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Zoltowska KM, Das U, Lismont S, Enzlein T, Maesako M, Houser MCQ, Franco ML, Özcan B, Gomes Moreira D, Karachentsev D, Becker A, Hopf C, Vilar M, Berezovska O, Mobley W, Chávez-Gutiérrez L. Alzheimer's disease linked Aβ42 exerts product feedback inhibition on γ-secretase impairing downstream cell signaling. eLife 2024; 12:RP90690. [PMID: 39027984 PMCID: PMC11259434 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides accumulating in the brain are proposed to trigger Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, molecular cascades underlying their toxicity are poorly defined. Here, we explored a novel hypothesis for Aβ42 toxicity that arises from its proven affinity for γ-secretases. We hypothesized that the reported increases in Aβ42, particularly in the endolysosomal compartment, promote the establishment of a product feedback inhibitory mechanism on γ-secretases, and thereby impair downstream signaling events. We conducted kinetic analyses of γ-secretase activity in cell-free systems in the presence of Aβ, as well as cell-based and ex vivo assays in neuronal cell lines, neurons, and brain synaptosomes to assess the impact of Aβ on γ-secretases. We show that human Aβ42 peptides, but neither murine Aβ42 nor human Aβ17-42 (p3), inhibit γ-secretases and trigger accumulation of unprocessed substrates in neurons, including C-terminal fragments (CTFs) of APP, p75, and pan-cadherin. Moreover, Aβ42 treatment dysregulated cellular homeostasis, as shown by the induction of p75-dependent neuronal death in two distinct cellular systems. Our findings raise the possibility that pathological elevations in Aβ42 contribute to cellular toxicity via the γ-secretase inhibition, and provide a novel conceptual framework to address Aβ toxicity in the context of γ-secretase-dependent homeostatic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Utpal Das
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Sam Lismont
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Thomas Enzlein
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS), Mannheim University of Applied SciencesMannheimGermany
| | - Masato Maesako
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Mei CQ Houser
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Maria Luisa Franco
- Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Burcu Özcan
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | | | - Dmitry Karachentsev
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Carsten Hopf
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS), Mannheim University of Applied SciencesMannheimGermany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Marçal Vilar
- Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration Unit, Instituto de Biomedicina de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Oksana Berezovska
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - William Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
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2
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Hou SS, Ikegawa Y, Kwon Y, Wieckiewicz N, Houser MCQ, Lundin B, Bacskai BJ, Berezovska O, Maesako M. Recording γ-secretase activity in living mouse brains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578105. [PMID: 38352497 PMCID: PMC10862803 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
γ-Secretase plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system. Our recent development of genetically encoded Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors has enabled the spatiotemporal recording of γ-secretase activity on a cell-by-cell basis in live neurons in culture. Nevertheless, how γ-secretase activity is regulated in vivo remains unclear. Here we employ the near-infrared (NIR) C99 720-670 biosensor and NIR confocal microscopy to quantitatively record γ-secretase activity in individual neurons in living mouse brains. Intriguingly, we uncovered that γ-secretase activity may influence the activity of γ-secretase in neighboring neurons, suggesting a potential "cell non-autonomous" regulation of γ-secretase in mouse brains. Given that γ-secretase plays critical roles in important biological events and various diseases, our new assay in vivo would become a new platform that enables dissecting the essential roles of γ-secretase in normal health and diseases.
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3
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Li C, Wang L, Xie W, Chen E, Chen Y, Li H, Can D, Lei A, Wang Y, Zhang J. TGR5 deficiency in excitatory neurons ameliorates Alzheimer's pathology by regulating APP processing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado1855. [PMID: 38941459 PMCID: PMC11212731 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) metabolism has a significant impact on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We found that deoxycholic acid (DCA) increased in brains of AD mice at an early stage. The enhanced production of DCA induces the up-regulation of the bile acid receptor Takeda G protein-coupled receptor (TGR5), which is also specifically increased in neurons of AD mouse brains at an early stage. The accumulation of exogenous DCA impairs cognitive function in wild-type mice, but not in TGR5 knockout mice. This suggests that TGR5 is the primary receptor mediating these effects of DCA. Furthermore, excitatory neuron-specific knockout of TGR5 ameliorates Aβ pathology and cognition impairments in AD mice. The underlying mechanism linking TGR5 and AD pathology relies on the downstream effectors of TGR5 and the APP production, which is succinctly concluded as a "p-STAT3-APH1-γ-secretase" signaling pathway. Our studies identified the critical role of TGR5 in the pathological development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenli Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Liangjie Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Wenting Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Erqu Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yanbing Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Dan Can
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Aiyu Lei
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Fabiano M, Oikawa N, Kerksiek A, Furukawa JI, Yagi H, Kato K, Schweizer U, Annaert W, Kang J, Shen J, Lütjohann D, Walter J. Presenilin Deficiency Results in Cellular Cholesterol Accumulation by Impairment of Protein Glycosylation and NPC1 Function. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5417. [PMID: 38791456 PMCID: PMC11121565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Presenilin proteins (PS1 and PS2) represent the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase and play a critical role in the generation of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, PS proteins also exert multiple functions beyond Aβ generation. In this study, we examine the individual roles of PS1 and PS2 in cellular cholesterol metabolism. Deletion of PS1 or PS2 in mouse models led to cholesterol accumulation in cerebral neurons. Cholesterol accumulation was also observed in the lysosomes of embryonic fibroblasts from Psen1-knockout (PS1-KO) and Psen2-KO (PS2-KO) mice and was associated with decreased expression of the Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) protein involved in intracellular cholesterol transport in late endosomal/lysosomal compartments. Mass spectrometry and complementary biochemical analyses also revealed abnormal N-glycosylation of NPC1 and several other membrane proteins in PS1-KO and PS2-KO cells. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of N-glycosylation resulted in intracellular cholesterol accumulation prominently in lysosomes and decreased NPC1, thereby resembling the changes in PS1-KO and PS2-KO cells. In turn, treatment of PS1-KO and PS2-KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with the chaperone inducer arimoclomol partially normalized NPC1 expression and rescued lysosomal cholesterol accumulation. Additionally, the intracellular cholesterol accumulation in PS1-KO and PS2-KO MEFs was prevented by overexpression of NPC1. Collectively, these data indicate that a loss of PS function results in impaired protein N-glycosylation, which eventually causes decreased expression of NPC1 and intracellular cholesterol accumulation. This mechanism could contribute to the neurodegeneration observed in PS KO mice and potentially to the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Fabiano
