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Purro SA, Farmer M, Noble E, Sarell CJ, Powell M, Yip D, Giggins L, Zakka L, Thomas DX, Farrow M, Nicoll AJ, Walsh D, Collinge J. Two mouse models of Alzheimer's disease accumulate amyloid at different rates and have distinct Aβ oligomer profiles unaltered by ablation of cellular prion protein. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294465. [PMID: 37976283 PMCID: PMC10655998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294465] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligomers formed from monomers of the amyloid β-protein (Aβ) are thought to be central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Unsurprisingly for a complex disease, current mouse models of AD fail to fully mimic the clinical disease in humans. Moreover, results obtained in a given mouse model are not always reproduced in a different model. Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is now an established receptor for Aβ oligomers. However, studies of the Aβ-PrPC interaction in different mouse models have yielded contradictory results. Here we performed a longitudinal study assessing a range of biochemical and histological features in the commonly used J20 and APP-PS1 mouse models. Our analysis demonstrated that PrPC ablation had no effect on amyloid accumulation or oligomer production. However, we found that APP-PS1 mice had higher levels of oligomers, that these could bind to recombinant PrPC, and were recognised by the OC antibody which distinguishes parallel, in register fibrils. On the other hand, J20 mice had a lower level of Aβ oligomers, which did not interact with PrPC when tested in vitro and were OC-negative. These results suggest the two mouse models produce diverse Aβ assemblies that could interact with different targets, highlighting the necessity to characterise the conformation of the Aβ oligomers concomitantly with the toxic cascade elicited by them. Our results provide an explanation for the apparent contradictory results found in APP-PS1 mice and the J20 mouse line in regards to Aβ toxicity mediated by PrPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A. Purro
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Farmer
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Noble
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire J. Sarell
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Powell
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Yip
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Giggins
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leila Zakka
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David X. Thomas
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Farrow
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Nicoll
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Walsh
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Stoner A, Fu L, Nicholson L, Zheng C, Toyonaga T, Spurrier J, Laird W, Cai Z, Strittmatter SM. Neuronal transcriptome, tau and synapse loss in Alzheimer's knock-in mice require prion protein. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:201. [PMID: 37968719 PMCID: PMC10647125 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01345-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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progression of Alzheimer's disease leads to synapse loss, neural network dysfunction and cognitive failure. Accumulation of protein aggregates and brain immune activation have triggering roles in synaptic failure but the neuronal mechanisms underlying synapse loss are unclear. On the neuronal surface, cellular prion protein (PrPC) is known to be a high-affinity binding site for Amyloid-β oligomers (Aβo). However, PrPC's dependence in knock-in AD models for tau accumulation, transcriptomic alterations and imaging biomarkers is unknown. METHODS The necessity of PrPC was examined as a function of age in homozygous AppNL-G-F/hMapt double knock-in mice (DKI). Phenotypes of AppNL-G-F/hMapt mice with a deletion of Prnp expression (DKI; Prnp-/-) were compared with DKI mice with intact Prnp, mice with a targeted deletion of Prnp (Prnp-/-), and mice with intact Prnp (WT). Phenotypes examined included behavioral deficits, synapse loss by PET imaging, synapse loss by immunohistology, tau pathology, gliosis, inflammatory markers, and snRNA-seq transcriptomic profiling. RESULTS By 9 months age, DKI mice showed learning and memory impairment, but DKI; Prnp-/- and Prnp-/- groups were indistinguishable from WT. Synapse loss in DKI brain, measured by [18F]SynVesT-1 SV2A PET or anti-SV2A immunohistology, was prevented by Prnp deletion. Accumulation of Tau phosphorylated at aa 217 and 202/205, C1q tagging of synapses, and dystrophic neurites were all increased in DKI mice but each decreased to WT levels with Prnp deletion. In contrast, astrogliosis, microgliosis and Aβ levels were unchanged between DKI and DKI; Prnp-/- groups. Single-nuclei transcriptomics revealed differential expression in neurons and glia of DKI mice relative to WT. For DKI; Prnp-/- mice, the majority of neuronal genes differentially expressed in DKI mice were no longer significantly altered relative to WT, but most glial DKI-dependent gene expression changes persisted. The DKI-dependent neuronal genes corrected by Prnp deletion associated bioinformatically with synaptic function. Additional genes were uniquely altered only in the Prnp-/- or the DKI; Prnp-/- groups. CONCLUSIONS Thus, PrPC-dependent synapse loss, phospho-tau accumulation and neuronal gene expression in AD mice can be reversed without clearing Aβ plaque or preventing gliotic reaction. This supports targeting the Aβo-PrPC interaction to prevent Aβo-neurotoxicity and pathologic tau accumulation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Stoner
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Li Fu
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - LaShae Nicholson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chao Zheng
- Yale PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Takuya Toyonaga
- Yale PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua Spurrier
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Will Laird
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhengxin Cai
- Yale PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Ratan Y, Rajput A, Maleysm S, Pareek A, Jain V, Pareek A, Kaur R, Singh G. An Insight into Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051398. [PMID: 37239068 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prominent neurodegenerative disorder in the aging population. It is characterized by cognitive decline, gradual neurodegeneration, and the development of amyloid-β (Aβ)-plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which constitute hyperphosphorylated tau. The early stages of neurodegeneration in AD include the loss of neurons, followed by synaptic impairment. Since the discovery of AD, substantial factual research has surfaced that outlines the disease's causes, molecular mechanisms, and prospective therapeutics, but a successful cure for the disease has not yet been discovered. This may be attributed to the complicated pathogenesis of AD, the absence of a well-defined molecular mechanism, and the constrained diagnostic resources and treatment options. To address the aforementioned challenges, extensive disease modeling is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms of AD, making it easier to design and develop effective treatment strategies. Emerging evidence over the past few decades supports the critical role of Aβ and tau in AD pathogenesis and the participation of glial cells in different molecular and cellular pathways. This review extensively discusses the current understanding concerning Aβ- and tau-associated molecular mechanisms and glial dysfunction in AD. Moreover, the critical risk factors associated with AD including genetics, aging, environmental variables, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, viral/bacterial infections, and psychiatric factors have been summarized. The present study will entice researchers to more thoroughly comprehend and explore the current status of the molecular mechanism of AD, which may assist in AD drug development in the forthcoming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashumati Ratan
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aishwarya Rajput
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sushmita Maleysm
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aaushi Pareek
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vivek Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ashutosh Pareek
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ranjeet Kaur
- Adesh Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Bathinda 151101, Punjab, India
| | - Gurjit Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Nafe R, Arendt CT, Hattingen E. Human prion diseases and the prion protein - what is the current state of knowledge? Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220315. [PMID: 37854584 PMCID: PMC10579786 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0315] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases and the prion protein are only partially understood so far in many aspects. This explains the continued research on this topic, calling for an overview on the current state of knowledge. The main objective of the present review article is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date presentation of all major features of human prion diseases bridging the gap between basic research and clinical aspects. Starting with the prion protein, current insights concerning its physiological functions and the process of pathological conversion will be highlighted. Diagnostic, molecular, and clinical aspects of all human prion diseases will be discussed, including information concerning rare diseases like prion-associated amyloidoses and Huntington disease-like 1, as well as the question about a potential human threat due to the transmission of prions from prion diseases of other species such as chronic wasting disease. Finally, recent attempts to develop future therapeutic strategies will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhold Nafe
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christophe T. Arendt
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elke Hattingen
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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A high-content neuron imaging assay demonstrates inhibition of prion disease-associated neurotoxicity by an anti-prion protein antibody. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9493. [PMID: 35680944 PMCID: PMC9184462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop disease-modifying therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases which pose increasing challenges to global healthcare systems. Prion diseases, although rare, provide a paradigm to study neurodegenerative dementias as similar disease mechanisms involving propagation and spread of multichain assemblies of misfolded protein ("prion-like" mechanisms) are increasingly recognised in the commoner conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. However, studies of prion disease pathogenesis in mouse models showed that prion propagation and neurotoxicity can be mechanistically uncoupled and in vitro assays confirmed that highly purified prions are indeed not directly neurotoxic. To aid development of prion disease therapeutics we have therefore developed a cell-based assay for the specific neurotoxicity seen in prion diseases rather than to simply assess inhibition of prion propagation. We applied this assay to examine an anti-prion protein mouse monoclonal antibody (ICSM18) known to potently cure prion-infected cells and to delay onset of prion disease in prion-infected mice. We demonstrate that whilst ICSM18 itself lacks inherent neurotoxicity in this assay, it potently blocks prion disease-associated neurotoxicity.
