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Cui Y, Ma X, Wei J, Chen C, Shakir N, Guirram H, Dai Z, Anderson T, Ferguson D, Qiu S. MET receptor tyrosine kinase promotes the generation of functional synapses in adult cortical circuits. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1431-1444. [PMID: 39075910 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202505000-00026/figure1/v/2024-07-28T173839Z/r/image-tiff Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration, however, few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function. We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis. To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential, we created a knockin mouse line, in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult (10-12 months) cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow. We found that similar to the developing brain, turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons. These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses. Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increased α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-D-aspartate (AMPA/NMDA) receptor current ratio, indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity. Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain. These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Cui
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Chang Chen
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Neha Shakir
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hitesch Guirram
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zhiyu Dai
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Trent Anderson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Deveroux Ferguson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Shekho D, Mishra R, Kamal R, Bhatia R, Awasthi A. Breaking Barriers in Alzheimer's Disease: the Role of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:207. [PMID: 39237748 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by cognitive impairment, brain plaques, and tangles, is a global health concern affecting millions. It involves the build-up of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins, the formation of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, cholinergic system dysfunction, genetic variations, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Various signaling pathways and metabolic processes are implicated in AD, along with numerous biomarkers used for diagnosis, risk assessment, and research. Despite these, there is no cure or effective treatment for AD. It is critically important to address this immediately to develop novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) capable of targeting the brain and delivering therapeutic agents to modulate the pathological processes of AD. This review summarizes AD, its pathogenesis, related signaling pathways, biomarkers, conventional treatments, the need for NDDS, and their application in AD treatment. It also covers preclinical, clinical, and ongoing trials, patents, and marketed AD formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devank Shekho
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Ritika Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Raj Kamal
- Department of Quality Assurance, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Rohit Bhatia
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Ankit Awasthi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India.
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India.
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Norambuena A, Sagar VK, Wang Z, Raut P, Feng Z, Wallrabe H, Pardo E, Kim T, Alam SR, Hu S, Periasamy A, Bloom GS. Disrupted mitochondrial response to nutrients is a presymptomatic event in the cortex of the APP SAA knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39171353 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reduced brain energy metabolism, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) dysregulation, and extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomer (xcAβO) buildup are some well-known Alzheimer's disease (AD) features; how they promote neurodegeneration is poorly understood. We previously reported that xcAβOs inhibit nutrient-induced mitochondrial activity (NiMA) in cultured neurons. We now report NiMA disruption in vivo. METHODS Brain energy metabolism and oxygen consumption were recorded in heterozygous amyloid precursor protein knock-in (APPSAA) mice using two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging and multiparametric photoacoustic microscopy. RESULTS NiMA is inhibited in APPSAA mice before other defects are detected in these Aβ-producing animals that do not overexpress APP or contain foreign DNA inserts into genomic DNA. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3β) signals through mTORC1 to regulate NiMA independently of mitochondrial biogenesis. Inhibition of GSK3β with TWS119 stimulates NiMA in cultured human neurons, and mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption in APPSAA mice. DISCUSSION NiMA disruption in vivo occurs before plaques, neuroinflammation, and cognitive decline in APPSAA mice, and may represent an early stage in human AD. HIGHLIGHTS Amyloid beta blocks communication between lysosomes and mitochondria in vivo. Nutrient-induced mitochondrial activity (NiMA) is disrupted long before the appearance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) histopathology in heterozygous amyloid precursor protein knock-in (APPSAA/+) mice. NiMA is disrupted long before learning and memory deficits in APPSAA/+ mice. Pharmacological interventions can rescue AD-related NiMA disruption in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Norambuena
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Vijay Kumar Sagar
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- W.M. Keck Center for Cellular Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Zhuoying Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Prakash Raut
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ziang Feng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Horst Wallrabe
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- W.M. Keck Center for Cellular Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Evelyn Pardo
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Taylor Kim
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Shagufta Rehman Alam
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- W.M. Keck Center for Cellular Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Song Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ammasi Periasamy
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- W.M. Keck Center for Cellular Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - George S Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Zhang XT, Ji CL, Fu YJ, Yang Y, Xu GY. Screening of active components of Ganoderma lucidum and decipher its molecular mechanism to improve learning and memory disorders. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20232068. [PMID: 38904095 PMCID: PMC11292473 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20232068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Learning and memory impairment (LMI), a common degenerative central nervous system disease. Recently, more and more studies have shown that Ganoderma lucidum (GL) can improve the symptoms of LMI. The active ingredients in GL and their corresponding targets were screened through TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform) and BATMAN-TCM (Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine) databases, and the potential LMI targets were searched for through GeneCard (GeneCards Human Gene Database) and DrugBank. Then, we construct a 'main active ingredient-target' network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network diagram.The GO (Gene Ontology) functional enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway annotation analysis were performed on the common targets through DAVID (Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery) to clarify the potential molecular mechanism of action of active ingredients in GL. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) protein was verified by Western blot; Twenty one active ingredients in GL and 142 corresponding targets were screened out, including 59 targets shared with LMI. The 448 biological processes shown by the GO functional annotation results and 55 signal pathways shown by KEGG enrichment analysis were related to the improvement of LMI by GL, among which the correlation of Alzheimer's disease pathway is the highest, and TNF was the most important protein; TNF can improve LMI. GL can improve LMI mainly by 10 active ingredients in it, and they may play a role by regulating Alzheimer's disease pathway and TNF protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-tian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-lei Ji
- Specialty in Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-juan Fu
- Specialty in Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Yang
- Specialty in Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guang-yu Xu
- Specialty in Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, People’s Republic of China
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Caradonna E, Nemni R, Bifone A, Gandolfo P, Costantino L, Giordano L, Mormone E, Macula A, Cuomo M, Difruscolo R, Vanoli C, Vanoli E, Ferrara F. The Brain-Gut Axis, an Important Player in Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4130. [PMID: 39064171 PMCID: PMC11278248 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144130] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), are severe age-related disorders with complex and multifactorial causes. Recent research suggests a critical link between neurodegeneration and the gut microbiome, via the gut-brain communication pathway. This review examines the role of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite, in the development of AD and PD, and investigates its interaction with microRNAs (miRNAs) along this bidirectional pathway. TMAO, which is produced from dietary metabolites like choline and carnitine, has been linked to increased neuroinflammation, protein misfolding, and cognitive decline. In AD, elevated TMAO levels are associated with amyloid-beta and tau pathologies, blood-brain barrier disruption, and neuronal death. TMAO can cross the blood-brain barrier and promote the aggregation of amyloid and tau proteins. Similarly, TMAO affects alpha-synuclein conformation and aggregation, a hallmark of PD. TMAO also activates pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-kB signaling, exacerbating neuroinflammation further. Moreover, TMAO modulates the expression of various miRNAs that are involved in neurodegenerative processes. Thus, the gut microbiome-miRNA-brain axis represents a newly discovered mechanistic link between gut dysbiosis and neurodegeneration. MiRNAs regulate the key pathways involved in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal death, contributing to disease progression. As a direct consequence, specific miRNA signatures may serve as potential biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of AD and PD progression. This review aims to elucidate the complex interrelationships between the gut microbiota, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), microRNAs (miRNAs), and the central nervous system, and the implications of these connections in neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, an overview of the current neuroradiology techniques available for studying neuroinflammation and of the animal models used to investigate these intricate pathologies will also be provided. In summary, a bulk of evidence supports the concept that modulating the gut-brain communication pathway through dietary changes, the manipulation of the microbiome, and/or miRNA-based therapies may offer novel approaches for implementing the treatment of debilitating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Caradonna
- Integrated Laboratory Medicine Services, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., 20011 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Raffaello Nemni
- Unit of Neurology, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., Milan Fondazione Crespi Spano, 20011 Milan, Italy;
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Imaging Department, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., 20011 Milan, Italy; (P.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Angelo Bifone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Gandolfo
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Imaging Department, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., 20011 Milan, Italy; (P.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Lucy Costantino
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., 20011 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Luca Giordano
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., 20011 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Elisabetta Mormone
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Anna Macula
- Centro Ricerche Bracco, Bracco Imaging S.p.A., Colleretto Giacosa, 10010 Turin, Italy;
- Department of Physics, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Cuomo
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Imaging Department, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., 20011 Milan, Italy; (P.G.); (M.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Camilla Vanoli
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Los Angeles, Culver City, CA 90230, USA
| | - Emilio Vanoli
- School of Nursing, Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Fulvio Ferrara
- Integrated Laboratory Medicine Services, Centro Diagnostico Italiano S.p.A., 20011 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (F.F.)
