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Coronel R, Bernabeu-Zornoza A, Palmer C, González-Sastre R, Rosca A, Mateos-Martínez P, López-Alonso V, Liste I. Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Regulates Gliogenesis and Neurogenesis of Human Neural Stem Cells by Several Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12964. [PMID: 37629148 PMCID: PMC10455174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have focused on the pathophysiological role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) because the proteolytic processing of APP to β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide is a central event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, many authors consider that alterations in the physiological functions of APP are likely to play a key role in AD. Previous studies in our laboratory revealed that APP plays an important role in the differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs), favoring glial differentiation (gliogenesis) and preventing their differentiation toward a neuronal phenotype (neurogenesis). In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of APP overexpression in hNSCs at a global gene level by a transcriptomic analysis using the massive RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Specifically, we have focused on differentially expressed genes that are related to neuronal and glial differentiation processes, as well as on groups of differentially expressed genes associated with different signaling pathways, in order to find a possible interaction between them and APP. Our data indicate a differential expression in genes related to Notch, Wnt, PI3K-AKT, and JAK-STAT signaling, among others. Knowledge of APP biological functions, as well as the possible signaling pathways that could be related to this protein, are essential to advance our understanding of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Coronel
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Bernabeu-Zornoza
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Charlotte Palmer
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Rosa González-Sastre
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
- Unidad de Biología Computacional, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Andreea Rosca
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Patricia Mateos-Martínez
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Victoria López-Alonso
- Unidad de Biología Computacional, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Isabel Liste
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
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Lee HJ, Park JH, Trotter JH, Maher JN, Keenoy KE, Jang YM, Lee Y, Kim JI, Weeber EJ, Hoe HS. Reelin and APP Cooperatively Modulate Dendritic Spine Formation In Vitro and In Vivo. Exp Neurobiol 2023; 32:42-55. [PMID: 36919335 PMCID: PMC10017845 DOI: 10.5607/en22044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the normal function of APP at synapses is poorly understood. We and others have found that APP interacts with Reelin and that each protein is individually important for dendritic spine formation, which is associated with learning and memory, in vitro. However, whether Reelin acts through APP to modulate dendritic spine formation or synaptic function remains unknown. In the present study, we found that Reelin treatment significantly increased dendritic spine density and PSD-95 puncta number in primary hippocampal neurons. An examination of the molecular mechanisms by which Reelin regulates dendritic spinogenesis revealed that Reelin enhanced hippocampal dendritic spine formation in a Ras/ERK/CREB signaling-dependent manner. Interestingly, Reelin did not increase dendritic spine number in primary hippocampal neurons when APP expression was reduced or in vivo in APP knockout (KO) mice. Taken together, our data are the first to demonstrate that Reelin acts cooperatively with APP to modulate dendritic spine formation and suggest that normal APP function is critical for Reelin-mediated dendritic spinogenesis at synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Lee
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Park
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Justin H Trotter
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
| | - James N Maher
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Kathleen E Keenoy
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - You Mi Jang
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea
| | - Youngeun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Jae-Ick Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Edwin J Weeber
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
| | - Hyang-Sook Hoe
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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3
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Baltissen D, Bold CS, Rehra L, Banićević M, Fricke J, Just J, Ludewig S, Buchholz CJ, Korte M, Müller UC. APPsα rescues CDK5 and GSK3β dysregulation and restores normal spine density in Tau transgenic mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1106176. [PMID: 36779015 PMCID: PMC9909437 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1106176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Tau protein can be phosphorylated by numerous kinases. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) hyperphosphorylated Tau species accumulate as neurofibrillary tangles that constitute a major hallmark of AD. AD is further characterized by extracellular Aβ plaques, derived from the β-amyloid precursor protein APP. Whereas Aβ is produced by amyloidogenic APP processing, APP processing along the competing non-amyloidogenic pathway results in the secretion of neurotrophic and synaptotrophic APPsα. Recently, we demonstrated that APPsα has therapeutic effects in transgenic AD model mice and rescues Aβ-dependent impairments. Here, we examined the potential of APPsα to regulate two major Tau kinases, GSK3β and CDK5 in THY-Tau22 mice, a widely used mouse model of tauopathy. Immunohistochemistry revealed a dramatic increase in pathologically phosphorylated (AT8 and AT180) or misfolded Tau species (MC1) in the hippocampus of THY-Tau22 mice between 3 and 12 months of age. Using a highly sensitive radioactive kinase assay with recombinant human Tau as a substrate and immunoblotting, we demonstrate an increase in GSK3β and CDK5 activity in the hippocampus of THY-Tau22 mice. Interestingly, AAV-mediated intracranial expression of APPsα in THY-Tau22 mice efficiently restored normal GSK3β and CDK5 activity. Western blot analysis revealed upregulation of the CDK5 regulatory proteins p35 and p25, indicating CDK5 hyperactivation in THY-Tau22 mice. Strikingly, AAV-APPsα rescued p25 upregulation to wild-type levels even at stages of advanced Tau pathology. Sarkosyl fractionation used to study the abundance of soluble and insoluble phospho-Tau species revealed increased soluble AT8-Tau and decreased insoluble AT100-Tau species upon AAV-APPsα injection. Moreover, AAV-APPsα reduced misfolded (MC1) Tau species, particularly in somatodendritic compartments of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Finally, we show that AAV-APPsα upregulated PSD95 expression and rescued deficits in spine density of THY-Tau22 mice. Together our findings suggest that APPsα holds therapeutic potential to mitigate Tau-induced pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Baltissen
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotte S. Bold
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Rehra
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marija Banićević
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Justus Fricke
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Just
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susann Ludewig
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christian J. Buchholz
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany,Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Group, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ulrike C. Müller
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Ulrike C. Müller,
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Erdinger S, Amrein I, Back M, Ludewig S, Korte M, von Engelhardt J, Wolfer DP, Müller UC. Lack of APLP1 leads to subtle alterations in neuronal morphology but does not affect learning and memory. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1028836. [DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1028836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid precursor protein APP plays a crucial role in Alzheimer pathogenesis. Its physiological functions, however, are only beginning to be unraveled. APP belongs to a small gene family, including besides APP the closely related amyloid precursor-like proteins APLP1 and APLP2, that all constitute synaptic adhesion proteins. While APP and APLP2 are ubiquitously expressed, APLP1 is specific for the nervous system. Previous genetic studies, including combined knockouts of several family members, pointed towards a unique role for APLP1, as only APP/APLP1 double knockouts were viable. We now examined brain and neuronal morphology in APLP1 single knockout (KO) animals, that have to date not been studied in detail. Here, we report that APLP1-KO mice show normal spine density in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells and subtle alterations in dendritic complexity. Extracellular field recordings revealed normal basal synaptic transmission and no alterations in synaptic plasticity (LTP). Further, behavioral studies revealed in APLP1-KO mice a small deficit in motor function and reduced diurnal locomotor activity, while learning and memory were not affected by the loss of APLP1. In summary, our study indicates that APP family members serve both distinct and overlapping functions that need to be considered for therapeutic treatments of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Bold CS, Baltissen D, Ludewig S, Back MK, Just J, Kilian L, Erdinger S, Banicevic M, Rehra L, Almouhanna F, Nigri M, Wolfer DP, Spilger R, Rohr K, Kann O, Buchholz CJ, von Engelhardt J, Korte M, Müller UC. APPsα Rescues Tau-Induced Synaptic Pathology. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5782-5802. [PMID: 35667850 PMCID: PMC9302470 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2200-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is histopathologically characterized by Aβ plaques and the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated Tau species, the latter also constituting key hallmarks of primary tauopathies. Whereas Aβ is produced by amyloidogenic APP processing, APP processing along the competing nonamyloidogenic pathway results in the secretion of neurotrophic and synaptotrophic APPsα. Recently, we demonstrated that APPsα has therapeutic effects in transgenic AD model mice and rescues Aβ-dependent impairments. Here, we examined the potential of APPsα to mitigate Tau-induced synaptic deficits in P301S mice (both sexes), a widely used mouse model of tauopathy. Analysis of synaptic plasticity revealed an aberrantly increased LTP in P301S mice that could be normalized by acute application of nanomolar amounts of APPsα to hippocampal slices, indicating a homeostatic function of APPsα on a rapid time scale. Further, AAV-mediated in vivo expression of APPsα restored normal spine density of CA1 neurons even at stages of advanced Tau pathology not only in P301S mice, but also in independent THY-Tau22 mice. Strikingly, when searching for the mechanism underlying aberrantly increased LTP in P301S mice, we identified an early and progressive loss of major GABAergic interneuron subtypes in the hippocampus of P301S mice, which may lead to reduced GABAergic inhibition of principal cells. Interneuron loss was paralleled by deficits in nest building, an innate behavior highly sensitive to hippocampal impairments. Together, our findings indicate that APPsα has therapeutic potential for Tau-mediated synaptic dysfunction and suggest that loss of interneurons leads to disturbed neuronal circuits that compromise synaptic plasticity as well as behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our findings indicate, for the first time, that APPsα has the potential to rescue Tau-induced spine loss and abnormal synaptic plasticity. Thus, APPsα might have therapeutic potential not only because of its synaptotrophic functions, but also its homeostatic capacity for neuronal network activity. Hence, APPsα is one of the few molecules which has proven therapeutic effects in mice, both for Aβ- and Tau-dependent synaptic impairments and might therefore have therapeutic potential for patients suffering from AD or primary tauopathies. Furthermore, we found in P301S mice a pronounced reduction of inhibitory interneurons as the earliest pathologic event preceding the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated Tau species. This loss of interneurons most likely disturbs neuronal circuits that are important for synaptic plasticity and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte S Bold
