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Axenhus M, Doeswijk T, Nilsson P, Matton A, Winblad B, Tjernberg L, Schedin-Weiss S. DEAD Box Helicase 24 Is Increased in the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease and AppN-LF Mice and Influences Presymptomatic Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3622. [PMID: 38612434 PMCID: PMC11011903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
At the time of diagnosis, Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients already suffer from significant neuronal loss. The identification of proteins that influence disease progression before the onset of symptoms is thus an essential part of the development of new effective drugs and biomarkers. Here, we used an unbiased 18O labelling proteomics approach to identify proteins showing altered levels in the AD brain. We studied the relationship between the protein with the highest increase in hippocampus, DEAD box Helicase 24 (DDX24), and AD pathology. We visualised DDX24 in the human brain and in a mouse model for Aβ42-induced AD pathology-AppNL-F-and studied the interaction between Aβ and DDX24 in primary neurons. Immunohistochemistry in the AD brain confirmed the increased levels and indicated an altered subcellular distribution of DDX24. Immunohistochemical studies in AppNL-F mice showed that the increase of DDX24 starts before amyloid pathology or memory impairment is observed. Immunocytochemistry in AppNL-F primary hippocampal neurons showed increased DDX24 intensity in the soma, nucleus and nucleolus. Furthermore, siRNA targeting of DDX24 in neurons decreased APP and Aβ42 levels, and the addition of Aβ42 to the medium reduced DDX24. In conclusion, we have identified DDX24 as a protein with a potential role in Aβ-induced AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Axenhus
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.A.); (T.D.); (P.N.); (A.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Tosca Doeswijk
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.A.); (T.D.); (P.N.); (A.M.); (L.T.)
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Per Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.A.); (T.D.); (P.N.); (A.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Anna Matton
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.A.); (T.D.); (P.N.); (A.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.A.); (T.D.); (P.N.); (A.M.); (L.T.)
- Campus Huddinge, Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lars Tjernberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.A.); (T.D.); (P.N.); (A.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Sophia Schedin-Weiss
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Solna, Sweden; (M.A.); (T.D.); (P.N.); (A.M.); (L.T.)
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Naaman E, Qarawani A, Ben-Zvi Elimelech R, Harel M, Sigal-Dror S, Safuri S, Smirnovas V, Baronaite I, Romanova NV, Morozova-Roche LA, Zayit-Soudry S. The Surprising Nonlinear Effects of S100A9 Proteins in the Retina. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:735-744. [PMID: 38324770 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00650] [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: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease in which inflammation is implicated as a key factor but the precise molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. AMD lesions contain an excess of the pro-inflammatory S100A9 protein, but its retinal significance was yet unexplored. S100A9 was shown to be intrinsically amyloidogenic in vitro and in vivo. Here, we hypothesized that the retinal effects of S100A9 are related to its supramolecular conformation. ARPE-19 cultures were treated with native dimeric and fibrillar S100A9 preparations, and cell viability was determined. Wild-type rats were treated intravitreally with the S100A9 solutions in the right eye and with the vehicle in the left. Retinal function was assessed longitudinally by electroretinography (ERG), comparing the amplitudes and configurations for each intervention. Native S100A9 had no impact on cellular viability in vitro or on the retinal function in vivo. Despite dispersed intracellular uptake, fibrillar S100A9 did not decrease ARPE-19 cell viability. In contrast, S100A9 fibrils impaired retinal function in vivo following intravitreal injection in rats. Intriguingly, low-dose fibrillar S100A9 induced contrasting in vivo effects, significantly increasing the ERG responses, particularly over 14 days postinjection. The retinal effects of S100A9 were further characterized by glial and microglial cell activation. We provide the first indication for the retinal effects of S100A9, showing that its fibrils inflicted retinal dysfunction and glial activation in vivo, while low dose of the same assemblies resulted in an unpredicted enhancement of the ERG amplitudes. These nonlinear responses highlight the consequences of self-assembly of S100A9 and provide insight into its pathophysiological and possibly physiological roles in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Naaman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Amanda Qarawani
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Rony Ben-Zvi Elimelech
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Michal Harel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Shahaf Sigal-Dror
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Shadi Safuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Baronaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Nina V Romanova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå SE-90781, Sweden
| | | | - Shiri Zayit-Soudry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
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Alcantara-Gonzalez D, Kennedy M, Criscuolo C, Botterill J, Scharfman HE. Increased excitability of dentate gyrus mossy cells occurs early in life in the Tg2576 model of Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579729. [PMID: 38645244 PMCID: PMC11027210 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperexcitability in Alzheimer's disease (AD) emerge early and contribute to disease progression. The dentate gyrus (DG) is implicated in hyperexcitability in AD. We hypothesized that mossy cells (MCs), regulators of DG excitability, contribute to early hyperexcitability in AD. Indeed, MCs generate hyperexcitability in epilepsy. METHODS Using the Tg2576 model and WT mice (∼1month-old), we compared MCs electrophysiologically, assessed c-Fos activity marker, Aβ expression and mice performance in a hippocampal-dependent memory task. RESULTS Tg2576 MCs exhibit increased spontaneous excitatory events and decreased inhibitory currents, increasing the charge transfer excitation/inhibition ratio. Tg2576 MC intrinsic excitability was enhanced, and showed higher c-Fos, intracellular Aβ expression, and axon sprouting. Granule cells only showed changes in synaptic properties, without intrinsic changes. The effects occurred before a memory task is affected. DISCUSSION Early electrophysiological and morphological alterations in Tg2576 MCs are consistent with enhanced excitability, suggesting an early role in DG hyperexcitability and AD pathophysiology. HIGHLIGHTS ∘ MCs from 1 month-old Tg2576 mice had increased spontaneous excitatory synaptic input. ∘ Tg2576 MCs had reduced spontaneous inhibitory synaptic input. ∘ Several intrinsic properties were abnormal in Tg2576 MCs. ∘ Tg2576 GCs had enhanced synaptic excitation but no changes in intrinsic properties. ∘ Tg2576 MCs exhibited high c-Fos expression, soluble Aβ and axonal sprouting.
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Heo C, Kwak HJ, Ngo LH, Woo RS, Lee SJ. Implementation of the neuro-glia-vascular unit through co-culture of adult neural stem cells and vascular cells and transcriptomic analysis of diverse Aβ assembly types. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 402:110029. [PMID: 38042304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized layer between blood vessels and tissue in the brain, which is comprised of a neuro-glia-vascular (NGV) unit, thus play a vital role in various brain diseases. NEW METHOD We developed the in vitro NGV units by co-culturing brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs; bEnd.3) and primary neural stem cells extracted from subventricular zone of adult mice. This approach was designed to mimic the RNA profile conditions found in the microvessels of a mouse brain and confirmed through various comparative transcriptome analyses. RESULTS Optimal NGV unit development was achieved by adjusting cell density-dependent co-culture ratios. Specifically, the morphogenic development and neuronal association of astrocyte endfeet were well observed in the contact region with BMECs in the NGV unit. Through transcriptome analysis, we compared co-cultured bEnd.3/NSCs with monocultured bEnd.3 or NSCs and additionally compared them with previously reported mouse brain vascular tissue to show that this NGV unit model is a suitable in vitro model for neurological disease such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This in vitro NGV unit was formed from neural stem cells and vascular cells in the brain of adult mice, not embryos. It is very useful for studying brain disease mechanisms by identifying proteins and genes associated with diseases progress. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that this simple in vitro NGV model is appropriate to investigate the relationship between BBB changes and pathological factors in the fields of neurovascular biology and cerebrovascular diseases including AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaejeong Heo
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, South Korea; Institute for Quantum Biophysics (IQB), Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Kwak
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Long Hoang Ngo
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences and Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, South Korea
| | - Ran-Sook Woo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon 34824, South Korea.
| | - Sook-Jeong Lee
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences and Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, South Korea.
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Huang Z. Evidence that Alzheimer's Disease Is a Disease of Competitive Synaptic Plasticity Gone Awry. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:447-470. [PMID: 38669548 PMCID: PMC11119021 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240042] [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: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that a physiological function of amyloid-β (Aβ) is to mediate neural activity-dependent homeostatic and competitive synaptic plasticity in the brain. I have previously summarized the lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis and highlighted the similarities between Aβ and anti-microbial peptides in mediating cell/synapse competition. In cell competition, anti-microbial peptides deploy a multitude of mechanisms to ensure both self-protection and competitor elimination. Here I review recent studies showing that similar mechanisms are at play in Aβ-mediated synapse competition and perturbations in these mechanisms underpin Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, I discuss evidence that Aβ and ApoE, two crucial players in AD, co-operate in the regulation of synapse competition. Glial ApoE promotes self-protection by increasing the production of trophic monomeric Aβ and inhibiting its assembly into toxic oligomers. Conversely, Aβ oligomers, once assembled, promote the elimination of competitor synapses via direct toxic activity and amplification of "eat-me" signals promoting the elimination of weak synapses. I further summarize evidence that neuronal ApoE may be part of a gene regulatory network that normally promotes competitive plasticity, explaining the selective vulnerability of ApoE expressing neurons in AD brains. Lastly, I discuss evidence that sleep may be key to Aβ-orchestrated plasticity, in which sleep is not only induced by Aβ but is also required for Aβ-mediated plasticity, underlining the link between sleep and AD. Together, these results strongly argue that AD is a disease of competitive synaptic plasticity gone awry, a novel perspective that may promote AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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6
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Haut F, Argyrousi EK, Arancio O. Re-Arranging the Puzzle between the Amyloid-Beta and Tau Pathology: An APP-Centric Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:259. [PMID: 38203429 PMCID: PMC10779219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
After several years of research in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is still unclear how amyloid-beta (Aβ) and Tau, two key hallmarks of the disease, mediate the neuropathogenic events that lead to AD. Current data challenge the "Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis" that has prevailed in the field of AD, stating that Aβ precedes and triggers Tau pathology that will eventually become the toxic entity in the progression of the disease. This perspective also led the field of therapeutic approaches towards the development of strategies that target Aβ or Tau. In the present review, we discuss recent literature regarding the neurotoxic role of both Aβ and Tau in AD, as well as their physiological function in the healthy brain. Consequently, we present studies suggesting that Aβ and Tau act independently of each other in mediating neurotoxicity in AD, thereafter, re-evaluating the "Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis" that places Tau pathology downstream of Aβ. More recent studies have confirmed that both Aβ and Tau could propagate the disease and induce synaptic and memory impairments via the amyloid precursor protein (APP). This finding is not only interesting from a mechanistic point of view since it provides better insights into the AD pathogenesis but also from a therapeutic point of view since it renders APP a common downstream effector for both Aβ and Tau. Subsequently, therapeutic strategies that act on APP might provide a more viable and physiologically relevant approach for targeting AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Haut
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, 630 West 168th Street, P&S, New York, NY 10032, USA; (F.H.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Elentina K. Argyrousi
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, 630 West 168th Street, P&S, New York, NY 10032, USA; (F.H.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, 630 West 168th Street, P&S, New York, NY 10032, USA; (F.H.); (E.K.A.)
