1
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Chen F, Zhao J, Meng F, He F, Ni J, Fu Y. The vascular contribution of apolipoprotein E to Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2024; 147:2946-2965. [PMID: 38748848 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae156] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, imposes a substantial societal burden. The persistent inadequacy of disease-modifying drugs targeting amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles suggests the contribution of alternative pathogenic mechanisms. A frequently overlooked aspect is cerebrovascular dysfunction, which may manifest early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Mounting evidence underscores the pivotal role of the apolipoprotein E gene, particularly the apolipoprotein ε4 allele as the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, in the cerebrovascular pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we examine the evidence elucidating the cerebrovascular impact of both central and peripheral apolipoprotein E on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We present a novel three-hit hypothesis, outlining potential mechanisms that shed light on the intricate relationship among different pathogenic events. Finally, we discuss prospective therapeutics targeting the cerebrovascular pathology associated with apolipoprotein E and explore their implications for future research endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Fangping He
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jie Ni
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yuan Fu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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2
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Qu L, Xu S, Lan Z, Fang S, Xu Y, Zhu X. Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Synaptic Function and Therapeutic Strategy. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04449-1. [PMID: 39214953 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04449-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction is a critical pathological feature in the early phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that precedes typical hallmarks of AD, including beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, the underlying mechanism of synaptic dysfunction remains incompletely defined. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the ε4 allele of APOE remains the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic AD. It is widely recognized that APOE4 accelerates the development of Aβ and tau pathology in AD. Recent studies have indicated that APOE affects synaptic function through a variety of pathways. Here, we summarize the mechanism of modulating synapses by various APOE isoforms and demonstrate the therapeutic potential by targeting APOE4 for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Qu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shuai Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhen Lan
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shuang Fang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Nanjing Neurology Clinical Medical Center, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Nanjing Neurology Clinical Medical Center, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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3
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Jackson RJ, Hyman BT, Serrano-Pozo A. Multifaceted roles of APOE in Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:457-474. [PMID: 38906999 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00988-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
For the past three decades, apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been known as the single greatest genetic modulator of sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) risk, influencing both the average age of onset and the lifetime risk of developing AD. The APOEε4 allele significantly increases AD risk, whereas the ε2 allele is protective relative to the most common ε3 allele. However, large differences in effect size exist across ethnoracial groups that are likely to depend on both global genetic ancestry and local genetic ancestry, as well as gene-environment interactions. Although early studies linked APOE to amyloid-β - one of the two culprit aggregation-prone proteins that define AD - in the past decade, mounting work has associated APOE with other neurodegenerative proteinopathies and broader ageing-related brain changes, such as neuroinflammation, energy metabolism failure, loss of myelin integrity and increased blood-brain barrier permeability, with potential implications for longevity and resilience to pathological protein aggregates. Novel mouse models and other technological advances have also enabled a number of therapeutic approaches aimed at either attenuating the APOEε4-linked increased AD risk or enhancing the APOEε2-linked AD protection. This Review summarizes this progress and highlights areas for future research towards the development of APOE-directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary J Jackson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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4
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Azargoonjahromi A. The duality of amyloid-β: its role in normal and Alzheimer's disease states. Mol Brain 2024; 17:44. [PMID: 39020435 PMCID: PMC11256416 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01118-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative neurological condition that gradually impairs cognitive abilities, disrupts memory retention, and impedes daily functioning by impacting the cells of the brain. A key characteristic of AD is the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, which play pivotal roles in disease progression. These plaques initiate a cascade of events including neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, tau pathology, oxidative stress, impaired protein clearance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupted calcium homeostasis. Aβ accumulation is also closely associated with other hallmark features of AD, underscoring its significance. Aβ is generated through cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and plays a dual role depending on its processing pathway. The non-amyloidogenic pathway reduces Aβ production and has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, whereas the amyloidogenic pathway leads to the production of Aβ peptides, including Aβ40 and Aβ42, which contribute to neurodegeneration and toxic effects in AD. Understanding the multifaceted role of Aβ, particularly in AD, is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies that target Aβ metabolism, aggregation, and clearance with the aim of mitigating the detrimental consequences of the disease. This review aims to explore the mechanisms and functions of Aβ under normal and abnormal conditions, particularly in AD, by examining both its beneficial and detrimental effects.
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5
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Hey JA, Abushakra S, Blennow K, Reiman EM, Hort J, Prins ND, Sheardova K, Kesslak P, Shen L, Zhu X, Albayrak A, Paul J, Schaefer JF, Power A, Tolar M. Effects of Oral ALZ-801/Valiltramiprosate on Plasma Biomarkers, Brain Hippocampal Volume, and Cognition: Results of 2-Year Single-Arm, Open-Label, Phase 2 Trial in APOE4 Carriers with Early Alzheimer's Disease. Drugs 2024; 84:811-823. [PMID: 38902571 PMCID: PMC11289173 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ALZ-801/valiltramiprosate is a small-molecule oral inhibitor of beta amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and oligomer formation being studied in a phase 2 trial in APOE4 carriers with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) to evaluate treatment effects on fluid and imaging biomarkers and cognitive assessments. METHODS The single-arm, open-label phase 2 trial was designed to evaluate the effects of the ALZ-801 265 mg tablet taken twice daily (after 2 weeks once daily) on plasma fluid AD biomarkers, hippocampal volume (HV), and cognition over 104 weeks in APOE4 carriers. The study enrolled subjects aged 50-80 years, with early AD [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥ 22, Clinical Dementia Rating-Global (CDR-G) 0.5 or 1], apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotypes including APOE4/4 and APOE3/4 genotypes, and positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers or prior amyloid scans. The primary outcome was plasma p-tau181, HV evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the key secondary outcome, and plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 were the secondary biomarker outcomes. The cognitive outcomes were the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Safety and tolerability evaluations included treatment-emergent adverse events and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). The study was designed and powered to detect 15% reduction from baseline in plasma p-tau181 at the 104-week endpoint. A sample size of 80 subjects provided adequate power to detect this difference at a significance level of 0.05 using a two-sided paired t-test. RESULTS The enrolled population of 84 subjects (31 homozygotes and 53 heterozygotes) was 52% females, mean age 69 years, MMSE 25.7 [70% mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 30% mild AD] with 55% on cholinesterase inhibitors. Plasma p-tau181 reduction from baseline was significant (31%, p = 0.045) at 104 weeks and all prior visits; HV atrophy was significantly reduced (p = 0.0014) compared with matched external controls from an observational Early AD study. Memory scores showed minimal decline from baseline over 104 weeks and correlated significantly with decreased HV atrophy (Spearman's 0.44, p = 0.002). Common adverse events were COVID infection and mild nausea, and no drug-related serious adverse events were reported. Of 14 early terminations, 6 were due to nonserious treatment-emergent adverse events and 1 death due to COVID. There was no vasogenic brain edema observed on MRI over 104 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The effect of ALZ-801 on reducing plasma p-tau181 over 2 years demonstrates target engagement and supports its anti-Aβ oligomer action that leads to a robust decrease in amyloid-induced brain neurodegeneration. The significant correlation between reduced HV atrophy and cognitive stability over 2 years suggests a disease-modifying effect of ALZ-801 treatment in patients with early AD. Together with the favorable safety profile with no events of vasogenic brain edema, these results support further evaluation of ALZ-801 in a broader population of APOE4 carriers, who represent two-thirds of patients with AD. TRIAL REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04693520 .
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Hey
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA.
| | - Susan Abushakra
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Neurochemical Pathology and Diagnostics Research Group, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Molndal, Sweden
| | - Eric M Reiman
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute and University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jakub Hort
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
| | | | - Katerina Sheardova
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Kesslak
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Larry Shen
- Pharmapace Biometrics Solutions, a Unit of Wuxi AppTec, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- Pharmapace Biometrics Solutions, a Unit of Wuxi AppTec, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Adem Albayrak
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Jijo Paul
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Jean F Schaefer
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Aidan Power
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Martin Tolar
- Alzheon, Inc., 111 Speen St., Suite 306, Framingham, MA, USA
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6
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Narasimhan S, Holtzman DM, Apostolova LG, Cruchaga C, Masters CL, Hardy J, Villemagne VL, Bell J, Cho M, Hampel H. Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer's disease trajectories and the next-generation clinical care pathway. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1236-1252. [PMID: 38898183 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, progressive primary neurodegenerative disease. Since pivotal genetic studies in 1993, the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE ε4) has remained the strongest single genome-wide associated risk variant in AD. Scientific advances in APOE biology, AD pathophysiology and ApoE-targeted therapies have brought APOE to the forefront of research, with potential translation into routine AD clinical care. This contemporary Review will merge APOE research with the emerging AD clinical care pathway and discuss APOE genetic risk as a conduit to genomic-based precision medicine in AD, including ApoE's influence in the ATX(N) biomarker framework of AD. We summarize the evidence for APOE as an important modifier of AD clinical-biological trajectories. We then illustrate the utility of APOE testing and the future of ApoE-targeted therapies in the next-generation AD clinical-diagnostic pathway. With the emergence of new AD therapies, understanding how APOE modulates AD pathophysiology will become critical for personalized AD patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight ADRC, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Liana G Apostolova
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Neurosciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Colin L Masters
- Florey Institute and the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Dementia Research Institute, Reta Lila Weston Research Laboratories, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
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7
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Xia Z, Prescott EE, Urbanek A, Wareing HE, King MC, Olerinyova A, Dakin H, Leah T, Barnes KA, Matuszyk MM, Dimou E, Hidari E, Zhang YP, Lam JYL, Danial JSH, Strickland MR, Jiang H, Thornton P, Crowther DC, Ohtonen S, Gómez-Budia M, Bell SM, Ferraiuolo L, Mortiboys H, Higginbottom A, Wharton SB, Holtzman DM, Malm T, Ranasinghe RT, Klenerman D, De S. Co-aggregation with Apolipoprotein E modulates the function of Amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4695. [PMID: 38824138 PMCID: PMC11144216 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Which isoforms of apolipoprotein E (apoE) we inherit determine our risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD), but the mechanism underlying this link is poorly understood. In particular, the relevance of direct interactions between apoE and amyloid-β (Aβ) remains controversial. Here, single-molecule imaging shows that all isoforms of apoE associate with Aβ in the early stages of aggregation and then fall away as fibrillation happens. ApoE-Aβ co-aggregates account for ~50% of the mass of diffusible Aβ aggregates detected in the frontal cortices of homozygotes with the higher-risk APOE4 gene. We show how dynamic interactions between apoE and Aβ tune disease-related functions of Aβ aggregates throughout the course of aggregation. Our results connect inherited APOE genotype with the risk of developing AD by demonstrating how, in an isoform- and lipidation-specific way, apoE modulates the aggregation, clearance and toxicity of Aβ. Selectively removing non-lipidated apoE4-Aβ co-aggregates enhances clearance of toxic Aβ by glial cells, and reduces secretion of inflammatory markers and membrane damage, demonstrating a clear path to AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengjie Xia
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily E Prescott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Agnieszka Urbanek
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Hollie E Wareing
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Marianne C King
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Anna Olerinyova