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Soelter TM, Howton TC, Clark AD, Oza VH, Lasseigne BN. Altered glia-neuron communication in Alzheimer's Disease affects WNT, p53, and NFkB Signaling determined by snRNA-seq. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:317. [PMID: 38849813 PMCID: PMC11157763 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by amyloid-β plaques, tau neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Although neuronal loss is a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, it is known that non-neuronal cell populations are ultimately responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and neuronal health through neuron-glia and glial cell crosstalk. Many signaling pathways have been proposed to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease, including WNT, TGFβ, p53, mTOR, NFkB, and Pi3k/Akt signaling. Here, we predict altered cell-cell communication between glia and neurons. METHODS Using public snRNA-sequencing data generated from postmortem human prefrontal cortex, we predicted altered cell-cell communication between glia (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells) and neurons (excitatory and inhibitory). We confirmed interactions in a second and third independent orthogonal dataset. We determined cell-type-specificity using Jaccard Similarity Index and investigated the downstream effects of altered interactions in inhibitory neurons through gene expression and transcription factor activity analyses of signaling mediators. Finally, we determined changes in pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. RESULTS Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons is altered in Alzheimer's disease in a cell-type-specific manner. As expected, ligands are more cell-type-specific than receptors and targets. We identified ligand-receptor pairs in three independent datasets and found involvement of the Alzheimer's disease risk genes APP and APOE across datasets. Most of the signaling mediators of these interactions were not significantly differentially expressed, however, the mediators that are also transcription factors had differential activity between AD and control. Namely, MYC and TP53, which are associated with WNT and p53 signaling, respectively, had decreased TF activity in Alzheimer's disease, along with decreased WNT and p53 pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. Additionally, inhibitory neurons had both increased NFkB signaling pathway activity and increased TF activity of NFIL3, an NFkB signaling-associated transcription factor. CONCLUSIONS Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons in Alzheimer's disease is altered in a cell-type-specific manner involving Alzheimer's disease risk genes. Signaling mediators had altered transcription factor activity suggesting altered glia-neuron interactions may dysregulate signaling pathways including WNT, p53, and NFkB in inhibitory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea M Soelter
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Timothy C Howton
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Amanda D Clark
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Vishal H Oza
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Brittany N Lasseigne
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
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Barbour AJ, Gourmaud S, Lancaster E, Li X, Stewart DA, Hoag KF, Irwin DJ, Talos DM, Jensen FE. Seizures exacerbate excitatory: inhibitory imbalance in Alzheimer's disease and 5XFAD mice. Brain 2024; 147:2169-2184. [PMID: 38662500 PMCID: PMC11146435 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 22% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients suffer from seizures, and the co-occurrence of seizures and epileptiform activity exacerbates AD pathology and related cognitive deficits, suggesting that seizures may be a targetable component of AD progression. Given that alterations in neuronal excitatory:inhibitory (E:I) balance occur in epilepsy, we hypothesized that decreased markers of inhibition relative to those of excitation would be present in AD patients. We similarly hypothesized that in 5XFAD mice, the E:I imbalance would progress from an early stage (prodromal) to later symptomatic stages and be further exacerbated by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling. Post-mortem AD temporal cortical tissues from patients with or without seizure history were examined for changes in several markers of E:I balance, including levels of the inhibitory GABAA receptor, the sodium potassium chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) and the excitatory NMDA and AMPA type glutamate receptors. We performed patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings from CA1 neurons in hippocampal slices and examined the same markers of E:I balance in prodromal 5XFAD mice. We next examined 5XFAD mice at chronic stages, after PTZ or control protocols, and in response to chronic mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin, administered following kindled seizures, for markers of E:I balance. We found that AD patients with comorbid seizures had worsened cognitive and functional scores and decreased GABAA receptor subunit expression, as well as increased NKCC1/KCC2 ratios, indicative of depolarizing GABA responses. Patch clamp recordings of prodromal 5XFAD CA1 neurons showed increased intrinsic excitability, along with decreased GABAergic inhibitory transmission and altered glutamatergic neurotransmission, indicating that E:I imbalance may occur in early disease stages. Furthermore, seizure induction in prodromal 5XFAD mice led to later dysregulation of NKCC1/KCC2 and a reduction in GluA2 AMPA glutamate receptor subunit expression, indicative of depolarizing GABA receptors and calcium permeable AMPA receptors. Finally, we found that chronic treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, at doses we have previously shown to attenuate seizure-induced amyloid-β pathology and cognitive deficits, could also reverse elevations of the NKCC1/KCC2 ratio in these mice. Our data demonstrate novel mechanisms of interaction between AD and epilepsy and indicate that targeting E:I balance, potentially with US Food and Drug Administration-approved mTOR inhibitors, hold therapeutic promise for AD patients with a seizure history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Barbour
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sarah Gourmaud
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eunjoo Lancaster
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaofan Li
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David A Stewart
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Keegan F Hoag
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David J Irwin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Delia M Talos
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Frances E Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Lee HJ, Choi HJ, Jeong YJ, Na YH, Hong JT, Han JM, Hoe HS, Lim KH. Developing theragnostics for Alzheimer's disease: Insights from cancer treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131925. [PMID: 38685540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131925] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its associated economic and societal burdens are on the rise, but there are no curative treatments for AD. Interestingly, this neurodegenerative disease shares several biological and pathophysiological features with cancer, including cell-cycle dysregulation, angiogenesis, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, and DNA damage. However, the genetic factors contributing to the overlap in biological processes between cancer and AD have not been actively studied. In this review, we discuss the shared biological features of cancer and AD, the molecular targets of anticancer drugs, and therapeutic approaches. First, we outline the common biological features of cancer and AD. Second, we describe several anticancer drugs, their molecular targets, and their effects on AD pathology. Finally, we discuss how protein-protein interactions (PPIs), receptor inhibition, immunotherapy, and gene therapy can be exploited for the cure and management of both cancer and AD. Collectively, this review provides insights for the development of AD theragnostics based on cancer drugs and molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Lee
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jeong Choi
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Joo Jeong
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno jungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Hee Na
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyang-Sook Hoe
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno jungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Key-Hwan Lim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea.
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Meur S, Mukherjee S, Roy S, Karati D. Role of PIM Kinase Inhibitor in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04257-7. [PMID: 38816674 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is the most prevalent form of senile dementia, causing progressive deterioration of cognition, behavior, and rational skills. Neuropathologically, AD is characterized by two hallmark proteinaceous aggregates: amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed of hyperphosphorylated tau. A significant study has been done to understand how Aβ and/or tau accumulation can alter signaling pathways that affect neuronal function. A conserved protein kinase known as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is essential for maintaining the proper balance between protein synthesis and degradation. Overwhelming evidence shows mTOR signaling's primary role in age-dependent cognitive decline and the pathogenesis of AD. Postmortem human AD brains consistently show an upregulation of mTOR signaling. Confocal microscopy findings demonstrated a direct connection between mTOR and intraneuronal Aβ42 through molecular processes of PRAS40 phosphorylation. By attaching to the mTORC1 complex, PRAS40 inhibits the activity of mTOR. Furthermore, inhibiting PRAS40 phosphorylation can stop the Aβ-mediated increase in mTOR activity, indicating that the accumulation of Aβ may aid in PRAS40 phosphorylation. Physiologically, PRAS40 is phosphorylated by PIM1 which is a serine/threonine kinase of proto-oncogene PIM kinase family. Pharmacological inhibition of PIM1 activity prevents the Aβ-induced mTOR hyperactivity in vivo by blocking PRAS40 phosphorylation and restores cognitive impairments by enhancing proteasome function. Recently identified small-molecule PIM1 inhibitors have been developed as potential therapeutic to reduce AD-neuropathology. This comprehensive study aims to address the activity of PIM1 inhibitor that has been tested for the treatment of AD, in addition to the pharmacological and structural aspects of PIM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyasi Meur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Swarupananda Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B.L Saha Road, Kolkata, 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B.L Saha Road, Kolkata, 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipanjan Karati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India.
