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Preethy H A, Rajendran K, Sukumar AJ, Krishnan UM. Emerging paradigms in Alzheimer's therapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176872. [PMID: 39117266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects elderly, and its incidence is continuously increasing across the globe. Unfortunately, despite decades of research, a complete cure for Alzheimer's disease continues to elude us. The current medications are mainly symptomatic and slow the disease progression but do not result in reversal of all disease pathologies. The growing body of knowledge on the factors responsible for the onset and progression of the disease has resulted in the identification of new targets that could be targeted for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This has opened new vistas for treatment of Alzheimer's disease that have moved away from chemotherapeutic agents modulating a single target to biologics and combinations that acted on multiple targets thereby offering better therapeutic outcomes. This review discusses the emerging directions in therapeutic interventions against Alzheimer's disease highlighting their merits that promise to change the treatment paradigm and challenges that limit their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Preethy H
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Kayalvizhi Rajendran
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Anitha Josephine Sukumar
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India; School of Arts, Sciences, Humanities & Education, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India.
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2
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Pai SK. Why women may be more prone to Alzheimer's disease. AGING BRAIN 2024; 6:100121. [PMID: 39044776 PMCID: PMC11263948 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2024.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sadashiva K Pai
- Science Mission LLC, Founder & CEO, 3424 Canyon Lake Dr, Little Elm, TX 75068, United States
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3
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Nunes MJ, Carvalho AN, Reis J, Costa D, Moutinho M, Mateus J, Mendes de Almeida R, Brito S, Risso D, Nunes S, Castro-Caldas M, Gama MJ, Rodrigues CMP, Xapelli S, Diógenes MJ, Cartier N, Chali F, Piguet F, Rodrigues E. Cholesterol redistribution triggered by CYP46A1 gene therapy improves major hallmarks of Niemann-Pick type C disease but is not sufficient to halt neurodegeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166993. [PMID: 38142760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) is an exclusively neuronal cytochrome P450 enzyme responsible for converting cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol, which serves as the primary pathway for eliminating cholesterol in the brain. We and others have shown that increased activity of CYP46A1 leads to reduced levels of cholesterol and has a positive effect on cognition. Therefore, we hypothesized that CYP46A1 could be a potential therapeutic target in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cholesterol accumulation in endolysosomal compartments. Herein, we show that CYP46A1 ectopic expression, in cellular models of NPC and in Npc1tm(I1061T) mice by adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy improved NPC disease phenotype. Amelioration in functional, biochemical, molecular and neuropathological hallmarks of NPC disease were characterized. In vivo, CYP46A1 expression partially prevented weight loss and hepatomegaly, corrected the expression levels of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis, and promoted a redistribution of brain cholesterol accumulated in late endosomes/lysosomes. Moreover, concomitant with the amelioration of cholesterol metabolism dysregulation, CYP46A1 attenuated microgliosis and lysosomal dysfunction in mouse cerebellum, favoring a pro-resolving phenotype. In vivo CYP46A1 ectopic expression improves important features of NPC disease and may represent a valid therapeutic approach to be used concomitantly with other drugs. However, promoting cholesterol redistribution does not appear to be enough to prevent Purkinje neuronal death in the cerebellum. This indicates that cholesterol buildup in neurons might not be the main cause of neurodegeneration in this human lipidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Neves Carvalho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Moutinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Mateus
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Mendes de Almeida
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Risso
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Castro-Caldas
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria João Gama
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cecília M P Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Xapelli
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria José Diógenes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- NeuroGenCell, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Sorbonne University, CNRS, APHP, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Farah Chali
- NeuroGenCell, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Sorbonne University, CNRS, APHP, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Piguet
- NeuroGenCell, INSERM U1127, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Sorbonne University, CNRS, APHP, University Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Elsa Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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4
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Guo J, Chen S, Zhang Y, Liu J, Jiang L, Hu L, Yao K, Yu Y, Chen X. Cholesterol metabolism: physiological regulation and diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e476. [PMID: 38405060 PMCID: PMC10893558 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for cellular and systemic function. The disorder of cholesterol metabolism not only accelerates the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but is also the fundamental cause of other ailments. The regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the human is an extremely complex process. Due to the dynamic balance between cholesterol synthesis, intake, efflux and storage, cholesterol metabolism generally remains secure. Disruption of any of these links is likely to have adverse effects on the body. At present, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to various systemic diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which cholesterol metabolism contributes to disease pathogenesis remains unclear, and there are still unknown factors. In this review, we outline the metabolic process of cholesterol in the human body, especially reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Then, we discuss separately the impact of abnormal cholesterol metabolism on common diseases and potential therapeutic targets for each disease, including CVD, tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. At the end of this review, we focus on the effect of cholesterol metabolism on eye diseases. In short, we hope to provide more new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases from the perspective of cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Guo
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Silong Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Luyang Jiang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Lidan Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthThe Children's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yibo Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
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5
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Latorre-Leal M, Rodriguez-Rodriguez P, Franchini L, Nikolidakis O, Daniilidou M, Delac L, Varshney MK, Arroyo-García LE, Eroli F, Winblad B, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Kivipelto M, Pacciarini M, Wang Y, Griffiths WJ, Björkhem I, Matton A, Nalvarte I, Merino-Serrais P, Cedazo-Minguez A, Maioli S. CYP46A1-mediated cholesterol turnover induces sex-specific changes in cognition and counteracts memory loss in ovariectomized mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj1354. [PMID: 38266095 PMCID: PMC10807813 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj1354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The brain-specific enzyme CYP46A1 controls cholesterol turnover by converting cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24OH). Dysregulation of brain cholesterol turnover and reduced CYP46A1 levels are observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we report that CYP46A1 overexpression in aged female mice leads to enhanced estrogen signaling in the hippocampus and improved cognitive functions. In contrast, age-matched CYP46A1 overexpressing males show anxiety-like behavior, worsened memory, and elevated levels of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in the hippocampus. We report that, in neurons, 24OH contributes to these divergent effects by activating sex hormone signaling, including estrogen receptors. CYP46A1 overexpression in female mice protects from memory impairments induced by ovariectomy while having no effects in gonadectomized males. Last, we measured cerebrospinal fluid levels of 24OH in a clinical cohort of patients with AD and found that 24OH negatively correlates with neurodegeneration markers only in women. We suggest that CYP46A1 activation is a valuable pharmacological target for enhancing estrogen signaling in women at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Latorre-Leal
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patricia Rodriguez-Rodriguez
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luca Franchini
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Orestis Nikolidakis
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Makrina Daniilidou
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ljerka Delac
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mukesh K. Varshney
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luis E. Arroyo-García
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesca Eroli
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Yuqin Wang
- Swansea University Medical School, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK
| | | | - Ingemar Björkhem
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anna Matton
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Paula Merino-Serrais
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Departamento de Neurobiología Funcional y de Sistemas, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, UPM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Cedazo-Minguez
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Silvia Maioli
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Takahashi Y, Ojiro R, Yamashita R, Shimizu S, Maeda N, Zou X, Tang Q, Ozawa S, Woo GH, Yoshida T, Shibutani M. Suppression of neurogranin expression by disruption of epigenetic DNA methylation in hippocampal mature granule cells after developmental exposure to neurotoxicants in rats. Toxicol Lett 2023; 390:33-45. [PMID: 37926403 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously performed comprehensive analyses of genes hypermethylated promoter regions and downregulated transcripts in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of rats upon weaning at postnatal day (PND) 21 after developmental exposure to 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU), valproic acid, and glycidol (GLY), all of which are known to show irreversible effects on hippocampal neurogenesis in adulthood on PND 77. Here, we selected neurotransmitter and neurogenesis-related genes for validation analysis of methylation and expression. As a result, Nrgn by GLY and Shisa7, Agtpbp1, and Cyp46a1 by PTU underwent DNA hypermethylation and sustained downregulation. Immunohistochemical analysis of candidate gene products revealed that the number of neurogranin (NRGN)+ granule cells was decreased in the ventral DG by GLY on PND 21 and 77 and by PTU on PND 21. Among the samples of developmental or 28-day young adult-age exposure to known developmental neurotoxicants in humans, i.e., lead acetate, ethanol, and aluminum chloride, a decrease of NRGN+ cells by ethanol was also observed on PND 77 after developmental exposure. Double immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that NRGN was expressed in mature granule cells, and a similar immunoreactive cell distribution was found for phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-activated protein kinase, a NRGN downstream molecule. After developmental PTU exposure, the number of activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein+ granule cells was also profoundly decreased in the ventral DG in parallel with the decrease in NRGN+ cells on PND 21. These results suggest that NRGN is a potential marker for suppression of synaptic plasticity in mature granule cells in the ventral DG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Takahashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Ryota Ojiro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Risako Yamashita
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Saori Shimizu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Natsuno Maeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Xinyu Zou
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Qian Tang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ozawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gye-Hyeong Woo
- Laboratory of Histopathology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Semyung University, 65 Semyung-ro, Jecheon-si, Chungbuk 27136, Republic of Korea
| | - Toshinori Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Makoto Shibutani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
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7
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Goikolea J, Latorre-Leal M, Tsagkogianni C, Pikkupeura S, Gulyas B, Cedazo-Minguez A, Loera-Valencia R, Björkhem I, Rodriguez Rodriguez P, Maioli S. Different effects of CYP27A1 and CYP7B1 on cognitive function: Two mouse models in comparison. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 234:106387. [PMID: 37648096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The oxysterol 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHC) is produced by the enzyme sterol 27-hydroxylase (Cyp27A1) and is mainly catabolized to 7α-Hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoic acid (7-HOCA) by the enzyme cytochrome P-450 oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (Cyp7B1). 27OHC is mostly produced in the liver and can reach the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier. A large body of evidence shows that CYP27A1 overexpression and high levels of 27OHC have a detrimental effect on the brain, causing cognitive and synaptic dysfunction together with a decrease in glucose uptake in mice. In this work, we analyzed two mouse models with high levels of 27OHC: Cyp7B1 knock-out mice and CYP27A1 overexpressing mice. Despite the accumulation of 27OHC in both models, Cyp7B1 knock-out mice maintained intact learning and memory capacities, neuronal morphology, and brain glucose uptake over time. Neurons treated with the Cyp7B1 metabolite 7-HOCA did not show changes in synaptic genes and 27OHC-treated Cyp7B1 knock-out neurons could not counteract 27OHC detrimental effects. This suggests that 7-HOCA and Cyp7B1 deletion in neurons do not mediate the neuroprotective effects observed in Cyp7B1 knock-out animals. RNA-seq of neuronal nuclei sorted from Cyp7B1 knock-out brains revealed upregulation of genes likely to confer neuroprotection to these animals. Differently from Cyp7B1 knock-out mice, transcriptomic data from CYP27A1 overexpressing neurons showed significant downregulation of genes associated with synaptic function and several metabolic processes. Our results suggest that the differences observed in the two models may be mediated by the higher levels of Cyp7B1 substrates such as 25-hydroxycholesterol and 3β-Adiol in the knock-out mice and that CYP27A1 overexpressing mice may be a more suitable model for studying 27-OHC-specific signaling. We believe that future studies on Cyp7B1 and Cyp27A1 will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and may lead to potential new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julen Goikolea
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Latorre-Leal
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Tsagkogianni
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sonja Pikkupeura
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Balazs Gulyas
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angel Cedazo-Minguez
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raul Loera-Valencia
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden; Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Ingemar Björkhem
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Patricia Rodriguez Rodriguez
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Silvia Maioli
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Stockholm, Sweden.
