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Anjali, Kamboj P, Alam O, Patel H, Ahmad I, Ahmad SS, Amir M. Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and in silico studies of quinoxaline derivatives as potent p38α MAPK inhibitors. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300301. [PMID: 37847883 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
A new series of quinoxaline derivatives possessing the hydrazone moiety were designed, synthesized, and screened for in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity by the bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation technique, and for antioxidant activity, by the (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The synthesized compounds were also tested for p38α mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibition. The in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema inhibition method. All the compounds (4a-n) exhibited moderate to high in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 4a displayed the highest inhibitory activity in the BSA assay (83.42%) in comparison to the standard drug diclofenac sodium (82.90%), while 4d exhibited comparable activity (81.87%). The DPPH assay revealed that compounds 4a and 4d have free radical scavenging potential (74.70% and 74.34%, respectively) comparable to the standard butylated hydroxyanisole (74.09%). Furthermore, the p38α MAP kinase inhibition assay demonstrated that compound 4a is highly selective against p38α MAP kinase (IC50 = 0.042) in comparison to the standard SB203580 (IC50 = 0.044). The five most active compounds (4a-4d and 4f) with good in-vitro profiles were selected for in-vivo anti-inflammatory studies. Compounds 4a and 4d were found to display the highest activity (83.61% and 82.92% inhibition, respectively) in comparison to the standard drug diclofenac sodium (82.65% inhibition). These compounds (4a and 4d) also exhibited better ulcerogenic and lipid peroxidation profiles than diclofenac sodium. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies were also performed and found to be in agreement with the p38α MAP kinase inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Payal Kamboj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Ozair Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Harun Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Iqrar Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prof. Ravindra Nikam College of Pharmacy, Gondur, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
| | - Syed Sufian Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohd Amir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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Acquarone E, Argyrousi EK, Arancio O, Watterson DM, Roy SM. The 5HT2b Receptor in Alzheimer's Disease: Increased Levels in Patient Brains and Antagonist Attenuation of Amyloid and Tau Induced Dysfunction. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1349-1360. [PMID: 38578894 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Background: Neurodegenerative diseases manifest behavioral dysfunction with disease progression. Intervention with neuropsychiatric drugs is part of most multi-drug treatment paradigms. However, only a fraction of patients responds to the treatments and those responding must deal with drug-drug interactions and tolerance issues generally attributed to off-target activities. Recent efforts have focused on the identification of underexplored targets and exploration of improved outcomes by treatment with selective molecular probes. Objective As part of ongoing efforts to identify and validate additional targets amenable to therapeutic intervention, we examined levels of the serotonin 5-HT2b receptor (5-HT2bR) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and the potential of a selective 5-HT2bR antagonist to counteract synaptic plasticity and memory damage induced by AD-related proteins, amyloid-β, and tau. Methods This work used a combination of biochemical, chemical biology, electrophysiological, and behavioral techniques. Biochemical methods included analysis of protein levels. Chemical biology methods included the use of an in vivo molecular probe MW071, a selective antagonist for the 5HT2bR. Electrophysiological methods included assessment of long-term potentiation (LTP), a type of synaptic plasticity thought to underlie memory formation. Behavioral studies investigated spatial memory and associative memory. Results 5HT2bR levels are increased in brain specimens of AD patients compared to controls. 5HT2bR antagonist treatment rescued amyloid-β and tau oligomer-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity and memory. Conclusions The increased levels of 5HT-2bR in AD patient brains and the attenuation of disease-related synaptic and behavioral dysfunctions by MW071 treatment suggest that the 5HT-2bR is a molecular target worth pursuing as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Acquarone
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elentina K Argyrousi
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Martin Watterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Saktimayee M Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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3
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Yoon HR, Park GJ, Balupuri A, Kang NS. TWN-FS method: A novel fragment screening method for drug discovery. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4683-4696. [PMID: 37841326 PMCID: PMC10568351 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a well-established and effective method for generating diverse and novel hits in drug design. Kinases are suitable targets for FBDD due to their well-defined structure. Water molecules contribute to structure and function of proteins and also influence the environment within the binding pocket. Water molecules form a variety of hydrogen-bonded cyclic water-ring networks, collectively known as topological water networks (TWNs). Analyzing the TWNs in protein binding sites can provide valuable insights into potential locations and shapes for fragments within the binding site. Here, we introduce TWN-based fragment screening (TWN-FS) method, a novel screening method that suggests fragments through grouped TWN analysis within the protein binding site. We used this method to screen known CDK2, CHK1, IGF1R and ERBB4 inhibitors. Our findings suggest that TWN-FS method has the potential to effectively screen fragments. The TWN-FS method package is available on GitHub at https://github.com/pkj0421/TWN-FS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ree Yoon
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Gyoung Jin Park
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Anand Balupuri
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Nam Sook Kang
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
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4
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Mansour HM, Mohamed AF, El-Khatib AS, Khattab MM. Kinases control of regulated cell death revealing druggable targets for Parkinson's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 85:101841. [PMID: 36608709 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the world. Motor impairment seen in PD is associated with dopaminergic neurotoxicity in the striatum, and dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Cell death has a significant effect on the development and progression of PD. Extensive research over the last few decades has unveiled new regulated cell death (RCD) mechanisms that are not dependent on apoptosis such as necroptosis, ferroptosis, and others. In this review, we will overview the mechanistic pathways of different types of RCD. Unlike accidental cell death, RCD subroutines can be regulated and the RCD-associated kinases are potential druggable targets. Hence, we will address an overview and analysis of different kinases regulating apoptosis such as receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK-1), RIPK3, mixed lineage kinase (MLK), Ataxia telangiectasia muted (ATM), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), Apoptosis-signaling kinase-1 (ASK-1), and Leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2). In addition to the role of RIPK1, RIPK3, and Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain like Pseudokinase (MLKL) in necroptosis. We also overview functions of AMP-kinase (AMPK), protein kinase C (PKC), RIPK3, and ATM in ferroptosis. We will recap the anti-apoptotic, anti-necroptotic, and anti-ferroptotic effects of different kinase inhibitors in different models of PD. Finally, we will discuss future challenges in the repositioning of kinase inhibitors in PD. In conclusion, this review kicks-start targeting RCD from a kinases perspective, opening novel therapeutic disease-modifying therapeutic avenues for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Egyptian Drug Authority, EDA, Giza, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Khattab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Vishal K, Bhuiyan P, Qi J, Chen Y, Zhang J, Yang F, Li J. Unraveling the Mechanism of Immunity and Inflammation Related to Molecular Signatures Crosstalk Among Obesity, T2D, and AD: Insights From Bioinformatics Approaches. Bioinform Biol Insights 2023; 17:11779322231167977. [PMID: 37124128 PMCID: PMC10134115 DOI: 10.1177/11779322231167977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD), and increasing evidence indicates a link between impaired immune signaling pathways and the development of AD. However, the shared cellular mechanisms and molecular signatures among these 3 diseases remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to uncover similar molecular markers and pathways involved in obesity, T2D, and AD using bioinformatics and a network biology approach. First, we investigated the 3 RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) gene expression data sets and determined 224 commonly shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from obesity, T2D, and AD diseases. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that mutual DEGs were mainly enriched with immune and inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, we constructed a protein-protein interactions network for finding hub genes, which have not previously been identified as playing a critical role in these 3 diseases. Furthermore, the transcriptional factors and protein kinases regulating commonly shared DEGs among obesity, T2D, and AD were also identified. Finally, we suggested potential drug candidates as possible therapeutic interventions for 3 diseases. The results of this bioinformatics analysis provided a new understanding of the potential links between obesity, T2D, and AD pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Vishal
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Piplu Bhuiyan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junxia Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jubiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juxue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Fen Yang, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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Essential Oils from the Leaves, Stem, and Roots of Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce in Vietnam: Determination of Chemical Composition, and In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies on Anti-Inflammatory Activity. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227839. [PMID: 36431950 PMCID: PMC9697122 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce, a flowering plant, is used for treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we determined the chemical composition of the EOs extracted from the leaves (LBEO), stem (SBEO), and roots (RBEO) of B. lanceolaria and analyzed their anti-inflammation potential. Overall, 30 compounds representing 99.12%, 98.44%, and 96.89% of total EO constituents of the leaves, stem, and roots, respectively, were identified using GC-MS. ELISA, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR studies showed that LBEO, SBEO, and RBEO inhibited multiple steps in the inflammatory responses in the RAW 264.7 cell model, including NO production; TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 transcription and translation; and phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 of the NF-κB pathway. In the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, all three EOs inhibited paw edema at both early and delayed phases. Molecular docking studies indicated that the main components of B. lanceolaria EOs (BEOs) targeted and inhibited major components of inflammation-related pathways, including the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, NF-κB pathway, and MAPK pathway. We present the first study to characterize the chemical composition of BEOs and confirm their potent anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro, in vivo, and in silico analysis. These results can facilitate the development of effective anti-inflammatory drugs with limited side effects in the future.