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Naoto Oikawa
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anja Kerksiek
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jun-ichi Furukawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
- Division of Glyco-Systems Biology, Institute for Glyco-Core Research, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Yagi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Koichi Kato
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Ulrich Schweizer
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Wim Annaert
- Laboratory for Membrane Trafficking, VIB-Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jongkyun Kang
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dieter Lütjohann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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5
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Zoltowska KM, Das U, Lismont S, Enzlein T, Maesako M, Houser MCQ, Franco ML, Özcan B, Moreira DG, Karachentsev D, Becker A, Hopf C, Vilar M, Berezovska O, Mobley W, Chávez-Gutiérrez L. Alzheimer's disease linked Aβ42 exerts product feedback inhibition on γ-secretase impairing downstream cell signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.02.551596. [PMID: 37577527 PMCID: PMC10418207 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides accumulating in the brain are proposed to trigger Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, molecular cascades underlying their toxicity are poorly defined. Here, we explored a novel hypothesis for Aβ42 toxicity that arises from its proven affinity for γ-secretases. We hypothesized that the reported increases in Aβ42, particularly in the endolysosomal compartment, promote the establishment of a product feedback inhibitory mechanism on γ-secretases, and thereby impair downstream signaling events. We show that human Aβ42 peptides, but neither murine Aβ42 nor human Aβ17-42 (p3), inhibit γ-secretases and trigger accumulation of unprocessed substrates in neurons, including C-terminal fragments (CTFs) of APP, p75 and pan-cadherin. Moreover, Aβ42 treatment dysregulated cellular -homeostasis, as shown by the induction of p75-dependent neuronal death in two distinct cellular systems. Our findings raise the possibility that pathological elevations in Aβ42 contribute to cellular toxicity via the γ-secretase inhibition, and provide a novel conceptual framework to address Aβ toxicity in the context of γ-secretase-dependent homeostatic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Utpal Das
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Sam Lismont
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Enzlein
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS), Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Masato Maesako
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States of America
| | - Mei CQ Houser
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States of America
| | - María Luisa Franco
- Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration Unit, Institute of Biomedicine of València (IBV-CSIC), València, Spain
| | - Burcu Özcan
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dmitry Karachentsev
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Carsten Hopf
- Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS), Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marçal Vilar
- Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration Unit, Institute of Biomedicine of València (IBV-CSIC), València, Spain
| | - Oksana Berezovska
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States of America
| | - William Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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6
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De Strooper B, Karran E. New precision medicine avenues to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease from insights into the structure and function of γ-secretases. EMBO J 2024; 43:887-903. [PMID: 38396302 PMCID: PMC10943082 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00057-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Two phase-III clinical trials with anti-amyloid peptide antibodies have met their primary goal, i.e. slowing of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. However, antibody therapy may not be the optimal therapeutic modality for AD prevention, as we will discuss in the context of the earlier small molecules described as "γ-secretase modulators" (GSM). We review here the structure, function, and pathobiology of γ-secretases, with a focus on how mutations in presenilin genes result in early-onset AD. Significant progress has been made in generating compounds that act in a manner opposite to pathogenic presenilin mutations: they stabilize the proteinase-substrate complex, thereby increasing the processivity of substrate cleavage and altering the size spectrum of Aβ peptides produced. We propose the term "γ-secretase allosteric stabilizers" (GSAS) to distinguish these compounds from the rather heterogenous class of GSM. The GSAS represent, in theory, a precision medicine approach to the prevention of amyloid deposition, as they specifically target a discrete aspect in a complex cell biological signalling mechanism that initiates the pathological processes leading to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart De Strooper
- Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, at the Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 AT, UK.
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Eric Karran
- Cambridge Research Center, AbbVie, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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7
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Hou P, Zielonka M, Serneels L, Martinez-Muriana A, Fattorelli N, Wolfs L, Poovathingal S, T'Syen D, Balusu S, Theys T, Fiers M, Mancuso R, Howden AJM, De Strooper B. The γ-secretase substrate proteome and its role in cell signaling regulation. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4106-4122.e10. [PMID: 37977120 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
γ-Secretases mediate the regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) of more than 150 integral membrane proteins. We developed an unbiased γ-secretase substrate identification (G-SECSI) method to study to what extent these proteins are processed in parallel. We demonstrate here parallel processing of at least 85 membrane proteins in human microglia in steady-state cell culture conditions. Pharmacological inhibition of γ-secretase caused substantial changes of human microglial transcriptomes, including the expression of genes related to the disease-associated microglia (DAM) response described in Alzheimer disease (AD). While the overall effects of γ-secretase deficiency on transcriptomic cell states remained limited in control conditions, exposure of mouse microglia to AD-inducing amyloid plaques strongly blocked their capacity to mount this putatively protective DAM cell state. We conclude that γ-secretase serves as a critical signaling hub integrating the effects of multiple extracellular stimuli into the overall transcriptome of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Hou
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Magdalena Zielonka
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Serneels
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Anna Martinez-Muriana
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Nicola Fattorelli
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Leen Wolfs
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Suresh Poovathingal
- Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Single Cell & Microfluidics Expertise Unit, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Dries T'Syen
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Sriram Balusu
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Tom Theys
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Mark Fiers
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Renzo Mancuso
- Microglia and Inflammation in Neurological Disorders (MIND) Lab, VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Andrew J M Howden