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Mead S, Khalili-Shirazi A, Potter C, Mok T, Nihat A, Hyare H, Canning S, Schmidt C, Campbell T, Darwent L, Muirhead N, Ebsworth N, Hextall P, Wakeling M, Linehan J, Libri V, Williams B, Jaunmuktane Z, Brandner S, Rudge P, Collinge J. Prion protein monoclonal antibody (PRN100) therapy for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: evaluation of a first-in-human treatment programme. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:342-354. [PMID: 35305340 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00082-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), are rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurodegenerative conditions with no effective therapies. Their pathogenesis involves the obligate recruitment of cellular prion protein (PrPC) into self-propagating multimeric assemblies or prions. Preclinical studies have firmly validated the targeting of PrPC as a therapeutic strategy. We aimed to evaluate a first-in-human treatment programme using an anti-PrPC monoclonal antibody under a Specials Licence. METHODS We generated a fully humanised anti-PrPC monoclonal antibody (an IgG4κ isotype; PRN100) for human use. We offered treatment with PRN100 to six patients with a clinical diagnosis of probable CJD who were not in the terminal disease stages at the point of first assessment and who were able to readily travel to the University College London Hospital (UCLH) Clinical Research Facility, London, UK, for treatment. After titration (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg at 48-h intervals), patients were treated with 80-120 mg/kg of intravenous PRN100 every 2 weeks until death or withdrawal from the programme, or until the supply of PRN100 was exhausted, and closely monitored for evidence of adverse effects. Disease progression was assessed by use of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Prion Disease Rating Scale, Motor Scale, and Cognitive Scale, and compared with that of untreated natural history controls (matched for disease severity, subtype, and PRNP codon 129 genotype) recruited between Oct 1, 2008, and July 31, 2018, from the National Prion Monitoring Cohort study. Autopsies were done in two patients and findings were compared with those from untreated natural history controls. FINDINGS We treated six patients (two men; four women) with CJD for 7-260 days at UCLH between Oct 9, 2018, and July 31, 2019. Repeated intravenous dosing of PRN100 was well tolerated and reached the target CSF drug concentration (50 nM) in four patients after 22-70 days; no clinically significant adverse reactions were seen. All patients showed progressive neurological decline on serial assessments with the MRC Scales. Neuropathological examination was done in two patients (patients 2 and 3) and showed no evidence of cytotoxicity. Patient 2, who was treated for 140 days, had the longest clinical duration we have yet documented for iatrogenic CJD and showed patterns of disease-associated PrP that differed from untreated patients with CJD, consistent with drug effects. Patient 3, who had sporadic CJD and only received one therapeutic dose of 80 mg/kg, had weak PrP synaptic labelling in the periventricular regions, which was not a feature of untreated patients with sporadic CJD. Brain tissue-bound drug concentrations across multiple regions in patient 2 ranged from 9·9 μg per g of tissue (SD 0·3) in the thalamus to 27·4 μg per g of tissue (1·5) in the basal ganglia (equivalent to 66-182 nM). INTERPRETATION Our academic-led programme delivered what is, to our knowledge, the first rationally designed experimental treatment for human prion disease to a small number of patients with CJD. The treatment appeared to be safe and reached encouraging CSF and brain tissue concentrations. These findings justify the need for formal efficacy trials in patients with CJD at the earliest possible clinical stages and as prophylaxis in those at risk of prion disease due to PRNP mutations or prion exposure. FUNDING The Cure CJD Campaign, the National Institute for Health Research UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, the Jon Moulton Charitable Trust, and the UK MRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Mead
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Azadeh Khalili-Shirazi
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Caroline Potter
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tzehow Mok
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Akin Nihat
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Harpreet Hyare
- Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Canning
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christian Schmidt
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tracy Campbell
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lee Darwent
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nicola Muirhead
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nicolette Ebsworth
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick Hextall
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Madeleine Wakeling
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline Linehan
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vincenzo Libri
- NIHR, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK; Clinical Research Facility, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Bryan Williams
- NIHR, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Division of Neuropathology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Division of Neuropathology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Peter Rudge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK; National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
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Mohammadi B, Song F, Matamoros-Angles A, Shafiq M, Damme M, Puig B, Glatzel M, Altmeppen HC. Anchorless risk or released benefit? An updated view on the ADAM10-mediated shedding of the prion protein. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 392:215-234. [PMID: 35084572 PMCID: PMC10113312 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03582-4] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The prion protein (PrP) is a broadly expressed glycoprotein linked with a multitude of (suggested) biological and pathological implications. Some of these roles seem to be due to constitutively generated proteolytic fragments of the protein. Among them is a soluble PrP form, which is released from the surface of neurons and other cell types by action of the metalloprotease ADAM10 in a process termed 'shedding'. The latter aspect is the focus of this review, which aims to provide a comprehensive overview on (i) the relevance of proteolytic processing in regulating cellular PrP functions, (ii) currently described involvement of shed PrP in neurodegenerative diseases (including prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease), (iii) shed PrP's expected roles in intercellular communication in many more (patho)physiological conditions (such as stroke, cancer or immune responses), (iv) and the need for improved research tools in respective (future) studies. Deeper mechanistic insight into roles played by PrP shedding and its resulting fragment may pave the way for improved diagnostics and future therapeutic approaches in diseases of the brain and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Mohammadi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Working Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology (INI Research), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Feizhi Song
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreu Matamoros-Angles
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mohsin Shafiq
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Damme
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Berta Puig
- Department of Neurology, Experimental Research in Stroke and Inflammation (ERSI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Adhikari UK, Sakiz E, Habiba U, Mikhael M, Senesi M, David MA, Guillemin GJ, Ooi L, Karl T, Collins S, Tayebi M. Treatment of microglia with Anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies induces neuronal apoptosis in vitro. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08644. [PMID: 35005289 PMCID: PMC8715334 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reports highlighted the neurotoxic effects caused by some motif-specific anti-PrPC antibodies in vivo and in vitro. In the current study, we investigated the detailed alterations of the proteome with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry following direct application of anti-PrPC antibodies on mouse neuroblastoma cells (N2a) and mouse primary neuronal (MPN) cells or by cross-linking microglial PrPC with anti-PrPC antibodies prior to co-culture with the N2a/MPN cells. Here, we identified 4 (3 upregulated and 1 downregulated) and 17 (11 upregulated and 6 downregulated) neuronal apoptosis-related proteins following treatment of the N2a and N11 cell lines respectively when compared with untreated cells. In contrast, we identified 1 (upregulated) and 4 (2 upregulated and 2 downregulated) neuronal apoptosis-related proteins following treatment of MPN cells and N11 when compared with untreated cells. Furthermore, we also identified 3 (2 upregulated and 1 downregulated) and 2 (1 upregulated and 1 downregulated) neuronal apoptosis-related related proteins following treatment of MPN cells and N11 when compared to treatment with an anti-PrP antibody that lacks binding specificity for mouse PrP. The apoptotic effect of the anti-PrP antibodies was confirmed with flow cytometry following labelling of Annexin V-FITC. The toxic effects of the anti-PrP antibodies was more intense when antibody-treated N11 were co-cultured with the N2a and the identified apoptosis proteome was shown to be part of the PrPC-interactome. Our observations provide a new insight into the prominent role played by microglia in causing neurotoxic effects following treatment with anti-PrPC antibodies and might be relevant to explain the antibody mediated toxicity observed in other related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer. Antibody cross-linking neuronal PrPC induces apoptosis. Antibody cross-linking microglial PrPC induces neuronal apoptosis. Different apoptotic pathways were triggered by specific anti-PrP antibody treatments.
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Linsenmeier L, Mohammadi B, Shafiq M, Frontzek K, Bär J, Shrivastava AN, Damme M, Song F, Schwarz A, Da Vela S, Massignan T, Jung S, Correia A, Schmitz M, Puig B, Hornemann S, Zerr I, Tatzelt J, Biasini E, Saftig P, Schweizer M, Svergun D, Amin L, Mazzola F, Varani L, Thapa S, Gilch S, Schätzl H, Harris DA, Triller A, Mikhaylova M, Aguzzi A, Altmeppen HC, Glatzel M. Ligands binding to the prion protein induce its proteolytic release with therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative proteinopathies. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj1826. [PMID: 34818048 PMCID: PMC8612689 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj1826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The prion protein (PrPC) is a central player in neurodegenerative diseases, such as prion diseases or Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast to disease-promoting cell surface PrPC, extracellular fragments act neuroprotective by blocking neurotoxic disease-associated protein conformers. Fittingly, PrPC release by the metalloprotease ADAM10 represents a protective mechanism. We used biochemical, cell biological, morphological, and structural methods to investigate mechanisms stimulating this proteolytic shedding. Shed PrP negatively correlates with prion conversion and is markedly redistributed in murine brain in the presence of prion deposits or amyloid plaques, indicating a sequestrating activity. PrP-directed ligands cause structural changes in PrPC and increased shedding in cells and organotypic brain slice cultures. As an exception, some PrP-directed antibodies targeting repetitive epitopes do not cause shedding but surface clustering, endocytosis, and degradation of PrPC. Both mechanisms may contribute to beneficial actions described for PrP-directed ligands and pave the way for new therapeutic strategies against currently incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Linsenmeier
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Behnam Mohammadi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mohsin Shafiq
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karl Frontzek
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Bär
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amulya N. Shrivastava
- École Normale Supérieure, Institut de Biologie de l’ENS (IBENS), INSERM, CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Markus Damme
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Feizhi Song
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Schwarz
- Institute of Nanostructure and Solid State Physics, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefano Da Vela
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tania Massignan
- Dulbecco Telethon Laboratory of Prions and Amyloids, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Sebastian Jung
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Angela Correia
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Berta Puig
- Department of Neurology, Experimental Research in Stroke and Inflammation, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Hornemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Bochum, Germany
| | - Emiliano Biasini
- Dulbecco Telethon Laboratory of Prions and Amyloids, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Paul Saftig
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Dmitri Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ladan Amin
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Federica Mazzola
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Varani
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Simrika Thapa
- Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sabine Gilch
- Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hermann Schätzl
- Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David A. Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antoine Triller
- École Normale Supérieure, Institut de Biologie de l’ENS (IBENS), INSERM, CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Marina Mikhaylova
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hermann C. Altmeppen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Adhikari UK, Tayebi M. Epitope-specific anti-PrP antibody toxicity: a comparative in-silico study of human and mouse prion proteins. Prion 2021; 15:155-176. [PMID: 34632945 PMCID: PMC8900626 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2021.1964326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite having therapeutic potential, anti-PrP antibodies caused a major controversy due to their neurotoxic effects. For instance, treating mice with ICSM antibodies delayed prion disease onset, but both were found to be either toxic or innocuous to neurons by researchers following cross-linking PrPC. In order to elucidate and understand the reasons that led to these contradictory outcomes, we conducted a comprehensive in silico study to assess the antibody-specific toxicity. Since most therapeutic anti-PrP antibodies were generated against human truncated recombinant PrP91-231 or full-length mouse PrP23-231, we reasoned that host specificity (human vs murine) of PrPC might influence the nature of the specific epitopes recognized by these antibodies at the structural level possibly explaining the 'toxicity' discrepancies reported previously. Initially, molecular dynamics simulation and pro-motif analysis of full-length human (hu)PrP and mouse (mo)PrP 3D structure displayed conspicuous structural differences between huPrP and moPrP. We identified 10 huPrP and 6 moPrP linear B-cell epitopes from the prion protein 3D structure where 5 out of 10 huPrP and 3 out of 6 moPrP B-cell epitopes were predicted to be potentially toxic in immunoinformatics approaches. Herein, we demonstrate that some of the predicted potentially 'toxic' epitopes identified by the in silico analysis were similar to the epitopes recognized by the toxic antibodies such as ICSM18 (146-159), POM1 (138-147), D18 (133-157), ICSM35 (91-110), D13 (95-103) and POM3 (95-100). This in silico study reveals the role of host specificity of PrPC in epitope-specific anti-PrP antibody toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mourad Tayebi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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11
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Formyl peptide receptor 2, as an important target for ligands triggering the inflammatory response regulation: a link to brain pathology. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1004-1019. [PMID: 34105114 PMCID: PMC8413167 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) belong to the family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors. Among them, FPR2 is a low affinity receptor for N-formyl peptides and is considered the most promiscuous member of FPRs. FPR2 is able to recognize a broad variety of endogenous or exogenous ligands, ranging from lipid to proteins and peptides, including non-formylated peptides. Due to this property FPR2 has the ability to modulate both pro- and anti-inflammatory response, depending on the nature of the bound agonist and on the different recognition sites of the receptor. Thus, FPR2 takes part not only in the proinflammatory response but also in the resolution of inflammation (RoI) processes. Recent data have indicated that the malfunction of RoI may be the background for some central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Therefore, much interest is focused on endogenous molecules called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), as well as on new synthetic FPR2 agonists, which kick-start the resolution of inflammation (RoI) and modulate its course. Here, we shed some light on the general characteristics of the FPR family in humans and in the experimental animals. Moreover, we present a guide to understanding the "double faced" action of FPR2 activation in the context of immune-related diseases of the CNS.