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Helen Dakin
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Tom Leah
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Katy A Barnes
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Martyna M Matuszyk
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Eleni Dimou
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eric Hidari
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yu P Zhang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jeff Y L Lam
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John S H Danial
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Michael R Strickland
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight ADRC, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight ADRC, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Peter Thornton
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Sohvi Ohtonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mireia Gómez-Budia
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Simon M Bell
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Stephen B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight ADRC, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rohan T Ranasinghe
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David Klenerman
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Suman De
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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8
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Jackson RJ, Keiser MS, Meltzer JC, Fykstra DP, Dierksmeier SE, Hajizadeh S, Kreuzer J, Morris R, Melloni A, Nakajima T, Tecedor L, Ranum PT, Carrell E, Chen Y, Nishtar MA, Holtzman DM, Haas W, Davidson BL, Hyman BT. APOE2 gene therapy reduces amyloid deposition and improves markers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1373-1386. [PMID: 38504517 PMCID: PMC11081918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.024] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show that individuals who carry the relatively uncommon APOE ε2 allele rarely develop Alzheimer disease, and if they do, they have a later age of onset, milder clinical course, and less severe neuropathological findings than people without this allele. The contrast is especially stark when compared with the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease, APOE ε4, which has an age of onset several decades earlier, a more aggressive clinical course and more severe neuropathological findings, especially in terms of the amount of amyloid deposition. Here, we demonstrate that brain exposure to APOE ε2 via a gene therapy approach, which bathes the entire cortical mantle in the gene product after transduction of the ependyma, reduces Aβ plaque deposition, neurodegenerative synaptic loss, and, remarkably, reduces microglial activation in an APP/PS1 mouse model despite continued expression of human APOE ε4. This result suggests a promising protective effect of exogenous APOE ε2 and reveals a cell nonautonomous effect of the protein on microglial activation, which we show is similar to plaque-associated microglia in the brain of Alzheimer disease patients who inherit APOE ε2. These data increase the potential that an APOE ε2 therapeutic could be effective in Alzheimer disease, even in individuals born with the risky ε4 allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary J Jackson
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Megan S Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonah C Meltzer
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dustin P Fykstra
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Steven E Dierksmeier
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Soroush Hajizadeh
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Kreuzer
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert Morris
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK
| | - Alexandra Melloni
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Tsuneo Nakajima
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luis Tecedor
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paul T Ranum
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ellie Carrell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - YongHong Chen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maryam A Nishtar
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Wilhelm Haas
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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9
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Ferguson CM, Hildebrand S, Godinho BMDC, Buchwald J, Echeverria D, Coles A, Grigorenko A, Vangjeli L, Sousa J, McHugh N, Hassler M, Santarelli F, Heneka MT, Rogaev E, Khvorova A. Silencing Apoe with divalent-siRNAs improves amyloid burden and activates immune response pathways in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:2632-2652. [PMID: 38375983 PMCID: PMC11032532 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13703] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is APOE4, with evidence for gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms. A clinical need remains for therapeutically relevant tools that potently modulate APOE expression. METHODS We optimized small interfering RNAs (di-siRNA, GalNAc) to potently silence brain or liver Apoe and evaluated the impact of each pool of Apoe on pathology. RESULTS In adult 5xFAD mice, siRNAs targeting CNS Apoe efficiently silenced Apoe expression and reduced amyloid burden without affecting systemic cholesterol, confirming that potent silencing of brain Apoe is sufficient to slow disease progression. Mechanistically, silencing Apoe reduced APOE-rich amyloid cores and activated immune system responses. DISCUSSION These results establish siRNA-based modulation of Apoe as a viable therapeutic approach, highlight immune activation as a key pathway affected by Apoe modulation, and provide the technology to further evaluate the impact of APOE silencing on neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal M. Ferguson
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Samuel Hildebrand
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bruno M. D. C. Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Julianna Buchwald
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrew Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Anastasia Grigorenko
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lorenc Vangjeli
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jacquelyn Sousa
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Matthew Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Michael T. Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB)Esch‐sur‐AlzetteLuxembourg
| | - Evgeny Rogaev
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
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10
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Chamberland É, Moravveji S, Doyon N, Duchesne S. A computational model of Alzheimer's disease at the nano, micro, and macroscales. Front Neuroinform 2024; 18:1348113. [PMID: 38586183 PMCID: PMC10995318 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2024.1348113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mathematical models play a crucial role in investigating complex biological systems, enabling a comprehensive understanding of interactions among various components and facilitating in silico testing of intervention strategies. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by multifactorial causes and intricate interactions among biological entities, necessitating a personalized approach due to the lack of effective treatments. Therefore, mathematical models offer promise as indispensable tools in combating AD. However, existing models in this emerging field often suffer from limitations such as inadequate validation or a narrow focus on single proteins or pathways. Methods In this paper, we present a multiscale mathematical model that describes the progression of AD through a system of 19 ordinary differential equations. The equations describe the evolution of proteins (nanoscale), cell populations (microscale), and organ-level structures (macroscale) over a 50-year lifespan, as they relate to amyloid and tau accumulation, inflammation, and neuronal death. Results Distinguishing our model is a robust foundation in biological principles, ensuring improved justification for the included equations, and rigorous parameter justification derived from published experimental literature. Conclusion This model represents an essential initial step toward constructing a predictive framework, which holds significant potential for identifying effective therapeutic targets in the fight against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éléonore Chamberland
- Centre de Recherche CERVO, Institut Universitaire de Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Mathématiques et de Statistique, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Seyedadel Moravveji
- Centre de Recherche CERVO, Institut Universitaire de Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Mathématiques et de Statistique, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Doyon
- Centre de Recherche CERVO, Institut Universitaire de Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Mathématiques et de Statistique, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Duchesne
- Centre de Recherche CERVO, Institut Universitaire de Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Radiologie et Médecine Nucléaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
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11
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Tolar M, Hey JA, Power A, Abushakra S. The Single Toxin Origin of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders Enables Targeted Approach to Treatment and Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2727. [PMID: 38473975 PMCID: PMC10932387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052727] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
New data suggest that the aggregation of misfolded native proteins initiates and drives the pathogenic cascade that leads to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders. We propose a unifying single toxin theory of brain neurodegeneration that identifies new targets and approaches to the development of disease-modifying treatments. An extensive body of genetic evidence suggests soluble aggregates of beta-amyloid (Aβ) as the primary neurotoxin in the pathogenesis of AD. New insights from fluid biomarkers, imaging, and clinical studies provide further evidence for the decisive impact of toxic Aβ species in the initiation and progression of AD. Understanding the distinct roles of soluble and insoluble amyloid aggregates on AD pathogenesis has been the key missing piece of the Alzheimer's puzzle. Data from clinical trials with anti-amyloid agents and recent advances in the diagnosis of AD demonstrate that the driving insult in biologically defined AD is the neurotoxicity of soluble Aβ aggregates, called oligomers and protofibrils, rather than the relatively inert insoluble mature fibrils and amyloid plaques. Amyloid oligomers appear to be the primary factor causing the synaptic impairment, neuronal stress, spreading of tau pathology, and eventual cell death that lead to the clinical syndrome of AD dementia. All other biochemical effects and neurodegenerative changes in the brain that are observed in AD are a response to or a downstream effect of this initial toxic insult by oligomers. Other neurodegenerative disorders follow a similar pattern of pathogenesis, in which normal brain proteins with important biological functions become trapped in the aging brain due to impaired clearance and then misfold and aggregate into neurotoxic species that exhibit prion-like behavior. These aggregates then spread through the brain and cause disease-specific neurodegeneration. Targeting the inhibition of this initial step in neurodegeneration by blocking the misfolding and aggregation of healthy proteins has the potential to slow or arrest disease progression, and if treatment is administered early in the course of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders, it may delay or prevent the onset of clinical symptoms.
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12
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Wang H, Yan X, Zhang Y, Wang P, Li J, Zhang X. Mitophagy in Alzheimer's Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2007 to 2022. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2024; 8:101-128. [PMID: 38312534 PMCID: PMC10836605 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The investigation of mitophagy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains relatively underexplored in bibliometric analysis. Objective To delve into the progress of mitophagy, offering a comprehensive overview of research trends and frontiers for researchers. Methods Basic bibliometric information, targets, and target-drug-clinical trial-disease extracted from publications identified in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2007 to 2022 were assessed using bibliometric software. Results The study encompassed 5,146 publications, displaying a consistent 16-year upward trajectory. The United States emerged as the foremost contributor in publications, with the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease being the most prolific journal. P. Hemachandra Reddy, George Perry, and Xiongwei Zhu are the top 3 most prolific authors. PINK1 and Parkin exhibited an upward trend in the last 6 years. Keywords (e.g., insulin, aging, epilepsy, tauopathy, and mitochondrial quality control) have recently emerged as focal points of interest within the past 3 years. "Mitochondrial dysfunction" is among the top terms in disease clustering. The top 10 drugs/molecules (e.g., curcumin, insulin, and melatonin) were summarized, accompanied by their clinical trials and related targets. Conclusions This study presents a comprehensive overview of the mitophagy research landscape in AD over the past 16 years, underscoring mitophagy as an emerging molecular mechanism and a crucial focal point for potential drug in AD. This study pioneers the inclusion of targets and their correlations with drugs, clinical trials, and diseases in bibliometric analysis, providing valuable insights and inspiration for scholars and readers of JADR interested in understanding the potential mechanisms and clinical trials in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Yan
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peifu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jilai Li
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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13
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Wen J, Satyanarayanan SK, Li A, Yan L, Zhao Z, Yuan Q, Su KP, Su H. Unraveling the impact of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and glymphatic function. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:335-355. [PMID: 37914102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia represent major public health challenges but effective therapeutic options are limited. Pathological brain aging is associated with microvascular changes and impaired clearance systems. The application of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 or omega-3 PUFAs) is one of the most promising nutritional interventions in neurodegenerative disorders from epidemiological data, clinical and pre-clinical studies. As essential components of neuronal membranes, n-3 PUFAs have shown neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as modulatory effects through microvascular pathophysiology, amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance and glymphatic pathways. This review meticulously explores these underlying mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs against AD and dementia, synthesizing evidence from both animal and interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Senthil Kumaran Satyanarayanan
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Lingli Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Ziai Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Qiuju Yuan
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau.
