1
|
Xu H, Qiu Q, Hu P, Hoxha K, Jang E, O'Reilly M, Kim C, He Z, Marotta N, Changolkar L, Zhang B, Wu H, Schellenberg GD, Kraemer B, Luk KC, Lee EB, Trojanowski JQ, Brunden KR, Lee VMY. MSUT2 regulates tau spreading via adenosinergic signaling mediated ASAP1 pathway in neurons. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:55. [PMID: 38472475 PMCID: PMC10933148 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02703-3] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Inclusions comprised of microtubule-associated protein tau (tau) are implicated in a group of neurodegenerative diseases, collectively known as tauopathies, that include Alzheimer's disease (AD). The spreading of misfolded tau "seeds" along neuronal networks is thought to play a crucial role in the progression of tau pathology. Consequently, restricting the release or uptake of tau seeds may inhibit the spread of tau pathology and potentially halt the advancement of the disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that the Mammalian Suppressor of Tauopathy 2 (MSUT2), an RNA binding protein, modulates tau pathogenesis in a transgenic mouse model. In this study, we investigated the impact of MSUT2 on tau pathogenesis using tau seeding models. Our findings indicate that the loss of MSUT2 mitigates human tau seed-induced pathology in neuron cultures and mouse models. In addition, MSUT2 regulates many gene transcripts, including the Adenosine Receptor 1 (A1AR), and we show that down regulation or inhibition of A1AR modulates the activity of the "ArfGAP with SH3 Domain, Ankyrin Repeat, and PH Domain 1 protein" (ASAP1), thereby influencing the internalization of pathogenic tau seeds into neurons resulting in reduction of tau pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Qi Qiu
- Department of Genetics, Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kevt'her Hoxha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elliot Jang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mia O'Reilly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhuohao He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nicholas Marotta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lakshmi Changolkar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Genetics, Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gerard D Schellenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Kraemer
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McMoneagle E, Zhou J, Zhang S, Huang W, Josiah SS, Ding K, Wang Y, Zhang J. Neuronal K +-Cl - cotransporter KCC2 as a promising drug target for epilepsy treatment. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1-22. [PMID: 37704745 PMCID: PMC10770335 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by unprovoked seizures. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) serves as the primary fast inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and GABA binding to the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) regulates Cl- and bicarbonate (HCO3-) influx or efflux through the channel pore, leading to GABAergic inhibition or excitation, respectively. The neuron-specific K+-Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2) is essential for maintaining a low intracellular Cl- concentration, ensuring GABAAR-mediated inhibition. Impaired KCC2 function results in GABAergic excitation associated with epileptic activity. Loss-of-function mutations and altered expression of KCC2 lead to elevated [Cl-]i and compromised synaptic inhibition, contributing to epilepsy pathogenesis in human patients. KCC2 antagonism studies demonstrate the necessity of limiting neuronal hyperexcitability within the brain, as reduced KCC2 functioning leads to seizure activity. Strategies focusing on direct (enhancing KCC2 activation) and indirect KCC2 modulation (altering KCC2 phosphorylation and transcription) have proven effective in attenuating seizure severity and exhibiting anti-convulsant properties. These findings highlight KCC2 as a promising therapeutic target for treating epilepsy. Recent advances in understanding KCC2 regulatory mechanisms, particularly via signaling pathways such as WNK, PKC, BDNF, and its receptor TrkB, have led to the discovery of novel small molecules that modulate KCC2. Inhibiting WNK kinase or utilizing newly discovered KCC2 agonists has demonstrated KCC2 activation and seizure attenuation in animal models. This review discusses the role of KCC2 in epilepsy and evaluates its potential as a drug target for epilepsy treatment by exploring various strategies to regulate KCC2 activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin McMoneagle
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Hatherly Laboratories, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Biological Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiang'an Nan Lu, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Research Center of Chemical Kinomics, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Sunday Solomon Josiah
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Hatherly Laboratories, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
| | - Ke Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Research Center of Chemical Kinomics, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Biological Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Hatherly Laboratories, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK.
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiang'an Nan Lu, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Research Center of Chemical Kinomics, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lozano-Ureña A, Frade JM. Differential contribution of TrkB and p75 NTR to BDNF-dependent self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of adult neural stem cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1271820. [PMID: 38188197 PMCID: PMC10770873 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1271820] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in adult neurogenesis are a common hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms that control this process is an indispensable requirement for designing therapeutic interventions addressing neurodegeneration. Neurotrophins have been implicated in multiple functions including proliferation, survival, and differentiation of the neural stem cells (NSCs), thereby being good candidates for therapeutic intervention. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the neurotrophin family and has been proven to promote neurogenesis in the subgranular zone. However, the effects of BDNF in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) still remain unclear due to contradictory results. Using in vitro cultures of adult NSCs isolated from the mouse SVZ, we show that low concentrations of BDNF are able to promote self-renewal and proliferation in these cells by activating the tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor. However, higher concentrations of BDNF that can bind the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) potentiate TrkB-dependent self-renewal and proliferation and promote differentiation of the adult NSCs, suggesting different molecular mechanisms in BDNF-promoting proliferation and differentiation. The use of an antagonist for p75NTR reduces the increment in NSC proliferation and commitment to the oligodendrocyte lineage. Our data support a fundamental role for both receptors, TrkB and p75NTR, in the regulation of NSC behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José M. Frade
- Laboratory of Neuronal Generation and Degeneration in Vertebrates, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mees I, Nisbet R, Hannan A, Renoir T. Implications of Tau Dysregulation in Huntington's Disease and Potential for New Therapeutics. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:1-13. [PMID: 37092231 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder. The disease, characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric impairments, is caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene. Despite the discovery of the mutation in 1993, no disease-modifying treatments are yet available. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in HD is therefore crucial for the development of novel treatments. Emerging research has found that HD might be classified as a secondary tauopathy, with the presence of tau insoluble aggregates in late HD. Increased total tau protein levels have been observed in both HD patients and animal models of HD. Tau hyperphosphorylation, the main feature of tau pathology, has also been investigated and our own published results suggest that the protein phosphorylation machinery is dysregulated in the early stages of HD in R6/1 transgenic mice, primarily in the cortex and striatum. Protein phosphorylation, catalysed by kinases, regulates numerous cellular mechanisms and has been shown to be dysregulated in other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. While it is still unclear how the mutation in the huntingtin gene leads to tau dysregulation in HD, several hypotheses have been explored. Evidence suggests that the mutant huntingtin does not directly interact with tau, but instead interacts with tau kinases, phosphatases, and proteins involved in tau alternative splicing, which could result in tau dysregulation as observed in HD. Altogether, there is increasing evidence that tau is undergoing pathological changes in HD and may be a good therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaline Mees
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rebecca Nisbet
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anthony Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Thibault Renoir
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duwat C, Léal P, Vautheny A, Aurégan G, Joséphine C, Gaillard MC, Hérard AS, Jan C, Gipchtein P, Mitja J, Fouquet S, Niepon ML, Hantraye P, Brouillet E, Bonvento G, Cambon K, Bemelmans AP. Development of an AAV-based model of tauopathy targeting retinal ganglion cells and the mouse visual pathway to study the role of microglia in Tau pathology. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 181:106116. [PMID: 37054900 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106116] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathy is a typical feature of Alzheimer's disease of major importance because it strongly correlates with the severity of cognitive deficits experienced by patients. During the pathology, it follows a characteristic spatiotemporal course which takes its origin in the transentorhinal cortex, and then gradually invades the entire forebrain. To study the mechanisms of tauopathy, and test new therapeutic strategies, it is necessary to set-up relevant and versatile in vivo models allowing to recapitulate tauopathy. With this in mind, we have developed a model of tauopathy by overexpression of the human wild-type Tau protein in retinal ganglion cells in mice (RGCs). This overexpression led to the presence of hyperphosphorylated forms of the protein in the transduced cells as well as to their progressive degeneration. The application of this model to mice deficient in TREM2 (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-2, an important genetic risk factor for AD) as well as to 15-month-old mice showed that microglia actively participate in the degeneration of RGCs. Surprisingly, although we were able to detect the transgenic Tau protein up to the terminal arborization of RGCs at the level of the superior colliculi, spreading of the transgenic Tau protein to post-synaptic neurons was detected only in aged animals. This suggests that there may be neuron-intrinsic- or microenvironment mediators facilitating this spreading that appear with aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Duwat
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pauline Léal
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Audrey Vautheny
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gwennaëlle Aurégan
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Charlène Joséphine
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Marie-Claude Gaillard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Hérard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Caroline Jan
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pauline Gipchtein
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Julien Mitja
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Stéphane Fouquet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Philippe Hantraye
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gilles Bonvento
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Karine Cambon
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang YY, Ren YT, Jia MY, Bai CY, Liang XT, Gao HL, Zhong ML, Wang T, Guo C. The human islet amyloid polypeptide reduces hippocampal tauopathy and behavioral impairments in P301S mice without inducing neurotoxicity or seeding amyloid aggregation. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114346. [PMID: 36750170 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114346] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that human islet amyloid polypeptide (h-IAPP) accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and may interact with Aβ or microtubule associated protein tau to associate with the neurodegenerative process. Increasing evidence indicates a potential protective effect of h-IAPP against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in AD mouse models. However, a direct therapeutic effect of h-IAPP supplementation on tauopathy has not been established. Here, we found that long-term h-IAPP treatment attenuated tau hyperphosphorylation levels and induced neuroinflammation and oxidative damage, prevented synaptic loss and neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus, and alleviated behavioral deficits in P301S transgenic mice (a mouse model of tauopathy). Restoration of insulin sensitization, glucose/energy metabolism, and activated BDNF signaling also contributed to the underlying mechanisms. These findings suggest that seemly h-IAPP has promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders with tauopathy, such as AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China; Liaoning Cheng Da Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenyang 110179, China
| | - Yan-Tao Ren
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Meng-Yu Jia
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China; Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Chen-Yang Bai
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China; Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Xiu-Ting Liang
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China; Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Hui-Ling Gao
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Man-Li Zhong
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Chuang Guo