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7
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Ghani A, Sadiq Z, Iqbal S, Yasmeen A, Shujaat S, Ali I. Screening of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of functionalized tetrahydrocarbazole linked 1,2-diazoles and their docking studies. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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8
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Fan X, Xia L, Zhou Z, Qiu Y, Zhao C, Yin X, Qian W. Tau Acts in Concert With Kinase/Phosphatase Underlying Synaptic Dysfunction. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:908881. [PMID: 35711910 PMCID: PMC9196307 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.908881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by two pathological features: neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), formed by microtubule-associated protein tau, and abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ). Multiple evidence placed synaptic tau as the vital fact of AD pathology, especially at the very early stage of AD. In the present review, we discuss tau phosphorylation, which is critical for the dendritic localization of tau and synaptic plasticity. We review the related kinases and phosphatases implicated in the synaptic function of tau. We also review the synergistic effects of these kinases and phosphatases on tau-associated synaptic deficits. We aim to open a new perspective on the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liye Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chenhao Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaomin Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Qian
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9
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Prins ND, Harrison JE, Chu HM, Blackburn K, Alam JJ, Scheltens P. A phase 2 double-blind placebo-controlled 24-week treatment clinical study of the p38 alpha kinase inhibitor neflamapimod in mild Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2021; 13:106. [PMID: 34044875 PMCID: PMC8157623 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In preclinical studies, p38⍺ kinase is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. In animal models, it mediates impaired synaptic dysfunction in the hippocampus, causing memory deficits, and is involved in amyloid-beta (Aβ) production and tau pathology. METHODS The REVERSE-SD (synaptic dysfunction) study was a multi-center phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the p38⍺ kinase inhibitor neflamapimod; conducted December 29, 2017, to June 17, 2019; 464 participants screened, and 161 randomized to either 40 mg neflamapimod (78 study participants) or matching placebo (83 study participants), orally twice daily for 24 weeks. Study participants are as follows: CSF AD-biomarker confirmed, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR)-global score 0.5 or 1.0, CDR-memory score ≥0.5, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 20-28. The primary endpoint was the improvement in episodic memory, assessed by combined change in Z-scores of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) Total and Delayed Recall. Secondary endpoints included change in Wechsler Memory Scale-IV (WMS) Immediate and Delayed Recall composites, CDR-SB, MMSE, and CSF biomarkers [total and phosphorylated tau (T-tau and p-tau181), Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, neurogranin, and neurofilament light chain]. RESULTS At randomization, the mean age is 72, 50% female, 77% with CDR-global score 0.5, and mean MMSE score 23.8. The incidence of discontinuation for adverse events and serious adverse events (all considered unrelated) was 3% each. No significant differences between treatment groups were observed in the primary or secondary clinical endpoints. Significantly reduced CSF levels with neflamapimod treatment, relative to placebo, were evident for T-tau [difference (95% CI): -18.8 (-35.8, -1.8); P=0.031] and p-tau181 [-2.0 (-3.6, -0.5); P=0.012], with a trend for neurogranin [-21.0 (-43.6, 1.6); P=0.068]. In pre-specified pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) analyses, subjects in the highest quartile of trough plasma neflamapimod levels demonstrated positive trends, compared with placebo, in HLVT-R and WMS. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A 24-week treatment with 40 mg neflamapimod twice daily did not improve episodic memory in patients with mild AD. However, neflamapimod treatment lowered CSF biomarkers of synaptic dysfunction. Combined with PK-PD findings, the results indicate that a longer duration study of neflamapimod at a higher dose level to assess effects on AD progression is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03402659 . Registered on January 18, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels D Prins
- Alzheimer Center, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Brain Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - John E Harrison
- Alzheimer Center, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Metis Cognition Ltd., Wiltshire, UK
| | | | | | | | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Brain Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Puzzo D, Argyrousi EK, Staniszewski A, Zhang H, Calcagno E, Zuccarello E, Acquarone E, Fa' M, Li Puma DD, Grassi C, D'Adamio L, Kanaan NM, Fraser PE, Arancio O. Tau is not necessary for amyloid-β-induced synaptic and memory impairments. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:4831-4844. [PMID: 32544084 DOI: 10.1172/jci137040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid hypothesis posits that the amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein precedes and requires microtubule-associated protein tau in a sort of trigger-bullet mechanism leading to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. This sequence of events has become dogmatic in the AD field and is used to explain clinical trial failures due to a late start of the intervention when Aβ already activated tau. Here, using a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biological, biochemical, histopathological, electrophysiological, and behavioral methods, we demonstrated that tau suppression did not protect against Aβ-induced damage of long-term synaptic plasticity and memory, or from amyloid deposition. Tau suppression could even unravel a defect in basal synaptic transmission in a mouse model of amyloid deposition. Similarly, tau suppression did not protect against exogenous oligomeric tau-induced impairment of long-term synaptic plasticity and memory. The protective effect of tau suppression was, in turn, confined to short-term plasticity and memory. Taken together, our data suggest that therapies downstream of Aβ and tau together are more suitable to combat AD than therapies against one or the other alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Elentina K Argyrousi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Agnieszka Staniszewski
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elisa Calcagno
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elisa Zuccarello
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erica Acquarone
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mauro Fa'
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Domenica D Li Puma
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano D'Adamio
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Paul E Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, and.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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11
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Iqbal S, Potharaju R, Naveen S, Lokanath NK, Mohanakrishnan AK, Gunasekaran K. Design, crystal structure determination, molecular dynamic simulation and MMGBSA calculations of novel p38-alpha MAPK inhibitors for combating Alzheimer's disease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6114-6127. [PMID: 33522434 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1877197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The hallmark of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of aggregated, misfolded proteins. The cause for this accumulation is increased production of misfolded proteins and impaired clearance of them. Amyloid aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation are the two proteinopathies which accomplish deprivation of cell and tissue hemostasis during neuropathological process of the AD, as a result of which progressive neuronal degeneration and the loss of cognitive functions. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) has been implicated in both the events associated with AD: tau protein phosphorylation and inflammation. p38α MAPK pathway is activated by a dual phosphorylation at Thr180 and Tyr182 residues. Clinical and preclinical evidence implicates the stress related kinase p38α MAPK as a potential neurotherapeutic target. Drug design of p38α MAPK inhibitors is mainly focused on small molecules that compete for Adenosine triphosphate in the catalytic site. Here we have carried out the synthesis of phenyl sulfonamide derivatives Sulfo (I) and Sulfo (II). Crystal structures of Sulfo (I) and Sulfo (II) were solved by direct methods using SHELXS-97. Sulfo (I) and Sulfo (II) have Rint values of 0.0283 and 0.0660, respectively, indicating good quality of crystals and investigated their ability against p38α MAPK. Docking studies revealed that the Sulfo (I) had better binding affinity (-62.24 kcal/mol) as compared to Sulfo (II) and cocrystal having binding affinity of -54.61 kcal/mol and -59.84 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation studies of Sulfo (I) and cocrystal of p38α MAPK suggest that during the course of 30 ns simulation run, compound Sulfo (I) attained stability, substantiating the consistency of its binding to p38α MAPK compared to cocrystal. Binding free energy analysis suggests that the compound Sulfo (I) is better than the cocrystal. Thus, this study corroborates the therapeutic potential of synthesized Sulfo (I) in combatting AD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleem Iqbal
- Department of Computational and Data Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.,Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography & Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Raju Potharaju
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India.,Escientia Bio Pharma Private Limited Turkapally, Hyderabad, India
| | - S Naveen
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore, India
| | - N K Lokanath
- Department of Studies in Physics, University of Mysore, Mysore, India
| | - Arasambattu K Mohanakrishnan
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India.,Escientia Bio Pharma Private Limited Turkapally, Hyderabad, India
| | - Krishnasamy Gunasekaran
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography & Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai, India
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12
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Benn CL, Dawson LA. Clinically Precedented Protein Kinases: Rationale for Their Use in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:242. [PMID: 33117143 PMCID: PMC7494159 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinases are an intensively studied drug target class in current pharmacological research as evidenced by the large number of kinase inhibitors being assessed in clinical trials. Kinase-targeted therapies have potential for treatment of a broad array of indications including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In addition to the many variables which contribute to identification of a successful therapeutic molecule, drug discovery for CNS-related disorders also requires significant consideration of access to the target organ and specifically crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To date, only a small number of kinase inhibitors have been reported that are specifically designed to be BBB permeable, which nonetheless demonstrates the potential for success. This review considers the potential for kinase inhibitors in the context of unmet medical need for neurodegenerative disease. A subset of kinases that have been the focus of clinical investigations over a 10-year period have been identified and discussed individually. For each kinase target, the data underpinning the validity of each in the context of neurodegenerative disease is critically evaluated. Selected molecules for each kinase are identified with information on modality, binding site and CNS penetrance, if known. Current clinical development in neurodegenerative disease are summarized. Collectively, the review indicates that kinase targets with sufficient rationale warrant careful design approaches with an emphasis on improving brain penetrance and selectivity.