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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7
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Ripoli C, Dagliyan O, Renna P, Pastore F, Paciello F, Sollazzo R, Rinaudo M, Battistoni M, Martini S, Tramutola A, Sattin A, Barone E, Saneyoshi T, Fellin T, Hayashi Y, Grassi C. Engineering memory with an extrinsically disordered kinase. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh1110. [PMID: 37967196 PMCID: PMC10651130 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in memory formation by regulating the communication between neurons. Although actin polymerization has been linked to synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine stability, the causal link between actin polymerization and memory encoding has not been identified yet. It is not clear whether actin polymerization and structural changes in dendritic spines are a driver or a consequence of learning and memory. Using an extrinsically disordered form of the protein kinase LIMK1, which rapidly and precisely acts on ADF/cofilin, a direct modifier of actin, we induced long-term enlargement of dendritic spines and enhancement of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus on command. The activation of extrinsically disordered LIMK1 in vivo improved memory encoding and slowed cognitive decline in aged mice exhibiting reduced cofilin phosphorylation. The engineered memory by an extrinsically disordered LIMK1 supports a direct causal link between actin-mediated synaptic transmission and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Ripoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Onur Dagliyan
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pietro Renna
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pastore
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Paciello
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Raimondo Sollazzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rinaudo
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Battistoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Martini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Tramutola
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi-Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sattin
- Optical Approaches to Brain Function Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Barone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi-Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Takeo Saneyoshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tommaso Fellin
- Optical Approaches to Brain Function Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Yasunori Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Lia A, Di Spiezio A, Vitalini L, Tore M, Puja G, Losi G. Ion Channels and Ionotropic Receptors in Astrocytes: Physiological Functions and Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Glioblastoma. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2038. [PMID: 37895420 PMCID: PMC10608464 DOI: 10.3390/life13102038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain is composed of nearly one hundred billion neurons and an equal number of glial cells, including macroglia, i.e., astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. In the last few decades, compelling evidence has revealed that glial cells are far more active and complex than previously thought. In particular, astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell population, not only take part in brain development, metabolism, and defense against pathogens and insults, but they also affect sensory, motor, and cognitive functions by constantly modulating synaptic activity. Not surprisingly, astrocytes are actively involved in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and other neurological disorders like brain tumors, in which they rapidly become reactive and mediate neuroinflammation. Reactive astrocytes acquire or lose specific functions that differently modulate disease progression and symptoms, including cognitive impairments. Astrocytes express several types of ion channels, including K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels, transient receptor potential channels (TRP), aquaporins, mechanoreceptors, and anion channels, whose properties and functions are only partially understood, particularly in small processes that contact synapses. In addition, astrocytes express ionotropic receptors for several neurotransmitters. Here, we provide an extensive and up-to-date review of the roles of ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathology. As examples of two different brain pathologies, we focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most diffuse neurodegenerative disorders, and glioblastoma (GBM), the most common brain tumor. Understanding how ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocytes participate in NDs and tumors is necessary for developing new therapeutic tools for these increasingly common neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lia
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
| | - Alessandro Di Spiezio
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
- Neuroscience Institute (CNR-IN), Padova Section, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vitalini
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Manuela Tore
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Puja
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Losi
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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9
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Fedele E. Anti-Amyloid Therapies for Alzheimer's Disease and the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14499. [PMID: 37833948 PMCID: PMC10578107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914499] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, the majority of (pre)clinical efforts to find an effective therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) focused on clearing the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) from the brain since, according to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, the peptide was (and it is still considered by many) the pathogenic determinant of this neurodegenerative disorder. However, as reviewed in this article, results from the numerous clinical trials that have tested anti-Aβ therapies to date indicate that this peptide plays a minor role in the pathogenesis of AD. Indeed, even Aducanumab and Lecanemab, the two antibodies recently approved by the FDA for AD therapy, as well as Donanemab showed limited efficacy on cognitive parameters in phase III clinical trials, despite their capability of markedly lowering Aβ brain load. Furthermore, preclinical evidence demonstrates that Aβ possesses several physiological functions, including memory formation, suggesting that AD may in part be due to a loss of function of this peptide. Finally, it is generally accepted that AD could be the result of many molecular dysfunctions, and therefore, if we keep chasing only Aβ, it means that we cannot see the forest for the trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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10
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Melo de Farias AR, Pelletier A, Iohan LCC, Saha O, Bonnefond A, Amouyel P, Delahaye F, Lambert JC, Costa MR. Amyloid-Beta Peptides Trigger Premature Functional and Gene Expression Alterations in Human-Induced Neurons. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2564. [PMID: 37761004 PMCID: PMC10526858 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the elderly, characterized by the presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, synapse loss and neurodegeneration in the brain. The amyloid cascade hypothesis postulates that deposition of Aβ peptides is the causative agent of AD pathology, but we still lack comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms connecting Aβ peptides to neuronal dysfunctions in AD. In this work, we investigate the early effects of Aβ peptide accumulation on the functional properties and gene expression profiles of human-induced neurons (hiNs). We show that hiNs acutely exposed to low concentrations of both cell-secreted Aβ peptides or synthetic Aβ1-42 exhibit alterations in the frequency of calcium transients suggestive of increased neuronal excitability. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we also show that cell-secreted Aβ up-regulates the expression of several synapse-related genes and down-regulates the expression of genes associated with metabolic stress mainly in glutamatergic neurons and, to a lesser degree, in GABAergic neurons and astrocytes. These neuronal alterations correlate with activation of the SEMA5, EPHA and NECTIN signaling pathways, which are important regulators of synaptic plasticity. Altogether, our findings indicate that slight elevations in Aβ concentrations are sufficient to elicit transcriptional changes in human neurons, which can contribute to early alterations in neural network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Melo de Farias
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Pelletier
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Pôle Recherche, 1 Place de Verdun, CEDEX, 59045 Lille, France; (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Lukas Cruz Carvalho Iohan
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil;
| | - Orthis Saha
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
| | - Amélie Bonnefond
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Pôle Recherche, 1 Place de Verdun, CEDEX, 59045 Lille, France; (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Philippe Amouyel
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
| | - Fabien Delahaye
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Pôle Recherche, 1 Place de Verdun, CEDEX, 59045 Lille, France; (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
| | - Marcos R. Costa
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
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11
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Cai W, Li L, Sang S, Pan X, Zhong C. Physiological Roles of β-amyloid in Regulating Synaptic Function: Implications for AD Pathophysiology. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1289-1308. [PMID: 36443453 PMCID: PMC10387033 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of endogenous amyloid-β (Aβ), which plays important role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), have not been paid enough attention. Here, we review the multiple physiological effects of Aβ, particularly in regulating synaptic transmission, and the possible mechanisms, in order to decipher the real characters of Aβ under both physiological and pathological conditions. Some worthy studies have shown that the deprivation of endogenous Aβ gives rise to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficiency, while the moderate elevation of this peptide enhances long term potentiation and leads to neuronal hyperexcitability. In this review, we provide a new view for understanding the role of Aβ in AD pathophysiology from the perspective of physiological meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Cai
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Shaoming Sang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Pan
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Chunjiu Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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12