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12
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Rezvani Boroujeni E, Hosseini SM, Fani G, Cecchi C, Chiti F. Soluble Prion Peptide 107-120 Protects Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells against Oligomers Associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7273. [PMID: 33019683 PMCID: PMC7582777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and soluble amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers are thought to play a critical role in AD pathogenesis. Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a high-affinity receptor for Aβ oligomers and mediates some of their toxic effects. The N-terminal region of PrPC can interact with Aβ, particularly the region encompassing residues 95-110. In this study, we identified a soluble and unstructured prion-derived peptide (PrP107-120) that is external to this region of the sequence and was found to successfully reduce the mitochondrial impairment, intracellular ROS generation and cytosolic Ca2+ uptake induced by oligomeric Aβ42 ADDLs in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. PrP107-120 was also found to rescue SH-SY5Y cells from Aβ42 ADDL internalization. The peptide did not change the structure and aggregation pathway of Aβ42 ADDLs, did not show co-localization with Aβ42 ADDLs in the cells and showed a partial colocalization with the endogenous cellular PrPC. As a sequence region that is not involved in Aβ binding but in PrP self-recognition, the peptide was suggested to protect against the toxicity of Aβ42 oligomers by interfering with cellular PrPC and/or activating a signaling that protected the cells. These results strongly suggest that PrP107-120 has therapeutic potential for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Rezvani Boroujeni
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran;
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Seyed Masoud Hosseini
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran;
| | - Giulia Fani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
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13
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Senatore A, Frontzek K, Emmenegger M, Chincisan A, Losa M, Reimann R, Horny G, Guo J, Fels S, Sorce S, Zhu C, George N, Ewert S, Pietzonka T, Hornemann S, Aguzzi A. Protective anti-prion antibodies in human immunoglobulin repertoires. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e12739. [PMID: 32776637 PMCID: PMC7506995 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion immunotherapy may hold great potential, but antibodies against certain PrP epitopes can be neurotoxic. Here, we identified > 6,000 PrP-binding antibodies in a synthetic human Fab phage display library, 49 of which we characterized in detail. Antibodies directed against the flexible tail of PrP conferred neuroprotection against infectious prions. We then mined published repertoires of circulating B cells from healthy humans and found antibodies similar to the protective phage-derived antibodies. When expressed recombinantly, these antibodies exhibited anti-PrP reactivity. Furthermore, we surveyed 48,718 samples from 37,894 hospital patients for the presence of anti-PrP IgGs and found 21 high-titer individuals. The clinical files of these individuals did not reveal any enrichment of specific pathologies, suggesting that anti-PrP autoimmunity is innocuous. The existence of anti-prion antibodies in unbiased human immunological repertoires suggests that they might clear nascent prions early in life. Combined with the reported lack of such antibodies in carriers of disease-associated PRNP mutations, this suggests a link to the low incidence of spontaneous prion diseases in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Senatore
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl Frontzek
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Emmenegger
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andra Chincisan
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Losa
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Reimann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Geraldine Horny
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Fels
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Sorce
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caihong Zhu
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie George
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Ewert
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Simone Hornemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Guo T, Zhang D, Zeng Y, Huang TY, Xu H, Zhao Y. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:40. [PMID: 32677986 PMCID: PMC7364557 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder seen in age-dependent dementia. There is currently no effective treatment for AD, which may be attributed in part to lack of a clear underlying mechanism. Studies within the last few decades provide growing evidence for a central role of amyloid β (Aβ) and tau, as well as glial contributions to various molecular and cellular pathways in AD pathogenesis. Herein, we review recent progress with respect to Aβ- and tau-associated mechanisms, and discuss glial dysfunction in AD with emphasis on neuronal and glial receptors that mediate Aβ-induced toxicity. We also discuss other critical factors that may affect AD pathogenesis, including genetics, aging, variables related to environment, lifestyle habits, and describe the potential role of apolipoprotein E (APOE), viral and bacterial infection, sleep, and microbiota. Although we have gained much towards understanding various aspects underlying this devastating neurodegenerative disorder, greater commitment towards research in molecular mechanism, diagnostics and treatment will be needed in future AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Guo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Denghong Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuzhe Zeng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Center of People's Liberation Army, The Affiliated Southeast Hospital of Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Timothy Y Huang
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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15
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Asante EA, Linehan JM, Tomlinson A, Jakubcova T, Hamdan S, Grimshaw A, Smidak M, Jeelani A, Nihat A, Mead S, Brandner S, Wadsworth JDF, Collinge J. Spontaneous generation of prions and transmissible PrP amyloid in a humanised transgenic mouse model of A117V GSS. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000725. [PMID: 32516343 PMCID: PMC7282622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited prion diseases are caused by autosomal dominant coding mutations in the human prion protein (PrP) gene (PRNP) and account for about 15% of human prion disease cases worldwide. The proposed mechanism is that the mutation predisposes to conformational change in the expressed protein, leading to the generation of disease-related multichain PrP assemblies that propagate by seeded protein misfolding. Despite considerable experimental support for this hypothesis, to-date spontaneous formation of disease-relevant, transmissible PrP assemblies in transgenic models expressing only mutant human PrP has not been demonstrated. Here, we report findings from transgenic mice that express human PrP 117V on a mouse PrP null background (117VV Tg30 mice), which model the PRNP A117V mutation causing inherited prion disease (IPD) including Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS) disease phenotypes in humans. By studying brain samples from uninoculated groups of mice, we discovered that some mice (≥475 days old) spontaneously generated abnormal PrP assemblies, which after inoculation into further groups of 117VV Tg30 mice, produced a molecular and neuropathological phenotype congruent with that seen after transmission of brain isolates from IPD A117V patients to the same mice. To the best of our knowledge, the 117VV Tg30 mouse line is the first transgenic model expressing only mutant human PrP to show spontaneous generation of transmissible PrP assemblies that directly mirror those generated in an inherited prion disease in humans. Transgenic mice expressing the human prion protein containing a mutation linked to the inherited prion disease Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease develop spontaneous neuropathology. This represents the first human prion protein transgenic model to show spontaneous generation of transmissible prion assemblies that directly mirror those generated in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A. Asante
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (EAA); (JDFW); (JC)
| | | | - Andrew Tomlinson
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tatiana Jakubcova
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shyma Hamdan
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Grimshaw
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Smidak
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asif Jeelani
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Akin Nihat
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Mead
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Division of Neuropathology, the National Hospital For Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Square, London United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. F. Wadsworth
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (EAA); (JDFW); (JC)
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (EAA); (JDFW); (JC)
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16
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Li S, Selkoe DJ. A mechanistic hypothesis for the impairment of synaptic plasticity by soluble Aβ oligomers from Alzheimer's brain. J Neurochem 2020; 154:583-597. [PMID: 32180217 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly accepted that early cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease results in considerable part from synaptic dysfunction caused by the accumulation of a range of oligomeric assemblies of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). Most studies have used synthetic Aβ peptides to explore the mechanisms of memory deficits in rodent models, but recent work suggests that Aβ assemblies isolated from human (AD) brain tissue are far more potent and disease-relevant. Although reductionist experiments show Aβ oligomers to impair synaptic plasticity and neuronal viability, the responsible mechanisms are only partly understood. Glutamatergic receptors, GABAergic receptors, nicotinic receptors, insulin receptors, the cellular prion protein, inflammatory mediators, and diverse signaling pathways have all been suggested. Studies using AD brain-derived soluble Aβ oligomers suggest that only certain bioactive forms (principally small, diffusible oligomers) can disrupt synaptic plasticity, including by binding to plasma membranes and changing excitatory-inhibitory balance, perturbing mGluR, PrP, and other neuronal surface proteins, down-regulating glutamate transporters, causing glutamate spillover, and activating extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. We synthesize these emerging data into a mechanistic hypothesis for synaptic failure in Alzheimer's disease that can be modified as new knowledge is added and specific therapeutics are developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomin Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis J Selkoe
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Ma Y, Ma J. Immunotherapy against Prion Disease. Pathogens 2020; 9:E216. [PMID: 32183309 PMCID: PMC7157205 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The term "prion disease" encompasses a group of neurodegenerative diseases affecting both humans and animals. Currently, there is no effective therapy and all forms of prion disease are invariably fatal. Because of (a) the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans; (b) the heated debate about the prion hypothesis; and (c) the availability of a natural prion disease in rodents, the understanding of the pathogenic process in prion disease is much more advanced compared to that of other neurodegenerative disorders, which inspired many attempts to develop therapeutic strategies against these fatal diseases. In this review, we focus on immunotherapy against prion disease. We explain our rationale for immunotherapy as a plausible therapeutic choice, review previous trials using either active or passive immunization, and discuss potential strategies for overcoming the hurdles in developing a successful immunotherapy. We propose that immunotherapy is a plausible and practical therapeutic strategy and advocate more studies in this area to develop effective measures to control and treat these devastating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiyan Ma