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13
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Simon CM, Van Alstyne M, Lotti F, Bianchetti E, Tisdale S, Watterson DM, Mentis GZ, Pellizzoni L. Stasimon Contributes to the Loss of Sensory Synapses and Motor Neuron Death in a Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Cell Rep 2020; 29:3885-3901.e5. [PMID: 31851921 PMCID: PMC6956708 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced expression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein causes the neurodegenerative disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, we show that adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-mediated delivery of Stasimon—a gene encoding an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident transmembrane protein regulated by SMN—improves motor function in a mouse model of SMA through multiple mechanisms. In proprioceptive neurons, Stasimon overexpression prevents the loss of afferent synapses on motor neurons and enhances sensory-motor neurotransmission. In motor neurons, Stasimon suppresses neurodegeneration by reducing phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor p53. Moreover, Stasimon deficiency converges on SMA-related mechanisms of p53 upregulation to induce phosphorylation of p53 through activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and pharmacological inhibition of this kinase prevents motor neuron death in SMA mice. These findings identify Stasimon dysfunction induced by SMN deficiency as an upstream driver of distinct cellular cascades that lead to synaptic loss and motor neuron degeneration, revealing a dual contribution of Stasimon to motor circuit pathology in SMA. SMN deficiency causes motor circuit dysfunction in SMA. Simon et al. show that Stasimon—an ER-resident protein regulated by SMN—contributes to sensory synaptic loss and motor neuron death in SMA mice through distinct mechanisms. In motor neurons, Stasimon dysfunction induces p38 MAPK-mediated phosphorylation of p53 whose inhibition prevents neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Simon
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Meaghan Van Alstyne
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elena Bianchetti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sarah Tisdale
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - D Martin Watterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - George Z Mentis
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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14
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Asih PR, Prikas E, Stefanoska K, Tan ARP, Ahel HI, Ittner A. Functions of p38 MAP Kinases in the Central Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:570586. [PMID: 33013322 PMCID: PMC7509416 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.570586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are a central component in signaling networks in a multitude of mammalian cell types. This review covers recent advances on specific functions of p38 MAP kinases in cells of the central nervous system. Unique and specific functions of the four mammalian p38 kinases are found in all major cell types in the brain. Mechanisms of p38 activation and downstream phosphorylation substrates in these different contexts are outlined and how they contribute to functions of p38 in physiological and under disease conditions. Results in different model organisms demonstrated that p38 kinases are involved in cognitive functions, including functions related to anxiety, addiction behavior, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration, and decision making. Finally, the role of p38 kinases in psychiatric and neurological conditions and the current progress on therapeutic inhibitors targeting p38 kinases are covered and implicate p38 kinases in a multitude of CNS-related physiological and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prita R Asih
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Prikas
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda R P Tan
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Holly I Ahel
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Falcicchia C, Tozzi F, Arancio O, Watterson DM, Origlia N. Involvement of p38 MAPK in Synaptic Function and Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165624. [PMID: 32781522 PMCID: PMC7460549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have revealed a central role of p38 MAPK in neuronal plasticity and the regulation of long-term changes in synaptic efficacy, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). However, p38 MAPK is classically known as a responsive element to stress stimuli, including neuroinflammation. Specific to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), several studies have shown that the p38 MAPK cascade is activated either in response to the Aβ peptide or in the presence of tauopathies. Here, we describe the role of p38 MAPK in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and its implication in an animal model of neurodegeneration. In particular, recent evidence suggests the p38 MAPK α isoform as a potential neurotherapeutic target, and specific inhibitors have been developed and have proven to be effective in ameliorating synaptic and memory deficits in AD mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falcicchia
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Tozzi
- Bio@SNS laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Nicola Origlia
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-3153193
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16
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Fagiani F, Lanni C, Racchi M, Govoni S. Targeting dementias through cancer kinases inhibition. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2020; 6:e12044. [PMID: 32671184 PMCID: PMC7341824 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The failures in Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy strongly suggest the importance of reconsidering the research strategies analyzing other mechanisms that may take place in AD as well as, in general, in other neurodegenerative dementias. Taking into account that in AD a variety of defects result in neurotransmitter activity and signaling efficiency imbalance, neuronal cell degeneration and defects in damage/repair systems, aberrant and abortive cell cycle, glial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, a target may be represented by the intracellular signaling machinery provided by the kinome. In particular, based on the observations of a relationship between cancer and AD, we focused on cancer kinases for targeting neurodegeneration, highlighting the importance of targeting the intracellular pathways at the intersection between cell metabolism control/duplication, the inhibition of which may stop a progression in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
- Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section)University of PaviaPaviaItaly
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17
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Wilkes MC, Siva K, Chen J, Varetti G, Youn MY, Chae H, Ek F, Olsson R, Lundbäck T, Dever DP, Nishimura T, Narla A, Glader B, Nakauchi H, Porteus MH, Repellin CE, Gazda HT, Lin S, Serrano M, Flygare J, Sakamoto KM. Diamond Blackfan anemia is mediated by hyperactive Nemo-like kinase. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3344. [PMID: 32620751 PMCID: PMC7334220 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome associated with ribosomal gene mutations that lead to ribosomal insufficiency. DBA is characterized by anemia, congenital anomalies, and cancer predisposition. Treatment for DBA is associated with significant morbidity. Here, we report the identification of Nemo-like kinase (NLK) as a potential target for DBA therapy. To identify new DBA targets, we screen for small molecules that increase erythroid expansion in mouse models of DBA. This screen identified a compound that inhibits NLK. Chemical and genetic inhibition of NLK increases erythroid expansion in mouse and human progenitors, including bone marrow cells from DBA patients. In DBA models and patient samples, aberrant NLK activation is initiated at the Megakaryocyte/Erythroid Progenitor (MEP) stage of differentiation and is not observed in non-erythroid hematopoietic lineages or healthy erythroblasts. We propose that NLK mediates aberrant erythropoiesis in DBA and is a potential target for therapy. Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome that is associated with anemia. Here, the authors examine the role of Nemo-like kinase (NLK) in erythroid cells in the pathogenesis of DBA and as a potential target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Wilkes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - K Siva
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, 22184, Sweden
| | - J Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, 22184, Sweden
| | - G Varetti
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.,Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - M Y Youn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - H Chae
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - F Ek
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Group, Department of Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, 22184, Sweden
| | - R Olsson
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Group, Department of Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, 22184, Sweden
| | - T Lundbäck
- Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), Science for Life Laboratory, Department for Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D P Dever
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - T Nishimura
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - A Narla
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - B Glader
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - H Nakauchi
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - M H Porteus
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - C E Repellin
- Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - H T Gazda
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - S Lin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Development Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - M Serrano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.,Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - J Flygare
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, 22184, Sweden
| | - K M Sakamoto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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18
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Reduced Expression of the PP2A Methylesterase, PME-1, or the PP2A Methyltransferase, LCMT-1, Alters Sensitivity to Beta-Amyloid-Induced Cognitive and Electrophysiological Impairments in Mice. J Neurosci 2020; 40:4596-4608. [PMID: 32341098 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2983-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is thought to play a critical role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and application of soluble oligomeric forms of Aβ produces AD-like impairments in cognition and synaptic plasticity in experimental systems. We found previously that transgenic overexpression of the PP2A methylesterase, PME-1, or the PP2A methyltransferase, LCMT-1, altered the sensitivity of mice to Aβ-induced impairments, suggesting that PME-1 inhibition may be an effective approach for preventing or treating these impairments. To explore this possibility, we examined the behavioral and electrophysiological effects of acutely applied synthetic Aβ oligomers in male and female mice heterozygous for either a PME-1 KO or an LCMT-1 gene-trap mutation. We found that heterozygous PME-1 KO mice were resistant to Aβ-induced impairments in cognition and synaptic plasticity, whereas LCMT-1 gene-trap mice showed increased sensitivity to Aβ-induced impairments. The heterozygous PME-1 KO mice produced normal levels of endogenous Aβ and exhibited normal electrophysiological responses to picomolar concentrations of Aβ, suggesting that reduced PME-1 expression in these animals protects against Aβ-induced impairments without impacting normal physiological Aβ functions. Together, these data provide additional support for roles for PME-1 and LCMT-1 in regulating sensitivity to Aβ-induced impairments, and suggest that inhibition of PME-1 may constitute a viable therapeutic approach for selectively protecting against the pathologic actions of Aβ in AD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Elevated levels of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain are thought to contribute to the cognitive impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease patients. Here we show that genetically reducing endogenous levels of the PP2A methylesterase, PME-1, prevents the cognitive and electrophysiological impairments caused by acute exposure to pathologic concentrations of Aβ without impairing normal physiological Aβ function or endogenous Aβ production. Conversely, reducing endogenous levels of the PP2A methyltransferase, LCMT-1, increases sensitivity to Aβ-induced impairments. These data offer additional insights into the molecular factors that control sensitivity to Aβ-induced impairments, and suggest that inhibiting PME-1 may constitute a viable therapeutic avenue for preventing Aβ-related impairments in Alzheimer's disease.