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Danny Baltissen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Susann Ludewig
- TU Braunschweig, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Group, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Michaela K Back
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Jennifer Just
- TU Braunschweig, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Lara Kilian
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Susanne Erdinger
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Marija Banicevic
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Lena Rehra
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Fadi Almouhanna
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Martina Nigri
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - David P Wolfer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Spilger
- BioQuant Center, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg and DKFZ, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Karl Rohr
- BioQuant Center, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg and DKFZ, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Oliver Kann
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | | | - Jakob von Engelhardt
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- TU Braunschweig, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Group, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Ulrike C Müller
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
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Cho Y, Bae HG, Okun E, Arumugam TV, Jo DG. Physiology and pharmacology of amyloid precursor protein. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108122. [PMID: 35114285 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is an evolutionarily conserved transmembrane protein and a well-characterized precursor protein of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, which accumulate in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related pathologies. Aβ has been extensively investigated since the amyloid hypothesis in AD was proposed. Besides Aβ, previous studies on APP and its proteolytic cleavage products have suggested their diverse pathological and physiological functions. However, their roles still have not been thoroughly understood. In this review, we extensively discuss the evolutionarily-conserved biology of APP, including its structure and processing pathway, as well as recent findings on the physiological roles of APP and its fragments in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. We have also elaborated upon the current status of APP-targeted therapeutic approaches for AD treatment by discussing inhibitors of several proteases participating in APP processing, including α-, β-, and γ-secretases. Finally, we have highlighted the future perspectives pertaining to further research and the potential clinical role of APP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonsuk Cho
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Han-Gyu Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Eitan Okun
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; The Pauld Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Israel
| | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea; School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Dong-Gyu Jo
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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Liang J, Shen Y, Wang Y, Huang Y, Wang J, Zhu Q, Tong G, Yu K, Cao W, Wang Q, Li Y, Zhao Y. Ferroptosis participates in neuron damage in experimental cerebral malaria and is partially induced by activated CD8 + T cells. Mol Brain 2022; 15:57. [PMID: 35725567 PMCID: PMC9208218 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00942-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is the most serious complication of malaria infection, with 26% of surviving children having neurological sequelae, which may be caused by neuron damage, but the mechanism is not clear. Ferroptosis has been reported to play an important role in neuron damage in several nervous system diseases. However, the occurrence of ferroptosis in experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) pathogenesis is still unknown. In this study, we firstly detected increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and iron, which are indicators of ferroptosis, in the cerebrum of ECM mice. Some important regulators of ferroptosis, including upregulated expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels, were also confirmed in ECM mice. Consistently, neuron damage, which was detected in the cerebrum of ECM mice, was positively correlated with reduced GPX4 expression and furtherly rescued by administration of the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). In addition, primary neurons were damaged by activated CD8+ T cells, an effect that was also partially rescued by Fer-1 on amyloid precursor protein expression and mitochondrial membrane potential levels in vitro. Activated CD8+ T cells were also shown to infiltrate the cerebrum of ECM mice and upregulate TfR1 expression in primary neurons, which may be an important event for inducing ferroptosis in ECM. Altogether, we show that ferroptosis contributes to neuron damage in ECM pathogenesis, and activated CD8+ T cells may be important inducers of neuronal ferroptosis. Hence, targeting ferroptosis may be a promising adjuvant therapeutic strategy for neurological sequelae in patients with cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuxiao Huang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qinghao Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Guodong Tong
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kangjie Yu
- Department of Pathology, Air Force Hospital of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Second Student Brigade, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Second Student Brigade, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Ya Zhao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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8
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Nava-Gómez L, Calero-Vargas I, Higinio-Rodríguez F, Vázquez-Prieto B, Olivares-Moreno R, Ortiz-Retana J, Aranda P, Hernández-Chan N, Rojas-Piloni G, Alcauter S, López-Hidalgo M. AGING-ASSOCIATED COGNITIVE DECLINE IS REVERSED BY D-SERINE SUPPLEMENTATION. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0176-22.2022. [PMID: 35584913 PMCID: PMC9186414 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0176-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain aging is a natural process that involves structural and functional changes that lead to cognitive decline, even in healthy subjects. This detriment has been associated with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction due to a reduction in the brain levels of D-serine, the endogenous NMDAR co-agonist. However, it is not clear if D-serine supplementation could be used as an intervention to reduce or reverse age-related brain alterations. In the present work, we aimed to analyze the D-serine effect on aging-associated alterations in cellular and large-scale brain systems that could support cognitive flexibility in rats. We found that D-serine supplementation reverts the age-related decline in cognitive flexibility, frontal dendritic spine density, and partially restored large-scale functional connectivity without inducing nephrotoxicity; instead, D-serine restored the thickness of the renal epithelial cells that were affected by age. Our results suggest that D-serine could be used as a therapeutic target to reverse age-related brain alterations.SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTAge-related behavioral changes in cognitive performance occur as a physiological process of aging. Then, it is important to explore possible therapeutics to decrease, retard or reverse aging effects on the brain. NMDA receptor hypofunction contributes to the aging-associated cognitive decline. In the aged brain, there is a reduction in the brain levels of the NMDAR co-agonist, D-Serine. However, it is unclear if chronic D-serine supplementation could revert the age-detriment in brain functions. Our results show that D-serine supplementation reverts the age-associated decrease in cognitive flexibility, functional brain connectivity, and neuronal morphology. Our findings raise the possibility that restoring the brain levels of D-serine could be used as a therapeutic target to recover brain alterations associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nava-Gómez
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla. UNAM
- Facultad de Medicina. UAQ
| | - I Calero-Vargas
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla. UNAM
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - F Higinio-Rodríguez
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla. UNAM
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - B Vázquez-Prieto
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla. UNAM
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - R Olivares-Moreno
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - J Ortiz-Retana
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - P Aranda
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UAQ
| | | | - G Rojas-Piloni
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - S Alcauter
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - M López-Hidalgo
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla. UNAM
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9