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Avenue N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
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18
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New Alzheimer's disease model mouse specialized for analyzing the function and toxicity of intraneuronal Amyloid β oligomers. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17368. [PMID: 31757975 PMCID: PMC6874556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligomers of intracellular amyloid β protein (Aβ) are strongly cytotoxic and play crucial roles in synaptic transmission and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there is currently no AD model mouse in which to specifically analyze the function of Aβ oligomers only. We have now developed a novel AD model mouse, an Aβ-GFP transgenic mouse (Aβ-GFP Tg), that expresses the GFP-fused human Aβ1-42 protein, which forms only Aβ oligomers within neurons throughout their life. The fusion proteins are expressed mainly in the hippocampal CA1-CA2 region and cerebral cortex, and are not secreted extracellularly. The Aβ-GFP Tg mice exhibit increased tau phosphorylation, altered spine morphology, decreased expressions of the GluN2B receptor and neuroligin in synaptic regions, attenuated hippocampal long-term potentiation, and impaired object recognition memory compared with non-Tg littermates. Interestingly, these dysfunctions have already appeared in 2–3-months-old animals. The Aβ-GFP fusion protein is bioactive and highly toxic, and induces the similar synaptic dysfunctions as the naturally generated Aβ oligomer derived from postmortem AD patient brains and synthetic Aβ oligomers. Thus, Aβ-GFP Tg mouse is a new tool specialized to analyze the function of Aβ oligomers in vivo and to find subtle changes in synapses in early symptoms of AD.
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19
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Ashrafizadeh M, Ahmadi Z, Mohammadinejad R, Farkhondeh T, Samarghandian S. MicroRNAs mediate the anti-tumor and protective effects of ginsenosides. Nutr Cancer 2019; 72:1264-1275. [PMID: 31608663 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2019.1675722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs(, as short non-coding RNAs, regulate important biological processes and mainly are associated with regulation of gene expression. The miRs are beneficial targets for diagnosis of various disorders, particularly cancer, since their expression profile undergoes alterations in pathological conditions. The numerous drugs have been designed with the capability of targeting miRs for treating pathological conditions. On the other hand, the application of naturally occurring compounds has been increased due to their minimal side effects and valuable biological and therapeutic activities. Ginsenosides are able to act as anti-tumor agents via either increasing or decreasing the expression level of miRs. Ginsenosides affect the expression profile of miRNAs to induce their protective impacts. Angiogenesis as a key factor in the progression of cancer can be suppressed by ginsenosides which is mediated by miR regulation. The aim of this review is to shed some light on the protective and anti-tumor activities of ginsenosides mediated by miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Basic Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Department of Basic Science, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
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20
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Jarosz-Griffiths HH, Corbett NJ, Rowland HA, Fisher K, Jones AC, Baron J, Howell GJ, Cowley SA, Chintawar S, Cader MZ, Kellett KAB, Hooper NM. Proteolytic shedding of the prion protein via activation of metallopeptidase ADAM10 reduces cellular binding and toxicity of amyloid-β oligomers. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:7085-7097. [PMID: 30872401 PMCID: PMC6497954 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a key neuronal receptor for β-amyloid oligomers (AβO), mediating their neurotoxicity, which contributes to the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Similarly to the amyloid precursor protein (APP), PrPC is proteolytically cleaved from the cell surface by a disintegrin and metalloprotease, ADAM10. We hypothesized that ADAM10-modulated PrPC shedding would alter the cellular binding and cytotoxicity of AβO. Here, we found that in human neuroblastoma cells, activation of ADAM10 with the muscarinic agonist carbachol promotes PrPC shedding and reduces the binding of AβO to the cell surface, which could be blocked with an ADAM10 inhibitor. Conversely, siRNA-mediated ADAM10 knockdown reduced PrPC shedding and increased AβO binding, which was blocked by the PrPC-specific antibody 6D11. The retinoic acid receptor analog acitretin, which up-regulates ADAM10, also promoted PrPC shedding and decreased AβO binding in the neuroblastoma cells and in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Pretreatment with acitretin abolished activation of Fyn kinase and prevented an increase in reactive oxygen species caused by AβO binding to PrPC Besides blocking AβO binding and toxicity, acitretin also increased the nonamyloidogenic processing of APP. However, in the iPSC-derived neurons, Aβ and other amyloidogenic processing products did not exhibit a reciprocal decrease upon acitretin treatment. These results indicate that by promoting the shedding of PrPC in human neurons, ADAM10 activation prevents the binding and cytotoxicity of AβO, revealing a potential therapeutic benefit of ADAM10 activation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heledd H Jarosz-Griffiths
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Nicola J Corbett
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Helen A Rowland
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Kate Fisher
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Alys C Jones
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Jennifer Baron
- the Flow Cytometry Facility Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, CTF Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Gareth J Howell
- the Flow Cytometry Facility Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, CTF Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Sally A Cowley
- the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE.,the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX
| | - Satyan Chintawar
- the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, and.,the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - M Zameel Cader
- the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, and.,the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine A B Kellett
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Nigel M Hooper
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT,
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21
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Cox TO, Gunther EC, Brody AH, Chiasseu MT, Stoner A, Smith LM, Haas LT, Hammersley J, Rees G, Dosanjh B, Groves M, Gardener M, Dobson C, Vaughan T, Chessell I, Billinton A, Strittmatter SM. Anti-PrP C antibody rescues cognition and synapses in transgenic alzheimer mice. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:554-574. [PMID: 30911579 PMCID: PMC6414488 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Amyloid-beta oligomers (Aßo) trigger the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Cellular prion protein (PrPC) initiates synaptic damage as a high affinity receptor for Aßo. Here, we evaluated the preclinical therapeutic efficacy of a fully human monoclonal antibody against PrPC. This AZ59 antibody selectively targets the Aβo binding site in the amino-terminal unstructured domain of PrPC to avoid any potential risk of direct toxicity. Methods Potency of AZ59 was evaluated by binding to PrPC, blockade of Aβo interaction and interruption of Aβo signaling. AZ59 was administered to mice by weekly intraperitoneal dosing and brain antibody measured. APP/PS1 transgenic mice were treated with AZ59 and assessed by memory tests, by brain biochemistry and by histochemistry for Aß, gliosis and synaptic density. Results AZ59 binds PrPC with 100 pmol/L affinity and blocks human brain Aßo binding to PrPC, as well as prevents synaptotoxic signaling. Weekly i.p. dosing of 20 mg/kg AZ59 in a murine form achieves trough brain antibody levels greater than 10 nmol/L. Aged symptomatic APP/PS1 transgenic mice treated with AZ59 for 5-7 weeks show a full rescue of behavioral and synaptic loss phenotypes. This recovery occurs without clearance of plaque pathology or elimination of gliosis. AZ59 treatment also normalizes synaptic signaling abnormalities in transgenic brain. These benefits are dose-dependent and persist for at least 1 month after the last dose. Interpretation Preclinical data demonstrate that systemic AZ59 therapy rescues central synapses and memory function from transgenic Alzheimer's disease pathology, supporting a disease-modifying therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy O. Cox
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
| | - Erik C. Gunther
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
| | - A. Harrison Brody
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
| | - Marius T. Chiasseu
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
| | - Austin Stoner
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
| | - Levi M. Smith
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
| | - Laura T. Haas
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
| | - Jayne Hammersley
- Antibody Discovery and Protein EngineeringMedImmuneGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Gareth Rees
- Antibody Discovery and Protein EngineeringMedImmuneGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Bhupinder Dosanjh
- Antibody Discovery and Protein EngineeringMedImmuneGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Maria Groves
- Antibody Discovery and Protein EngineeringMedImmuneGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Matthew Gardener
- Antibody Discovery and Protein EngineeringMedImmuneGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Claire Dobson
- Antibody Discovery and Protein EngineeringMedImmuneGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Tristan Vaughan
- Antibody Discovery and Protein EngineeringMedImmuneGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Iain Chessell
- NeuroscienceIMED Biotech UnitAstraZenecaGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Andrew Billinton
- NeuroscienceIMED Biotech UnitAstraZenecaGranta ParkCambridgeCB21 6GHUK
| | - Stephen M. Strittmatter
- Cellular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration & RepairDepartments of Neurology and of NeuroscienceYale University School of MedicineNew Haven06536Connecticut
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22
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Le NTT, Wu B, Harris DA. Prion neurotoxicity. Brain Pathol 2019; 29:263-277. [PMID: 30588688 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanisms underlying prion propagation and infectivity are now well established, the processes accounting for prion toxicity and pathogenesis have remained mysterious. These processes are of enormous clinical relevance as they hold the key to identification of new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we will discuss two broad areas of investigation relevant to understanding prion neurotoxicity. The first is the use of in vitro experimental systems that model key events in prion pathogenesis. In this context, we will describe a hippocampal neuronal culture system we developed that reproduces the earliest pathological alterations in synaptic morphology and function in response to PrPSc . This system has allowed us to define a core synaptotoxic signaling pathway involving the activation of NMDA and AMPA receptors, stimulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and collapse of the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines. The second area concerns a striking and unexpected phenomenon in which certain structural manipulations of the PrPC molecule itself, including introduction of N-terminal deletion mutations or binding of antibodies to C-terminal epitopes, unleash powerful toxic effects in cultured cells and transgenic mice. We will describe our studies of this phenomenon, which led to the recognition that it is related to the induction of large, abnormal ionic currents by the structurally altered PrP molecules. Our results suggest a model in which the flexible N-terminal domain of PrPC serves as a toxic effector which is regulated by intramolecular interactions with the globular C-terminal domain. Taken together, these two areas of study have provided important clues to underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of prion neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, much remains to be done on this next frontier of prion science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat T T Le