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19
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Wang Y, Wang Z. Identification of dysregulated genes and pathways of different brain regions in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Neurosci 2020; 130:1082-1094. [PMID: 32019384 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1720677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative neurologic disease. The study aimed to identify the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in AD pathogenesis and obtain potential biomarkers in AD diagnosis.Methods: An integrated analysis of publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus datasets of AD was performed. DEGs in hippocampus tissue (HIP), temporal gyrus tissue (TG), frontal gyrus tissue (FG) and whole blood (WB) were identified. Bioinformatics analyses were used to insight into the functions of DEGs. The expression levels of candidate DEGs were preliminarily validated in GSE1297. The discriminatory ability of candidate DEGs in WB samples of AD patients and healthy individuals was evaluated in GSE63060 and GSE63061 datasets through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Results: The DEGs in HIP, TG and FG tissues of AD were identified. Functions involved in regulation of apoptotic process, apoptotic process and cell death were significantly enriched from DEGs in AD. MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway were significantly enriched. YAP1, MAPK9 and GJA1 were the hub proteins in protein-protein interaction network in HIP, TG and FG. The expression levels of 14 DEGs in GSE1297 dataset were consistent with our integrated analysis. Moreover, 7 out of 14 DEGs had the diagnostic value in distinguishing AD patients from healthy controls in both GSE630060 and GSE630061 datasets.Conclusion: The DEGs including YAP1, MAPK1, GJA1 and pathways including MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway may be related to AD progression. RAD51C, SAFB2, SSH3 and TXNDC9 might be potential biomarkers in AD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai District, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai District, Tianjin, China
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20
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Kheiri G, Dolatshahi M, Rahmani F, Rezaei N. Role of p38/MAPKs in Alzheimer's disease: implications for amyloid beta toxicity targeted therapy. Rev Neurosci 2019; 30:9-30. [PMID: 29804103 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2018-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A myriad of environmental and genetic factors, as well as the physiologic process of aging, contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Neuroinflammation is and has been a focus of interest, as a common gateway for initiation of many of the underlying pathologies of AD. Amyloid beta (Aβ) toxicity, increasing RAGE expression, tau hyperphosphorylation, induction of apoptosis, and deregulated autophagy are among other mechanisms, partly entangled and being explained by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and MAPK signaling. p38 MAPK is the most essential regulator of Aβ induced toxicity from this family. p38 induces NF-κB activation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and disruption of synaptic plasticity, which are other implications of all justifying the p38 MAPK as a potential target to break the vicious Aβ toxicity cycle. Until recently, many in vivo and in vitro studies have investigated the effects of p38 MAPK inhibitors in AD. The pyridinyl imidazole compounds SB202190 and SB203580 have shown promising anti-apoptotic results in vivo. MW108 inhibits activation of p38 and is able to postpone cognitive decline in animal models. The PD169316, with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic features, has improved spatial memory in vivo. Natural compounds from Camellia sinensis (green tea), polyphenols from olive oil, pinocembrin from propolis, and the puerarine extract isoflavones, have shown strong anti-apoptotic features, mediated by p38 MAPK inhibition. Use of these drug targets is limited due to central nervous system side effects or cross-reactivity with other kinases, predicting the low efficacy of these drugs in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Kheiri
- Student's Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 1416753955 Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 19166 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Dolatshahi
- Student's Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 1416753955 Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 19166 Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rahmani
- Student's Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 1416753955 Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 19166 Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 19166 Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran 14194, Iran
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21
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Sun B, Zhang H, Dong Y, Zhao L, Han J, Liu M. Evaluation of the combination mode and features of p38 MAPK inhibitors: construction of different pharmacophore models and molecular docking. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2019.1606426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Dong
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liyu Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Han
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Roy SM, Minasov G, Arancio O, Chico LW, Van Eldik LJ, Anderson WF, Pelletier JC, Watterson DM. A Selective and Brain Penetrant p38αMAPK Inhibitor Candidate for Neurologic and Neuropsychiatric Disorders That Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction. J Med Chem 2019; 62:5298-5311. [PMID: 30978288 PMCID: PMC6580366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The p38αMAPK
is a serine/threonine protein kinase and a key
node in the intracellular signaling networks that transduce and amplify
stress signals into physiological changes. A preponderance of preclinical
data and clinical observations established p38αMAPK as a brain
drug discovery target involved in neuroinflammatory responses and
synaptic dysfunction in multiple degenerative and neuropsychiatric
brain disorders. We summarize the discovery of highly selective, brain-penetrant,
small molecule p38αMAPK inhibitors that are efficacious in diverse
animal models of neurologic disorders. A crystallography and pharmacoinformatic
approach to fragment expansion enabled the discovery of an efficacious
hit. The addition of secondary pharmacology screens to refinement
delivered lead compounds with improved selectivity, appropriate pharmacodynamics,
and efficacy. Safety considerations and additional secondary pharmacology
screens drove optimization that delivered the drug candidate MW01-18-150SRM
(MW150), currently in early stage clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saktimayee M Roy
- Northwestern University , 320 East Superior Street , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - George Minasov
- Northwestern University , 320 East Superior Street , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Columbia University , New York , New York 10032 , United States
| | - Laura W Chico
- Northwestern University , 320 East Superior Street , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | | | - Wayne F Anderson
- Northwestern University , 320 East Superior Street , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - Jeffrey C Pelletier
- Northwestern University , 320 East Superior Street , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - D Martin Watterson
- Northwestern University , 320 East Superior Street , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
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23
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Soni S, Anand P, Padwad YS. MAPKAPK2: the master regulator of RNA-binding proteins modulates transcript stability and tumor progression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:121. [PMID: 30850014 PMCID: PMC6408796 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) pathway has been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions including inflammation and metastasis. Post-transcriptional regulation of genes harboring adenine/uridine-rich elements (AREs) in their 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) is controlled by MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK2 or MK2), a downstream substrate of the p38MAPK. In response to diverse extracellular stimuli, MK2 influences crucial signaling events, regulates inflammatory cytokines, transcript stability and critical cellular processes. Expression of genes involved in these vital cellular cascades is controlled by subtle interactions in underlying molecular networks and post-transcriptional gene regulation that determines transcript fate in association with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Several RBPs associate with the 3'-UTRs of the target transcripts and regulate their expression via modulation of transcript stability. Although MK2 regulates important cellular phenomenon, yet its biological significance in tumor progression has not been well elucidated till date. In this review, we have highlighted in detail the importance of MK2 as the master regulator of RBPs and its role in the regulation of transcript stability, tumor progression, as well as the possibility of use of MK2 as a therapeutic target in tumor management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Soni
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Food and Nutraceuticals Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prince Anand
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Food and Nutraceuticals Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yogendra S Padwad
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Food and Nutraceuticals Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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24
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Smith BE, Wang SL, Jaime-Figueroa S, Harbin A, Wang J, Hamman BD, Crews CM. Differential PROTAC substrate specificity dictated by orientation of recruited E3 ligase. Nat Commun 2019; 10:131. [PMID: 30631068 PMCID: PMC6328587 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are hetero-bifunctional molecules that recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase to a given substrate protein resulting in its targeted degradation. Many potent PROTACs with specificity for dissimilar targets have been developed; however, the factors governing degradation selectivity within closely-related protein families remain elusive. Here, we generate isoform-selective PROTACs for the p38 MAPK family using a single warhead (foretinib) and recruited E3 ligase (von Hippel-Lindau). Based on their distinct linker attachments and lengths, these two PROTACs differentially recruit VHL, resulting in degradation of p38α or p38δ. We characterize the role of ternary complex formation in driving selectivity, showing that it is necessary, but insufficient, for PROTAC-induced substrate ubiquitination. Lastly, we explore the p38δ:PROTAC:VHL complex to explain the different selectivity profiles of these PROTACs. Our work attributes the selective degradation of two closely-related proteins using the same warhead and E3 ligase to heretofore underappreciated aspects of the ternary complex model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake E Smith
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Stephen L Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Saul Jaime-Figueroa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Alicia Harbin
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Brian D Hamman
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
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25
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A systems biology network analysis of nutri(epi)genomic changes in endothelial cells exposed to epicatechin metabolites. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15487. [PMID: 30341379 PMCID: PMC6195584 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although vasculo-protective effects of flavan-3-ols are widely accepted today, their impact on endothelial cell functions and molecular mechanisms of action involved is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the potential endothelium-protective effects of circulating epicatechin metabolites and to define underlying mechanisms of action by an integrated systems biology approach. Reduced leukocyte rolling over vascular endothelium was observed following epicatechin supplementation in a mouse model of inflammation. Integrative pathway analysis of transcriptome, miRNome and epigenome profiles of endothelial cells exposed to epicatechin metabolites revealed that by acting at these different levels of regulation, metabolites affect cellular pathways involved in endothelial permeability and interaction with immune cells. In-vitro experiments on endothelial cells confirmed that epicatechin metabolites reduce monocyte adhesion and their transendothelial migration. Altogether, our in-vivo and in-vitro results support the outcome of a systems biology based network analysis which suggests that epicatechin metabolites mediate their vasculoprotective effects through dynamic regulation of endothelial cell monocyte adhesion and permeability. This study illustrates complex and multimodal mechanisms of action by which epicatechin modulate endothelial cell integrity.
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26
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p38α MAPK signaling drives pharmacologically reversible brain and gastrointestinal phenotypes in the SERT Ala56 mouse. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10245-E10254. [PMID: 30297392 PMCID: PMC6205438 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809137115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder with limited treatment options. Activation of p38 MAPK signaling networks has been identified in ASD, and p38 MAPK signaling elevates serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) activity, effects mimicked by multiple, hyperfunctional SERT coding variants identified in ASD subjects. Mice expressing the most common of these variants (SERT Ala56) exhibit hyperserotonemia, a biomarker observed in ASD subjects, as well as p38 MAPK-dependent SERT hyperphosphorylation, elevated hippocampal 5-HT clearance, hypersensitivity of CNS 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptors, and behavioral and gastrointestinal perturbations reminiscent of ASD. As the α-isoform of p38 MAPK drives SERT activation, we tested the hypothesis that CNS-penetrant, α-isoform-specific p38 MAPK inhibitors might normalize SERT Ala56 phenotypes. Strikingly, 1-week treatment of adult SERT Ala56 mice with MW150, a selective p38α MAPK inhibitor, normalized hippocampal 5-HT clearance, CNS 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptor sensitivities, social interactions, and colonic motility. Conditional elimination of p38α MAPK in 5-HT neurons of SERT Ala56 mice restored 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/2C receptor sensitivities as well as social interactions, mirroring effects of MW150. Our findings support ongoing p38α MAPK activity as an important determinant of the physiological and behavioral perturbations of SERT Ala56 mice and, more broadly, supports consideration of p38α MAPK inhibition as a potential treatment for core and comorbid phenotypes present in ASD subjects.
