1
|
Chauveau F, Winkeler A, Chalon S, Boutin H, Becker G. PET imaging of neuroinflammation: any credible alternatives to TSPO yet? Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02656-9. [PMID: 38997465 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02656-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the last decades, the role of neuroinflammation in neuropsychiatric conditions has attracted an exponentially growing interest. A key driver for this trend was the ability to image brain inflammation in vivo using PET radioligands targeting the Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO), which is known to be expressed in activated microglia and astrocytes upon inflammatory events as well as constitutively in endothelial cells. TSPO is a mitochondrial protein that is expressed mostly by microglial cells upon activation but is also expressed by astrocytes in some conditions and constitutively by endothelial cells. Therefore, our current understanding of neuroinflammation dynamics is hampered by the lack of alternative targets available for PET imaging. We performed a systematic search and review on radiotracers developed for neuroinflammation PET imaging apart from TSPO. The following targets of interest were identified through literature screening (including previous narrative reviews): P2Y12R, P2X7R, CSF1R, COX (microglial targets), MAO-B, I2BS (astrocytic targets), CB2R & S1PRs (not specific of a single cell type). We determined the level of development and provided a scoping review for each target. Strikingly, astrocytic biomarker MAO-B has progressed in clinical investigations the furthest, while few radiotracers (notably targeting S1P1Rs, CSF1R) are being implemented in clinical investigations. Other targets such as CB2R and P2X7R have proven disappointing in clinical studies (e.g. poor signal, lack of changes in disease conditions, etc.). While astrocytic targets are promising, development of new biomarkers and tracers specific for microglial activation has proven challenging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Chauveau
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, BIORAN, Groupement Hospitalier Est - CERMEP, 59 boulevard Pinel, 69677, Bron, Cedex, France
| | - Alexandra Winkeler
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CNRS, CEA, BioMaps, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, 4 place du général Leclerc, 91401, Orsay, France
| | - Sylvie Chalon
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours - INSERM, Bâtiment Planiol, UFR de Médecine, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37032, Tours, Cedex 01, France
| | - Hervé Boutin
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours - INSERM, Bâtiment Planiol, UFR de Médecine, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37032, Tours, Cedex 01, France.
| | - Guillaume Becker
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, BIORAN, Groupement Hospitalier Est - CERMEP, 59 boulevard Pinel, 69677, Bron, Cedex, France
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mugnaini C, Brizzi A, Paolino M, Scarselli E, Castelli R, de Candia M, Gambacorta N, Nicolotti O, Kostrzewa M, Kumar P, Mahmoud AM, Borgonetti V, Iannotta M, Morace A, Galeotti N, Maione S, Altomare CD, Ligresti A, Corelli F. Novel Dual-Acting Hybrids Targeting Type-2 Cannabinoid Receptors and Cholinesterase Activity Show Neuroprotective Effects In Vitro and Amelioration of Cognitive Impairment In Vivo. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:955-971. [PMID: 38372253 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative form of dementia characterized by the loss of synapses and a progressive decline in cognitive abilities. Among current treatments for AD, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors have efficacy limited to symptom relief, with significant side effects and poor compliance. Pharmacological agents that modulate the activity of type-2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2R) of the endocannabinoid system by activating or blocking them have also been shown to be effective against neuroinflammation. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, and pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo of dual-acting compounds that inhibit AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and target CB2R. Within the investigated series, compound 4g proved to be the most promising. It achieved IC50 values in the low micromolar to submicromolar range against both human cholinesterase isoforms while antagonizing CB2R with Ki of 31 nM. Interestingly, 4g showed neuroprotective effects on the SH-SY5Y cell line thanks to its ability to prevent oxidative stress-induced cell toxicity and reverse scopolamine-induced amnesia in the Y-maze forced alternation test in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Paolino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Enrico Scarselli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Castelli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Modesto de Candia
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Gambacorta
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples ,Italy
| | - Poulami Kumar
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples ,Italy
| | - Ali Mokhtar Mahmoud
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples ,Italy
| | - Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli″, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Morace
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli″, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli″, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Cosimo D Altomare
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples ,Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Etebar F, Harkin DG, White AR, Dando SJ. Non-invasive in vivo imaging of brain and retinal microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1355557. [PMID: 38348116 PMCID: PMC10859418 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1355557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia play crucial roles in immune responses and contribute to fundamental biological processes within the central nervous system (CNS). In neurodegenerative diseases, microglia undergo functional changes and can have both protective and pathogenic roles. Microglia in the retina, as an extension of the CNS, have also been shown to be affected in many neurological diseases. While our understanding of how microglia contribute to pathological conditions is incomplete, non-invasive in vivo imaging of brain and retinal microglia in living subjects could provide valuable insights into their role in the neurodegenerative diseases and open new avenues for diagnostic biomarkers. This mini-review provides an overview of the current brain and retinal imaging tools for studying microglia in vivo. We focus on microglia targets, the advantages and limitations of in vivo microglia imaging approaches, and applications for evaluating the pathogenesis of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fazeleh Etebar
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Damien G. Harkin
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony R. White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J. Dando
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Malpetti M, Franzmeier N, Brendel M. PET Imaging to Measure Neuroinflammation In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2785:177-193. [PMID: 38427195 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3774-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the potential of anti-inflammatory treatments to slow or prevent decline. This research focuses on the use of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to visualize and quantify molecular brain changes in patients, specifically microglial activation and reactive astrogliosis. We discuss the development and application of several PET radioligands, including first-generation ligands like PK11195 and Ro5-4864, as well as second- and third-generation ligands such as [11C]PBR28, [18F]DPA-714, [18F]GE-180, and [11C]ER176. These ligands target the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is overexpressed in activated microglia and upregulated in astrocytes. We also address the limitations of these ligands, such as low brain uptake, poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier, short half-life, and variable kinetic behavior. Furthermore, we demonstrate the impact of genetic polymorphisms on ligand binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maura Malpetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal and Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kouchaeknejad A, Van Der Walt G, De Donato MH, Puighermanal E. Imaging and Genetic Tools for the Investigation of the Endocannabinoid System in the CNS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15829. [PMID: 37958825 PMCID: PMC10648052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115829] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders present an increasing cause of global morbidity, mortality, and high pressure on our healthcare system, there is an urgent need for new insights and treatment options. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a critical network of endogenous compounds, receptors, and enzymes that contribute to CNS development and regulation. Given its multifaceted involvement in neurobiology and its significance in various CNS disorders, the ECS as a whole is considered a promising therapeutic target. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the ECS's role in the CNS, its complex architecture and extensive crosstalk with other biological systems present challenges for research and clinical advancements. To bridge these knowledge gaps and unlock the full therapeutic potential of ECS interventions in CNS-related disorders, a plethora of molecular-genetic tools have been developed in recent years. Here, we review some of the most impactful tools for investigating the neurological aspects of the ECS. We first provide a brief introduction to the ECS components, including cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes, emphasizing their complexity. This is followed by an exploration of cutting-edge imaging tools and genetic models aimed at elucidating the roles of these principal ECS components. Special emphasis is placed on their relevance in the context of CNS and its associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emma Puighermanal