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14
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Huang Z. Evidence that Alzheimer's Disease Is a Disease of Competitive Synaptic Plasticity Gone Awry. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:447-470. [PMID: 38669548 PMCID: PMC11119021 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that a physiological function of amyloid-β (Aβ) is to mediate neural activity-dependent homeostatic and competitive synaptic plasticity in the brain. I have previously summarized the lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis and highlighted the similarities between Aβ and anti-microbial peptides in mediating cell/synapse competition. In cell competition, anti-microbial peptides deploy a multitude of mechanisms to ensure both self-protection and competitor elimination. Here I review recent studies showing that similar mechanisms are at play in Aβ-mediated synapse competition and perturbations in these mechanisms underpin Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, I discuss evidence that Aβ and ApoE, two crucial players in AD, co-operate in the regulation of synapse competition. Glial ApoE promotes self-protection by increasing the production of trophic monomeric Aβ and inhibiting its assembly into toxic oligomers. Conversely, Aβ oligomers, once assembled, promote the elimination of competitor synapses via direct toxic activity and amplification of "eat-me" signals promoting the elimination of weak synapses. I further summarize evidence that neuronal ApoE may be part of a gene regulatory network that normally promotes competitive plasticity, explaining the selective vulnerability of ApoE expressing neurons in AD brains. Lastly, I discuss evidence that sleep may be key to Aβ-orchestrated plasticity, in which sleep is not only induced by Aβ but is also required for Aβ-mediated plasticity, underlining the link between sleep and AD. Together, these results strongly argue that AD is a disease of competitive synaptic plasticity gone awry, a novel perspective that may promote AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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15
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Ji X, Peng X, Tang H, Pan H, Wang W, Wu J, Chen J, Wei N. Alzheimer's disease phenotype based upon the carrier status of the apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele. Brain Pathol 2024; 34:e13208. [PMID: 37646624 PMCID: PMC10711266 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13208] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele (APOE4) is universally acknowledged as the most potent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). APOE4 promotes the initiation and progression of AD. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclearly understood, differences in lipid-bound affinity among the three APOE isoforms may constitute the basis. The protein APOE4 isoform has a high affinity with triglycerides and cholesterol. A distinction in lipid metabolism extensively impacts neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. APOE4 carriers exhibit phenotypic differences from non-carriers in clinical examinations and respond differently to multiple treatments. Therefore, we hypothesized that phenotypic classification of AD patients according to the status of APOE4 carrier will help specify research and promote its use in diagnosing and treating AD. Recent reviews have mainly evaluated the differences between APOE4 allele carriers and non-carriers from gene to protein structures, clinical features, neuroimaging, pathology, the neural network, and the response to various treatments, and have provided the feasibility of phenotypic group classification based on APOE4 carrier status. This review will facilitate the application of APOE phenomics concept in clinical practice and promote further medical research on AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao‐Yu Ji
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
- Brain Function and Disease LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Xin‐Yuan Peng
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Hai‐Liang Tang
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical NeurobiologyInstitutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College‐Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Pan
- Shantou Longhu People's HospitalShantouGuangdongChina
| | - Wei‐Tang Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
- Brain Function and Disease LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Nai‐Li Wei
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
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16
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Latifi-Navid H, Barzegar Behrooz A, Jamehdor S, Davari M, Latifinavid M, Zolfaghari N, Piroozmand S, Taghizadeh S, Bourbour M, Shemshaki G, Latifi-Navid S, Arab SS, Soheili ZS, Ahmadieh H, Sheibani N. Construction of an Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnostic and Therapeutic Molecular Network Using Multi-Layer Network Analysis, a Fuzzy Logic Model, and Deep Learning Techniques: Are Retinal and Brain Neurodegenerative Disorders Related? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1555. [PMID: 38004422 PMCID: PMC10674956 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in the elderly. The current management of nAMD is limited and involves regular intravitreal administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). However, the effectiveness of these treatments is limited by overlapping and compensatory pathways leading to unresponsiveness to anti-VEGF treatments in a significant portion of nAMD patients. Therefore, a system view of pathways involved in pathophysiology of nAMD will have significant clinical value. The aim of this study was to identify proteins, miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), various metabolites, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a significant role in the pathogenesis of nAMD. To accomplish this goal, we conducted a multi-layer network analysis, which identified 30 key genes, six miRNAs, and four lncRNAs. We also found three key metabolites that are common with AMD, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia. Moreover, we identified nine key SNPs and their related genes that are common among AMD, AD, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, our findings suggest that there exists a connection between nAMD and the aforementioned neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, our study also demonstrates the effectiveness of using artificial intelligence, specifically the LSTM network, a fuzzy logic model, and genetic algorithms, to identify important metabolites in complex metabolic pathways to open new avenues for the design and/or repurposing of drugs for nAMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Latifi-Navid
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Saleh Jamehdor
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838636, Iran;
| | - Maliheh Davari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Masoud Latifinavid
- Department of Mechatronic Engineering, University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, 06790 Ankara, Turkey;
| | - Narges Zolfaghari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Somayeh Piroozmand
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Sepideh Taghizadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Mahsa Bourbour
- Department of Biotechnology, Alzahra University, Tehran 1993893973, Iran;
| | - Golnaz Shemshaki
- Department of Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore 570005, India;
| | - Saeid Latifi-Navid
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 5619911367, Iran;
| | - Seyed Shahriar Arab
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1411713116, Iran;
| | - Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1666673111, Iran;
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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17
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Zenuni H, Bovenzi R, Bissacco J, Grillo P, Simonetta C, Mascioli D, Pieri M, Bernardini S, Sancesario GM, Stefani A, Mercuri NB, Schirinzi T. Clinical and neurochemical correlates of the APOE genotype in early-stage Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 131:24-28. [PMID: 37572524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype may influence Parkinson's disease (PD) course, although clinical and neurochemical correlates have not been completely established. This study aimed to determine the associations of APOE genotypes (ε4 vs. non-ε4) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurodegeneration biomarkers and clinical parameters in early-stage PD patients. One hundred and seventy-five PD patients and 89 non-neurodegenerative controls grouped in APOE-ε4 carriers (28 PD; 12 controls) and non-APOE-ε4 carriers (147 PD; 78 controls) were enrolled. CSF levels of amyloid-β-42, amyloid-β-40, total and 181-phosphorylated tau, and clinical scores were compared among groups adjusting for main covariates. APOE genotypes prevalence was similar in PD and controls. PD APOE-ε4 carriers had lower amyloid-β-42 CSF levels than PD non-APOE-ε4 carriers and controls, independently from age. PD APOE-ε4 carriers also had higher total and "item 5" (attention and memory) non-motor symptoms scale scores than PD non-APOE-ε4 carriers, independently from confounding factors. APOE-ε4 genotype might thus account for a more vulnerable PD subtype characterized by prominent amyloidopathy and a greater burden of non-motor symptoms in the early disease stages. DATA AVAILABILITY: Data are available upon reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Zenuni
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bovenzi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Bissacco
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Grillo
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Simonetta
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Mascioli
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pieri
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Segio Bernardini
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Stefani
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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18
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Kirchner K, Garvert L, Kühn L, Bonk S, Grabe HJ, Van der Auwera S. Detrimental Effects of ApoE ε4 on Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Their Potential Implications on the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2512. [PMID: 37947590 PMCID: PMC10649078 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease representing the most common type of dementia in older adults. The major risk factors include increased age, genetic predisposition and socioeconomic factors. Among the genetic factors, the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele poses the greatest risk. Growing evidence suggests that cerebrovascular dysfunctions, including blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, are also linked to AD pathology. Within the scope of this paper, we, therefore, look upon the relationship between ApoE, BBB integrity and AD. In doing so, both brain-derived and peripheral ApoE will be considered. Despite the considerable evidence for the involvement of brain-derived ApoE ε4 in AD, information about the effect of peripheral ApoE ε4 on the central nervous system is scarce. However, a recent study demonstrated that peripheral ApoE ε4 might be sufficient to impair brain functions and aggravate amyloid-beta pathogenesis independent from brain-based ApoE ε4 expression. Building upon recent literature, we provide an insight into the latest research that has enhanced the understanding of how ApoE ε4, secreted either in the brain or the periphery, influences BBB integrity and consequently affects AD pathogenesis. Subsequently, we propose a pathway model based on current literature and discuss future research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kirchner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Linda Garvert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Luise Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sarah Bonk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans Jörgen Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Van der Auwera
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
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19
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Sun YY, Wang Z, Huang HC. Roles of ApoE4 on the Pathogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease and the Potential Therapeutic Approaches. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3115-3136. [PMID: 37227619 PMCID: PMC10211310 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01365-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The Apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) allele, encoding ApoE4, is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Emerging epidemiological evidence indicated that ApoE4 contributes to AD through influencing β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and clearance. However, the molecular mechanisms of ApoE4 involved in AD pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we introduced the structure and functions of ApoE isoforms, and then we reviewed the potential mechanisms of ApoE4 in the AD pathogenesis, including the effect of ApoE4 on Aβ pathology, and tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress; synaptic function, cholesterol transport, and mitochondrial dysfunction; sleep disturbances and cerebrovascular integrity in the AD brains. Furthermore, we discussed the available strategies for AD treatments that target to ApoE4. In general, this review overviews the potential roles of ApoE4 in the AD development and suggests some therapeutic approaches for AD. ApoE4 is genetic risk of AD. ApoE4 is involved in the AD pathogenesis. Aβ deposition, NFT, oxidative stress, abnormal cholesterol, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation could be observed in the brains with ApoE4. Targeting the interaction of ApoE4 with the AD pathology is available strategy for AD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ying Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100191 China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Products Development and Innovative Drug Research, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100023 China
| | - Zhun Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100191 China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Products Development and Innovative Drug Research, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100023 China
| | - Han-Chang Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100191 China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Products Development and Innovative Drug Research, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100023 China
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20
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Jackson RJ, Keiser MS, Meltzer JC, Fykstra DP, Dierksmeier SE, Melloni A, Nakajima T, Tecedor L, Ranum PT, Carrell E, Chen Y, Holtzman DM, Davidson BL, Hyman BT. APOE2 gene therapy reduces amyloid deposition, and improves markers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.14.552850. [PMID: 37645718 PMCID: PMC10461997 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.14.552850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show that individuals who carry the relatively uncommon APOE ε2 allele rarely develop Alzheimer disease, and if they do they have a later age of onset, milder clinical course, and less severe neuropathological findings than others with Alzheimer disease. The contrast is especially stark in comparison to the phenotype associated with the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease, APOE ε4, which has an age of onset several decades earlier, as well as a more aggressive clinical course and notably more severe neuropathological findings, especially in terms of the amount of amyloid deposition. Even one APOE ε2 allele improves phenotype, but it is uncertain if that is due to the replacement of a more toxic allele by APOE ε2, or if APOE ε2 has a protective, neuro-modulatory effect. Here, we demonstrate that brain exposure to APOE2 via a gene therapy approach which bathes the entire cortical mantle in the gene product after transduction of the ependyma, rapidly ameliorates established Aβ plaque deposition, neurodegenerative synaptic loss, and, remarkably, reduces microglial activation in an APP/PS1 mouse model despite continued expression of human APOE4. This result suggests a promising protective effect of exogenous APOE2, revealing a cell non-autonomous effect of the protein on microglial activation. We also show that plaque associated microglia in the brain of patients who inherit APOE2 similarly have less microglial reactivity to plaques. These data raise the potential that an APOE2 therapeutic could be effective in Alzheimer disease even in individuals born with the risk ε4 allele. One Sentence Summary Introduction of ApoE2 using an AAV that transduces the ependymal cells of the ventricle causes a reduction in amyloid load and plaque associated synapse loss, and reduces neuroinflammation by modulating microglial responsiveness to plaques.