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Soelter TM, Howton TC, Clark AD, Oza VH, Lasseigne BN. Altered Glia-Neuron Communication in Alzheimer's Disease Affects WNT, p53, and NFkB Signaling Determined by snRNA-seq. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.29.569304. [PMID: 38076822 PMCID: PMC10705421 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by amyloid-β plaques, tau neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Although neuronal loss is a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, it is known that non-neuronal cell populations are ultimately responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and neuronal health through neuron-glia and glial cell crosstalk. Many signaling pathways have been proposed to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease, including WNT, TGFβ, p53, mTOR, NFkB, and Pi3k/Akt signaling. Here, we predict altered cell-cell communication between glia and neurons. Methods Using public snRNA-sequencing data generated from postmortem human prefrontal cortex, we predicted altered cell-cell communication between glia (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells) and neurons (excitatory and inhibitory). We confirmed interactions in a second and third independent orthogonal dataset. We determined cell-type-specificity using Jaccard Similarity Index and investigated the downstream effects of altered interactions in inhibitory neurons through gene expression and transcription factor activity analyses of signaling mediators. Finally, we determined changes in pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. Results Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons is altered in Alzheimer's disease in a cell-type-specific manner. As expected, ligands are more cell-type-specific than receptors and targets. We identified ligand-receptor pairs in three independent datasets and found involvement of the Alzheimer's disease risk genes APP and APOE across datasets. Most of the signaling mediators of these interactions were not differentially expressed, however, the mediators that are also transcription factors had differential activity between AD and control. Namely, MYC and TP53, which are associated with WNT and p53 signaling, respectively, had decreased TF activity in Alzheimer's disease, along with decreased WNT and p53 pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. Additionally, inhibitory neurons had both increased NFkB signaling pathway activity and increased TF activity of NFIL3, an NFkB signaling-associated transcription factor. Conclusions Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons in Alzheimer's disease is altered in a cell-type-specific manner involving Alzheimer's disease risk genes. Signaling mediators had altered transcription factor activity suggesting altered glia-neuron interactions may dysregulate signaling pathways including WNT, p53, and NFkB in inhibitory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea M. Soelter
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Timothy C. Howton
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Amanda D. Clark
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Vishal H. Oza
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Brittany N. Lasseigne
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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11
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Song Z, Wang KW, Hagar HTC, Chen HR, Kuan CY, Zhang K, Kuo MH. Hyperphosphorylated Tau Inflicts Intracellular Stress Responses that Are Mitigated by Apomorphine. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2653-2671. [PMID: 37919601 PMCID: PMC11043184 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03689-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal phosphorylation of the microtubule-binding protein tau in the brain is a key pathological marker for Alzheimer's disease and additional neurodegenerative tauopathies. However, how hyperphosphorylated tau causes cellular dysfunction or death that underlies neurodegeneration remains an unsolved question critical for the understanding of disease mechanism and the design of efficacious drugs. Using a recombinant hyperphosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) synthesized by the PIMAX approach, we examined how cells responded to the cytotoxic tau and explored means to enhance cellular resistance to tau attack. Upon p-tau uptake, the intracellular calcium levels rose promptly. Gene expression analyses revealed that p-tau potently triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, unfolded protein response (UPR), ER stress-associated apoptosis, and pro-inflammation in cells. Proteomics studies showed that p-tau diminished heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an ER stress-associated anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress regulator, while stimulated the accumulation of MIOS and other proteins. p-Tau-induced ER stress-associated apoptosis and pro-inflammation are ameliorated by apomorphine, a brain-permeable prescription drug widely used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms, and by overexpression of HO-1. Our results reveal probable cellular functions targeted by hyperphosphorylated tau. Some of these dysfunctions and stress responses have been linked to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. The observations that the ill effects of p-tau can be mitigated by a small compound and by overexpressing HO-1 that is otherwise diminished in the treated cells inform new directions of Alzheimer's disease drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfeng Song
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Kuang-Wei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Hsiao-Tien Chien Hagar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Hong-Ru Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
- Present address: Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, 112304
| | - Chia-Yi Kuan
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Kezhong Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Min-Hao Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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12
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Stanciu GD, Ababei DC, Solcan C, Uritu CM, Craciun VC, Pricope CV, Szilagyi A, Tamba BI. Exploring Cannabinoids with Enhanced Binding Affinity for Targeting the Expanded Endocannabinoid System: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:530. [PMID: 38675490 PMCID: PMC11053678 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of rigorous research and numerous clinical trials, Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a notable healthcare challenge of this century, with effective therapeutic solutions remaining elusive. Recently, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as an essential therapeutic target due to its regulatory role in different physiological processes, such as neuroprotection, modulation of inflammation, and synaptic plasticity. This aligns with previous research showing that cannabinoid receptor ligands have the potential to trigger the functional structure of neuronal and brain networks, potentially impacting memory processing. Therefore, our study aims to assess the effects of prolonged, intermittent exposure (over 90 days) to JWH-133 (0.2 mg/kg) and an EU-GMP certified Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabixir® Medium Flos, 2.5 mg/kg) on recognition memory, as well as their influence on brain metabolism and modulation of the expanded endocannabinoid system in APP/PS1 mice. Chronic therapy with cannabinoid receptor ligands resulted in reduced anxiety-like behavior and partially reversed the cognitive deficits. Additionally, a reduction was observed in both the number and size of Aβ plaque deposits, along with decreased cerebral glucose metabolism, as well as a decline in the expression of mTOR and CB2 receptors. Furthermore, the study revealed enlarged astrocytes and enhanced expression of M1 mAChR in mice subjected to cannabinoid treatment. Our findings highlight the pivotal involvement of the extended endocannabinoid system in cognitive decline and pathological aspects associated with AD, presenting essential preclinical evidence to support the continued exploration and assessment of cannabinoid receptor ligands for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Daniela-Carmen Ababei
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
- Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carmen Solcan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Cristina-Mariana Uritu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Vlad-Constantin Craciun
- Department of Computer Science, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Cosmin-Vasilica Pricope
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrei Szilagyi
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Bogdan-Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine “Prof. Ostin C. Mungiu”—CEMEX, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.D.S.); (A.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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13
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Svensson JE, Bolin M, Thor D, Williams PA, Brautaset R, Carlsson M, Sörensson P, Marlevi D, Spin-Neto R, Probst M, Hagman G, Morén AF, Kivipelto M, Plavén-Sigray P. Evaluating the effect of rapamycin treatment in Alzheimer's disease and aging using in vivo imaging: the ERAP phase IIa clinical study protocol. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:111. [PMID: 38575854 PMCID: PMC10993488 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03596-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapamycin is an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein kinase, and preclinical data demonstrate that it is a promising candidate for a general gero- and neuroprotective treatment in humans. Results from mouse models of Alzheimer's disease have shown beneficial effects of rapamycin, including preventing or reversing cognitive deficits, reducing amyloid oligomers and tauopathies and normalizing synaptic plasticity and cerebral glucose uptake. The "Evaluating Rapamycin Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease using Positron Emission Tomography" (ERAP) trial aims to test if these results translate to humans through evaluating the change in cerebral glucose uptake following six months of rapamycin treatment in participants with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. METHODS ERAP is a six-month-long, single-arm, open-label, phase IIa biomarker-driven study evaluating if the drug rapamycin can be repurposed to treat Alzheimer's disease. Fifteen patients will be included and treated with a weekly dose of 7 mg rapamycin for six months. The primary endpoint will be change in cerebral glucose uptake, measured using [18F]FDG positron emission tomography. Secondary endpoints include changes in cognitive measures, markers in cerebrospinal fluid as well as cerebral blood flow measured using magnetic resonance imaging. As exploratory outcomes, the study will assess change in multiple age-related pathological processes, such as periodontal inflammation, retinal degeneration, bone mineral density loss, atherosclerosis and decreased cardiac function. DISCUSSION The ERAP study is a clinical trial using in vivo imaging biomarkers to assess the repurposing of rapamycin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. If successful, the study would provide a strong rationale for large-scale evaluation of mTOR-inhibitors as a potential disease-modifying treatment in Alzheimer's disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06022068, date of registration 2023-08-30.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas E Svensson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Bolin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Thor
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rune Brautaset
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Carlsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peder Sörensson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Marlevi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rubens Spin-Neto
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Section for Oral Radiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Monika Probst
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Göran Hagman
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Forsberg Morén
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit (AGE), School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pontus Plavén-Sigray
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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14
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Davoody S, Asgari Taei A, Khodabakhsh P, Dargahi L. mTOR signaling and Alzheimer's disease: What we know and where we are? CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14463. [PMID: 37721413 PMCID: PMC11017461 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14463] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the great body of research done on Alzheimer's disease, the underlying mechanisms have not been vividly investigated. To date, the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles constitutes the hallmark of the disease; however, dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) seems to be significantly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease as well. mTOR, as a serine-threonine protein kinase, was previously known for controlling many cellular functions such as cell size, autophagy, and metabolism. In this regard, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) may leave anti-aging impacts by robustly inhibiting autophagy, a mechanism that inhibits the accumulation of damaged protein aggregate and dysfunctional organelles. Formation and aggregation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-beta plaques seem to be significantly regulated by mTOR signaling. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and connection between mTOR signaling and AD may suggest conducting clinical trials assessing the efficacy of rapamycin, as an mTOR inhibitor drug, in managing AD or may help develop other medications. In this literature review, we aim to elaborate mTOR signaling network mainly in the brain, point to gaps of knowledge, and define how and in which ways mTOR signaling can be connected with AD pathogenesis and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samin Davoody
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Afsaneh Asgari Taei
- Neuroscience Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Pariya Khodabakhsh
- Department of NeurophysiologyInstitute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Leila Dargahi
- Neurobiology Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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15