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Torrisi SA, Rizzo S, Laudani S, Ieraci A, Drago F, Leggio GM. Acute stress alters recognition memory and AMPA/NMDA receptor subunits in a sex-dependent manner. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 25:100545. [PMID: 37293561 PMCID: PMC10244889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100545] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have consistently reported a detrimental effect of chronic stress on recognition memory. However, the effects of acute stress on this cognitive ability have been poorly investigated. Moreover, despite well-documented sex differences in recognition memory observed in clinical studies, most of the preclinical studies in this field of research have been carried out by using solely male rodents. Here we tested the hypothesis that acute stress could affect the consolidation of different types of recognition memory in a sex-dependent manner. For this purpose, male and female C57BL6/J mice were exposed to 2-h of restrain stress immediately after the training session of both the novel object recognition (NOR) test and novel object location (NOL) tasks. Acute restraint stress did not affect memory performance of male and female mice, after a 4-h delay between the training session and the test phase of both tasks. By contrast, acute restraint stress altered memory performance in a sex-dependent manner, after a 24-h delay. While stressed mice of both sexes were impaired in the NOL test, only male stressed mice were impaired in the NOR test. Because ionotropic glutamate receptors-mediated neurotransmission is essential for shaping recognition memory, we further tested the hypothesis that post training acute stress could induce sex-dependent transcriptional changes of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits in the dorsal hippocampus. We uncovered that acute stress induced sex-, time- and type of memory-dependent transcriptional changes of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits. These findings suggest that the effect of acute stress on recognition memory can be strongly biased by multiple factors including sex. These findings also indicate that the same stress-induced memory impairment observed in both sexes can be triggered by different sex-dependent molecular mechanisms. At the therapeutic level, this should not be overlooked in the context of personalized and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano A. Torrisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060, Novedrate, CO, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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13
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Zhang Y, Chen H, Li R, Sterling K, Song W. Amyloid β-based therapy for Alzheimer's disease: challenges, successes and future. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:248. [PMID: 37386015 PMCID: PMC10310781 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01484-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is the main component of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its accumulation has been considered as the molecular driver of Alzheimer's pathogenesis and progression. Aβ has been the prime target for the development of AD therapy. However, the repeated failures of Aβ-targeted clinical trials have cast considerable doubt on the amyloid cascade hypothesis and whether the development of Alzheimer's drug has followed the correct course. However, the recent successes of Aβ targeted trials have assuaged those doubts. In this review, we discussed the evolution of the amyloid cascade hypothesis over the last 30 years and summarized its application in Alzheimer's diagnosis and modification. In particular, we extensively discussed the pitfalls, promises and important unanswered questions regarding the current anti-Aβ therapy, as well as strategies for further study and development of more feasible Aβ-targeted approaches in the optimization of AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Huaqiu Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keenan Sterling
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Weihong Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhang J, Wei K, Qu W, Wang M, Zhu Q, Dong X, Huang X, Yi W, Xu S, Li X. Ogt Deficiency Induces Abnormal Cerebellar Function and Behavioral Deficits of Adult Mice through Modulating RhoA/ROCK Signaling. J Neurosci 2023; 43:4559-4579. [PMID: 37225434 PMCID: PMC10286951 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1962-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown the essential roles of O-GlcNAc transferase (Ogt) and O-GlcNAcylation in neuronal development, function and neurologic diseases. However, the function of Ogt and O-GlcNAcylation in the adult cerebellum has not been well elucidated. Here, we have found that cerebellum has the highest level of O-GlcNAcylation relative to cortex and hippocampus of adult male mice. Specific deletion of Ogt in granule neuron precursors (GNPs) induces abnormal morphology and decreased size of the cerebellum in adult male Ogt deficient [conditional knock-out (cKO)] mice. Adult male cKO mice show the reduced density and aberrant distribution of cerebellar granule cells (CGCs), the disrupted arrangement of Bergman glia (BG) and Purkinje cells. In addition, adult male cKO mice exhibit aberrant synaptic connection, impaired motor coordination, and learning and memory abilities. Mechanistically, we have identified G-protein subunit α12 (Gα12) is modified by Ogt-mediated O-GlcNAcylation. O-GlcNAcylation of Gα12 facilitates its binding to Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 12 (Arhgef12) and consequently activates RhoA/ROCK signaling. RhoA/ROCK pathway activator LPA can rescue the developmental deficits of Ogt deficient CGCs. Therefore, our study has revealed the critical function and related mechanisms of Ogt and O-GlcNAcylation in the cerebellum of adult male mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cerebellar function are regulated by diverse mechanisms. To unveil novel mechanisms is critical for understanding the cerebellar function and the clinical therapy of cerebellum-related diseases. In the present study, we have shown that O-GlcNAc transferase gene (Ogt) deletion induces abnormal cerebellar morphology, synaptic connection, and behavioral deficits of adult male mice. Mechanistically, Ogt catalyzes O-GlcNAcylation of Gα12, which promotes the binding to Arhgef12, and regulates RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Our study has uncovered the important roles of Ogt and O-GlcNAcylation in regulating cerebellar function and cerebellum-related behavior. Our results suggest that Ogt and O-GlcNAcylation could be potential targets for some cerebellum-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhang
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Kaiyan Wei
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Wenzheng Qu
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Mengxuan Wang
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Xiaoxue Dong
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Wen Yi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Shunliang Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Xuekun Li
- The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
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15
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Alves F, Kalinowski P, Ayton S. Accelerated Brain Volume Loss Caused by Anti-β-Amyloid Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Neurology 2023; 100:e2114-e2124. [PMID: 36973044 PMCID: PMC10186239 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate brain volume changes caused by different subclasses of anti-β-amyloid (Aβ) drugs trailed in patients with Alzheimer disease. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for clinical trials of anti-Aβ drugs. This systematic review and meta-analysis included adults enrolled in randomized controlled trials of anti-Aβ drugs (n = 8,062-10,279). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) randomized controlled trials of patients treated with anti-Aβ drugs that have demonstrated to favorably change at least one biomarker of pathologic Aβ and (2) detailed MRI data sufficient to assess the volumetric changes in at least one brain region. MRI brain volumes were used as the primary outcome measure; brain regions commonly reported include hippocampus, lateral ventricle, and whole brain. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) were investigated when reported in clinical trials. Of the 145 trials reviewed, 31 were included in the final analyses. RESULTS A meta-analysis on the highest dose of each trial on hippocampus, ventricle, and whole brain revealed drug-induced acceleration of volume changes that varied by anti-Aβ drug class. Secretase inhibitors accelerated atrophy to the hippocampus (Δ placebo - Δ drug: -37.1 µL [19.6% more than placebo]; 95% CI -47.0 to -27.1) and whole brain (Δ placebo - Δ drug: -3.3 mL [21.8% more than placebo]; 95% CI -4.1 to 2.5). Conversely, ARIA-inducing monoclonal antibodies accelerated ventricular enlargement (Δ placebo - Δ drug: +2.1 mL [38.7% more than placebo]; 95% CI 1.5-2.8) where a striking correlation between ventricular volume and ARIA frequency was observed (r = 0.86, p = 6.22 × 10-7). Mild cognitively impaired participants treated with anti-Aβ drugs were projected to have a material regression toward brain volumes typical of Alzheimer dementia ∼8 months earlier than if they were untreated. DISCUSSION These findings reveal the potential for anti-Aβ therapies to compromise long-term brain health by accelerating brain atrophy and provide new insight into the adverse impact of ARIA. Six recommendations emerge from these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Alves
- From the The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pawel Kalinowski
- From the The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- From the The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Whiteaker P, George AA. Discoveries and future significance of research into amyloid-beta/α7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) interactions. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106743. [PMID: 37084859 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Initiated by findings that Alzheimer's disease is associated with a profound loss of cholinergic markers in human brain, decades of studies have examined the interactions between specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and amyloid-β [derive from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is cleaved to yield variable isoforms of amyloid-β]. We review the evolving understanding of amyloid-β's roles in Alzheimer's disease and pioneering studies that highlighted a role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mediating important aspects of amyloid-β's effects. This review also surveys the current state of research into amyloid-β / nicotinic acetylcholine receptor interactions. The field has reached an exciting point in which common themes are emerging from the wide range of prior research and a range of accessible, relevant model systems are available to drive further progress. We highlight exciting new areas of inquiry and persistent challenges that need to be considered while conducting this research. Studies of amyloid-β and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor populations that it interacts with provide opportunities for innovative basic and translational scientific breakthroughs related to nicotinic receptors biology, Alzheimer's disease, and cholinergic contributions to cognition more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Whiteaker
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, VCU Health Sciences Research Building, Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - Andrew A George
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, VCU Health Sciences Research Building, Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA.
