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
What can be expected in normal aging, and where does normal aging stop and pathological neurodegeneration begin? With the slow progression of age-related dementias such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is difficult to distinguish age-related changes from effects of undetected disease. We review recent research on changes of the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus in aging and the borders between normal aging and AD. We argue that prominent cortical reductions are evident in fronto-temporal regions in elderly even with low probability of AD, including regions overlapping the default mode network. Importantly, these regions show high levels of amyloid deposition in AD, and are both structurally and functionally vulnerable early in the disease. This normalcy-pathology homology is critical to understand, since aging itself is the major risk factor for sporadic AD. Thus, rather than necessarily reflecting early signs of disease, these changes may be part of normal aging, and may inform on why the aging brain is so much more susceptible to AD than is the younger brain. We suggest that regions characterized by a high degree of life-long plasticity are vulnerable to detrimental effects of normal aging, and that this age-vulnerability renders them more susceptible to additional, pathological AD-related changes. We conclude that it will be difficult to understand AD without understanding why it preferably affects older brains, and that we need a model that accounts for age-related changes in AD-vulnerable regions independently of AD-pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders M Fjell
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Linda McEvoy
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dominic Holland
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Anders M Dale
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kristine B Walhovd
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
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32
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Baldassarro VA, Lizzo G, Paradisi M, Fernández M, Giardino L, Calzà L. Neural stem cells isolated from amyloid precursor protein-mutated mice for drug discovery. World J Stem Cells 2013; 5:229-237. [PMID: 24179610 PMCID: PMC3812526 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v5.i4.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To develop an in vitro model based on neural stem cells derived from transgenic animals, to be used in the study of pathological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and for testing new molecules.
METHODS: Neural stem cells (NSCs) were isolated from the subventricular zone of Wild type (Wt) and Tg2576 mice. Primary and secondary neurosphere generation was studied, analysing population doubling and the cell yield per animal. Secondary neurospheres were dissociated and plated on MCM Gel Cultrex 2D and after 6 d in vitro (DIVs) in mitogen withdrawal conditions, spontaneous differentiation was studied using specific neural markers (MAP2 and TuJ-1 for neurons, GFAP for astroglial cells and CNPase for oligodendrocytes). Gene expression pathways were analysed in secondary neurospheres, using the QIAGEN PCR array for neurogenesis, comparing the Tg2576 derived cell expression with the Wt cells. Proteins encoded by the altered genes were clustered using STRING web software.
RESULTS: As revealed by 6E10 positive staining, all Tg2576 derived cells retain the expression of the human transgenic Amyloid Precursor Protein. Tg2576 derived primary neurospheres show a decrease in population doubling. Morphological analysis of differentiated NSCs reveals a decrease in MAP2- and an increase in GFAP-positive cells in Tg2576 derived cells. Analysing the branching of TuJ-1 positive cells, a clear decrease in neurite number and length is observed in Tg2576 cells. The gene expression neurogenesis pathway revealed 11 altered genes in Tg2576 NSCs compared to Wt.
CONCLUSION: Tg2576 NSCs represent an appropriate AD in vitro model resembling some cellular alterations observed in vivo, both as stem and differentiated cells.
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Toneff T, Funkelstein L, Mosier C, Abagyan A, Ziegler M, Hook V. Beta-amyloid peptides undergo regulated co-secretion with neuropeptide and catecholamine neurotransmitters. Peptides 2013; 46:126-35. [PMID: 23747840 PMCID: PMC3842158 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides are secreted from neurons, resulting in extracellular accumulation of Aβ and neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease. Because neuronal secretion is fundamental for the release of neurotransmitters, this study assessed the hypothesis that Aβ undergoes co-release with neurotransmitters. Model neuronal-like chromaffin cells were investigated, and results illustrate regulated, co-secretion of Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) with peptide neurotransmitters (galanin, enkephalin, and NPY) and catecholamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). Regulated secretion from chromaffin cells was stimulated by KCl depolarization and nicotine. Forskolin, stimulating cAMP, also induced co-secretion of Aβ peptides with peptide and catecholamine neurotransmitters. These data suggested the co-localization of Aβ with neurotransmitters in dense core secretory vesicles (DCSV) that store and secrete such chemical messengers. Indeed, Aβ was demonstrated to be present in DCSV with neuropeptide and catecholamine transmitters. Furthermore, the DCSV organelle contains APP and its processing proteases, β- and γ-secretases, that are necessary for production of Aβ. Thus, Aβ can be generated in neurotransmitter-containing DCSV. Human IMR32 neuroblastoma cells also displayed regulated secretion of Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) with the galanin neurotransmitter. These findings illustrate that Aβ peptides are present in neurotransmitter-containing DCSV, and undergo co-secretion with neuropeptide and catecholamine neurotransmitters that regulate brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Toneff
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department and Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Lydiane Funkelstein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department and Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Charles Mosier
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department and Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Armen Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Michael Ziegler
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Vivian Hook
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department and Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Corresponding author at: Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC0744, La Jolla, CA 92093-0744, United States. Tel.: +1 858 822 6682; fax: +1 858 822 6681. (V. Hook)
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