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Piubelli L, Murtas G, Rabattoni V, Pollegioni L. The Role of D-Amino Acids in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:475-492. [PMID: 33554911 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the main cause of dementia worldwide, is characterized by a complex and multifactorial etiology. In large part, excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system is mediated by glutamate and its receptors are involved in synaptic plasticity. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which require the agonist glutamate and a coagonist such as glycine or the D-enantiomer of serine for activation, play a main role here. A second D-amino acid, D-aspartate, acts as agonist of NMDA receptors. D-amino acids, present in low amounts in nature and long considered to be of bacterial origin, have distinctive functions in mammals. In recent years, alterations in physiological levels of various D-amino acids have been linked to various pathological states, ranging from chronic kidney disease to neurological disorders. Actually, the level of NMDA receptor signaling must be balanced to promote neuronal survival and prevent neurodegeneration: this signaling in AD is affected mainly by glutamate availability and modulation of the receptor's functions. Here, we report the experimental findings linking D-serine and D-aspartate, through NMDA receptor modulation, to AD and cognitive functions. Interestingly, AD progression has been also associated with the enzymes related to D-amino acid metabolism as well as with glucose and serine metabolism. Furthermore, the D-serine and D-/total serine ratio in serum have been recently proposed as biomarkers of AD progression. A greater understanding of the role of D-amino acids in excitotoxicity related to the pathogenesis of AD will facilitate novel therapeutic treatments to cure the disease and improve life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Piubelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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10
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Ludewig S, Herrmann U, Michaelsen-Preusse K, Metzdorf K, Just J, Bold C, Müller UC, Korte M. APPsα rescues impaired Ca 2+ homeostasis in APP- and APLP2-deficient hippocampal neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2011506118. [PMID: 34172567 PMCID: PMC8256088 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011506118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis have been reported in several in vitro and in vivo studies using mice expressing the Alzheimer's disease-associated transgenes, presenilin and the amyloid precursor protein (APP). While intense research focused on amyloid-β-mediated functions on neuronal Ca2+ handling, the physiological role of APP and its close homolog APLP2 is still not fully clarified. We now elucidate a mechanism to show how APP and its homolog APLP2 control neuronal Ca2+ handling and identify especially the ectodomain APPsα as an essential regulator of Ca2+ homeostasis. Importantly, we demonstrate that the loss of APP and APLP2, but not APLP2 alone, impairs Ca2+ handling, the refill of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores, and synaptic plasticity due to altered function and expression of the SERCA-ATPase and expression of store-operated Ca2+ channel-associated proteins Stim1 and Stim2. Long-term AAV-mediated expression of APPsα, but not acute application of the recombinant protein, restored physiological Ca2+ homeostasis and synaptic plasticity in APP/APLP2 cDKO cultures. Overall, our analysis reveals an essential role of the APP family and especially of the ectodomain APPsα in Ca2+ homeostasis, thereby highlighting its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Ludewig
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Herrmann
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kristin Michaelsen-Preusse
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kristin Metzdorf
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jennifer Just
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Charlotte Bold
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike C Müller
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany;
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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11
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Augustin V, Kins S. Fe65: A Scaffolding Protein of Actin Regulators. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071599. [PMID: 34202290 PMCID: PMC8304848 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The scaffolding protein family Fe65, composed of Fe65, Fe65L1, and Fe65L2, was identified as an interaction partner of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which plays a key function in Alzheimer’s disease. All three Fe65 family members possess three highly conserved interaction domains, forming complexes with diverse binding partners that can be assigned to different cellular functions, such as transactivation of genes in the nucleus, modulation of calcium homeostasis and lipid metabolism, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. In this article, we rule out putative new intracellular signaling mechanisms of the APP-interacting protein Fe65 in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in the context of various neuronal functions, such as cell migration, neurite outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity.
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12
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Steubler V, Erdinger S, Back MK, Ludewig S, Fässler D, Richter M, Han K, Slomianka L, Amrein I, von Engelhardt J, Wolfer DP, Korte M, Müller UC. Loss of all three APP family members during development impairs synaptic function and plasticity, disrupts learning, and causes an autism-like phenotype. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107471. [PMID: 34008862 PMCID: PMC8204861 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The key role of APP for Alzheimer pathogenesis is well established. However, perinatal lethality of germline knockout mice lacking the entire APP family has so far precluded the analysis of its physiological functions for the developing and adult brain. Here, we generated conditional APP/APLP1/APLP2 triple KO (cTKO) mice lacking the APP family in excitatory forebrain neurons from embryonic day 11.5 onwards. NexCre cTKO mice showed altered brain morphology with agenesis of the corpus callosum and disrupted hippocampal lamination. Further, NexCre cTKOs revealed reduced basal synaptic transmission and drastically reduced long-term potentiation that was associated with reduced dendritic length and reduced spine density of pyramidal cells. With regard to behavior, lack of the APP family leads not only to severe impairments in a panel of tests for learning and memory, but also to an autism-like phenotype including repetitive rearing and climbing, impaired social communication, and deficits in social interaction. Together, our study identifies essential functions of the APP family during development, for normal hippocampal function and circuits important for learning and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Steubler
- Department of Functional GenomicsInstitute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Susanne Erdinger
- Department of Functional GenomicsInstitute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Michaela K Back
- Institute of PathophysiologyFocus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN)University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Susann Ludewig
- Division of Cellular NeurobiologyZoological Institute, TU BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration GroupBraunschweigGermany
| | - Dominique Fässler
- Department of Functional GenomicsInstitute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Max Richter
- Department of Functional GenomicsInstitute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Kang Han
- Department of Functional GenomicsInstitute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Lutz Slomianka
- Institute of Anatomy and Zurich Center for Integrative Human PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Irmgard Amrein
- Institute of Anatomy and Zurich Center for Integrative Human PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jakob von Engelhardt
- Institute of PathophysiologyFocus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN)University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - David P Wolfer
- Institute of Anatomy and Zurich Center for Integrative Human PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Institute of Human Movement SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular NeurobiologyZoological Institute, TU BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration GroupBraunschweigGermany
| | - Ulrike C Müller
- Department of Functional GenomicsInstitute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
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13
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Ma WH, Chen AF, Xie XY, Huang YS. Sigma ligands as potent inhibitors of Aβ and AβOs in neurons and promising therapeutic agents of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2021; 190:108342. [PMID: 33045243 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease and characterized by dementia, memory decline, loss of learning and cognitive disorder. The main pathological features of AD are the deposition of amyloid plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain. The current anti-AD drugs have shown unsatisfactory therapeutic results. Due to the complications and unclear pathogenesis, AD is still irreversible and incurable. Among several hypotheses proposed by the academic community, the amyloid cascade is widely recognized by scholars and supported by a large amount of evidences. However, controversy over pathogenic factors has also been ongoing. Increasing evidence has shown that amyloid-β (Aβ) and especially amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) are highly neurotoxic and pathogenic agents that damage neurons, mediate various receptors in the downstream pathways, and ultimately lead to learning and cognitive dysfunction. However, efforts in developing inhibitors of Aβ or amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) have all failed to yield good clinical results. More recently, it has been demonstrated that sigma receptors, including sigma-1 and sigma-2 subtypes, may play critical roles in the regulation of binding and metabolism of AβOs in neuron cells and the pathophysiology of AD. Thus, sigma receptor ligands are being recognized as promising therapeutic agents for treating or ameliorating AD. This article will review the pathophysiology of AD and highlight the sigma ligands that display the capability of preventing or even reversing Aβ- and AβOs-induced neurotoxicity and blocking the signal transduction caused by AβOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hui Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory for Drug Design & Formulation, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Ai-Fang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory for Drug Design & Formulation, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory for Drug Design & Formulation, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Yun-Sheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory for Drug Design & Formulation, 1 Xincheng Ave, Songshan Lake Technology Park, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China.