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21
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Konings SC, Nyberg E, Martinsson I, Torres-Garcia L, Klementieva O, Guimas Almeida C, Gouras GK. Apolipoprotein E intersects with amyloid-β within neurons. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201887. [PMID: 37290814 PMCID: PMC10250689 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among the earliest changes in AD is endosomal enlargement in neurons, which was reported as enhanced in ApoE4 carriers. ApoE is thought to be internalized into endosomes of neurons, whereas β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulates within neuronal endosomes early in AD. However, it remains unknown whether ApoE and Aβ intersect intracellularly. We show that internalized astrocytic ApoE localizes mostly to lysosomes in neuroblastoma cells and astrocytes, whereas in neurons, it preferentially localizes to endosomes-autophagosomes of neurites. In AD transgenic neurons, astrocyte-derived ApoE intersects intracellularly with amyloid precursor protein/Aβ. Moreover, ApoE4 increases the levels of endogenous and internalized Aβ42 in neurons. Taken together, we demonstrate differential localization of ApoE in neurons, astrocytes, and neuron-like cells, and show that internalized ApoE intersects with amyloid precursor protein/Aβ in neurons, which may be of considerable relevance to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine C Konings
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Medical Microspectroscopy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Nyberg
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isak Martinsson
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Laura Torres-Garcia
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oxana Klementieva
- Medical Microspectroscopy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claudia Guimas Almeida
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gunnar K Gouras
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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22
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Hou X, Zhang X, Zou H, Guan M, Fu C, Wang W, Zhang ZR, Geng Y, Chen Y. Differential and substrate-specific inhibition of γ-secretase by the C-terminal region of ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4. Neuron 2023; 111:1898-1913.e5. [PMID: 37040764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant low γ-secretase activity is associated with most of the presenilin mutations that underlie familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD). However, the role of γ-secretase in the more prevalent sporadic AD (sAD) remains unaddressed. Here, we report that human apolipoprotein E (ApoE), the most important genetic risk factor of sAD, interacts with γ-secretase and inhibits it with substrate specificity in cell-autonomous manners through its conserved C-terminal region (CT). This ApoE CT-mediated inhibitory activity is differentially compromised in different ApoE isoforms, resulting in an ApoE2 > ApoE3 > ApoE4 potency rank order inversely correlating to their associated AD risk. Interestingly, in an AD mouse model, neuronal ApoE CT migrates to amyloid plaques in the subiculum from other regions and alleviates the plaque burden. Together, our data reveal a hidden role of ApoE as a γ-secretase inhibitor with substrate specificity and suggest that this precision γ-inhibition by ApoE may protect against the risk of sAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Hou
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuexin Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huan Zou
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingfeng Guan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chaoying Fu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenyuan Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zai-Rong Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yang Geng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Yelin Chen
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Rd., B13, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai 201210, China.
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23
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Wang J, Wang M, Ren S, Huang L, He K, Li J, Hua F, Guan Y, Guo Q, Huang Q, Xie F. The Effect of Gender and APOE ɛ4 Status on Brain Amyloid-β Deposition in Different Age Groups of Mild Cognitively Impaired Individuals: A PET-CT Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD221166. [PMID: 37334590 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender, APOE ɛ4 status and age have different effects on brain amyloid deposition in patients with mild cognitively impaired (MCI). OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of gender×APOE ɛ4 status interaction on Aβ deposition in the brains of individuals with MCI in different age groups by PET scanning. METHODS 204 individuals with MCI were classified into younger or older groups based on whether they were under or over 65 years of age. APOE genotyping, structural MRI, amyloid PET scans, and neuropsychological tests were performed. The effect of gender×APOE ɛ4 status interaction on Aβ deposition was assessed in different age groups. RESULTS APOE ɛ4 carriers had higher amyloid deposition than noncarriers in the whole group. Females with MCI had more amyloid deposition in the medial temporal lobe than males in the whole cohort and younger group. Older individuals with MCI had higher amyloid deposition than younger individuals. In stratified analysis by age, female APOE ɛ4 carriers had significantly increased amyloid deposition compared to their male counterparts only in the medial temporal lobe in the younger group. Amyloid deposition was increased in female APOE ɛ4 carriers compared to noncarriers in the younger group, whereas higher amyloid deposition was observed in male APOE ɛ4 carriers in the older group. CONCLUSION Women in the younger group with MCI who were APOE ɛ4 carriers had more amyloid deposition in the brain, while men in the older group with MCI who were APOE ɛ4 carriers had higher amyloid deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuhua Ren
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junpeng Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengchun Hua
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihao Guo
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Meuret CJ, Hu Y, Smadi S, Bantugan MA, Xian H, Martinez AE, Krauss RM, Ma QL, Nedelkov D, Yassine HN. An association of CSF apolipoprotein E glycosylation and amyloid-beta 42 in individuals who carry the APOE4 allele. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:96. [PMID: 37221560 PMCID: PMC10204298 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01239-0] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Carrying the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Ɛ4 allele is associated with an increased risk of cerebral amyloidosis and late-onset Alzheimer's disease, but the degree to which apoE glycosylation affects its development is not clear. In a previous pilot study, we identified distinct total and secondary isoform-specific cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) apoE glycosylation profiles, with the E4 isoform having the lowest glycosylation percentage (E2 > E3 > E4). In this work, we extend the analysis to a larger cohort of individuals (n = 106), utilizing matched plasma and CSF samples with clinical measures of AD biomarkers. The results confirm the isoform-specific glycosylation of apoE in CSF, resulting from secondary CSF apoE glycosylation patterns. CSF apoE glycosylation percentages positively correlated with CSF Aβ42 levels (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001). These correlations were not observed for plasma apoE glycosylation. CSF total and secondary apoE glycosylation percentages also correlated with the concentration of CSF small high-density lipoprotein particles (s-HDL-P), which we have previously shown to be correlated with CSF Aβ42 levels and measures of cognitive function. Desialylation of apoE purified from CSF showed reduced Aβ42 degradation in microglia with E4 > E3 and increased binding affinity to heparin. These results indicate that apoE glycosylation has a new and important role in influencing brain Aβ metabolism and can be a potential target of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana J Meuret
- University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, Rm 210, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Yueming Hu
- Isoformix Inc., 9830 S. 51. St. Suite B-113, Phoenix, AZ, 85044, USA
| | - Sabrina Smadi
- University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, Rm 210, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Mikaila Ann Bantugan
- University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, Rm 210, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Haotian Xian
- University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, Rm 210, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Ashley E Martinez
- University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, Rm 210, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | | | - Qiu-Lan Ma
- University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, Rm 210, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Dobrin Nedelkov
- Isoformix Inc., 9830 S. 51. St. Suite B-113, Phoenix, AZ, 85044, USA.
| | - Hussein N Yassine
- University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, Rm 210, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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25
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Li Y, Chang J, Chen X, Liu J, Zhao L. Advances in the Study of APOE and Innate Immunity in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230179. [PMID: 37182889 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system (CNS) with an insidious onset. Clinically, it is characterized by a full range of dementia manifestations including memory impairment, aphasia, loss of speech, loss of use, loss of recognition, impairment of visuospatial skills, and impairment of executive function, as well as changes in personality and behavior. The exact cause of AD has not yet been identified. Nevertheless, modern research indicates that genetic factors contribute to 70% of human's risk of AD. Apolipoprotein (APOE) accounts for up to 90% of the genetic predisposition. APOE is a crucial gene that cannot be overstated. In addition, innate immunity plays a significant role in the etiology and treatment of AD. Understanding the different subtypes of APOE and their interconnections is of paramount importance. APOE and innate immunity, along with their relationship to AD, are primary research motivators for in-depth research and clinical trials. The exploration of novel technologies has led to an increasing trend in the study of AD at the cellular and molecular levels and continues to make more breakthroughs and progress. As of today, there is no effective treatment available for AD around the world. This paper aims to summarize and analyze the role of APOE and innate immunity, as well as development trends in recent years. It is anticipated that APOE and innate immunity will provide a breakthrough for humans to hinder AD progression in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Chang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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26
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Veréb D, Mijalkov M, Chang YW, Canal-Garcia A, Gomez-Ruis E, Maass A, Villeneuve S, Volpe G, Pereira JB. Functional gradients of the medial parietal cortex in a healthy cohort with family history of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:82. [PMID: 37076873 PMCID: PMC10114342 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01228-3] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medial parietal cortex is an early site of pathological protein deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have identified different subregions within this area; however, these subregions are often heterogeneous and disregard individual differences or subtle pathological alterations in the underlying functional architecture. To address this limitation, here we measured the continuous connectivity gradients of the medial parietal cortex and assessed their relationship with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, ApoE ε4 carriership and memory in asymptomatic individuals at risk to develop AD. METHODS Two hundred sixty-three cognitively normal participants with a family history of sporadic AD who underwent resting-state and task-based functional MRI using encoding and retrieval tasks were included from the PREVENT-AD cohort. A novel method for characterizing spatially continuous patterns of functional connectivity was applied to estimate functional gradients in the medial parietal cortex during the resting-state and task-based conditions. This resulted in a set of nine parameters that described the appearance of the gradient across different spatial directions. We performed correlation analyses to assess whether these parameters were associated with CSF biomarkers of phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau), total tau (t-tau), and amyloid-ß1-42 (Aß). Then, we compared the spatial parameters between ApoE ε4 carriers and noncarriers, and evaluated the relationship between these parameters and memory. RESULTS Alterations involving the superior part of the medial parietal cortex, which was connected to regions of the default mode network, were associated with higher p-tau, t-tau levels as well as lower Aß/p-tau levels during the resting-state condition (p < 0.01). Similar alterations were found in ApoE ε4 carriers compared to non-carriers (p < 0.003). In contrast, lower immediate memory scores were associated with changes in the middle part of the medial parietal cortex, which was connected to inferior temporal and posterior parietal regions, during the encoding task (p = 0.001). No results were found when using conventional connectivity measures. CONCLUSIONS Functional alterations in the medial parietal gradients are associated with CSF AD biomarkers, ApoE ε4 carriership, and lower memory in an asymptomatic cohort with a family history of sporadic AD, suggesting that functional gradients are sensitive to subtle changes associated with early AD stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Veréb
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mite Mijalkov
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yu-Wei Chang
- Department of Physics, Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Anna Canal-Garcia
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anne Maass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Villeneuve
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Giovanni Volpe
- Department of Physics, Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Joana B Pereira
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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27
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Accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain of mouse models of Alzheimer's disease is modified by altered gene expression in the presence of human apoE isoforms during aging. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 123:63-74. [PMID: 36638682 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.12.003] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we investigated brain amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation throughout the aging process in an amyloid precursor protein (APP) knock-in (KI) mouse model of AD that expresses human APPNL-G-F with or without human apoE4 or apoE3. Brain Aβ42 levels were significantly lower in 9-month-old mice that express human isoforms of apoE than in age-matched APP-KI control mice. Linear accumulation of Aβ42 began in 5-month-old apoE4 mice, and a strong increase in Aβ42 levels was observed in 21-month-old apoE3 mice. Aβ42 levels in cerebroventricular fluid were higher in apoE3 than in apoE4 mice at 6-7 months of age, suggesting that apoE3 is more efficient at clearing Aβ42 than apoE4 at these ages. However, apoE3 protein levels were lower than apoE4 protein levels in the brains of 21-month-old apoE3 and apoE4 mice, respectively, which may explain the rapid increase in brain Aβ42 burden in apoE3 mice. We identified genes that were downregulated in a human apoE-dependent (apoE4 > apoE3) and age-dependent (apoE3 = apoE4) manner, which may regulate brain Aβ burden and/or AD progression. Analysis of gene expression in AD mouse models helps identify molecular mechanisms of pleiotropy by the human APOE gene during aging.