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China; Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Parka A, Volbracht C, Hall B, Bastlund JF, Nedergaard M, Laursen B, Botta P, Sotty F. Visual Evoked Potentials as an Early-Stage Biomarker in the rTg4510 Tauopathy Mouse Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:247-262. [PMID: 37005884 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by formation of neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Early pathophysiological and functional changes related to neurofibrillary tangles formation are considered to occur prior to extensive neurodegeneration. Hyperphosphorylated tau has been detected in postmortem retinas of AD and FTD patients, and the visual pathway is an easily accessible system in a clinical setting. Hence, assessment of the visual function may offer the potential to detect consequences of early tau pathology in patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate visual function in a tauopathy mouse model in relation to tau hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration. Methods: In this study we explored the association between the visual system and functional consequences of tau pathology progression using a tauopathy rTg4510 mouse model. To this end, we recorded full-field electroretinography and visual evoked potentials in anesthetized and awake states at different ages. Results: While retinal function remained mostly intact within all the age groups investigated, we detected significant changes in amplitudes of visual evoked potential responses in young rTg4510 mice exhibiting early tau pathology prior to neurodegeneration. These functional alterations in the visual cortex were positively correlated with pathological tau levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that visual processing could be useful as a novel electrophysiological biomarker for early stages of tauopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Parka
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- H. Lundbeck A/S, Research, Valby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dysfunction of the glutamatergic photoreceptor synapse in the P301S mouse model of tauopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:5. [PMID: 36631898 PMCID: PMC9832799 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01489-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, are characterized by retinal ganglion cell loss associated with amyloid and phosphorylated tau deposits. We investigated the functional impact of these histopathological alterations in the murine P301S model of tauopathy. Visual impairments were demonstrated by a decrease in visual acuity already detectable at 6 months, the onset of disease. Visual signals to the cortex and retina were delayed at 6 and 9 months, respectively. Surprisingly, the retinal output signal was delayed at the light onset and advanced at the light offset. This antagonistic effect, due to a dysfunction of the cone photoreceptor synapse, was associated with changes in the expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter and a microglial reaction. This dysfunction of retinal glutamatergic synapses suggests a novel interpretation for visual deficits in tauopathies and it highlights the potential value of the retina for the diagnostic assessment and the evaluation of therapies in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lacomme M, Hales SC, Brown TW, Stevanovic K, Jolicoeur C, Cai J, Bois T, Desrosiers M, Dalkara D, Cayouette M. Numb regulates Tau levels and prevents neurodegeneration in tauopathy mouse models. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm4295. [PMID: 36260685 PMCID: PMC9581485 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm4295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein Tau is linked to neuronal cell death in tauopathies, but how intraneuronal Tau levels are regulated in health and disease remains unclear. Here, we show that conditional inactivation of the trafficking adaptor protein Numb in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) increases Tau levels and leads to axonal blebbing, which is followed by neuronal cell loss in aged mice. In the TauP301S mouse model of tauopathy, conditional inactivation of Numb in RGCs and spinal motoneurons accelerates neurodegeneration, and loss of Numb in motoneurons also leads to precocious hindlimb paralysis. Conversely, overexpression of the long isoform of Numb (Numb-72) decreases intracellular Tau levels and reduces axonal blebbing in TauP301S RGCs, leading to improved electrical activity in cultured neurons and improves performance in a visually guided behavior test in vivo. These results uncover Numb as a key regulator of intracellular Tau levels and identify Numb-72 as a potential therapeutic factor for tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Lacomme
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Sarah C. Hales
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas W. Brown
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katarina Stevanovic
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Christine Jolicoeur
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Jenny Cai
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Therence Bois
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Melissa Desrosiers
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alzheimer's Disease Seen through the Eye: Ocular Alterations and Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052486. [PMID: 35269629 PMCID: PMC8910735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the main neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. Unfortunately, AD shares many similarities with other dementias at early stages, which impedes an accurate premortem diagnosis. Therefore, it is urgent to find biomarkers to allow for early diagnosis of the disease. There is increasing scientific evidence highlighting the similarities between the eye and other structures of the CNS, suggesting that knowledge acquired in eye research could be useful for research and diagnosis of AD. For example, the retina and optic nerve are considered part of the central nervous system, and their damage can result in retrograde and anterograde axon degeneration, as well as abnormal protein aggregation. In the anterior eye segment, the aqueous humor and tear film may be comparable to the cerebrospinal fluid. Both fluids are enriched with molecules that can be potential neurodegenerative biomarkers. Indeed, the pathophysiology of AD, characterized by cerebral deposits of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein, is also present in the eyes of AD patients, besides numerous structural and functional changes observed in the structure of the eyes. Therefore, all this evidence suggests that ocular changes have the potential to be used as either predictive values for AD assessment or as diagnostic tools.
Collapse
|
12
|
Chiang NN, Lin TH, Teng YS, Sun YC, Chang KH, Lin CY, Hsieh-Li HM, Su MT, Chen CM, Lee-Chen GJ. Flavones 7,8-DHF, Quercetin, and Apigenin Against Tau Toxicity via Activation of TRKB Signaling in ΔK280 Tau RD-DsRed SH-SY5Y Cells. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:758895. [PMID: 34975454 PMCID: PMC8714935 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.758895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with memory loss and cognitive decline. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed by hyperphosphorylated Tau protein are one of the pathological hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases including AD. Heat shock protein family B (small) member 1 (HSPB1) is a molecular chaperone that promotes the correct folding of other proteins in response to environmental stress. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NRF2), a redox-regulated transcription factor, is the master regulator of the cellular response to excess reactive oxygen species. Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TRKB) is a membrane-bound receptor that, upon binding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylates itself to initiate downstream signaling for neuronal survival and axonal growth. In this study, four natural flavones such as 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), wogonin, quercetin, and apigenin were evaluated for Tau aggregation inhibitory activity and neuroprotection in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma. Among the tested flavones, 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin reduced Tau aggregation, oxidative stress, and caspase-1 activity as well as improved neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 TauRD-DsRed folding reporter. Treatments with 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin rescued the reduced HSPB1 and NRF2 and activated TRKB-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling to upregulate cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and its downstream antiapoptotic BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2). Knockdown of TRKB attenuated the neuroprotective effects of these three flavones. Our results suggest 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin targeting HSPB1, NRF2, and TRKB to reduce Tau aggregation and protect cells against Tau neurotoxicity and may provide new treatment strategies for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Ni Chiang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsien Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Teng
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Sun
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yin Lin
- Medical Imaging Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu Mei Hsieh-Li
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Little K, Llorián-Salvador M, Scullion S, Hernández C, Simó-Servat O, Del Marco A, Bosma E, Vargas-Soria M, Carranza-Naval MJ, Van Bergen T, Galbiati S, Viganò I, Musi CA, Schlingemann R, Feyen J, Borsello T, Zerbini G, Klaassen I, Garcia-Alloza M, Simó R, Stitt AW. Common pathways in dementia and diabetic retinopathy: understanding the mechanisms of diabetes-related cognitive decline. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:50-71. [PMID: 34794851 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with multiple comorbidities, including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cognitive decline, and T2D patients have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both DR and AD are characterized by a number of pathological mechanisms that coalesce around the neurovascular unit, including neuroinflammation and degeneration, vascular degeneration, and glial activation. Chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance also play a significant role, leading to activation of pathological mechanisms such as increased oxidative stress and the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Understanding these common pathways and the degree to which they occur simultaneously in the brain and retina during diabetes will provide avenues to identify T2D patients at risk of cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karis Little
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - María Llorián-Salvador
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Sarah Scullion
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Cristina Hernández
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute and CIBERDEM (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Simó-Servat
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute and CIBERDEM (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel Del Marco
- Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Cadiz (INIBICA), Universidad de Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Esmeralda Bosma
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Vargas-Soria
- Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Cadiz (INIBICA), Universidad de Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Carranza-Naval
- Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Cadiz (INIBICA), Universidad de Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | | | - Silvia Galbiati
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Viganò
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Clara Alice Musi
- Università Degli Studi di Milano and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri- IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Reiner Schlingemann
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Tiziana Borsello
- Università Degli Studi di Milano and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri- IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Zerbini
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Ingeborg Klaassen
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monica Garcia-Alloza
- Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Cadiz (INIBICA), Universidad de Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Rafael Simó
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute and CIBERDEM (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alan W Stitt
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Proteomic Analysis of Hydromethylthionine in the Line 66 Model of Frontotemporal Dementia Demonstrates Actions on Tau-Dependent and Tau-Independent Networks. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082162. [PMID: 34440931 PMCID: PMC8391171 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal aggregation of tau is the pathological hallmark of tauopathies including frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We have generated tau-transgenic mice that express the aggregation-prone P301S human tau (line 66). These mice present with early-onset, high tau load in brain and FTD-like behavioural deficiencies. Several of these behavioural phenotypes and tau pathology are reversed by treatment with hydromethylthionine but key pathways underlying these corrections remain elusive. In two proteomic experiments, line 66 mice were compared with wild-type mice and then vehicle and hydromethylthionine treatments of line 66 mice were compared. The brain proteome was investigated using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to identify protein networks and pathways that were altered due to tau overexpression or modified by hydromethylthionine treatment. Overexpression of mutant tau induced metabolic/mitochondrial dysfunction, changes in synaptic transmission and in stress responses, and these functions were recovered by hydromethylthionine. Other pathways, such as NRF2, oxidative phosphorylation and protein ubiquitination were activated by hydromethylthionine, presumably independent of its function as a tau aggregation inhibitor. Our results suggest that hydromethylthionine recovers cellular activity in both a tau-dependent and a tau-independent fashion that could lead to a wide-spread improvement of homeostatic function in the FTD brain.