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14
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Dyakin VV, Wisniewski TM, Lajtha A. Racemization in Post-Translational Modifications Relevance to Protein Aging, Aggregation and Neurodegeneration: Tip of the Iceberg. Symmetry (Basel) 2021; 13:455. [PMID: 34350031 PMCID: PMC8330555 DOI: 10.3390/sym13030455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Homochirality of DNA and prevalent chirality of free and protein-bound amino acids in a living organism represents the challenge for modern biochemistry and neuroscience. The idea of an association between age-related disease, neurodegeneration, and racemization originated from the studies of fossils and cataract disease. Under the pressure of new results, this concept has a broader significance linking protein folding, aggregation, and disfunction to an organism's cognitive and behavioral functions. The integrity of cognitive function is provided by a delicate balance between the evolutionarily imposed molecular homo-chirality and the epigenetic/developmental impact of spontaneous and enzymatic racemization. The chirality of amino acids is the crucial player in the modulation the structure and function of proteins, lipids, and DNA. The collapse of homochirality by racemization is the result of the conformational phase transition. The racemization of protein-bound amino acids (spontaneous and enzymatic) occurs through thermal activation over the energy barrier or by the tunnel transfer effect under the energy barrier. The phase transition is achieved through the intermediate state, where the chirality of alpha carbon vanished. From a thermodynamic consideration, the system in the homo-chiral (single enantiomeric) state is characterized by a decreased level of entropy. The oscillating protein chirality is suggesting its distinct significance in the neurotransmission and flow of perceptual information, adaptive associative learning, and cognitive laterality. The common pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders include protein misfolding, aging, and the deposition of protease-resistant protein aggregates. Each of the landmarks is influenced by racemization. The brain region, cell type, and age-dependent racemization critically influence the functions of many intracellular, membrane-bound, and extracellular proteins including amyloid precursor protein (APP), TAU, PrP, Huntingtin, α-synuclein, myelin basic protein (MBP), and collagen. The amyloid cascade hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) coexists with the failure of amyloid beta (Aβ) targeting drug therapy. According to our view, racemization should be considered as a critical factor of protein conformation with the potential for inducing order, disorder, misfolding, aggregation, toxicity, and malfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor V. Dyakin
- Virtual Reality Perception Lab (VRPL), The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI), Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Thomas M. Wisniewski
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Psychiatry, Center for Cognitive Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Abel Lajtha
- Center for Neurochemistry, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI), Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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15
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Orzylowski M, Fujiwara E, Mousseau DD, Baker GB. An Overview of the Involvement of D-Serine in Cognitive Impairment in Normal Aging and Dementia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:754032. [PMID: 34707525 PMCID: PMC8542907 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.754032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form, is characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration, including profound memory loss, which affects functioning in many aspects of life. Although cognitive deterioration is relatively common in aging and aging is a risk factor for AD, the condition is not necessarily a part of the aging process. The N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) and its co-agonist D-serine are currently of great interest as potential important contributors to cognitive function in normal aging and dementia. D-Serine is necessary for activation of the NMDAR and in maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) and is involved in brain development, neuronal connectivity, synaptic plasticity and regulation of learning and memory. In this paper, we review evidence, from both preclinical and human studies, on the involvement of D-serine (and the enzymes involved in its metabolism) in regulation of cognition. Potential mechanisms of action of D-serine are discussed in the context of normal aging and in dementia, as is the potential for using D-serine as a potential biomarker and/or therapeutic agent in dementia. Although there is some controversy in the literature, it has been proposed that in normal aging there is decreased expression of serine racemase and decreased levels of D-serine and down-regulation of NMDARs, resulting in impaired synaptic plasticity and deficits in learning and memory. In contrast, in AD there appears to be activation of serine racemase, increased levels of D-serine and overstimulation of NMDARs, resulting in cytotoxicity, synaptic deficits, and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Orzylowski
- Villa Caritas Geriatric Psychiatry Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Esther Fujiwara
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Darrell D Mousseau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Glen B Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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16
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Ploux E, Freret T, Billard JM. d-serine in physiological and pathological brain aging. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1869:140542. [PMID: 32950692 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Among aging-induced impairments, those affecting cognitive functions certainly represent one the most major challenge to face to improve elderly quality of life. In last decades, our knowledge on changes in the morphology and function of neuronal networks associated with normal and pathological brain aging has rapidly progressed, initiating the development of different pharmacological and behavioural strategies to alleviate cognitive aging. In particular, experimental evidences have accumulated indicating that the communication between neurons and its plasticity gradually weakens with aging. Because of its pivotal role for brain functional plasticity, the N-Methyl‑d-Aspartate receptor subtype of glutamate receptors (NMDAr) has gathered much of the experimental interest. NMDAr activation is regulated by many mechanisms. Among is the mandatory binding of a co-agonist, such as the amino acid d-serine, in order to activate NMDAr. This mini-review presents the most recent information indicating how d-serine could contribute to mechanisms of physiological cognitive aging and also considers the divergent views relative of the role of the NMDAr co-agonist in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ploux
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, COMETE, 14000 Caen, France.
| | - T Freret
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, COMETE, 14000 Caen, France
| | - J-M Billard
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, COMETE, 14000 Caen, France.
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17
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Rosini E, D’Antona P, Pollegioni L. Biosensors for D-Amino Acids: Detection Methods and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4574. [PMID: 32605078 PMCID: PMC7369756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
D-enantiomers of amino acids (D-AAs) are only present in low amounts in nature, frequently at trace levels, and for this reason, their biological function was undervalued for a long time. In the past 25 years, the improvements in analytical methods, such as gas chromatography, HPLC, and capillary electrophoresis, allowed to detect D-AAs in foodstuffs and biological samples and to attribute them specific biological functions in mammals. These methods are time-consuming, expensive, and not suitable for online application; however, life science investigations and industrial applications require rapid and selective determination of D-AAs, as only biosensors can offer. In the present review, we provide a status update concerning biosensors for detecting and quantifying D-AAs and their applications for safety and quality of foods, human health, and neurological research. The review reports the main challenges in the field, such as selectivity, in order to distinguish the different D-AAs present in a solution, the simultaneous assay of both L- and D-AAs, the production of implantable devices, and surface-scanning biosensors. These innovative tools will push future research aimed at investigating the neurological role of D-AAs, a vibrant field that is growing at an accelerating pace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rosini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy; (P.D.); (L.P.)
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18
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Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Controls the Expression of the Transcriptional Activator Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 4 (NPAS4) and Synaptic GABA Release. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0322-19.2020. [PMID: 32327470 PMCID: PMC7262005 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0322-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been extensively studied as the precursor of the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, the major component of the senile plaques found in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. However, the function of APP per se in neuronal physiology remains to be fully elucidated. APP is expressed at high levels in the brain. It resembles a cell adhesion molecule or a membrane receptor, suggesting that its function relies on cell-cell interaction and/or activation of intracellular signaling pathways. In this respect, the APP intracellular domain (AICD) was reported to act as a transcriptional regulator. Here, we used a transcriptome-based approach to identify the genes transcriptionally regulated by APP in the rodent embryonic cortex and on maturation of primary cortical neurons. Surprisingly, the overall transcriptional changes were subtle, but a more detailed analysis pointed to genes clustered in neuronal-activity dependent pathways. In particular, we observed a decreased transcription of neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (NPAS4) in APP−/− neurons. NPAS4 is an inducible transcription factor (ITF) regulated by neuronal depolarization. The downregulation of NPAS4 co-occurs with an increased production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and a reduced expression of the GABAA receptors α1. CRISPR-Cas-mediated silencing of NPAS4 in neurons led to similar observations. Patch-clamp investigation did not reveal any functional decrease of GABAA receptors activity, but long-term potentiation (LTP) measurement supported an increased GABA component in synaptic transmission of APP−/− mice. Together, NPAS4 appears to be a downstream target involved in APP-dependent regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission.