- Neuroscience Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (A.K.); (G.V.D.W.); (M.H.D.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Haider A, Wang L, Gobbi L, Li Y, Chaudhary A, Zhou X, Chen J, Zhao C, Rong J, Xiao Z, Hou L, Elghazawy NH, Sippl W, Davenport AT, Daunais JB, Ahmed H, Crowe R, Honer M, Rominger A, Grether U, Liang SH, Ametamey SM. Evaluation of [ 18F]RoSMA-18-d 6 as a CB2 PET Radioligand in Nonhuman Primates. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3752-3760. [PMID: 37788055 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) has been implicated in a variety of central and peripheral inflammatory diseases, prompting significant interest in the development of CB2-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic agents. A validated positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for imaging CB2 in the living human brain as well as in peripheral tissues is currently lacking. As part of our research program, we have recently identified the trisubstituted pyridine, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6, which proved to be highly suitable for in vitro and in vivo mapping of CB2 in rodents. The aim of this study was to assess the performance characteristics of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in nonhuman primates (NHPs) to pave the way for clinical translation. [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 was synthesized from the respective tosylate precursor according to previously reported procedures. In vitro autoradiograms with NHP spleen tissue sections revealed a high binding of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 to the CB2-rich NHP spleen, which was significantly blocked by coincubation with the commercially available CB2 ligand, GW405833 (10 μM). In contrast, no specific binding was observed by in vitro autoradiography with NHP brain sections, which was in agreement with the notion of a CB2-deficient healthy mammalian brain. In vitro findings were corroborated by PET imaging experiments in NHPs, where [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 uptake in the spleen was dose-dependently attenuated with 1 and 5 mg/kg GW405833, while no specific brain signal was observed. Remarkably, we observed tracer uptake and retention in the NHP spinal cord, which was reduced by GW405833 blockade, pointing toward a potential utility of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in probing CB2-expressing cells in the bone marrow. If these observations are substantiated in NHP models of enhanced leukocyte proliferation in the bone marrow, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 may serve as a valuable marker for hematopoietic activity in various pathologies. In conclusion, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 proved to be a suitable PET radioligand for imaging CB2 in NHPs, supporting its translation to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Haider
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Luca Gobbi
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yinlong Li
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Chunyu Zhao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jian Rong
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lu Hou
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Nehal H Elghazawy
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - April T Davenport
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - James B Daunais
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - Hazem Ahmed
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ron Crowe
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Michael Honer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steven H Liang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ly M, Yu GZ, Mian A, Cramer A, Meysami S, Merrill DA, Samara A, Eisenstein SA, Hershey T, Babulal GM, Lenze EJ, Morris JC, Benzinger TLS, Raji CA. Neuroinflammation: A Modifiable Pathway Linking Obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and Depression. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:853-866. [PMID: 37365110 PMCID: PMC10528955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are three major interrelated modern health conditions with complex relationships. Early-life depression may serve as a risk factor for AD, while late-life depression may be a prodrome of AD. Depression affects approximately 23% of obese individuals, and depression itself raises the risk of obesity by 37%. Mid-life obesity independently increases AD risk, while late-life obesity, particularly metabolically healthy obesity, may offer protection against AD pathology. Chronic inflammation serves as a key mechanism linking obesity, AD, and depression, encompassing systemic inflammation from metabolic disturbances, immune dysregulation through the gut microbiome, and direct interactions with amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation. In this review, we explore the biological mechanisms of neuroinflammation in relation to obesity, AD, and depression. We assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation and discuss current and future radiological imaging initiatives for studying neuroinflammation. By comprehending the intricate interplay among depression, obesity, and AD, especially the role of neuroinflammation, we can advance our understanding and develop innovative strategies for prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ly
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Gary Z Yu
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ali Mian
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Somayeh Meysami
- Pacific Brain Health Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation, Santa Monica, CA; Department of Translational Neurosciences, Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA
| | - David A Merrill
- Pacific Brain Health Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation, Santa Monica, CA; Department of Translational Neurosciences, Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Amjad Samara
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sarah A Eisenstein
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Tamara Hershey
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ganesh M Babulal
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Institute of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Eric J Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - John C Morris
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Tammie L S Benzinger
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Cyrus A Raji
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kallinen A, Mardon K, Lane S, Montgomery AP, Bhalla R, Stimson DHR, Ahamed M, Cowin GJ, Hibbs D, Werry EL, Fulton R, Connor M, Kassiou M. Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Fluorinated 5-Azaindoles as CB2 PET Radioligands. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2902-2921. [PMID: 37499194 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several classes of cannabinoid receptor type 2 radioligands have been evaluated for imaging of neuroinflammation, with successful clinical translation yet to take place. Here we describe the synthesis of fluorinated 5-azaindoles and pharmacological characterization and in vivo evaluation of 18F-radiolabeled analogues. [18F]2 (hCB2 Ki = 96.5 nM) and [18F]9 (hCB2 Ki = 7.7 nM) were prepared using Cu-mediated 18F-fluorination with non-decay-corrected radiochemical yields of 15 ± 6% and 18 ± 2% over 85 and 80 min, respectively, with high radiochemical purities (>97%) and molar activities (140-416 GBq/μmol). In PET imaging studies in rats, both [18F]2 and [18F]9 demonstrated specific binding in CB2-rich spleen after pretreatment with CB2-specific GW405833. Moreover, [18F]9 exhibited higher brain uptake at later time points in a murine model of neuroinflammation compared with a healthy control group. The results suggest further evaluation of azaindole based CB2 radioligands is warranted in other neuroinflammation models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annukka Kallinen
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Karine Mardon
- ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Samuel Lane
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Muneer Ahamed
- ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gary J Cowin
- ARC Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David Hibbs
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Eryn L Werry
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Roger Fulton
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Mark Connor
- Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferreira PC, Bellaver B, Povala G, Brum WS, Tissot C, Badji A, Sloan ME, Benedet AL, Rosa-Neto P, Ashton NJ, Pascoal TA, Leuzy A, Zimmer ER. Endocannabinoid System Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:77-91. [PMID: 36394442 PMCID: PMC10081722 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alterations in the endocannabinoid system (ES) have been described in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. In the past years, multiple ES biomarkers have been developed, promising to advance our understanding of ES changes in AD. Discussion: ES biomarkers, including positron emission tomography with cannabinoid receptors tracers and biofluid-based endocannabinoids, are associated with AD disease progression and pathological features. Conclusion: Although not specific enough for AD diagnosis, ES biomarkers hold promise for prognosis, drug-target engagement, and a better understanding of the disease. Here, we summarize currently available ES biomarker findings and discuss their potential applications in the AD research field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pâmela C.L. Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bruna Bellaver
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guilherme Povala
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wagner S. Brum
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Cécile Tissot
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Douglas Research Institute, Le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Atef Badji
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska University Hospital, Theme Aging, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Matthew E. Sloan
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosciences and Clinical Translation, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andréa L. Benedet
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Douglas Research Institute, Le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicholas J. Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Institute Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health and Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tharick A. Pascoal
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Antoine Leuzy
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eduardo R. Zimmer
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Douglas Research Institute, Le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Franco R, Lillo A, Navarro G, Reyes-Resina I. The adenosine A 2A receptor is a therapeutic target in neurological, heart and oncogenic diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:791-800. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2136570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neuropharmacology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neuropharmacology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Neuropharmacology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kecheliev V, Spinelli F, Herde A, Haider A, Mu L, Klohs J, Ametamey SM, Ni R. Evaluation of cannabinoid type 2 receptor expression and pyridine-based radiotracers in brains from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1018610. [PMID: 36248003 PMCID: PMC9561934 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1018610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) is an emerging target for neuroinflammation and therapeutics of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we aim to assess the alterations in brain CB2R levels and evaluate novel CB2R imaging tracers in the arcAß mouse model of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. Immunohistochemical staining for amyloid-ß deposits (6E10), microgliosis (anti-Iba1 and anti-CD68 antibodies), astrocytes (GFAP) and the anti-CB2R antibody was performed on brain slices from 17-month-old arcAß mice. Autoradiography using the CB2R imaging probes [18F]RoSMA-18-d6, [11C]RSR-056, and [11C]RS-028 and mRNA analysis were performed in brain tissue from arcAß and non-transgenic littermate (NTL) mice at 6, 17, and 24 months of age. Specific increased CB2R immunofluorescence intensities on the increased number of GFAP-positive astrocytes and Iba1-positive microglia were detected in the hippocampus and cortex of 17-month-old arcAß mice compared to NTL mice. CB2R immunofluorescence was higher in glial cells inside 6E10-positive amyloid-ß deposits than peri-plaque glial cells, which showed low background immunofluorescence in the hippocampus and cortex of 17-month-old arcAß mice. Ex vivo autoradiography showed that the specific binding of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 and [11C]RSR-056 was comparable in arcAß and NTL mice at 6, 17, and 24 months of age. The level of Cnr2 mRNA expression in the brain was not significantly different between arcAß and NTL mice at 6, 17, or 24 months of age. In conclusion, we demonstrated pronounced specific increases in microglial and astroglial CB2R expression levels in a mouse model of AD-related cerebral amyloidosis, emphasizing CB2R as a suitable target for imaging neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasil Kecheliev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Spinelli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrienne Herde