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Li Z, Liang D, Ebelt S, Gearing M, Kobor MS, Konwar C, Maclsaac JL, Dever K, Wingo AP, Levey AI, Lah JJ, Wingo TS, Hüls A. Differential DNA methylation in the brain as potential mediator of the association between traffic-related PM 2.5 and neuropathology markers of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:2538-2551. [PMID: 38345197 PMCID: PMC11032571 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growing evidence indicates that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms have been insufficiently investigated. We hypothesized differential DNA methylation (DNAm) in brain tissue as a potential mediator of this association. METHODS We assessed genome-wide DNAm (Illumina EPIC BeadChips) in prefrontal cortex tissue and three AD-related neuropathological markers (Braak stage, CERAD, ABC score) for 159 donors, and estimated donors' residential traffic-related PM2.5 exposure 1, 3, and 5 years prior to death. We used a combination of the Meet-in-the-Middle approach, high-dimensional mediation analysis, and causal mediation analysis to identify potential mediating CpGs. RESULTS PM2.5 was significantly associated with differential DNAm at cg25433380 and cg10495669. Twenty-four CpG sites were identified as mediators of the association between PM2.5 exposure and neuropathology markers, several located in genes related to neuroinflammation. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest differential DNAm related to neuroinflammation mediates the association between traffic-related PM2.5 and AD. HIGHLIGHTS First study to evaluate the potential mediation effect of DNA methylation for the association between PM2.5 exposure and neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's disease. Study was based on brain tissues rarely investigated in previous air pollution research. Cg10495669, assigned to RBCK1 gene playing a role in inflammation, was associated consistently with 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year traffic-related PM2.5 exposures prior to death. Meet-in-the-middle approach and high-dimensional mediation analysis were used simultaneously to increase the potential of identifying the differentially methylated CpGs. Differential DNAm related to neuroinflammation was found to mediate the association between traffic-related PM2.5 and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjiang Li
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Marla Gearing
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and TherapeuticsVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Julie L. Maclsaac
- Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and TherapeuticsVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Kristy Dever
- Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- BC Children's Hospital Research InstituteVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and TherapeuticsVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Aliza P. Wingo
- Division of Mental HealthAtlanta VA Medical CenterDecaturGeorgiaUSA
- Department of PsychiatryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Allan I. Levey
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - James J. Lah
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Thomas S. Wingo
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Human GeneticsEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Anke Hüls
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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16
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Imtiaz A, Shimonaka S, Uddin MN, Elahi M, Ishiguro K, Hasegawa M, Hattori N, Motoi Y. Selection of lansoprazole from an FDA-approved drug library to inhibit the Alzheimer's disease seed-dependent formation of tau aggregates. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1368291. [PMID: 38633982 PMCID: PMC11022852 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1368291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of current treatments is still insufficient for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of Dementia. Out of the two pathological hallmarks of AD amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, comprising of tau protein, tau pathology strongly correlates with the symptoms of AD. Previously, screening for inhibitors of tau aggregation that target recombinant tau aggregates have been attempted. Since a recent cryo-EM analysis revealed distinct differences in the folding patterns of heparin-induced recombinant tau filaments and AD tau filaments, this study focused on AD seed-dependent tau aggregation in drug repositioning for AD. We screened 763 compounds from an FDA-approved drug library using an AD seed-induced tau aggregation in SH-SY5Y cell-based assay. In the first screening, 180 compounds were selected, 72 of which were excluded based on the results of lactate dehydrogenase assay. In the third screening with evaluations of soluble and insoluble tau, 38 compounds were selected. In the fourth screening with 3 different AD seeds, 4 compounds, lansoprazole, calcipotriene, desogestrel, and pentamidine isethionate, were selected. After AD seed-induced real-time quaking-induced conversion, lansoprazole was selected as the most suitable drug for repositioning. The intranasal administration of lansoprazole for 4 months to AD seed-injected mice improved locomotor activity and reduced both the amount of insoluble tau and the extent of phosphorylated tau-positive areas. Alanine replacement of the predicted binding site to an AD filament indicated the involvement of Q351, H362, and K369 in lansoprazole and C-shaped tau filaments. These results suggest the potential of lansoprazole as a candidate for drug repositioning to an inhibitor of tau aggregate formation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Imtiaz
- Department of Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Dementia, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shotaro Shimonaka
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Age, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammad Nasir Uddin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Montasir Elahi
- Center for Birth Defect Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Koichi Ishiguro
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Hasegawa
- Department of Brain and Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Motoi
- Medical Center for Dementia, Juntendo University Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Norambuena A, Sagar VK, Wang Z, Raut P, Feng Z, Wallrabe H, Pardo E, Kim T, Alam SR, Hu S, Periasamy A, Bloom GS. Disrupted mitochondrial response to nutrients is a presymptomatic event in the cortex of the APP SAA knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578668. [PMID: 38352486 PMCID: PMC10862844 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Reduced brain energy metabolism, mTOR dysregulation, and extracellular amyloid-β oligomer (xcAβO) buildup characterize AD; how they collectively promote neurodegeneration is poorly understood. We previously reported that xcAβOs inhibit N utrient-induced M itochondrial A ctivity (NiMA) in cultured neurons. We now report NiMA disruption in vivo . Methods Brain energy metabolism and oxygen consumption were recorded in APP SAA/+ mice using two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging and multiparametric photoacoustic microscopy. Results NiMA is inhibited in APP SAA/+ mice before other defects are detected in these amyloid-β-producing animals that do not overexpress APP or contain foreign DNA inserts into genomic DNA. GSK3β signals through mTORC1 to regulate NiMA independently of mitochondrial biogenesis. Inhibition of GSK3β with lithium or TWS119 stimulates NiMA in cultured human neurons, and mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption in APP SAA mice. Conclusion NiMA disruption in vivo occurs before histopathological changes and cognitive decline in APP SAA mice, and may represent an early stage in human AD.
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18
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Korde DS, Humpel C. A Combination of Heavy Metals and Intracellular Pathway Modulators Induces Alzheimer Disease-like Pathologies in Organotypic Brain Slices. Biomolecules 2024; 14:165. [PMID: 38397402 PMCID: PMC10887098 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Modelling aspects of AD is challenging due to its complex multifactorial etiology and pathology. The present study aims to establish a cost-effective and rapid method to model the two primary pathologies in organotypic brain slices. Coronal hippocampal brain slices (150 µm) were generated from postnatal (day 8-10) C57BL6 wild-type mice and cultured for 9 weeks. Collagen hydrogels containing either an empty load or a mixture of human Aβ42 and P301S aggregated tau were applied to the slices. The media was further supplemented with various intracellular pathway modulators or heavy metals to augment the appearance of Aβ plaques and tau NFTs, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity for Aβ and tau was significantly increased in the ventral areas in slices with a mixture of human Aβ42 and P301S aggregated tau compared to slices with empty hydrogels. Aβ plaque- and tau NFT-like pathologies could be induced independently in slices. Heavy metals (aluminum, lead, cadmium) potently augmented Aβ plaque-like pathology, which developed intracellularly prior to cell death. Intracellular pathway modulators (scopolamine, wortmannin, MHY1485) significantly boosted tau NFT-like pathologies. A combination of nanomolar concentrations of scopolamine, wortmannin, MHY1485, lead, and cadmium in the media strongly increased Aβ plaque- and tau NFT-like immunoreactivity in ventral areas compared to the slices with non-supplemented media. The results highlight that we could harness the potential of the collagen hydrogel-based spreading of human Aβ42 and P301S aggregated tau, along with pharmacological manipulation, to produce pathologies relevant to AD. The results offer a novel ex vivo organotypic slice model to investigate AD pathologies with potential applications for screening drugs or therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer’s Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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Muraleedharan A, Ray SK. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and Genistein for Decreasing Gut Dysbiosis, Inhibiting Inflammasomes, and Aiding Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2024; 14:96. [PMID: 38275516 PMCID: PMC10813550 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
There are approximately 24 million cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) worldwide, and the number of cases is expected to increase four-fold by 2050. AD is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to severe dementia in most patients. There are several neuropathological signs of AD, such as deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neuronal loss, activation of inflammasomes, and declining autophagy. Several of these hallmarks are linked to the gut microbiome. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains microbial diversity, which is important in regulating several functions in the brain via the gut-brain axis (GBA). The disruption of the balance in the gut microbiota is known as gut dysbiosis. Recent studies strongly support that targeting gut dysbiosis with selective bioflavonoids is a highly plausible solution to attenuate activation of inflammasomes (contributing to neuroinflammation) and resume autophagy (a cellular mechanism for lysosomal degradation of the damaged components and recycling of building blocks) to stop AD pathogenesis. This review is focused on two bioflavonoids, specifically epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and genistein (GS), as a possible new paradigm of treatment for maintaining healthy gut microbiota in AD due to their implications in modulating crucial AD signaling pathways. The combination of EGCG and GS has a higher potential than either agent alone to attenuate the signaling pathways implicated in AD pathogenesis. The effects of EGCG and GS on altering gut microbiota and GBA were also explored, along with conclusions from various delivery methods to increase the bioavailability of these bioflavonoids in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahalya Muraleedharan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Swapan K. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
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Culibrk RA, Ebbert KA, Yeisley DJ, Chen R, Qureshi FA, Hahn J, Hahn MS. Impact of Suramin on Key Pathological Features of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease-Derived Forebrain Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:301-318. [PMID: 38427475 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230600] [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] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by disrupted proteostasis and macroautophagy (hereafter "autophagy"). The pharmacological agent suramin has known autophagy modulation properties with potential efficacy in mitigating AD neuronal pathology. Objective In the present work, we investigate the impact of forebrain neuron exposure to suramin on the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, a major regulator of autophagy, in comparison with rapamycin and chloroquine. We further investigate the effect of suramin on several AD-related biomarkers in sporadic AD (sAD)-derived forebrain neurons. Methods Neurons differentiated from ReNcell neural progenitors were used to assess the impact of suramin on the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway relative to the autophagy inducer rapamycin and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. Mature forebrain neurons were differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) sourced from a late-onset sAD patient and treated with 100μM suramin for 72 h, followed by assessments for amyloid-β, phosphorylated tau, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and synaptic puncta density. Results Suramin treatment of sAD-derived neurons partially ameliorated the increased p-Tau(S199)/Tau ratio, and fully remediated the increased glutathione to oxidized nitric oxide ratio, observed in untreated sAD-derived neurons relative to healthy controls. These positive results may be due in part to the distinct increases in Akt/mTOR pathway mediator p-p70S6K noted with suramin treatment of both ReNcell-derived and iPSC-derived neurons. Longer term neuronal markers, such as synaptic puncta density, were unaffected by suramin treatment. Conclusions These findings provide initial evidence supporting the potential of suramin to reduce the degree of dysregulation in sAD-derived forebrain neurons in part via the modulation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Culibrk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Katherine A Ebbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Daniel J Yeisley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Fatir A Qureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Mariah S Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