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17
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Ezzat K, Sturchio A, Espay AJ. The shift to a proteinopenia paradigm in neurodegeneration. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 193:23-32. [PMID: 36803814 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85555-6.00001-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The toxic proteinopathy paradigm has defined neurodegenerative disorders for over a century. This gain-of-function (GOF) framework posited that proteins become toxic when turned into amyloids (pathology), predicting that lowering its levels would translate into clinical benefits. Genetic observations used to support a GOF framework are equally compatible with a loss-of-function (LOF) framework, as the soluble pool of proteins rendered unstable by these mutations (e.g., APP in Alzheimer's disease, SNCA in Parkinson's disease) aggregate, becoming depleted. In this review, we highlight misconceptions that have prevented LOF from gaining currency. Some of these misconceptions include no phenotype in knock-out animals (there is neurodegenerative phenotype in knock-out animals) and high levels of proteins in patients (patients have lower levels of the proteins involved in neurodegeneration than healthy age-matched controls). We also expose the internal contradictions within the GOF framework, namely that (1) pathology can have both pathogenic and protective roles; (2) the neuropathology gold standard for diagnosis can be present in normal individuals and absent in those affected; (3) oligomers are the toxic species even if they are ephemeral and decrease over time. We therefore advocate for a paradigm shift from proteinopathy (GOF) to proteinopenia (LOF) based on the universal depletion of soluble functional proteins in neurodegenerative diseases (low amyloid-β 42 in Alzheimer's disease, low α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease, and low tau in progressive supranuclear palsy) and supported by the confluence of biologic, thermodynamic, and evolutionary principles with proteins having evolved to perform a function, not to become toxic, and where protein depletion is consequential. Such shift to a Proteinopenia paradigm is necessary to examining the safety and efficacy of protein replacement strategies instead of perpetuating a therapeutic paradigm with further antiprotein permutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kariem Ezzat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andrea Sturchio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuro Svenningsson, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alberto J Espay
- James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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18
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Lin NH, Goh A, Lin SH, Chuang KA, Chang CH, Li MH, Lu CH, Chen WY, Wei PH, Pan IH, Perng MD, Wen SF. Neuroprotective Effects of a Multi-Herbal Extract on Axonal and Synaptic Disruption in Vitro and Cognitive Impairment in Vivo. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:51-76. [PMID: 36777330 PMCID: PMC9912829 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by cognitive decline. Current available therapeutics for AD have limited clinical benefit. Therefore, preventive therapies for interrupting the development of AD are critically needed. Molecules targeting multifunction to interact with various pathlogical components have been considered to improve the therapeutic efficiency of AD. In particular, herbal medicines with multiplicity of actions produce cognitive benefits on AD. Bugu-M is a multi-herbal extract composed of Ganoderma lucidum (Antler form), Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., Ziziphus jujuba Mill., and Dimocarpus longan, with the ability of its various components to confer resilience to cognitive deficits. Objective To evaluate the potential of Bugu-M on amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity and its in vitro mechanisms and on in vivo cognitive function. Methods We illustrated the effect of Bugu-M on Aβ25-35-evoked toxicity as well as its possible mechanisms to diminish the pathogenesis of AD in rat cortical neurons. For cognitive function studies, 2-month-old female 3×Tg-AD mice were administered 400 mg/kg Bugu-M for 30 days. Behavioral tests were performed to assess the efficacy of Bugu-M on cognitive impairment. Results In primary cortical neuronal cultures, Bugu-M mitigated Aβ-evoked toxicity by reducing cytoskeletal aberrations and axonal disruption, restoring presynaptic and postsynaptic protein expression, suppressing mitochondrial damage and apoptotic signaling, and reserving neurogenic and neurotrophic factors. Importantly, 30-day administration of Bugu-M effectively prevented development of cognitive impairment in 3-month-old female 3×Tg-AD mice. Conclusion Bugu-M might be beneficial in delaying the progression of AD, and thus warrants consideration for its preventive potential for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Hsuan Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Angela Goh
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Horng Lin
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kai-An Chuang
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsuan Chang
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Han Li
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Hsun Lu
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yin Chen
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Wei
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - I-Hong Pan
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Der Perng
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,
School of Medicine, College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Correspondence to: Shu-Fang Wen, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, 321, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 35743946; E-mail: and Ming-Der Perng, College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 35742024; E-mail:
| | - Shu-Fang Wen
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Correspondence to: Shu-Fang Wen, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, 321, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 35743946; E-mail: and Ming-Der Perng, College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 35742024; E-mail:
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The Fuzzy Border between the Functional and Dysfunctional Effects of Beta-Amyloid: A Synaptocentric View of Neuron-Glia Entanglement. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020484. [PMID: 36831020 PMCID: PMC9953143 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020484] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent observations from clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies against Aβ seem to suggest that Aβ-targeting is modestly effective and not sufficiently based on an effective challenge of the role of Aβ from physiological to pathological. After an accelerated approval procedure for aducanumab, and more recently lecanemab, their efficacy and safety remain to be fully defined despite previous attempts with various monoclonal antibodies, and both academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies are actively searching for novel treatments. Aβ needs to be clarified further in a more complicated context, taking into account both its accumulation and its biological functions during the course of the disease. In this review, we discuss the border between activities affecting early, potentially reversible dysfunctions of the synapse and events trespassing the threshold of inflammatory, self-sustaining glial activation, leading to irreversible damage. We detail a clear understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the derangement from function to dysfunction and the switch of the of Aβ role from physiological to pathological. A picture is emerging where the optimal therapeutic strategy against AD should involve a number of allied molecular processes, displaying efficacy not only in reducing the well-known AD pathogenesis players, such as Aβ or neuroinflammation, but also in preventing their adverse effects.
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20
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Huang Z. A Function of Amyloid-β in Mediating Activity-Dependent Axon/Synapse Competition May Unify Its Roles in Brain Physiology and Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:29-57. [PMID: 36710681 PMCID: PMC10023438 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) gives rise to amyloid-β (Aβ), a peptide at the center of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AβPP, however, is also an ancient molecule dating back in evolution to some of the earliest forms of metazoans. This suggests a possible ancestral function that may have been obscured by those that evolve later. Based on literature from the functions of Aβ/AβPP in nervous system development, plasticity, and disease, to those of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) in bacterial competition as well as mechanisms of cell competition uncovered first by Drosophila genetics, I propose that Aβ/AβPP may be part of an ancient mechanism employed in cell competition, which is subsequently co-opted during evolution for the regulation of activity-dependent neural circuit development and plasticity. This hypothesis is supported by foremost the high similarities of Aβ to AMPs, both of which possess unique, opposite (i.e., trophic versus toxic) activities as monomers and oligomers. A large body of data further suggests that the different Aβ oligomeric isoforms may serve as the protective and punishment signals long predicted to mediate activity-dependent axonal/synaptic competition in the developing nervous system and that the imbalance in their opposite regulation of innate immune and glial cells in the brain may ultimately underpin AD pathogenesis. This hypothesis can not only explain the diverse roles observed of Aβ and AβPP family molecules, but also provide a conceptual framework that can unify current hypotheses on AD. Furthermore, it may explain major clinical observations not accounted for and identify approaches for overcoming shortfalls in AD animal modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Varshavskaya KB, Mitkevich VA, Makarov AA, Barykin EP. Synthetic, Cell-Derived, Brain-Derived, and Recombinant β-Amyloid: Modelling Alzheimer's Disease for Research and Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315036. [PMID: 36499362 PMCID: PMC9738609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, characterised by the accumulation of senile plaques and tau tangles, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation in the brain. The development of AD is a pathological cascade starting according to the amyloid hypothesis with the accumulation and aggregation of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), which induces hyperphosphorylation of tau and promotes the pro-inflammatory activation of microglia leading to synaptic loss and, ultimately, neuronal death. Modelling AD-related processes is important for both studying the molecular basis of the disease and the development of novel therapeutics. The replication of these processes is often achieved with the use of a purified Aβ peptide. However, Aβ preparations obtained from different sources can have strikingly different properties. This review aims to compare the structure and biological effects of Aβ oligomers and aggregates of a higher order: synthetic, recombinant, purified from cell culture, or extracted from brain tissue. The authors summarise the applicability of Aβ preparations for modelling Aβ aggregation, neurotoxicity, cytoskeleton damage, receptor toxicity in vitro and cerebral amyloidosis, synaptic plasticity disruption, and cognitive impairment in vivo and ex vivo. Further, the paper discusses the causes of the reported differences in the effect of Aβ obtained from the sources mentioned above. This review points to the importance of the source of Aβ for AD modelling and could help researchers to choose the optimal way to model the Aβ-induced abnormalities.
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Tropea MR, Gulisano W, Vacanti V, Arancio O, Puzzo D, Palmeri A. Nitric oxide/cGMP/CREB pathway and amyloid-beta crosstalk: From physiology to Alzheimer's disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 193:657-668. [PMID: 36400326 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway has been extensively studied for its pivotal role in synaptic plasticity and memory processes, resulting in an increase of cAMP response element-binding (CREB) phosphorylation, and consequent synthesis of plasticity-related proteins. The NO/cGMP/CREB signaling is downregulated during aging and neurodegenerative disorders and is affected by Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and tau protein, whose increase and deposition is considered the key pathogenic event of Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the other hand, in physiological conditions, the crosstalk between the NO/cGMP/PKG/CREB pathway and Aβ ensures long-term potentiation and memory formation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the interaction between the NO/cGMP/PKG/CREB pathway and Aβ in the healthy and diseased brain, offering a new perspective to shed light on AD pathophysiology. We will focus on the synaptic mechanisms underlying Aβ physiological interplay with cGMP pathway and how this balance is corrupted in AD, as high levels of Aβ interfere with NO production and cGMP molecular signaling leading to cognitive impairment. Finally, we will discuss results from preclinical and clinical studies proposing the increase of cGMP signaling as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Valeria Vacanti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology and Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina (EN), 94018, Italy.
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
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Application of 3D Printing Technology to Produce Hippocampal Customized Guide Cannulas. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0099-22.2022. [PMID: 36104275 PMCID: PMC9522464 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0099-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation of guide cannulas is a widely used technique to access specific brain areas. Although commercially available, the need to personalize these implants and the high cost prompted us to design open-source customized devices taking advantage of 3D printing technology. Our cannulas consisted in a 3D-printed head mount designed according to the Paxinos coordinates to reach the CA1 area of the hippocampus. To cut guide cannulas to the proper length, we designed and realized an original 3D-printed linear motion apparatus. Polylactic acid thermoplastic polymer was used as printing material. Homemade or commercial cannulas were implanted in 4- to 6-month-old wild-type mice and intrahippocampal injections of amyloid-β peptide at different concentrations were performed. In vivo behavioral studies of novel object recognition indicated that results obtained with homemade versus commercial devices were comparable. Methylene blue injections and Nissl staining confirmed the correct localization of cannulas in the CA1 area of mouse hippocampus. Our method allows a fast manufacturing of hippocampal cannulas preserving the required precision at very low cost. Furthermore, this system can be easily modified to produce cannulas to target other brain areas. In conclusion, 3D printing might be used as a useful and versatile technology to realize open-source customized devices in neuroscience laboratories.
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Trebesova H, Olivero G, Marchi M, Grilli M. The Anti-Aggregative Peptide KLVFF Mimics Aβ1-40 in the Modulation of Nicotinic Receptors: Implications for Peptide-Based Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092231. [PMID: 36140331 PMCID: PMC9496455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the inhibition of beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation has emerged as a potential strategy for Alzheimer’s disease. KLVFF, a small peptide corresponding to the aminoacidic sequence 16-20 of Aβ, reduces Aβ fibrillation dose dependently. Therefore, the toxic and functional characterization of its brain activity is fundamental for clarifying its potential therapeutic role. Accordingly, we studied the modulatory role of KLVFF on the cholinergic receptors regulating dopamine and noradrenaline release in rat synaptosomes. Nicotinic receptors on dopaminergic nerve terminals in the nucleus acccumbens are inhibited by KLVFF, which closely resembles full-length Aβ1-40. Moreover, KLVFF entrapped in synaptosomes does not modify the nicotinic receptor’s function, suggesting that external binding to the receptor is required for its activity. The cholinergic agent desformylflustrabromine counteracts the KLVFF effect. Remarkably, muscarinic receptors on dopaminergic terminals and nicotinic receptors regulating noradrenaline release in the hippocampus are completely insensitive to KLVFF. Based on our findings, KLVFF mimics Aβ1-40 as a negative modulator of specific nicotinic receptor subtypes affecting dopamine transmission in the rat brain. Therefore, new pharmacological strategies using the anti-aggregative properties of KLVFF need to be evaluated for potential interference with nicotinic receptor-mediated transmission.