Collapse
|
15
|
Visual stimulation with blue wavelength light drives V1 effectively eliminating stray light contamination during two-photon calcium imaging. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 362:109287. [PMID: 34256082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain visual circuits are often studied in vivo by imaging Ca2+ indicators with green-shifted emission spectra. Polychromatic white visual stimuli have a spectrum that partially overlaps indicators´ emission spectra, resulting in significant contamination of calcium signals. NEW METHOD To overcome light contamination problems we choose blue visual stimuli, having a spectral composition not overlapping with Ca2+ indicator´s emission spectrum. To compare visual responsiveness to blue and white stimuli we used electrophysiology (visual evoked potentials -VEPs) and 3D acousto-optic two-photon (2P) population Ca2+ imaging in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). RESULTS VEPs in response to blue and white stimuli had comparable peak amplitudes and latencies. Ca2+ imaging in a Thy1 GP4.3 line revealed that the populations of neurons responding to blue and white stimuli were largely overlapping, that their responses had similar amplitudes, and that functional response properties such as orientation and direction selectivities were also comparable. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Masking or shielding the microscope are often used to minimize the contamination of Ca2+ signal by white light, but they are time consuming, bulky and thus can limit experimental design, particularly in the more and more frequently used awake set-up. Blue stimuli not interfering with imaging allow to omit shielding. CONCLUSIONS Together, our results show that the selected blue light stimuli evoke responses comparable to those evoked by white stimuli in mouse V1. This will make complex designs of imaging experiments in behavioral set-ups easier, and facilitate the combination of Ca2+ imaging with electrophysiology and optogenetics.
Collapse
|
16
|
Guo L, Ravindran N, Shamsher E, Hill D, Cordeiro MF. Retinal Changes in Transgenic Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 18:89-102. [PMID: 33855942 DOI: 10.2174/1567205018666210414113634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, the most common form of dementia. AD is characterised by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the brain, in association with neuronal loss and synaptic failure, causing cognitive deficits. Accurate and early diagnosis is currently unavailable in lifespan, hampering early intervention of potential new treatments. Visual deficits have been well documented in AD patients, and the pathological changes identified in the brain are also believed to be found in the retina, an integral part of the central nervous system. Retinal changes can be detected by real-time non-invasive imaging, due to the transparent nature of the ocular media, potentially allowing an earlier diagnosis as well as monitoring disease progression and treatment outcome. Animal models are essential for AD research, and this review has a focus on retinal changes in various transgenic AD mouse models with retinal imaging and immunohistochemical analysis as well as therapeutic effects in those models. We also discuss the limitations of transgenic AD models in clinical translations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nivedita Ravindran
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ehtesham Shamsher
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Hill
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Xia F, Ha Y, Shi S, Li Y, Li S, Luisi J, Kayed R, Motamedi M, Liu H, Zhang W. Early alterations of neurovascular unit in the retina in mouse models of tauopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:51. [PMID: 33762004 PMCID: PMC7992935 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01149-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina, as the only visually accessible tissue in the central nervous system, has attracted significant attention for evaluating it as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, most of studies focus on characterizing the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and degeneration of their axons. There is no integrated analysis addressing temporal alterations of different retinal cells in the neurovascular unit (NVU) in particular retinal vessels. Here we assessed NVU changes in two mouse models of tauopathy, P301S and P301L transgenic mice overexpressing the human tau mutated gene, and evaluated the therapeutic effects of a tau oligomer monoclonal antibody (TOMA). We found that retinal edema and breakdown of blood-retina barrier were observed at the very early stage of tauopathy. Leukocyte adhesion/infiltration, and microglial recruitment/activation were constantly increased in the retinal ganglion cell layer of tau transgenic mice at different ages, while Müller cell gliosis was only detected in relatively older tau mice. Concomitantly, the number and function of RGCs progressively decreased during aging although they were not considerably altered in the very early stage of tauopathy. Moreover, intrinsically photosensitive RGCs appeared more sensitive to tauopathy. Remarkably, TOMA treatment in young tau transgenic mice significantly attenuated vascular leakage, inflammation and RGC loss. Our data provide compelling evidence that abnormal tau accumulation can lead to pathology in the retinal NVU, and vascular alterations occur more manifest and earlier than neurodegeneration in the retina. Oligomeric tau-targeted immunotherapy has the potential to treat tau-induced retinopathies. These data suggest that retinal NVU may serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and staging of tauopathy as well as a platform to study the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
| | - Yonju Ha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
| | - Shuizhen Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
| | - Shengguo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
| | - Jonathan Luisi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Massoud Motamedi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144 USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Latina V, Giacovazzo G, Cordella F, Balzamino BO, Micera A, Varano M, Marchetti C, Malerba F, Florio R, Ercole BB, La Regina F, Atlante A, Coccurello R, Di Angelantonio S, Calissano P, Amadoro G. Systemic delivery of a specific antibody targeting the pathological N-terminal truncated tau peptide reduces retinal degeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:38. [PMID: 33750467 PMCID: PMC7942014 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retina and optic nerve are sites of extra-cerebral manifestations of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein are detected in eyes from AD patients and transgenic animals in correlation with inflammation, reduction of synapses, visual deficits, loss of retinal cells and nerve fiber. However, neither the pathological relevance of other post-translational tau modifications-such as truncation with generation of toxic fragments-nor the potential neuroprotective action induced by their in vivo clearance have been investigated in the context of AD retinal degeneration. We have recently developed a monoclonal tau antibody (12A12mAb) which selectively targets the neurotoxic 20-22 kDa NH2-derived peptide generated from pathological truncation at the N-terminal domain of tau without cross-reacting with its full-length normal protein. Previous studies have shown that 12A12mAb, when intravenously (i.v.)-injected into 6-month-old Tg2576 animals, markedly improves their AD-like, behavioural and neuropathological syndrome. By taking advantage of this well-established tau-directed immunization regimen, we found that 12A12mAb administration also exerts a beneficial action on biochemical, morphological and metabolic parameters (i.e. APP/Aβ processing, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, synaptic proteins, microtubule stability, mitochondria-based energy production, neuronal death) associated with ocular injury in the AD phenotype. These findings prospect translational implications in the AD field by: (1) showing for the first time that cleavage of tau takes part in several pathological changes occurring in vivo in affected retinas and vitreous bodies and that its deleterious effects are successfully antagonized by administration of the specific 12A12mAb; (2) shedding further insights on the tight connections between neurosensory retina and brain, in particular following tau-based immunotherapy. In our view, the parallel response we detected in this preclinical animal model, both in the eye and in the hippocampus, following i.v. 12A12mAb injection opens novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for the clinical management of cerebral and extracerebral AD signs in human beings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Latina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Fosso del Fiorano 64-65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Varano
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchetti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Florio
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Bruni Ercole
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico La Regina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Atlante
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM)-CNR, Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Fosso del Fiorano 64-65, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute for Complex System (ISC)-CNR, Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Khatib TZ, Osborne A, Yang S, Ali Z, Jia W, Manyakin I, Hall K, Watt R, Widdowson PS, Martin KR. Receptor-ligand supplementation via a self-cleaving 2A peptide-based gene therapy promotes CNS axonal transport with functional recovery. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabd2590. [PMID: 33789891 PMCID: PMC8011959 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd2590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene replacement approaches are leading to a revolution in the treatment of previously debilitating monogenic neurological conditions. However, the application of gene therapy to complex polygenic conditions has been limited. Down-regulation or dysfunction of receptor expression in the disease state or in the presence of excess ligand has been shown to compromise therapeutic efficacy. Here, we offer evidence that combined overexpression of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B, is more effective in stimulating axonal transport than either receptor administration or ligand administration alone. We also show efficacy in experimental glaucoma and humanized tauopathy models. Simultaneous administration of a ligand and its receptor by a single gene therapy vector overcomes several problems relating to ligand deficiency and receptor down-regulation that may be relevant to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. This approach shows promise as a strategy to target intrinsic mechanisms to improve neuronal function and facilitate repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Z Khatib
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Eye Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Osborne
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Quethera Ltd., Cambridge, UK