- Division of Cell Signaling and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Bart De Strooper
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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8
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Fronza MG, Alves D, Praticò D, Savegnago L. The neurobiology and therapeutic potential of multi-targeting β-secretase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β and acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102033. [PMID: 37595640 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 50 million of people around the world, characterized by a complex and age-related progressive pathology with projections to duplicate its incidence by the end of 2050. AD pathology has two major hallmarks, the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, alongside with several sub pathologies including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, loss of neurogenesis and synaptic dysfunction. In recent years, extensive research pointed out several therapeutic targets which have shown promising effects on modifying the course of the disease in preclinical models of AD but with substantial failure when transposed to clinic trials, suggesting that modulating just an isolated feature of the pathology might not be sufficient to improve brain function and enhance cognition. In line with this, there is a growing consensus that an ideal disease modifying drug should address more than one feature of the pathology. Considering these evidence, β-secretase (BACE1), Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has emerged as interesting therapeutic targets. BACE1 is the rate-limiting step in the Aβ production, GSK-3β is considered the main kinase responsible for Tau hyperphosphorylation, and AChE play an important role in modulating memory formation and learning. However, the effects underlying the modulation of these enzymes are not limited by its primarily functions, showing interesting effects in a wide range of impaired events secondary to AD pathology. In this sense, this review will summarize the involvement of BACE1, GSK-3β and AChE on synaptic function, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, we will present and discuss new perspectives on the modulation of these pathways on AD pathology and future directions on the development of drugs that concomitantly target these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G Fronza
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Diego Alves
- Laboratory of Clean Organic Synthesis (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), UFPel, RS, Brazil
| | - Domenico Praticò
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple - ACT, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lucielli Savegnago
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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9
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Resveratrol and neuroprotection: an insight into prospective therapeutic approaches against Alzheimer's disease from bench to bedside. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4384-4404. [PMID: 35545730 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and cognitive impairment; yet, there is currently no treatment. A buildup of Aβ, tau protein phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in AD is pathogenic. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in these neurocognitive areas is a significant characteristic of the disease. Therefore, inhibiting Aβ peptide aggregation has been proposed as the critical therapeutic approach for AD treatment. Resveratrol has been demonstrated in multiple studies to have a neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristic and the ability to minimize Aβ peptides aggregation and toxicity in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's patients, stimulating neurogenesis and inhibiting hippocampal degeneration. Furthermore, resveratrol's antioxidant effect promotes neuronal development by activating the silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1), which can protect against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress. Resveratrol-induced SIRT1 activation is becoming more crucial in developing novel therapeutic options for AD and other diseases that have neurodegenerative characteristics. This review highlighted a better knowledge of resveratrol's mechanism of action and its promising therapeutic efficacy in treating AD. We also highlighted the therapeutic potential of resveratrol as an AD therapeutic agent, which is effective against neurodegenerative disorders.
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10
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Vilar M. Neurotrophin receptοrs, gamma-secretase inhibitors, and neurodegeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1493-1494. [PMID: 34916430 PMCID: PMC8771120 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.330607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marçal Vilar
- Instituto de Biomedicina de València del CSIC, València, Spain
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11
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Radaghdam S, Karamad V, Nourazarian A, Shademan B, Khaki-Khatibi F, Nikanfar M. Molecular mechanisms of sex hormones in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136221. [PMID: 34500000 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a form of brain disorder characterized by various pathological changes in the brain. Numerous studies have shown that sex hormones are involved in the disease. For instance, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are well-known steroid sex hormones that play an essential role in AD pathogenesis. The Gender-dependency of AD is attributed to the effect of these hormones on the brain, which plays a neuroprotective role. In recent years, much research has been performed on the protective role of these hormones against nerve cell damage, which are promising for AD management. Hence, in the current review, we aim to decipher the protective role of steroid hormones in AD. Accordingly, we will discuss their functional mechanisms at the genomic and non-genomic scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Radaghdam
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahidreza Karamad
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Behrouz Shademan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatemeh Khaki-Khatibi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Nikanfar
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Systematic Search for Novel Circulating Biomarkers Associated with Extracellular Vesicles in Alzheimer's Disease: Combining Literature Screening and Database Mining Approaches. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11100946. [PMID: 34683087 PMCID: PMC8538213 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. Many miRNA-target gene interactions (MTI) have been experimentally confirmed and associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). miRNAs may also be contained within extracellular vesicles (EVs), mediators of cellular communication and a potential source of circulating biomarkers in body fluids. Therefore, EV-associated miRNAs (EV-miRNAs) in peripheral blood could support earlier and less invasive AD diagnostics. We aimed to prioritize EV-related miRNA with AD-related genes and to identify the most promising candidates for novel AD biomarkers. A list of unique EV-miRNAs from the literature was combined with a known set of AD risk genes and enriched for MTI. Additionally, miRNAs associated with the AD phenotype were combined with all known target genes in MTI enrichment. Expression in different sample types was analyzed to identify AD-associated miRNAs with the greatest potential as AD circulating biomarkers. Four common MTI were observed between EV-miRNAs and AD-associated miRNAs: hsa-miR-375–APH1B, hsa-miR-107–CDC42SE2, hsa-miR-375–CELF2, and hsa-miR-107–IL6. An additional 61 out of 169 unique miRNAs (36.1%) and seven out of 84 unique MTI (8.3%), observed in the body fluids of AD patients, were proposed as very strong AD-circulating biomarker candidates. Our analysis summarized several potential novel AD biomarkers, but further studies are needed to evaluate their potential in clinical practice.