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8
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Yuan Y, Fang A, Wang Z, Wang Z, Sui B, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Wang C, Zhang R, Zhou M, Chen H, Fu ZF, Zhao L. The CH24H metabolite, 24HC, blocks viral entry by disrupting intracellular cholesterol homeostasis. Redox Biol 2023; 64:102769. [PMID: 37285742 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol-24-hydroxylase (CH24H or Cyp46a1) is a reticulum-associated membrane protein that plays an irreplaceable role in cholesterol metabolism in the brain and has been well-studied in several neuro-associated diseases in recent years. In the present study, we found that CH24H expression can be induced by several neuroinvasive viruses, including vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), rabies virus (RABV), Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and murine hepatitis virus (MHV). The CH24H metabolite, 24-hydroxycholesterol (24HC), also shows competence in inhibiting the replication of multiple viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 24HC can increase the cholesterol concentration in multivesicular body (MVB)/late endosome (LE) by disrupting the interaction between OSBP and VAPA, resulting in viral particles being trapped in MVB/LE, ultimately compromising VSV and RABV entry into host cells. These findings provide the first evidence that brain cholesterol oxidation products may play a critical role in viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - An Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Baokun Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yunkai Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Caiqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhen F Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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9
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Alavi MS, Karimi G, Ghanimi HA, Roohbakhsh A. The potential of CYP46A1 as a novel therapeutic target for neurological disorders: An updated review of mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175726. [PMID: 37062503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is a key component of the cell membrane that impacts the permeability, fluidity, and functions of membrane-bound proteins. It also participates in synaptogenesis, synaptic function, axonal growth, dendrite outgrowth, and microtubule stability. Cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism are in balance in the brain. Its metabolism in the brain is mediated mainly by CYP46A1 or cholesterol 24-hydroxylase. It is responsible for eliminating about 80% of the cholesterol excess from the human brain. CYP46A1 converts cholesterol to 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24HC) that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches the liver for the final elimination process. Studies show that cholesterol and 24HC levels change during neurological diseases and conditions. So, it was hypothesized that inhibition or activation of CYP46A1 would be an effective therapeutic strategy. Accordingly, preclinical studies, using genetic and pharmacological interventions, assessed the role of CYP46A1 in main neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxias, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, its role in seizures and brain injury was evaluated. The recent development of soticlestat, as a selective and potent CYP46A1 inhibitor, with significant anti-seizure effects in preclinical and clinical studies, suggests the importance of this target for future drug developments. Previous studies have shown that both activation and inhibition of CYP46A1 are of therapeutic value. This article, using recent studies, highlights the role of CYP46A1 in various brain diseases and insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Sadat Alavi
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Ali Roohbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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10
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Alanko V, Gaminde-Blasco A, Quintela-López T, Loera-Valencia R, Solomon A, Björkhem I, Cedazo-Minguez A, Maioli S, Tabacaru G, Latorre-Leal M, Matute C, Kivipelto M, Alberdi E, Sandebring-Matton A. 27-hydroxycholesterol promotes oligodendrocyte maturation: Implications for hypercholesterolemia-associated brain white matter changes. Glia 2023; 71:1414-1428. [PMID: 36779429 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Oxidized cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH) is a potential link between hypercholesterolemia and neurodegenerative diseases since unlike peripheral cholesterol, 27-OH is transported across the blood-brain barrier. However, the effects of high 27-OH levels on oligodendrocyte function remain unexplored. We hypothesize that during hypercholesterolemia 27-OH may impact oligodendrocytes and myelin and thus contribute to the disconnection of neural networks in neurodegenerative diseases. To test this idea, we first investigated the effects of 27-OH in cultured oligodendrocytes and found that it induces cell death of immature O4+ /GalC+ oligodendrocytes along with stimulating differentiation of PDGFR+ oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs). Next, transgenic mice with increased systemic 27-OH levels (Cyp27Tg) underwent behavioral testing and their brains were immunohistochemically stained and lysed for immunoblotting. Chronic exposure to 27-OH in mice resulted in increased myelin basic protein (MBP) but not 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) levels in the corpus callosum and cerebral cortex. Intriguingly, we also found impairment of spatial learning suggesting that subtle changes in myelinated axons of vulnerable areas like the hippocampus caused by 27-OH may contribute to impaired cognition. Finally, we found that 27-OH levels in cerebrospinal fluid from memory clinic patients were associated with levels of the myelination regulating CNPase, independently of Alzheimer's disease markers. Thus, 27-OH promotes OPC differentiation and is toxic to immature oligodendrocytes as well as it subtly alters myelin by targeting oligodendroglia. Taken together, these data indicate that hypercholesterolemia-derived higher 27-OH levels change the oligodendrocytic capacity for appropriate myelin remodeling which is a crucial factor in neurodegeneration and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Alanko
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adhara Gaminde-Blasco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Tania Quintela-López
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Raúl Loera-Valencia
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alina Solomon
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Medicine/Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ingemar Björkhem
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Angel Cedazo-Minguez
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Silvia Maioli
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Graziella Tabacaru
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - María Latorre-Leal
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Matute
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Medicine/Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elena Alberdi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Anna Sandebring-Matton
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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11
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Dias IH, Shokr H, Shephard F, Chakrabarti L. Oxysterols and Oxysterol Sulfates in Alzheimer’s Disease Brain and Cerebrospinal Fluid. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 87:1527-1536. [PMID: 35491790 PMCID: PMC9277668 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Brain cholesterol levels are tightly regulated but increasing evidence indicates that cholesterol metabolism may drive Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-associated pathological changes. Recent advances in understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD brain have presented a vital role played by mitochondria in oxysterol biosynthesis and their involvement in pathophysiology. Oxysterol accumulation in brain is controlled by various enzymatic pathways including sulfation. While research into oxysterol is under the areas of active investigation, there is less evidence for oxysterol sulfate levels in human brain. Objective: This study investigates the hypothesis that AD brain oxysterol detoxification via sulfation is impaired in later stages of disease resulting in oxysterol accumulation. Methods: Lipids were extracted from postmortem frozen brain tissue and cerebrospinal (CSF) from late- (Braak stage III-IV) and early- (Braak stage I-II) stage AD patients. Samples were spiked with internal standards prior to lipid extraction. Oxysterols were enriched with a two-step solid phase extraction using a polymeric SPE column and further separation was achieved by LC-MS/MS. Results: Oxysterols, 26-hydroxycholesterol (26-OHC), 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC), and 7-oxycholesterol levels were higher in brain tissue and mitochondria extracted from late-stage AD brain tissue except for 24S-hydroxycholesterol, which was decreased in late AD. However, oxysterol sulfates are significantly lower in the AD frontal cortex. Oxysterols, 25-OHC, and 7-oxocholesterol was higher is CSF but 26-OHC and oxysterol sulfate levels were not changed. Conclusion: Our results show oxysterol metabolism is altered in AD brain mitochondria, favoring synthesis of 26-OHC, 25-OHC, and 7-oxocholesterol, and this may influence brain mitochondrial function and acceleration of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irundika H.K. Dias
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hala Shokr
- Manchester Pharmacy School, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Freya Shephard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lisa Chakrabarti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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12
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Kacher R, Mounier C, Caboche J, Betuing S. Altered Cholesterol Homeostasis in Huntington’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:797220. [PMID: 35517051 PMCID: PMC9063567 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.797220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG repeat in the first exon of Huntingtin’s gene. The associated neurodegeneration mainly affects the striatum and the cortex at early stages and progressively spreads to other brain structures. Targeting HD at its earlier stages is under intense investigation. Numerous drugs were tested, with a rate of success of only 3.5% approved molecules used as symptomatic treatment. The restoration of cholesterol metabolism, which is central to the brain homeostasis and strongly altered in HD, could be an interesting disease-modifying strategy. Cholesterol is an essential membrane component in the central nervous system (CNS); alterations of its homeostasis have deleterious consequences on neuronal functions. The levels of several sterols, upstream of cholesterol, are markedly decreased within the striatum of HD mouse model. Transcription of cholesterol biosynthetic genes is reduced in HD cell and mouse models as well as post-mortem striatal and cortical tissues from HD patients. Since the dynamic of brain cholesterol metabolism is complex, it is essential to establish the best method to target it in HD. Cholesterol, which does not cross the blood-brain-barrier, is locally synthesized and renewed within the brain. All cell types in the CNS synthesize cholesterol during development but as they progress through adulthood, neurons down-regulate their cholesterol synthesis and turn to astrocytes for their full supply. Cellular levels of cholesterol reflect the dynamic balance between synthesis, uptake and export, all integrated into the context of the cross talk between neurons and glial cells. In this review, we describe the latest advances regarding the role of cholesterol deregulation in neuronal functions and how this could be a determinant factor in neuronal degeneration and HD progression. The pathways and major mechanisms by which cholesterol and sterols are regulated in the CNS will be described. From this overview, we discuss the main clinical strategies for manipulating cholesterol metabolism in the CNS, and how to reinstate a proper balance in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhia Kacher
- Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute (ICM), AP-HP, INSERM, CNRS, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Coline Mounier
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Paris, France
- U1130, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Jocelyne Caboche
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Paris, France
- U1130, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Betuing
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Paris, France
- U1130, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Sandrine Betuing,
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13
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Blumer M, Brown T, Freitas MB, Destro AL, Oliveira JA, Morales AE, Schell T, Greve C, Pippel M, Jebb D, Hecker N, Ahmed AW, Kirilenko BM, Foote M, Janke A, Lim BK, Hiller M. Gene losses in the common vampire bat illuminate molecular adaptations to blood feeding. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm6494. [PMID: 35333583 PMCID: PMC8956264 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm6494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Vampire bats are the only mammals that feed exclusively on blood. To uncover genomic changes associated with this dietary adaptation, we generated a haplotype-resolved genome of the common vampire bat and screened 27 bat species for genes that were specifically lost in the vampire bat lineage. We found previously unknown gene losses that relate to reduced insulin secretion (FFAR1 and SLC30A8), limited glycogen stores (PPP1R3E), and a unique gastric physiology (CTSE). Other gene losses likely reflect the biased nutrient composition (ERN2 and CTRL) and distinct pathogen diversity of blood (RNASE7) and predict the complete lack of cone-based vision in these strictly nocturnal bats (PDE6H and PDE6C). Notably, REP15 loss likely helped vampire bats adapt to high dietary iron levels by enhancing iron excretion, and the loss of CYP39A1 could have contributed to their exceptional cognitive abilities. These findings enhance our understanding of vampire bat biology and the genomic underpinnings of adaptations to blood feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Blumer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tom Brown
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Ana Luiza Destro
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Juraci A. Oliveira
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Ariadna E. Morales
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tilman Schell
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Carola Greve
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Pippel
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - David Jebb
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nikolai Hecker
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexis-Walid Ahmed
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bogdan M. Kirilenko
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maddy Foote
- Native Bat Conservation Program, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1B 5K7, Canada
| | - Axel Janke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Burton K. Lim
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6, Canada
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Goethe University, Faculty of Biosciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Senckenberg Research Institute, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Corresponding author.