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Li H, Zhao J, Lai L, Xia Y, Wan C, Wei S, Liang J, Chen Y, Xu N. Loss of SST and PV Positive Interneurons in the Ventral Hippocampus Results in Anxiety-like Behavior in 5xFAD Mice. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 117:165-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Russ H, Mazzanti M, Parsons C, Riemann K, Gebauer A, Rammes G. The Small Molecule GAL-201 Efficiently Detoxifies Soluble Amyloid β Oligomers: New Approach towards Oral Disease-Modifying Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105794. [PMID: 35628602 PMCID: PMC9144469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers have been shown to be highly toxic to neurons and are considered to be a major cause of the neurodegeneration underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD). That makes soluble Aβ oligomers a promising drug target. In addition to eliminating these toxic species from the patients’ brain with antibody-based drugs, a new class of drugs is emerging, namely Aβ aggregation inhibitors or modulators, which aim to stop the formation of toxic Aβ oligomers at the source. Here, pharmacological data of the novel Aβ aggregation modulator GAL-201 are presented. This small molecule (288.34 g/mol) exhibits high binding affinity to misfolded Aβ1-42 monomers (KD = 2.5 ± 0.6 nM). Pharmacokinetic studies in rats using brain microdialysis are supportive of its oral bioavailability. The Aβ oligomer detoxifying potential of GAL-201 has been demonstrated by means of single cell recordings in isolated hippocampal neurons (perforated patch experiments) as well as in vitro and in vivo extracellular monitoring of long-term potentiation (LTP, in rat transverse hippocampal slices), a cellular correlate for synaptic plasticity. Upon preincubation, GAL-201 efficiently prevented the detrimental effect on LTP mediated by Aβ1-42 oligomers. Furthermore, the potential to completely reverse an already established neurotoxic process could also be demonstrated. Of particular note in this context is the self-propagating detoxification potential of GAL-201, leading to a neutralization of Aβ oligomer toxicity even if GAL-201 has been stepwise removed from the medium (serial dilution), likely due to prion-like conformational changes in Aβ1-42 monomer aggregates (trigger effect). The authors conclude that the data presented strongly support the further development of GAL-201 as a novel, orally available AD treatment with potentially superior clinical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Russ
- Galimedix Therapeutics Inc., 2704 Calvend Lane, Kensington, MD 20895, USA; (C.P.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-79-876-3519
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Chris Parsons
- Galimedix Therapeutics Inc., 2704 Calvend Lane, Kensington, MD 20895, USA; (C.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Katrin Riemann
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Technical University Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.R.); (G.R.)
| | - Alexander Gebauer
- Galimedix Therapeutics Inc., 2704 Calvend Lane, Kensington, MD 20895, USA; (C.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Technical University Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany; (K.R.); (G.R.)
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Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Microglia as Therapeutic and Imaging Targets in Alzheimer's Disease. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092780. [PMID: 35566132 PMCID: PMC9102429 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and tauopathy are considered the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but attenuation in choline signaling, including decreased nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), is evident in the early phase of AD. Currently, there are no drugs that can suppress the progression of AD due to a limited understanding of AD pathophysiology. For this, diagnostic methods that can assess disease progression non-invasively before the onset of AD symptoms are essential, and it would be valuable to incorporate the concept of neurotheranostics, which simultaneously enables diagnosis and treatment. The neuroprotective pathways activated by nAChRs are attractive targets as these receptors may regulate microglial-mediated neuroinflammation. Microglia exhibit both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions that could be modulated to mitigate AD pathogenesis. Currently, single-cell analysis is identifying microglial subpopulations that may have specific functions in different stages of AD pathologies. Thus, the ability to image nAChRs and microglia in AD according to the stage of the disease in the living brain may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent findings on the nAChRs and microglia, as well as their methods for live imaging in the context of diagnosis, prophylaxis, and therapy for AD.
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Nichols RA, Gulisano W, Puzzo D. Editorial: Beta Amyloid: From Physiology to Pathogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:876224. [PMID: 35359578 PMCID: PMC8964078 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.876224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Nichols
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert A. Nichols
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Daniela Puzzo
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Letsinger AC, Gu Z, Yakel JL. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the hippocampal circuit: taming complexity. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:145-157. [PMID: 34916082 PMCID: PMC8914277 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) to coordinate neuronal circuit activity while simultaneously influencing the function of non-neuronal cell types. The α7 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subtype is highly expressed throughout the hippocampus, has the highest calcium permeability compared with other subtypes of nAChRs, and is of high therapeutic interest due to its association with a variety of neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we synthesize research describing α7 nAChR properties, function, and relationship to cognitive dysfunction within the hippocampal circuit and highlight approaches to help improve therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayland C. Letsinger
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Mail Drop F2-08, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Zhenglin Gu
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Mail Drop F2-08, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Jerrel L. Yakel
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Mail Drop F2-08, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC, 27709, USA,Corresponding Author,
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Tropea MR, Sanfilippo G, Giannino F, Davì V, Gulisano W, Puzzo D. Innate Preferences Affect Results of Object Recognition Task in Wild Type and Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Models. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:1343-1356. [PMID: 34924388 PMCID: PMC8925114 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Object recognition task (ORT) is a widely used behavioral paradigm to assess memory in rodent models, due to its easy technical execution, the lack of aversive stressful stimuli, and the possibility to repeat the test on the same animals. However, mouse exploration might be strongly influenced by a variety of variables. OBJECTIVE To study whether innate preferences influenced exploration in male and female wild type mice and the Alzheimer's disease (AD) model 3xTg. METHODS We first evaluated how object characteristics (material, size, and shape) influence exploration levels, latency, and exploration modality. Based on these findings, we evaluated whether these innate preferences biased the results of ORT performed in wild type mice and AD models. RESULTS Assessment of Exploration levels, i.e., the time spent in exploring a certain object in respect to the total exploration time, revealed an innate preference for objects made in shiny materials, such as metal and glass. A preference for bigger objects characterized by higher affordance was also evident, especially in male mice. When performing ORT, exploration was highly influenced by these innate preferences. Indeed, both wild type and AD mice spent more time in exploring the metal object, regardless of its novelty. Furthermore, the use of objects with higher affordance such as the cube was a confounding factor leading to "false" results that distorted ORT interpretation. CONCLUSION When designing exploration-based behavioral experiments aimed at assessing memory in healthy and AD mice, object characteristics should be carefully evaluated to improve scientific outcomes and minimize possible biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Sanfilippo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federico Giannino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Davì
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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Depichering the Effects of Astragaloside IV on AD-Like Phenotypes: A Systematic and Experimental Investigation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:1020614. [PMID: 34616501 PMCID: PMC8487832 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1020614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an active component in Astragalus membranaceus with the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's diseases (ADs). However, its mechanisms are still not known. Herein, we aimed to explore the systematic pharmacological mechanism of AS-IV for treating AD. Drug prediction, network pharmacology, and functional bioinformatics analyses were conducted. Molecular docking was applied to validate reliability of the interactions and binding affinities between AS-IV and related targets. Finally, experimental verification was carried out in AβO infusion produced AD-like phenotypes to investigate the molecular mechanisms. We found that AS-IV works through a multitarget synergistic mechanism, including inflammation, nervous system, cell proliferation, apoptosis, pyroptosis, calcium ion, and steroid. AS-IV highly interacted with PPARγ, caspase-1, GSK3Β, PSEN1, and TRPV1 after docking simulations. Meanwhile, PPARγ interacts with caspase-1, GSK3Β, PSEN1, and TRPV1. In vivo experiments showed that AβO infusion produced AD-like phenotypes in mice, including impairment of fear memory, neuronal loss, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and synaptic deficits in the hippocampus. Especially, the expression of PPARγ, as well as BDNF, was also reduced in the hippocampus of AD-like mice. Conversely, AS-IV improved AβO infusion-induced memory impairment, inhibited neuronal loss and the phosphorylation of tau, and prevented the synaptic deficits. AS-IV prevented AβO infusion-induced reduction of PPARγ and BDNF. Moreover, the inhibition of PPARγ attenuated the effects of AS-IV on BDNF, neuroflammation, and pyroptosis in AD-like mice. Taken together, AS-IV could prevent AD-like phenotypes and reduce tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic deficits, neuroinflammation, and pyroptosis, possibly via regulating PPARγ.