- Ikarovec Ltd., Norwich Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Sujeong Yang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zara Ali
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wanyi Jia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ilya Manyakin
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katie Hall
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert Watt
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter S Widdowson
- Quethera Ltd., Cambridge, UK
- Ikarovec Ltd., Norwich Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Keith R Martin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Eye Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Quethera Ltd., Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ngolab J, Canchi S, Rasool S, Elmaarouf A, Thomas K, Sarsoza F, Grundman J, Mante M, Florio J, Nandankar N, Korouri S, Zago W, Masliah E, Rissman RA. Mutant three-repeat tau expression initiates retinal ganglion cell death through Caspase-2. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105277. [PMID: 33516874 PMCID: PMC8373010 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is implicated in multiple degenerative diseases including retinal diseases such as glaucoma; however, the way tau initiates retinopathy is unclear. Previous retinal assessments in mouse models of tauopathy suggest that mutations in four-repeat (4R) tau are associated with disease-induced retinal dysfunction, while shifting tau isoform ratio to favor three-repeat (3R) tau production enhanced photoreceptor function. To further understand how alterations in tau expression impact the retina, we analyzed the retinas of transgenic mice overexpressing mutant 3R tau (m3R tau-Tg), a model known to exhibit Pick's Disease pathology in the brain. Analysis of retinal cross-sections from young (3 month) and adult (9 month) mice detected asymmetric 3R tau immunoreactivity in m3R tau-Tg retina, concentrated in the retinal ganglion and amacrine cells of the dorsal retinal periphery. Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau was detected specifically in the detergent insoluble fraction of the adult m3R tau-Tg retina. RNA-seq analysis highlighted biological pathways associated with tauopathy that were uniquely altered in m3R tau-Tg retina. The upregulation of transcript encoding apoptotic protease caspase-2 coincided with increased immunostaining in predominantly 3R tau positive retinal regions. In adult m3R tau-Tg, the dorsal peripheral retina of the adult m3R tau-Tg exhibited decreased cell density in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and reduced thickness of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) compared to the ventral peripheral retina. Together, these data indicate that mutant 3R tau may mediate toxicity in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) by promoting caspase-2 expression which results in RGC degeneration. The m3R tau-Tg line has the potential to be used to assess tau-mediated RGC degeneration and test novel therapeutics for degenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ngolab
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Saranya Canchi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America
| | - Suhail Rasool
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Amydis Inc, San Diego, CA 92121, United States of America
| | | | - Kimberly Thomas
- Prothena Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Floyd Sarsoza
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Grundman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Nimisha Nandankar
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Shaina Korouri
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Wagner Zago
- Prothena Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Division of Neuroscience and Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tinarelli F, Ivanova E, Colombi I, Barini E, Balzani E, Garcia CG, Gasparini L, Chiappalone M, Kelsey G, Tucci V. Cell-cell coupling and DNA methylation abnormal phenotypes in the after-hours mice. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:1. [PMID: 33407878 PMCID: PMC7789812 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation has emerged as an important epigenetic regulator of brain processes, including circadian rhythms. However, how DNA methylation intervenes between environmental signals, such as light entrainment, and the transcriptional and translational molecular mechanisms of the cellular clock is currently unknown. Here, we studied the after-hours mice, which have a point mutation in the Fbxl3 gene and a lengthened circadian period. Methods In this study, we used a combination of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro approaches. We measured retinal responses in Afh animals and we have run reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS), pyrosequencing and gene expression analysis in a variety of brain tissues ex vivo. In vitro, we used primary neuronal cultures combined to micro electrode array (MEA) technology and gene expression. Results We observed functional impairments in mutant neuronal networks, and a reduction in the retinal responses to light-dependent stimuli. We detected abnormalities in the expression of photoreceptive melanopsin (OPN4). Furthermore, we identified alterations in the DNA methylation pathways throughout the retinohypothalamic tract terminals and links between the transcription factor Rev-Erbα and Fbxl3. Conclusions The results of this study, primarily represent a contribution towards an understanding of electrophysiological and molecular phenotypic responses to external stimuli in the Afh model. Moreover, as DNA methylation has recently emerged as a new regulator of neuronal networks with important consequences for circadian behaviour, we discuss the impact of the Afh mutation on the epigenetic landscape of circadian biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Tinarelli
- Genetics and Epigenetics of Behaviour (GEB) Laboratory, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.,BioMed X Innovation Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ilaria Colombi
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.,Brain Development and Disease, NBT, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Erica Barini
- Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.,AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co, Knollstr, 67061, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Edoardo Balzani
- Genetics and Epigenetics of Behaviour (GEB) Laboratory, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, 10006, USA
| | - Celina Garcia Garcia
- Genetics and Epigenetics of Behaviour (GEB) Laboratory, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Gasparini
- Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.,AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co, Knollstr, 67061, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Michela Chiappalone
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.,Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Valter Tucci
- Genetics and Epigenetics of Behaviour (GEB) Laboratory, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tau modulates visual plasticity in adult and old mice. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 95:214-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
23
|
Raucci FJ, Singh AP, Soslow J, Markham LW, Zhong L, Aljafar W, Lessiohadi N, Awgulewitsch CP, Umbarkar P, Zhang Q, Cannon PL, Buchowski M, Roland JT, Carrier EJ, Burnette WB, Hatzopoulos AK, Lal H, Galindo CL. The BDNF rs6265 Polymorphism is a Modifier of Cardiomyocyte Contractility and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207466. [PMID: 33050457 PMCID: PMC7593910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neuronal growth and survival factor that harbors cardioprotective qualities that may attenuate dilated cardiomyopathy. In ~30% of the population, BDNF has a common, nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism rs6265 (Val66Met), which might be correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. We previously showed that BDNF correlates with better cardiac function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. However, the effect of the Val66Met polymorphism on cardiac function has not been determined. The goal of the current study was to determine the effects of rs6265 on BDNF biomarker suitability and DMD cardiac functions more generally. We assessed cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function in human DMD patients segregated by polymorphic allele. We also compared echocardiographic, electrophysiologic, and cardiomyocyte contractility in C57/BL-6 wild-type mice with rs6265 polymorphism and in mdx/mTR (mDMD) mouse model of DMD. In human DMD patients, plasma BDNF levels had a positive correlation with left ventricular function, opposite to that seen in rs6265 carriers. There was also a substantial decrease in skeletal muscle function in carriers compared to the Val homozygotes. Surprisingly, the opposite was true when cardiac function of DMD carriers and non-carriers were compared. On the other hand, Val66Met wild-type mice had only subtle functional differences at baseline but significantly decreased cardiomyocyte contractility. Our results indicate that the Val66Met polymorphism alters myocyte contractility, conferring worse skeletal muscle function but better cardiac function in DMD patients. Moreover, these results suggest a mechanism for the relative preservation of cardiac tissues compared to skeletal muscle in DMD patients and underscores the complexity of BDNF signaling in response to mechanical workload.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank J. Raucci
- Thomas P. Graham Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (F.J.R.J.); (J.S.)
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Anand Prakash Singh
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.P.S.); (P.U.); (Q.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Jonathan Soslow
- Thomas P. Graham Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (F.J.R.J.); (J.S.)
| | - Larry W. Markham
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Lin Zhong
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - Wejdan Aljafar
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - Natasja Lessiohadi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - Cassandra P. Awgulewitsch
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - Prachi Umbarkar
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.P.S.); (P.U.); (Q.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Qinkun Zhang
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.P.S.); (P.U.); (Q.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Presley L. Cannon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - Maciej Buchowski
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Joseph T. Roland
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - Erica J. Carrier
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - William B. Burnette
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Antonis K. Hatzopoulos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
| | - Hind Lal
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.P.S.); (P.U.); (Q.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Cristi L. Galindo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (L.Z.); (W.A.); (N.L.); (C.P.A.); (P.L.C.); (J.T.R.); (E.J.C.); (A.K.H.)
- Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-270-745-3696
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yang T, Liu H, Tran KC, Leng A, Massa SM, Longo FM. Small-molecule modulation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor inhibits a wide range of tau molecular pathologies and their sequelae in P301S tauopathy mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:156. [PMID: 32891185 PMCID: PMC7487850 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In tauopathies, phosphorylation, acetylation, cleavage and other modifications of tau drive intracellular generation of diverse forms of toxic tau aggregates and associated seeding activity, which have been implicated in subsequent synaptic failure and neurodegeneration. Suppression of this wide range of pathogenic species, seeding and toxicity mechanisms, while preserving the physiological roles of tau, presents a key therapeutic goal. Identification and targeting of signaling networks that influence a broad spectrum of tau pathogenic mechanisms might prevent or reverse synaptic degeneration and modify disease outcomes. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) modulates such networks, including activation of multiple tau kinases, calpain and rhoA-cofilin activity. The orally bioavailable small-molecule p75NTR modulator, LM11A-31, was administered to tauP301S mice for 3 months starting at 6 months of age, when tau pathology was well established. LM11A-31 was found to reduce: excess activation of hippocampal cdk5 and JNK kinases and calpain; excess cofilin phosphorylation, tau phosphorylation, acetylation and cleavage; accumulation of multiple forms of insoluble tau aggregates and filaments; and, microglial activation. Hippocampal extracts from treated mice had substantially reduced tau seeding activity. LM11A-31 treatment also led to a reversal of pyramidal neuron dendritic spine loss, decreased loss of dendritic complexity and improvement in performance of hippocampal behaviors. These studies identify a therapeutically tractable upstream signaling module regulating a wide spectrum of basic mechanisms underlying tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Harry Liu
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kevin C Tran
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Albert Leng
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Stephen M Massa
- Department of Neurology, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System and University of California, San Francisco, 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shu XS, Zhu H, Huang X, Yang Y, Wang D, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Ying Y. Loss of β-catenin via activated GSK3β causes diabetic retinal neurodegeneration by instigating a vicious cycle of oxidative stress-driven mitochondrial impairment. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:13437-13462. [PMID: 32575075 PMCID: PMC7377872 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is the earliest event in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Our previous study proposed that impairment of mitochondrial trafficking by hyperphosphorylated tau is a potential contributor to RGCs synapse degeneration. However, other molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial defect in diabetic retinal neurodegeneration remain to be elucidated. Here, using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mouse model, we showed for the first time that downregulation of active β-catenin due to abnormal GSK3β activation caused synaptic neurodegeneration of RGCs by inhibiting ROS scavenging enzymes, thus triggering oxidative stress-driven mitochondrial impairment in HFD-induced diabetes. Rescue of β-catenin via ectopic expression of β-catenin with a recombinant adenoviral vector, or via GSK3β inhibition by a targeted si-GSK3β, through intravitreal administration, abrogated the oxidative stress-derived mitochondrial defect and synaptic neurodegeneration in diabetic RGCs. By contrast, ablation of β-catenin by si-β-catenin abolished the protective effect of GSK3β inhibition on diabetic RGCs by suppression of antioxidant scavengers and augmentation of oxidative stress-driven mitochondrial lesion. Thus, our data identify β-catenin as a part of an endogenous protective system in diabetic RGCs and a promising target to develop intervention strategies that protect RGCs from neurodegeneration at early onset of diabetic retinopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Sheng Shu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Huazhang Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Guo J, Xu C, Ni S, Zhang S, Li Q, Zeng P, Pi G, Liu E, Sun DS, Liu Y, Wang Z, Chen H, Yang Y, Wang JZ. Elevation of pS262-Tau and Demethylated PP2A in Retina Occurs Earlier than in Hippocampus During Hyperhomocysteinemia. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 68:367-381. [PMID: 30775994 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is not diagnosed for many years before onset due to lack of peripherally detectable early biomarkers. Visual dysfunction is prevalent in AD patients and correlates with the severity of cognitive defects. Importantly, alterations in eyes can be non-invasively detected. To search for early biomarkers in eyes from high risk factors of AD, we injected homocysteine (Hcy) into the rats via vena caudalis for 3, 7, and 14 days, respectively, and characterized the chronological order of the AD-like pathologies appearing in retina and the hippocampus during the progression of hyperhomocysteinemia, and their correlations with cognitive impairment. We found that administration of Hcy for 14 days, but not 3 or 7 days, induced hyperhomocysteinemia, although a gradually increased blood Hcy level was detected. In retina and/or the hippocampus, significant loss of retinal ganglion cells and stenosis of retinal arteries with the AD-like tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) pathologies and memory deficit were shown only in the 14-day Hcy group. Interestingly, accumulation of Ser262 hyperphosphorylated tau (pS262-tau) but not Aβ with decreased methylation of protein phosphatase-2A catalytic subunit (M-PP2Ac) and increased de-methylated PP2Ac (DM-PP2Ac) was detected in retina of the 3-day Hcy group, in which the retinal pathologies were preceded by those of the hippocampus. These findings suggest that elevated pS262-tau and DM-PP2Ac and reduced M-PP2Ac in retina may serve as surveillance biomarkers for diagnosis of the hyperhomocysteinemia-induced AD in the early stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Shaozhou Ni
- Department of Emergency, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujuan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qihang Li
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Zeng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Guilin Pi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Enjie Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dong-Sheng Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yanchao Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhouyi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Center Hospital of Huang Gang City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Haote Chen
- Department of Neurology, Center Hospital of Huang Gang City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Barbereau C, Yehya A, Silhol M, Cubedo N, Verdier JM, Maurice T, Rossel M. Neuroprotective brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in the TAU-P301L tauopathy zebrafish model. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104865. [PMID: 32417505 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) dysregulations contribute to the neurotoxicity in neurodegenerative pathologies and could be efficiently targeted by therapies. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the relationship between BDNF and amyloid load has been extensively studied, how Tau pathology affects BDNF signaling remains unclear. Using the TAU-P301L transgenic zebrafish line, we investigated how early Tau-induced neurotoxicity modifies BDNF signaling. Alterations in BDNF expression levels were observed as early as 48 h post fertilization in TAU-P301L zebrafish embryos while TrkB receptor expression was not affected. Decreasing BDNF expression, using a knockdown strategy in wild-type embryos to mimic Tau-associated decrease, did not modify TrkB expression but promoted neurotoxicity as demonstrated by axonal outgrowth shortening and neuronal cell death. Moreover, the TrkB antagonist ANA-12 reduced the length of axonal projections. Rescue experiments with exogenous BDNF partially corrected neuronal alterations in TAU-P301L by counteracting primary axonal growth impairment but without effect on apoptosis. Importantly, the axonal rescue was proved functionally effective in a behavioral test, at a similar level as obtained with the GSK3β inhibitor LiCl, known to decrease TAU phosphorylation. Finally, treatment with a TrkB agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, led to comparable results and allowed full rescue of locomotor response. We provided here strong evidence that Tau neurotoxicity provoked alterations in BDNF system and that BDNF pathway might represent an efficient therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Barbereau
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, PSL Research University, Montpellier, France
| | - Alaa Yehya
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, PSL Research University, Montpellier, France
| | - Michelle Silhol
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, PSL Research University, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Cubedo
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, PSL Research University, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Michel Verdier
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, PSL Research University, Montpellier, France
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, PSL Research University, Montpellier, France
| | - Mireille Rossel
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, PSL Research University, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Deploying human pluripotent stem cells to treat central nervous system disorders: facts, challenges and realising the potential. Stem Cell Res 2019; 41:101581. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
|
29
|
Chiquita S, Campos EJ, Castelhano J, Ribeiro M, Sereno J, Moreira PI, Castelo-Branco M, Ambrósio AF. Retinal thinning of inner sub-layers is associated with cortical atrophy in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: a longitudinal multimodal in vivo study. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2019; 11:90. [PMID: 31722748 PMCID: PMC6854691 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0542-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been claimed that the retina can be used as a window to study brain disorders. However, concerning Alzheimer's disease (AD), it still remains controversial whether changes occurring in the brain and retina are associated. We aim to understand when changes start appearing in the retina and brain, how changes progress, and if they are correlated. METHODS We carried out a unique longitudinal study, at 4, 8, 12, and 16 months of age, in a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3×Tg-AD), which mimics pathological and neurobehavioral features of AD, as we have already shown. Retinal structure and physiology were evaluated in vivo using optical coherence tomography and electroretinography. Brain visual cortex structure was evaluated in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS The retinal thickness of 3×Tg-AD decreased, at all time points, except for the outer nuclear layer, where the opposite alteration was observed. Amplitudes in scotopic and photopic responses were increased throughout the study. Similarly, higher amplitude and lower phase values were observed in the photopic flicker response. No differences were found in the activity of retinal ganglion cells. Visual cortex gray matter volume was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that this animal model shows similar neural changes in the retina and brain visual cortex, i.e., retinal and brain thinning. Moreover, since similar changes occur in the retina and brain visual cortex, these observations support the possibility of using the eye as an additional tool (noninvasive) for early AD diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Chiquita
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisa J Campos
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Castelhano
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mário Ribeiro
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Sereno
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I Moreira
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal. .,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Amir Mishan M, Rezaei Kanavi M, Shahpasand K, Ahmadieh H. Pathogenic Tau Protein Species: Promising Therapeutic Targets for Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2019; 14:491-505. [PMID: 31875105 PMCID: PMC6825701 DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v14i4.5459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein, which is highly expressed in the central nervous system as well as ocular neurons and stabilizes microtubule structure. It is a phospho-protein being moderately phosphorylated under physiological conditions but its abnormal hyperphosphorylation or some post-phosphorylation modifications would result in a pathogenic condition, microtubule dissociation, and aggregation. The aggregates can induce neuroinflammation and trigger some pathogenic cascades, leading to neurodegeneration. Taking these together, targeting pathogenic tau employing tau immunotherapy may be a promising therapeutic strategy in fighting with cerebral and ocular neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amir Mishan
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Rezaei Kanavi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koorosh Shahpasand
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ying Y, Zhang YL, Ma CJ, Li MQ, Tang CY, Yang YF, Zeng JH, Huang XY, Yi J, Wang XM, He ZD, Shu XS. Neuroprotective Effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 against Hyperphosphorylated Tau-Induced Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration via Activation of IRS-1/Akt/GSK3β Signaling. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:8348-8360. [PMID: 31304751 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b02954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that tau hyperphosphorylation causes diabetic synaptic neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which might be the earliest affair during the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Thus, there is a pressing need to seek therapeutic agents possessing neuroprotective effects against tau hyperphosphorylation in RGCs for arresting the progression of DR. Here, using a well-characterized diabetes model of db/db mouse, we discovered that topical ocular application of 10 mg/kg/day of ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), one of the major active ingredients extracted from Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng, ameliorated hyperphosphorylated tau-triggered RGCs synaptic neurodegeneration in diabetic mice. The neuroprotective effects of GRg1 on diabetic retinae were abrogated when retinal IRS-1 or Akt was suppressed by intravitreal injection with si-IRS-1 or topically coadministered with a specific inhibitor of Akt, respectively. However, selective repression of retinal GSK3β by intravitreal administration of si-GSK3β rescued the neuroprotective properties of GRg1 when Akt was inactivated. Therefore, the present study showed for the first time that GRg1 can prevent hyperphosphorylated tau-induced synaptic neurodegeneration of RGCs via activation of IRS-1/Akt/GSK3β signaling in the early phase of DR. Moreover, our data clarify the potential therapeutic significance of GRg1 for neuroprotective intervention strategies of DR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ying
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Can-Jie Ma
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Mei-Qi Li
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Chao-Yue Tang
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Yang-Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong 510064 , China
| | - Jun-Hui Zeng
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Xiao-Yan Huang
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Junbo Yi
- Instrumental Analysis Center of Shenzhen University , Xili Campus, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060 , China
| | - Xiao-Mei Wang
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| | - Zhen-Dan He
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine , Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060 , China
| | - Xing-Sheng Shu
- Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center , Shenzhen , Guangdong 518060 , China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB hippocampal gene expression are putative predictors of neuritic plaque and neurofibrillary tangle pathology. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104540. [PMID: 31349032 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its cognate neurotrophin receptor, TrkB, were observed during the progression of dementia, but whether the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathological lesions diffuse plaques, (DPs), neuritic plaques (NPs), and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are related to this alteration remains to be clarified. METHODS Negative binomial (NB) regressions were performed using gene expression data accrued from a single population of CA1 pyramidal neurons and regional hippocampal dissections obtained from participants in the Rush Religious Orders Study (RROS). RESULTS Downregulation of Bdnf is independently associated with increased entorhinal cortex NPs. Downregulation of TrkB is independently associated with increased entorhinal cortex NFTs and CA1 NPs during the progression of AD. DISCUSSION Results indicate that BDNF and TrkB dysregulation contribute to AD neuropathology, most notably hippocampal NPs and NFTs. These data suggest attenuating BDNF/TrkB signaling deficits either at the level of BDNF, TrkB, or downstream of TrkB signaling may abrogate NPs and/or NFTs.