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19
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Mehr A, Hick M, Ludewig S, Müller M, Herrmann U, von Engelhardt J, Wolfer DP, Korte M, Müller UC. Lack of APP and APLP2 in GABAergic Forebrain Neurons Impairs Synaptic Plasticity and Cognition. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:4044-4063. [PMID: 32219307 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, yet its physiological functions remain incompletely understood. Previous studies had indicated important synaptic functions of APP and the closely related homologue APLP2 in excitatory forebrain neurons for spine density, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. Here, we show that APP is also widely expressed in several interneuron subtypes, both in hippocampus and cortex. To address the functional role of APP in inhibitory neurons, we generated mice with a conditional APP/APLP2 double knockout (cDKO) in GABAergic forebrain neurons using DlxCre mice. These DlxCre cDKO mice exhibit cognitive deficits in hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory tasks, as well as impairments in species-typic nesting and burrowing behaviors. Deficits at the behavioral level were associated with altered neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity Long-Term Potentiation (LTP). Impaired basal synaptic transmission at the Schafer collateral/CA1 pathway, which was associated with altered compound excitatory/inhibitory synaptic currents and reduced action potential firing of CA1 pyramidal cells, points to a disrupted excitation/inhibition balance in DlxCre cDKOs. Together, these impairments may lead to hippocampal dysfunction. Collectively, our data reveal a crucial role of APP family proteins in inhibitory interneurons to maintain functional network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Mehr
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Meike Hick
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susann Ludewig
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michaela Müller
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Herrmann
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jakob von Engelhardt
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - David P Wolfer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.,AG Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ulrike C Müller
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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20
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Basic Limonoid modulates Chaperone-mediated Proteostasis and dissolve Tau fibrils. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4023. [PMID: 32132570 PMCID: PMC7055235 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Alzheimer's disease pathology is associated with accumulation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular senile plaques. The formation of initial nucleus triggers conformational changes in Tau and leads to its deposition. Hence, there is a need to eliminate these toxic proteins for proper functioning of neuronal cells. In this aspect, we screened the effect of basic limonoids such as gedunin, epoxyazadiradione, azadirone and azadiradione on inhibiting Tau aggregation as well as disintegration of induced Tau aggregates. It was observed that these basic limonoids effectively prevented aggregates formation by Tau and also exhibited the property of destabilizing matured Tau aggregates. The molecular docking analysis suggests that the basic limonoids interact with hexapeptide regions of aggregated Tau. Although these limonoids caused the conformational changes in Tau to β-sheet structure, the cytological studies indicate that basic limonoids rescued cell death. The dual role of limonoids in Tau aggregation inhibition and disintegration of matured aggregates suggests them to be potent molecules in overcoming Tau pathology. Further, their origin from a medicinally important plant neem, which known to possess remarkable biological activities was also found to play protective role in HEK293T cells. Basic limonoids were non-toxic to HEK293T cells and also aided in activation of HSF1 by inducing its accumulation in nucleus. Western blotting and immunofluorescence studies showed that HSF1 in downstream increased the transcription of Hsp70 thus, aggravating cytosolic Hsp70 levels that can channel clearance of aberrant Tau. All these results mark basic limonoids as potential therapeutic natural products.
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Abstract
The Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is infamous for its proposed pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Much research on APP focusses on potential contributions to neurodegeneration, mostly based on mouse models with altered expression or mutated forms of APP. However, cumulative evidence from recent years indicates the indispensability of APP and its metabolites for normal brain physiology. APP contributes to the regulation of synaptic transmission, plasticity, and calcium homeostasis. It plays an important role during development and it exerts neuroprotective effects. Of particular importance is the soluble secreted fragment APPsα which mediates many of its physiological actions, often counteracting the effects of the small APP-derived peptide Aβ. Understanding the contribution of APP for normal functions of the nervous system is of high importance, both from a basic science perspective and also as a basis for generating new pathophysiological concepts and therapeutic approaches in AD. In this article, we review the physiological functions of APP and its metabolites, focusing on synaptic transmission, plasticity, calcium signaling, and neuronal network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Hefter
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susann Ludewig
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Group, Braunschweig, Germany.,Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Draguhn
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Group, Braunschweig, Germany.,Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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22
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Chiotto AMA, Migliorero M, Pallavicini G, Bianchi FT, Gai M, Di Cunto F, Berto GE. Neuronal Cell-Intrinsic Defects in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1081. [PMID: 31649502 PMCID: PMC6795679 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability (ID). Excitatory neurons of DS patients and mouse models show decreased size of dendritic field and reduction of spine density. Whether these defects are caused by cell autonomous alterations or by abnormal multicellular circuitry is still unknown. In this work, we explored this issue by culturing cortical neurons obtained from two mouse models of DS: the widely used Ts65Dn and the less characterized Ts2Cje. We observed that, in the in vitro conditions, axon specification and elongation, as well as dendritogenesis, take place without evident abnormalities, indicating that the initial phases of neuronal differentiation do not suffer from the presence of an imbalanced genetic dosage. Conversely, our analysis highlighted differences between trisomic and euploid neurons in terms of reduction of spine density, in accordance with in vivo data obtained by other groups, proposing the presence of a cell-intrinsic malfunction. This work suggests that the characteristic morphological defects of DS neurons are likely to be caused by the possible combination of cell-intrinsic defects together with cell-extrinsic cues. Additionally, our data support the possibility of using the more sustainable line Ts2Cje as a standard model for the study of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Maria Adelaide Chiotto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Migliorero
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Marta Gai
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gaia Elena Berto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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23
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Si Z, Wang X, Zhang Z, Wang J, Li J, Li J, Li L, Li Y, Peng Y, Sun C, Hui Y, Gao X. Heme Oxygenase 1 Induces Tau Oligomer Formation and Synapse Aberrations in Hippocampal Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 65:409-419. [PMID: 30040734 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioral changes and cognitive decline. Recent evidence suggests that it is the soluble forms of tau oligomers (Tau-O) and Aβ oligomers (oAβ) rather than the well-studied insoluble protein aggregates that possess the neurotoxicity, infectivity, and amplification underlying disease progression. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), an inducible enzyme upregulated in the cortex and hippocampus of AD brains, was reported to damage neural structures and disrupt brain function, suggesting possible contributions to Tau-O-mediated neurodegeneration. In this study, we focused on the effects of HO-1 on Tau-O formation. In hippocampus of HO-1-overexpressing transgenic mice and neural 2a (N2a) cells, Tau-O was co-localized with HO-1 as visualized by immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, primary cultured hippocampal neurons from HO-1 transgenic mice showed elevated Tau-O and concomitant reductions in spine density and length as well as dendritic length, diameter, and arborization. Blocking Tau-O formation by isoprenaline reversed these HO-1-induced morphological changes. These results indicated that HO-1 contributes to Tau-O formation and ensuing synaptic damage. Thus, HO-1 is a promising target for AD drug development.