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Fernandez‐Perez EJ, Muñoz B, Bascuñan DA, Peters C, Riffo‐Lepe NO, Espinoza MP, Morgan PJ, Filippi C, Bourboulou R, Sengupta U, Kayed R, Epsztein J, Aguayo LG. Synaptic dysregulation and hyperexcitability induced by intracellular amyloid beta oligomers. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13455. [PMID: 34409748 PMCID: PMC8441418 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular amyloid beta oligomer (iAβo) accumulation and neuronal hyperexcitability are two crucial events at early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, to date, no mechanism linking iAβo with an increase in neuronal excitability has been reported. Here, the effects of human AD brain-derived (h-iAβo) and synthetic (iAβo) peptides on synaptic currents and action potential firing were investigated in hippocampal neurons. Starting from 500 pM, iAβo rapidly increased the frequency of synaptic currents and higher concentrations potentiated the AMPA receptor-mediated current. Both effects were PKC-dependent. Parallel recordings of synaptic currents and nitric oxide (NO)-associated fluorescence showed that the increased frequency, related to pre-synaptic release, was dependent on a NO-mediated retrograde signaling. Moreover, increased synchronization in NO production was also observed in neurons neighboring those dialyzed with iAβo, indicating that iAβo can increase network excitability at a distance. Current-clamp recordings suggested that iAβo increased neuronal excitability via AMPA-driven synaptic activity without altering membrane intrinsic properties. These results strongly indicate that iAβo causes functional spreading of hyperexcitability through a synaptic-driven mechanism and offers an important neuropathological significance to intracellular species in the initial stages of AD, which include brain hyperexcitability and seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Braulio Muñoz
- Laboratory of NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyUniversidad de ConcepciónConcepciónChile
| | - Denisse A. Bascuñan
- Laboratory of NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyUniversidad de ConcepciónConcepciónChile
| | - Christian Peters
- Laboratory of NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyUniversidad de ConcepciónConcepciónChile
| | - Nicolas O. Riffo‐Lepe
- Laboratory of NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyUniversidad de ConcepciónConcepciónChile
| | - Maria P. Espinoza
- Laboratory of NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyUniversidad de ConcepciónConcepciónChile
| | - Peter J. Morgan
- Institute of Neurobiology of the Mediterranean Sea (INMED)Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U901, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Caroline Filippi
- Institute of Neurobiology of the Mediterranean Sea (INMED)Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U901, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Romain Bourboulou
- Institute of Neurobiology of the Mediterranean Sea (INMED)Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U901, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Jérôme Epsztein
- Institute of Neurobiology of the Mediterranean Sea (INMED)Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U901, Aix-Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Luis G. Aguayo
- Laboratory of NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyUniversidad de ConcepciónConcepciónChile
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Genetic deletion of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors induces an age-dependent Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 206:102154. [PMID: 34453977 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) and the failure of cholinergic transmission are key players in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, in the healthy brain, Aβ contributes to synaptic plasticity and memory acting through α7 subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs). Here, we hypothesized that the α7nAChR deletion blocks Aβ physiological function and promotes a compensatory increase in Aβ levels that, in turn, triggers an AD-like pathology. To validate this hypothesis, we studied the age-dependent phenotype of α7 knock out mice. We found that α7nAChR deletion caused an impairment of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory at 12 months of age, paralleled by an increase of Amyloid Precursor Protein expression and Aβ levels. This was accompanied by other classical AD features such as a hyperphosphorylation of tau at residues Ser 199, Ser 396, Thr 205, a decrease of GSK-3β at Ser 9, the presence of paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss and an increase of GFAP-positive astrocytes. Our findings suggest that α7nAChR malfunction might precede Aβ and tau pathology, offering a different perspective to interpret the failure of anti-Aβ therapies against AD and to find novel therapeutical approaches aimed at restoring α7nAChRs-mediated Aβ function at the synapse.
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Mather M. Noradrenaline in the aging brain: Promoting cognitive reserve or accelerating Alzheimer's disease? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 116:108-124. [PMID: 34099360 PMCID: PMC8292227 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Many believe that engaging in novel and mentally challenging activities promotes brain health and prevents Alzheimer's disease in later life. However, mental stimulation may also have risks as well as benefits. As neurons release neurotransmitters, they often also release amyloid peptides and tau proteins into the extracellular space. These by-products of neural activity can aggregate into the tau tangle and amyloid plaque signatures of Alzheimer's disease. Over time, more active brain regions accumulate more pathology. Thus, increasing brain activity can have a cost. But the neuromodulator noradrenaline, released during novel and mentally stimulating events, may have some protective effects-as well as some negative effects. Via its inhibitory and excitatory effects on neurons and microglia, noradrenaline sometimes prevents and sometimes accelerates the production and accumulation of amyloid-β and tau in various brain regions. Both α2A- and β-adrenergic receptors influence amyloid-β production and tau hyperphosphorylation. Adrenergic activity also influences clearance of amyloid-β and tau. Furthermore, some findings suggest that Alzheimer's disease increases noradrenergic activity, at least in its early phases. Because older brains clear the by-products of synaptic activity less effectively, increased synaptic activity in the older brain risks accelerating the accumulation of Alzheimer's pathology more than it does in the younger brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Mather
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Department of Psychology, & Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
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35
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Wang D, Chen F, Han Z, Yin Z, Ge X, Lei P. Relationship Between Amyloid-β Deposition and Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:695479. [PMID: 34349624 PMCID: PMC8326917 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.695479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) is the predominant pathologic protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The production and deposition of Aβ are important factors affecting AD progression and prognosis. The deposition of neurotoxic Aβ contributes to damage of the blood-brain barrier. However, the BBB is also crucial in maintaining the normal metabolism of Aβ, and dysfunction of the BBB aggravates Aβ deposition. This review characterizes Aβ deposition and BBB damage in AD, summarizes their interactions, and details their respective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Zhaoli Han
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xintong Ge
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
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36
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Cheng KC, Chen YH, Wu CL, Lee WP, Cheung CHA, Chiang HC. Rac1 and Akt Exhibit Distinct Roles in Mediating Aβ-Induced Memory Damage and Learning Impairment. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5224-5238. [PMID: 34273104 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Accumulated beta-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain is the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite Aβ accumulation is known to trigger cellular dysfunctions and learning and memory damage, the detailed molecular mechanism remains elusive. Recent studies have shown that the onset of memory impairment and learning damage in the AD animal is different, suggesting that the underlying mechanism of the development of memory impairment and learning damage may not be the same. In the current study, with the use of Aβ42 transgenic flies as models, we found that Aβ induces memory damage and learning impairment via differential molecular signaling pathways. In early stage, Aβ activates both Ras and PI3K to regulate Rac1 activity, which affects mostly on memory performance. In later stage, PI3K-Akt is strongly activated by Aβ, which leads to learning damage. Moreover, reduced Akt, but not Rac1, activity promotes cell viability in the Aβ42 transgenic flies, indicating that Akt and Rac1 exhibit differential roles in Aβ regulating toxicity. Taken together, different molecular and cellular mechanisms are involved in Aβ-induced learning damage and memory decline; thus, caution should be taken during the development of therapeutic intervention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Chung Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hao Chen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lin Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Pao Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun Hei Antonio Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Cheng Chiang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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37
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Jęśko H, Wieczorek I, Wencel PL, Gąssowska-Dobrowolska M, Lukiw WJ, Strosznajder RP. Age-Related Transcriptional Deregulation of Genes Coding Synaptic Proteins in Alzheimer's Disease Murine Model: Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Fingolimod. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:660104. [PMID: 34305524 PMCID: PMC8299068 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.660104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) induces time-dependent changes in sphingolipid metabolism, which may affect transcription regulation and neuronal phenotype. We, therefore, analyzed the influence of age, amyloid β precursor protein (AβPP), and the clinically approved, bioavailable sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator fingolimod (FTY720) on the expression of synaptic proteins. RNA was isolated, reverse-transcribed, and subjected to real-time PCR. Expression of mutant (V717I) AβPP led to few changes at 3 months of age but reduced multiple mRNA coding for synaptic proteins in a 12-month-old mouse brain. Complexin 1 (Cplx1), SNAP25 (Snap25), syntaxin 1A (Stx1a), neurexin 1 (Nrxn1), neurofilament light (Nefl), and synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) in the hippocampus, and VAMP1 (Vamp1) and neurexin 1 (Nrxn1) in the cortex were all significantly reduced in 12-month-old mice. Post mortem AD samples from the human hippocampus and cortex displayed lower expression of VAMP, synapsin, neurofilament light (NF-L) and synaptophysin. The potentially neuroprotective FTY720 reversed most AβPP-induced changes in gene expression (Cplx1, Stx1a, Snap25, and Nrxn1) in the 12-month-old hippocampus, which is thought to be most sensitive to early neurotoxic insults, but it only restored Vamp1 in the cortex and had no influence in 3-month-old brains. Further study may reveal the potential usefulness of FTY720 in the modulation of deregulated neuronal phenotype in AD brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk Jęśko
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iga Wieczorek
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Leonard Wencel
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Walter J. Lukiw
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Robert Piotr Strosznajder
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Environmental Agents, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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38
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Puzzo D, Conti F. Conceptual and Methodological Pitfalls in Experimental Studies: An Overview, and the Case of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:684977. [PMID: 34211368 PMCID: PMC8239146 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.684977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The main goal of scientific research is to uncover new knowledge to understand reality. In the field of life sciences, the aim of translational research-to transfer results "from bench to bedside"-has to contend with the problem that the knowledge acquired at the "bench" is often not reproducible at the "bedside," raising the question whether scientific discoveries truly mirror the real world. As a result, researchers constantly struggle to overcome the dichotomy between methodological problems and expectations, as funding agencies and industries demand expandable and quick results whereas patients, who are uninterested in the epistemological dispute, only ask for an effective cure. Despite the numerous attempts made to address reproducibility and reliability issues, some essential pitfalls of scientific investigations are often overlooked. Here, we discuss some limitations of the conventional scientific method and how researcher cognitive bias and conceptual errors have the potential to steer an experimental study away from the search for the vera causa of a phenomenon. As an example, we focus on Alzheimer's disease research and on some problems that may have undermined most of the clinical trials conducted to investigate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Puzzo
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Ancona, Italy
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39
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Wiatrak B, Piasny J, Kuźniarski A, Gąsiorowski K. Interactions of Amyloid-β with Membrane Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6075. [PMID: 34199915 PMCID: PMC8200087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing and developed countries, an increasing elderly population is observed. This affects the growing percentage of people struggling with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, the pathomechanism of this disease is still unknown. This contributes to problems with early diagnosis of the disease as well as with treatment. One of the most popular hypotheses of Alzheimer's disease is related to the pathological deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain of ill people. In this paper, we discuss issues related to Aβ and its relationship in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The structure of Aβ and its interaction with the cell membrane are discussed. Not only do the extracellular plaques affect nerve cells, but other forms of this peptide as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benita Wiatrak
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Janusz Piasny
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Amadeusz Kuźniarski
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Kazimierz Gąsiorowski
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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40
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Pereira JB, Janelidze S, Ossenkoppele R, Kvartsberg H, Brinkmalm A, Mattsson-Carlgren N, Stomrud E, Smith R, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Hansson O. Untangling the association of amyloid-β and tau with synaptic and axonal loss in Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2021; 144:310-324. [PMID: 33279949 PMCID: PMC8210638 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
It is currently unclear how amyloid-β and tau deposition are linked to changes in
synaptic function and axonal structure over the course of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we
assessed these relationships by measuring presynaptic (synaptosomal-associated protein 25,
SNAP25; growth-associated protein 43, GAP43), postsynaptic (neurogranin, NRGN) and axonal
(neurofilament light chain) markers in the CSF of individuals with varying levels of
amyloid-β and tau pathology based on 18F-flutemetamol PET and
18F-flortaucipir PET. In addition, we explored the relationships between
synaptic and axonal markers with cognition as well as functional and anatomical brain
connectivity markers derived from resting-state functional MRI and diffusion tensor
imaging. We found that the presynaptic and postsynaptic markers SNAP25, GAP43 and NRGN are
elevated in early Alzheimer’s disease i.e. in amyloid-β-positive individuals without
evidence of tau pathology. These markers were associated with greater amyloid-β pathology,
worse memory and functional changes in the default mode network. In contrast,
neurofilament light chain was abnormal in later disease stages, i.e. in individuals with
both amyloid-β and tau pathology, and correlated with more tau and worse global cognition.