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13
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Oikawa N, Fabiano M, Müller UC, Walter J. Carboxy-terminal fragment of amyloid precursor protein mediates lipid droplet accumulation upon γ-secretase inhibition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 570:137-142. [PMID: 34280617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
γ-Secretase is a protease catalysing the proteolysis of type-I membrane proteins usually after precedent ectodomain shedding of the respective protein substrates. Since proteolysis of membrane proteins is involved in fundamental cellular signaling pathways, dysfunction of γ-secretase can have significant impact on cellular metabolism and differentiation. Here, we examined the role of γ-secretase in cellular lipid metabolism using neuronally differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells. The pharmacological inhibition of γ-secretase induced lipid droplet (LD) accumulation. The LD accumulation was significantly attenuated by preventing the accumulation of C-terminal fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (APP-CTF), which is a direct substrate of γ-secretase. Additionally, LD accumulation upon γ-secretase inhibition was not induced in APP-knock out (APP-KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), suggesting significant involvement of APP-CTF accumulation in LD accumulation upon γ-secretase inhibition. On the other hand, γ-secretase inhibition-dependent cholesterol accumulation was not attenuated by inhibition of APP-CTF accumulation in the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells nor in APP-KO MEFs. These results suggest that γ-secretase inhibition can induce accumulation of LD and cholesterol differentially via APP-CTF accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Oikawa
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Marietta Fabiano
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrike C Müller
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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14
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Santagostino SF, Spinazzi M, Radaelli E. Restricted Sensitivity of FJ-C Staining to Assess Neuronal Degeneration and Death in Preclinical Mouse Studies. Vet Pathol 2021; 58:643-649. [PMID: 33397212 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820985290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescein-derived fluorochromes and anionic dyes such as Fluoro-Jade (FJ) stains have been introduced to facilitate recognition of dying neurons in tissue sections. However, the definition of what is really detected by FJ-based stains and its sensitivity in the detection of neuronal cell death is unclear. In our work, we evaluated the outcome of FJ-C staining in mouse brains from 4 different well-characterized models of neurodegeneration. Neuronal degeneration and loss were highlighted with high sensitivity by FJ-C stain in mice with dysfunctional γ-secretase in the glutamatergic neurons and in mice affected by acute cerebral ischemia. Histopathologically, acute eosinophilic necrosis or "red dead" neurons were associated with FJ-C staining in both settings. Conversely, in mice affected by chronic cerebral microinfarcts due to tumor lysis syndrome as well as in a model of mitochondrial encephalopathy, FJ-C staining failed to detect neuronal death. Histopathologically, these models were characterized by extensive neuronal vacuolation associated with fading neurons ("ghost cells"). Therefore, contrary to the widespread belief that FJ-C stain has high affinity for all degenerating neurons regardless of the underlying cell death mechanism, we observed restricted sensitivity of the technique to specific conditions of neuronal cell death. As such, complementary techniques are essential to evaluate the presence of neurodegeneration in the absence of a positive FJ-C signal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Spinazzi
- 26966Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d' Angers, Angers, France
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15
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Hou J, Bi H, Ye Z, Huang W, Zou G, Zou X, Shi YS, Shen Y, Ma Q, Kirchhoff F, Hu Y, Chen G. Pen-2 Negatively Regulates the Differentiation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells into Astrocytes in the Central Nervous System. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4976-4990. [PMID: 33972402 PMCID: PMC8197633 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2455-19.2021] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations on γ-secretase subunits are associated with neurologic diseases. Whereas the role of γ-secretase in neurogenesis has been intensively studied, little is known about its role in astrogliogenesis. Recent evidence has demonstrated that astrocytes can be generated from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). However, it is not well understood what mechanism may control OPCs to differentiate into astrocytes. To address the above questions, we generated two independent lines of oligodendrocyte lineage-specific presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen-2) conditional KO mice. Both male and female mice were used. Here we demonstrate that conditional inactivation of Pen-2 mediated by Olig1-Cre or NG2-CreERT2 causes enhanced generation of astrocytes. Lineage-tracing experiments indicate that abnormally generated astrocytes are derived from Cre-expressing OPCs in the CNS in Pen-2 conditional KO mice. Mechanistic analysis reveals that deletion of Pen-2 inhibits the Notch signaling to upregulate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which triggers activation of GFAP to promote astrocyte differentiation. Together, these novel findings indicate that Pen-2 regulates the specification of astrocytes from OPCs through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Astrocytes and oligodendrocyte (OLs) play critical roles in the brain. Recent evidence has demonstrated that astrocytes can be generated from OL precursor cells (OPCs). However, it remains poorly understood what mechanism governs the differentiation of OPCs into astrocytes. In this study, we took advantage of OL lineage cells specific presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen-2) conditional KO mice. We show that deletion of Pen-2 leads to dramatically enhanced astrocyte differentiation from OPCs in the CNS. Mechanistic analysis reveals that deletion of Pen-2 inhibits Hes1 and activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 to trigger GFAP activation which promotes astrocyte differentiation. Overall, this study identifies a novel function of Pen-2 in astrogliogenesis from OPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210061, China
| | - Huiru Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210061, China
| | - Zhuoyang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210061, China
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, D-66421, Germany
| | - Gang Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Second Clinical Medical College, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xiaochuan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210061, China
| | - Yun Stone Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210061, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Quanhong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, D-66421, Germany
| | - Yimin Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Changzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Guiquan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210061, China
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16
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Vogrinc D, Goričar K, Dolžan V. Genetic Variability in Molecular Pathways Implicated in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:646901. [PMID: 33815092 PMCID: PMC8012500 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.646901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease, affecting a significant part of the population. The majority of AD cases occur in the elderly with a typical age of onset of the disease above 65 years. AD presents a major burden for the healthcare system and since population is rapidly aging, the burden of the disease will increase in the future. However, no effective drug treatment for a full-blown disease has been developed to date. The genetic background of AD is extensively studied; numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified significant genes associated with increased risk of AD development. This review summarizes more than 100 risk loci. Many of them may serve as biomarkers of AD progression, even in the preclinical stage of the disease. Furthermore, we used GWAS data to identify key pathways of AD pathogenesis: cellular processes, metabolic processes, biological regulation, localization, transport, regulation of cellular processes, and neurological system processes. Gene clustering into molecular pathways can provide background for identification of novel molecular targets and may support the development of tailored and personalized treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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17
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Is γ-secretase a beneficial inactivating enzyme of the toxic APP C-terminal fragment C99? J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100489. [PMID: 33662398 PMCID: PMC8027268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic, biochemical, and anatomical grounds led to the proposal of the amyloid cascade hypothesis centered on the accumulation of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) to explain Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology. In this context, a bulk of efforts have aimed at developing therapeutic strategies seeking to reduce Aβ levels, either by blocking its production (γ- and β-secretase inhibitors) or by neutralizing it once formed (Aβ-directed immunotherapies). However, so far the vast majority of, if not all, clinical trials based on these strategies have failed, since they have not been able to restore cognitive function in AD patients, and even in many cases, they have worsened the clinical picture. We here propose that AD could be more complex than a simple Aβ-linked pathology and discuss the possibility that a way to reconcile undoubted genetic evidences linking processing of APP to AD and a consistent failure of Aβ-based clinical trials could be to envision the pathological contribution of the direct precursor of Aβ, the β-secretase-derived C-terminal fragment of APP, βCTF, also referred to as C99. In this review, we summarize scientific evidences pointing to C99 as an early contributor to AD and postulate that γ-secretase should be considered as not only an Aβ-generating protease, but also a beneficial C99-inactivating enzyme. In that sense, we discuss the limitations of molecules targeting γ-secretase and propose alternative strategies seeking to reduce C99 levels by other means and notably by enhancing its lysosomal degradation.