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24
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Martinsson I, Capetillo-Zarate E, Faideau M, Willén K, Esteras N, Frykman S, Tjernberg LO, Gouras GK. APP depletion alters selective pre- and post-synaptic proteins. Mol Cell Neurosci 2019; 95:86-95. [PMID: 30763689 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal role of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-linked amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain remains incompletely understood. Previous studies have reported that lack of APP has detrimental effects on spines and electrophysiological parameters. APP has been described to be important in synaptic pruning during development. The effect of APP knockout on mature synapses is complicated by this role in development. We previously reported on differential changes in synaptic proteins and receptors in APP mutant AD transgenic compared to wild-type neurons, which revealed selective decreases in levels of pre- and post-synaptic proteins, including of surface glutamate receptors. In the present study, we undertook a similar analysis of synaptic composition but now in APP knockout compared to wild-type mouse neurons. Here we demonstrate alterations in levels of selective pre- and post-synaptic proteins and receptors in APP knockout compared to wild-type mouse primary neurons in culture and brains of mice in youth and adulthood. Remarkably, we demonstrate selective increases in levels of synaptic proteins, such as GluA1, in neurons with APP knockout and with RNAi knockdown, which tended to be opposite to the reductions seen in AD transgenic APP mutant compared to wild-type neurons. These data reinforce that APP is important for the normal composition of synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isak Martinsson
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Estibaliz Capetillo-Zarate
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, CIBERNED and Departamento de Neurociencias, Universidad del País Vasco. Leioa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Mathilde Faideau
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katarina Willén
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Noemi Esteras
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susanne Frykman
- Karolinska Institute, Dept. of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lars O Tjernberg
- Karolinska Institute, Dept. of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gunnar K Gouras
- Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Montagna E, Crux S, Luckner M, Herber J, Colombo AV, Marinković P, Tahirovic S, Lichtenthaler SF, Wanner G, Müller UC, Sgobio C, Herms J. In vivo
Ca
2+
imaging of astrocytic microdomains reveals a critical role of the amyloid precursor protein for mitochondria. Glia 2019; 67:985-998. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Montagna
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
- Division of Translational Brain Research, Center for Neuropathology and Prion ResearchLudwig–Maximilians University Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy)Ludwig‐Maximilians University Munich Germany
| | - Sophie Crux
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
- Division of Translational Brain Research, Center for Neuropathology and Prion ResearchLudwig–Maximilians University Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy)Ludwig‐Maximilians University Munich Germany
| | - Manja Luckner
- Department Biology I, BiocenterLudwig‐Maximilians University Munich Martinsried Germany
| | - Julia Herber
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar and Institute for Advanced StudyTechnische Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Alessio V. Colombo
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
| | - Petar Marinković
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
| | - Sabina Tahirovic
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
| | - Stefan F. Lichtenthaler
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy)Ludwig‐Maximilians University Munich Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar and Institute for Advanced StudyTechnische Universität München Munich Germany
| | - Gerhard Wanner
- Department Biology I, BiocenterLudwig‐Maximilians University Munich Martinsried Germany
| | - Ulrike C. Müller
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Carmelo Sgobio
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Division of Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich Germany
- Division of Translational Brain Research, Center for Neuropathology and Prion ResearchLudwig–Maximilians University Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy)Ludwig‐Maximilians University Munich Germany
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26
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Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HAND. J Neurovirol 2019; 25:686-701. [PMID: 30607890 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-018-0705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In 2007, the nosology for HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) was updated to a primarily neurocognitive disorder. However, currently available diagnostic tools lack the sensitivity and specificity needed for an accurate diagnosis for HAND. Scientists and clinicians, therefore, have been on a quest for an innovative biomarker to diagnose (i.e., diagnostic biomarker) and/or predict (i.e., prognostic biomarker) the progression of HAND in the post-combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. The present review examined the utility and challenges of four proposed biomarkers, including neurofilament light (NFL) chain concentration, amyloid (i.e., sAPPα, sAPPβ, amyloid β) and tau proteins (i.e., total tau, phosphorylated tau), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and prepulse inhibition (PPI). Although significant genotypic differences have been observed in NFL chain concentration, sAPPα, sAPPβ, amyloid β, total tau, phosphorylated tau, and resting-state fMRI, inconsistencies and/or assessment limitations (e.g., invasive procedures, lack of disease specificity, cost) challenge their utility as a diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for milder forms of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in the post-cART era. However, critical evaluation of the literature supports the utility of PPI as a powerful diagnostic biomarker with high accuracy (i.e., 86.7-97.1%), sensitivity (i.e., 89.3-100%), and specificity (i.e., 79.5-94.1%). Additionally, the inclusion of multiple CSF and/or plasma markers, rather than a single protein, may provide a more sensitive diagnostic biomarker for HAND; however, a pressing need for additional research remains. Most notably, PPI may serve as a prognostic biomarker for milder forms of NCI, evidenced by its ability to predict later NCI in higher-order cognitive domains with regression coefficients (i.e., r) greater than 0.8. Thus, PPI heralds an opportunity for the development of a brief, noninvasive diagnostic and promising prognostic biomarker for milder forms of NCI in the post-cART era.
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27
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Chen Y, Fu AKY, Ip NY. Synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 195:186-198. [PMID: 30439458 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population, is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and pathological hallmarks of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, its pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood, and diagnostic tools and interventions are limited. Here, we review recent research on the amyloid hypothesis and beta-amyloid-induced dysfunction of neuronal synapses through distinct cell surface receptors. We also review how tau protein leads to synaptotoxicity through pathological modification, localization, and propagation. Finally, we discuss experimental therapeutics for AD and propose potential applications of disease-modifying strategies targeting synaptic failure for improved treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Amy K Y Fu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Nancy Y Ip
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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28
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Blume T, Filser S, Jaworska A, Blain JF, Koenig G, Moschke K, Lichtenthaler SF, Herms J. BACE1 Inhibitor MK-8931 Alters Formation but Not Stability of Dendritic Spines. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:229. [PMID: 30093858 PMCID: PMC6070607 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-site amyloid-precursor-protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the rate limiting protease in the production of the amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ), which is considered to be the causative agent in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Therefore, the therapeutic potential of pharmacological BACE1 inhibitors is currently tested in clinical trials for AD treatment. To ensure a positive clinical outcome it is crucial to identify and evaluate adverse effects associated with BACE1 inhibition. Preclinical studies show that chronic blockade of BACE1 activity alters synaptic functions and leads to loss of dendritic spines. To assess the mechanism of synapse loss, dendritic spine dynamics of pyramidal layer V cells were monitored by in vivo two-photon microscopy in the somatosensory cortex of mice, treated with the BACE1 inhibitor MK-8931. MK-8931 treatment significantly reduced levels of Aβ40 and density of dendritic spines in the brain. However, the steady decline in dendritic spine density specifically resulted from a diminished formation of new spines and not from a loss of stable spines. Furthermore, the described effects on spine formation were transient and recovered after inhibitor withdrawal. Since MK-8931 inhibition did not completely abolish spine formation, our findings suggest that carefully dosed inhibitors might be therapeutically effective without affecting the structural integrity of excitatory synapses if given at an early disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Blume
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren (HZ)-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Severin Filser
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren (HZ)-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Jaworska
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren (HZ)-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Katrin Moschke
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren (HZ)-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren (HZ)-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren (HZ)-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.,Zentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung, Munich, Germany
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29
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Faw TD, Lerch JK, Thaxton TT, Deibert RJ, Fisher LC, Basso DM. Unique Sensory and Motor Behavior in Thy1-GFP-M Mice before and after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:2167-2182. [PMID: 29385890 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) is of utmost importance to injured individuals and will rely on improved understanding of SCI pathology and recovery. Novel transgenic mouse lines facilitate discovery, but must be understood to be effective. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sensory and motor behavior of a common transgenic mouse line (Thy1-GFP-M) before and after SCI. Thy1-GFP-M positive (TG+) mice and their transgene negative littermates (TG-) were acquired from two sources (in-house colony, n = 32, Jackson Laboratories, n = 4). C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice (Jackson Laboratories, n = 10) were strain controls. Moderate-severe T9 contusion (SCI) or transection (TX) occurred in TG+ (SCI, n = 25, TX, n = 5), TG- (SCI, n = 5), and WT (SCI, n = 10) mice. To determine responsiveness to rehabilitation, a cohort of TG+ mice with SCI (n = 4) had flat treadmill (TM) training 42-49 days post-injury (dpi). To characterize recovery, we performed Basso Mouse Scale, Grid Walk, von Frey Hair, and Plantar Heat Testing before and out to day 42 post-SCI. Open field locomotion was significantly better in the Thy1 SCI groups (TG+ and TG-) compared with WT by 7 dpi (p < 0.01) and was maintained through 42 dpi (p < 0.01). These unexpected locomotor gains were not apparent during grid walking, indicating severe impairment of precise motor control. Thy1 derived mice were hypersensitive to mechanical stimuli at baseline (p < 0.05). After SCI, mechanical hyposensitivity emerged in Thy1 derived groups (p < 0.001), while thermal hyperalgesia occurred in all groups (p < 0.001). Importantly, consistent findings across TG+ and TG- groups suggest that the effects are mediated by the genetic background rather than transgene manipulation itself. Surprisingly, TM training restored mechanical and thermal sensation to baseline levels in TG+ mice with SCI. This behavioral profile and responsiveness to chronic training will be important to consider when choosing models to study the mechanisms underlying sensorimotor recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Faw