Altogether, these findings support the hypothesis that amyloid-β and tau might have
differential downstream effects on synaptic and axonal function in a stage-dependent
manner, with amyloid-related synaptic changes occurring first, followed by tau-related
axonal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana B Pereira
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shorena Janelidze
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Rik Ossenkoppele
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hlin Kvartsberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Ann Brinkmalm
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Stomrud
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ruben Smith
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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41
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Anni D, Weiss EM, Guhathakurta D, Akdas YE, Klueva J, Zeitler S, Andres-Alonso M, Huth T, Fejtova A. Aβ1-16 controls synaptic vesicle pools at excitatory synapses via cholinergic modulation of synapsin phosphorylation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4973-4992. [PMID: 33864480 PMCID: PMC8233295 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03835-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid beta (Aβ) is linked to the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At physiological concentrations, Aβ was proposed to enhance neuroplasticity and memory formation by increasing the neurotransmitter release from presynapse. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this presynaptic effect as well as specific contribution of endogenously occurring Aβ isoforms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-16, but not Aβ17-42, increased size of the recycling pool of synaptic vesicles (SV). This presynaptic effect was driven by enhancement of endogenous cholinergic signalling via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which led to activation of calcineurin, dephosphorylation of synapsin 1 and consequently resulted in reorganization of functional pools of SV increasing their availability for sustained neurotransmission. Our results identify synapsin 1 as a molecular target of Aβ and reveal an effect of physiological concentrations of Aβ on cholinergic modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. These findings provide new mechanistic insights in cholinergic dysfunction observed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Anni
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Debarpan Guhathakurta
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yagiz Enes Akdas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Klueva
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Zeitler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Andres-Alonso
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Huth
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Fejtova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.
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42
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Forest KH, Taketa R, Arora K, Todorovic C, Nichols RA. The Neuroprotective Beta Amyloid Hexapeptide Core Reverses Deficits in Synaptic Plasticity in the 5xFAD APP/PS1 Mouse Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:576038. [PMID: 33912008 PMCID: PMC8075567 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.576038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the aging population. Evidence implicates elevated soluble oligomeric Aβ as one of the primary triggers during the prodromic phase leading to AD, effected largely via hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau. At low, physiological levels (pM-nM), however, oligomeric Aβ has been found to regulate synaptic plasticity as a neuromodulator. Through mutational analysis, we found a core hexapeptide sequence within the N-terminal domain of Aβ (N-Aβcore) accounting for its physiological activity, and subsequently found that the N-Aβcore peptide is neuroprotective. Here, we characterized the neuroprotective potential of the N-Aβcore against dysfunction of synaptic plasticity assessed in ex vivo hippocampal slices from 5xFAD APP/PS1 mice, specifically hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). The N-Aβcore was shown to reverse impairment in synaptic plasticity in hippocampal slices from 5xFAD APP/PS1 model mice, both for LTP and LTD. The reversal by the N-Aβcore correlated with alleviation of downregulation of hippocampal AMPA-type glutamate receptors in preparations from 5xFAD mice. The action of the N-Aβcore depended upon a critical di-histidine sequence and involved the phosphoinositide-3 (PI3) kinase pathway via mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). Together, the present findings indicate that the non-toxic N-Aβcore hexapeptide is not only neuroprotective at the cellular level but is able to reverse synaptic dysfunction in AD-like models, specifically alterations in synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Robert A. Nichols
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
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43
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Imbimbo BP, Ippati S, Watling M, Balducci C. Accelerating Alzheimer's disease drug discovery and development: what's the way forward? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:727-735. [PMID: 33653187 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1887132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: As the global burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) grows, an effective disease-modifying therapy remains a distant prospect following the repeated failure of multiple therapeutics targeting β-amyloid and (it seems) tau over many years of costly effort. The repeated failure of single-target therapies to meaningfully modify disease progression raises major questions about the validity of many aspects of drug development in this area, especially target selection.Area covered: The authors explore the critical questions raised by a review of the collective experience to date, relating to why findings with non-clinical models and clinical biomarkers so frequently fail to translate to positive outcomes in clinical trials, which alternatives should be considered, and how we can design and conduct clinical trials that can successfully identify and quantify meaningful benefits in the future.Expert opinion: It is our opinion that we must recognize and accept the need to consider less specific, more multimodal approaches to addressing neurodegeneration in AD if we are to make progress - and we must avoid repeating the well intentioned, but ultimately erroneous, assumptions of the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research & Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Ippati
- Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mark Watling
- CNS & Pain Department, TranScrip Partners, Reading, UK
| | - Claudia Balducci
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
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44
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Alcantara-Gonzalez D, Chartampila E, Criscuolo C, Scharfman HE. Early changes in synaptic and intrinsic properties of dentate gyrus granule cells in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and atypical effects of the cholinergic antagonist atropine. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105274. [PMID: 33484828 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that hyperexcitability occurs in a subset of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and hyperexcitability could contribute to the disease. Several studies have suggested that the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) may be an important area where hyperexcitability occurs. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the principal DG cell type, granule cells (GCs), would exhibit changes at the single-cell level which would be consistent with hyperexcitability and might help explain it. We used the Tg2576 mouse, where it has been shown that hyperexcitability is robust at 2-3 months of age. GCs from 2 to 3-month-old Tg2576 mice were compared to age-matched wild type (WT) mice. Effects of muscarinic cholinergic antagonism were tested because previously we found that Tg2576 mice exhibited hyperexcitability in vivo that was reduced by the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist atropine, counter to the dogma that in AD one needs to boost cholinergic function. The results showed that GCs from Tg2576 mice exhibited increased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials/currents (sEPSP/Cs) and reduced frequency of spontaneous inhibitory synaptic events (sIPSCs) relative to WT, increasing the excitation:inhibition (E:I) ratio. There was an inward NMDA receptor-dependent current that we defined here as a novel synaptic current (nsC) in Tg2576 mice because it was very weak in WT mice. Intrinsic properties were distinct in Tg2576 GCs relative to WT. In summary, GCs of the Tg2576 mouse exhibit early electrophysiological alterations that are consistent with increased synaptic excitation, reduced inhibition, and muscarinic cholinergic dysregulation. The data support previous suggestions that the DG contributes to hyperexcitability and there is cholinergic dysfunction early in life in AD mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alcantara-Gonzalez
- Center for Dementia Research, the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
| | - Elissavet Chartampila
- Center for Dementia Research, the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
| | - Chiara Criscuolo
- Center for Dementia Research, the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
| | - Helen E Scharfman
- Center for Dementia Research, the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology, and Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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45
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Ayton S, Bush AI. β-amyloid: The known unknowns. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 65:101212. [PMID: 33188924 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands out as a major disease without any form of preventative or disease modifying therapy. This is not for lack of trying. 33 phase 3 clinical trials of drugs targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) have failed to slow cognitive decline in AD. The field is at a cross-roads about whether to continue anti-Aβ therapy or more actively pursue alternative targets. With the burden of this disease to patients, families, and healthcare budgets growing yearly, the need for disease modifying AD therapies has become one of the highest priorities in all of medicine. While pathology, genetic and biochemical data offer a popular narrative for the causative role of Aβ, there are alternative explanations, and dissenting findings that, now more than ever, warrant thorough reanalysis. This review questions the major assumptions about Aβ on which therapies for AD were premised, and invites renewed interrogation into AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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Zhu W, Yang F, Cai X, Zhang W, Zhang J, Cai M, Li X, Xiang J, Cai D. Role of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation-mediated synaptic plasticity in anxiogenic and depressive behaviors induced by monosodium glutamate. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 394:151-164. [PMID: 32444989 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01845-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric diseases and metabolic disorders frequently cooccur, yet the mechanisms underlying this interaction remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation in the comorbidity of metabolic and psychiatric disorders. Neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with monosodium glutamate (MSG) every 2 days for 10 days after birth. Metabolic and behavioral tests were performed 12 weeks later. Golgi staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to evaluate synaptic structural plasticity. Changes in GR phosphorylation and the BDNF/TrkB pathway were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence. We found that MSG-treated rats displayed significant metabolic abnormalities accompanied by anxiogenic and depressive behaviors, an altered synaptic ultrastructure and the loss of dendritic spines. The expression of phosphorylated GR was reduced in the brain. Furthermore, a specific agonist of BDNF/TrkB significantly reversed the reduction in GR phosphorylation, as well as the metabolic and behavioral outcomes. These findings indicate that a decrease in BDNF/TrkB pathway-dependent GR phosphorylation is a long-term effect of MSG treatment that may contribute to metabolic and behavioral disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaofang Cai