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18
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Natural Products Targeting Amyloid Beta in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052341. [PMID: 33652858 PMCID: PMC7956407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by severe brain damage and dementia. There are currently few therapeutics to treat this disease, and they can only temporarily alleviate some of the symptoms. The pathogenesis of AD is mainly preceded by accumulation of abnormal amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregates, which are toxic to neurons. Therefore, modulation of the formation of these abnormal aggregates is strongly suggested as the most effective approach to treat AD. In particular, numerous studies on natural products associated with AD, aiming to downregulate Aβ peptides and suppress the formation of abnormal Aβ aggregates, thus reducing neural cell death, are being conducted. Generation of Aβ peptides can be prevented by targeting the secretases involved in Aβ-peptide formation (secretase-dependent). Additionally, blocking the intra- and intermolecular interactions of Aβ peptides can induce conformational changes in abnormal Aβ aggregates, whereby the toxicity can be ameliorated (structure-dependent). In this review, AD-associated natural products which can reduce the accumulation of Aβ peptides via secretase- or structure-dependent pathways, and the current clinical trial states of these products are discussed.
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19
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Dexamethasone does not ameliorate gliosis in a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease. Biochem Biophys Rep 2020; 24:100817. [PMID: 33015377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2020.100817] [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: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged neuroinflammation is a driving force for neurodegenerative disease, and agents against inflammatory responses are regarded as potential treatment strategies. Here we aimed to evaluate the prevention effects on gliosis by dexamethasone (DEX), an anti-inflammation drug. We used DEX to treat the nicastrin conditional knockout (cKO) mouse, a neurodegenerative mouse model. DEX (10 mg/kg) was given to 2.5-month-old nicastrin cKO mice, which have not started to display neurodegeneration and gliosis, for 2 months. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting techniques were used to detect changes in neuroinflammatory responses. We found that activation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive or ionized calcium binding adapter molecule1 (Iba1) positive cells was not inhibited in nicastrin cKO mice treated with DEX as compared to those treated with saline. These data suggest that DEX does not prevent or ameliorate gliosis in a neurodegenerative mouse model when given prior to neuronal or synaptic loss.
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20
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Bi HR, Zhou CH, Zhang YZ, Cai XD, Ji MH, Yang JJ, Chen GQ, Hu YM. Neuron-specific deletion of presenilin enhancer2 causes progressive astrogliosis and age-related neurodegeneration in the cortex independent of the Notch signaling. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 27:174-185. [PMID: 32961023 PMCID: PMC7816208 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Presenilin enhancer2 (Pen‐2) is an essential subunit of γ‐secretase, which is a key protease responsible for the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch. Mutations on Pen‐2 cause familial Alzheimer disease (AD). However, it remains unknown whether Pen‐2 regulates neuronal survival and neuroinflammation in the adult brain. Methods Forebrain neuron‐specific Pen‐2 conditional knockout (Pen‐2 cKO) mice were generated for this study. Pen‐2 cKO mice expressing Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) conditionally in cortical neurons were also generated. Results Loss of Pen‐2 causes astrogliosis followed by age‐dependent cortical atrophy and neuronal loss. Loss of Pen‐2 results in microgliosis and enhanced inflammatory responses in the cortex. Expression of NICD in Pen‐2 cKO cortices ameliorates neither neurodegeneration nor neuroinflammation. Conclusions Pen‐2 is required for neuronal survival in the adult cerebral cortex. The Notch signaling may not be involved in neurodegeneration caused by loss of Pen‐2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ru Bi
- Model Animal Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cui-Hua Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Changzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yi-Zhi Zhang
- Model Animal Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu-Dong Cai
- Model Animal Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mu-Huo Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gui-Quan Chen
- Model Animal Research Center, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Min Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Changzhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
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21
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Chávez-Gutiérrez L, Szaruga M. Mechanisms of neurodegeneration - Insights from familial Alzheimer's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 105:75-85. [PMID: 32418657 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), together with the lack of effective treatments, portray it as one of the major health challenges of our times. Untangling AD implies advancing the knowledge of the biology that gets disrupted during the disease while deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to AD-related neurodegeneration. In fact, a solid mechanistic understanding of the disease processes stands as an essential prerequisite for the development of safe and effective treatments. Genetics has provided invaluable clues to the genesis of the disease by revealing deterministic genes - Presenilins (PSENs) and the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) - that, when affected, lead in an autosomal dominant manner to early-onset, familial AD (FAD). PSEN is the catalytic subunit of the membrane-embedded γ-secretase complexes, which act as proteolytic switches regulating key cell signalling cascades. Importantly, these intramembrane proteases are responsible for the production of Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides from APP. The convergence of pathogenic mutations on one functional pathway, the amyloidogenic cleavage of APP, strongly supports the significance of this process in AD pathogenesis. Here, we review and discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying FAD, their implications for the sporadic form of the disease and for the development of safe AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Chávez-Gutiérrez
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Maria Szaruga
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Maesako M, Sekula NM, Aristarkhova A, Feschenko P, Anderson LC, Berezovska O. Visualization of PS/γ-Secretase Activity in Living Cells. iScience 2020; 23:101139. [PMID: 32438286 PMCID: PMC7235286 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A change in Presenilin (PS)/γ-secretase activity is linked to essential biological events as well as to the progression of many diseases. However, not much is known about how PS/γ-secretase activity is spatiotemporally regulated in cells. One of the limitations is lack of tools to directly monitor dynamic behavior of the PS/γ-secretase in intact/live cells. Here we present successful development and validation of the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors that enable quantitative monitoring of endogenous PS/γ-secretase activity in live cells longitudinally on a cell-by-cell basis. Using these FRET biosensors, we uncovered that PS/γ-secretase activity is heterogeneously regulated among live neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Maesako
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Nicole M Sekula
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Anna Aristarkhova
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Polina Feschenko
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Lauren C Anderson