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Sharma C, Mazumder A. A Comprehensive Review on Potential Molecular Drug Targets for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:45-56. [PMID: 38305393 DOI: 10.2174/0118715249263300231116062740] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an onset and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that has been linked to various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Recent research has revealed several potential targets for drug development, such as the prevention of Aβ production and removal, prevention of tau hyperphosphorylation, and keeping neurons alive. Drugs that target numerous ADrelated variables have been developed, and early results are encouraging. This review provides a concise map of the different receptor signaling pathways associated with Alzheimer's Disease, as well as insight into drug design based on these pathways. It discusses the molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis, such as oxidative stress, aging, Aβ turnover, thiol groups, and mitochondrial activities, and their role in the disease. It also reviews the potential drug targets, in vivo active agents, and docking studies done in AD and provides prospects for future drug development. This review intends to provide more clarity on the molecular processes that occur in Alzheimer's patient's brains, which can be of use in diagnosing and preventing the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchal Sharma
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), 19 Knowledge Park-II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida-201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Avijit Mazumder
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), 19 Knowledge Park-II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida-201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Cai J, Xie D, Kong F, Zhai Z, Zhu Z, Zhao Y, Xu Y, Sun T. Effect and Mechanism of Rapamycin on Cognitive Deficits in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:53-84. [PMID: 38640155 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231249] [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] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, remains long-term and challenging to diagnose. Furthermore, there is currently no medication to completely cure AD patients. Rapamycin has been clinically demonstrated to postpone the aging process in mice and improve learning and memory abilities in animal models of AD. Therefore, rapamycin has the potential to be significant in the discovery and development of drugs for AD patients. Objective The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of rapamycin on animal models of AD by examining behavioral indicators and pathological features. Methods Six databases were searched and 4,277 articles were retrieved. In conclusion, 13 studies were included according to predefined criteria. Three authors independently judged the selected literature and methodological quality. Use of subgroup analyses to explore potential mechanistic effects of rapamycin interventions: animal models of AD, specific types of transgenic animal models, dosage, and periodicity of administration. Results The results of Morris Water Maze (MWM) behavioral test showed that escape latency was shortened by 15.60 seconds with rapamycin therapy, indicating that learning ability was enhanced in AD mice; and the number of traversed platforms was increased by 1.53 times, indicating that the improved memory ability significantly corrected the memory deficits. CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin therapy reduced age-related plaque deposition by decreasing AβPP production and down-regulating β-secretase and γ-secretase activities, furthermore increased amyloid-β clearance by promoting autophagy, as well as reduced tau hyperphosphorylation by up-regulating insulin-degrading enzyme levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cai
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Danni Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fanjing Kong
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenwei Zhai
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhishan Zhu
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanru Zhao
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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23
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Piccirillo S, Preziuso A, Cerqueni G, Serfilippi T, Terenzi V, Vinciguerra A, Amoroso S, Lariccia V, Magi S. A strategic tool to improve the study of molecular determinants of Alzheimer's disease: The role of glyceraldehyde. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115869. [PMID: 37871878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115869] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration leading to severe cognitive, memory, and behavioral impairments. The onset of AD involves a complex interplay among various factors, including age, genetics, chronic inflammation, and impaired energy metabolism. Despite significant efforts, there are currently no effective therapies capable of modifying the course of AD, likely owing to an excessive focus on the amyloid hypothesis and a limited consideration of other intracellular pathways. In the present review, we emphasize the emerging concept of AD as a metabolic disease, where alterations in energy metabolism play a critical role in its development and progression. Notably, glucose metabolism impairment is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, and protein misfolding, forming interconnected processes that perpetuate a detrimental self-feeding loop sustaining AD progression. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), neurotoxic compounds that accumulate in AD, are considered an important consequence of glucose metabolism disruption, and glyceraldehyde (GA), a glycolytic intermediate, is a key contributor to AGEs formation in both neurons and astrocytes. Exploring the impact of GA-induced glucose metabolism impairment opens up exciting possibilities for creating an easy-to-handle in vitro model that recapitulates the early stage of the disease. This model holds great potential for advancing the development of novel therapeutics targeting various intracellular pathways implicated in AD pathogenesis. In conclusion, looking beyond the conventional amyloid hypothesis could lead researchers to discover promising targets for intervention, offering the possibility of addressing the existing medical gaps in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Piccirillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Preziuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Cerqueni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Serfilippi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Valentina Terenzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Antonio Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Amoroso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Lariccia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Simona Magi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
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Jeffs QL, Prather JF, Todd WD. Potential neural substrates underlying circadian and olfactory disruptions in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1295998. [PMID: 38094003 PMCID: PMC10716239 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1295998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, with over 45 million patients worldwide, and poses significant economic and emotional burdens to both patients and caregivers, significantly raising the number of those affected. Unfortunately, much of the existing research on the disease only addresses a small subset of associated symptomologies and pathologies. In this review, we propose to target the earliest stages of the disease, when symptomology first arises. In these stages, before the onset of hallmark symptoms of AD such as cognitive impairments and memory loss, circadian and olfactory disruptions arise and are detectable. Functional similarities between circadian and olfactory systems provide a basis upon which to seek out common mechanisms in AD which may target them early on in the disease. Existing studies of interactions between these systems, while intriguing, leave open the question of the neural substrates underlying them. Potential substrates for such interactions are proposed in this review, such as indirect projections that may functionally connect the two systems and dopaminergic signaling. These substrates may have significant implications for mechanisms underlying disruptions to circadian and olfactory function in early stages of AD. In this review, we propose early detection of AD using a combination of circadian and olfactory deficits and subsequent early treatment of these deficits may provide profound benefits to both patients and caregivers. Additionally, we suggest that targeting research toward the intersection of these two systems in AD could uncover mechanisms underlying the broader set of symptoms and pathologies that currently elude researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William D. Todd
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
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25
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Jiang Y, MacNeil LT. Simple model systems reveal conserved mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:82. [PMID: 37950311 PMCID: PMC10638731 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00664-x] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of effective therapies that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Model organisms, including yeast, worms, and flies, provide simple systems with which to investigate the mechanisms of disease. The evolutionary conservation of cellular pathways regulating proteostasis and stress response in these organisms facilitates the study of genetic factors that contribute to, or protect against, neurodegeneration. Here, we review genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration and related cellular pathways identified in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on models of AD and related tauopathies. We further address the potential of simple model systems to better understand the fundamental mechanisms that lead to AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lesley T MacNeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Niere F, Uneri A, McArdle CJ, Deng Z, Egido-Betancourt HX, Cacheaux LP, Namjoshi SV, Taylor WC, Wang X, Barth SH, Reynoldson C, Penaranda J, Stierer MP, Heaney CF, Craft S, Keene CD, Ma T, Raab-Graham KF. Aberrant DJ-1 expression underlies L-type calcium channel hypoactivity in dendrites in tuberous sclerosis complex and Alzheimer's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301534120. [PMID: 37903257 PMCID: PMC10636362 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301534120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
L-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels (L-VGCC) dysfunction is implicated in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. While a popular therapeutic target, it is unknown whether molecular mechanisms leading to disrupted L-VGCC across neurodegenerative disorders are conserved. Importantly, L-VGCC integrate synaptic signals to facilitate a plethora of cellular mechanisms; however, mechanisms that regulate L-VGCC channel density and subcellular compartmentalization are understudied. Herein, we report that in disease models with overactive mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling (or mTORopathies), deficits in dendritic L-VGCC activity are associated with increased expression of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) Parkinsonism-associated deglycase (DJ-1). DJ-1 binds the mRNA coding for the alpha and auxiliary Ca2+ channel subunits CaV1.2 and α2δ2, and represses their mRNA translation, only in the disease states, specifically preclinical models of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In agreement, DJ-1-mediated repression of CaV1.2/α2δ2 protein synthesis in dendrites is exaggerated in mouse models of AD and TSC, resulting in deficits in dendritic L-VGCC calcium activity. Finding of DJ-1-regulated L-VGCC activity in dendrites in TSC and AD provides a unique signaling pathway that can be targeted in clinical mTORopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farr Niere
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Department of Biology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC27411
| | - Ayse Uneri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Zhiyong Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Hailey X. Egido-Betancourt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Luisa P. Cacheaux
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Sanjeev V. Namjoshi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - William C. Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Samuel H. Barth
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Cameron Reynoldson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Juan Penaranda
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Michael P. Stierer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Suzanne Craft
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98104
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
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27
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Ghaffari S, Bouchonville KJ, Saleh E, Schmidt RE, Offer SM, Sinha S. BEDwARS: a robust Bayesian approach to bulk gene expression deconvolution with noisy reference signatures. Genome Biol 2023; 24:178. [PMID: 37537644 PMCID: PMC10399072 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential gene expression in bulk transcriptomics data can reflect change of transcript abundance within a cell type and/or change in the proportions of cell types. Expression deconvolution methods can help differentiate these scenarios. BEDwARS is a Bayesian deconvolution method designed to address differences between reference signatures of cell types and corresponding true signatures underlying bulk transcriptomic profiles. BEDwARS is more robust to noisy reference signatures and outperforms leading in-class methods for estimating cell type proportions and signatures. Application of BEDwARS to dihydropyridine dehydrogenase deficiency identified the possible involvement of ciliopathy and impaired translational control in the etiology of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Ghaffari
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Thomas M. Siebel Center, 201 N. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kelly J Bouchonville
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Gonda 19-476, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ehsan Saleh
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Thomas M. Siebel Center, 201 N. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Remington E Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Gonda 19-476, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Steven M Offer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Gonda 19-476, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Saurabh Sinha