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linjing Mu
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon M. Ametamey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vanin AP, Tamagno WA, Alves C, Mesacasa L, Santin LF, Sutorillo NT, Bilibio D, Müller C, Galon L, Kaizer RR. Neuroprotective potential of Cannabis sativa-based oils in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15376. [PMID: 36100636 PMCID: PMC9470673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19598-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Substances from the Cannabis sativa species, especially cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), have attracted medical attention in recent years. The actions of these two main cannabinoids modulate the cholinergic nervous system (CholNS) involving development, synaptic plasticity, and response to endogenous and environmental damage, as a characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamics of these diseases are mediated by specific neurotransmitters, such as the GABAergic nervous system (GNS) and the CholNS. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an important experimental model, which has different neurotransmitter systems that coordinate its behavior and has a transgene strain that encodes the human β-amyloid 1-42 peptide in body wall muscle, one of the main proteins involved in Alzheimer´s disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protective potential of terpenoids found in C. sativa in the GNS and CholNS of C. elegans. The effect of two C. sativa oils with variations in CBD and THC concentrations on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lipid peroxidation, and behavior of C. elegans was evaluated. C. sativa oils were efficient in increasing pharyngeal pumping rate and reducing defecation cycle, AChE activity, and ROS levels in N2 strains. In the muscle:Abeta1-42 strain, mainly when using CBD oil, worm movement, body bends, and pharyngeal pumping were increased, with a reduced AChE activity. Consequently, greater investments in scientific research are needed, in addition to breaking the taboo on the use of the C. sativa plant as an alternative for medicinal use, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, which have already shown positive initial results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Vanin
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, 99.700-000, Brazil
| | - Wagner Antonio Tamagno
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97.105-900, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Sertão, RS, 99.170-000, Brazil
| | - Carla Alves
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Sertão, RS, 99.170-000, Brazil
- Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, 99.052-900, Brazil
| | - Letícia Mesacasa
- Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, 96.815-900, Brazil
| | - Luciani Figueiredo Santin
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Sertão, RS, 99.170-000, Brazil
| | - Nathália Tafarel Sutorillo
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Sertão, RS, 99.170-000, Brazil
| | - Denise Bilibio
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Sertão, RS, 99.170-000, Brazil
| | - Caroline Müller
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, 99.700-000, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Galon
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, 99.700-000, Brazil
| | - Rosilene Rodrigues Kaizer
- Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Erechim, RS, 99.700-000, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Sertão, RS, 99.170-000, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ruiz de Martín Esteban S, Benito-Cuesta I, Terradillos I, Martínez-Relimpio AM, Arnanz MA, Ruiz-Pérez G, Korn C, Raposo C, Sarott RC, Westphal MV, Elezgarai I, Carreira EM, Hillard CJ, Grether U, Grandes P, Grande MT, Romero J. Cannabinoid CB 2 Receptors Modulate Microglia Function and Amyloid Dynamics in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:841766. [PMID: 35645832 PMCID: PMC9136843 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.841766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution and roles of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in the CNS are still a matter of debate. Recent data suggest that, in addition to its presence in microglial cells, the CB2 receptor may be also expressed at low levels, yet biologically relevant, in other cell types such as neurons. It is accepted that the expression of CB2 receptors in the CNS is low under physiological conditions and is significantly elevated in chronic neuroinflammatory states associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. By using a novel mouse model (CB2 EGFP/f/f), we studied the distribution of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (by generating 5xFAD/CB2 EGFP/f/f mice) and explored the roles of CB2 receptors in microglial function. We used a novel selective and brain penetrant CB2 receptor agonist (RO6866945) as well as mice lacking the CB2 receptor (5xFAD/CB2 -/-) for these studies. We found that CB2 receptors are expressed in dystrophic neurite-associated microglia and that their modulation modifies the number and activity of microglial cells as well as the metabolism of the insoluble form of the amyloid peptide. These results support microglial CB2 receptors as potential targets for the development of amyloid-modulating therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Benito-Cuesta
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Itziar Terradillos
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana M Martínez-Relimpio
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - M Andrea Arnanz
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Claudia Korn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Catarina Raposo
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman C Sarott
- Laboratorium Für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias V Westphal
- Laboratorium Für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Izaskun Elezgarai
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Erick M Carreira
- Laboratorium Für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Grandes
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - M Teresa Grande
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Julián Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cao L, Kong Y, Ji B, Ren Y, Guan Y, Ni R. Positron Emission Tomography in Animal Models of Tauopathies. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:761913. [PMID: 35082657 PMCID: PMC8784812 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.761913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathy diseases. The abnormal accumulation of tau contributes to the development of neurotoxicity, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive deficits in tauopathy diseases. Tau synergically interacts with amyloid-beta in Alzheimer's disease leading to detrimental consequence. Thus, tau has been an important target for therapeutics development for Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathy diseases. Tauopathy animal models recapitulating the tauopathy such as transgenic, knock-in mouse and rat models have been developed and greatly facilitated the understanding of disease mechanisms. The advance in PET and imaging tracers have enabled non-invasive detection of the accumulation and spread of tau, the associated microglia activation, metabolic, and neurotransmitter receptor alterations in disease animal models. In vivo microPET studies on mouse or rat models of tauopathy have provided significant insights into the phenotypes and time course of pathophysiology of these models and allowed the monitoring of treatment targeting at tau. In this study, we discuss the utilities of PET and recently developed tracers for evaluating the pathophysiology in tauopathy animal models. We point out the outstanding challenges and propose future outlook in visualizing tau-related pathophysiological changes in brain of tauopathy disease animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Changes Technology Corporation Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Kong
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Radiopharmacy and Molecular Imaging, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yutong Ren
- Guangdong Robotics Association, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tarawneh AH, Pandey P, Al-Momani LA, Gadetskaya AV, Abu-Orabi ST, Doerksen RJ, Cutler SJ. 1,2,3-Triazole derivatives as highly selective cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) agonists. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
|
16
|
Morcuende A, García-Gutiérrez MS, Tambaro S, Nieto E, Manzanares J, Femenia T. Immunomodulatory Role of CB2 Receptors in Emotional and Cognitive Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:866052. [PMID: 35492718 PMCID: PMC9051035 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.866052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotional behavior, memory, and learning have been associated with alterations in the immune system in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, several studies pointed out the involvement of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) in the immune system and the regulation of inflammation. This receptor is widely distributed in different tissues and organs with higher expression in spleen and immune system cells. However, CB2r has also been detected in several brain areas and different brain cell types, such as neurons and glia. These findings suggest that CB2r may closely relate the immune system and the brain circuits regulating inflammation, mood, and cognitive functions. Therefore, we review the studies that may help elucidate the molecular bases of CB2r in regulating inflammation in different brain cells and its role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Morcuende
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Alicante, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Alicante, Spain.,Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud, Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Simone Tambaro
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Nieto
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Alicante, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Alicante, Spain.,Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud, Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Teresa Femenia
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Alicante, Spain.,Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud, Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen Z, Haider A, Chen J, Xiao Z, Gobbi L, Honer M, Grether U, Arnold SE, Josephson L, Liang SH. The Repertoire of Small-Molecule PET Probes for Neuroinflammation Imaging: Challenges and Opportunities beyond TSPO. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17656-17689. [PMID: 34905377 PMCID: PMC9094091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is an adaptive response of the central nervous system to diverse potentially injurious stimuli, which is closely associated with neurodegeneration and typically characterized by activation of microglia and astrocytes. As a noninvasive and translational molecular imaging tool, positron emission tomography (PET) could provide a better understanding of neuroinflammation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases. Ligands to translator protein (TSPO), a putative marker of neuroinflammation, have been the most commonly studied in this context, but they suffer from serious limitations. Herein we present a repertoire of different structural chemotypes and novel PET ligand design for classical and emerging neuroinflammatory targets beyond TSPO. We believe that this Perspective will support multidisciplinary collaborations in academic and industrial institutions working on neuroinflammation and facilitate the progress of neuroinflammation PET probe development for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Luca Gobbi
- Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Honer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steven E. Arnold
- Department of Neurology and the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114 16th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Lee Josephson
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Steven H. Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhou R, Ji B, Kong Y, Qin L, Ren W, Guan Y, Ni R. PET Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:739130. [PMID: 34603323 PMCID: PMC8481830 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.739130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation play an important role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Advances in molecular imaging using positron emission tomography have provided insights into the time course of neuroinflammation and its relation with Alzheimer's disease central pathologies in patients and in animal disease models. Recent single-cell sequencing and transcriptomics indicate dynamic disease-associated microglia and astrocyte profiles in Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondrial 18-kDa translocator protein is the most widely investigated target for neuroinflammation imaging. New generation of translocator protein tracers with improved performance have been developed and evaluated along with tau and amyloid imaging for assessing the disease progression in Alzheimer's disease continuum. Given that translocator protein is not exclusively expressed in glia, alternative targets are under rapid development, such as monoamine oxidase B, matrix metalloproteinases, colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, imidazoline-2 binding sites, cyclooxygenase, cannabinoid-2 receptor, purinergic P2X7 receptor, P2Y12 receptor, the fractalkine receptor, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, and receptor for advanced glycation end products. Promising targets should demonstrate a higher specificity for cellular locations with exclusive expression in microglia or astrocyte and activation status (pro- or anti-inflammatory) with highly specific ligand to enable in vivo brain imaging. In this review, we summarised recent advances in the development of neuroinflammation imaging tracers and provided an outlook for promising targets in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Radiopharmacy and Molecular Imaging, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Kong
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Limei Qin
- Inner Mongolia Baicaotang Qin Chinese Mongolia Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Wuwei Ren
- School of Information Science and Technology, Shanghaitech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Beaino W, Janssen B, Vugts DJ, de Vries HE, Windhorst AD. Towards PET imaging of the dynamic phenotypes of microglia. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 206:282-300. [PMID: 34331705 PMCID: PMC8561701 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13649] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence showing the heterogeneity of microglia activation in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been hypothesized that pro‐inflammatory microglia are detrimental and contribute to disease progression, while anti‐inflammatory microglia play a role in damage repair and remission. The development of therapeutics targeting the deleterious glial activity and modulating it into a regenerative phenotype relies heavily upon a clearer understanding of the microglia dynamics during disease progression and the ability to monitor therapeutic outcome in vivo. To that end, molecular imaging techniques are required to assess microglia dynamics and study their role in disease progression as well as to evaluate the outcome of therapeutic interventions. Positron emission tomography (PET) is such a molecular imaging technique, and provides unique capabilities for non‐invasive quantification of neuroinflammation and has the potential to discriminate between microglia phenotypes and define their role in the disease process. However, several obstacles limit the possibility for selective in vivo imaging of microglia phenotypes mainly related to the poor characterization of specific targets that distinguish the two ends of the microglia activation spectrum and lack of suitable tracers. PET tracers targeting translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) have been extensively explored, but despite the success in evaluating neuroinflammation they failed to discriminate between microglia activation statuses. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge on the microglia phenotypes in the major neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss the current and emerging PET imaging targets, the tracers and their potential in discriminating between the pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory microglia activation states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Beaino
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bieneke Janssen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Danielle J Vugts
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert D Windhorst
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aly MW, Ludwig FA, Deuther-Conrad W, Brust P, Abadi AH, Moldovan RP, Osman NA. Development of fluorinated and methoxylated benzothiazole derivatives as highly potent and selective cannabinoid CB 2 receptor ligands. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105191. [PMID: 34375194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The upregulation of the CB2 receptors in neuroinflammation and cancer and their potential visualization with PET (positron emission tomography) could provide a valuable diagnostic and therapy-monitoring tool in such disorders. However, the availability of reliable CB2-selective imaging probes is still lacking in clinical practice. We have recently identified a benzothiazole-2-ylidine amide hit (6a) as a highly potent CB2 ligand. With the aim of enhancing its CB2 over CB1 selectivity and introducing structural sites suitable for radiolabeling, we herein describe the development of fluorinated and methoxylated benzothiazole derivatives endowed with extremely high CB2 binding affinity and an exclusive selectivity to the CB2 receptor. Compounds 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 24 and 25 displayed subnanomolar CB2Ki values (ranging from 0.16 nM to 0.68 nM) and interestingly, all of the synthesized compounds completely lacked affinity at the CB1 receptor (Ki > 10,000 nM for all compounds), indicating their remarkably high CB2 over CB1 selectivity factors. The fluorinated analogs, 15 and 21, were evaluated for their in vitro metabolic stability in mouse and human liver microsomes (MLM and HLM). Both 15 and 21 displayed an exceptionally high stability (98% and 91% intact compounds, respectively) after 60 min incubation with MLM. Contrastingly, a 5- and 2.8-fold lower stability was demonstrated for compounds 15 and 21, respectively, upon incubation with HLM for 60 min. Taken together, our data present extremely potent and selective CB2 ligands as credible leads that can be further exploited for 18F- or 11C-radiolabeling and utilization as PET tracers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayar W Aly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Friedrich-Alexander Ludwig
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, Leipzig 04318, Germany
| | - Winnie Deuther-Conrad
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, Leipzig 04318, Germany
| | - Peter Brust
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, Leipzig 04318, Germany
| | - Ashraf H Abadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rareş-Petru Moldovan
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, Leipzig 04318, Germany.
| | - Noha A Osman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
[Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of acute and chronic pain]. Anaesthesist 2021; 70:551-562. [PMID: 34196726 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-021-00994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Since the Act on the medical use of cannabis, at which cannabis-based medicines and cannabinoids became law, there has been an exponential increase in prescriptions for the acquisition of cannabis for medical purposes. The aim of this leading article is to compile and assess the currently available relevant clinical evidence for the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for treatment of acute and chronic pain. Based on the systematic literature review "Cannabis-Potential and risks (CAPRIS)" commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Health and the recently published recommendations of the European Pain Federation EFIC, this article aims to give an orientation aid for the decision-making process in the clinical routine.
Collapse
|
22
|
Potential and Limits of Cannabinoids in Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060542. [PMID: 34204237 PMCID: PMC8234911 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary This review was aimed at exploring the potentiality of drugging the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic option for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent discoveries have demonstrated how the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and receptor 2 (CB2) can exert neuroprotective effects without the recreational and pharmacological properties of Cannabis sativa. Thus, this review explores the potential of cannabinoids in AD, also highlighting their limitations in perspective to point out the need for further research on cannabinoids in AD therapy. Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a detrimental brain disorder characterized by a gradual cognitive decline and neuronal deterioration. To date, the treatments available are effective only in the early stage of the disease. The AD etiology has not been completely revealed, and investigating new pathological mechanisms is essential for developing effective and safe drugs. The recreational and pharmacological properties of marijuana are known for centuries, but only recently the scientific community started to investigate the potential use of cannabinoids in AD therapy—sometimes with contradictory outcomes. Since the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is highly expressed in the hippocampus and cortex, cannabis use/abuse has often been associated with memory and learning dysfunction in vulnerable individuals. However, the latest findings in AD rodent models have shown promising effects of cannabinoids in reducing amyloid plaque deposition and stimulating hippocampal neurogenesis. Beneficial effects on several dementia-related symptoms have also been reported in clinical trials after cannabinoid treatments. Accordingly, future studies should address identifying the correct therapeutic dosage and timing of treatment from the perspective of using cannabinoids in AD therapy. The present paper aims to summarize the potential and limitations of cannabinoids as therapeutics for AD, focusing on recent pre-clinical and clinical evidence.