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14
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Bonfili L, Cuccioloni M, Gong C, Cecarini V, Spina M, Zheng Y, Angeletti M, Eleuteri AM. Gut microbiota modulation in Alzheimer’s disease: focus on lipid metabolism. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:698-708. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Pikuleva IA. Targeting cytochrome P450 46A1 and brain cholesterol 24-hydroxylation to treat neurodegenerative diseases. EXPLORATION OF NEUROPROTECTIVE THERAPY 2021; 1:159-172. [PMID: 35156102 DOI: 10.37349/ent.2021.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The brain cholesterol content is determined by the balance between the pathways of in situ biosynthesis and cholesterol elimination via 24-hydroxylation catalyzed by CYP46A1 (cytochrome P450 46A1). Both pathways are tightly coupled and determine the rate of brain cholesterol turnover. Evidence is accumulating that modulation of CYP46A1 activity by gene therapy or pharmacologic means could be beneficial in case neurodegenerative and other brain diseases and affect brain processes other than cholesterol biosynthesis and elimination. This minireview summarizes these other processes, most common of which include abnormal protein accumulation, memory and cognition, motor behavior, gene transcription, protein phosphorylation as well as autophagy and lysosomal processing. The unifying mechanisms, by which these processes could be affected by CYP46A targeting are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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16
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Maioli S, Leander K, Nilsson P, Nalvarte I. Estrogen receptors and the aging brain. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:913-925. [PMID: 34623401 PMCID: PMC8628183 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The female sex hormone estrogen has been ascribed potent neuroprotective properties. It signals by binding and activating estrogen receptors that, depending on receptor subtype and upstream or downstream effectors, can mediate gene transcription and rapid non-genomic actions. In this way, estrogen receptors in the brain participate in modulating neural differentiation, proliferation, neuroinflammation, cholesterol metabolism, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. Circulating sex hormones decrease in the course of aging, more rapidly at menopause in women, and slower in men. This review will discuss what this drop entails in terms of modulating neuroprotection and resilience in the aging brain downstream of spatiotemporal estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) signaling, as well as in terms of the sex differences observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, controversies related to ER expression in the brain will be discussed. Understanding the spatiotemporal signaling of sex hormones in the brain can lead to more personalized prevention strategies or therapies combating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maioli
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Leander
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Nilsson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivan Nalvarte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
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17
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Azizidoost S, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Nazeri Z, Cheraghzadeh M, Kheirollah A. Amyloid beta increases ABCA1 and HMGCR protein expression, and cholesterol synthesis and accumulation in mice neurons and astrocytes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1867:159069. [PMID: 34744007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Imbalanced cholesterol metabolism in the brain is one of the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's disease. We investigated the effect of amyloid-beta (Aβ) on the main proteins involved in regulation of cholesterol metabolism along with cholesterol content in astrocytes and neurons. METHODS Astrocytes and neurons were cultured and treated with Aβ. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) level in the cells and conditioned media, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), and cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1) in cell lysates were determined using immunoblotting. Astrocyte media was added to the Aβ-pretreated neurons then, HMGCR was assessed. Cholesterol was measured in both cells and media. RESULTS Aβ caused a significant increase in HMGCR and ABCA1 protein levels and cholesterol content in both cells without increasing cholesterol efflux. A similar increase was seen for cellular apoE level in astrocytes with no changes in media with a significant reduction of cholesterol efflux. HMGCR level was restored to near control level when Aβ-pretreated neurons were exposed to media from culture astrocytes. CONCLUSION Almost all events related to cholesterol homeostasis in neurons and astrocytes, are somehow affected by Aβ. However, because ABCA1 has the most important role(s) in brain cholesterol homeostasis, all subsequent events associated with astrocytes-cholesterol synthesis and its shuttling to neurons are influenced by the effects of Aβ on ABCA1 which could likely be responsible for altered brain cholesterol metabolism in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Zahra Nazeri
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Cheraghzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Kheirollah
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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18
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Brain Renin-Angiotensin System as Novel and Potential Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810139. [PMID: 34576302 PMCID: PMC8468637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of cognition. While the brain RAS has been studied before in the context of hypertension, little is known about its role and regulation in relation to neuronal function and its modulation. Adequate blood flow to the brain as well as proper clearing of metabolic byproducts become crucial in the presence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). RAS inhibition (RASi) drugs that can cross into the central nervous system have yielded unclear results in improving cognition in AD patients. Consequently, only one RASi therapy is under consideration in clinical trials to modify AD. Moreover, the role of non-genetic factors such as hypercholesterolemia in the pathophysiology of AD remains largely uncharacterized, even when evidence exists that it can lead to alteration of the RAS and cognition in animal models. Here we revise the evidence for the function of the brain RAS in cognition and AD pathogenesis and summarize the evidence that links it to hypercholesterolemia and other risk factors. We review existent medications for RASi therapy and show research on novel drugs, including small molecules and nanodelivery strategies that can target the brain RAS with potential high specificity. We hope that further research into the brain RAS function and modulation will lead to innovative therapies that can finally improve AD neurodegeneration.
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19
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Geoffroy C, Paoletti P, Mony L. Positive allosteric modulation of NMDA receptors: mechanisms, physiological impact and therapeutic potential. J Physiol 2021; 600:233-259. [PMID: 34339523 DOI: 10.1113/jp280875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels that play key roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Both hyper- and hypo-activation of NMDARs are deleterious to neuronal function. In particular, NMDAR hypofunction is involved in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, intellectual disability, age-dependent cognitive decline, or Alzheimer's disease. While early medicinal chemistry efforts were mostly focused on the development of NMDAR antagonists, the last 10 years have seen a boom in the development of NMDAR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Here we review the currently developed NMDAR PAMs, their pharmacological profiles and mechanisms of action, as well as their physiological effects in healthy animals and animal models of NMDAR hypofunction. In light of the complexity of physiological outcomes of NMDAR PAMs in vivo, we discuss the remaining challenges and questions that need to be addressed to better grasp and predict the therapeutic potential of NMDAR positive allosteric modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Geoffroy
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Paoletti
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Mony
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
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20
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Pikuleva IA, Cartier N. Cholesterol Hydroxylating Cytochrome P450 46A1: From Mechanisms of Action to Clinical Applications. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:696778. [PMID: 34305573 PMCID: PMC8297829 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.696778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol, an essential component of the brain, and its local metabolism are involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. The blood-brain barrier is impermeable to cholesterol; hence, cholesterol homeostasis in the central nervous system represents a balance between in situ biosynthesis and elimination. Cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1), a central nervous system-specific enzyme, converts cholesterol to 24-hydroxycholesterol, which can freely cross the blood-brain barrier and be degraded in the liver. By the dual action of initiating cholesterol efflux and activating the cholesterol synthesis pathway, CYP46A1 is the key enzyme that ensures brain cholesterol turnover. In humans and mouse models, CYP46A1 activity is altered in Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases, spinocerebellar ataxias, glioblastoma, and autism spectrum disorders. In mouse models, modulations of CYP46A1 activity mitigate the manifestations of Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Nieman-Pick type C, and Machao-Joseph (spinocerebellar ataxia type 3) diseases as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, glioblastoma, and prion infection. Animal studies revealed that the CYP46A1 activity effects are not limited to cholesterol maintenance but also involve critical cellular pathways, like gene transcription, endocytosis, misfolded protein clearance, vesicular transport, and synaptic transmission. How CYP46A1 can exert central control of such essential brain functions is a pressing question under investigation. The potential therapeutic role of CYP46A1, demonstrated in numerous models of brain disorders, is currently being evaluated in early clinical trials. This review summarizes the past 70 years of research that has led to the identification of CYP46A1 and brain cholesterol homeostasis as powerful therapeutic targets for severe pathologies of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- NeuroGenCell, Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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21
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Abnormal brain cholesterol homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease-a targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic study. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2021; 7:11. [PMID: 34075056 PMCID: PMC8169871 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-021-00064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of brain cholesterol metabolism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. Peripheral and brain cholesterol levels are largely independent due to the impermeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB), highlighting the importance of studying the role of brain cholesterol homeostasis in AD. We first tested whether metabolite markers of brain cholesterol biosynthesis and catabolism were altered in AD and associated with AD pathology using linear mixed-effects models in two brain autopsy samples from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the Religious Orders Study (ROS). We next tested whether genetic regulators of brain cholesterol biosynthesis and catabolism were altered in AD using the ANOVA test in publicly available brain tissue transcriptomic datasets. Finally, using regional brain transcriptomic data, we performed genome-scale metabolic network modeling to assess alterations in cholesterol biosynthesis and catabolism reactions in AD. We show that AD is associated with pervasive abnormalities in cholesterol biosynthesis and catabolism. Using transcriptomic data from Parkinson's disease (PD) brain tissue samples, we found that gene expression alterations identified in AD were not observed in PD, suggesting that these changes may be specific to AD. Our results suggest that reduced de novo cholesterol biosynthesis may occur in response to impaired enzymatic cholesterol catabolism and efflux to maintain brain cholesterol levels in AD. This is accompanied by the accumulation of nonenzymatically generated cytotoxic oxysterols. Our results set the stage for experimental studies to address whether abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism are plausible therapeutic targets in AD.