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27
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Perea JR, Ávila J, Bolós M. Dephosphorylated rather than hyperphosphorylated Tau triggers a pro-inflammatory profile in microglia through the p38 MAPK pathway. Exp Neurol 2018; 310:14-21. [PMID: 30138606 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a broad set of neurodegenerative dementias characterized by the aggregation of Tau protein. Activated microglia and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory molecules are also pathological hallmarks of tauopathies. In these diseases, intracellular Tau is secreted to the extracellular space, where it interacts with other cells, such as neurons and glia, promoting inflammation. However, the mechanism through which extracellular Tau triggers pro-inflammatory responses in microglia remains unknown. Primary microglia cultures were treated with extracellular Tau in its hyperphosphorylated, dephosphorylated or non-phosphorylated form. Protein cytokine arrays, real-time PCR, inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway, phosphatase assays, and quantification of proteins through immunoblotting were used to analyze the effect of extracellular Tau on the pro-inflammatory response of microglia. The main finding of this work is that extracellular non-phosphorylated and dephosphorylated forms of Tau, rather than hyperphosphorylated Tau, activate the p38 MAPK pathway in microglia, thus triggering a pro-inflammatory response in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ramón Perea
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CBMSO, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CBMSO, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Bolós
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CBMSO, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Network Center for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Rutigliano G, Stazi M, Arancio O, Watterson DM, Origlia N. An isoform-selective p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor rescues early entorhinal cortex dysfunctions in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 70:86-91. [PMID: 30007168 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a fundamental mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. The stress-induced activation of the p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) leads to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and neurodegeneration. We investigated the effects of an isoform selective p38α MAPK inhibitor, MW01-18-150SRM (MW150), administered at 2.5 mg/kg/d (i.p.; 14 days) on early entorhinal cortex (EC) alterations in an AD mouse model carrying human mutations of the amyloid precursor protein (mhAPP). We used electrophysiological analyses with long-term potentiation induction in EC-containing brain slices and EC-relevant associative memory tasks. We found that MW150 was capable of rescuing long-term potentiation in 2-month old mhAPP mice. Acute delivery of MW150 to brain slices was similarly effective in rescuing long-term potentiation, with a comparable efficacy to that of the widely used multikinase inhibitor SB203580. MW150-treated mhAPP mice demonstrated improved ability to discriminate novel associations between objects and their position/context. Our findings suggest that the selective inhibition of the stress-activated p38α MAPK with MW150 can attenuate the EC dysfunctions associated with neuroinflammation in an early stage of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Rutigliano
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Stazi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Nicola Origlia
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy.
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29
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Fernandes V, Sharma D, Kalia K, Tiwari V. Neuroprotective effects of silibinin: an in silico and in vitro study. Int J Neurosci 2018; 128:935-945. [PMID: 29465317 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2018.1443926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Astrogliosis is a key contributor for many neurological disorders involving apoptosis, neuroinflammation and subsequent neuronal death. Silibinin, a polyphenol isolated from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has been shown to suppress the astrocyte activation in various neurodegenerative disorders and also exhibit a neuroprotective role in neuroinflammation-driven oxidative damage. The present study was designed with an aim to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Silibinin against LPS induced oxido-inflammatory cascade and astrocyte activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have used in-silico molecular modelling techniques to study the interaction and binding affinity of silibinin with chemokine receptors associated with neuroinflammation. We have also tested silibinin against LPS induced oxido-inflammatory cascade and astrocyte activation in C6 glia cell lines. RESULTS In the present study, we found that treatment with silibinin significantly attenuates LPS-oxidative-nitrosative stress in C6 astrocytoma cells. We also observed the significant inhibition of induced astrocyte activity after treatment with silibinin. Moreover, molecular modelling studies have proposed a binding pose of silibinin with binding sites of p38 MAPK, CX3CR1 and P2X4 which is an important downstream cascade involved in glia cell activation and neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings from the current study suggests that silibinin exhibits neuroprotective activity by attenuating oxidative damage and astrocytes activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valencia Fernandes
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad , Gandhinagar , Gujarat , India
| | - Dilip Sharma
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad , Gandhinagar , Gujarat , India
| | - Kiran Kalia
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad , Gandhinagar , Gujarat , India
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad , Gandhinagar , Gujarat , India.,b Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
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30
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Scheltens P, Prins N, Lammertsma A, Yaqub M, Gouw A, Wink AM, Chu HM, van Berckel BNM, Alam J. An exploratory clinical study of p38 α kinase inhibition in Alzheimer's disease. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 5:464-473. [PMID: 29687023 PMCID: PMC5899915 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to preliminarily evaluate an oral small molecule p38α kinase inhibitor in patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) for the effects on brain amyloid plaque load and episodic memory function, and to establish pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics correlations if any effects identified on these parameters. Methods Sixteen patients with early AD received a highly selective p38α inhibitor (neflamapimod) for 84 days (12 weeks). To obtain a broad range of plasma drug exposures, subjects randomized to receive either 40 mg (n = 9) or 125 mg (n = 7) twice daily. Dynamic, 11C-PiB positron emission scans were performed at baseline and at Day 84 and quantitatively analyzed by reference parametric mapping. Episodic memory assessed as Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) immediate and delayed recall composites. Result In the 11C-PiB analyses there were no main group level effects, though in the prespecified responder analysis (>7% reduction in 11C-PiB signal) there were three responders in the 40 mg, and one in the 125 mg group. There were statistically significant increases from baseline in mean WMS immediate recall score and WMS delayed recall at both day 28 (P = 0.03 and P = 0.001) and day 84 (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). Individual subject plasma drug concentration profiles were significantly positively correlated with the change in combined WMS immediate and delayed recall (P < 0.0001, r2 = 0.70). Within-subject effect size was 0.59 for immediate recall and 0.67 for delayed recall. Interpretation Selective p38α inhibition in patients with early AD may improve episodic memory and potentially impact β-amyloid production. These preliminary clinical findings support conduct of a longer duration placebo-controlled study, particularly to confirm the effects on episodic memory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Scheltens
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Niels Prins
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands.,Brain Research Center Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Adriaan Lammertsma
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Maqsood Yaqub
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Alida Gouw
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG 4Center VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Alle Meije Wink
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands
| | | | - Bart N M van Berckel
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - John Alam
- EIP Pharma LLC Cambridge Massachusetts
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31
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Tau Proteins and Tauopathies in Alzheimer’s Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 38:965-980. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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32
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Amin KM, Syam YM, Anwar MM, Ali HI, Abdel-Ghani TM, Serry AM. Synthesis and molecular docking study of new benzofuran and furo[3,2-g]chromone-based cytotoxic agents against breast cancer and p38α MAP kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2018; 76:487-500. [PMID: 29310080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study deals with synthesis of a new set of benzofuran and 5H-furo[3,2-g]chromone linked various heterocyclic functionalities using concise synthetic approaches aiming to gain new antiproliferative candidates against MCF-7 breast cancer cells of p38α MAP kinase inhibiting activity. The biological data proved the significant sensitivity of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 towards most of the prepared compounds in comparison with doxorubicin. In addition, compounds IIa,b, Va,b, VIa,b, VIIa,b, VIIIa,b, XIc showed significant in vitro p38α MAPK inhibiting potency comparable to the reference standard SB203580. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis detection data demonstrated that compound VIa induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cancer cells, in addition to its activation of the caspases-9 and -3. Gold molecular docking studies rationalized the highly acceptable correlation between the calculated docking scores of fitness and the biological data of p38α MAP kinase inhibition. The newly prepared benzofuran and 5H-furo[3,2-g]chromone derivatives might be considered as new promising nuclei in anti-breast cancer chemotherapeutics for further functionalization, optimization and in-depth biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamelia M Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Yasmin M Syam
- Department of Therapeutical Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt.
| | - Manal M Anwar
- Department of Therapeutical Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt.