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Bei Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - David A Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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23
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Gunther EC, Smith LM, Kostylev MA, Cox TO, Kaufman AC, Lee S, Folta-Stogniew E, Maynard GD, Um JW, Stagi M, Heiss JK, Stoner A, Noble GP, Takahashi H, Haas LT, Schneekloth JS, Merkel J, Teran C, Naderi ZK, Supattapone S, Strittmatter SM. Rescue of Transgenic Alzheimer's Pathophysiology by Polymeric Cellular Prion Protein Antagonists. Cell Rep 2019; 26:145-158.e8. [PMID: 30605671 PMCID: PMC6358723 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) binds the scrapie conformation of PrP (PrPSc) and oligomeric β-amyloid peptide (Aβo) to mediate transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. We conducted cellular and biochemical screens for compounds blocking PrPC interaction with Aβo. A polymeric degradant of an antibiotic targets Aβo binding sites on PrPC with low nanomolar affinity and prevents Aβo-induced pathophysiology. We then identified a range of negatively charged polymers with specific PrPC affinity in the low to sub-nanomolar range, from both biological (melanin) and synthetic (poly [4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid], PSCMA) origin. Association of PSCMA with PrPC prevents Aβo/PrPC-hydrogel formation, blocks Aβo binding to neurons, and abrogates PrPSc production by ScN2a cells. We show that oral PSCMA yields effective brain concentrations and rescues APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice from AD-related synapse loss and memory deficits. Thus, an orally active PrPC-directed polymeric agent provides a potential therapeutic approach to address neurodegeneration in AD and TSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik C Gunther
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Levi M Smith
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Mikhail A Kostylev
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Timothy O Cox
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Adam C Kaufman
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Suho Lee
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Ewa Folta-Stogniew
- W.M. Keck Biotechnology Resource Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | - Ji Won Um
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Massimiliano Stagi
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Jacqueline K Heiss
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Austin Stoner
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Geoff P Noble
- Departments of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Hideyuki Takahashi
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Laura T Haas
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - John S Schneekloth
- Yale Center for Molecular Discovery, Yale University, 600 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Janie Merkel
- Yale Center for Molecular Discovery, Yale University, 600 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Christopher Teran
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Zahra K Naderi
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Surachai Supattapone
- Departments of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA.
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24
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Abdelaziz DH, Thapa S, Brandon J, Maybee J, Vankuppeveld L, McCorkell R, Schätzl HM. Recombinant prion protein vaccination of transgenic elk PrP mice and reindeer overcomes self-tolerance and protects mice against chronic wasting disease. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:19812-19822. [PMID: 30397182 PMCID: PMC6314114 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects cervids in North America and now Europe. No effective measures are available to control CWD. We hypothesized that active vaccination with homologous and aggregation-prone recombinant prion protein (PrP) could overcome self-tolerance and induce autoantibody production against the cellular isoform of PrP (PrPC), which would be protective against CWD infection from peripheral routes. Five groups of transgenic mice expressing elk PrP (TgElk) were vaccinated with either the adjuvant CpG alone or one of four recombinant PrP immunogens: deer dimer (Ddi); deer monomer (Dmo); mouse dimer (Mdi); and mouse monomer (Mmo). Mice were then challenged intraperitoneally with elk CWD prions. All vaccinated mice developed ELISA-detectable antibody titers against PrP. Importantly, all four vaccinated groups survived longer than the control group, with the Mmo-immunized group exhibiting 60% prolongation of mean survival time compared with the control group (183 versus 114 days post-inoculation). We tested for prion infection in brain and spleen of all clinically sick mice. Notably, the attack rate was 100% as revealed by positive CWD signals in all tested tissues when assessed with Western blotting, real-time quaking-induced conversion, and immunohistochemistry. Our pilot study in reindeer indicated appreciable humoral immune responses to Mdi and Ddi immunogens, and the post-immune sera from the Ddi-vaccinated reindeer mitigated CWD propagation in a cell culture model (CWD-RK13). Taken together, our study provides very promising vaccine candidates against CWD, but further studies in cervids are required to investigate vaccine efficacy in the natural CWD hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia H Abdelaziz
- From the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine and.,the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt.,the Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada and
| | - Simrika Thapa
- From the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine and.,the Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada and
| | - Jenna Brandon
- From the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine and
| | - Justine Maybee
- From the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine and
| | | | - Robert McCorkell
- From the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine and
| | - Hermann M Schätzl
- From the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine and .,the Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada and
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25
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Cellular Prion Protein Mediates the Disruption of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity by Soluble Tau In Vivo. J Neurosci 2018; 38:10595-10606. [PMID: 30355631 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1700-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of tau protein are a neuropathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease (AD). For some time NFTs were considered the primary cause of synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death, however, more recent evidence suggests that soluble aggregates of tau are key drivers of disease. Here we investigated the effect of different tau species on synaptic plasticity in the male rat hippocampus in vivo Intracerebroventricular injection of soluble aggregates formed from either wild-type or P301S human recombinant tau potently inhibited hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA3-to-CA1 synapses. In contrast, tau monomers and fibrils appeared inactive. Neither baseline synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation nor burst response during high-frequency conditioning stimulation was affected by the soluble tau aggregates. Similarly, certain AD brain soluble extracts inhibited LTP in a tau-dependent manner that was abrogated by either immunodepletion with, or coinjection of, a mid-region anti-tau monoclonal antibody (mAb), Tau5. Importantly, this tau-mediated block of LTP was prevented by administration of mAbs selective for the prion protein (PrP). Specifically, mAbs to both the mid-region (6D11) and N-terminus (MI-0131) of PrP prevented inhibition of LTP by both recombinant and brain-derived tau. These findings indicate that PrP is a mediator of tau-induced synaptic dysfunction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here we report that certain soluble forms of tau selectively disrupt synaptic plasticity in the live rat hippocampus. Further, we show that monoclonal antibodies to cellular prion protein abrogate the impairment of long-term potentiation caused both by recombinant and Alzheimer's disease brain-derived soluble tau. These findings support a critical role for cellular prion protein in the deleterious synaptic actions of extracellular soluble tau in tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. Thus, approaches targeting cellular prion protein, or downstream pathways, might provide an effective strategy for developing therapeutics.
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26
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Purro SA, Mead S, Khalili-Shirazi A, Nicoll AJ, Collinge J. Reply to: Intrinsic Toxicity of Antibodies to the Globular Domain of the Prion Protein. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:e53-e54. [PMID: 29752071 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A Purro
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Mead
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Azadeh Khalili-Shirazi
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Nicoll
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - John Collinge
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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27
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Intrinsic Toxicity of Antibodies to the Globular Domain of the Prion Protein. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:e51-e52. [PMID: 29752074 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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28
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Abstract
Arguably the most important goal of prion research is the discovery of a safe and effective treatment for the human diseases. The final stages of the pathway to develop a treatment require clinical trials. Choices about how a trial is designed and conducted have a large impact on the chances of success. The gold-standard large randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, which minimizes sources of bias and has been incredibly successful in other diseases, has been hard to achieve in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease principally because of the rarity and rapidity of the clinical syndrome. To date, clinical trials have been restricted to repurposed compounds, doxycycline, quinacrine, pentosan polysulfate (PPS), and flupertine. In most cases, these trials have used survival as an endpoint, which, whilst clearcut, has limitations. Biomarkers have played a strong role in diagnosis and entry criteria, but only a limited role as secondary outcome measures. Recent developments suggest some possible improvements in trial design by use of new outcome measures that have more favorable properties, and biomarkers of neuronal damage and/or prion seeding activity. Alternative patient populations, including those at risk of genetic forms of prion disease, warrant more consideration. In the future, improved trial designs will be employed to test compounds designed specifically to treat prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Mead
- National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and MRC Prion Unit at University College London Institute of Prion Diseases, London, United Kingdom.