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22
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Gamba P, Giannelli S, Staurenghi E, Testa G, Sottero B, Biasi F, Poli G, Leonarduzzi G. The Controversial Role of 24-S-Hydroxycholesterol in Alzheimer's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050740. [PMID: 34067119 PMCID: PMC8151638 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is influenced by several events, among which the dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism in the brain plays a major role. Maintenance of brain cholesterol homeostasis is essential for neuronal functioning and brain development. To maintain the steady-state level, excess brain cholesterol is converted into the more hydrophilic metabolite 24-S-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC), also called cerebrosterol, by the neuron-specific enzyme CYP46A1. A growing bulk of evidence suggests that cholesterol oxidation products, named oxysterols, are the link connecting altered cholesterol metabolism to AD. It has been shown that the levels of some oxysterols, including 27-hydroxycholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol, significantly increase in AD brains contributing to disease progression. In contrast, 24-OHC levels decrease, likely due to neuronal loss. Among the different brain oxysterols, 24-OHC is certainly the one whose role is most controversial. It is the dominant oxysterol in the brain and evidence shows that it represents a signaling molecule of great importance for brain function. However, numerous studies highlighted the potential role of 24-OHC in favoring AD development, since it promotes neuroinflammation, amyloid β (Aβ) peptide production, oxidative stress and cell death. In parallel, 24-OHC has been shown to exert several beneficial effects against AD progression, such as preventing tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ production. In this review we focus on the current knowledge of the controversial role of 24-OHC in AD pathogenesis, reporting a detailed overview of the findings about its levels in different AD biological samples and its noxious or neuroprotective effects in the brain. Given the relevant role of 24-OHC in AD pathophysiology, its targeting could be useful for disease prevention or slowing down its progression.
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23
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Dai L, Zou L, Meng L, Qiang G, Yan M, Zhang Z. Cholesterol Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2183-2201. [PMID: 33411241 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an indispensable component of the cell membrane and plays vital roles in critical physiological processes. Brain cholesterol accounts for a large portion of total cholesterol in the human body, and its content must be tightly regulated to ensure normal brain function. Disorders of cholesterol metabolism in the brain are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and other atypical cognitive deficits that arise at old age. However, the specific role of cholesterol metabolism disorder in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases has not been fully elucidated. Statins that are a class of lipid-lowering drugs have been reported to have a positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we reviewed the physiological and pathological conditions of cholesterol metabolism and discussed the possible mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism and statin therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Dai
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Guifen Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, China
| | - Mingmin Yan
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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24
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Wang Y, Zhang X, Wang T, Liu W, Wang L, Hao L, Ju M, Xiao R. 27-Hydroxycholesterol Promotes the Transfer of Astrocyte-Derived Cholesterol to Neurons in Co-cultured SH-SY5Y Cells and C6 Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:580599. [PMID: 33330456 PMCID: PMC7732486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.580599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormality in cholesterol homeostasis in the brain is a feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) has been identified as a possible biomarker of AD, but its effects on cholesterol metabolism have not been fully characterized. This study was aimed to investigate the impacts of 27-OHC on cholesterol metabolism in nerve cells. SH-SY5Y cells and C6 cells were co-cultured and treated with 5, 10, and 20 μM 27-OHC for 24 h. Results showed that 27-OHC decreased cholesterol levels and up-regulated the expression of transport-related proteins in C6 cells. In SH-SY5Y cells, 27-OHC increased cholesterol accumulation, especially on plasma membrane (PM), which was consistent with the up-regulation of expressions of cholesterol endocytosis receptors, lipid raft-related proteins, and cholesterol esterase. Simultaneously, accumulation of membrane cholesterol promoted cholesterol conversion to 24S-OHC by CYP46A1(24S-hydroxylase) transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to PM. Besides, Aβ levels were elevated in SH-SY5Y cells after 27-OHC treatment. Our results suggest that 27-OHC motivates the transfer of astrocyte-derived cholesterol to neurons. Although there exists a feedback mechanism that excessive cholesterol promotes its conversion to 24S-OHC, the increased cholesterol induced by 27-OHC could not be wholly offset in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Wang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijing Wang
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Hao
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengwei Ju
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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25
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Wang Y, Yutuc E, Griffiths WJ. Neuro-oxysterols and neuro-sterols as ligands to nuclear receptors, GPCRs, ligand-gated ion channels and other protein receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:3176-3193. [PMID: 32621622 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is the most cholesterol rich organ in the body containing about 25% of the body's free cholesterol. Cholesterol cannot pass the blood-brain barrier and be imported or exported; instead, it is synthesised in situ and metabolised to oxysterols, oxidised forms of cholesterol, which can pass the blood-brain barrier. 24S-Hydroxycholesterol is the dominant oxysterol in the brain after parturition, but during development, a myriad of other oxysterols are produced, which persist as minor oxysterols after birth. During both development and in later life, sterols and oxysterols interact with a variety of different receptors, including nuclear receptors, membrane bound GPCRs, the oxysterol/sterol sensing proteins INSIG and SCAP, and the ligand-gated ion channel NMDA receptors found in nerve cells. In this review, we summarise the different oxysterols and sterols found in the CNS whose biological activity is transmitted via these different classes of protein receptors. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Wang
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Eylan Yutuc
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
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26
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Kacher R, Lamazière A, Heck N, Kappes V, Mounier C, Despres G, Dembitskaya Y, Perrin E, Christaller W, Sasidharan Nair S, Messent V, Cartier N, Vanhoutte P, Venance L, Saudou F, Néri C, Caboche J, Betuing S. CYP46A1 gene therapy deciphers the role of brain cholesterol metabolism in Huntington's disease. Brain 2020; 142:2432-2450. [PMID: 31286142 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions in brain cholesterol homeostasis have been extensively related to brain disorders. The main pathway for brain cholesterol elimination is its hydroxylation into 24S-hydroxycholesterol by the cholesterol 24-hydrolase, CYP46A1. Increasing evidence suggests that CYP46A1 has a role in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, and that increasing its levels in the brain is neuroprotective. However, the mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection remain to be fully understood. Huntington's disease is a fatal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal CAG expansion in huntingtin's gene. Among the multiple cellular and molecular dysfunctions caused by this mutation, altered brain cholesterol homeostasis has been described in patients and animal models as a critical event in Huntington's disease. Here, we demonstrate that a gene therapy approach based on the delivery of CYP46A1, the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol degradation in the brain, has a long-lasting neuroprotective effect in Huntington's disease and counteracts multiple detrimental effects of the mutated huntingtin. In zQ175 Huntington's disease knock-in mice, CYP46A1 prevented neuronal dysfunctions and restored cholesterol homeostasis. These events were associated to a specific striatal transcriptomic signature that compensates for multiple mHTT-induced dysfunctions. We thus explored the mechanisms for these compensations and showed an improvement of synaptic activity and connectivity along with the stimulation of the proteasome and autophagy machineries, which participate to the clearance of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) aggregates. Furthermore, BDNF vesicle axonal transport and TrkB endosome trafficking were restored in a cellular model of Huntington's disease. These results highlight the large-scale beneficial effect of restoring cholesterol homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases and give new opportunities for developing innovative disease-modifying strategies in Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhia Kacher
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246/INSERM U1130., Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Lamazière
- LBM, CNRS UMR7203/INSERM U1157, Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Département PM2, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Heck
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246/INSERM U1130., Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Kappes
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246/INSERM U1130., Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Coline Mounier
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246/INSERM U1130., Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Gaëtan Despres
- LBM, CNRS UMR7203/INSERM U1157, Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Département PM2, Paris, France
| | - Yulia Dembitskaya
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, College de France, CNRS UMR7241/INSERM U1050, MemoLife Labex Paris, France
| | - Elodie Perrin
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, College de France, CNRS UMR7241/INSERM U1050, MemoLife Labex Paris, France
| | - Wilhelm Christaller
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Satish Sasidharan Nair
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Research Unit Biology of Adaptation and Aging (B2A), Team Compensation in Neurodegenerative and Aging (Brain-C), F-75252, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Messent
- Neuroplasticity of Reproductive Behaviors, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, INSERM/UMR-S 1130, CNRS/UMR 8246, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- Biotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle (ICM) INSERM Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Peter Vanhoutte
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246/INSERM U1130., Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Venance
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, College de France, CNRS UMR7241/INSERM U1050, MemoLife Labex Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Christian Néri
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Research Unit Biology of Adaptation and Aging (B2A), Team Compensation in Neurodegenerative and Aging (Brain-C), F-75252, Paris, France
| | - Jocelyne Caboche
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246/INSERM U1130., Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Betuing
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246/INSERM U1130., Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Petrov AM, Mast N, Li Y, Denker J, Pikuleva IA. Brain sterol flux mediated by cytochrome P450 46A1 affects membrane properties and membrane-dependent processes. Brain Commun 2020; 2. [PMID: 32661514 PMCID: PMC7357967 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 46A1 encoded by CYP46A1 catalyzes cholesterol 24-hydroxylation and is a CNS-specific enzyme that controls cholesterol removal and turnover in the brain. Accumulating data suggest that increases in cytochrome P450 46A1 activity in mouse models of common neurodegenerative diseases affect various, apparently unlinked biological processes and pathways. Yet, the underlying reason for these multiple enzyme activity effects is currently unknown. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that cytochrome P450 46A1-mediated sterol flux alters physico-chemical properties of the plasma membranes and thereby membrane-dependent events. We used 9-month old 5XFAD mice (an Alzheimer's disease model) treated for 6 months with the anti-HIV drug efavirenz. These animals have previously been shown to have improved behavioral performance, increased cytochrome P450 46A1 activity in the brain, and increased sterol flux through the plasma membranes. We further examined 9-month old Cyp46a1 -/- mice, which have previously been observed to have cognitive deficits and decreased sterol flux through brain membranes. Synaptosomal fractions from the brain of efavirenz-treated 5XFAD mice had essentially unchanged cholesterol levels as compared to control 5XFAD mice. However with efavirenz treatment in these mice, there were changes in the membrane properties (increased cholesterol accessibility, ordering, osmotic resistance, and thickness) as well as total glutamate content and ability to release glutamate in response to mild stimulation. Similarly, the cholesterol content in synaptosomal fractions from the brain of Cyp46a1 -/- mice was essentially the same as in wild type mice but knockout of Cyp46a1 was associated with changes in membrane properties and glutamate content and its exocytotic release. Changes in Cyp46a1 -/- mice were in the opposite direction to those observed in efavirenz-treated vs control 5XFAD mice. Incubation of synaptosomal fractions with the inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3, cyclin-dependent kinase 5, protein phosphatase 1/2A or calcineurin, and protein phosphatase 2B revealed that increased sterol flux in efavirenz-treated vs control 5XFAD mice affected the ability of all four enzymes to modulate glutamate release. In contrast, in Cyp46a1 -/- vs wild type mice, decreased sterol flux altered the ability of only cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and protein phosphatase 2B to regulate the glutamate release. Collectively, our results support cytochrome P450 46A1-mediated sterol flux as an important contributor to the fundamental properties of the membranes, protein phosphorylation, and synaptic transmission Also, our data provide an explanation of how one enzyme, cytochrome P450 46A1, can affect multiple pathways and processes and serve as a common potential target for several neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey M Petrov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Natalia Mast