Collapse
|
23
|
Scott MC, Bedi SS, Olson SD, Sears CM, Cox CS. Microglia as therapeutic targets after neurological injury: strategy for cell therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:365-380. [PMID: 34029505 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1934447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microglia is the resident tissue macrophages of the central nervous system. Prolonged microglial activation often occurs after traumatic brain injury and is associated with deteriorating neurocognitive outcomes. Resolution of microglial activation is associated with limited tissue loss and improved neurocognitive outcomes. Limiting the prolonged pro-inflammatory response and the associated secondary tissue injury provides the rationale and scientific premise for considering microglia as a therapeutic target. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss markers of microglial activation, such as immunophenotype and microglial response to injury, including cytokine/chemokine release, free radical formation, morphology, phagocytosis, and metabolic shifts. We compare the origin and role in neuroinflammation of microglia and monocytes/macrophages. We review potential therapeutic targets to shift microglial polarization. Finally, we review the effect of cell therapy on microglia. EXPERT OPINION Dysregulated microglial activation after neurologic injury, such as traumatic brain injury, can worsen tissue damage and functional outcomes. There are potential targets in microglia to attenuate this activation, such as proteins and molecules that regulate microglia polarization. Cellular therapeutics that limit, but do not eliminate, the inflammatory response have improved outcomes in animal models by reducing pro-inflammatory microglial activation via secondary signaling. These findings have been replicated in early phase clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Collins Scott
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Uthealth), USA
| | - Supinder S Bedi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott D Olson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Candice M Sears
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Charles S Cox
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Duffy SS, Hayes JP, Fiore NT, Moalem-Taylor G. The cannabinoid system and microglia in health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2021; 190:108555. [PMID: 33845074 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have yielded significant advances in our understanding of microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are key players in CNS development, immune surveillance, and the maintenance of proper neuronal function throughout life. In the healthy brain, homeostatic microglia have a unique molecular signature. In neurological diseases, microglia become activated and adopt distinct transcriptomic signatures, including disease-associated microglia (DAM) implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. Homeostatic microglia synthesise the endogenous cannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide and express the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 at constitutively low levels. Upon activation, microglia significantly increase their synthesis of endocannabinoids and upregulate their expression of CB2 receptors, which promote a protective microglial phenotype by enhancing their production of neuroprotective factors and reducing their production of pro-inflammatory factors. Here, we summarise the effects of the microglial cannabinoid system in the CNS demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis, the neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. We discuss the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in regulating microglial activity and highlight the need to further investigate their specific microglia-dependent immunomodulatory effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Duffy
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jessica P Hayes
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nathan T Fiore
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Gila Moalem-Taylor
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Fitting S. Mini-review: The therapeutic role of cannabinoids in neuroHIV. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135717. [PMID: 33587986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is considered a chronic disease with an inflammatory component that specifically targets the brain and causes a high prevalence of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has attracted interest as a target for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, due to the potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids, including its potential therapeutic use in HIV-1 neuropathogenesis. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the structural and functional changes of the eCB system under conditions of HAND. This will be followed by summarizing the current clinical and preclinical findings on the effects of cannabis use and cannabinoids in the context of HIV-1 infection, with specifically focusing on viral load, cognition, inflammation, and neuroprotection. Lastly, we present some potential future directions to better understand the involvement of the eCB system and the role that cannabis use and cannabinoids play in neuroHIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ledesma JC, Rodríguez‐Arias M, Gavito AL, Sánchez‐Pérez AM, Viña J, Medina Vera D, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Miñarro J. Adolescent binge-ethanol accelerates cognitive impairment and β-amyloid production and dysregulates endocannabinoid signaling in the hippocampus of APP/PSE mice. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12883. [PMID: 32043730 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous research in rodents suggests that the long-term neurobehavioral disturbances induced by chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure could be due to endocannabinoid system (ECS) alterations. Moreover, ECS failure has been proposed to mediate the cognitive impairment and β-amyloid production in Alzheimer disease (AD). Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of adolescent EtOH binge drinking on the cognitive disturbances, hippocampal β-amyloid levels, and in the ECS expression on a transgenic mouse model (APP/PSEN, AZ) of AD. We exposed AZ and wild-type mice to a binge-drinking treatment during adolescence. At 6 and 12 months of age, we evaluated hippocampal-dependent learning and memory: β-amyloid concentrations and RNA and protein levels of cannabinoid type-2 receptors (CB2), diacylglycerol lipase-α (DAGLα), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in the hippocampus. The results showed that binge-EtOH treatment worsens cognitive function and increases β-amyloid levels in AZ. At 6 months, EtOH heightens CB2 (RNA and protein) and DAGLα (RNA) expression in wild type but not in AZ. On the contrary, EtOH enhances MAGL RNA expression only in AZ. At 12 months, AZ displays increased levels of CB2 (RNA and protein) and DAGLα (protein) compared with control. Similar to what happens at 6 months, EtOH induces an increase in CB2 gene expression in wild type but not in AZ; however, it augments CB2 and DAGLα protein levels in both genotypes. Therefore, we propose that adolescent binge drinking accelerates cognitive deficits associated with aging and AD. It also accelerates hippocampal β-amyloid accumulation in AZ and affects differently the ECS response in wild type and AZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Rodríguez‐Arias
- Departament de Psicobiologia Universitat de València Valencia Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS‐Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER Madrid Spain
| | - Ana L. Gavito
- Instituto IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Unidad de Gestión de Salud Mental Málaga Spain
| | | | - José Viña
- Freshage Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine University of Valencia, CIBERFES Valencia Spain
| | - Dina Medina Vera
- Instituto IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Unidad de Gestión de Salud Mental Málaga Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS‐Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER Madrid Spain
- Instituto IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Unidad de Gestión de Salud Mental Málaga Spain
| | - José Miñarro
- Departament de Psicobiologia Universitat de València Valencia Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS‐Trastornos Adictivos), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER Madrid Spain
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Solnes LB, Jacobs AH, Coughlin JM, Du Y, Goel R, Hammoud DA, Pomper MG. Central Nervous System Molecular Imaging. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
|
28
|
|
29
|
Hou L, Rong J, Haider A, Ogasawara D, Varlow C, Schafroth MA, Mu L, Gan J, Xu H, Fowler CJ, Zhang MR, Vasdev N, Ametamey S, Cravatt BF, Wang L, Liang SH. Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of the Endocannabinoid System: Opportunities and Challenges in Radiotracer Development. J Med Chem 2020; 64:123-149. [PMID: 33379862 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in a wide range of biological functions and comprises cannabinoid receptors and enzymes responsible for endocannabinoid synthesis and degradation. Over the past 2 decades, significant advances toward developing drugs and positron emission tomography (PET) tracers targeting different components of the ECS have been made. Herein, we summarized the recent development of PET tracers for imaging cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) as well as the key enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), particularly focusing on PET neuroimaging applications. State-of-the-art PET tracers for the ECS will be reviewed including their chemical design, pharmacological properties, radiolabeling, as well as preclinical and human PET imaging. In addition, this review addresses the current challenges for ECS PET biomarker development and highlights the important role of PET ligands to study disease pathophysiology as well as to facilitate drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Hou
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jian Rong
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Daisuke Ogasawara
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, SR107, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Cassis Varlow
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Department of Psychiatry/Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, M5T 1R8 ON, Canada
| | - Michael A Schafroth
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, SR107, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Linjing Mu
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH, PSI, and USZ, and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jiefeng Gan
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Christopher J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ming-Rong Zhang
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals Development, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Neil Vasdev
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Department of Psychiatry/Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, M5T 1R8 ON, Canada
| | - Simon Ametamey
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH, PSI, and USZ, and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin F Cravatt