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29
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Thompson AGB, Luk C, Heslegrave AJ, Zetterberg H, Mead SH, Collinge J, Jackson GS. Neurofilament light chain and tau concentrations are markedly increased in the serum of patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and tau correlates with rate of disease progression. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018; 89:955-961. [PMID: 29487167 PMCID: PMC6109239 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-317793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A blood-based biomarker of neuronal damage in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) will be extremely valuable for both clinical practice and research aiming to develop effective therapies. METHODS We used an ultrasensitive immunoassay to measure two candidate biomarkers, tau and neurofilament light (NfL), in serum from patients with sCJD and healthy controls. We tested longitudinal sample sets from six patients to investigate changes over time, and examined correlations with rate of disease progression and associations with known phenotype modifiers. RESULTS Serum concentrations of both tau and NfL were increased in patients with sCJD. NfL distinguished patients from controls with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Tau did so with 91% sensitivity and 83% specificity. Both tau and NfL appeared to increase over time in individual patients, particularly in those with several samples tested late in their disease. Tau, but not NfL, was positively correlated with rate of disease progression, and was particularly increased in patients homozygous for methionine at codon 129 of PRNP. CONCLUSIONS These findings independently replicate other recent studies using similar methods and offer novel insights. They show clear promise for these blood-based biomarkers in prion disease. Future work should aim to fully establish their potential roles for monitoring disease progression and response to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Geoffrey Bourne Thompson
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK.,NHS National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Connie Luk
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK
| | - Amanda J Heslegrave
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Simon H Mead
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK.,NHS National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK.,NHS National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Graham S Jackson
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK
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30
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Herline K, Drummond E, Wisniewski T. Recent advancements toward therapeutic vaccines against Alzheimer's disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2018; 17:707-721. [PMID: 30005578 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1500905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by protein aggregates of amyloid β (Aβ) and tau. These proteins have normal physiological functions, but in AD, they undergo a conformational change and aggregate as toxic oligomeric and fibrillar species with a high β-sheet content. AREAS COVERED Active and passive immunotherapeutic approaches are among the most attractive methods for targeting misfolded Aβ and tau. Promising preclinical testing of various immunotherapeutic approaches has yet to translate to cognitive benefits in human clinical trials. Knowledge gained from these past failures has led to the development of second-generation Aβ-active immunotherapies, anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies targeting a wide array of Aβ conformations, and to a number of immunotherapies targeting pathological tau. This review covers the more recent advances in vaccine development for AD from 2016 to present. EXPERT COMMENTARY Due to the complex pathophysiology of AD, greatest clinical efficacy will most likely be achieved by concurrently targeting the most toxic forms of both Aβ and tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal Herline
- a Center for Cognitive Neurology , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,b Departments of Neurology , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Eleanor Drummond
- a Center for Cognitive Neurology , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,b Departments of Neurology , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas Wisniewski
- a Center for Cognitive Neurology , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,b Departments of Neurology , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,c Pathology , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,d Psychiatry , New York University School of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
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31
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Shi R, Zhang S, Cheng G, Yang X, Zhao N, Chen C. Ginsenoside Rg1 and Acori Graminei Rhizoma Attenuates Neuron Cell Apoptosis by Promoting the Expression of miR-873-5p in Alzheimer's Disease. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:1529-1538. [PMID: 29926354 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) severely threatens human health in their old age, however the potential etiology underlying it is still unclear. Both Ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1) and Acori graminei Rhizoma (AGR) are the traditional Chinese herbal drug, while their potential role in AD remains need further identification. Both SAMP1 and SAMP8 mice were employed as the control and AD mice. Morris water maze method was used to detect the cognitive function of the mice, TUNEL assay was performed to determine cell apoptosis. Real-time PCR and western blot were carried out to measure gene expression. The relationship between miR-873-5p and HMOX1 was determined using luciferase reporter assay. Comparing with SAMP1, the cognitive function was impaired and cell apoptosis was increased in SAMP8 mice. GRg1 + AGR treatment significantly attenuated the symptom of AD. The expression of miR-873-5p was decreased, while HMOX1 was increased in SAMP8 mice. GRg1 + AGR treatment significantly promoted the expression of miR-873-5p, but decreased HMOX1. MiR-873-5p targets HMOX1 to regulate its expression. Aβ1-42 stimulation decreased the expression of miR-873-5p, but increased HMOX1 in PC12 cells. GRg1 + AGR treatment reversed the effect of Aβ1-42, while miR-873-5p inhibitor abolished the effect of GRg1 + AGR. In vivo experiments confirmed the protect role of GRg1 + AGR in AD. GRg1 + AGR suppressed neuron cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of miR-873-5p in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sishuo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangqing Cheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoni Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningning Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
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Yin Y, Zhao Y, Han S, Zhang N, Chen H, Wang X. Autophagy-ERK1/2-Involved Disinhibition of Hippocampal Neurons Contributes to the Pre-Synaptic Toxicity Induced by Aβ42 Exposure. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 59:851-869. [PMID: 28697568 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most frequent cause of progressive cognitive decline in the elderly population. To date, there is still no effective treatment for AD, requiring more underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Aβ42 on the inhibitory synaptic transmission in the cultured hippocampal neurons, and explored the possible mechanism. The frequency, but not amplitude, of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents was significantly suppressed by Aβ42, indicating that Aβ42 played its role in inhibitory transmitter release at the pre-synaptic sites. Aβ42 had no effect on miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents, suggesting GABAergic synapses are more susceptible to Aβ42 exposure. However, the number of GABAergic neurons or synapses was not influenced, suggesting the corresponding stage may be a preclinical one. The effect of Aβ42 can be mimicked by PD98059 (an inhibitor of ERK1/2) and blocked by curcumin (an activator of MEK), which reveals Aβ-involved influence is via the decreased phosphorylation of MAPK-ERK1/2. In addition, synaptophysin is confirmed to be a downstream protein of MAPK-ERK1/2 at the pre-synaptic site. At the same time, suppressed autophagy was observed after Aβ42 exposure, and the activation of autophagy increased pERK1/2 level and salvaged the disinhibition of hippocampal neurons. These data suggest that diminished GABAergic tone likely starts from the preclinical stage of AD, so some GABAergic stress test may be effective for identifying cognitively normal elder adults. Strategies against the dysfunction of autophagy should be adopted in the early stage of AD because of its initial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Yin
- Department of Neurobiology and Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Song Han
- Department of Neurobiology and Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PRChina
| | - Hanyu Chen
- Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, Kingston, PA, USA
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
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Purro SA, Nicoll AJ, Collinge J. Prion Protein as a Toxic Acceptor of Amyloid-β Oligomers. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:358-368. [PMID: 29331212 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The initial report that cellular prion protein (PrPC) mediates toxicity of amyloid-β species linked to Alzheimer's disease was initially treated with scepticism, but growing evidence supports this claim. That there is a high-affinity interaction is now clear, and its molecular basis is being unraveled, while recent studies have identified possible downstream toxic mechanisms. Determination of the clinical significance of such interactions between PrPC and disease-associated amyloid-β species will require experimental medicine studies in humans. Trials of compounds that inhibit PrP-dependent amyloid-β toxicity are commencing in humans, and although it is clear that only a fraction of Alzheimer's disease toxicity could be governed by PrPC, a partial, but still therapeutically useful, role in human disease may soon be testable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A Purro
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Nicoll
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom; Elkington and Fife LLP, Kent, United Kingdom.
| | - John Collinge
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom.
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The function of the cellular prion protein in health and disease. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:159-178. [PMID: 29151170 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The essential role of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) in prion disorders such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is well documented. Moreover, evidence is accumulating that PrPC may act as a receptor for protein aggregates and transduce neurotoxic signals in more common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Although the pathological roles of PrPC have been thoroughly characterized, a general consensus on its physiological function within the brain has not yet been established. Knockout studies in various organisms, ranging from zebrafish to mice, have implicated PrPC in a diverse range of nervous system-related activities that include a key role in the maintenance of peripheral nerve myelination as well as a general ability to protect against neurotoxic stimuli. Thus, the function of PrPC may be multifaceted, with different cell types taking advantage of unique aspects of its biology. Deciphering the cellular function(s) of PrPC and the consequences of its absence is not simply an academic curiosity, since lowering PrPC levels in the brain is predicted to be a powerful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of prion disease. In this review, we outline the various approaches that have been employed in an effort to uncover the physiological and pathological functions of PrPC. While these studies have revealed important clues about the biology of the prion protein, the precise reason for PrPC's existence remains enigmatic.