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Young Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - John Denker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
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28
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Mast N, Verwilst P, Wilkey CJ, Guengerich FP, Pikuleva IA. In Vitro Activation of Cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1) by Efavirenz-Related Compounds. J Med Chem 2019; 63:6477-6488. [PMID: 31617715 PMCID: PMC7226586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
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Cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1) is a central nervous system-specific
enzyme, which catalyzes cholesterol 24-hydroxylation. Currently CYP46A1
is being evaluated in a clinical trial for activation by small doses
of the anti-HIV drug efavirenz. Eight efavirenz-related compounds
were investigated for CYP46A1 activation in vitro, induction of a
CYP46A1 spectral response, spectral Kd values, interaction with the P450 allosteric sites, and a model
of binding to the enzyme active site. We gained insight into structure–activity
relationships of efavirenz for CYP46A1 activation and found that the
investigated efavirenz primary metabolites are stronger and better
activators of CYP46A1 than efavirenz. We also established that CYP46A1
is activated by racemates and that a conformational-selection mechanism
is operative in CYP46A1. The results suggest structural modifications
of efavirenz to further increase CYP46A1 activation without inhibition
at high compound concentrations. It is possible that not only efavirenz
but its metabolites activate CYP46A1 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mast
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Peter Verwilst
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Clayton J Wilkey
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - F Peter Guengerich
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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29
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Restoring synaptic function through multimodal therapeutics. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 168:257-275. [PMID: 31699320 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major form of dementia and a growing epidemic for which no disease-modifying treatments exist. AD is characterized by the early loss of synapses in the brain and, at later stages, neuronal death accompanied with progressive loss of cognitive functions. Here we focus on the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of the synapse and how their perturbation leads to synaptic loss. We suggest treatment strategies that particularly target energy metabolism in terms of cholesterol and glucose biochemistry in neurons and astrocytes We also discuss the potential of restoring impaired protein homeostasis through autophagy. These pathways are analyzed from a basic science perspective and suggest new avenues for discovery. We also propose several targets for both basic and translational therapeutics in these pathways and provide perspective on future AD treatment.
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30
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Petrov AM, Pikuleva IA. Cholesterol 24-Hydroxylation by CYP46A1: Benefits of Modulation for Brain Diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:635-648. [PMID: 31001737 PMCID: PMC6694357 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00731-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol 24-hydroxylation is the major mechanism for cholesterol removal from the brain and the reaction catalyzed by cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1), a CNS-specific enzyme. This review describes CYP46A1 in the context of cholesterol homeostasis in the brain and summarizes available experimental data on CYP46A1 association with different neurologic diseases, including the mechanisms by which changes in the CYP46A1 activity in the brain could be beneficial for these diseases. The modulation of CYP46A1 activity by genetic and pharmacologic means is also presented along with a brief synopsis of the two clinical trials that evaluate CYP46A1 as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease as well as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey M Petrov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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31
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Petrov AM, Lam M, Mast N, Moon J, Li Y, Maxfield E, Pikuleva IA. CYP46A1 Activation by Efavirenz Leads to Behavioral Improvement without Significant Changes in Amyloid Plaque Load in the Brain of 5XFAD Mice. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:710-724. [PMID: 31062296 PMCID: PMC6694340 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00737-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Efavirenz, the FDA-approved anti-retroviral medication, is evaluated in the clinical trial in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Efavirenz is assessed for activation of cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1), a CNS-specific enzyme that converts cholesterol to 24-hydroxycholesterol. Cholesterol 24-hydroxylation is the major pathway for brain cholesterol removal, and a mechanism that controls brain cholesterol turnover. The present study tested efavirenz on 5XFAD mice (an Alzheimer's model) at a very low daily dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. Efavirenz treatment started from three months of age, after amyloid plague appearance, and continued for 6 months. This treatment led to CYP46A1 activation in the brain, enhancement of brain cholesterol turnover, behavioral improvements, reduction in microglia activation but increased astrocyte reactivity. The levels of the soluble and insoluble amyloid 40 and 42 peptides were unchanged while the number and area of the dense core amyloid plaques were slightly decreased. The measurements of the brain levels of several pre- and post-synaptic proteins (Munc13-1, PSD-95, gephyrin, synaptophysin, synapsin-1, and calbindin-D28k) suggested efavirenz effect at the synaptic level. Efavirenz treatment in the present work seems to represent a model of behavioral and other improvements independent of the levels of the amyloid peptides and provides insight into potential outcomes of the future clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey M Petrov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Morrie Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Natalia Mast
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jean Moon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Erin Maxfield
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Rd., Room 303, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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Loera-Valencia R, Goikolea J, Parrado-Fernandez C, Merino-Serrais P, Maioli S. Alterations in cholesterol metabolism as a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease: Potential novel targets for treatment. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 190:104-114. [PMID: 30878503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and it is characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, the complete pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown. High level of serum cholesterol has been found to positively correlate with an increased risk of dementia and some studies have reported a decreased prevalence of AD in patients taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. Years of research have shown a strong correlation between blood hypercholesterolemia and AD, however cholesterol is not able to cross the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) into the brain. Cholesterol lowering therapies have shown mixed results in cognitive performance in AD patients, raising questions of whether brain cholesterol metabolism in the brain should be studied separately from peripheral cholesterol metabolism and what their relationship is. Unlike cholesterol, oxidized cholesterol metabolites known as oxysterols are able to cross the BBB from the circulation into the brain and vice-versa. The main oxysterols present in the circulation are 24S-hydroxycholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol. These oxysterols and their catalysing enzymes have been found to be altered in AD brains and there is evidence indicating their influence in the progression of the disease. This review gives a broad perspective on the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and AD, cholesterol lowering therapies for AD patients and the role of oxysterols in pathological and non-pathological conditions. Also, we propose cholesterol metabolites as valuable targets for prevention and alternative AD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Loera-Valencia
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Julen Goikolea
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cristina Parrado-Fernandez
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics-IBGM, (University of Valladolid-CSIC), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Paula Merino-Serrais
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Stockholm, Sweden; Instituto Cajal (CSIC), Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Maioli
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Theofilopoulos S, Abreu de Oliveira WA, Yang S, Yutuc E, Saeed A, Abdel-Khalik J, Ullgren A, Cedazo-Minguez A, Björkhem I, Wang Y, Griffiths WJ, Arenas E. 24( S),25-Epoxycholesterol and cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase ( CYP46A1) overexpression promote midbrain dopaminergic neurogenesis in vivo. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:4169-4176. [PMID: 30655290 PMCID: PMC6422085 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver X receptors Lxrα/NR1H3 and Lxrβ/NR1H2 are ligand-dependent nuclear receptors critical for midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development. We found previously that 24(S),25-epoxycholesterol (24,25-EC), the most potent and abundant Lxr ligand in the developing mouse midbrain, promotes mDA neurogenesis in vitro In this study, we demonstrate that 24,25-EC promotes mDA neurogenesis in an Lxr-dependent manner in the developing mouse midbrain in vivo and also prevents toxicity induced by the Lxr inhibitor geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Furthermore, using MS, we show that overexpression of human cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) increases the levels of both 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24-HC) and 24,25-EC in the developing midbrain, resulting in a specific increase in mDA neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo, but has no effect on oculomotor or red nucleus neurogenesis. 24-HC, unlike 24,25-EC, did not affect in vitro neurogenesis, indicating that the neurogenic effect of 24,25-EC on mDA neurons is specific. Combined, our results indicate that increased levels of 24,25-EC in vivo, by intracerebroventricular delivery in WT mice or by overexpression of its biosynthetic enzyme CYP46A1, specifically promote mDA neurogenesis. We propose that increasing the levels of 24,25-EC in vivo may be a useful strategy to combat the loss of mDA neurons in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Theofilopoulos
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden, .,the Regenerative Neurobiology Laboratory, Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Science 1, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Willy Antoni Abreu de Oliveira
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Shanzheng Yang
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Eylan Yutuc
- the Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, ILS1 Building, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Saeed
- the Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm 14157, Sweden, and
| | - Jonas Abdel-Khalik
- the Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, ILS1 Building, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Abbe Ullgren
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.,the Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14157, Sweden
| | - Angel Cedazo-Minguez
- the Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14157, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Björkhem
- the Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm 14157, Sweden, and
| | - Yuqin Wang
- the Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, ILS1 Building, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - William J Griffiths