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28
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Absmeier RM, Rottenaicher GJ, Svilenov HL, Kazman P, Buchner J. Antibodies gone bad - the molecular mechanism of light chain amyloidosis. FEBS J 2023; 290:1398-1419. [PMID: 35122394 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a systemic disease in which abnormally proliferating plasma cells secrete large amounts of mutated antibody light chains (LCs) that eventually form fibrils. The fibrils are deposited in various organs, most often in the heart and kidney, and impair their function. The prognosis for patients diagnosed with AL is generally poor. The disease is set apart from other amyloidoses by the huge number of patient-specific mutations in the disease-causing and fibril-forming protein. The molecular mechanisms that drive the aggregation of mutated LCs into fibrils have been enigmatic, which hindered the development of efficient diagnostics and therapies. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on AL amyloidosis and discuss open issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona M Absmeier
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies and Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Georg J Rottenaicher
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies and Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Hristo L Svilenov
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies and Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Pamina Kazman
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies and Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Johannes Buchner
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies and Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
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29
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de Frutos Lucas J, Sewell KR, García-Colomo A, Markovic S, Erickson KI, Brown BM. How does apolipoprotein E genotype influence the relationship between physical activity and Alzheimer's disease risk? A novel integrative model. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:22. [PMID: 36707869 PMCID: PMC9881295 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wide evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) confers protection against Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the other hand, the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) ε4 allele represents the greatest genetic risk factor for developing AD. Extensive research has been conducted to determine whether frequent PA can mitigate the increased AD risk associated with APOE ε4. However, thus far, these attempts have produced inconclusive results. In this context, one possible explanation could be that the influence of the combined effect of PA and APOE ε4 carriage might be dependent on the specific outcome measure utilised. MAIN BODY In order to bridge these discrepancies, the aim of this theoretical article is to propose a novel model on the interactive effects of PA and APOE ε4 carriage on well-established mechanisms underlying AD. Available literature was searched to investigate how PA and APOE ε4 carriage, independently and in combination, may alter several molecular pathways involved in AD pathogenesis. The reviewed mechanisms include amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau deposition and clearance, neuronal resilience and neurogenesis, lipid function and cerebrovascular alterations, brain immune response and glucose metabolism. Finally, combining all this information, we have built an integrative model, which includes evidence-based and theoretical synergistic interactions across mechanisms. Moreover, we have identified key knowledge gaps in the literature, providing a list of testable hypotheses that future studies need to address. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that PA influences a wide array of molecular targets involved in AD neuropathology. A deeper understanding of where, when and, most importantly, how PA decreases AD risk even in the presence of the APOE ε4 allele will enable the creation of new protocols using exercise along pharmaceuticals in combined therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaisalmer de Frutos Lucas
- Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Logopedia Department, School of Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, 6027, Australia.
- Departamento de PsicologíaFacultad de Ciencias de la Vida y de la Naturaleza, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, 28015, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Kelsey R Sewell
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Alejandra García-Colomo
- Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Logopedia Department, School of Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Shaun Markovic
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Kirk I Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity" Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
- AdventHealth Research Institute, Orlando, FL, 32804, USA
| | - Belinda M Brown
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, 6027, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, 6027, Australia
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Johnson NR, Wang ACJ, Coughlan C, Sillau S, Lucero E, Viltz L, Markham N, Allen C, Dhanasekaran AR, Chial HJ, Potter H. Imipramine and olanzapine block apoE4-catalyzed polymerization of Aβ and show evidence of improving Alzheimer’s disease cognition. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:88. [PMID: 35768831 PMCID: PMC9241285 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele confers the strongest risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) besides age itself, but the mechanisms underlying this risk are debated. One hypothesis supported by evidence from multiple labs is that apoE4 binds to the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and catalyzes its polymerization into neurotoxic oligomers and fibrils. Inhibiting this early step in the amyloid cascade may thereby reduce or prevent neurodegeneration and AD. Methods Using a design of experiments (DOE) approach, we developed a high-throughput assay to identify inhibitors of apoE4-catalyzed polymerization of Aβ into oligomers and fibrils. We used it to screen the NIH Clinical Collection of small molecule drugs tested previously in human clinical trials. We then evaluated the efficacy and cytotoxicity of the hit compounds in primary neuron models of apoE4-induced Aβ and phosphorylated tau aggregation. Finally, we performed retrospective analyses of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) clinical dataset, using Cox regression and Cox proportional hazards models to determine if the use of two FDA-approved hit compounds was associated with better cognitive scores (Mini-Mental State Exam), or improved AD clinical diagnosis, when compared with other medications of the same clinical indication. Results Our high-throughput screen identified eight blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable hit compounds that reduced apoE4-catalyzed Aβ oligomer and fibril formation in a dose-dependent manner. Five hit compounds were non-toxic toward cultured neurons and also reduced apoE4-promoted Aβ and tau neuropathology in a dose-dependent manner. Three of the five compounds were determined to be specific inhibitors of apoE4, whereas the other two compounds were Aβ or tau aggregation inhibitors. When prescribed to AD patients for their normal clinical indications, two of the apoE4 inhibitors, imipramine and olanzapine, but not other (non-hit) antipsychotic or antidepressant medications, were associated with improvements in cognition and clinical diagnosis, especially among APOE4 carriers. Conclusions The critical test of any proposed AD mechanism is whether it leads to effective treatments. Our high-throughput screen identified two promising FDA-approved drugs, imipramine and olanzapine, which have no structural, functional, or clinical similarities other than their shared ability to inhibit apoE4-catalyzed Aβ polymerization, thus identifying this mechanism as an essential contribution of apoE4 to AD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-022-01020-9.
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Raulin AC, Doss SV, Trottier ZA, Ikezu TC, Bu G, Liu CC. ApoE in Alzheimer’s disease: pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:72. [PMID: 36348357 PMCID: PMC9644639 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing due to extended lifespans. Among the increasing number of genetic risk factors identified, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene remains the strongest and most prevalent, impacting more than half of all AD cases. While the ε4 allele of the APOE gene significantly increases AD risk, the ε2 allele is protective relative to the common ε3 allele. These gene alleles encode three apoE protein isoforms that differ at two amino acid positions. The primary physiological function of apoE is to mediate lipid transport in the brain and periphery; however, additional functions of apoE in diverse biological functions have been recognized. Pathogenically, apoE seeds amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in the brain with apoE4 driving earlier and more abundant amyloids. ApoE isoforms also have differential effects on multiple Aβ-related or Aβ-independent pathways. The complexity of apoE biology and pathobiology presents challenges to designing effective apoE-targeted therapeutic strategies. This review examines the key pathobiological pathways of apoE and related targeting strategies with a specific focus on the latest technological advances and tools.