| | - Hamed I Ali
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Dept., Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, TX, USA
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33
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Bondeson DP, Smith BE, Burslem GM, Buhimschi AD, Hines J, Jaime-Figueroa S, Wang J, Hamman BD, Ishchenko A, Crews CM. Lessons in PROTAC Design from Selective Degradation with a Promiscuous Warhead. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 25:78-87.e5. [PMID: 29129718 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 503] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting protein function selectively is a major goal of modern drug discovery. Here, we report a previously understudied benefit of small molecule proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that recruit E3 ubiquitin ligases to target proteins for their ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome-mediated degradation. Using promiscuous CRBN- and VHL-recruiting PROTACs that bind >50 kinases, we show that only a subset of bound targets is degraded. The basis of this selectivity relies on protein-protein interactions between the E3 ubiquitin ligase and the target protein, as illustrated by engaged proteins that are not degraded as a result of unstable ternary complexes with PROTAC-recruited E3 ligases. In contrast, weak PROTAC:target protein affinity can be stabilized by high-affinity target:PROTAC:ligase trimer interactions, leading to efficient degradation. This study highlights design guidelines for generating potent PROTACs as well as possibilities for degrading undruggable proteins immune to traditional small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Bondeson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Blake E Smith
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - George M Burslem
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Alexandru D Buhimschi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - John Hines
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Saul Jaime-Figueroa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Arvinas, LLC, 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | | | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 219 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Departments of Chemistry and Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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34
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Lee JK, Kim NJ. Recent Advances in the Inhibition of p38 MAPK as a Potential Strategy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22081287. [PMID: 28767069 PMCID: PMC6152076 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22081287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a crucial target for chronic inflammatory diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, as well as neurodegeneration, and there is no known cure. Recent studies on the underlying biology of AD in cellular and animal models have indicated that p38 MAPK is capable of orchestrating diverse events related to AD, such as tau phosphorylation, neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. Thus, the inhibition of p38 MAPK is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of AD. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the targeting of p38 MAPK as a potential strategy for the treatment of AD and envision possibilities of p38 MAPK inhibitors as a fundamental therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Kil Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Nam-Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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35
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Puzzo D, Piacentini R, Fá M, Gulisano W, Li Puma DD, Staniszewski A, Zhang H, Tropea MR, Cocco S, Palmeri A, Fraser P, D'Adamio L, Grassi C, Arancio O. LTP and memory impairment caused by extracellular Aβ and Tau oligomers is APP-dependent. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28696204 PMCID: PMC5529106 DOI: 10.7554/elife.26991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The concurrent application of subtoxic doses of soluble oligomeric forms of human amyloid-beta (oAβ) and Tau (oTau) proteins impairs memory and its electrophysiological surrogate long-term potentiation (LTP), effects that may be mediated by intra-neuronal oligomers uptake. Intrigued by these findings, we investigated whether oAβ and oTau share a common mechanism when they impair memory and LTP in mice. We found that as already shown for oAβ, also oTau can bind to amyloid precursor protein (APP). Moreover, efficient intra-neuronal uptake of oAβ and oTau requires expression of APP. Finally, the toxic effect of both extracellular oAβ and oTau on memory and LTP is dependent upon APP since APP-KO mice were resistant to oAβ- and oTau-induced defects in spatial/associative memory and LTP. Thus, APP might serve as a common therapeutic target against Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and a host of other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal levels of Aβ and/or Tau. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.26991.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Piacentini
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Fá
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Domenica D Li Puma
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnes Staniszewski
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Maria Rosaria Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sara Cocco
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paul Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Luciano D'Adamio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New york, United States
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Zhou Z, Bachstetter AD, Späni CB, Roy SM, Watterson DM, Van Eldik LJ. Retention of normal glia function by an isoform-selective protein kinase inhibitor drug candidate that modulates cytokine production and cognitive outcomes. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:75. [PMID: 28381303 PMCID: PMC5382362 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0845-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a potential therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction based on the neuroinflammation-synaptic dysfunction cycle of pathophysiology progression, offers an innovative pharmacological strategy via inhibiting the same activated target in both glia and neurons, thereby enhancing the possibility for efficacy. The highly selective, brain-penetrant p38αMAPK inhibitor MW150 attenuates cognitive dysfunction in two distinct Alzheimer's disease (AD)-relevant models and avoids the problems encountered with previous mixed-kinase inhibitor drug candidates. Therefore, it is essential that the glial effects of this CNS-active kinase inhibitor be addressed in order to anticipate future use in clinical investigations. METHODS We explored the effects of MW150 on glial biology in the AD-relevant APP/PS1 knock-in (KI) mouse model where we previously showed efficacy in suppression of hippocampal-dependent associative and spatial memory deficits. MW150 (2.5 mg/kg/day) was administered daily to 11-12-month-old KI mice for 14 days, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6 measured in homogenates of mouse cortex using ELISA. Glial markers IBA1, CD45, CD68, and GFAP were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Microglia and amyloid plaques were quantified by immunofluorescence staining followed by confocal imaging. Levels of soluble and insoluble of Aβ40 and Aβ42 were measured by ELISA. The studies of in vivo pharmacodynamic effects on markers of neuroinflammation were complemented by mechanistic studies in the murine microglia BV2 cell line, using live cell imaging techniques to monitor proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis activities. RESULTS Intervention with MW150 in KI mice during the established therapeutic time window attenuated the increased levels of IL-1β and TNFα but not IL-6. MW150 treatment also increased the IBA1+ microglia within a 15 μm radius of the amyloid plaques, without significantly affecting overall microglia or plaque volume. Levels of IBA1, CD45, CD68, GFAP, and Aβ40 and Aβ42 were not affected by MW150 treatment. MW150 did not significantly alter microglial migration, proliferation, or phagocytosis in BV2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that MW150 at an efficacious dose can selectively modulate neuroinflammatory responses associated with pathology progression without pan-suppression of normal physiological functions of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqiu Zhou
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Adam D Bachstetter
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Claudia B Späni
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Saktimayee M Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - D Martin Watterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Linda J Van Eldik
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Neuronal p38α mediates synaptic and cognitive dysfunction in an Alzheimer's mouse model by controlling β-amyloid production. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45306. [PMID: 28361984 PMCID: PMC5374488 DOI: 10.1038/srep45306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a severe and progressive neuronal loss leading to cognitive dysfunctions. Previous reports, based on the use of chemical inhibitors, have connected the stress kinase p38α to neuroinflammation, neuronal death and synaptic dysfunction. To explore the specific role of neuronal p38α signalling in the appearance of pathological symptoms, we have generated mice that combine expression of the 5XFAD transgenes to induce AD symptoms with the downregulation of p38α only in neurons (5XFAD/p38α∆-N). We found that the neuronal-specific deletion of p38α improves the memory loss and long-term potentiation impairment induced by 5XFAD transgenes. Furthermore, 5XFAD/p38α∆-N mice display reduced amyloid-β accumulation, improved neurogenesis, and important changes in brain cytokine expression compared with 5XFAD mice. Our results implicate neuronal p38α signalling in the synaptic plasticity dysfunction and memory impairment observed in 5XFAD mice, by regulating both amyloid-β deposition in the brain and the relay of this accumulation to mount an inflammatory response, which leads to the cognitive deficits.
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Amin KM, Syam YM, Anwar MM, Ali HI, Abdel-Ghani TM, Serry AM. Synthesis and molecular docking studies of new furochromone derivatives as p38α MAPK inhibitors targeting human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:2423-2436. [PMID: 28291685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Based on the reported high expression of p38α MAP kinase in invasive breast cancers and the activity of different functionalized chromone derivatives as p38α inhibitors, a new set of 4,9-dimethoxy/4-methoxy-7-methyl-5-oxo-5H-furo[3,2-g]chromone derivatives were efficiently synthesized aiming to introduce new p38α MAP kinase suppressors as new anti-breast cancer tools. Using GOLD program, molecular docking study of the target compounds into p38α MAP kinase binding pocket was performed to highlight their scores, mode of binding and the important interactions to the amino acid residues of the enzyme. MTT assay investigated that fifteen target compounds produced marked cytotoxic potency higher than that obtained by Doxorubicin against MCF-7 cancer cells of IC50 values ranging from 0.007 to 0.17μM vs IC50; 0.62μM of doxorubicin. Eleven selected compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory potency against p38α MAPK kinase. The derivatives IVa, Va,b, VIa, IXb and XIIIa represented significant activity (IC50; 0.19-0.67μM) comparing to the reference drug SB203580 (IC50; 0.50μM). In virtue of its promising cytotoxic and p38α MAP kinase inhibition potency, the furochromone derivative IXb was selected as a representative example to investigate its mechanistic effects on cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cell lines. The results showed that the compound IXb induced cell cycle cessation at G2/M phase preventing its mitotic cycle, alongside its noteworthy activation of caspases-9 and -3 which might mediate the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamelia M Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Yasmin M Syam
- Department of Therapeutical Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt.