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, 3108 U.A. Whitaker Bldg., 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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28
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Li Z, Liang D, Ebelt S, Gearing M, Kobor MS, Konwar C, Maclsaac JL, Dever K, Wingo A, Levey A, Lah JJ, Wingo T, Huels A. Differential DNA Methylation in the Brain as Potential Mediator of the Association between Traffic-related PM 2.5 and Neuropathology Markers of Alzheimer's Disease. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.30.23292085. [PMID: 37425713 PMCID: PMC10327281 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.30.23292085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growing evidence indicates fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as risk factor for Alzheimer's' disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms have been insufficiently investigated. We hypothesized differential DNA methylation (DNAm) in brain tissue as potential mediator of this association. METHODS We assessed genome-wide DNAm (Illumina EPIC BeadChips) in prefrontal cortex tissue and three AD-related neuropathological markers (Braak stage, CERAD, ABC score) for 159 donors, and estimated donors' residential traffic-related PM2.5 exposure 1, 3 and 5 years prior to death. We used a combination of the Meet-in-the-Middle approach, high-dimensional mediation analysis, and causal mediation analysis to identify potential mediating CpGs. RESULTS PM2.5 was significantly associated with differential DNAm at cg25433380 and cg10495669. Twenty-six CpG sites were identified as mediators of the association between PM2.5 exposure and neuropathology markers, several located in genes related to neuroinflammation. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest differential DNAm related to neuroinflammation mediates the association between traffic-related PM2.5 and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjiang Li
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Marla Gearing
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Julie L Maclsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Kristy Dever
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Aliza Wingo
- Division of Mental Health, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Dr NE #200, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Allan Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - James J. Lah
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Thomas Wingo
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, 615 Michael Street Suite 301, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anke Huels
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Wang HY, Pei Z, Lee KC, Nikolov B, Doehner T, Puente J, Friedmann N, Burns LH. Simufilam suppresses overactive mTOR and restores its sensitivity to insulin in Alzheimer's disease patient lymphocytes. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1175601. [PMID: 37457922 PMCID: PMC10339288 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1175601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Implicated in both aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is overactive in AD brain and lymphocytes. Stimulated by growth factors such as insulin, mTOR monitors cell health and nutrient needs. A small molecule oral drug candidate for AD, simufilam targets an altered conformation of the scaffolding protein filamin A (FLNA) found in AD brain and lymphocytes that induces aberrant FLNA interactions leading to AD neuropathology. Simufilam restores FLNA's normal shape to disrupt its AD-associated protein interactions. Methods: We measured mTOR and its response to insulin in lymphocytes of AD patients before and after oral simufilam compared to healthy control lymphocytes. Results: mTOR was overactive and its response to insulin reduced in lymphocytes from AD versus healthy control subjects, illustrating another aspect of insulin resistance in AD. After oral simufilam, lymphocytes showed normalized basal mTOR activity and improved insulin-evoked mTOR activation in mTOR complex 1, complex 2, and upstream and downstream signaling components (Akt, p70S6K and phosphorylated Rictor). Suggesting mechanism, we showed that FLNA interacts with the insulin receptor until dissociation by insulin, but this linkage was elevated and its dissociation impaired in AD lymphocytes. Simufilam improved the insulin-mediated dissociation. Additionally, FLNA's interaction with Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog deleted on Chromosome 10 (PTEN), a negative regulator of mTOR, was reduced in AD lymphocytes and improved by simufilam. Discussion: Reducing mTOR's basal overactivity and its resistance to insulin represents another mechanism of simufilam to counteract aging and AD pathology. Simufilam is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for AD dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoau-Yan Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhe Pei
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kuo-Chieh Lee
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - John Puente
- Cognitive Clinical Trials, Omaha, NE, United States
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Song Z, Wang KW, Hagar HTC, Chen HR, Kuan CY, Zhang K, Kuo MH. Hyperphosphorylated tau Inflicts Intracellular Stress Responses That Are Mitigated by Apomorphine. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.13.540661. [PMID: 37292976 PMCID: PMC10245566 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.13.540661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Abnormal phosphorylation of the microtubule-binding protein tau in the brain is a key pathological marker for Alzheimer's disease and additional neurodegenerative tauopathies. However, how hyperphosphorylated tau causes cellular dysfunction or death that underlie neurodegeneration remains an unsolved question critical for the understanding of disease mechanism and the design of efficacious drugs. Methods Using a recombinant hyperphosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) synthesized by the PIMAX approach, we examined how cells responded to the cytotoxic tau and explored means to enhance cellular resistance to tau attack. Results Upon p-tau uptake, the intracellular calcium levels rose promptly. Gene expression analyses revealed that p-tau potently triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), ER stress-associated apoptosis, and pro-inflammation in cells. Proteomics studies showed that p-tau diminished heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an ER stress associated anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress regulator, while stimulated the accumulation of MIOS and other proteins. P-tau-induced ER stress-associated apoptosis and pro-inflammation are ameliorated by apomorphine, a brain-permeable prescription drug widely used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms, and by overexpression of HO-1. Conclusion Our results reveal probable cellular functions targeted by hyperphosphorylated tau. Some of these dysfunctions and stress responses have been linked to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. The observations that the ill effects of p-tau can be mitigated by a small compound and by overexpressing HO-1 that is otherwise diminished in the treated cells inform new directions of Alzheimer's disease drug discovery.
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Das TK, Ganesh BP, Fatima-Shad K. Common Signaling Pathways Involved in Alzheimer's Disease and Stroke: Two Faces of the Same Coin. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:381-398. [PMID: 37220617 PMCID: PMC10200243 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and stroke are two interrelated neurodegenerative disorders which are the leading cause of death and affect the neurons in the brain and central nervous system. Although amyloid-β aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and inflammation are the hallmarks of AD, the exact cause and origin of AD are still undefined. Recent enormous fundamental discoveries suggest that the amyloid hypothesis of AD has not been proven and anti-amyloid therapies that remove amyloid deposition have not yet slowed cognitive decline. However, stroke, mainly ischemic stroke (IS), is caused by an interruption in the cerebral blood flow. Significant features of both disorders are the disruption of neuronal circuitry at different levels of cellular signaling, leading to the death of neurons and glial cells in the brain. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the common molecular mechanisms of these two diseases to understand their etiological connections. Here, we summarized the most common signaling cascades including autotoxicity, ApoE4, insulin signaling, inflammation, mTOR-autophagy, notch signaling, and microbiota-gut-brain axis, present in both AD and IS. These targeted signaling pathways reveal a better understanding of AD and IS and could provide a distinguished platform to develop improved therapeutics for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Kanti Das
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bhanu Priya Ganesh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaneez Fatima-Shad
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
- School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, NSW, Australia
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Dysregulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P receptor 1 signaling in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Res 2023; 1799:148171. [PMID: 36410428 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipid-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling through the activation S1P receptors (S1PRs) plays critical roles in cellular events in the brain. Aberrant S1P metabolism has been identified in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Our recent studies have shown that treatment with fingolimod, an analog of sphingosine, provides neuroprotective effects in five familiar Alzheimer disease (5xFAD) transgenic mice, resulting in the reduction of amyloid-β (Aβ) neurotoxicity, inhibition of activation of microglia and astrocytes, increased hippocampal neurogenesis, and improved learning and memory. However, the pathways by which dysfunctional S1P and S1PR signaling may associate with the development of AD-like pathology remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the alteration of signaling of S1P/S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1), the most abundant S1PR subtype in the brain, in the cortex of 5xFAD transgenic mice at 3, 8, and 14 months of age. Compared to non-transgenic wildtype (WT) littermates, we found significant decreased levels of sphingosine kinases (SphKs), increased S1P lyase (S1PL), and increased S1PR1 in 8- and 14-month-old, but not in 3-month-old 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, we detected increased activation of the S1PR1 downstream pathway of Akt/mTor/Tau signaling in aging 5xFAD mice. Treatment with fingolimod from 1 to 8 months of age reversed the levels of SphKs, S1PL, and furthermore, those of S1PR1 and its downstream pathway of Akt/mTor/Tau signaling. Together the data reveal that dysregulation of S1P and S1PR signaling may associate with the development of AD-like pathology through Akt/mTor/Tau signaling.
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Mani S, Jindal D, Singh M. Gene Therapy, A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Applications, Challenges and Future Perspective. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:20-40. [PMID: 35345999 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220328142427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are the main risks for the health care system, exhibiting a huge socioeconomic load. The available range of pharmacotherapeutics mostly provides palliative consequences and fails to treat such conditions. The molecular etiology of various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders is mostly associated with a change in genetic background, which can be inherited/triggered by other environmental factors. To address such conditions, gene therapy is considered a potential approach claiming a permanent cure of the disease primarily by deletion, silencing, or edition of faulty genes and by insertion of healthier genes. In gene therapy, vectors (viral/nonvial) play an important role in delivering the desired gene to a specific region of the brain. Targeted gene therapy has unraveled opportunities for the treatment of many neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. For improved gene delivery, the current techniques mainly focus on designing a precise viral vector, plasmid transfection, nanotechnology, microRNA, and in vivo clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based therapy. These latest techniques have great benefits in treating predominant neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as rarer diseases. Nevertheless, all these delivery methods have their limitations, including immunogenic reactions, off-target effects, and a deficiency of effective biomarkers to appreciate the effectiveness of therapy. In this review, we present a summary of the current methods in targeted gene delivery, followed by the limitations and future direction of gene therapy for the cure of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
| | - Divya Jindal
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
| | - Manisha Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Emerging Diseases, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U.P., India
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Cai HY, Hou SJ, Wen R, Feng QF, Xi YJ, Zhang SX, Qiao J, Wu MN. Causal Association Between mTOR-Dependent Protein Levels and Alzheimer's Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:1477-1485. [PMID: 37393500 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230128] [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] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most previous studies supported that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is over-activated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and exacerbates the development of AD. It is unclear whether the causal associations between the mTOR signaling-related protein and the risk for AD exist. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the causal effects of the mTOR signaling targets on AD. METHODS We explored whether the risk of AD varied with genetically predicted AKT, RP-S6K, EIF4E-BP, eIF4E, eIF4A, and eIF4G circulating levels using a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. The summary data for targets of the mTOR signaling were acquired from published genome-wide association studies for the INTERVAL study. Genetic associations with AD were retrieved from the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project. We utilized the inverse variance weighted as the primary approach to calculate the effect estimates. RESULTS The elevated levels of AKT (OR = 0.910, 95% CI=0.840-0.986, p = 0.02) and RP-S6K (OR = 0.910, 95% CI=0.840-0.986, p = 0.02) may decrease the AD risk. In contrast, the elevated eIF4E levels (OR = 1.805, 95% CI=1.002-1.174, p = 0.045) may genetically increase the AD risk. No statistical significance was identified for levels of EIF4-BP, eIF4A, and eIF4G with AD risk (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION There was a causal relationship between the mTOR signaling and the risk for AD. Activating AKT and RP-S6K, or inhibiting eIF4E may be potentially beneficial to the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Cai