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Pedrini S, Doecke JD, Hone E, Wang P, Thota R, Bush AI, Rowe CC, Dore V, Villemagne VL, Ames D, Rainey‐Smith S, Verdile G, Sohrabi HR, Raida MR, Taddei K, Gandy S, Masters CL, Chatterjee P, Martins R. Plasma high-density lipoprotein cargo is altered in Alzheimer's disease and is associated with regional brain volume. J Neurochem 2022; 163:53-67. [PMID: 36000528 PMCID: PMC9804612 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol levels have been repeatedly linked to Alzheimer's Disease (AD), suggesting that high levels could be detrimental, but this effect is likely attributed to Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. On the other hand, High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol levels have been associated with reduced brain amyloidosis and improved cognitive function. However, recent findings have suggested that HDL-functionality, which depends upon the HDL-cargo proteins associated with HDL, rather than HDL levels, appears to be the key factor, suggesting a quality over quantity status. In this report, we have assessed the HDL-cargo (Cholesterol, ApoA-I, ApoA-II, ApoC-I, ApoC-III, ApoD, ApoE, ApoH, ApoJ, CRP, and SAA) in stable healthy control (HC), healthy controls who will convert to MCI/AD (HC-Conv) and AD patients (AD). Compared to HC we observed an increased cholesterol/ApoA-I ratio in AD and HC-Conv, as well as an increased ApoD/ApoA-I ratio and a decreased ApoA-II/ApoA-I ratio in AD. Higher cholesterol/ApoA-I ratio was also associated with lower cortical grey matter volume and higher ventricular volume, while higher ApoA-II/ApoA-I and ApoJ/ApoA-I ratios were associated with greater cortical grey matter volume (and for ApoA-II also with greater hippocampal volume) and smaller ventricular volume. Additionally, in a clinical status-independent manner, the ApoE/ApoA-I ratio was significantly lower in APOE ε4 carriers and lowest in APOE ε4 homozygous. Together, these data indicate that in AD patients the composition of HDL is altered, which may affect HDL functionality, and such changes are associated with altered regional brain volumetric data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Pedrini
- School of Medical SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia,CRC for Mental HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - James D. Doecke
- Australian E‐Health Research CentreCSIROBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Eugene Hone
- School of Medical SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia,CRC for Mental HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Penghao Wang
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and EducationMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Rohith Thota
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- CRC for Mental HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,The Florey Institute, The University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Christopher C. Rowe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PETAustin HealthHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | - Vincent Dore
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PETAustin HealthHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - David Ames
- National Ageing Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia,University of Melbourne Academic unit for Psychiatry of Old AgeSt George's HospitalKewVictoriaAustralia
| | - Stephanie Rainey‐Smith
- School of Medical SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia,Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures InstituteMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Giuseppe Verdile
- Curtin Medical SchoolCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia,Curtin Health Innovation Research InstituteCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Hamid R. Sohrabi
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures InstituteMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Manfred R. Raida
- Life Science Institute, Singapore Lipidomics IncubatorNational University of SingaporeSingapore CitySingapore
| | - Kevin Taddei
- School of Medical SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia,CRC for Mental HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sam Gandy
- Department of NeurologyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Colin L. Masters
- The Florey Institute, The University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Pratishtha Chatterjee
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ralph N. Martins
- School of Medical SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia,CRC for Mental HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia,School of Psychiatry and Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
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Karaahmet B, Le L, Mendes MS, Majewska AK, O'Banion MK. Repopulated microglia induce expression of Cxcl13 with differential changes in Tau phosphorylation but do not impact amyloid pathology. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:173. [PMID: 35787714 PMCID: PMC9252071 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02532-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult microglia rely on self-renewal through division to repopulate and sustain their numbers. However, with aging, microglia display morphological and transcriptional changes that reflect a heightened state of neuroinflammation. This state threatens aging neurons and other cells and can influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we sought to determine whether renewing microglia through a forced partial depletion/repopulation method could attenuate AD pathology in the 3xTg and APP/PS1 mouse models. METHODS We pharmacologically depleted the microglia of two cohorts of 21- to 22-month-old 3xTg mice and one cohort of 14-month-old APP/PS1 mice using PLX5622 formulated in chow for 2 weeks. Following depletion, we returned the mice to standard chow diet for 1 month to allow microglial repopulation. We assessed the effect of depletion and repopulation on AD pathology, microglial gene expression, and surface levels of homeostatic markers on microglia using immunohistochemistry, single-cell RNAseq and flow cytometry. RESULTS Although we did not identify a significant impact of microglial repopulation on amyloid pathology in either of the AD models, we observed differential changes in phosphorylated-Tau epitopes after repopulation in the 3xTg mice. We provide evidence that repopulated microglia in the hippocampal formation exhibited changes in the levels of homeostatic microglial markers. Lastly, we identified novel subpopulations of microglia by performing single-cell RNAseq analysis on CD45int/+ cells from hippocampi of control and repopulated 3xTg mice. In particular, one subpopulation induced after repopulation is characterized by heightened expression of Cxcl13. CONCLUSION Overall, we found that depleting and repopulating microglia causes overexpression of microglial Cxcl13 with disparate effects on Tau and amyloid pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berke Karaahmet
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Linh Le
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Monique S Mendes
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ania K Majewska
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - M Kerry O'Banion
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Bonk S, Kirchner K, Ameling S, Garvert L, Völzke H, Nauck M, Völker U, Grabe HJ, Van der Auwera S. APOE ε4 in Depression-Associated Memory Impairment-Evidence from Genetic and MicroRNA Analyses. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1560. [PMID: 35884866 PMCID: PMC9313258 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to replicate a reported interaction between APOE ε4 status and depression on memory function in two independent, nondemented samples from the general population and to examine the potential role of circulating plasma miRNAs. (2) Methods: The impact of the APOE ε4 allele on verbal memory and the interaction with depression is investigated in two large general-population cohorts from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP, total n = 6286). Additionally, biological insights are gained by examining the potential role of circulating plasma miRNAs as potential epigenetic regulators. Analyses are performed using linear regression models adjusted for relevant biological and environmental covariates. (3) Results: Current depression as well as carrying the APOE ε4 allele were associated with impaired memory performance, with increasing effect for subjects with both risk factors. In a subcohort with available miRNA data subjects with current depressive symptoms and carrying APOE e4 revealed reduced levels of hsa-miR-107, a prominent risk marker for early Alzheimer's Disease. (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm the effect of depressive symptoms and APOE ε4 status on memory performance. Additionally, miRNA analysis identified hsa-miR-107 as a possible biological link between APOE ε4, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bonk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
| | - Kevin Kirchner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
| | - Sabine Ameling
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (S.A.); (U.V.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Linda Garvert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
| | - Henry Völzke
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (S.A.); (U.V.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Hans J. Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Van der Auwera
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Piccialli I, Tedeschi V, Caputo L, D’Errico S, Ciccone R, De Feo V, Secondo A, Pannaccione A. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s Disease: Focus on Polyphenols and Monoterpenes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:876614. [PMID: 35600880 PMCID: PMC9114803 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.876614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, complex neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by the irreversible loss of memory and cognitive functions. Different hypotheses have been proposed thus far to explain the etiology of this devastating disorder, including those centered on the Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide aggregation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Nonetheless, the therapeutic strategies conceived thus far to treat AD neurodegeneration have proven unsuccessful, probably due to the use of single-target drugs unable to arrest the progressive deterioration of brain functions. For this reason, the theoretical description of the AD etiology has recently switched from over-emphasizing a single deleterious process to considering AD neurodegeneration as the result of different pathogenic mechanisms and their interplay. Moreover, much relevance has recently been conferred to several comorbidities inducing insulin resistance and brain energy hypometabolism, including diabetes and obesity. As consequence, much interest is currently accorded in AD treatment to a multi-target approach interfering with different pathways at the same time, and to life-style interventions aimed at preventing the modifiable risk-factors strictly associated with aging. In this context, phytochemical compounds are emerging as an enormous source to draw on in the search for multi-target agents completing or assisting the traditional pharmacological medicine. Intriguingly, many plant-derived compounds have proven their efficacy in counteracting several pathogenic processes such as the Aβ aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Many strategies have also been conceived to overcome the limitations of some promising phytochemicals related to their poor pharmacokinetic profiles, including nanotechnology and synthetic routes. Considering the emerging therapeutic potential of natural medicine, the aim of the present review is therefore to highlight the most promising phytochemical compounds belonging to two major classes, polyphenols and monoterpenes, and to report the main findings about their mechanisms of action relating to the AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccialli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Caputo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Roselia Ciccone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Feo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Anna Pannaccione,
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Aguilar-Pineda JA, Paco-Coralla SG, Febres-Molina C, Gamero-Begazo PL, Shrivastava P, Vera-López KJ, Davila-Del-Carpio G, López-C P, Gómez B, Lino Cardenas CL. In Silico Analysis of the Antagonist Effect of Enoxaparin on the ApoE4–Amyloid-Beta (Aβ) Complex at Different pH Conditions. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040499. [PMID: 35454088 PMCID: PMC9027285 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is thought to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have shown that ApoE4-Amyloid β (Aβ) interactions can increment amyloid depositions in the brain and that this can be augmented at low pH values. On the other hand, experimental studies in transgenic mouse models have shown that treatment with enoxaparin significantly reduces cortical Aβ levels, as well as decreases the number of activated astrocytes around Aβ plaques. However, the interactions between enoxaparin and the ApoE4-Aβ proteins have been poorly explored. In this work, we combine molecular dynamics simulations, molecular docking, and binding free energy calculations to elucidate the molecular properties of the ApoE4-Aβ interactions and the competitive binding affinity of the enoxaparin on the ApoE4 binding sites. In addition, we investigated the effect of the environmental pH levels on those interactions. Our results showed that under different pH conditions, the closed form of the ApoE4 protein, in which the C-terminal domain folds into the protein, remains stabilized by a network of hydrogen bonds. This closed conformation allowed the generation of six different ApoE4-Aβ interaction sites, which were energetically favorable. Systems at pH5 and 6 showed the highest energetic affinity. The enoxaparin molecule was found to have a strong energetic affinity for ApoE4-interacting sites and thus can neutralize or disrupt ApoE4-Aβ complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Alberto Aguilar-Pineda
- Laboratory of Genomics and Neurovascular Diseases, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (S.G.P.-C.); (P.S.); (K.J.V.-L.); (G.D.-D.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Ingeniería Molecular—CIIM, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (P.L.G.-B.); (B.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.A.A.-P.); (C.L.L.C.)
| | - Silvana G. Paco-Coralla
- Laboratory of Genomics and Neurovascular Diseases, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (S.G.P.-C.); (P.S.); (K.J.V.-L.); (G.D.-D.-C.)
| | - Camilo Febres-Molina
- Doctorado en Fisicoquímica Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370134, Chile;
| | - Pamela L. Gamero-Begazo
- Centro de Investigación en Ingeniería Molecular—CIIM, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (P.L.G.-B.); (B.G.)
| | - Pallavi Shrivastava
- Laboratory of Genomics and Neurovascular Diseases, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (S.G.P.-C.); (P.S.); (K.J.V.-L.); (G.D.-D.-C.)
| | - Karin J. Vera-López
- Laboratory of Genomics and Neurovascular Diseases, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (S.G.P.-C.); (P.S.); (K.J.V.-L.); (G.D.-D.-C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Gonzalo Davila-Del-Carpio
- Laboratory of Genomics and Neurovascular Diseases, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (S.G.P.-C.); (P.S.); (K.J.V.-L.); (G.D.-D.-C.)
- Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru;
| | - Patricia López-C
- Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru;
| | - Badhin Gómez
- Centro de Investigación en Ingeniería Molecular—CIIM, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru; (P.L.G.-B.); (B.G.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José s/n—Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Christian L. Lino Cardenas
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence: (J.A.A.-P.); (C.L.L.C.)