Collapse
|
33
|
Topical ocular administration of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide arrests hyperphosphorylated tau-triggered diabetic retinal neurodegeneration via activation of GLP-1R/Akt/GSK3β signaling. Neuropharmacology 2019; 153:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
34
|
Xiang J, Wang ZH, Ahn EH, Liu X, Yu SP, Manfredsson FP, Sandoval IM, Ju G, Wu S, Ye K. Delta-secretase-cleaved Tau antagonizes TrkB neurotrophic signalings, mediating Alzheimer's disease pathologies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9094-9102. [PMID: 31004063 PMCID: PMC6500177 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901348116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BDNF, an essential trophic factor implicated in synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival, is reduced in Alzheimer's disease (AD). BDNF deficiency's association with Tau pathology in AD is well documented. However, the molecular mechanisms accounting for these events remain incompletely understood. Here we show that BDNF deprivation triggers Tau proteolytic cleavage by activating δ-secretase [i.e., asparagine endopeptidase (AEP)], and the resultant Tau N368 fragment binds TrkB receptors and blocks its neurotrophic signals, inducing neuronal cell death. Knockout of BDNF or TrkB receptors provokes δ-secretase activation via reducing T322 phosphorylation by Akt and subsequent Tau N368 cleavage, inducing AD-like pathology and cognitive dysfunction, which can be restored by expression of uncleavable Tau N255A/N368A mutant. Blocking the Tau N368-TrkB complex using Tau repeat-domain 1 peptide reverses this pathology. Thus, our findings support that BDNF reduction mediates Tau pathology via activating δ-secretase in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiang
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032 Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Eun Hee Ahn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Shan-Ping Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Science & Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Ivette M Sandoval
- Department of Translational Science & Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Gong Ju
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032 Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032 Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322;
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ha Y, Liu W, Liu H, Zhu S, Xia F, Gerson JE, Azhar NA, Tilton RG, Motamedi M, Kayed R, Zhang W. AAV2-mediated GRP78 Transfer Alleviates Retinal Neuronal Injury by Downregulating ER Stress and Tau Oligomer Formation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4670-4682. [PMID: 30267089 PMCID: PMC6155472 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death following axonal injury occurring in traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) causes irreversible vision loss. GRP78 is a molecular chaperone that enhances protein folding and controls activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. This study determined whether adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer of GRP78 protected RGCs from death in a mouse model of TON induced by optic nerve crush (ONC). Methods ONC was induced by a transient crush of optic nerve behind the eye globe. AAV was used to deliver genes into retina. Molecules in the ER stress branches, tau oligomers, and RGC injury were determined by immunohistochemistry or Western blot. Results Among tested AAV serotypes, AAV2 was the most efficient for delivering genes to RGCs. Intravitreal delivery of AAV2-GRP78 markedly attenuated ER stress and RGC death 3 days after ONC, and significantly improved RGC survival and function 7 days after ONC. Protein aggregation is increased during ER stress and aggregated proteins such as tau oligomers are key players in neurodegenerative diseases. AAV2-GRP78 alleviated ONC-induced increases in tau phosphorylation and oligomerization. Furthermore, tau oligomers directly induced RGC death, and blocking tau oligomers with tau oligomer monoclonal antibody (TOMA) attenuated ONC-induced RGC loss. Conclusion These data indicate that the beneficial effect of AAV2-GRP78 is partially mediated by the reduction of misfolded tau, and provide compelling evidence that gene therapy with AAV2-GRP78 or immunotherapy with TOMA offers novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate RGC loss in TON.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonju Ha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States.,Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Shuang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Julia E Gerson
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Nisha A Azhar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Ronald G Tilton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States.,Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Massoud Motamedi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States.,Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States.,Departments of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Harrison IF, Whitaker R, Bertelli PM, O’Callaghan JM, Csincsik L, Bocchetta M, Ma D, Fisher A, Ahmed Z, Murray TK, O’Neill MJ, Rohrer JD, Lythgoe MF, Lengyel I. Optic nerve thinning and neurosensory retinal degeneration in the rTg4510 mouse model of frontotemporal dementia. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:4. [PMID: 30616676 PMCID: PMC6322294 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0654-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual impairments, such as difficulties in reading and finding objects, perceiving depth and structure from motion, and impaired stereopsis, have been reported in tauopathy disorders, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). These impairments however have been previously attributed to cortical pathologies rather than changes in the neurosensory retina or the optic nerve. Here, we examined tau pathology in the neurosensory retina of the rTg(tauP301L)4510 mouse model of FTD. Optic nerve pathology in mice was also assessed using MRI, and corresponding measurements taken in a cohort of five FTD sufferers and five healthy controls. rTg(tauP301L)4510 mice were imaged (T2-weighted MRI) prior to being terminally anesthetized and eyes and brains removed for immunohistochemical and histological analysis. Central and peripheral retinal labelling of tau and phosphorylated tau (pTau) was quantified and retinal layer thicknesses and cell numbers assessed. MR volumetric changes of specific brain regions and the optic nerve were compared to tau accumulation and cell loss in the visual pathway. In addition, the optic nerves of a cohort of healthy controls and behavioural variant FTD patients, were segmented from T1- and T2-weighted images for volumetric study. Accumulation of tau and pTau were observed in both the central and peripheral retinal ganglion cell (RGC), inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers of the neurosensory retina of rTg(tauP301L)4510 mice. This pathology was associated with reduced nuclear density (− 24.9 ± 3.4%) of the central RGC layer, and a reduced volume (− 19.3 ± 4.6%) and elevated T2 signal (+ 27.1 ± 1.8%) in the optic nerve of the transgenic mice. Significant atrophy of the cortex (containing the visual cortex) was observed but not in other area associated with visual processing, e.g. the lateral geniculate nucleus or superior colliculus. Atrophic changes in optic nerve volume were similarly observed in FTD patients (− 36.6 ± 2.6%). The association between tau-induced changes in the neurosensory retina and reduced optic nerve volume in mice, combined with the observation of optic nerve atrophy in clinical FTD suggests that ophthalmic tau pathology may also exist in the eyes of FTD patients. If tau pathology and neurodegeneration in the retina were to reflect the degree of cortical tau burden, then cost-effective and non-invasive imaging of the neurosensory retina could provide valuable biomarkers in tauopathy. Further work should aim to validate whether these observations are fully translatable to a clinical scenario, which would recommend follow-up retinal and optic nerve examination in FTD.