| | - Manal M Anwar
- Department of Therapeutical Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Hamed I Ali
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Dept., Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, TX, USA
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Maphis N, Jiang S, Xu G, Kokiko-Cochran ON, Roy SM, Van Eldik LJ, Watterson DM, Lamb BT, Bhaskar K. Selective suppression of the α isoform of p38 MAPK rescues late-stage tau pathology. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2016; 8:54. [PMID: 27974048 PMCID: PMC5157054 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-016-0221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau protein are the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. We previously demonstrated that the microglial activation induces tau hyperphosphorylation and cognitive impairment via activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in the hTau mouse model of tauopathy that was deficient for microglial fractalkine receptor CX3CR1. METHOD We report an isoform-selective, brain-permeable, and orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of p38α MAPK (MW181) and its effects on tau phosphorylation in vitro and in hTau mice. RESULTS First, pretreatment of mouse primary cortical neurons with MW181 completely blocked inflammation-induced p38α MAPK activation and AT8 (pS199/pS202) site tau phosphorylation, with the maximum effect peaking at 60-90 min after stimulation. Second, treatment of old (~20 months of age) hTau mice with MW181 (1 mg/kg body weight; 14 days via oral gavage) significantly reduced p38α MAPK activation compared with vehicle-administered hTau mice. This also resulted in a significant reduction in AT180 (pT231) site tau phosphorylation and Sarkosyl-insoluble tau aggregates. Third, MW181 treatment significantly increased synaptophysin protein expression and resulted in improved working memory. Fourth, MW181 administration reduced phosphorylated MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (pMK2) and phosphorylated activating transcription factor 2 (pATF2), which are known substrates of p38α MAPK. Finally, MW181 reduced the expression of interferon-γ and interleukin-1β. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these studies support p38α MAPK as a valid therapeutic target for the treatment of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Maphis
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, MSC08 4660, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Shanya Jiang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, MSC08 4660, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Guixiang Xu
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, 320W 15th Street, NB Suite 414C, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Olga N Kokiko-Cochran
- Department of Neurosciences, The Ohio State University, 4198 Graves Hall, 333 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Saktimayee M Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ward Building Room Mail Code W896, 303 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Linda J Van Eldik
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - D Martin Watterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ward Building Room Mail Code W896, 303 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Bruce T Lamb
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, 320W 15th Street, NB Suite 414C, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kiran Bhaskar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, MSC08 4660, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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Alam J, Scheper W. Targeting neuronal MAPK14/p38α activity to modulate autophagy in the Alzheimer disease brain. Autophagy 2016; 12:2516-2520. [PMID: 27715387 PMCID: PMC5173254 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2016.1238555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated autophagic-lysosomal degradation of proteins has been linked to the most common genetic defect in familial Alzheimer disease, and has been correlated with disease progression in both human disease and in animal models. Recently, it was demonstrated that the expression of MAPK14/p38α protein is upregulated in the brain of APP-PS1 transgenic Alzheimer mouse and further that genetic deficiency of Mapk14 in the APP-PS1 mouse stimulates macroautophagy/autophagy, which then leads to reduced amyloid pathology via increasing autophagic-lysosomal degradation of BACE1. The findings resolve at least in the context of the APP-PS1 mouse, prior conflicting in vitro observations that have implicated MAPK14 in autophagic processes, and indicate that inhibition of MAPK14 enzyme activity has potential as a therapeutic approach to mitigate a critical physiological defect within neurons of the Alzheimer disease brain. Moreover, the findings suggest that biomarkers of BACE1 activity could be utilized to evaluate the effects of MAPK14 inhibition and other autophagy-inducing therapeutic approaches in human clinical studies, thereby potentially facilitating the clinical development of such agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Alam
- a EIP Pharma LLC , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Wiep Scheper
- b Department of Functional Genomics , Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.,c Department of Clinical Genetics and Alzheimer Center , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Time-dependent reversal of synaptic plasticity induced by physiological concentrations of oligomeric Aβ42: an early index of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32553. [PMID: 27581852 PMCID: PMC5007504 DOI: 10.1038/srep32553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The oligomeric amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is thought to contribute to the subtle amnesic changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by causing synaptic dysfunction. Here, we examined the time course of synaptic changes in mouse hippocampal neurons following exposure to Aβ42 at picomolar concentrations, mimicking its physiological levels in the brain. We found opposite effects of the peptide with short exposures in the range of minutes enhancing synaptic plasticity, and longer exposures lasting several hours reducing it. The plasticity reduction was concomitant with an increase in the basal frequency of spontaneous neurotransmitter release, a higher basal number of functional presynaptic release sites, and a redistribution of synaptic proteins including the vesicle-associated proteins synapsin I, synaptophysin, and the post-synaptic glutamate receptor I. These synaptic alterations were mediated by cytoskeletal changes involving actin polymerization and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These in vitro findings were confirmed in vivo with short hippocampal infusions of picomolar Aβ enhancing contextual memory and prolonged infusions impairing it. Our findings provide a model for initiation of synaptic dysfunction whereby exposure to physiologic levels of Aβ for a prolonged period of time causes microstructural changes at the synapse which result in increased transmitter release, failure of synaptic plasticity, and memory loss.
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Andreasson KI, Bachstetter AD, Colonna M, Ginhoux F, Holmes C, Lamb B, Landreth G, Lee DC, Low D, Lynch MA, Monsonego A, O’Banion MK, Pekny M, Puschmann T, Russek-Blum N, Sandusky LA, Selenica MLB, Takata K, Teeling J, Town T, Van Eldik LJ, Russek-Blum N, Monsonego A, Low D, Takata K, Ginhoux F, Town T, O’Banion MK, Lamb B, Colonna M, Landreth G, Andreasson KI, Sandusky LA, Selenica MLB, Lee DC, Holmes C, Teeling J, Lynch MA, Van Eldik LJ, Bachstetter AD, Pekny M, Puschmann T. Targeting innate immunity for neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system. J Neurochem 2016; 138:653-93. [PMID: 27248001 PMCID: PMC5433264 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is critically involved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, and key signaling steps of innate immune activation hence represent promising therapeutic targets. This mini review series originated from the 4th Venusberg Meeting on Neuroinflammation held in Bonn, Germany, 7-9th May 2015, presenting updates on innate immunity in acute brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer disease, on the role of astrocytes and microglia, as well as technical developments that may help elucidate neuroinflammatory mechanisms and establish clinical relevance. In this meeting report, a brief overview of physiological and pathological microglia morphology is followed by a synopsis on PGE2 receptors, insights into the role of arginine metabolism and further relevant aspects of neuroinflammation in various clinical settings, and concluded by a presentation of technical challenges and solutions when working with microglia and astrocyte cultures. Microglial ontogeny and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia, advances of TREM2 signaling, and the cytokine paradox in Alzheimer's disease are further contributions to this article. Neuroinflammation is critically involved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, and key signaling steps of innate immune activation hence represent promising therapeutic targets. This mini review series originated from the 4th Venusberg Meeting on Neuroinflammation held in Bonn, Germany, 7-9th May 2015, presenting updates on innate immunity in acute brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease, on the role of astrocytes and microglia, as well as technical developments that may help elucidate neuroinflammatory mechanisms and establish clinical relevance. In this meeting report, a brief overview on physiological and pathological microglia morphology is followed by a synopsis on PGE2 receptors, insights into the role of arginine metabolism and further relevant aspects of neuroinflammation in various clinical settings, and concluded by a presentation of technical challenges and solutions when working with microglia cultures. Microglial ontogeny and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia, advances of TREM2 signaling, and the cytokine paradox in Alzheimer's disease are further contributions to this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Niva Russek-Blum
- The Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Central Arava Branch, Yair Station, Hazeva, Israel
| | - Alon Monsonego
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, The Faculty of Health Sciences: The National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Donovan Low
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Kazuyuki Takata
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Clinical and Translational Physiology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Terrence Town
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089,
| | - M. Kerry O’Banion
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Del Monte Neuromedicine Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642,
| | - Bruce Lamb
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Gary Landreth
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University 44106
| | - Katrin I. Andreasson
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Leslie A. Sandusky
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Tampa, FL 33613
- College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tampa, FL 33613
| | - Maj-Linda B. Selenica
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Tampa, FL 33613
- College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tampa, FL 33613
| | - Daniel C. Lee
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Tampa, FL 33613
- College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tampa, FL 33613
| | - Clive Holmes
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 7YD, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Teeling
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 7YD, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Milos Pekny
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Till Puschmann
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Alam JJ. Selective Brain-Targeted Antagonism of p38 MAPKα Reduces Hippocampal IL-1β Levels and Improves Morris Water Maze Performance in Aged Rats. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 48:219-27. [PMID: 26401942 PMCID: PMC4923728 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: P38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) α modulates microglia-mediated inflammatory responses and a number of neuronal physiological processes. Objective: To evaluate pre-clinically the pharmacological effects in the brain of p38 MAPKα inhibition with a brain-penetrant specific chemical antagonist. Methods: VX-745, a blood-brain barrier penetrant, highly selective p38 MAPKα inhibitor, and clinical stage investigational drug, was utilized. Initially, a pilot study in 26-month-old Tg2576 mice was conducted. Subsequently, a definitive dose-response study was conducted in aged (20–22 months) rats with identified cognitive deficits; n = 15 per group: vehicle, 0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 mg/kg VX-745 by oral gavage twice daily for 3 weeks. Assessments in aged rats included IL-1β, PSD-95, TNFα protein levels in hippocampus; and Morris water maze (MWM) test for cognitive performance. Results: Drug effect could not be assessed in Tg2576 mice, as little inflammation was evident. In cognitively-impaired aged rats, VX-745 led to significantly improved performance in the MWM and significant reduction in hippocampal IL-1β protein levels, though the effects were dissociated as the MWM effect was evident at a lower dose level than that required to lower IL-1β. Drug concentration-effect relationships and predicted human doses were determined. Conclusions: Selective inhibition of p38 MAPKα with VX-745 in aged rats reduces hippocampal IL-1β levels and improves performance in the MWM. As the two effects occur at different dose levels, the behavioral effect appears to be via a mechanism that is independent of reducing cytokine production. The predicted human doses should minimize risks of systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J. Alam
- Correspondence to: John J. Alam, MD, EIP Pharma, LLC, 11 Channing Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. Tel.: +1 617 909 5737;
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PP2A methylation controls sensitivity and resistance to β-amyloid-induced cognitive and electrophysiological impairments. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3347-52. [PMID: 26951658 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1521018113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) are thought to contribute to cognitive and behavioral impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) participates in multiple molecular pathways implicated in AD, and its expression and activity are reduced in postmortem brains of AD patients. PP2A is regulated by protein methylation, and impaired PP2A methylation is thought to contribute to increased AD risk in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals. To examine further the link between PP2A and AD, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress the PP2A methylesterase, protein phosphatase methylesterase-1 (PME-1), or the PP2A methyltransferase, leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 (LCMT-1), and examined the sensitivity of these animals to behavioral and electrophysiological impairments caused by exogenous Aβ exposure. We found that PME-1 overexpression enhanced these impairments, whereas LCMT-1 overexpression protected against Aβ-induced impairments. Neither transgene affected Aβ production or the electrophysiological response to low concentrations of Aβ, suggesting that these manipulations selectively affect the pathological response to elevated Aβ levels. Together these data identify a molecular mechanism linking PP2A to the development of AD-related cognitive impairments that might be therapeutically exploited to target selectively the pathological effects caused by elevated Aβ levels in AD patients.