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37
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Vecchio FL, Bisceglia P, Imbimbo BP, Lozupone M, Latino RR, Resta E, Leone M, Solfrizzi V, Greco A, Daniele A, Watling M, Panza F, Seripa D. Are apolipoprotein E fragments a promising new therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease? Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022; 13:20406223221081605. [PMID: 35321401 PMCID: PMC8935560 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221081605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a 299-amino acid secreted glycoprotein that binds cholesterol and phospholipids. ApoE exists as three common isoforms (ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4) and heterozygous carriers of the ε4 allele of the gene encoding ApoE (APOE) have a fourfold greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The enzymes thrombin, cathepsin D, α-chymotrypsin-like serine protease, and high-temperature requirement serine protease A1 are responsible for ApoE proteolytic processing resulting in bioactive C-terminal-truncated fragments that vary depending on ApoE isoforms, brain region, aging, and neural injury. The objectives of the present narrative review were to describe ApoE processing, discussing current hypotheses about the potential role of various ApoE fragments in AD pathophysiology, and reviewing the current development status of different anti-ApoE drugs. The exact mechanism by which APOE gene variants increase/decrease AD risk and the role of ApoE fragments in the deposition are not fully understood, but APOE is known to directly affect tau-mediated neurodegeneration. ApoE fragments co-localize with neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, and may cause neurodegeneration. Among anti-ApoE approaches, a fascinating strategy may be to therapeutically overexpress ApoE2 in APOE ε4/ε4 carriers through vector administration or liposomal delivery systems. Another approach involves reducing ApoE4 expression by intracerebroventricular antisense oligonucleotides that significantly decreased Aβ pathology in transgenic mice. Differences in the proteolytic processing of distinct ApoE isoforms and the use of ApoE fragments as mimetic peptides in AD treatment are also under investigation. Treatment with peptides that mimic the structural and biological properties of native ApoE may reduce Aβ deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, and glial activation in mouse models of Aβ pathology. Alternative strategies involve the use of ApoE4 structure correctors, passive immunization to target a certain form of ApoE, conversion of the ApoE4 aminoacid sequence into that of ApoE3 or ApoE2, and inhibition of the ApoE-Aβ interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Lo Vecchio
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia 71013, Italy
| | - Paola Bisceglia
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Madia Lozupone
- Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaela Rita Latino
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Emanuela Resta
- Translational Medicine and Management of Health Systems, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Leone
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- ‘Cesare Frugoni’ Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Mark Watling
- CNS & Pain Department, TranScrip Ltd, Reading, UK
| | - Francesco Panza
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
- Population Health Unit, Healthy Aging Phenotypes Research Unit, ‘Salus in Apulia Study’, National Institute of Gastroenterology ‘Saverio de Bellis’, Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari 70013, Italy
| | - Davide Seripa
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, ‘Vito Fazzi’ Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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Gharibyan AL, Wasana Jayaweera S, Lehmann M, Anan I, Olofsson A. Endogenous Human Proteins Interfering with Amyloid Formation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030446. [PMID: 35327638 PMCID: PMC8946693 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid formation is a pathological process associated with a wide range of degenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes mellitus type 2. During disease progression, abnormal accumulation and deposition of proteinaceous material are accompanied by tissue degradation, inflammation, and dysfunction. Agents that can interfere with the process of amyloid formation or target already formed amyloid assemblies are consequently of therapeutic interest. In this context, a few endogenous proteins have been associated with an anti-amyloidogenic activity. Here, we review the properties of transthyretin, apolipoprotein E, clusterin, and BRICHOS protein domain which all effectively interfere with amyloid in vitro, as well as displaying a clinical impact in humans or animal models. Their involvement in the amyloid formation process is discussed, which may aid and inspire new strategies for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Gharibyan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (A.L.G.); (A.O.)
| | | | - Manuela Lehmann
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (M.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Intissar Anan
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (M.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Anders Olofsson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (A.L.G.); (A.O.)
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Lewandowski CT, Laham MS, Thatcher GR. Remembering your A, B, C's: Alzheimer's disease and ABCA1. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:995-1018. [PMID: 35530134 PMCID: PMC9072248 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of ATP binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1) is central to cholesterol mobilization. Reduced ABCA1 expression or activity is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other disorders. Therapeutic approaches to boost ABCA1 activity have yet to be translated successfully to the clinic. The risk factors for AD development and progression, including comorbid disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, highlight the intersection of cholesterol transport and inflammation. Upregulation of ABCA1 can positively impact APOE lipidation, insulin sensitivity, peripheral vascular and blood–brain barrier integrity, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Various strategies towards ABCA1-boosting compounds have been described, with a bias toward nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) agonists. These agonists display beneficial preclinical effects; however, important side effects have limited development. In particular, ligands that bind liver X receptor (LXR), the primary NHR that controls ABCA1 expression, have shown positive effects in AD mouse models; however, lipogenesis and unwanted increases in triglyceride production are often observed. The longstanding approach, focusing on LXRβ vs. LXRα selectivity, is over-simplistic and has failed. Novel approaches such as phenotypic screening may lead to small molecule NHR modulators that elevate ABCA1 function without inducing lipogenesis and are clinically translatable.
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Factors Influencing Alzheimer's Disease Risk: Whether and How They are Related to the APOE Genotype. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:809-819. [PMID: 35149974 PMCID: PMC9276873 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease featuring progressive cognitive impairment. Although the etiology of late-onset AD remains unclear, the close association of AD with apolipoprotein E (APOE), a gene that mainly regulates lipid metabolism, has been firmly established and may shed light on the exploration of AD pathogenesis and therapy. However, various confounding factors interfere with the APOE-related AD risk, raising questions about our comprehension of the clinical findings concerning APOE. In this review, we summarize the most debated factors interacting with the APOE genotype and AD pathogenesis, depict the extent to which these factors relate to APOE-dependent AD risk, and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.
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41
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Farkas S, Szabó A, Török B, Sólyomvári C, Fazekas CL, Bánrévi K, Correia P, Chaves T, Zelena D. Ovariectomy-induced hormone deprivation aggravates Aβ 1-42 deposition in the basolateral amygdala and cholinergic fiber loss in the cortex but not cognitive behavioral symptoms in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:985424. [PMID: 36303870 PMCID: PMC9596151 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.985424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, being highly prevalent in elderly women. The advanced progression may be due to decreased hormone synthesis during post-menopause as estradiol and progesterone both have neuroprotective potentials. We aimed to confirm that female hormone depletion aggravates the progression of dementia in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD). As pathological hallmarks are known to appear in 6-month-old animals, we expected to see disease-like changes in the 4-month-old 3xTg-AD mice only after hormone depletion. Three-month-old female 3xTg-AD mice were compared with their age-matched controls. As a menopause model, ovaries were removed (OVX or Sham surgery). After 1-month recovery, the body composition of the animals was measured by an MRI scan. The cognitive and anxiety parameters were evaluated by different behavioral tests, modeling different aspects (Y-maze, Morris water maze, open-field, social discrimination, elevated plus maze, light-dark box, fox odor, operant conditioning, and conditioned fear test). At the end of the experiment, uterus was collected, amyloid-β accumulation, and the cholinergic system in the brain was examined by immunohistochemistry. The uterus weight decreased, and the body weight increased significantly in the OVX animals. The MRI data showed that the body weight change can be due to fat accumulation. Moreover, OVX increased anxiety in control, but decreased in 3xTg-AD animals, the later genotype being more anxious by default based on the anxiety z-score. In general, 3xTg-AD mice moved less. In relation to cognition, neither the 3xTg-AD genotype nor OVX surgery impaired learning and memory in general. Despite no progression of dementia-like behavior after OVX, at the histological level, OVX aggravated the amyloid-β plaque deposition in the basolateral amygdala and induced early cholinergic neuronal fiber loss in the somatosensory cortex of the transgenic animals. We confirmed that OVX induced menopausal symptoms. Removal of the sexual steroids aggravated the appearance of AD-related alterations in the brain without significantly affecting the behavior. Thus, the OVX in young, 3-month-old 3xTg-AD mice might be a suitable model for testing the effect of new treatment options on structural changes; however, to reveal any beneficial effect on behavior, a later time point might be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szidónia Farkas
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csenge Sólyomvári
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bánrévi
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tiago Chaves
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Dóra Zelena,
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Parhizkar S, Holtzman DM. APOE mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Semin Immunol 2022; 59:101594. [PMID: 35232622 PMCID: PMC9411266 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a central mechanism involved in neurodegeneration as observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disease. Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), the strongest genetic risk factor for AD, directly influences disease onset and progression by interacting with the major pathological hallmarks of AD including amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tau tangles, as well as neuroinflammation. Microglia and astrocytes, the two major immune cells in the brain, exist in an immune-vigilant state providing immunological defense as well as housekeeping functions that promote neuronal well-being. It is becoming increasingly evident that under disease conditions, these immune cells become progressively dysfunctional in regulating metabolic and immunoregulatory pathways, thereby promoting chronic inflammation-induced neurodegeneration. Here, we review and discuss how APOE and specifically APOE4 directly influences amyloid-β and tau pathology, and disrupts microglial as well as astroglial immunomodulating functions leading to chronic inflammation that contributes to neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Parhizkar
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer Disease, Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David M. Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer Disease, Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Salvadó G, Ferreira D, Operto G, Cumplido-Mayoral I, Arenaza-Urquijo EM, Cacciaglia R, Falcon C, Vilor-Tejedor N, Minguillon C, Groot C, van der Flier WM, Barkhof F, Scheltens P, Ossenkoppele R, Kern S, Zettergren A, Skoog I, Hort J, Stomrud E, van Westen D, Hansson O, Molinuevo JL, Wahlund LO, Westman E, Gispert JD. The protective gene dose effect of the APOE ε2 allele on gray matter volume in cognitively unimpaired individuals. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 18:1383-1395. [PMID: 34877786 PMCID: PMC9542211 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Harboring two copies of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 allele strongly protects against Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the effect of this genotype on gray matter (GM) volume in cognitively unimpaired individuals has not yet been described. METHODS Multicenter brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from cognitively unimpaired ε2 homozygotes were matched (1:1) against all other APOE genotypes for relevant confounders (n = 223). GM volumes of ε2 genotypic groups were compared to each other and to the reference group (APOE ε3/ε3). RESULTS Carrying at least one ε2 allele was associated with larger GM volumes in brain areas typically affected by AD and also in areas associated with cognitive resilience. APOE ε2 homozygotes, but not APOE ε2 heterozygotes, showed larger GM volumes in areas related to successful aging. DISCUSSION In addition to the known resistance against amyloid-β deposition, the larger GM volumes in key brain regions may confer APOE ε2 homozygotes additional protection against AD-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Salvadó
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Ferreira
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Grégory Operto
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Cumplido-Mayoral
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eider M Arenaza-Urquijo
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaele Cacciaglia
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Falcon
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natàlia Vilor-Tejedor
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Genetics, ERASMUS MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carolina Minguillon
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Colin Groot
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wiesje M van der Flier
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, VU Medical Center, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Institutes of Neurology & Healthcare Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rik Ossenkoppele
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Silke Kern
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Zettergren
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingmar Skoog
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Centre for Ageing and Health (AgeCap) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakub Hort
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Erik Stomrud
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Danielle van Westen