- the Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, ILS1 Building, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Ernest Arenas
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden,
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34
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Haduch A, Daniel WA. The engagement of brain cytochrome P450 in the metabolism of endogenous neuroactive substrates: a possible role in mental disorders. Drug Metab Rev 2019; 50:415-429. [PMID: 30501426 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1554674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The current state of knowledge indicates that the cerebral cytochrome P450 (CYP) plays an important role in the endogenous metabolism in the brain. Different CYP isoenzymes mediate metabolism of many endogenous substrates such as monoaminergic neurotransmitters, neurosteroids, cholesterol, vitamins and arachidonic acid. Therefore, these enzymes may affect brain development, susceptibility to mental and neurodegenerative diseases and may contribute to their pathophysiology. In addition, they can modify the therapeutic effects of psychoactive drugs at the place of their target action in the brain, where the drugs can act by affecting the metabolism of endogenous substrates. The article focuses on the role of cerebral CYP isoforms in the metabolism of neurotransmitters, neurosteroids, and cholesterol, and their possible involvement in animal behavior, as well as in stress, depression, schizophrenia, cognitive processes, learning, and memory. CYP-mediated alternative pathways of dopamine and serotonin synthesis may have a significant role in the local production of these neurotransmitters in the brain regions where the disturbances of these neurotransmitter systems are observed in depression and schizophrenia. The local alternative synthesis of neurotransmitters may be of great importance in the brain, since dopamine and serotonin do not pass the blood-brain barrier and cannot be supplied from the periphery. In vitro studies indicate that human CYP2D6 catalyzing dopamine and serotonin synthesis is more efficient in these reactions than the rat CYP2D isoforms. It suggests that these alternative pathways may have much greater significance in the human brain but confirmation of these assumptions requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Haduch
- a Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Institute of Pharmacology , Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków , Poland
| | - Władysława Anna Daniel
- a Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Institute of Pharmacology , Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków , Poland
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35
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Petek B, Villa-Lopez M, Loera-Valencia R, Gerenu G, Winblad B, Kramberger MG, Ismail MAM, Eriksdotter M, Garcia-Ptacek S. Connecting the brain cholesterol and renin-angiotensin systems: potential role of statins and RAS-modifying medications in dementia. J Intern Med 2018; 284:620-642. [PMID: 30264910 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide receive agents targeting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) to treat hypertension or statins to lower cholesterol. The RAS and cholesterol metabolic pathways in the brain are autonomous from their systemic counterparts and are interrelated through the cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC). These systems contribute to memory and dementia pathogenesis through interference in the amyloid-beta cascade, vascular mechanisms, glucose metabolism, apoptosis, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Previous studies examining the relationship between these treatments and cognition and dementia risk have produced inconsistent results. Defining the blood-brain barrier penetration of these medications has been challenging, and the mechanisms of action on cognition are not clearly established. Potential biases are apparent in epidemiological and clinical studies, such as reverse epidemiology, indication bias, problems defining medication exposure, uncertain and changing doses, and inappropriate grouping of outcomes and medications. This review summarizes current knowledge of the brain cholesterol and RAS metabolism and the mechanisms by which these pathways affect neurodegeneration. The putative mechanisms of action of statins and medications inhibiting the RAS will be examined, together with prior clinical and animal studies on their effects on cognition. We review prior epidemiological studies, analysing their strengths and biases, and identify areas for future research. Understanding the pathophysiology of the brain cholesterol system and RAS and their links to neurodegeneration has enormous potential. In future, well-designed epidemiological studies could identify potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) amongst medications that are already in use for other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Petek
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Villa-Lopez
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Loera-Valencia
- Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - G Gerenu
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurosciences, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, CIBERNED, Health Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Madrid, Spain
| | - B Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M G Kramberger
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M-A-M Ismail
- Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Neuro, Diseases of the Nervous System patient flow, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - M Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Garcia-Ptacek
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology Section, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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Loera-Valencia R, Piras A, Ismail MAM, Manchanda S, Eyjolfsdottir H, Saido TC, Johansson J, Eriksdotter M, Winblad B, Nilsson P. Targeting Alzheimer's disease with gene and cell therapies. J Intern Med 2018; 284:2-36. [PMID: 29582495 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes dementia in both young and old people affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two neuropathological hallmarks of the disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of protein tau are considered the major contributors to the disease. However, a more complete picture reveals significant neurodegeneration and decreased cell survival, neuroinflammation, changes in protein and energy homeostasis and alterations in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, gene and cell therapies for severe neurodegenerative disorders have recently improved technically in terms of safety and efficiency and have translated to the clinic showing encouraging results. Here, we review broadly current data within the field for potential targets that could modify AD through gene and cell therapy strategies. We envision that not only Aβ will be targeted in a disease-modifying treatment strategy but rather that a combination of treatments, possibly at different intervention times may prove beneficial in curing this devastating disease. These include decreased tau pathology, neuronal growth factors to support neurons and modulation of neuroinflammation for an appropriate immune response. Furthermore, cell based therapies may represent potential strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Loera-Valencia
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - A Piras
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M A M Ismail
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Neuro, Diseases of the Nervous System Patient Flow, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - S Manchanda
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - H Eyjolfsdottir
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - T C Saido
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - J Johansson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - B Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - P Nilsson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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37
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Mast N, Saadane A, Valencia-Olvera A, Constans J, Maxfield E, Arakawa H, Li Y, Landreth G, Pikuleva IA. Cholesterol-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 46A1 as a pharmacologic target for Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2017; 123:465-476. [PMID: 28655608 PMCID: PMC5546235 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1 or cholesterol 24-hydroxylase) controls cholesterol elimination from the brain and plays a role in higher order brain functions. Genetically enhanced CYP46A1 expression in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease mitigates the manifestations of this disease. We enhanced CYP46A1 activity pharmacologically by treating 5XFAD mice, a model of rapid amyloidogenesis, with a low dose of the anti-HIV medication efavirenz. Efavirenz was administered from 1 to 9 months of age, and mice were evaluated at specific time points. At one month of age, cholesterol homeostasis was already disturbed in the brain of 5XFAD mice. Nevertheless, efavirenz activated CYP46A1 and mouse cerebral cholesterol turnover during the first four months of administration. This treatment time also reduced amyloid burden and microglia activation in the cortex and subiculum of 5XFAD mice as well as protein levels of amyloid precursor protein and the expression of several genes involved in inflammatory response. However, mouse short-term memory and long-term spatial memory were impaired, whereas learning in the context-dependent fear test was improved. Additional four months of drug administration (a total of eight months of treatment) improved long-term spatial memory in the treated as compared to the untreated mice, further decreased amyloid-β content in 5XFAD brain, and also decreased the mortality rate among male mice. We propose a mechanistic model unifying the observed efavirenz effects. We suggest that CYP46A1 activation by efavirenz could be a new anti-Alzheimer's disease treatment and a tool to study and identify normal and pathological brain processes affected by cholesterol maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mast
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Aicha Saadane
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ana Valencia-Olvera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - James Constans
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Erin Maxfield
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Arakawa
- Behavioral Core, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Young Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Gary Landreth
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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38
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Mast N, Anderson KW, Johnson KM, Phan TTN, Guengerich FP, Pikuleva IA. In vitro cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1) activation by neuroactive compounds. J Biol Chem 2017. [PMID: 28642370 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.794909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1, cholesterol 24-hydroxylase) is the enzyme responsible for the majority of cholesterol elimination from the brain. Previously, we found that the anti-HIV drug efavirenz (EFV) can pharmacologically activate CYP46A1 in mice. Herein, we investigated whether CYP46A1 could also be activated by endogenous compounds, including major neurotransmitters. In vitro experiments with purified recombinant CYP46A1 indicated that CYP46A1 is activated by l-glutamate (l-Glu), l-aspartate, γ-aminobutyric acid, and acetylcholine, with l-Glu eliciting the highest increase (3-fold) in CYP46A1-mediated cholesterol 24-hydroxylation. We also found that l-Glu and other activating neurotransmitters bind to the same site on the CYP46A1 surface, which differs from the EFV-binding site. The other principal differences between EFV and l-Glu in CYP46A1 activation include an apparent lack of l-Glu binding to the P450 active site and different pathways of signal transduction from the allosteric site to the active site. EFV and l-Glu similarly increased the CYP46A1 kcat, the rate of the "fast" phase of the enzyme reduction by the redox partner NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase, and the amount of P450 reduced. Spectral titrations with cholesterol, in the presence of EFV or l-Glu, suggest that water displacement from the heme iron can be affected in activator-bound CYP46A1. Moreover, EFV and l-Glu synergistically activated CYP46A1. Collectively, our in vitro data, along with those from previous cell culture and in vivo studies by others, suggest that l-Glu-induced CYP46A1 activation is of physiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mast
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Kyle W Anderson
- Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Kevin M Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Thanh T N Phan
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - F Peter Guengerich
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