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingsi Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiangting Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Xiang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Dingfang Cai
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Laboratory of Neurology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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47
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Kyrke-Smith M, Logan B, Abraham WC, Williams JM. Bilateral histone deacetylase 1 and 2 activity and enrichment at unique genes following induction of long-term potentiation in vivo. Hippocampus 2020; 31:389-407. [PMID: 33378103 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a synaptic plasticity mechanism critical to long-term memory. LTP induced in vivo is characterized by altered transcriptional activity, including a period of upregulation of gene expression which is followed by a later dominant downregulation. This temporal shift to downregulated gene expression is predicted to be partly mediated by epigenetic inhibitors of gene expression, such as histone deacetylases (HDACs). Further, pharmacological inhibitors of HDAC activity have previously been shown to enhance LTP persistence in vitro. To explore the contribution of HDACs to the persistence of LTP in vivo, we examined HDAC1 and HDAC2 activity over a 24 hr period following unilateral LTP induction in the dentate gyrus of freely moving rats. Surprisingly, we found significant changes in HDAC1 and HDAC2 activity in both the stimulated as well as the unstimulated hemispheres, with the largest increase in activity occurring bilaterally, 20 min after LTP stimulation. During this time point of heightened activity, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that both HDAC1 and HDAC2 were enriched at distinct sets of genes within each hemispheres. Further, the HDAC inhibitor Trichostatin A enhanced an intermediate phase of LTP lasting days, which has not previously been associated with altered transcription. The inhibitor had no effect on the persistence of LTP lasting weeks. Together, these data suggest that HDAC activity early after the induction of LTP may negatively regulate plasticity-related gene expression that is involved in the initial stabilization of LTP, but not its long-term maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Kyrke-Smith
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Logan
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand-Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wickliffe C Abraham
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand-Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joanna M Williams
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand-Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Torrisi SA, Lavanco G, Maurel OM, Gulisano W, Laudani S, Geraci F, Grasso M, Barbagallo C, Caraci F, Bucolo C, Ragusa M, Papaleo F, Campolongo P, Puzzo D, Drago F, Salomone S, Leggio GM. A novel arousal-based individual screening reveals susceptibility and resilience to PTSD-like phenotypes in mice. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 14:100286. [PMID: 33392367 PMCID: PMC7772817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational animal models for studying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are valuable for elucidating the poorly understood neurobiology of this neuropsychiatric disorder. These models should encompass crucial features, including persistence of PTSD-like phenotypes triggered after exposure to a single traumatic event, trauma susceptibility/resilience and predictive validity. Here we propose a novel arousal-based individual screening (AIS) model that recapitulates all these features. The AIS model was designed by coupling the traumatization (24 h restraint) of C57BL/6 J mice with a novel individual screening. This screening consists of z-normalization of post-trauma changes in startle reactivity, which is a measure of arousal depending on neural circuits conserved across mammals. Through the AIS model, we identified susceptible mice showing long-lasting hyperarousal (up to 56 days post-trauma), and resilient mice showing normal arousal. Susceptible mice further showed persistent PTSD-like phenotypes including exaggerated fear reactivity and avoidance of trauma-related cue (up to 75 days post-trauma), increased avoidance-like behavior and social/cognitive impairment. Conversely, resilient mice adopted active coping strategies, behaving like control mice. We further uncovered novel transcriptional signatures driven by PTSD-related genes as well as dysfunction of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which corroborated the segregation in susceptible/resilient subpopulations obtained through the AIS model and correlated with trauma susceptibility/resilience. Impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity was also observed in susceptible mice. Finally, chronic treatment with paroxetine ameliorated the PTSD-like phenotypes of susceptible mice. These findings indicate that the AIS model might be a new translational animal model for the study of crucial features of PTSD. It might shed light on the unclear PTSD neurobiology and identify new pharmacological targets for this difficult-to-treat disorder. The AIS model includes highly requested features necessary to shape a translational PTSD animal model. Susceptible mice identified through the AIS model exhibited persistent PTSD-like phenotypes. Resilient mice identified through the AIS model adopted active coping strategies. The AIS model revealed molecular adaptations underlying trauma susceptibility/resilience. The AIS model meets the criterion of predictive validity by exclusively using susceptible mice.
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Key Words
- 5-trial SM, 5-trial social memory
- AIS, arousal-based individual screening
- ASR, acoustic startle reactivity
- Amy, amygdala
- Animal model
- BDNF, brain derived neurotropic factor
- BST, basal synaptic transmission
- C, control
- CORT, corticosterone
- DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- EPM, elevated plus maze
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- FKBP5, FK506 binding protein 5
- FST, forced swim test
- Fear conditioning
- HIP, hippocampus
- HPA, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal
- HT, hypothalamus
- OF, open field
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- Resilience
- SGK1, serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1
- SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Stress
- Susceptibility
- TE, trauma-exposed
- Z-score
- fEPSPs, field excitatory post-synaptic potentials
- mPFC, medial prefrontal cortex
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano A Torrisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,INSERM, U1215 Neurocentre Magendie and University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Oriana M Maurel
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Research Group "Neuronal Plasticity", Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.,Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.,Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Neuroscience area, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Imbimbo BP, Lucca U, Watling M. Can Anti-β-amyloid Monoclonal Antibodies Work in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease? NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2020; 7:e535. [PMID: 33575481 PMCID: PMC7862085 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The dominant theory of Alzheimer disease (AD) has been that amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain is the initial cause of the degeneration leading to cognitive and functional deficits. Autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease (ADAD), in which pathologic mutations of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilins (PSENs) genes are known to cause abnormalities of Aβ metabolism, should thus offer perhaps the best opportunity to test anti-Aβ drugs. Two long-term preventive studies (Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit Adaptive Prevention Trial [DIAN-TU-APT] and Alzheimer Preventive Initiative-ADAD) were set up to evaluate the efficacy of monoclonal anti-Aβ antibodies (solanezumab, gantenerumab, and crenezumab) in carriers of ADAD, but the results of the DIAN-TU-APT study have shown that neither solanezumab nor gantenerumab slowed cognitive decline in 144 subjects with ADAD followed for 4 years, despite one of the drugs (gantenerumab) significantly affected biomarkers relevant to their intended mechanism of action. Surprisingly, solanezumab significantly accelerated cognitive decline of both asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects. These failures further undermine the Aβ hypothesis and could support the suggestion that ADAD is triggered by accumulation of other APP metabolites, rather than Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research & Development (B.P.I.), Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry (U.L.), Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy; and CNS & Pain Department (M.W.), TranScrip Partners, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Ugo Lucca
- Department of Research & Development (B.P.I.), Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry (U.L.), Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy; and CNS & Pain Department (M.W.), TranScrip Partners, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Watling
- Department of Research & Development (B.P.I.), Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Geriatric Neuropsychiatry (U.L.), Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy; and CNS & Pain Department (M.W.), TranScrip Partners, Reading, United Kingdom
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50
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Soto-Mercado V, Mendivil-Perez M, Jimenez-Del-Rio M, Velez-Pardo C. Multi-Target Effects of the Cannabinoid CP55940 on Familial Alzheimer's Disease PSEN1 E280A Cholinergic-Like Neurons: Role of CB1 Receptor. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 82:S359-S378. [PMID: 33252082 PMCID: PMC8293648 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by structural damage, death, and functional disruption of cholinergic neurons (ChNs) as a result of intracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, extracellular neuritic plaques, and hyperphosphorylation of protein tau (p-Tau) overtime. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of the synthetic cannabinoid CP55940 (CP) on PSEN1 E280A cholinergic-like nerve cells (PSEN1 ChLNs)-a natural model of familial AD. METHODS Wild type (WT) and PSEN1 ChLNs were exposed to CP (1μM) only or in the presence of the CB1 and CB2 receptors (CB1Rs, CB2Rs) inverse agonist SR141716 (1μM) and SR144528 (1μM) respectively, for 24 h. Untreated or treated neurons were assessed for biochemical and functional analysis. RESULTS CP in the presence of both inverse agonists (hereafter SR) almost completely inhibits the aggregation of intracellular sAβPPβf and p-Tau, increases ΔΨm, decreases oxidation of DJ-1Cys106-SH residue, and blocks the activation of c-Jun, p53, PUMA, and caspase-3 independently of CB1Rs signaling in mutant ChLNs. CP also inhibits the generation of reactive oxygen species partially dependent on CB1Rs. Although CP reduced extracellular Aβ42, it was unable to reverse the Ca2+ influx dysregulation as a response to acetylcholine stimuli in mutant ChLNs. Exposure to anti-Aβ antibody 6E10 (1:300) in the absence or presence of SR plus CP completely recovered transient [Ca2+]i signal as a response to acetylcholine in mutant ChLNs. CONCLUSION Taken together our findings suggest that the combination of cannabinoids, CB1Rs inverse agonists, and anti-Aβ antibodies might be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of familial AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Soto-Mercado
- Neuroscience Research Group, Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Colombia
| | - Miguel Mendivil-Perez
- Neuroscience Research Group, Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marlene Jimenez-Del-Rio
- Neuroscience Research Group, Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Colombia
| | - Carlos Velez-Pardo
- Neuroscience Research Group, Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia (UdeA), SIU Medellin, Colombia
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