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McDonald AJ, Wu B, Harris DA. An inter-domain regulatory mechanism controls toxic activities of PrP C. Prion 2017; 11:388-397. [PMID: 28960140 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2017.1384894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal function of PrPC, the cellular prion protein, has remained mysterious since its first description over 30 years ago. Amazingly, although complete deletion of the gene encoding PrPC has little phenotypic consequence, expression in transgenic mice of PrP molecules carrying certain internal deletions produces dramatic neurodegenerative phenotypes. In our recent paper, 1 we have demonstrated that the flexible, N-terminal domain of PrPC possesses toxic effector functions, which are regulated by a docking interaction with the structured, C-terminal domain. Disruption of this inter-domain interaction, for example by deletions of the hinge region or by binding of antibodies to the C-terminal domain, results in abnormal ionic currents and degeneration of dendritic spines in cultured neuronal cells. This mechanism may contribute to the neurotoxicity of PrPSc and possibly other protein aggregates, and could play a role in the physiological activity of PrPC. These results also provide a warning about the potential toxic side effects of PrP-directed antibody therapies for prion and Alzheimer's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J McDonald
- a Department of Biochemistry , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Bei Wu
- a Department of Biochemistry , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
| | - David A Harris
- a Department of Biochemistry , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
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Conditional Deletion of Prnp Rescues Behavioral and Synaptic Deficits after Disease Onset in Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurosci 2017; 37:9207-9221. [PMID: 28842420 PMCID: PMC5607466 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0722-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biochemical and genetic evidence implicate soluble oligomeric amyloid-β (Aβo) in triggering Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Moreover, constitutive deletion of the Aβo-binding cellular prion protein (PrPC) prevents development of memory deficits in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice, a model of familial AD. Here, we define the role of PrPC to rescue or halt established AD endophenotypes in a therapeutic disease-modifying time window after symptom onset. Deletion of Prnp at either 12 or 16 months of age fully reverses hippocampal synapse loss and completely rescues preexisting behavioral deficits by 17 months. In contrast, but consistent with a neuronal function for Aβo/PrPC signaling, plaque density, microgliosis, and astrocytosis are not altered. Degeneration of catecholaminergic neurons remains unchanged by PrPC reduction after disease onset. These results define the potential of targeting PrPC as a disease-modifying therapy for certain AD-related phenotypes after disease onset.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The study presented here further elucidates our understanding of the soluble oligomeric amyloid-β-Aβo-binding cellular prion protein (PrPC) signaling pathway in a familial form of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by implicating PrPC as a potential therapeutic target for AD. In particular, genetic deletion of Prnp rescued several familial AD (FAD)-associated phenotypes after disease onset in a mouse model of FAD. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of PrPC deletion given that patients already present symptoms at the time of diagnosis.
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Tabaee Damavandi P, Dove MT, Pickersgill RW. A review of drug therapy for sporadic fatal insomnia. Prion 2017; 11:293-299. [PMID: 28976233 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2017.1368937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporadic fatal insomnia (sFI) is a rapid progressive neurodegenerative disease characterised by gradual to perpetual insomnia, followed by dysautonomia, coma and death. 1 The cause of sFI was recently mapped to a mutation in a protein, the prion, found in the human brain. It is the unfolding of the prion that leads to the generation of toxic oligomers that destroy brain tissue and function. Recent studies have confirmed that a methionine mutation at codon 129 of the human Prion is characteristic of sFI. Current treatment slows down the progression of the disease, but no cure has been found, yet. METHODS We used Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics simulation methods, to study the toxic Fatal-Insomnia-prion conformations at local unfolding. The idea was to determine these sites and to stabilise these regions against unfolding and miss-folding, using a small ligand, based on a phenothiazine "moiety". CONCLUSION As a result we here discuss current fatal insomnia therapy and present seven novel possible compounds for in vitro and in vivo screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Tabaee Damavandi
- a Queen Mary University of London , School of Biological and Chemical Sciences , London , UK.,b Queen Mary University of London , School of Physics and Astronomy , London , UK
| | - Martin T Dove
- b Queen Mary University of London , School of Physics and Astronomy , London , UK
| | - Richard W Pickersgill
- a Queen Mary University of London , School of Biological and Chemical Sciences , London , UK
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Bove-Fenderson E, Urano R, Straub JE, Harris DA. Cellular prion protein targets amyloid-β fibril ends via its C-terminal domain to prevent elongation. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:16858-16871. [PMID: 28842494 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.789990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligomeric forms of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide are thought to represent the primary synaptotoxic species underlying the neurodegenerative changes seen in Alzheimer's disease. It has been proposed that the cellular prion protein (PrPC) functions as a cell-surface receptor, which binds to Aβ oligomers and transduces their toxic effects. However, the molecular details of the PrPC-Aβ interaction remain uncertain. Here, we investigated the effect of PrPC on polymerization of Aβ under rigorously controlled conditions in which Aβ converts from a monomeric to a fibrillar state via a series of kinetically defined steps. We demonstrated that PrPC specifically inhibited elongation of Aβ fibrils, most likely by binding to the ends of growing fibrils. Surprisingly, this inhibitory effect required the globular C-terminal domain of PrPC, which has not been previously implicated in interactions with Aβ. Our results suggest that PrPC recognizes structural features common to both Aβ oligomers and fibril ends and that this interaction could contribute to the neurotoxic effect of Aβ aggregates. Additionally, our results identify the C terminus of PrPC as a new and potentially more druggable molecular target for treating Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Bove-Fenderson
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118 and
| | - Ryo Urano
- the Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - John E Straub
- the Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - David A Harris
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118 and
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39
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Copper- and Zinc-Promoted Interdomain Structure in the Prion Protein: A Mechanism for Autoinhibition of the Neurotoxic N-Terminus. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 150:35-56. [PMID: 28838668 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The function of the cellular prion protein (PrPC), while still poorly understood, is increasingly linked to its ability to bind physiological metal ions at the cell surface. PrPC binds divalent forms of both copper and zinc through its unstructured N-terminal domain, modulating interactions between PrPC and various receptors at the cell surface and ultimately tuning downstream cellular processes. In this chapter, we briefly discuss the molecular features of copper and zinc uptake by PrPC and summarize evidence implicating these metal ions in PrP-mediated physiology. We then focus our review on recent biophysical evidence revealing a physical interaction between the flexible N-terminal and globular C-terminal domains of PrPC. This interdomain cis interaction is electrostatic in nature and is promoted by the binding of Cu2+ and Zn2+ to the N-terminal octarepeat domain. These findings, along with recent cellular studies, suggest a mechanism whereby NC interactions serve to regulate the activity and/or toxicity of the PrPC N-terminus. We discuss this potential mechanism in relation to familial prion disease mutations, lethal deletions of the PrPC central region, and neurotoxicity induced by certain globular domain ligands, including bona fide prions and toxic amyloid-β oligomers.
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40
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Large Soluble Oligomers of Amyloid β-Protein from Alzheimer Brain Are Far Less Neuroactive Than the Smaller Oligomers to Which They Dissociate. J Neurosci 2017; 37:152-163. [PMID: 28053038 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1698-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble oligomers of amyloid β-protein (oAβ) isolated from the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have been shown experimentally (in the absence of amyloid plaques) to impair hippocampal synaptic plasticity, decrease synapses, induce tau hyperphosphorylation and neuritic dystrophy, activate microglial inflammation, and impair memory in normal adult rodents. Nevertheless, there has been controversy about what types of oligomers actually confer these AD-like phenotypes. Here, we show that the vast majority of soluble Aβ species obtained from brains of humans who died with confirmed AD elute at high molecular weight (HMW) on nondenaturing size-exclusion chromatography. These species have little or no cytotoxic activity in several bioassays. However, incubation of HMW oAβ in mildly alkaline buffer led to their quantitative dissociation into low molecular weight oligomers (∼8-70 kDa), and these were now far more bioactive: they impaired hippocampal LTP, decreased neuronal levels of β2-adrenergic receptors, and activated microglia in wt mice in vivo Thus, most soluble Aβ assemblies in AD cortex are large and inactive but under certain circumstances can dissociate into smaller, highly bioactive species. Insoluble amyloid plaques likely sequester soluble HMW oligomers, limiting their potential to dissociate. We conclude that conditions that destabilize HMW oligomers or retard the sequestration of their smaller, more bioactive components are important drivers of Aβ toxicity. Selectively targeting these small, cytotoxic forms should be therapeutically beneficial. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Oligomers of amyloid β-protein (oAβ) are tought to play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but there is confusion and controversy about what types and sizes of oligomers have disease-relevant activity. Using size-exclusion chromatography and three distinct measures of bioactivity, we show that the predominant forms of Aβ in aqueous extracts of AD brain are high molecular weight (HMW) and relatively inactive. Importantly, under certain conditions, the abundant HMW oAβ can dissociate into low molecular weight species, and these low molecular weight oligomers are significantly more bioactive on synapses and microglia than the HMW species from which they are derived. We conclude that conditions that destabilize HMW oAβ or retard the sequestration of smaller, more bioactive components are important drivers of Aβ toxicity.
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Neural Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins in Synaptic Specification. Trends Cell Biol 2017; 27:931-945. [PMID: 28743494 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins are a specialized class of lipid-associated neuronal membrane proteins that perform diverse functions in the dynamic control of axon guidance, synaptic adhesion, cytoskeletal remodeling, and localized signal transduction, particularly at lipid raft domains. Recent studies have demonstrated that a subset of GPI-anchored proteins act as critical regulators of synapse development by modulating specific synaptic adhesion pathways via direct interactions with key synapse-organizing proteins. Additional studies have revealed that alteration of these regulatory mechanisms may underlie various brain disorders. In this review, we highlight the emerging role of GPI-anchored proteins as key synapse organizers that aid in shaping the properties of various types of synapses and circuits in mammals.
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42
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Cellular prion protein (PrP C) in the development of Merlin-deficient tumours. Oncogene 2017; 36:6132-6142. [PMID: 28692055 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Loss of function mutations in the neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) gene, coding for a tumour suppressor, Merlin, cause multiple tumours of the nervous system such as schwannomas, meningiomas and ependymomas. These tumours may occur sporadically or as part of the hereditary condition neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). Current treatment is confined to (radio) surgery and no targeted drug therapies exist. NF2 mutations and/or Merlin inactivation are also seen in other cancers including some mesothelioma, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, melanoma and glioblastoma. To study the relationship between Merlin deficiency and tumourigenesis, we have developed an in vitro model comprising human primary schwannoma cells, the most common Merlin-deficient tumour and the hallmark for NF2. Using this model, we show increased expression of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in schwannoma cells and tissues. In addition, a strong overexpression of PrPC is observed in human Merlin-deficient mesothelioma cell line TRA and in human Merlin-deficient meningiomas. PrPC contributes to increased proliferation, cell-matrix adhesion and survival in schwannoma cells acting via 37/67 kDa non-integrin laminin receptor (LR/37/67 kDa) and downstream ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT and FAK signalling pathways. PrPC protein is also strongly released from schwannoma cells via exosomes and as a free peptide suggesting that it may act in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. We suggest that PrPC and its interactor, LR/37/67 kDa, could be potential therapeutic targets for schwannomas and other Merlin-deficient tumours.