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Moutinho M, Nunes MJ, Rodrigues E. The mevalonate pathway in neurons: It's not just about cholesterol. Exp Cell Res 2017; 360:55-60. [PMID: 28232115 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol homeostasis greatly impacts neuronal function due to the essential role of this sterol in the brain. The mevalonate (MVA) pathway leads to the synthesis of cholesterol, but also supplies cells with many other intermediary molecules crucial for neuronal function. Compelling evidence point to a model in which neurons shutdown cholesterol synthesis, and rely on a shuttle derived from astrocytes to meet their cholesterol needs. Nevertheless, several reports suggest that neurons maintain the MVA pathway active, even with sustained cholesterol supply by astrocytes. Hence, in this review we focus not on cholesterol production, but rather on the role of the MVA pathway in the synthesis of particular intermediaries, namely isoprenoids, and on their role on neuronal function. Isoprenoids act as anchors for membrane association, after being covalently bound to proteins, such as most of the small guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins, which are critical to neuronal cell function. Based on literature, on our own results, and on the analysis of public transcriptomics databases, we raise the idea that in neurons there is a shift of the MVA pathway towards the non-sterol branch, responsible for isoprenoid synthesis, in detriment to post-squalene branch, and that this is ultimately essential for synaptic activity. Nevertheless new tools that facilitate imaging and the biochemical characterization and quantification of the prenylome in neurons and astrocytes are needed to understand the regulation of isoprenoid production and protein prenylation in the brain, and to analyze its differences on diverse physiological or pathological conditions, such as aging and neurodegenerative states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Moutinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elsa Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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40
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Ismail MAM, Mateos L, Maioli S, Merino-Serrais P, Ali Z, Lodeiro M, Westman E, Leitersdorf E, Gulyás B, Olof-Wahlund L, Winblad B, Savitcheva I, Björkhem I, Cedazo-Mínguez A. 27-Hydroxycholesterol impairs neuronal glucose uptake through an IRAP/GLUT4 system dysregulation. J Exp Med 2017; 214:699-717. [PMID: 28213512 PMCID: PMC5339669 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ismail et al. show that 27-hydroxycholesterol, a peripheral cholesterol metabolite capable of passing the blood–brain barrier, reduces brain glucose uptake by upregulating the renin-angiotensin system and inhibiting GLUT4. This alteration affects memory processes and is likely to have implications on neurodegenerative diseases. Hypercholesterolemia is associated with cognitively deteriorated states. Here, we show that excess 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH), a cholesterol metabolite passing from the circulation into the brain, reduced in vivo brain glucose uptake, GLUT4 expression, and spatial memory. Furthermore, patients exhibiting higher 27-OH levels had reduced 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. This interplay between 27-OH and glucose uptake revealed the engagement of the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP). 27-OH increased the levels and activity of IRAP, countered the IRAP antagonist angiotensin IV (AngIV)–mediated glucose uptake, and enhanced the levels of the AngIV-degrading enzyme aminopeptidase N (AP-N). These effects were mediated by liver X receptors. Our results reveal a molecular link between cholesterol, brain glucose, and the brain renin-angiotensin system, all of which are affected in some neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, reducing 27-OH levels or inhibiting AP-N maybe a useful strategy in the prevention of the altered glucose metabolism and memory decline in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad-Al-Mustafa Ismail
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Mateos
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Silvia Maioli
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paula Merino-Serrais
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zeina Ali
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Lodeiro
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eric Westman
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eran Leitersdorf
- Center for Research, Prevention, and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Balázs Gulyás
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Olof-Wahlund
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irina Savitcheva
- Department of Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Björkhem
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Angel Cedazo-Mínguez
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
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41
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Griffiths WJ, Abdel-Khalik J, Yutuc E, Morgan AH, Gilmore I, Hearn T, Wang Y. Cholesterolomics: An update. Anal Biochem 2017; 524:56-67. [PMID: 28087213 PMCID: PMC5378159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterolomics can be regarded as the identification and quantification of cholesterol, its precursors post squalene, and metabolites of cholesterol and of its precursors, in a biological sample. These molecules include 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, steroid hormones and bile acids and intermediates in their respective biosynthetic pathways. In this short article we will concentrate our attention on intermediates in bile acid biosynthesis pathways, in particular oxysterols and cholestenoic acids. These molecular classes are implicated in the aetiology of a diverse array of diseases including autoimmune disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, breast cancer, the lysosomal storage disease Niemann-Pick type C and the autosomal recessive disorder Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Mass spectrometry (MS) is the dominant technology for sterol analysis including both gas-chromatography (GC)-MS and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS and more recently matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI)-MS for tissue imaging studies. Here we will discuss exciting biological findings and recent analytical improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eylan Yutuc
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Alwena H Morgan
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Ian Gilmore
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Thomas Hearn
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Yuqin Wang
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.
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42
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Mutemberezi V, Guillemot-Legris O, Muccioli GG. Oxysterols: From cholesterol metabolites to key mediators. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 64:152-169. [PMID: 27687912 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oxysterols are cholesterol metabolites that can be produced through enzymatic or radical processes. They constitute a large family of lipids (i.e. the oxysterome) involved in a plethora of physiological processes. They can act through GPCR (e.g. EBI2, SMO, CXCR2), nuclear receptors (LXR, ROR, ERα) and through transporters or regulatory proteins. Their physiological effects encompass cholesterol, lipid and glucose homeostasis. Additionally, they were shown to be involved in other processes such as immune regulatory functions and brain homeostasis. First studied as precursors of bile acids, they quickly emerged as interesting lipid mediators. Their levels are greatly altered in several pathologies and some oxysterols (e.g. 4β-hydroxycholesterol or 7α-hydroxycholestenone) are used as biomarkers of specific pathologies. In this review, we discuss the complex metabolism and molecular targets (including binding properties) of these bioactive lipids in human and mice. We also discuss the genetic mouse models currently available to interrogate their effects in pathophysiological settings. We also summarize the levels of oxysterols reported in two key organs in oxysterol metabolism (liver and brain), plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Finally, we consider future opportunities and directions in the oxysterol field in order to gain a better insight and understanding of the complex oxysterol system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Mutemberezi
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
| | - Owein Guillemot-Legris
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
| | - Giulio G Muccioli
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium.
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43
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Moutinho M, Nunes MJ, Rodrigues E. Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase: Brain cholesterol metabolism and beyond. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2016; 1861:1911-1920. [PMID: 27663182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctions in brain cholesterol homeostasis have been extensively related to brain disorders. The major elimination pathway of brain cholesterol is its hydroxylation into 24 (S)-hydroxycholesterol by the cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1). Interestingly, there seems to be an association between CYP46A1 and high-order brain functions, in a sense that increased expression of this hydroxylase improves cognition, while a reduction leads to a poor cognitive performance. Moreover, increasing amount of epidemiological, biochemical and molecular evidence, suggests that CYP46A1 has a role in the pathogenesis or progression of neurodegenerative disorders, in which up-regulation of this enzyme is clearly beneficial. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood, which highlights the importance of studies that further explore the role of CYP46A1 in the central nervous system. In this review we summarize the major findings regarding CYP46A1, and highlight the several recently described pathways modulated by this enzyme from a physiological and pathological perspective, which might account for novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Moutinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elsa Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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44
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Egawa J, Pearn ML, Lemkuil BP, Patel PM, Head BP. Membrane lipid rafts and neurobiology: age-related changes in membrane lipids and loss of neuronal function. J Physiol 2016; 594:4565-79. [PMID: 26332795 PMCID: PMC4983616 DOI: 10.1113/jp270590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of the cellular physiological role that plasma membrane lipids, fatty acids and sterols play in various cellular systems may yield more insight into how cellular and whole organ function is altered during the ageing process. Membrane lipid rafts (MLRs) within the plasma membrane of most cells serve as key organizers of intracellular signalling and tethering points of cytoskeletal components. MLRs are plasmalemmal microdomains enriched in sphingolipids, cholesterol and scaffolding proteins; they serve as a platform for signal transduction, cytoskeletal organization and vesicular trafficking. Within MLRs are the scaffolding and cholesterol binding proteins named caveolin (Cav). Cavs not only organize a multitude of receptors including neurotransmitter receptors (NMDA and AMPA receptors), signalling proteins that regulate the production of cAMP (G protein-coupled receptors, adenylyl cyclases, phosphodiesterases (PDEs)), and receptor tyrosine kinases involved in growth (Trk), but also interact with components that modulate actin and tubulin cytoskeletal dynamics (e.g. RhoGTPases and actin binding proteins). MLRs are essential for the regulation of the physiology of organs such as the brain, and age-related loss of cholesterol from the plasma membrane leads to loss of MLRs, decreased presynaptic vesicle fusion, and changes in neurotransmitter release, all of which contribute to different forms of neurodegeneration. Thus, MLRs provide an active membrane domain that tethers and reorganizes the cytoskeletal machinery necessary for membrane and cellular repair, and genetic interventions that restore MLRs to normal cellular levels may be exploited as potential therapeutic means to reverse the ageing and neurodegenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Egawa
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Matthew L Pearn
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brian P Lemkuil
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Piyush M Patel
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brian P Head
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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45
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Moutinho M, Nunes MJ, Correia JC, Gama MJ, Castro-Caldas M, Cedazo-Minguez A, Rodrigues CMP, Björkhem I, Ruas JL, Rodrigues E. Neuronal cholesterol metabolism increases dendritic outgrowth and synaptic markers via a concerted action of GGTase-I and Trk. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30928. [PMID: 27491694 PMCID: PMC4974659 DOI: 10.1038/srep30928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) is responsible for brain cholesterol elimination and therefore plays a crucial role in the control of brain cholesterol homeostasis. Altered CYP46A1 expression has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases and changes in cognition. Since CYP46A1 activates small guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins (sGTPases), we hypothesized that CYP46A1 might be affecting neuronal development and function by activating tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) receptors and promoting geranylgeranyl transferase-I (GGTase-I) prenylation activity. Our results show that CYP46A1 triggers an increase in neuronal dendritic outgrowth and dendritic protrusion density, and elicits an increase of synaptic proteins in the crude synaptosomal fraction. Strikingly, all of these effects are abolished by pharmacological inhibition of GGTase-I activity. Furthermore, CYP46A1 increases Trk phosphorylation, its interaction with GGTase-I, and the activity of GGTase-I, which is crucial for the enhanced dendritic outgrowth. Cholesterol supplementation studies indicate that cholesterol reduction by CYP46A1 is the necessary trigger for these effects. These results were confirmed in vivo, with a significant increase of p-Trk, pre- and postsynaptic proteins, Rac1, and decreased cholesterol levels, in crude synaptosomal fractions prepared from CYP46A1 transgenic mouse cortex. This work describes the molecular mechanisms by which neuronal cholesterol metabolism effectively modulates neuronal outgrowth and synaptic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Moutinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Nunes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge C Correia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria João Gama