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Oksana Berezovska
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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23
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Altered γ-Secretase Processing of APP Disrupts Lysosome and Autophagosome Function in Monogenic Alzheimer's Disease. Cell Rep 2019; 25:3647-3660.e2. [PMID: 30590039 PMCID: PMC6315085 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.11.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities of the endolysosomal and autophagy systems are found in Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not clear whether defects in these systems are a cause or consequence of degenerative processes in the disease. In human neuronal models of monogenic Alzheimer’s disease, APP and PSEN1 mutations disrupt lysosome function and autophagy, leading to impaired lysosomal proteolysis and defective autophagosome clearance. Processing of APP by γ-secretase is central to the pathogenic changes in the lysosome-autophagy system caused by PSEN1 and APP mutations: reducing production of C-terminal APP by inhibition of BACE1 rescued these phenotypes in both APP and PSEN1 mutant neurons, whereas inhibition of γ-secretase induced lysosomal and autophagic pathology in healthy neurons. Defects in lysosomes and autophagy due to PSEN1 mutations are rescued by CRISPR-knockout of APP. These data demonstrate a key role for proteolysis of the C-terminal of APP by γ-secretase in neuronal dysfunction in monogenic Alzheimer’s disease. APP and PSEN1 mutant neurons have deficits in lysosome proteolysis BACE1 inhibition rescues lysosome and autophagy defects PSEN1 mutant phenotypes are rescued by genetic deletion of APP Lysosome and autophagy defects are causes of neuronal dysfunction in AD
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24
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Lee YJ, Ch'ng TH. RIP at the Synapse and the Role of Intracellular Domains in Neurons. Neuromolecular Med 2019; 22:1-24. [PMID: 31346933 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-019-08556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) occurs in a cell when transmembrane proteins are cleaved by intramembrane proteases such as secretases to generate soluble protein fragments in the extracellular environment and the cytosol. In the cytosol, these soluble intracellular domains (ICDs) have local functions near the site of cleavage or in many cases, translocate to the nucleus to modulate gene expression. While the mechanism of RIP is relatively well studied, the fate and function of ICDs for most substrate proteins remain poorly characterized. In neurons, RIP occurs in various subcellular compartments including at the synapse. In this review, we summarize current research on RIP in neurons, focusing specifically on synaptic proteins where the presence and function of the ICDs have been reported. We also briefly discuss activity-driven processing of RIP substrates at the synapse and the cellular machinery that support long-distance transport of ICDs from the synapse to the nucleus. Finally, we describe future challenges in this field of research in the context of understanding the contribution of ICDs in neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jun Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Clinical Science Building, 11 Mandalay Road, 10-01-01 M, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.,Interdisciplinary Graduate School (IGS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Toh Hean Ch'ng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Clinical Science Building, 11 Mandalay Road, 10-01-01 M, Singapore, 308232, Singapore. .,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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25
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Dehury B, Tang N, Blundell TL, Kepp KP. Structure and dynamics of γ-secretase with presenilin 2 compared to presenilin 1. RSC Adv 2019; 9:20901-20916. [PMID: 35515530 PMCID: PMC9065803 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02623a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is caused by more than 200 different mutations in the genes coding for presenilin, the catalytic subunit of the 4-subunit protease complex γ-secretase, which cleaves the C99 fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce Aβ peptides. γ-Secretase exists with either of two homologues, PS1 and PS2. All cryo-electron microscopic structures and computational work has so far focused on γ-secretase with PS1, yet PS2 mutations also cause FAD. A central question is thus whether there are structural and dynamic differences between PS1 and PS2. To address this question, we use the cryo-electron microscopic data for PS1 to develop the first structural and dynamic model of PS2-γ-secretase in the catalytically relevant mature membrane-bound state at ambient temperature, equilibrated by three independent 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the characteristic nicastrin extra-cellular domain breathing mode and major movements in the cytosolic loop between TM6 and TM7 occur in both PS2- and PS1-γ-secretase. The overall structures and conformational states are similar, suggesting similar catalytic activities. However, at the sequence level, charge-controlled membrane-anchoring is extracellular for PS1 and intracellular for PS2, which suggests different subcellular locations. The tilt angles of the TM2, TM6, TM7 and TM9 helices differ in the two forms of γ-secretase, suggesting that the two proteins have somewhat different substrate processing and channel sizes. Our MD simulations consistently indicated that PS2 retains several water molecules near the catalytic site at the bilayer, as required for catalysis. The possible reasons for the differences of PS1 and PS2 are discussed in relation to their location and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budheswar Dehury
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby Denmark +045 45252409
| | - Ning Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby Denmark +045 45252409
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1GA UK
| | - Kasper P Kepp
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby Denmark +045 45252409
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26
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Habets RA, de Bock CE, Serneels L, Lodewijckx I, Verbeke D, Nittner D, Narlawar R, Demeyer S, Dooley J, Liston A, Taghon T, Cools J, de Strooper B. Safe targeting of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by pathology-specific NOTCH inhibition. Sci Transl Med 2019; 11:11/494/eaau6246. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau6246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Given the high frequency of activating NOTCH1 mutations in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), inhibition of the γ-secretase complex remains an attractive target to prevent ligand-independent release of the cytoplasmic tail and oncogenic NOTCH1 signaling. However, four different γ-secretase complexes exist, and available inhibitors block all complexes equally. As a result, these cause severe “on-target” gastrointestinal tract, skin, and thymus toxicity, limiting their therapeutic application. Here, we demonstrate that genetic deletion or pharmacologic inhibition of the presenilin-1 (PSEN1) subclass of γ-secretase complexes is highly effective in decreasing leukemia while avoiding dose-limiting toxicities. Clinically, T-ALL samples were found to selectively express only PSEN1-containing γ-secretase complexes. The conditional knockout of Psen1 in developing T cells attenuated the development of a mutant NOTCH1-driven leukemia in mice in vivo but did not abrogate normal T cell development. Treatment of T-ALL cell lines with the selective PSEN1 inhibitor MRK-560 effectively decreased mutant NOTCH1 processing and led to cell cycle arrest. These observations were extended to T-ALL patient-derived xenografts in vivo, demonstrating that MRK-560 treatment decreases leukemia burden and increased overall survival without any associated gut toxicity. Therefore, PSEN1-selective compounds provide a potential therapeutic strategy for safe and effective targeting of T-ALL and possibly also for other diseases in which NOTCH signaling plays a role.