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, SR107, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 West Huangpu Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China.,Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Steven H Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Komorowska-Müller JA, Schmöle AC. CB2 Receptor in Microglia: The Guardian of Self-Control. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E19. [PMID: 33375006 PMCID: PMC7792761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are key to maintaining the homeostasis of the brain. These immune cells of the brain can be our biggest ally in fighting infections, but can worsen pathology or hinder recovery when uncontrolled. Thus, understanding how microglia contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and how their activity can be controlled is of great importance. It is known that activation of endocannabinoid system, and especially the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), decreases inflammation. Alongside its non-psychoactive effect, it makes the CB2R receptor a perfect target for treating diseases accompanied by neuroinflammation including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanisms by which CB2R regulates microglial activity are not yet understood. Here, we review the current knowledge on the roles of microglial CB2R from in vitro and in vivo studies. We look into CB2R function under physiological and pathological conditions and focus on four different disease models representing chronic and acute inflammation. We highlight open questions and controversies and provide an update on the latest discoveries that were enabled by the development of novel technologies. Also, we discuss the recent findings on the role of microglia CB2R in cognition and its role in neuron-microglia communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Agnieszka Komorowska-Müller
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
- International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, University of Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne-Caroline Schmöle
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
D'Elia A, Schiavi S, Soluri A, Massari R, Soluri A, Trezza V. Role of Nuclear Imaging to Understand the Neural Substrates of Brain Disorders in Laboratory Animals: Current Status and Future Prospects. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:596509. [PMID: 33362486 PMCID: PMC7759612 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.596509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging, which allows the real-time visualization, characterization and measurement of biological processes, is becoming increasingly used in neuroscience research. Scintigraphy techniques such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) provide qualitative and quantitative measurement of brain activity in both physiological and pathological states. Laboratory animals, and rodents in particular, are essential in neuroscience research, providing plenty of models of brain disorders. The development of innovative high-resolution small animal imaging systems together with their radiotracers pave the way to the study of brain functioning and neurotransmitter release during behavioral tasks in rodents. The assessment of local changes in the release of neurotransmitters associated with the performance of a given behavioral task is a turning point for the development of new potential drugs for psychiatric and neurological disorders. This review addresses the role of SPECT and PET small animal imaging systems for a better understanding of brain functioning in health and disease states. Brain imaging in rodent models faces a series of challenges since it acts within the boundaries of current imaging in terms of sensitivity and spatial resolution. Several topics are discussed, including technical considerations regarding the strengths and weaknesses of both technologies. Moreover, the application of some of the radioligands developed for small animal nuclear imaging studies is discussed. Then, we examine the changes in metabolic and neurotransmitter activity in various brain areas during task-induced neural activation with special regard to the imaging of opioid, dopaminergic and cannabinoid receptors. Finally, we discuss the current status providing future perspectives on the most innovative imaging techniques in small laboratory animals. The challenges and solutions discussed here might be useful to better understand brain functioning allowing the translation of preclinical results into clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata D'Elia
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Soluri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Massari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soluri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The impact of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2Rs) in neuroprotection against neurological disorders. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1507-1518. [PMID: 33024239 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00530-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have long been used for their psychotropic and possible medical properties of symptom relief. In the past few years, a vast literature shows that cannabinoids are neuroprotective under different pathological situations. Most of the effects of cannabinoids are mediated by the well-characterized cannabinoid receptors, the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) and cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R). Even though CB1Rs are highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), the adverse central side effects and the development of tolerance resulting from CB1R activation may ultimately limit the clinical utility of CB1R agonists. In contrast to the ubiquitous presence of CB1Rs, CB2Rs are less commonly expressed in the healthy CNS but highly upregulated in glial cells under neuropathological conditions. Experimental studies have provided robust evidence that CB2Rs seem to be involved in the modulation of different neurological disorders. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the protective effects of CB2R activation against the development of neurological diseases and provide a perspective on the future of this field. A better understanding of the fundamental pharmacology of CB2R activation is essential for the development of clinical applications and the design of novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
33
|
Cipollina G, Davari Serej A, Di Nolfi G, Gazzano A, Marsala A, Spatafora MG, Peviani M. Heterogeneity of Neuroinflammatory Responses in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Challenge or an Opportunity? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7923. [PMID: 33113845 PMCID: PMC7662281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a complex pathology: (i) the neurodegeneration is chronic and progressive; it starts focally in specific central nervous system (CNS) areas and spreads to different districts; (ii) multiple cell types further than motor neurons (i.e., glial/immune system cells) are actively involved in the disease; (iii) both neurosupportive and neurotoxic neuroinflammatory responses were identified. Microglia cells (a key player of neuroinflammation in the CNS) attracted great interest as potential target cell population that could be modulated to counteract disease progression, at least in preclinical ALS models. However, the heterogeneous/multifaceted microglia cell responses occurring in different CNS districts during the disease represent a hurdle for clinical translation of single-drug therapies. To address this issue, over the past ten years, several studies attempted to dissect the complexity of microglia responses in ALS. In this review, we shall summarize these results highlighting how the heterogeneous signature displayed by ALS microglia reflects not only the extent of neuronal demise in different regions of the CNS, but also variable engagement in the attempts to cope with the neuronal damage. We shall discuss novel avenues opened by the advent of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies, underlining the potential for discovery of novel therapeutic targets, as well as more specific diagnostic/prognostic not-invasive markers of neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Peviani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.C.); (A.D.S.); (G.D.N.); (A.G.); (A.M.); (M.G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Harms AS, Kordower JH, Sette A, Lindestam Arlehamn CS, Sulzer D, Mach RH. Inflammation in Experimental Models of α-Synucleinopathies. Mov Disord 2020; 36:37-49. [PMID: 33009855 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has long been associated with central nervous system pathology in α-synucleinopathy disorders including Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. In the past decade, research-focused efforts in preclinical and experimental models have rallied around this idea, and considerable effort has been made to delineate critical neuroinflammatory processes. In this article, we discuss challenges in preclinical research, notably the use of animal models to recapitulate and dissect disease phenotypes as well as the need for more sensitive, reliable radiotracers to detect on-target efficacy of immunomodulatory treatments in both human Parkinson's disease as well as preclinical models. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Harms
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - David Sulzer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert H Mach
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Basagni F, Rosini M, Decker M. Functionalized Cannabinoid Subtype 2 Receptor Ligands: Fluorescent, PET, Photochromic and Covalent Molecular Probes. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1374-1389. [PMID: 32578963 PMCID: PMC7497013 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid subtype 2 receptors (CB2 Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of signalling pathways leading to the regulation of key physiological processes. Interestingly, CB2 Rs are strongly up-regulated in pathological conditions correlated with the onset of inflammatory events like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, CB2 Rs represent an important biological target for therapeutic as well as diagnostic purposes. No CB2 R-selective drugs are yet on the market, thus underlining a that deeper comprehension of CB2 Rs' complex activation pathways and their role in the regulation of diseases is needed. Herein, we report an overview of pharmacological and imaging tools such as fluorescent, positron emission tomography (PET), photochromic and covalent selective CB2 R ligands. These molecular probes can be used in vitro as well as in vivo to investigate and explore the unravelled role(s) of CB2 Rs, and they can help to design suitable CB2 R-targeted drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jain P, Chaney AM, Carlson ML, Jackson IM, Rao A, James ML. Neuroinflammation PET Imaging: Current Opinion and Future Directions. J Nucl Med 2020; 61:1107-1112. [PMID: 32620705 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.119.229443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a key pathologic hallmark of numerous neurologic diseases, however, its exact role in vivo is yet to be fully understood. PET imaging enables investigation, quantification, and tracking of different neuroinflammation biomarkers in living subjects longitudinally. One such biomarker that has been imaged extensively using PET is translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO). Although imaging TSPO has yielded valuable clinical data linking neuroinflammation to various neurodegenerative diseases, considerable limitations of TSPO PET have prompted identification of other more cell-specific and functionally relevant biomarkers. This review analyzes the clinical potential of available and emerging PET biomarkers of innate and adaptive immune responses, with mention of exciting future directions for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poorva Jain
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Aisling M Chaney
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Mackenzie L Carlson
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California; and
| | - Isaac M Jackson
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Anoushka Rao
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Michelle L James
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Stanford, California .,Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kaur S, DasGupta G, Singh S. Altered Neurochemistry in Alzheimer’s Disease: Targeting Neurotransmitter Receptor Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategy. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-019-09823-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