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Elezgarai SR, Biasini E. Common therapeutic strategies for prion and Alzheimer's diseases. Biol Chem 2017; 397:1115-1124. [PMID: 27279060 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A number of unexpected pathophysiological connections linking different neurodegenerative diseases have emerged over the past decade. An example is provided by prion and Alzheimer's diseases. Despite being distinct pathologies, these disorders share several neurotoxic mechanisms, including accumulation of misfolded protein isoforms, stress of the protein synthesis machinery, and activation of a neurotoxic signaling mediated by the cellular prion protein. Here, in addition to reviewing these mechanisms, we will discuss the potential therapeutic interventions for prion and Alzheimer's diseases that are arising from the comprehension of their common neurodegenerative pathways.
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44
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Wu B, McDonald AJ, Markham K, Rich CB, McHugh KP, Tatzelt J, Colby DW, Millhauser GL, Harris DA. The N-terminus of the prion protein is a toxic effector regulated by the C-terminus. eLife 2017; 6:e23473. [PMID: 28527237 PMCID: PMC5469617 DOI: 10.7554/elife.23473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PrPC, the cellular isoform of the prion protein, serves to transduce the neurotoxic effects of PrPSc, the infectious isoform, but how this occurs is mysterious. Here, using a combination of electrophysiological, cellular, and biophysical techniques, we show that the flexible, N-terminal domain of PrPC functions as a powerful toxicity-transducing effector whose activity is tightly regulated in cis by the globular C-terminal domain. Ligands binding to the N-terminal domain abolish the spontaneous ionic currents associated with neurotoxic mutants of PrP, and the isolated N-terminal domain induces currents when expressed in the absence of the C-terminal domain. Anti-PrP antibodies targeting epitopes in the C-terminal domain induce currents, and cause degeneration of dendrites on murine hippocampal neurons, effects that entirely dependent on the effector function of the N-terminus. NMR experiments demonstrate intramolecular docking between N- and C-terminal domains of PrPC, revealing a novel auto-inhibitory mechanism that regulates the functional activity of PrPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Alex J McDonald
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Kathleen Markham
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, United States
| | - Celeste B Rich
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Kyle P McHugh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, United States
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Neurobiochemistry, Adolf Butenandt Institute, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - David W Colby
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, United States
| | - Glenn L Millhauser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, United States
| | - David A Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
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Smith LM, Strittmatter SM. Binding Sites for Amyloid-β Oligomers and Synaptic Toxicity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a024075. [PMID: 27940601 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a024075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), insoluble and fibrillary amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide accumulates in plaques. However, soluble Aβ oligomers are most potent in creating synaptic dysfunction and loss. Therefore, receptors for Aβ oligomers are hypothesized to be the first step in a neuronal cascade leading to dementia. A number of cell-surface proteins have been described as Aβ binding proteins, and one or more are likely to mediate Aβ oligomer toxicity in AD. Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a high-affinity Aβ oligomer binding site, and a range of data delineates a signaling pathway leading from Aβ complexation with PrPC to neuronal impairment. Further study of Aβ binding proteins will define the molecular basis of this crucial step in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi M Smith
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536
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46
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Zhang D, Qi Y, Klyubin I, Ondrejcak T, Sarell CJ, Cuello AC, Collinge J, Rowan MJ. Targeting glutamatergic and cellular prion protein mechanisms of amyloid β-mediated persistent synaptic plasticity disruption: Longitudinal studies. Neuropharmacology 2017; 121:231-246. [PMID: 28390893 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers are synaptotoxic, inappropriately increasing extracellular glutamate concentration and glutamate receptor activation to thereby rapidly disrupt synaptic plasticity. Thus, acutely promoting brain glutamate homeostasis with a blood-based scavenging system, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), and blocking metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGlu5) receptor or its co-receptor cellular prion protein (PrP), prevent the acute inhibition of long-term potentiation (LTP) by exogenous Aβ. Here, we evaluated the time course of the effects of such interventions in the persistent disruptive effects of Aβ oligomers, either exogenously injected in wild type rats or endogenously generated in transgenic rats that model Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. We report that repeated, but not acute, systemic administration of recombinant GOT type 1, with or without the glutamate co-substrate oxaloacetate, reversed the persistent deleterious effect of exogenous Aβ on synaptic plasticity. Moreover, similar repetitive treatment reversibly abrogated the inhibition of LTP monitored longitudinally in freely behaving transgenic rats. Remarkably, brief repeated treatment with an mGlu5 receptor antagonist, basimglurant, or an antibody that prevents Aβ oligomer binding to PrP, ICSM35, also had similar reversible ameliorative effects in the transgenic rat model. Overall, the present findings support the ongoing development of therapeutics for early Alzheimer's disease based on these complementary approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dainan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Center for Neurological Diseases (NCRC-ND), Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Igor Klyubin
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Tomas Ondrejcak
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Claire J Sarell
- MRC Prion Unit, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Michael J Rowan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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47
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Salazar SV, Strittmatter SM. Cellular prion protein as a receptor for amyloid-β oligomers in Alzheimer's disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:1143-1147. [PMID: 27639648 PMCID: PMC5303667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Soluble oligomers of amyloid-beta (Aβo) are implicated by biochemical and genetic evidence as a trigger for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. A key step is Aβo interaction with the neuronal surface to initiate a cascade of altered signal transduction leading to synaptic dysfunction and damage. This review discusses neuronal cell surface molecules with high affinity selectively for oligomeric disease-associated states of Aβ, with a particular focus on the role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in this process. Additional receptors may contribute to mediation of Aβo action, but PrPC appears to play a primary role in a number of systems. The specificity of binding, the genetic necessity in mouse models of disease and downstream signaling pathways are considered. Signal transduction downstream of Aβo complexes with PrPC involves metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), Fyn kinase and Pyk2 kinase, with deleterious effects on synaptic transmission and maintenance. Current data support the hypothesis that a substantial portion of Aβo toxicity in AD is mediated after initial interaction with PrPC on the neuronal surface. As such, the interaction of Aβo with PrPC is a potential therapeutic intervention site for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago V Salazar
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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48
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Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of invariably fatal and transmissible neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with the misfolding of the normal cellular prion protein, with the misfolded conformers constituting an infectious unit referred to as a "prion". Prions can spread within an affected organism by directly propagating this misfolding within and between cells and can transmit disease between animals of the same and different species. Prion diseases have a range of clinical phenotypes in humans and animals, with a principle determinant of this attributed to different conformations of the misfolded protein, referred to as prion strains. This chapter will describe the different clinical manifestations of prion diseases, the evidence that these diseases can be transmitted by an infectious protein and how the misfolding of this protein causes disease.
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49
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Collinge J. Mammalian prions and their wider relevance in neurodegenerative diseases. Nature 2016; 539:217-226. [PMID: 27830781 DOI: 10.1038/nature20415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prions are notorious protein-only infectious agents that cause invariably fatal brain diseases following silent incubation periods that can span a lifetime. These diseases can arise spontaneously, through infection or be inherited. Remarkably, prions are composed of self-propagating assemblies of a misfolded cellular protein that encode information, generate neurotoxicity and evolve and adapt in vivo. Although parallels have been drawn with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions involving the deposition of assemblies of misfolded proteins in the brain, insights are now being provided into the usefulness and limitations of prion analogies and their aetiological and therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Collinge
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, University College London Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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50
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Ugalde CL, Finkelstein DI, Lawson VA, Hill AF. Pathogenic mechanisms of prion protein, amyloid-β and α-synuclein misfolding: the prion concept and neurotoxicity of protein oligomers. J Neurochem 2016; 139:162-180. [PMID: 27529376 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Proteinopathies represent a group of diseases characterized by the unregulated misfolding and aggregation of proteins. Accumulation of misfolded protein in the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (or prion diseases), Alzheimer's disease, and the synucleinopathies (the most common of which is Parkinson's disease). Of these, the pathogenic mechanisms of prion diseases are particularly striking where the transmissible, causative agent of disease is the prion, or proteinaceous infectious particle. Prions are composed almost exclusively of PrPSc ; a misfolded isoform of the normal cellular protein, PrPC , which is found accumulated in the CNS in disease. Today, mounting evidence suggests other aggregating proteins, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-synuclein (α-syn), proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and synucleinopathies, respectively, share similar biophysical and biochemical properties with PrPSc that influences how they misfold, aggregate, and propagate in disease. In this regard, the definition of a 'prion' may ultimately expand to include other pathogenic proteins. Unifying knowledge of folded proteins may also reveal common mechanisms associated with other features of disease that are less understood, such as neurotoxicity. This review discusses the common features Aβ and α-syn share with PrP and neurotoxic mechanisms associated with these misfolded proteins. Several proteins are known to misfold and accumulate in the central nervous system causing a range of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and the prion diseases. Prions are transmissible misfolded conformers of the prion protein, PrP, which seed further generation of infectious proteins. Similar effects have recently been observed in proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and the synucleinopathies, leading to the proposition that the definition of a 'prion' may ultimately expand to include other pathogenic proteins. Unifying knowledge of misfolded proteins may also reveal common mechanisms associated with other features of disease that are less understood, such as neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn L Ugalde
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia.,Howard Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - David I Finkelstein
- Howard Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Victoria A Lawson
- Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Andrew F Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
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