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27
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Yuksel M, Tacal O. Trafficking and proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein and secretases in Alzheimer's disease development: An up-to-date review. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 856:172415. [PMID: 31132354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is predicted to affect 1 in 85 persons worldwide by 2050, results in progressive loss of neuronal functions, leading to impairments in memory and cognitive abilities. As being one of the major neuropathological hallmarks of AD, senile plaques mainly consist of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, which are derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) via the sequential cleavage by β- and γ-secretases. Although the overproduction and accumulation of Aβ peptides are at the center of AD research, the new discoveries point out to the complexity of the disease development. In this respect, it is crucial to understand the processing and the trafficking of APP, the enzymes involved in its processing, the cleavage products and their therapeutic potentials. This review summarizes the salient features of APP processing focusing on APP, the canonical secretases as well as the novel secretases and the cleavage products with an update of the recent developments. We also discussed the intracellular trafficking of APP and secretases in addition to their potential in AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Yuksel
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ozden Tacal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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28
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Oikawa N, Walter J. Presenilins and γ-Secretase in Membrane Proteostasis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030209. [PMID: 30823664 PMCID: PMC6468700 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The presenilin (PS) proteins exert a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) by mediating the intramembranous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the generation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). The two homologous proteins PS1 and PS2 represent the catalytic subunits of distinct γ-secretase complexes that mediate a variety of cellular processes, including membrane protein metabolism, signal transduction, and cell differentiation. While the intramembrane cleavage of select proteins by γ-secretase is critical in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, the plethora of identified protein substrates could also indicate an important role of these enzyme complexes in membrane protein homeostasis. In line with this notion, PS proteins and/or γ-secretase has also been implicated in autophagy, a fundamental process for the maintenance of cellular functions and homeostasis. Dysfunction in the clearance of proteins in the lysosome and during autophagy has been shown to contribute to neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the recent knowledge about the role of PS proteins and γ-secretase in membrane protein metabolism and trafficking, and the functional relation to lysosomal activity and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Oikawa
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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29
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Conditional Inactivation of Pen-2 in the Developing Neocortex Leads to Rapid Switch of Apical Progenitors to Basal Progenitors. J Neurosci 2019; 39:2195-2207. [PMID: 30692224 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2523-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition of apical progenitors (APs) to basal progenitors (BPs) is an important neurogenic process during cortical expansion. Presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen-2, also named as Psenen) is a key subunit of γ-secretase and has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disease. However, it remains unknown how Pen-2 may regulate the maintenance of APs. To address this question, we generated a conditional KO (cKO) mouse in which Pen-2 is specifically inactivated in neural progenitor cells in the telencephalon. Both male and female embryos were used. We show that Pen-2 cKO cortices display remarkable depletion of Aps, but transient increase on BPs, compared with controls. We demonstrate that the proliferation rate of APs or BPs is not changed, but the switch of APs to BPs is dramatically accelerated in Pen-2 cKO cortices. Molecular analyses reveal decreased levels of Hes1 and Hes5 but increased levels of Ngn2 and NeuroD1 in Pen-2 KO cells. We report that expression of Notch1 intracellular domain in Pen-2 cKO cortices restores the population of APs and BPs. In summary, these findings highlight a central role of the Notch signaling in Pen-2-dependent maintenance of neural stem cells in the developing neocortex.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen-2) has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disease. However, mechanisms by which Pen-2 regulates cortical development are not understood. In this study, we generated neural progenitor cell-specific Pen-2 conditional KO mice. We observe depletion of apical progenitors and transiently increased the number of basal progenitors in the developing neocortex of Pen-2 mutant mice. Mechanistic analyses reveal decreased levels of Hes1 and Hes5, but increased levels of neurogenic transcription factors in Pen-2 mutant cortices, compared with controls. We demonstrate that reintroduction of Notch intracellular domain into mutant mice restores the population of apical progenitors to basal progenitors. The above findings strongly suggest that the Pen-2-Notch pathway plays an essential role in the maintenance of neural stem cells during cortical development.
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30
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The role of membrane trafficking in the processing of amyloid precursor protein and production of amyloid peptides in Alzheimer's disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:697-712. [PMID: 30639513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive accumulation of misfolded proteins, which form senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and the release of inflammatory mediators by innate immune responses. β-Amyloid peptide (Aβ) is derived from sequential processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by membrane-bound proteases, namely the β-secretase, BACE1, and γ-secretase. Membrane trafficking plays a key role in the regulation of APP processing as both APP and the processing secretases traffic along distinct pathways. Genome wide sequencing studies have identified several AD susceptibility genes which regulate membrane trafficking events. To understand the pathogenesis of AD it is critical that the cell biology of APP and Aβ production in neurons is well defined. This review discusses recent advances in unravelling the membrane trafficking events associated with the production of Aβ, and how AD susceptible alleles may perturb the sorting and transport of APP and BACE1. Mechanisms whereby inflammation may influence APP processing are also considered.