- 1 Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jessica K Lerch
- 3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,4 Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tyler T Thaxton
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rochelle J Deibert
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lesley C Fisher
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - D Michele Basso
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
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30
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Mañucat-Tan NB, Saadipour K, Wang YJ, Bobrovskaya L, Zhou XF. Cellular Trafficking of Amyloid Precursor Protein in Amyloidogenesis Physiological and Pathological Significance. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:812-830. [PMID: 29797184 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1106-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of excess intracellular or extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) is one of the key pathological events in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is generated from the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta secretase-1 (BACE1) and gamma secretase (γ-secretase) within the cells. The endocytic trafficking of APP facilitates amyloidogenesis while at the cell surface, APP is predominantly processed in a non-amyloidogenic manner. Several adaptor proteins bind to both APP and BACE1, regulating their trafficking and recycling along the secretory and endocytic pathways. The phosphorylation of APP at Thr668 and BACE1 at Ser498, also influence their trafficking. Neurotrophins and proneurotrophins also influence APP trafficking through their receptors. In this review, we describe the molecular trafficking pathways of APP and BACE1 that lead to Aβ generation, the involvement of different signaling molecules or adaptor proteins regulating APP and BACE1 subcellular localization. We have also discussed how neurotrophins could modulate amyloidogenesis through their receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noralyn Basco Mañucat-Tan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
| | - Khalil Saadipour
- Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology and Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yan-Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Center for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
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31
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Richter MC, Ludewig S, Winschel A, Abel T, Bold C, Salzburger LR, Klein S, Han K, Weyer SW, Fritz AK, Laube B, Wolfer DP, Buchholz CJ, Korte M, Müller UC. Distinct in vivo roles of secreted APP ectodomain variants APPsα and APPsβ in regulation of spine density, synaptic plasticity, and cognition. EMBO J 2018; 37:embj.201798335. [PMID: 29661886 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201798335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that synaptic functions of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is key to Alzheimer pathogenesis, may be carried out by its secreted ectodomain (APPs). The specific roles of APPsα and APPsβ fragments, generated by non-amyloidogenic or amyloidogenic APP processing, respectively, remain however unclear. Here, we expressed APPsα or APPsβ in the adult brain of conditional double knockout mice (cDKO) lacking APP and the related APLP2. APPsα efficiently rescued deficits in spine density, synaptic plasticity (LTP and PPF), and spatial reference memory of cDKO mice. In contrast, APPsβ failed to show any detectable effects on synaptic plasticity and spine density. The C-terminal 16 amino acids of APPsα (lacking in APPsβ) proved sufficient to facilitate LTP in a mechanism that depends on functional nicotinic α7-nAChRs. Further, APPsα showed high-affinity, allosteric potentiation of heterologously expressed α7-nAChRs in oocytes. Collectively, we identified α7-nAChRs as a crucial physiological receptor specific for APPsα and show distinct in vivo roles for APPsα versus APPsβ. This implies that reduced levels of APPsα that might occur during Alzheimer pathogenesis cannot be compensated by APPsβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max C Richter
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susann Ludewig
- Zoological Institute, Division of Cellular Neurobiology, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Alex Winschel
- Department of Biology, Neurophysiology und Neurosensory Systems, TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tobias Abel
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI), Langen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Bold
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonie R Salzburger
- Zoological Institute, Division of Cellular Neurobiology, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Klein
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kang Han
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sascha W Weyer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristina Fritz
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Human Movements Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bodo Laube
- Department of Biology, Neurophysiology und Neurosensory Systems, TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - David P Wolfer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Human Movements Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Korte
- Zoological Institute, Division of Cellular Neurobiology, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ulrike C Müller
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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32
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Chatard C, Meiller A, Marinesco S. Microelectrode Biosensors forin vivoAnalysis of Brain Interstitial Fluid. ELECTROANAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201700836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Chatard
- INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292; Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Team TIGER
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; Lyon France
| | - Anne Meiller
- AniRA-Neurochem Technological Platform; Lyon France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; Lyon France
| | - Stéphane Marinesco
- INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292; Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Team TIGER
- AniRA-Neurochem Technological Platform; Lyon France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; Lyon France
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Team TIGER; Faculty of Medicine; 8 Avenue Rockefeller 69373 Lyon Cedex 08 France
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33
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Campos-Beltrán D, Konradsson-Geuken Å, Quintero JE, Marshall L. Amperometric Self-Referencing Ceramic Based Microelectrode Arrays for D-Serine Detection. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2018; 8:bios8010020. [PMID: 29509674 PMCID: PMC5872068 DOI: 10.3390/bios8010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
D-serine is the major D-amino acid in the mammalian central nervous system. As the dominant co-agonist of the endogenous synaptic NMDA receptor, D-serine plays a role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Alterations in D-serine are linked to neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Thus, it is of increasing interest to monitor the concentration of D-serine in vivo as a relevant player in dynamic neuron-glia network activity. Here we present a procedure for amperometric detection of D-serine with self-referencing ceramic-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) coated with D-amino acid oxidase from the yeast Rhodotorulagracilis (RgDAAO). We demonstrate in vitro D-serine recordings with a mean sensitivity of 8.61 ± 0.83 pA/µM to D-serine, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.17 ± 0.01 µM, and a selectivity ratio of 80:1 or greater for D-serine over ascorbic acid (mean ± SEM; n = 12) that can be used for freely moving studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Campos-Beltrán
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Åsa Konradsson-Geuken
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
- The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jorge E Quintero
- CenMeT, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 40506 KY, USA.
- Quanteon LLC, Nicholasville, 40356 KY, USA.
| | - Lisa Marshall
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.
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34
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Liu A, Zhang Y, Han L, He G, Xie W, Zhou Z, Jia Z. Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release by Amyloid Precursor Protein Through Synapsin Phosphorylation. Neurochem Res 2017; 44:683-691. [PMID: 29052089 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2418-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and aggregation of the Aβ peptide are known to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, but the function of endogenous APP under normal physiological conditions remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated presynaptic changes in APP knockout (KO) mice. We demonstrate that both sucrose-induced neurotransmission and synaptic depletion in response to high frequency stimulation are significantly enhanced in APP KO compared to wild type littermates. In addition, the level of phosphorylated forms of synapsins, but not total synapsins, is elevated in the KO mice. Furthermore, we show that the inhibition of L-type calcium channels normalizes phosphorylated synapsins and slows down the high frequency induced synaptic depletion in APP KO mice. These results suggest a new mechanism by which APP regulates synaptic vesicle dynamics through synapsin-dependent phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Lifang Han
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Guiqin He
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zikai Zhou
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zhengping Jia
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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35
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Montagna E, Dorostkar MM, Herms J. The Role of APP in Structural Spine Plasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:136. [PMID: 28539872 PMCID: PMC5423954 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane protein highly expressed in neurons. The full-length protein has cell-adhesion and receptor-like properties, which play roles in synapse formation and stability. Furthermore, APP can be cleaved by several proteases into numerous fragments, many of which affect synaptic function and stability. This review article focuses on the mechanisms of APP in structural spine plasticity, which encompasses the morphological alterations at excitatory synapses. These occur as changes in the number and morphology of dendritic spines, which correspond to the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory synapses. Both overexpression and knockout (KO) of APP lead to impaired synaptic plasticity. Recent data also suggest a role of APP in the regulation of astrocytic D-serine homeostasis, which in turn regulates synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Montagna
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Maximilian-University MunichMunich, Germany
| | - Mario M Dorostkar
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilian-University MunichMunich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Maximilian-University MunichMunich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilian-University MunichMunich, Germany.,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilian-University MunichMunich, Germany
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36
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Not just amyloid: physiological functions of the amyloid precursor protein family. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:281-298. [PMID: 28360418 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) gives rise to the amyloid-β peptide and thus has a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. By contrast, the physiological functions of APP and the closely related APP-like proteins (APLPs) remain less well understood. Studying these physiological functions has been challenging and has required a careful long-term strategy, including the analysis of different App-knockout and Aplp-knockout mice. In this Review, we summarize these findings, focusing on the in vivo roles of APP family members and their processing products for CNS development, synapse formation and function, brain injury and neuroprotection, as well as ageing. In addition, we discuss the implications of APP physiology for therapeutic approaches.