38
|
Yamagishi S, Iga Y, Nakamura M, Takizawa C, Fukumoto D, Kakiuchi T, Nishiyama S, Ohba H, Tsukada H, Sato K, Ouchi Y. Upregulation of cannabinoid receptor type 2, but not TSPO, in senescence-accelerated neuroinflammation in mice: a positron emission tomography study. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:208. [PMID: 31707986 PMCID: PMC6842455 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglial cells are activated in response to changes in brain homeostasis during aging, dementia, and stroke. Type 2 endocannabinoid receptors (CB2) and translocator protein 18 kD (TSPO) are considered to reflect distinct aspects of microglia-related neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. CB2 activation is considered to relate to the neuroprotective responses that may occur predominantly in the early stage of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, while an increase in TSPO expression tends to occur later during neuroinflammation, in a proinflammatory fashion. However, this information was deduced from studies with different animal samples under different experimental settings. In this study, we aimed to examine the early microglial status in the inflammation occurring in the brains of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 10 (SAMP10) mice, using positron emission tomography (PET) with CB2 and TSPO tracers, together with immunohistochemistry. METHODS Five- and 15-week-old SAMP10 mice that undergo neurodegeneration after 7 months of age were used. The binding levels of the TSPO tracer (R)-[11C]PK11195 and CB2 tracer [11C]NE40 were measured using PET in combination with immunohistochemistry for CB2 and TSPO. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report PET data for CB2 and TSPO at the early stage of cognitive impairment in an animal model. RESULTS The standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs) of [11C]NE40 binding were significantly higher than those of (R)-[11C]PK11195 binding in the cerebral cortical region at 15 weeks of age. At 5 weeks of age, the [11C]NE40 SUVR tended to be higher than the (R)-[11C]PK11195 SUVR. The (R)-[11C]PK11195 SUVR did not significantly differ between 5- and 15-week-old mice. Consistently, immunostaining analysis confirmed the upregulation of CB2, but not TSPO. CONCLUSIONS The use of the CB2 tracer [11C]NE40 and/or an immunohistochemical approach allows evaluation of the role of microglia in acute neuroinflammatory processes in the early stage of neurodegeneration. The present results provide in vivo evidence of different responses of two types of microglia to senescence-accelerated neuroinflammation, implying the perturbation of microglial balance by aging. Specific treatment for CB2-positive microglia might help ameliorate senescence-related neuroinflammation and the following neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Yamagishi
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yurika Iga
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masato Nakamura
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Chika Takizawa
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Dai Fukumoto
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics KK, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takeharu Kakiuchi
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics KK, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shingo Nishiyama
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics KK, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ohba
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics KK, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hideo Tsukada
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics KK, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kohji Sato
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yasuomi Ouchi
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, 431-3192, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
The endocannabinoid system: Novel targets for treating cancer induced bone pain. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 120:109504. [PMID: 31627091 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Treating Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) continues to be a major clinical challenge and underlying mechanisms of CIBP remain unclear. Recently, emerging body of evidence suggested the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play essential roles in CIBP. Here, we summarized the current understanding of the antinociceptive mechanisms of endocannabinoids in CIBP and discussed the beneficial effects of endocannabinoid for CIBP treatment. Targeting non-selective cannabinoid 1 receptors or selective cannabinoid 2 receptors, and modulation of peripheral AEA and 2-AG, as well as the inhibition the function of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) have produced analgesic effects in animal models of CIBP. Management of ECS therefore appears to be a promising way for the treatment of CIBP in terms of efficacy and safety. Further clinical studies are encouraged to confirm the possible translation to humans of the very promising results already obtained in the preclinical studies.
Collapse
|
40
|
Franco R, Reyes-Resina I, Aguinaga D, Lillo A, Jiménez J, Raïch I, Borroto-Escuela DO, Ferreiro-Vera C, Canela EI, Sánchez de Medina V, Del Ser-Badia A, Fuxe K, Saura CA, Navarro G. Potentiation of cannabinoid signaling in microglia by adenosine A 2A receptor antagonists. Glia 2019; 67:2410-2423. [PMID: 31429130 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroprotective M2-skewed microglia appear as promising to alter the course of neurodegenerative diseases and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are potential targets to achieve such microglial polarization. A common feature of adenosine A2A (A2A R) and cannabinoid CB2 (CB2 R) GPCRs in microglia is that their expression is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the one hand, CB2 R seems a target for neuroprotection, delaying neurodegenerative processes like those associated to AD or Parkinson's diseases. A2A R antagonists reduce amyloid burden and improve cognitive performance and memory in AD animal models. We here show a close interrelationship between these two receptors in microglia; they are able to physically interact and affect the signaling of each other, likely due to conformational changes within the A2A -CB2 receptor heteromer (A2A -CB2 Het). Particularly relevant is the upregulation of A2A -CB2 Het expression in samples from the APPSw ,Ind AD transgenic mice model. The most relevant finding, confirmed in both heterologous cells and in primary cultures of microglia, was that blockade of A2A receptors results in increased CB2 R-mediated signaling. This heteromer-specific feature suggests that A2A R antagonists would potentiate, via microglia, the neuroprotective action of endocannabinoids with implications for AD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Aguinaga
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jasmina Jiménez
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iu Raïch
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Enric I Canela
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Anna Del Ser-Badia
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos A Saura
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist ameliorates novel object recognition but not spatial memory in transgenic APP/PS1 mice. Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
42
|
Schmöle AC, Lundt R, Toporowski G, Hansen JN, Beins E, Halle A, Zimmer A. Cannabinoid Receptor 2-Deficiency Ameliorates Disease Symptoms in a Mouse Model with Alzheimer's Disease-Like Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 64:379-392. [PMID: 29865078 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a modulator of neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, expression of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is induced in plaque-associated microglia and astrocytes in brain tissues from AD patients and in genetic mouse models expressing pathogenic variants of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, the exact mechanism of CB2 signaling in this mouse model remains elusive, because the genetic deletion of CB2 and the pharmacological activation of CB2 both reduced neuroinflammation. Here, we demonstrate that CB2 deletion also improved cognitive and learning deficits in APP/PS1*CB2-/- mice. This was accompanied by reduced neuronal loss and decreased plaque levels and coincided with increased expression of Aβ degrading enzymes. Interestingly, plaque-associated microglia in APP/PS1*CB2-/- mice showed a less activated morphology, while plaques were smaller and more condensed than in APP/PS1 mice. Taken together, these results indicate a beneficial effect of CB2-deficiency in APP transgenic mice. CB2 appears to be part of a protective system that may be detrimental when engaged continuously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Caroline Schmöle
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ramona Lundt
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gregor Toporowski
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan N Hansen
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Max Planck research group "Neuroimmunology", Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Beins
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annett Halle
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Max Planck research group "Neuroimmunology", Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bauckneht M, Capitanio S, Raffa S, Roccatagliata L, Pardini M, Lapucci C, Marini C, Sambuceti G, Inglese M, Gallo P, Cecchin D, Nobili F, Morbelli S. Molecular imaging of multiple sclerosis: from the clinical demand to novel radiotracers. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2019; 4:6. [PMID: 31659498 PMCID: PMC6453990 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-019-0058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain PET imaging with different tracers is mainly clinically used in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. In recent years, the potential usefulness of PET has also gained attention in the field of MS. In fact, MS is a complex disease and several processes can be selected as a target for PET imaging. The use of PET with several different tracers has been mainly evaluated in the research setting to investigate disease pathophysiology (i.e. phenotypes, monitoring of progression) or to explore its use a surrogate end-point in clinical trials. Results We have reviewed PET imaging studies in MS in humans and animal models. Tracers have been grouped according to their pathophysiological targets (ie. tracers for myelin kinetic, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration). The emerging clinical indication for brain PET imaging in the differential diagnosis of suspected tumefactive demyelinated plaques as well as the clinical potential provided by PET images in view of the recent introduction of PET/MR technology are also addressed. Conclusion While several preclinical and fewer clinical studies have shown results, full-scale clinical development programs are needed to translate molecular imaging technologies into a clinical reality that could ideally fit into current precision medicine perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bauckneht
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Selene Capitanio
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Raffa
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Roccatagliata
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Neuroradiology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Lapucci
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,CNR Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of the Veneto Region, Department of Neurosciences DNS, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Diego Cecchin
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Padua, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Flavio Nobili