Collapse
|
37
|
Chiquita S, Rodrigues-Neves AC, Baptista FI, Carecho R, Moreira PI, Castelo-Branco M, Ambrósio AF. The Retina as a Window or Mirror of the Brain Changes Detected in Alzheimer's Disease: Critical Aspects to Unravel. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5416-5435. [PMID: 30612332 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent cause of dementia worldwide, representing a global health challenge, with a massive impact on the quality of life of Alzheimer's disease patients and their relatives. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease constitutes a real challenge, because the symptoms manifest years after the first degenerative changes occurring in the brain and the diagnosis is based on invasive and/or expensive techniques. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new reliable biomarkers to detect Alzheimer's disease at an early stage. Taking into account the evidence for visual deficits in Alzheimer's disease patients, sometimes even before the appearance of the first disease symptoms, and that the retina is an extension of the brain, the concept of the retina as a window to look into the brain or a mirror of the brain has received increasing interest in recent years. However, only a few studies have assessed the changes occurring in the retina and the brain at the same time points. Unlike previous reviews on this subject, which are mainly focused on brain changes, we organized this review by comprehensively summarizing findings related with structural, functional, cellular, and molecular parameters in the retina reported in both Alzheimer's disease patients and animal models. Moreover, we separated the studies that assessed only the retina, and those that assessed both the retina and brain, which are few but allow establishing correlations between the retina and brain. This review also highlights some inconsistent results in the literature as well as relevant missing gaps in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Chiquita
- iCBR, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Rodrigues-Neves
- iCBR, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa I Baptista
- iCBR, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rafael Carecho
- iCBR, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I Moreira
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBIT, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, ICNAS, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António F Ambrósio
- iCBR, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Liou CJ, Tong M, Vonsattel JP, de la Monte SM. Altered Brain Expression of Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factors in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Another Degenerative Disease Linked to Dysregulation of Insulin Metabolic Pathways. ASN Neuro 2019; 11:1759091419839515. [PMID: 31081340 PMCID: PMC6535914 DOI: 10.1177/1759091419839515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the third most common dementing neurodegenerative disease with nearly 80% having no known etiology. OBJECTIVE Growing evidence that neurodegeneration can be linked to dysregulated metabolism prompted us to measure a panel of trophic factors, receptors, and molecules that modulate brain metabolic function in FTLD. METHODS Postmortem frontal (Brodmann's area [BA]8/9 and BA24) and temporal (BA38) lobe homogenates were used to measure immunoreactivity to Tau, phosphorylated tau (pTau), ubiquitin, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and its receptor (TGF-β1R), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, tropomyosin receptor kinase, and insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) and their receptors by direct-binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS FTLD brains had significantly elevated pTau, ubiquitin, TGF-β1, and HNE immunoreactivity relative to control. In addition, BDNF and neurotrophin-4 were respectively reduced in BA8/9 and BA38, while neurotrophin-3 and nerve growth factor were upregulated in BA38, and tropomyosin receptor kinase was elevated in BA24. Lastly, insulin and insulin receptor expressions were elevated in the frontal lobe, IGF-1 was increased in BA24, IGF-1R was upregulated in all three brain regions, and IGF-2 receptor was reduced in BA24 and BA38. CONCLUSIONS Aberrantly increased levels of pTau, ubiquitin, HNE, and TGF-β1, marking neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, overlap with altered expression of insulin/IGF signaling ligand and receptors in frontal and temporal lobe regions targeted by FTLD. Dysregulation of insulin-IGF signaling networks could account for brain hypometabolism and several characteristic neuropathologic features that characterize FTLD but overlap with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Dementia with Lewy Body Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connie J. Liou
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ming Tong
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Neuropathology, Departments of Pathology, Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jean P. Vonsattel
- New York Brain Bank, Taub Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suzanne M. de la Monte
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Neuropathology, Departments of Pathology, Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhu H, Zhang W, Zhao Y, Shu X, Wang W, Wang D, Yang Y, He Z, Wang X, Ying Y. GSK3β-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation triggers diabetic retinal neurodegeneration by disrupting synaptic and mitochondrial functions. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:62. [PMID: 30466464 PMCID: PMC6251088 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although diabetic retinopathy (DR) has long been considered as a microvascular disorder, mounting evidence suggests that diabetic retinal neurodegeneration, in particular synaptic loss and dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) may precede retinal microvascular changes. Key molecules involved in this process remain poorly defined. The microtubule-associated protein tau is a critical mediator of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, the effect of tau, if any, in the context of diabetes-induced retinal neurodegeneration has yet to be ascertained. Here, we investigate the changes and putative roles of endogeneous tau in diabetic retinal neurodegeneration. Methods To this aim, we combine clinically used electrophysiological techniques, i.e. pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potential, and molecular analyses in a well characterized high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse diabetes model in vivo and primary retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vitro. Results We demonstrate for the first time that tau hyperphosphorylation via GSK3β activation causes vision deficits and synapse loss of RGCs in HFD-induced DR, which precedes retinal microvasculopathy and RGCs apoptosis. Moreover, intravitreal administration of an siRNA targeting to tau or a specific inhibitor of GSK3β reverses synapse loss and restores visual function of RGCs by attenuating tau hyperphosphorylation within a certain time frame of DR. The cellular mechanisms by which hyperphosphorylated tau induces synapse loss of RGCs upon glucolipotoxicity include i) destabilizing microtubule tracks and impairing microtubule-dependent synaptic targeting of cargoes such as mRNA and mitochondria; ii) disrupting synaptic energy production through mitochondria in a GSK3β-dependent manner. Conclusions Our study proposes mild retinal tauopathy as a new pathophysiological model for DR and tau as a novel therapeutic target to counter diabetic RGCs neurodegeneration occurring before retinal vasculature abnormalities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13024-018-0295-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huazhang Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingsheng Shu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Wencong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510064, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510064, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun He
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Actions of Brain-Derived Neurotrophin Factor in the Neurogenesis and Neuronal Function, and Its Involvement in the Pathophysiology of Brain Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113650. [PMID: 30463271 PMCID: PMC6274766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, has an important role in a variety of neuronal aspects, such as differentiation, maturation, and synaptic function in the central nervous system (CNS). BDNF stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), phosphoinositide-3kinase (PI3K), and phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma pathways via activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), a high affinity receptor for BDNF. Evidence has shown significant contributions of these signaling pathways in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in in vivo and in vitro experiments. Importantly, it has been demonstrated that dysfunction of the BDNF/TrkB system is involved in the onset of brain diseases, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss actions of BDNF and related signaling molecules on CNS neurons, and their contributions to the pathophysiology of brain diseases.
Collapse
|
41
|
Rodriguez L, Mdzomba JB, Joly S, Boudreau-Laprise M, Planel E, Pernet V. Human Tau Expression Does Not Induce Mouse Retina Neurodegeneration, Suggesting Differential Toxicity of Tau in Brain vs. Retinal Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:293. [PMID: 30197586 PMCID: PMC6117378 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The implication of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) Tau in the ocular manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is elusive due to the lack of relevant animal model. However, signs of AD have been reported in the brain of transgenic mice expressing human Tau (hTau). To assess whether hTau is sufficient to induce AD pathogenesis in the retina as well, in the present study, we compared the retinal structure and function of KO mice deprived of Tau (mTKO) with those of transgenic mice expressing hTau. Our results revealed that hTau is particularly abundant in the inner nuclear layer (INL) cells of the retina. By electroretinogram (ERG) recording, light-induced retinal cell activation was not altered in hTau compared with mTKO littermates. Surprisingly, the ERG response mediated by cone photoreceptor stimulation was even stronger in hTau than in mTKO retinae. Immunofluorescent analysis of retinal sections allowed us to observe thicker inner retina in hTau than in mTKO eyes. By Western Blotting (WB), the upregulation of mTOR that was found in hTau mice may underlie retinal structure and function increases. Taken together, our results not only indicate that hTau expression is not toxic for retinal cells but they also suggest that it may play a positive role in visual physiology. The use of hTau may be envisaged to improve visual recovery in ocular diseases affecting the retinal function such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Rodriguez
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Julius Baya Mdzomba
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Sandrine Joly
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Mélissa Boudreau-Laprise
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Planel
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Pernet
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Allen RS, Hanif AM, Gogniat MA, Prall BC, Haider R, Aung MH, Prunty MC, Mees LM, Coulter MM, Motz CT, Boatright JH, Pardue MT. TrkB signalling pathway mediates the protective effects of exercise in the diabetic rat retina. Eur J Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29537701 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss. Treatment options for early retinopathy are sparse. Exercise protects dying photoreceptors in models of retinal degeneration, thereby preserving vision. We tested the protective effects of exercise on retinal and cognitive deficits in a type 1 diabetes model and determined whether the TrkB pathway mediates this effect. Hyperglycaemia was induced in Long Evans rats via streptozotocin injection (STZ; 100 mg/kg). Following confirmed hyperglycaemia, both control and diabetic rats underwent treadmill exercise for 30 min, 5 days/week at 0 m/min (inactive groups) or 15 m/min (active groups) for 8 weeks. A TrkB receptor antagonist (ANA-12), or vehicle, was injected 2.5 h before exercise training. We measured spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity using optokinetic tracking biweekly post-STZ; retinal function using electroretinography at 4 and 8 weeks; and cognitive function and exploratory behaviour using Y-maze at 8 weeks. Retinal neurotrophin-4 was measured using ELISA. Compared with non-diabetic controls, diabetic rats showed significantly reduced spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity, delayed electroretinogram oscillatory potential and flicker implicit times and reduced cognitive function and exploratory behaviour. Exercise interventions significantly delayed the appearance of all deficits, except for exploratory behaviour. Treatment with ANA-12 significantly reduced this protection, suggesting a TrkB-mediated mechanism. Despite this, no changes in retinal neurotrohin-4 were observed with diabetes or exercise. Exercise protected against early visual and cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats, suggesting that exercise interventions started after hyperglycaemia diagnosis may be a beneficial treatment. The translational potential is high, given that exercise treatment is non-invasive, patient controlled and inexpensive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael S Allen