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37
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Singh A, Abraham WC. Astrocytes and synaptic plasticity in health and disease. Exp Brain Res 2017; 235:1645-1655. [PMID: 28299411 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-017-4928-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity phenomena such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression are candidate mechanisms for storing information in the brain. Regulation of synaptic plasticity is critical for healthy cognition and learning and this is provided in part by metaplasticity, which can act to maintain synaptic transmission within a dynamic range and potentially prevent excitotoxicity. Metaplasticity mechanisms also allow neurons to integrate plasticity-associated signals over time. Interestingly, astrocytes appear to be critical for certain forms of synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity mechanisms. Synaptic dysfunction is increasingly viewed as an early feature of AD that is correlated with the severity of cognitive decline, and the development of these pathologies is correlated with a rise in reactive astrocytes. This review focuses on the contributions of astrocytes to synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity in normal tissue, and addresses whether astroglial pathology may lead to aberrant engagement of these mechanisms in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Singh
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Wickliffe C Abraham
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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38
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Ramaker JM, Copenhaver PF. Amyloid Precursor Protein family as unconventional Go-coupled receptors and the control of neuronal motility. NEUROGENESIS 2017; 4:e1288510. [PMID: 28321435 PMCID: PMC5345750 DOI: 10.1080/23262133.2017.1288510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) generates amyloid peptides that accumulate in Alzheimer Disease (AD), but APP is also upregulated by developing and injured neurons, suggesting that it regulates neuronal motility. APP can also function as a G protein-coupled receptor that signals via the heterotrimeric G protein Gαo, but evidence for APP-Gαo signaling in vivo has been lacking. Using Manduca as a model system, we showed that insect APP (APPL) regulates neuronal migration in a Gαo-dependent manner. Recently, we also demonstrated that Manduca Contactin (expressed by glial cells) induces APPL-Gαo retraction responses in migratory neurons, consistent with evidence that mammalian Contactins also interact with APP family members. Preliminary studies using cultured hippocampal neurons suggest that APP-Gαo signaling can similarly regulate growth cone motility. Whether Contactins (or other APP ligands) induce this response within the developing nervous system, and how this pathway is disrupted in AD, remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Ramaker
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology L-215, Oregon Health & Sciences University , Portland, OR, USA
| | - Philip F Copenhaver
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology L-215, Oregon Health & Sciences University , Portland, OR, USA
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39
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Mockett BG, Richter M, Abraham WC, Müller UC. Therapeutic Potential of Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein APPsα. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:30. [PMID: 28223920 PMCID: PMC5293819 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by α-secretase generates an extracellularly released fragment termed secreted APP-alpha (APPsα). Not only is this process of interest due to the cleavage of APP within the amyloid-beta sequence, but APPsα itself has many physiological properties that suggest its great potential as a therapeutic target. For example, APPsα is neurotrophic, neuroprotective, neurogenic, a stimulator of protein synthesis and gene expression, and enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory. While most early studies have been conducted in vitro, effectiveness in animal models is now being confirmed. These studies have revealed that either upregulating α-secretase activity, acutely administering APPsα or chronic delivery of APPsα via a gene therapy approach can effectively treat mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other disorders such as traumatic head injury. Together these findings suggest the need for intensifying research efforts to harness the therapeutic potential of this multifunctional protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce G. Mockett
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of OtagoOtago, New Zealand
| | - Max Richter
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Wickliffe C. Abraham
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of OtagoOtago, New Zealand
| | - Ulrike C. Müller
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, Germany
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40
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Wild K, August A, Pietrzik CU, Kins S. Structure and Synaptic Function of Metal Binding to the Amyloid Precursor Protein and its Proteolytic Fragments. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:21. [PMID: 28197076 PMCID: PMC5281630 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is ultimately linked to the amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, current research reveals an important synaptic function of APP and APP-like proteins (APLP1 and 2). In this context various neurotrophic and neuroprotective functions have been reported for the APP proteolytic fragments sAPPα, sAPPβ and the monomeric amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ). APP is a metalloprotein and binds copper and zinc ions. Synaptic activity correlates with a release of these ions into the synaptic cleft and dysregulation of their homeostasis is linked to different neurodegenerative diseases. Metal binding to APP or its fragments affects its structure and its proteolytic cleavage and therefore its physiological function at the synapse. Here, we summarize the current data supporting this hypothesis and provide a model of how these different mechanisms might be intertwined with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klemens Wild
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander August
- Division of Human Biology and Human Genetics, Technical University of Kaiserslautern Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Claus U Pietrzik
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Kins
- Division of Human Biology and Human Genetics, Technical University of Kaiserslautern Kaiserslautern, Germany
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41
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Ludewig S, Korte M. Novel Insights into the Physiological Function of the APP (Gene) Family and Its Proteolytic Fragments in Synaptic Plasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 9:161. [PMID: 28163673 PMCID: PMC5247455 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is well known to be involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) via its cleavage product amyloid ß (Aß). However, the physiological role of APP, its various proteolytic products and the amyloid precursor-like proteins 1 and 2 (APLP1/2) are still not fully clarified. Interestingly, it has been shown that learning and memory processes represented by functional and structural changes at synapses are altered in different APP and APLP1/2 mouse mutants. In addition, APP and its fragments are implicated in regulating synaptic strength further reinforcing their modulatory role at the synapse. While APLP2 and APP are functionally redundant, the exclusively CNS expressed APLP1, might have individual roles within the synaptic network. The proteolytic product of non-amyloidogenic APP processing, APPsα, emerged as a neurotrophic peptide that facilitates long-term potentiation (LTP) and restores impairments occurring with age. Interestingly, the newly discovered η-secretase cleavage product, An-α acts in the opposite direction, namely decreasing LTP. In this review we summarize recent findings with emphasis on the physiological role of the APP gene family and its proteolytic products on synaptic function and plasticity, especially during processes of hippocampal LTP. Therefore, we focus on literature that provide electrophysiological data by using different mutant mouse strains either lacking full-length or parts of the APP proteins or that utilized secretase inhibitors as well as secreted APP fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Ludewig
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU BraunschweigBraunschweig, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NINDBraunschweig, Germany
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42
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Zou C, Crux S, Marinesco S, Montagna E, Sgobio C, Shi Y, Shi S, Zhu K, Dorostkar MM, Müller UC, Herms J. Amyloid precursor protein maintains constitutive and adaptive plasticity of dendritic spines in adult brain by regulating D-serine homeostasis. EMBO J 2016; 35:2213-2222. [PMID: 27572463 PMCID: PMC5069548 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201694085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic synapses facilitate activity-dependent remodeling of neural circuits, thereby providing the structural substrate for adaptive behaviors. However, the mechanisms governing dynamic synapses in adult brain are still largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that in the cortex of adult amyloid precursor protein knockout (APP-KO) mice, spine formation and elimination were both reduced while overall spine density remained unaltered. When housed under environmental enrichment, APP-KO mice failed to respond with an increase in spine density. Spine morphology was also altered in the absence of APP The underlying mechanism of these spine abnormalities in APP-KO mice was ascribed to an impairment in D-serine homeostasis. Extracellular D-serine concentration was significantly reduced in APP-KO mice, coupled with an increase of total D-serine. Strikingly, chronic treatment with exogenous D-serine normalized D-serine homeostasis and restored the deficits of spine dynamics, adaptive plasticity, and morphology in APP-KO mice. The cognitive deficit observed in APP-KO mice was also rescued by D-serine treatment. These data suggest that APP regulates homeostasis of D-serine, thereby maintaining the constitutive and adaptive plasticity of dendritic spines in adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Zou
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie Crux
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephane Marinesco
- INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, team TIGER and AniRA Neurochem Technological platform, Lyon, France
| | - Elena Montagna
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmelo Sgobio
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Yuan Shi
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Song Shi
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaichuan Zhu
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Mario M Dorostkar
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike C Müller
- Department of Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany .,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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