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Morbelli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rodrigues RS, Lourenço DM, Paulo SL, Mateus JM, Ferreira MF, Mouro FM, Moreira JB, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Xapelli S. Cannabinoid Actions on Neural Stem Cells: Implications for Pathophysiology. Molecules 2019; 24:E1350. [PMID: 30959794 PMCID: PMC6480122 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increase of life expectancy, neurodegenerative disorders are becoming not only a health but also a social burden worldwide. However, due to the multitude of pathophysiological disease states, current treatments fail to meet the desired outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies focusing on more integrated, personalized and effective approaches. The prospect of using neural stem cells (NSC) as regenerative therapies is very promising, however several issues still need to be addressed. In particular, the potential actions of pharmacological agents used to modulate NSC activity are highly relevant. With the ongoing discussion of cannabinoid usage for medical purposes and reports drawing attention to the effects of cannabinoids on NSC regulation, there is an enormous, and yet, uncovered potential for cannabinoids as treatment options for several neurological disorders, specifically when combined with stem cell therapy. In this manuscript, we review in detail how cannabinoids act as potent regulators of NSC biology and their potential to modulate several neurogenic features in the context of pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui S Rodrigues
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Diogo M Lourenço
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sara L Paulo
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Joana M Mateus
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Miguel F Ferreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Francisco M Mouro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João B Moreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Filipa F Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sara Xapelli
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ni R, Mu L, Ametamey S. Positron emission tomography of type 2 cannabinoid receptors for detecting inflammation in the central nervous system. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:351-357. [PMID: 29921889 PMCID: PMC6460366 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor CB2 (CB2R) is upregulated on activated microglia and astrocytes in the brain under inflammatory conditions and plays important roles in many neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and ischemic stroke. The advent of positron emission tomography (PET) using CB2R radiotracers has enabled the visualization of CB2R distribution in vivo in animal models of central nervous system inflammation, however translation to humans has been less successful. Several novel CB2R radiotracers have been developed and evaluated to quantify microglial activation. In this review, we summarize the recent preclinical and clinical imaging results of CB2R PET tracers and discuss the prospects of CB2R imaging using PET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Linjing Mu
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Simon Ametamey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cannabinoid signalling in embryonic and adult neurogenesis: possible implications for psychiatric and neurological disorders. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2019; 31:1-16. [PMID: 29764526 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2018.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid signalling modulates several aspects of brain function, including the generation and survival of neurons during embryonic and adult periods. The present review intended to summarise evidence supporting a role for the endocannabinoid system on the control of neurogenesis and neurogenesis-dependent functions. Studies reporting participation of cannabinoids on the regulation of any step of neurogenesis and the effects of cannabinoid compounds on animal models possessing neurogenesis-dependent features were selected from Medline. Qualitative evaluation of the selected studies indicated that activation of cannabinoid receptors may change neurogenesis in embryonic or adult nervous systems alongside rescue of phenotypes in animal models of different psychiatric and neurological disorders. The text offers an overview on the effects of cannabinoids on central nervous system development and the possible links with psychiatric and neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, brain ischaemia/stroke and Alzheimer's disease. An understanding of the mechanisms by which cannabinoid signalling influences developmental and adult neurogenesis will help foster the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
47
|
Development of brain PET imaging agents: Strategies for imaging neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 165:371-399. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
48
|
Bonini SA, Premoli M, Tambaro S, Kumar A, Maccarinelli G, Memo M, Mastinu A. Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 227:300-315. [PMID: 30205181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) is an annual dioecious plant, which shares its origins with the inception of the first agricultural human societies in Asia. Over the course of time different parts of the plant have been utilized for therapeutic and recreational purposes, for instance, extraction of healing oils from seed, or the use of inflorescences for their psychoactive effects. The key psychoactive constituent in C. sativa is called Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC). The endocannabinoid system seems to be phylogenetically ancient, as it was present in the most primitive vertebrates with a neuronal network. N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are the main endocannabinoids ligands present in the animal kingdom, and the main endocannabinoid receptors are cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor and cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptor. AIM OF THE STUDY The review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive evaluation, from the ancient times to our days, of the ethnological, botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of C. sativa, with a vision for promoting further pharmaceutical research to explore its complete potential as a therapeutic agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was performed by reviewing in extensive details the studies on historical significance and ethnopharmacological applications of C. sativa by using international scientific databases, books, Master's and Ph.D. dissertations and government reports. In addition, we also try to gather relevant information from large regional as well as global unpublished resources. In addition, the plant taxonomy was validated using certified databases such as Medicinal Plant Names Services (MPNS) and The Plant List. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A detailed comparative analysis of the available resources for C. sativa confirmed its origin and traditional spiritual, household and therapeutic uses and most importantly its popularity as a recreational drug. The result of several studies suggested a deeper involvement of phytocannabinoids (the key compounds in C. sativa) in several others central and peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms such as food intake, inflammation, pain, colitis, sleep disorders, neurological and psychiatric illness. However, despite their numerous medicinal benefits, they are still considered as a menace to the society and banned throughout the world, except for few countries. We believe that this review will help lay the foundation for promoting exhaustive pharmacological and pharmaceutical studies in order to better understand the clinical relevance and applications of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in the prevention and treatment of life-threatening diseases and help to improve the legal status of C. sativa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simone Tambaro
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Aymerich MS, Aso E, Abellanas MA, Tolon RM, Ramos JA, Ferrer I, Romero J, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoid pharmacology/therapeutics in chronic degenerative disorders affecting the central nervous system. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:67-84. [PMID: 30121249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) exerts a modulatory effect of important functions such as neurotransmission, glial activation, oxidative stress, or protein homeostasis. Dysregulation of these cellular processes is a common neuropathological hallmark in aging and in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The broad spectrum of actions of cannabinoids allows targeting different aspects of these multifactorial diseases. In this review, we examine the therapeutic potential of the ECS for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. First, we describe the localization of the molecular components of the ECS and how they are altered under neurodegenerative conditions, either contributing to or protecting cells from degeneration. Second, we address recent advances in the modulation of the ECS using experimental models through different strategies including the direct targeting of cannabinoid receptors with agonists or antagonists, increasing the endocannabinoid tone by the inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis, and activation of cannabinoid receptor-independent effects. Preclinical evidence indicates that cannabinoid pharmacology is complex but supports the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS. Third, we review the clinical evidence and discuss the future perspectives on how to bridge human and animal studies to develop cannabinoid-based therapies for each neurodegenerative disorder. Finally, we summarize the most relevant opportunities of cannabinoid pharmacology related to each disease and the multiple unexplored pathways in cannabinoid pharmacology that could be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Aymerich
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Spain.
| | - Ester Aso
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Miguel A Abellanas
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Tolon
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Jose A Ramos
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Julian Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Högel H, Rissanen E, Vuorimaa A, Airas L. Positron emission tomography imaging in evaluation of MS pathology in vivo. Mult Scler 2018; 24:1399-1412. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458518791680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) gives an opportunity to quantitate the expression of specific molecular targets in vivo and longitudinally in brain and thus enhances our possibilities to understand and follow up multiple sclerosis (MS)-related pathology. For successful PET imaging, one needs a relevant target molecule within the brain, to which a blood–brain barrier–penetrating specific radioligand will bind. 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-binding radioligands have been used to detect activated microglial cells at different stages of MS, and remyelination has been measured using amyloid PET. Several PET ligands for the detection of other inflammatory targets, besides TSPO, have been developed but not yet been used for imaging MS patients. Finally, synaptic density evaluation has been successfully tested in human subjects and gives opportunities for the evaluation of the development of cortical and deep gray matter pathology in MS. This review will discuss PET imaging modalities relevant for MS today.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Högel
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland/Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Rissanen
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland/Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anna Vuorimaa
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland/Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Airas
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland/Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|