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Si-Jia Hou
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Rui Wen
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qi-Fan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Jia Xi
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jun Qiao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Kao DS, Du Y, DeMarco AG, Min S, Hall MC, Rochet JC, Tao WA. Identification of Novel Kinases of Tau Using Fluorescence Complementation Mass Spectrometry (FCMS). Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100441. [PMID: 36379402 PMCID: PMC9755369 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein Tau is a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Understanding the protein kinases that phosphorylate Tau is critical for the development of new drugs that target Tau phosphorylation. At present, the repertoire of the Tau kinases remains incomplete, and methods to uncover novel upstream protein kinases are still limited. Here, we apply our newly developed proteomic strategy, fluorescence complementation mass spectrometry, to identify novel kinase candidates of Tau. By constructing Tau- and kinase-fluorescent fragment library, we detected 59 Tau-associated kinases, including 23 known kinases of Tau and 36 novel candidate kinases. In the validation phase using in vitro phosphorylation, among 15 candidate kinases we attempted to purify and test, four candidate kinases, OXSR1 (oxidative-stress responsive gene 1), DAPK2 (death-associated protein kinase 2), CSK (C-terminal SRC kinase), and ZAP70 (zeta chain of T-cell receptor-associated protein kinase 70), displayed the ability to phosphorylate Tau in time-course experiments. Furthermore, coexpression of these four kinases along with Tau increased the phosphorylation of Tau in human neuroglioma H4 cells. We demonstrate that fluorescence complementation mass spectrometry is a powerful proteomic strategy to systematically identify potential kinases that can phosphorylate Tau in cells. Our discovery of new candidate kinases of Tau can present new opportunities for developing Alzheimer's disease therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Der-Shyang Kao
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Yanyan Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrew G DeMarco
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Sehong Min
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Mark C Hall
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Rochet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - W Andy Tao
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
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36
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Butler R, Bradford D, Rodgers KE. Analysis of shared underlying mechanism in neurodegenerative disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1006089. [PMID: 36523957 PMCID: PMC9745190 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1006089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, the relationship between bioenergetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation will be and how they contribute to neurodegeneration, specifically in Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS) will be reviewed. Long-term changes in mitochondrial function, autophagy dysfunction, and immune activation are commonalities shared across these age-related disorders. Genetic risk factors for these diseases support an autophagy-immune connection in the underlying pathophysiology. Critical areas of deeper evaluation in these bioenergetic processes may lead to potential therapeutics with efficacy across multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kathleen E. Rodgers
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Singh DD, Shati AA, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Han I, Choi EH, Yadav DK. Development of Dementia in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance and Antidiabetic Drug Development. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233767. [PMID: 36497027 PMCID: PMC9738282 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is reported to be common in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes contributes to common molecular mechanisms and an underlying pathology with dementia. Brain cells becoming resistant to insulin leads to elevated blood glucose levels, impaired synaptic plasticity, microglial overactivation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis, nutrient deprivation, TAU (Tubulin-Associated Unit) phosphorylation, and cholinergic dysfunction. If insulin has neuroprotective properties, insulin resistance may interfere with those properties. Risk factors have a significant impact on the development of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, stroke, and other conditions. Analysis of risk factors of importance for the association between diabetes and dementia is important because they may impede clinical management and early diagnosis. We discuss the pathological and physiological mechanisms behind the association between Type 2 diabetes mellitus and dementia, such as insulin resistance, insulin signaling, and sporadic forms of dementia; the relationship between insulin receptor activation and TAU phosphorylation; dementia and mRNA expression and downregulation of related receptors; neural modulation due to insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis; and neuronal apoptosis due to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Addressing these factors will offer clinical outcome-based insights into the mechanisms and connection between patients with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, we will explore the role of brain insulin resistance and evidence for anti-diabetic drugs in the prevention of dementia risk in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desh Deepak Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Ali A. Shati
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y. Alfaifi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ihn Han
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (E.-H.C.); (D.K.Y.); Tel.: +82-32-820-4947 (D.K.Y.)
| | - Dharmendra K. Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hambakmoeiro 191, Yeonsu-gu, Gachon University, Incheon 21924, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (E.-H.C.); (D.K.Y.); Tel.: +82-32-820-4947 (D.K.Y.)
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Weller AE, Ferraro TN, Doyle GA, Reiner BC, Crist RC, Berrettini WH. Single Nucleus Transcriptome Data from Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Models Yield New Insight into Pathophysiology. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:1233-1247. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: 5XFAD humanized mutant mice and Trem2 knockout (T2KO) mice are two mouse models relevant to the study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related pathology. Objective: To determine hippocampal transcriptomic and polyadenylation site usage alterations caused by genetic mutations engineered in 5XFAD and T2KO mice. Methods: Employing a publicly available single-nucleus RNA sequencing dataset, we used Seurat and Sierra analytic programs to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential transcript usage (DTU), respectively, in hippocampal cell types from each of the two mouse models. We analyzed cell type-specific DEGs further using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Results: We identified several DEGs in both neuronal and glial cell subtypes in comparisons of wild type (WT) versus 5XFAD and WT versus T2KO mice, including Ttr, Fth1, Pcsk1n, Malat1, Rpl37, Rtn1, Sepw1, Uba52, Mbp, Arl6ip5, Gm26917, Vwa1, and Pgrmc1. We also observed DTU in common between the two comparisons in neuronal and glial subtypes, specifically in the genes Prnp, Rbm4b, Pnisr, Opcml, Cpne7, Adgrb1, Gabarapl2, Ubb, Ndfip1, Car11, and Stmn4. IPA identified three statistically significant canonical pathways that appeared in multiple cell types and that overlapped between 5XFAD and T2KO comparisons to WT, including ‘FXR/RXR Activation’, ‘LXR/RXR Activation’, and ‘Acute Phase Response Signaling’. Conclusion: DEG, DTU, and IPA findings, derived from two different mouse models of AD, highlight the importance of energy imbalance and inflammatory processes in specific hippocampal cell types, including subtypes of neurons and glial cells, in the development of AD-related pathology. Additional studies are needed to further characterize these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E. Weller
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas N. Ferraro
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Glenn A. Doyle
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard C. Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wade H. Berrettini
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Dietary Selenomethionine Reduce Mercury Tissue Levels and Modulate Methylmercury Induced Proteomic and Transcriptomic Alterations in Hippocampi of Adolescent BALB/c Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012242. [PMID: 36293098 PMCID: PMC9603801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known environmental contaminant, particularly harmful to the developing brain. The main human dietary exposure to MeHg occurs through seafood consumption. However, seafood also contains several nutrients, including selenium, which has been shown to interact with MeHg and potentially ameliorate its toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of selenium (as selenomethionine; SeMet) and MeHg on mercury accumulation in tissues and the effects concomitant dietary exposure of these compounds exert on the hippocampal proteome and transcriptome in mice. Adolescent male BALB/c mice were exposed to SeMet and two different doses of MeHg through their diet for 11 weeks. Organs, including the brain, were sampled for mercury analyses. Hippocampi were collected and analyzed using proteomics and transcriptomics followed by multi-omics bioinformatics data analysis. The dietary presence of SeMet reduced the amount of mercury in several organs, including the brain. Proteomic and RNA-seq analyses showed that both protein and RNA expression patterns were inversely regulated in mice receiving SeMet together with MeHg compared to MeHg alone. Several pathways, proteins and RNA transcripts involved in conditions such as immune responses and inflammation, oxidative stress, cell plasticity and Alzheimer’s disease were affected inversely by SeMet and MeHg, indicating that SeMet can ameliorate several toxic effects of MeHg in mice.
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A new K +channel-independent mechanism is involved in the antioxidant effect of XE-991 in an in vitro model of glucose metabolism impairment: implications for Alzheimer's disease. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:391. [PMID: 36127342 PMCID: PMC9489689 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01187-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that represents the first cause of dementia. Although there has been significant progress in AD research, the actual mechanisms underlying this pathology remain largely unknown. There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress, metabolic alterations, and mitochondrial dysfunction are key players in the development and worsening of AD. As a result, in the past few years, remarkable attempts have been made to develop neuroprotective strategies against the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics and cell redox status. In the present study, we reveal a novel antioxidant K+ channel-independent effect of the M-current inhibitor XE-991 in SH-SY5Y cells differentiated with retinoic acid (RA) and primary rat cortical neurons exposed to the glycolysis inhibitor glyceraldehyde (GA). This experimental approach aimed to create a condition of hypometabolism accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance, as frequently observed in the beginning stage of the disease. We found that XE-991 exerted a neuroprotective action most likely through the resumption of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which was significantly compromised during GA challenge. We also observed that the enhancement of SOD activity was accompanied by a sequence of positive effects; these included the reduction in basal Ca2+ levels within cytoplasmic and mitochondrial compartments, the decrease in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the modulation of AMPK/mTOR pathway, the recovery of ΔΨm collapse, the increase in the intracellular ATP content and the decrease in amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated form of tau protein (pTau) levels. Collectively, our study reveals an off-target antioxidant effect of XE-991 and paves the way toward the further evaluation of new therapeutic uses of already existing molecules to accelerate the process of developing an effective therapy to counteract AD.
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Ryan KC, Laboy JT, Norman KR. Deregulation of Mitochondrial Calcium Handling Due to Presenilin Loss Disrupts Redox Homeostasis and Promotes Neuronal Dysfunction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091642. [PMID: 36139715 PMCID: PMC9495597 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are major contributors to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms driving mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are unclear. Familial AD (fAD) is an early onset form of AD caused primarily by mutations in the presenilin-encoding genes. Previously, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to study presenilin function, we found that loss of C. elegans presenilin orthologue SEL-12 results in elevated mitochondrial and cytosolic calcium levels. Here, we provide evidence that elevated neuronal mitochondrial generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent neurodegeneration in sel-12 mutants are a consequence of the increase of mitochondrial calcium levels and not cytosolic calcium levels. We also identify mTORC1 signaling as a critical factor in sustaining high ROS in sel-12 mutants in part through its repression of the ROS scavenging system SKN-1/Nrf. Our study reveals that SEL-12/presenilin loss disrupts neuronal ROS homeostasis by increasing mitochondrial ROS generation and elevating mTORC1 signaling, which exacerbates this imbalance by suppressing SKN-1/Nrf antioxidant activity.