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Castro-Caldas
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Angel Cedazo-Minguez
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet-Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Novum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecília M P Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ingemar Björkhem
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jorge L Ruas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elsa Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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46
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Anderson KW, Mast N, Hudgens JW, Lin JB, Turko IV, Pikuleva IA. Mapping of the Allosteric Site in Cholesterol Hydroxylase CYP46A1 for Efavirenz, a Drug That Stimulates Enzyme Activity. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:11876-86. [PMID: 27056331 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.723577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1) is a microsomal enzyme and cholesterol 24-hydroxylase that controls cholesterol elimination from the brain. This P450 is also a potential target for Alzheimer disease because it can be activated pharmacologically by some marketed drugs, as exemplified by efavirenz, the anti-HIV medication. Previously, we suggested that pharmaceuticals activate CYP46A1 allosterically through binding to a site on the cytosolic protein surface, which is different from the enzyme active site facing the membrane. Here we identified this allosteric site for efavirenz on CYP46A1 by using a combination of hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to MS, computational modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and analysis of the CYP46A1 crystal structure. We also mapped the binding region for the CYP46A1 redox partner oxidoreductase and found that the allosteric and redox partner binding sites share a common border. On the basis of the data obtained, we propose the mechanism of CYP46A1 allostery and the pathway for the signal transmission from the P450 allosteric site to the active site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle W Anderson
- From the Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, and
| | - Natalia Mast
- the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Jeffrey W Hudgens
- From the Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, and
| | - Joseph B Lin
- the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Illarion V Turko
- From the Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, and
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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47
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Sun MY, Izumi Y, Benz A, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S. Endogenous 24S-hydroxycholesterol modulates NMDAR-mediated function in hippocampal slices. J Neurophysiol 2015; 115:1263-72. [PMID: 26745248 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00890.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), a major subtype of glutamate receptors mediating excitatory transmission throughout the central nervous system (CNS), play critical roles in governing brain function and cognition. Because NMDAR dysfunction contributes to the etiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders including stroke and schizophrenia, NMDAR modulators are potential drug candidates. Our group recently demonstrated that the major brain cholesterol metabolite, 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC), positively modulates NMDARs when exogenously administered. Here, we studied whether endogenous 24S-HC regulates NMDAR activity in hippocampal slices. In CYP46A1(-/-) (knockout; KO) slices where endogenous 24S-HC is greatly reduced, NMDAR tone, measured as NMDAR-to-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) ratio, was reduced. This difference translated into more NMDAR-driven spiking in wild-type (WT) slices compared with KO slices. Application of SGE-301, a 24S-HC analog, had comparable potentiating effects on NMDAR EPSCs in both WT and KO slices, suggesting that endogenous 24S-HC does not saturate its NMDAR modulatory site in ex vivo slices. KO slices did not differ from WT slices in either spontaneous neurotransmission or in neuronal intrinsic excitability, and exhibited LTP indistinguishable from WT slices. However, KO slices exhibited higher resistance to persistent NMDAR-dependent depression of synaptic transmission induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), an effect restored by SGE-301. Together, our results suggest that loss of positive NMDAR tone does not elicit compensatory changes in excitability or transmission, but it protects transmission against NMDAR-mediated dysfunction. We expect that manipulating this endogenous NMDAR modulator may offer new treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Yu Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ann Benz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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48
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Burlot MA, Braudeau J, Michaelsen-Preusse K, Potier B, Ayciriex S, Varin J, Gautier B, Djelti F, Audrain M, Dauphinot L, Fernandez-Gomez FJ, Caillierez R, Laprévote O, Bièche I, Auzeil N, Potier MC, Dutar P, Korte M, Buée L, Blum D, Cartier N. Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase defect is implicated in memory impairments associated with Alzheimer-like Tau pathology. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:5965-76. [PMID: 26358780 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by both amyloid and Tau pathologies. The amyloid component and altered cholesterol metabolism are closely linked, but the relationship between Tau pathology and cholesterol is currently unclear. Brain cholesterol is synthesized in situ and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier: to be exported from the central nervous system into the blood circuit, excess cholesterol must be converted to 24S-hydroxycholesterol by the cholesterol 24-hydroxylase encoded by the CYP46A1 gene. In AD patients, the concentration of 24S-hydroxycholesterol in the plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid are lower than in healthy controls. The THY-Tau22 mouse is a model of AD-like Tau pathology without amyloid pathology. We used this model to investigate the potential association between Tau pathology and CYP46A1 modulation. The amounts of CYP46A1 and 24S-hydroxycholesterol in the hippocampus were lower in THY-Tau22 than control mice. We used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer strategy to increase CYP46A1 expression in order to investigate the consequences on THY-Tau22 mouse phenotype. Injection of the AAV-CYP46A1 vector into the hippocampus of THY-Tau22 mice led to CYP46A1 and 24S-hydroxycholesterol content normalization. The cognitive deficits, impaired long-term depression and spine defects that characterize the THY-Tau22 model were completely rescued, whereas Tau hyperphosphorylation and associated gliosis were unaffected. These results argue for a causal link between CYP46A1 protein content and memory impairments that result from Tau pathology. Therefore, CYP46A1 may be a relevant therapeutic target for Tauopathies and especially for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Anne Burlot
- INSERM U1169/MIRCen CEA, Fontenay aux Roses 92265, France, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France, Université Paris Descartes, Paris 75006, France
| | - Jérôme Braudeau
- INSERM U1169/MIRCen CEA, Fontenay aux Roses 92265, France, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France
| | - Kristin Michaelsen-Preusse
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig 38106, Germany, AG NIND, HZI, Inhoffenstraße 7, Braunschweig D-38124, Germany
| | - Brigitte Potier
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS894, Paris 75014, France
| | | | - Jennifer Varin
- EA7331, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris 75006, France
| | - Benoit Gautier
- INSERM U1169/MIRCen CEA, Fontenay aux Roses 92265, France, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France
| | - Fathia Djelti
- INSERM U1169/MIRCen CEA, Fontenay aux Roses 92265, France, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France, Université Paris Descartes, Paris 75006, France
| | - Mickael Audrain
- INSERM U1169/MIRCen CEA, Fontenay aux Roses 92265, France, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France, Université Paris Descartes, Paris 75006, France
| | - Luce Dauphinot
- ICM, Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, CNRS UMR7225, INSERM UMRS975, UPMC, Paris 75013, France
| | - Francisco-Jose Fernandez-Gomez
- Université de Lille, UDSL, Lille 59045, France, INSERM UMR1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Lille 59045, France and
| | - Raphaëlle Caillierez
- Université de Lille, UDSL, Lille 59045, France, INSERM UMR1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Lille 59045, France and
| | | | - Ivan Bièche
- EA7331, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris 75006, France
| | - Nicolas Auzeil
- Chimie-Toxicologie Analytique et Cellulaire, EA 4463 and
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- ICM, Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, CNRS UMR7225, INSERM UMRS975, UPMC, Paris 75013, France
| | - Patrick Dutar
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS894, Paris 75014, France
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig 38106, Germany, AG NIND, HZI, Inhoffenstraße 7, Braunschweig D-38124, Germany
| | - Luc Buée
- Université de Lille, UDSL, Lille 59045, France, INSERM UMR1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Lille 59045, France and CHRU-Lille, Faculté de Médecine, Lille 59037, France
| | - David Blum
- Université de Lille, UDSL, Lille 59045, France, INSERM UMR1172, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Lille 59045, France and CHRU-Lille, Faculté de Médecine, Lille 59037, France
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- INSERM U1169/MIRCen CEA, Fontenay aux Roses 92265, France, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay 91400, France,
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Martín MG, Pfrieger F, Dotti CG. Cholesterol in brain disease: sometimes determinant and frequently implicated. EMBO Rep 2014; 15:1036-52. [PMID: 25223281 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201439225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is essential for neuronal physiology, both during development and in the adult life: as a major component of cell membranes and precursor of steroid hormones, it contributes to the regulation of ion permeability, cell shape, cell-cell interaction, and transmembrane signaling. Consistently, hereditary diseases with mutations in cholesterol-related genes result in impaired brain function during early life. In addition, defects in brain cholesterol metabolism may contribute to neurological syndromes, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), and even to the cognitive deficits typical of the old age. In these cases, brain cholesterol defects may be secondary to disease-causing elements and contribute to the functional deficits by altering synaptic functions. In the first part of this review, we will describe hereditary and non-hereditary causes of cholesterol dyshomeostasis and the relationship to brain diseases. In the second part, we will focus on the mechanisms by which perturbation of cholesterol metabolism can affect synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio G Martín
- Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-UNC), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Frank Pfrieger
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Carlos G Dotti
- Centro Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa' CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
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50
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Genetic, anatomic, and clinical determinants of human serum sterol and vitamin D levels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E4006-14. [PMID: 25201972 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413561111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An unknown fraction of the genome participates in the metabolism of sterols and vitamin D, two classes of lipids with diverse physiological and pathophysiological roles. Here, we used mass spectrometry to measure the abundance of >60 sterol and vitamin D derivatives in 3,230 serum samples from a well-phenotyped patient population. Twenty-nine of these lipids were detected in a majority of samples at levels that varied over thousands of fold in different individuals. Pairwise correlations between sterol and vitamin D levels revealed evidence for shared metabolic pathways, additional substrates for known enzymes, and transcriptional regulatory networks. Serum levels of multiple sterols and vitamin D metabolites varied significantly by sex, ethnicity, and age. A genome-wide association study identified 16 loci that were associated with levels of 19 sterols and 25-hydroxylated derivatives of vitamin D (P < 10(-7)). Resequencing, expression analysis, and biochemical experiments focused on one such locus (CYP39A1), revealed multiple loss-of-function alleles with additive effects on serum levels of the oxysterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, a substrate of the encoded enzyme. Body mass index, serum lipid levels, and hematocrit were strong phenotypic correlates of interindividual variation in multiple sterols and vitamin D metabolites. We conclude that correlating population-based analytical measurements with genotype and phenotype provides productive insight into human intermediary metabolism.
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