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45
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Bachstetter AD, Zhou Z, Rowe RK, Xing B, Goulding DS, Conley AN, Sompol P, Meier S, Abisambra JF, Lifshitz J, Watterson DM, Van Eldik LJ. MW151 Inhibited IL-1β Levels after Traumatic Brain Injury with No Effect on Microglia Physiological Responses. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149451. [PMID: 26871438 PMCID: PMC4752278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A prevailing neuroinflammation hypothesis is that increased production of proinflammatory cytokines contributes to progressive neuropathology, secondary to the primary damage caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In support of the hypothesis, post-injury interventions that inhibit the proinflammatory cytokine surge can attenuate the progressive pathology. However, other post-injury neuroinflammatory responses are key to endogenous recovery responses. Therefore, it is critical that pharmacological attenuation of detrimental or dysregulated neuroinflammatory processes avoid pan-suppression of inflammation. MW151 is a CNS-penetrant, small molecule experimental therapeutic that restores injury- or disease-induced overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines towards homeostasis without immunosuppression. Post-injury administration of MW151 in a closed head injury model of mild TBI suppressed acute cytokine up-regulation and downstream cognitive impairment. Here, we report results from a diffuse brain injury model in mice using midline fluid percussion. Low dose (0.5–5.0 mg/kg) administration of MW151 suppresses interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels in the cortex while sparing reactive microglia and astrocyte responses. To probe molecular mechanisms, we used live cell imaging of the BV-2 microglia cell line to demonstrate that MW151 does not affect proliferation, migration, or phagocytosis of the cells. Our results provide insight into the roles of glial responses to brain injury and indicate the feasibility of using appropriate dosing for selective therapeutic modulation of injurious IL-1β increases while sparing other glial responses to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D. Bachstetter
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Zhengqiu Zhou
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Rachel K. Rowe
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Bin Xing
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Danielle S. Goulding
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Alyssa N. Conley
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Shelby Meier
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jose F. Abisambra
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - D. Martin Watterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Linda J. Van Eldik
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Astolfi A, Iraci N, Sabatini S, Barreca ML, Cecchetti V. p38α MAPK and Type I Inhibitors: Binding Site Analysis and Use of Target Ensembles in Virtual Screening. Molecules 2015; 20:15842-61. [PMID: 26334265 PMCID: PMC6331920 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200915842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase p38α plays an essential role in the regulation of pro-inflammatory signaling, and selective blockade of this kinase could be efficacious in many pathological processes. Despite considerable research efforts focused on the discovery and development of p38α MAPK inhibitors, no drug targeting this protein has been approved for clinical use so far. We herein analyze the available crystal structures of p38α MAPK in complex with ATP competitive type I inhibitors, getting insights into ATP binding site conformation and its influence on automated molecular docking results. The use of target ensembles, rather than single conformations, resulted in a performance improvement in both the ability to reproduce experimental bound conformations and the capability of mining active molecules from compound libraries. The information gathered from this study can be exploited in structure-based drug discovery programs having as the ultimate aim the identification of novel p38α MAPK type I inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti, 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti, 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti, 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti, 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti, 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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Tai LM, Ghura S, Koster KP, Liakaite V, Maienschein‐Cline M, Kanabar P, Collins N, Ben‐Aissa M, Lei AZ, Bahroos N, Green SJ, Hendrickson B, Van Eldik LJ, LaDu MJ. APOE-modulated Aβ-induced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: current landscape, novel data, and future perspective. J Neurochem 2015; 133:465-88. [PMID: 25689586 PMCID: PMC4400246 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic glial activation and neuroinflammation induced by the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. APOE4 is the greatest AD-genetic risk factor; increasing risk up to 12-fold compared to APOE3, with APOE4-specific neuroinflammation an important component of this risk. This editorial review discusses the role of APOE in inflammation and AD, via a literature review, presentation of novel data on Aβ-induced neuroinflammation, and discussion of future research directions. The complexity of chronic neuroinflammation, including multiple detrimental and beneficial effects occurring in a temporal and cell-specific manner, has resulted in conflicting functional data for virtually every inflammatory mediator. Defining a neuroinflammatory phenotype (NIP) is one way to address this issue, focusing on profiling the changes in inflammatory mediator expression during disease progression. Although many studies have shown that APOE4 induces a detrimental NIP in peripheral inflammation and Aβ-independent neuroinflammation, data for APOE-modulated Aβ-induced neuroinflammation are surprisingly limited. We present data supporting the hypothesis that impaired apoE4 function modulates Aβ-induced effects on inflammatory receptor signaling, including amplification of detrimental (toll-like receptor 4-p38α) and suppression of beneficial (IL-4R-nuclear receptor) pathways. To ultimately develop APOE genotype-specific therapeutics, it is critical that future studies define the dynamic NIP profile and pathways that underlie APOE-modulated chronic neuroinflammation. In this editorial review, we present data supporting the hypothesis that impaired apoE4 function modulates Aβ-induced effects on inflammatory receptor signaling, including amplification of detrimental (TLR4-p38α) and suppression of beneficial (IL-4R-nuclear receptor) pathways, resulting in an adverse NIP that causes neuronal dysfunction. NIP, Neuroinflammatory phenotype; P.I., pro-inflammatory; A.I., anti-inflammatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M. Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Shivesh Ghura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Kevin P. Koster
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | | | - Pinal Kanabar
- UIC Center for Research Informatics University of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Nicole Collins
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Manel Ben‐Aissa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Arden Zhengdeng Lei
- UIC Center for Research Informatics University of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Neil Bahroos
- UIC Center for Research Informatics University of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Bill Hendrickson
- UIC Research Resources CenterUniversity of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Mary Jo LaDu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IllinoisChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Puzzo D, Gulisano W, Palmeri A, Arancio O. Rodent models for Alzheimer's disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:703-11. [PMID: 25927677 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1041913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and personality changes, leading to dementia. Histopathological hallmarks are represented by aggregates of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in senile plaques and deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Rare forms of early onset familial Alzheimer's disease are due to gene mutations. This has prompted researchers to develop genetically modified animals that could recapitulate the main features of the disease. The use of these models is complemented by non-genetically modified animals. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the characteristics of the most used transgenic (Tg) and non-Tg models of AD. The authors have focused on models mainly used in their laboratories including amyloid precursor protein (APP) Tg2576, APP/presenilin 1, 3xAD, single h-Tau, non-Tg mice treated with acute injections of Aβ or tau, and models of physiological aging. EXPERT OPINION Animal models of disease might be very useful for studying the pathophysiology of the disease and for testing new therapeutics in preclinical studies but they do not reproduce the entire clinical features of human AD. When selecting a model, researchers should consider the various factors that might influence the phenotype. They should also consider the timing of testing/treating animals since the age at which each model develops certain aspects of the AD pathology varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Puzzo
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology , Catania 95100 , Italy
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Roy SM, Grum-Tokars VL, Schavocky JP, Saeed F, Staniszewski A, Teich AF, Arancio O, Bachstetter AD, Webster SJ, Van Eldik LJ, Minasov G, Anderson WF, Pelletier JC, Watterson DM. Targeting human central nervous system protein kinases: An isoform selective p38αMAPK inhibitor that attenuates disease progression in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:666-80. [PMID: 25676389 PMCID: PMC4404319 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
![]()
The
first kinase inhibitor drug approval in 2001 initiated a remarkable
decade of tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs for oncology indications,
but a void exists for serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitor drugs
and central nervous system indications. Stress kinases are of special
interest in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders due to their
involvement in synaptic dysfunction and complex disease susceptibility.
Clinical and preclinical evidence implicates the stress related kinase
p38αMAPK as a potential neurotherapeutic target, but isoform
selective p38αMAPK inhibitor candidates are lacking and the
mixed kinase inhibitor drugs that are promising in peripheral tissue
disease indications have limitations for neurologic indications. Therefore,
pursuit of the neurotherapeutic hypothesis requires kinase isoform
selective inhibitors with appropriate neuropharmacology features.
Synaptic dysfunction disorders offer a potential for enhanced pharmacological
efficacy due to stress-induced activation of p38αMAPK in both
neurons and glia, the interacting cellular components of the synaptic
pathophysiological axis, to be modulated. We report a novel isoform
selective p38αMAPK inhibitor, MW01-18-150SRM (=MW150), that
is efficacious in suppression of hippocampal-dependent associative
and spatial memory deficits in two distinct synaptic dysfunction mouse
models. A synthetic scheme for biocompatible product and positive
outcomes from pharmacological screens are presented. The high-resolution
crystallographic structure of the p38αMAPK/MW150 complex documents
active site binding, reveals a potential low energy conformation of
the bound inhibitor, and suggests a structural explanation for MW150’s
exquisite target selectivity. As far as we are aware, MW150 is without
precedent as an isoform selective p38MAPK inhibitor or as a kinase
inhibitor capable of modulating in vivo stress related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Faisal Saeed
- Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | | | - Andrew F. Teich
- Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | | | - Scott J. Webster
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | | | - George Minasov
- Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
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Astolfi A, Iraci N, Manfroni G, Barreca ML, Cecchetti V. A Comprehensive Structural Overview of p38α MAPK in Complex with Type I Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:957-69. [PMID: 26012502 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a well-recognized therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Over the past two decades, tremendous efforts have been focused on the discovery and development of small-molecule p38α MAPK inhibitors, although currently no drugs targeting this protein are clinically available. Therefore, the identification of novel chemotypes that are able to inhibit p38α MAPK function is still of great therapeutic significance. With the objective to support drug discovery programs aimed at identifying new immunomodulators acting on p38α MAPK, herein we present a complete overview of the available crystal structures of this protein in complex with ATP-site type I inhibitors. The 85 available complexes are classified by chemotype and experimental binding mode, and the ligand-protein interactions are discussed using the most representative inhibitors. The type and frequency of key inhibitor features are analyzed to give a final summary of the chemical requirements of promising p38α MAPK inhibitors. The proposed pharmacophore can be exploited to enhance the opportunities to identify novel type I inhibitors of p38α MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy).
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
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