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam M Hanif
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Marissa A Gogniat
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian C Prall
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Raza Haider
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Moe H Aung
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Megan C Prunty
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Lukas M Mees
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monica M Coulter
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Cara T Motz
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Boatright
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhang J, Liu Z, Pei Y, Yang W, Xie C, Long S. RETRACTED ARTICLE: MicroRNA-322 Cluster Promotes Tau Phosphorylation via Targeting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:736-744. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
44
|
Benussi L, Binetti G, Ghidoni R. Loss of Neuroprotective Factors in Neurodegenerative Dementias: The End or the Starting Point? Front Neurosci 2017; 11:672. [PMID: 29249935 PMCID: PMC5717017 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical, genetic and biochemical experimental evidences highlight the existence of common molecular pathways underlying neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will explore a key common pathological mechanism, i.e., the loss of neuroprotective factors, across the three major neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia: Alzheimer's disease (AD), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD). We will report evidences that the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), the most investigated and characterized brain neurotrophin, progranulin, a multi-functional adipokine with trophic and growth factor properties, and cystatin C, a neuroprotective growth factor, are reduced in AD, FTD, and LBD. Moreover, we will review the molecular mechanism underlying the loss of neuroprotective factors in neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia, with a special focus on endo-lysosomal pathway and intercellular communication mediated by extracellular vesicles. Exploring the shared commonality of disease mechanisms is of pivotal importance to identify novel potential therapeutic targets and to develop treatments to delay, slow or block disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Benussi
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuliano Binetti
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,MAC Memory Center, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Ghidoni
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chiasseu M, Alarcon-Martinez L, Belforte N, Quintero H, Dotigny F, Destroismaisons L, Vande Velde C, Panayi F, Louis C, Di Polo A. Tau accumulation in the retina promotes early neuronal dysfunction and precedes brain pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:58. [PMID: 28774322 PMCID: PMC5543446 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tau is an axon-enriched protein that binds to and stabilizes microtubules, and hence plays a crucial role in neuronal function. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), pathological tau accumulation correlates with cognitive decline. Substantial visual deficits are found in individuals affected by AD including a preferential loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that convey visual information from the retina to the brain. At present, however, the mechanisms that underlie vision changes in these patients are poorly understood. Here, we asked whether tau plays a role in early retinal pathology and neuronal dysfunction in AD. Methods Alterations in tau protein and gene expression, phosphorylation, and localization were investigated by western blots, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry in the retina and visual pathways of triple transgenic mice (3xTg) harboring mutations in the genes encoding presenilin 1 (PS1M146 V), amyloid precursor protein (APPSwe), and tau (MAPTP301L). Anterograde axonal transport was assessed by intraocular injection of the cholera toxin beta subunit followed by quantification of tracer accumulation in the contralateral superior colliculus. RGC survival was analyzed on whole-mounted retinas using cell-specific markers. Reduction of tau expression was achieved following intravitreal injection of targeted siRNA. Results Our data demonstrate an age-related increase in endogenous retinal tau characterized by epitope-specific hypo- and hyper-phosphorylation in 3xTg mice. Retinal tau accumulation was observed as early as three months of age, prior to the reported onset of behavioral deficits, and preceded tau aggregation in the brain. Intriguingly, tau build up occurred in RGC soma and dendrites, while tau in RGC axons in the optic nerve was depleted. Tau phosphorylation changes and missorting correlated with substantial defects in anterograde axonal transport that preceded RGC death. Importantly, targeted siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous tau improved anterograde transport along RGC axons. Conclusions Our study reveals profound tau pathology in the visual system leading to early retinal neuron damage in a mouse model of AD. Importantly, we show that tau accumulation promotes anterograde axonal transport impairment in vivo, and identify this response as an early feature of neuronal dysfunction that precedes cell death in the AD retina. These findings provide the first proof-of-concept that a global strategy to reduce tau accumulation is beneficial to improve axonal transport and mitigate functional deficits in AD and tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marius Chiasseu
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nicolas Belforte
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Florence Dotigny
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Laurie Destroismaisons
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Fany Panayi
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 78290, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Caroline Louis
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 78290, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Interaction of misfolded proteins and mitochondria in neurodegenerative disorders. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 45:1025-1033. [PMID: 28733489 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The number of the people affected by neurodegenerative disorders is growing dramatically due to the ageing of population. The major neurodegenerative diseases share some common pathological features including the involvement of mitochondria in the mechanism of pathology and misfolding and the accumulation of abnormally aggregated proteins. Neurotoxicity of aggregated β-amyloid, tau, α-synuclein and huntingtin is linked to the effects of these proteins on mitochondria. All these misfolded aggregates affect mitochondrial energy metabolism by inhibiting diverse mitochondrial complexes and limit ATP availability in neurones. β-Amyloid, tau, α-synuclein and huntingtin are shown to be involved in increased production of reactive oxygen species, which can be generated in mitochondria or can target this organelle. Most of these aggregated proteins are capable of deregulating mitochondrial calcium handling that, in combination with oxidative stress, lead to opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Despite some of the common features, aggregated β-amyloid, tau, α-synuclein and huntingtin have diverse targets in mitochondria that can partially explain neurotoxic effect of these proteins in different brain regions.
Collapse
|
47
|
Nilson AN, English KC, Gerson JE, Barton Whittle T, Nicolas Crain C, Xue J, Sengupta U, Castillo-Carranza DL, Zhang W, Gupta P, Kayed R. Tau Oligomers Associate with Inflammation in the Brain and Retina of Tauopathy Mice and in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 55:1083-1099. [PMID: 27716675 PMCID: PMC5147514 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is well-established that inflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD). Inflammation and synapse loss occur in disease prior to the formation of larger aggregates, but the contribution of tau to inflammation has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Tau pathologically aggregates to form large fibrillar structures known as tangles. However, evidence suggests that smaller soluble aggregates, called oligomers, are the most toxic species and form prior to tangles. Furthermore, tau oligomers can spread to neighboring cells and between anatomically connected brain regions. In addition, recent evidence suggests that inspecting the retina may be a window to brain pathology. We hypothesized that there is a relationship between tau oligomers and inflammation, which are hallmarks of early disease. We conducted immunofluorescence and biochemical analyses on tauopathy mice, FTLD, and AD subjects. We showed that oligomers co-localize with astrocytes, microglia, and HMGB1, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Additionally, we show that tau oligomers are present in the retina and are associated with inflammatory cells suggesting that the retina may be a valid non-invasive biomarker for brain pathology. These results suggest that there may be a toxic relationship between tau oligomers and inflammation. Therefore, the ability of tau oligomers to spread may initiate a feed-forward cycle in which tau oligomers induce inflammation, leading to neuronal damage, and thus more inflammation. Further mechanistic studies are warranted in order to understand this relationship, which may have critical implications for improving the treatment of tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N. Nilson
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kelsey C. English
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Julia E. Gerson
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - T. Barton Whittle
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - C. Nicolas Crain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Judy Xue
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Diana L. Castillo-Carranza
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Praveena Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Cortese GP, Burger C. Neuroinflammatory challenges compromise neuronal function in the aging brain: Postoperative cognitive delirium and Alzheimer's disease. Behav Brain Res 2016; 322:269-279. [PMID: 27544872 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that targets memory and cognition, and is the most common form of dementia among the elderly. Although AD itself has been extensively studied, very little is known about early-stage preclinical events and/or mechanisms that may underlie AD pathogenesis. Since the majority of AD cases are sporadic in nature, advancing age remains the greatest known risk factor for AD. However, additional environmental and epigenetic factors are thought to accompany increasing age to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. Postoperative cognitive delirium (POD) is a behavioral syndrome that primarily occurs in elderly patients following a surgical procedure or injury and is characterized by disruptions in cognition. Individuals that experience POD are at an increased risk for developing dementia and AD compared to normal aging individuals. One way in which cognitive function is affected in cases of POD is through activation of the inflammatory cascade following surgery or injury. There is compelling evidence that immune challenges (surgery and/or injury) associated with POD trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into both the periphery and central nervous system. Thus, it is possible that cognitive impairments following an inflammatory episode may lead to more severe forms of dementia and AD pathogenesis. Here we will discuss the inflammation associated with POD, and highlight the advantages of using POD as a model to study inflammation-evoked cognitive impairment. We will explore the possibility that advancing age and immune challenges may provide mechanistic evidence correlating early life POD with AD. We will review and propose neural mechanisms by which cognitive impairments occur in cases of POD, and discuss how POD may augment the onset of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe P Cortese
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Ave, Room 73 Bardeen Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Corinna Burger
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Ave, Room 73 Bardeen Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Schierle GSK, Michel CH, Gasparini L. Advanced imaging of tau pathology in Alzheimer Disease: New perspectives from super resolution microscopy and label-free nanoscopy. Microsc Res Tech 2016; 79:677-83. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele S. Kaminski Schierle
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology; Pembroke Street, University of Cambridge; Cambridge CB2 3RA United Kingdom
| | - Claire H. Michel
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology; Pembroke Street, University of Cambridge; Cambridge CB2 3RA United Kingdom
| | - Laura Gasparini
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via Morego 30 Genova Italy
| |
Collapse
|