- Diagnostic Radiology, Institution for Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Image and Function, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - José Luis Molinuevo
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lars-Olof Wahlund
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eric Westman
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroimaging, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Juan Domingo Gispert
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
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Brookhouser N, Raman S, Frisch C, Srinivasan G, Brafman DA. APOE2 mitigates disease-related phenotypes in an isogenic hiPSC-based model of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:5715-5732. [PMID: 33837271 PMCID: PMC8501163 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01076-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified polymorphism in the Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) to be the most prominent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Compared to individuals homozygous for the APOE3 variant, individuals with the APOE4 variant have a significantly elevated risk of AD. On the other hand, longitudinal studies have shown that the presence of the APOE2 variant reduces the lifetime risk of developing AD by 40 percent. While there has been significant research that has identified the risk-inducing effects of APOE4, the underlying mechanisms by which APOE2 influences AD onset and progression have not been extensively explored. In this study, we utilize an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based system to demonstrate that conversion of APOE3 to APOE2 greatly reduced the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in hiPSC-derived neural cultures. Mechanistically, analysis of pure populations of neurons and astrocytes derived from these neural cultures revealed that mitigating effects of APOE2 are mediated by cell autonomous and non-autonomous effects. In particular, we demonstrated the reduction in Aβ is potentially driven by a mechanism related to non-amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), suggesting a gain of the protective function of the APOE2 variant. Together, this study provides insights into the risk-modifying effects associated with the APOE2 allele and establishes a platform to probe the mechanisms by which APOE2 enhances neuroprotection against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Brookhouser
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Graduate Program in Clinical Translational Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Sreedevi Raman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carlye Frisch
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Gayathri Srinivasan
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - David A Brafman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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45
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Serrano-Pozo A, Li Z, Noori A, Nguyen HN, Mezlini A, Li L, Hudry E, Jackson RJ, Hyman BT, Das S. Effect of APOE alleles on the glial transcriptome in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:919-931. [PMID: 36199750 PMCID: PMC9531903 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The roles of APOEε4 and APOEε2-the strongest genetic risk and protective factors for Alzheimer's disease-in glial responses remain elusive. We tested the hypothesis that APOE alleles differentially impact glial responses by investigating their effects on the glial transcriptome from elderly control brains with no neuritic amyloid plaques. We identified a cluster of microglial genes that are upregulated in APOEε4 and downregulated in APOEε2 carriers relative to APOEε3 homozygotes. This microglia-APOE cluster is enriched in phagocytosis-including TREM2 and TYROBP-and proinflammatory genes, and is also detectable in brains with frequent neuritic plaques. Next, we tested these findings in APOE knock-in mice exposed to acute (lipopolysaccharide challenge) and chronic (cerebral β-amyloidosis) insults and found that these mice partially recapitulate human APOE-linked expression patterns. Thus, the APOEε4 allele might prime microglia towards a phagocytic and proinflammatory state through an APOE-TREM2-TYROBP axis in normal aging as well as in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhaozhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Ayush Noori
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Huong N. Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aziz Mezlini
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosemary J. Jackson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T. Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sudeshna Das
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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46
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Lecordier S, Manrique-Castano D, El Moghrabi Y, ElAli A. Neurovascular Alterations in Vascular Dementia: Emphasis on Risk Factors. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:727590. [PMID: 34566627 PMCID: PMC8461067 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.727590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) constitutes the second most prevalent cause of dementia in the world after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). VaD regroups heterogeneous neurological conditions in which the decline of cognitive functions, including executive functions, is associated with structural and functional alterations in the cerebral vasculature. Among these cerebrovascular disorders, major stroke, and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) constitute the major risk factors for VaD. These conditions alter neurovascular functions leading to blood-brain barrier (BBB) deregulation, neurovascular coupling dysfunction, and inflammation. Accumulation of neurovascular impairments over time underlies the cognitive function decline associated with VaD. Furthermore, several vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes have been shown to exacerbate neurovascular impairments and thus increase VaD prevalence. Importantly, air pollution constitutes an underestimated risk factor that triggers vascular dysfunction via inflammation and oxidative stress. The review summarizes the current knowledge related to the pathological mechanisms linking neurovascular impairments associated with stroke, cSVD, and vascular risk factors with a particular emphasis on air pollution, to VaD etiology and progression. Furthermore, the review discusses the major challenges to fully elucidate the pathobiology of VaD, as well as research directions to outline new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lecordier
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Manrique-Castano
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Yara El Moghrabi
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ayman ElAli
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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Pankiewicz JE, Lizińczyk AM, Franco LA, Diaz JR, Martá-Ariza M, Sadowski MJ. Absence of Apolipoprotein E is associated with exacerbation of prion pathology and promotes microglial neurodegenerative phenotype. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:157. [PMID: 34565486 PMCID: PMC8474943 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01261-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases or prionoses are a group of rapidly progressing and invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases. The pathogenesis of prionoses is associated with self-replication and connectomal spread of PrPSc, a disease specific conformer of the prion protein. Microglia undergo activation early in the course of prion pathogenesis and exert opposing roles in PrPSc mediated neurodegeneration. While clearance of PrPSc and apoptotic neurons have disease-limiting effect, microglia-driven neuroinflammation bears deleterious consequences to neuronal networks. Apolipoprotein (apo) E is a lipid transporting protein with pleiotropic functions, which include controlling of the phagocytic and inflammatory characteristics of activated microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the significance of microglia in prion pathogenesis, the role of apoE in prionoses has not been established. We showed here that infection of wild type mice with 22L mouse adapted scrapie strain is associated with significant increase in the total brain apoE protein and mRNA levels and also with a conspicuous cell-type shift in the apoE expression. There is reduced expression of apoE in activated astrocytes and marked upregulation of apoE expression by activated microglia. We also showed apoE ablation exaggerates PrPSc mediated neurodegeneration. Apoe−/− mice have shorter disease incubation period, increased load of spongiform lesion, pronounced neuronal loss, and exaggerated astro and microgliosis. Astrocytes of Apoe−/− mice display salient upregulation of transcriptomic markers defining A1 neurotoxic astrocytes while microglia show upregulation of transcriptomic markers characteristic for microglial neurodegenerative phenotype. There is impaired clearance of PrPSc and dying neurons by microglia in Apoe−/− mice along with increased level of proinflammatory cytokines. Our work indicates that apoE absence renders clearance of PrPSc and dying neurons by microglia inefficient, while the excess of neuronal debris promotes microglial neurodegenerative phenotype aggravating the vicious cycle of neuronal death and neuroinflammation.
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48
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Ahmed MM, Johnson NR, Boyd TD, Coughlan C, Chial HJ, Potter H. Innate Immune System Activation and Neuroinflammation in Down Syndrome and Neurodegeneration: Therapeutic Targets or Partners? Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:718426. [PMID: 34603007 PMCID: PMC8481947 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.718426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune system activation and inflammation are associated with and may contribute to clinical outcomes in people with Down syndrome (DS), neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), and normal aging. In addition to serving as potential diagnostic biomarkers, innate immune system activation and inflammation may play a contributing or causal role in these conditions, leading to the hypothesis that effective therapies should seek to dampen their effects. However, recent intervention studies with the innate immune system activator granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in animal models of DS, AD, and normal aging, and in an AD clinical trial suggest that activating the innate immune system and inflammation may instead be therapeutic. We consider evidence that DS, AD, and normal aging are accompanied by innate immune system activation and inflammation and discuss whether and when during the disease process it may be therapeutically beneficial to suppress or promote such activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Noah R. Johnson
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Timothy D. Boyd
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Partner Therapeutics, Inc., Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Christina Coughlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Heidi J. Chial
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Huntington Potter
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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49
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Madhu P, Mukhopadhyay S. Distinct types of amyloid-β oligomers displaying diverse neurotoxicity mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1594-1608. [PMID: 34494298 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Soluble oligomers of amyloid-β (Aβ) are recognized as key pernicious species in Alzheimer's disease (AD) that cause synaptic dysfunction and memory impairments. Numerous studies have identified various types of Aβ oligomers having heterogeneous peptide length, size distribution, structure, appearance, and toxicity. Here, we review the characteristics of soluble Aβ oligomers based on their morphology, size, and structural reactivity toward the conformation-specific antibodies and then describe their formation, localization, and cellular effects in AD brains, in vivo and in vitro. We also summarize the mechanistic pathways by which these soluble Aβ oligomers cause proteasomal impairment, calcium dyshomeostasis, inhibition of long-term potentiation, apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, and cognitive decline. These cellular events include three distinct molecular mechanisms: (i) high-affinity binding with the receptors for Aβ oligomers such as N-methyl- d-aspartate receptors, cellular prion protein, nerve growth factor, insulin receptors, and frizzled receptors; (ii) the interaction of Aβ oligomers with the lipid membranes; (iii) intraneuronal accumulation of Aβ by α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, apolipoprotein E, and receptor for advanced glycation end products. These studies indicate that there is a pressing need to carefully examine the role of size, appearance, and the conformation of oligomers in identifying the specific mechanism of neurotoxicity that may uncover potential targets for designing AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Madhu
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, India.,Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, India
| | - Samrat Mukhopadhyay
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, India.,Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, India.,Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, India
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50
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Chai AB, Lam HHJ, Kockx M, Gelissen IC. Apolipoprotein E isoform-dependent effects on the processing of Alzheimer's amyloid-β. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158980. [PMID: 34044125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the identification of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) *ε4 allele as a major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, significant efforts have been aimed at elucidating how apoE4 expression confers greater brain amyloid-β (Aβ) burden, earlier disease onset and worse clinical outcomes compared to apoE2 and apoE3. ApoE primarily functions as a lipid carrier to regulate cholesterol metabolism in circulation as well as in the brain. However, it has also been suggested to interact with hydrophobic Aβ peptides to influence their processing in an isoform-dependent manner. Here, we review evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies extricating the effects of the three apoE isoforms, on different stages of the Aβ processing pathway including synthesis, aggregation, deposition, clearance and degradation. ApoE4 consistently correlates with impaired Aβ clearance, however data regarding Aβ synthesis and aggregation are conflicting and likely reflect inconsistencies in experimental approaches across studies. We further discuss the physical and chemical properties of apoE that may explain the inherent differences in activity between the isoforms. The lipidation status and lipid transport function of apoE are intrinsically linked with its ability to interact with Aβ. Traditionally, apoE-oriented therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease have been proposed to non-specifically enhance or inhibit apoE activity. However, given the wide-ranging physiological functions of apoE in the brain and periphery, a more viable approach may be to specifically target and neutralise the pathological apoE4 isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Hin Hei Julian Lam
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maaike Kockx
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, University of Sydney, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Ingrid C Gelissen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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