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31
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Steiner H, Fukumori A, Tagami S, Okochi M. Making the final cut: pathogenic amyloid-β peptide generation by γ-secretase. Cell Stress 2018; 2:292-310. [PMID: 31225454 PMCID: PMC6551803 DOI: 10.15698/cst2018.11.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease of the elderly population. Genetic evidence strongly suggests that aberrant generation and/or clearance of the neurotoxic amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is triggering the disease. Aβ is generated from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the sequential cleavages of β- and γ-secretase. The latter cleavage by γ-secretase, a unique and fascinating four-component protease complex, occurs in the APP transmembrane domain thereby releasing Aβ species of 37-43 amino acids in length including the longer, highly pathogenic peptides Aβ42 and Aβ43. The lack of a precise understanding of Aβ generation as well as of the functions of other γ-secretase substrates has been one factor underlying the disappointing failure of γ-secretase inhibitors in clinical trials, but on the other side also been a major driving force for structural and in depth mechanistic studies on this key AD drug target in the past few years. Here we review recent breakthroughs in our understanding of how the γ-secretase complex recognizes substrates, of how it binds and processes β-secretase cleaved APP into different Aβ species, as well as the progress made on a question of outstanding interest, namely how clinical AD mutations in the catalytic subunit presenilin and the γ-secretase cleavage region of APP lead to relative increases of Aβ42/43. Finally, we discuss how the knowledge emerging from these studies could be used to therapeutically target this enzyme in a safe way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Steiner
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Metabolic Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Akio Fukumori
- Department of Aging Neurobiology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu & Department of Mental Health Promotion, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Shinji Tagami
- Neuropsychiatry, Department of Integrated Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masayasu Okochi
- Neuropsychiatry, Department of Integrated Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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Medoro A, Bartollino S, Mignogna D, Passarella D, Porcile C, Pagano A, Florio T, Nizzari M, Guerra G, Di Marco R, Intrieri M, Raimo G, Russo C. Complexity and Selectivity of γ-Secretase Cleavage on Multiple Substrates: Consequences in Alzheimer's Disease and Cancer. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 61:1-15. [PMID: 29103038 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The processing of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) by β- and γ-secretases is a pivotal event in the genesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Besides familial mutations on the AβPP gene, or upon its overexpression, familial forms of AD are often caused by mutations or deletions in presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and 2 (PSEN2) genes: the catalytic components of the proteolytic enzyme γ-secretase (GS). The "amyloid hypothesis", modified over time, states that the aberrant processing of AβPP by GS induces the formation of specific neurotoxic soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides which, in turn, cause neurodegeneration. This theory, however, has recently evidenced significant limitations and, in particular, the following issues are debated: 1) the concept and significance of presenilin's "gain of function" versus "loss of function"; and 2) the presence of several and various GS substrates, which interact with AβPP and may influence Aβ formation. The latter consideration is suggestive: despite the increasing number of GS substrates so far identified, their reciprocal interaction with AβPP itself, even in the AD field, is significantly unexplored. On the other hand, GS is also an important pharmacological target in the cancer field; inhibitors or GS activity are investigated in clinical trials for treating different tumors. Furthermore, the function of AβPP and PSENs in brain development and in neuronal migration is well known. In this review, we focused on a specific subset of GS substrates that directly interact with AβPP and are involved in its proteolysis and signaling, by evaluating their role in neurodegeneration and in cell motility or proliferation, as a possible connection between AD and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Medoro
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Silvia Bartollino
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Donatella Mignogna
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Daniela Passarella
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Carola Porcile
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Aldo Pagano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Mariano Intrieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Gennaro Raimo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Claudio Russo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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Acx H, Serneels L, Radaelli E, Muyldermans S, Vincke C, Pepermans E, Müller U, Chávez-Gutiérrez L, De Strooper B. Inactivation of γ-secretases leads to accumulation of substrates and non-Alzheimer neurodegeneration. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:1088-1099. [PMID: 28588032 PMCID: PMC5538297 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201707561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Secretases are a family of intramembrane cleaving aspartyl proteases and important drug targets in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we generated mice deficient for all γ-secretases in the pyramidal neurons of the postnatal forebrain by deleting the three anterior pharynx defective 1 (Aph1) subunits (Aph1abc cKO Cre+). The mice show progressive cortical atrophy, neuronal loss, and gliosis. Interestingly, this is associated with more than 10-fold accumulation of membrane-bound fragments of App, Aplp1, Nrg1, and Dcc, while other known substrates of γ-secretase such as Aplp2, Lrp1, and Sdc3 accumulate to lesser extents. Despite numerous reports linking neurodegeneration to accumulation of membrane-bound App fragments, deletion of App expression in the combined Aph1 knockout does not rescue this phenotype. Importantly, knockout of only Aph1a- or Aph1bc-secretases causes limited and differential accumulation of substrates. This was not associated with neurodegeneration. Further development of selective Aph1-γ-secretase inhibitors should be considered for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermien Acx
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND) and Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Serneels
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND) and Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Enrico Radaelli
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND) and Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elise Pepermans
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND) and Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ulrike Müller
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lucía Chávez-Gutiérrez
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium .,KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND) and Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium .,KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND) and Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UCL Dementia Research Institute (DRI-UK), London, UK
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Voytyuk I, De Strooper B, Chávez-Gutiérrez L. Modulation of γ- and β-Secretases as Early Prevention Against Alzheimer's Disease. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:320-327. [PMID: 28918941 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The genetic evidence implicating amyloid-β in the initial stage of Alzheimer's disease is unequivocal. However, the long biochemical and cellular prodromal phases of the disease suggest that dementia is the result of a series of molecular and cellular cascades whose nature and connections remain unknown. Therefore, it is unlikely that treatments directed at amyloid-β will have major clinical effects in the later stages of the disease. We discuss the two major candidate therapeutic targets to lower amyloid-β in a preventive mode, i.e., γ- and β-secretase; the rationale behind these two targets; and the current state of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Voytyuk
- KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; UK Dementia Research Institute, University College, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Lucía Chávez-Gutiérrez
- KU Leuven Department for Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
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35
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Walter J, Kemmerling N, Wunderlich P, Glebov K. γ-Secretase in microglia - implications for neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. J Neurochem 2017; 143:445-454. [PMID: 28940294 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
γ-Secretase is an intramembrane cleaving protease involved in the generation of the Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated amyloid β peptide (Aβ). γ-Secretase is ubiquitously expressed in different organs, and also in different cell types of the human brain. Besides the involvement in the proteolytic generation of Aβ from the amyloid precursor protein, γ-secretase cleaves many additional protein substrates, suggesting pleiotropic functions under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Microglia exert important functions during brain development and homeostasis in adulthood, and accumulating evidence indicates that microglia and neuroinflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies demonstrate functional implications of γ-secretase in microglia, suggesting that alterations in γ-secretase activity could contribute to AD pathogenesis by modulation of microglia and related neuroinflammatory processes during neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the involvement of γ-secretase in the regulation of microglial functions, and the potential relevance of these processes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. This article is part of the series "Beyond Amyloid".
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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36
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Jia Y, Wang N, Liu X. Resveratrol and Amyloid-Beta: Mechanistic Insights. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9101122. [PMID: 29036903 PMCID: PMC5691738 DOI: 10.3390/nu9101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid-beta (Aβ) hypothesis that dyshomeostasis between Aβ production and clearance is a very early, key molecular factor in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been proposed and examined in the AD research field. Scientists have focused on seeking natural products or drugs to influence the dynamic equilibrium of Aβ, targeting production and clearance of Aβ. There is emerging evidence that resveratrol (Res), a naturally occurring polyphenol mainly found in grapes and red wine, acts on AD in numerous in vivo and in vitro models. Res decreases the amyloidogenic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), enhances clearance of amyloid beta-peptides, and reduces Aβ aggregation. Moreover, Res also protects neuronal functions through its antioxidant properties. This review discusses the action of Res on Aβ production, clearance and aggregation and multiple potential mechanisms, providing evidence of the useful of Res for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Jia
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
| | - Xuewei Liu
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
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