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Zinc in Cognitive Impairment and Aging. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12071000. [PMID: 35883555 PMCID: PMC9312494 DOI: 10.3390/biom12071000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc, an essential micronutrient for life, was first discovered in 1869 and later found to be indispensable for the normal development of plants and for the normal growth of rats and birds. Zinc plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes in normal mammalian brain development, especially in the development of the central nervous system. Zinc deficiency can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, mental abnormalities, sleep disorders, tumors, vascular diseases, and other pathological conditions, which can cause cognitive impairment and premature aging. This study aimed to review the important effects of zinc and zinc-associated proteins in cognitive impairment and aging, to reveal its molecular mechanism, and to highlight potential interventions for zinc-associated aging and cognitive impairments.
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Wei J, Ma X, Nehme A, Cui Y, Zhang L, Qiu S. Reduced HGF/MET Signaling May Contribute to the Synaptic Pathology in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:954266. [PMID: 35903536 PMCID: PMC9314739 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.954266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder strongly associates with aging. While amyloid plagues and neurofibrillary tangles are pathological hallmarks of AD, recent evidence suggests synaptic dysfunction and physical loss may be the key mechanisms that determine the clinical syndrome and dementia onset. Currently, no effective therapy prevents neuropathological changes and cognitive decline. Neurotrophic factors and their receptors represent novel therapeutic targets to treat AD and dementia. Recent clinical literature revealed that MET receptor tyrosine kinase protein is reduced in AD patient's brain. Activation of MET by its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) initiates pleiotropic signaling in the developing brain that promotes neurogenesis, survival, synaptogenesis, and plasticity. We hypothesize that if reduced MET signaling plays a role in AD pathogenesis, this might be reflected in the AD mouse models and as such provides opportunities for mechanistic studies on the role of HGF/MET in AD. Examining the 5XFAD mouse model revealed that MET protein exhibits age-dependent progressive reduction prior to overt neuronal pathology, which cannot be explained by indiscriminate loss of total synaptic proteins. In addition, genetic ablation of MET protein in cortical excitatory neurons exacerbates amyloid-related neuropathology in 5XFAD mice. We further found that HGF enhances prefrontal layer 5 neuron synaptic plasticity measured by long-term potentiation (LTP). However, the degree of LTP enhancement is significantly reduced in 5XFAD mice brain slices. Taken together, our study revealed that early reduction of HGF/MET signaling may contribute to the synaptic pathology observed in AD.
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Zoungrana LI, Krause-Hauch M, Wang H, Fatmi MK, Bates L, Li Z, Kulkarni P, Ren D, Li J. The Interaction of mTOR and Nrf2 in Neurogenesis and Its Implication in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132048. [PMID: 35805130 PMCID: PMC9265429 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis occurs in the brain during embryonic development and throughout adulthood. Neurogenesis occurs in the hippocampus and under normal conditions and persists in two regions of the brain—the subgranular zone (SGZ) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. As the critical role in neurogenesis, the neural stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into various cells and to self-renew. This process is controlled through different methods. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cellular growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a major regulator of metabolism, protein quality control, and antioxidative defense, and is linked to neurogenesis. However, dysregulation in neurogenesis, mTOR, and Nrf2 activity have all been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s. Understanding the role of these complexes in both neurogenesis and neurodegenerative disease could be necessary to develop future therapies. Here, we review both mTOR and Nrf2 complexes, their crosstalk and role in neurogenesis, and their implication in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ines Zoungrana
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.I.Z.); (M.K.-H.); (H.W.); (M.K.F.); (L.B.); (D.R.)
| | - Meredith Krause-Hauch
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.I.Z.); (M.K.-H.); (H.W.); (M.K.F.); (L.B.); (D.R.)
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.I.Z.); (M.K.-H.); (H.W.); (M.K.F.); (L.B.); (D.R.)
| | - Mohammad Kasim Fatmi
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.I.Z.); (M.K.-H.); (H.W.); (M.K.F.); (L.B.); (D.R.)
| | - Lauryn Bates
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.I.Z.); (M.K.-H.); (H.W.); (M.K.F.); (L.B.); (D.R.)
| | - Zehui Li
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (Z.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Parth Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (Z.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Di Ren
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.I.Z.); (M.K.-H.); (H.W.); (M.K.F.); (L.B.); (D.R.)
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (L.I.Z.); (M.K.-H.); (H.W.); (M.K.F.); (L.B.); (D.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-813-974-4917
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Di Domenico F, Lanzillotta C. The disturbance of protein synthesis/degradation homeostasis is a common trait of age-related neurodegenerative disorders. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 132:49-87. [PMID: 36088079 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis or "proteostasis" represent the process that regulates the balance of the intracellular functional and "healthy" proteins. Proteostasis is fundamental to preserve physiological metabolic processes in the cell and it allow to respond to any given stimulus as the expression of components of the proteostasis network is customized according to the proteomic demands of different cellular environments. In conditions that promote unfolding/misfolding of proteins chaperones act as signaling molecules inducing extreme measures to either fix the problem or destroy unfolded proteins. When the chaperone machinery fails under pathological insults unfolded proteins induce the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activating the unfolded protein response (UPR) machinery. The activation of the UPR restores ER proteostasis primarily through the transcriptional remodeling of ER protein folding, trafficking, and degradation pathways, such as the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). If these mechanisms do not manage to clear the aberrant proteins, proteasome overload and become defective, and misfolded proteins may form aggregates thus extending the UPR mechanism. These aggregates are then attempted to be cleared by macroautophagy. Impaired proteostasis promote the accumulation of misfolded proteins that exacerbate the damage to chaperones, surveillance systems and/or degradative activities. Remarkably, the removal of toxic misfolded proteins is critical for all cells, but it is especially significant in neurons since these cannot be readily replaced. In neurons, the maintenance of efficient proteostasis is essential to healthy aging since the dysregulation of the proteostasis network can lead to neurodegenerative disease. Each of these brain pathologies is characterized by the repeated misfolding of one of more peculiar proteins, which evade both the protein folding machinery and cellular degradation mechanisms and begins to form aggregates that nucleate out into large fibrillar aggregates. In this chapter we describe the mechanisms, associated with faulty proteostasis, that promote the formation of protein aggregates, amyloid fibrils, intracellular, and extracellular inclusions in the most common nondegenerative disorders also referred to as protein misfolding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Di Domenico
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Lanzillotta
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Moayedi K, Orandi S, Ebrahimi R, Tanhapour M, Moradi M, Abbastabar M, Golestani A. A novel approach to type 3 diabetes mechanism: The interplay between noncoding RNAs and insulin signaling pathway in Alzheimer's disease. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2838-2861. [PMID: 35580144 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Today, growing evidence indicates that patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, AD as one of the main causes of dementia in people aged more than 65 years can be aggravated by insulin resistance (IR) and other metabolic risk factors related to T2D which are also linked to the function of the brain. Remarkably, a new term called "type 3 diabetes" has been suggested for those people who are diagnosed with AD while also showing the symptoms of IR and T2D. In this regard, the role of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with AD has been confirmed by many studies. On the other hand, it should be noted that the insulin signaling pathway is highly regulated by various mechanisms, including epigenetic factors. Among these, the role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs has been comprehensively studied with respect to the pathology of AD and the most well-known underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, the number of studies exploring the association between ncRNAs and the downstream targets of the insulin signaling pathway in the development of AD has notably increased in recent years. With this in view, the present study aimed to review the interplay between different ncRNAs and the insulin signaling pathway targets in the pathogenesis of AD to find a new approach in the field of combining biomarkers or therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Moayedi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirin Orandi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Ebrahimi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Tanhapour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Moradi
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Abbastabar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Golestani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Movahedpour A, Vakili O, Khalifeh M, Mousavi P, Mahmoodzadeh A, Taheri-Anganeh M, Razmeh S, Shabaninejad Z, Yousefi F, Behrouj H, Ghasemi H, Khatami SH. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and traumatic brain injury: A novel insight into targeted therapy. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:232-247. [PMID: 35258097 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most concerning health issues in which the normal brain function may be disrupted as a result of a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Loss of consciousness, amnesia, focal neurological defects, alteration in mental state, and destructive diseases of the nervous system such as cognitive impairment, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the early loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons. TBI is a major risk factor for Parkinson's disease. Existing therapeutic approaches have not been often effective, indicating the necessity of discovering more efficient therapeutic targets. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway responds to different environmental cues to modulate a large number of cellular processes such as cell proliferation, survival, protein synthesis, autophagy, and cell metabolism. Moreover, mTOR has been reported to affect the regeneration of the injured nerves throughout the central nervous system (CNS). In this context, recent evaluations have revealed that mTOR inhibitors could be potential targets to defeat a group of neurological disorders, and thus, a number of clinical trials are investigating their efficacy in treating dementia, autism, epilepsy, stroke, and brain injury, as irritating neurological defects. The current review describes the interplay between mTOR signaling and major CNS-related disorders (esp. neurodegenerative diseases), as well as the mTOR signaling-TBI relationship. It also aims to discuss the promising therapeutic capacities of mTOR inhibitors during the TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omid Vakili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Khalifeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Pegah Mousavi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amir Mahmoodzadeh
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Saeed Razmeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Zahra Shabaninejad
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yousefi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Behrouj
- Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | | | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Fading memories in aging and neurodegeneration: Is p75 neurotrophin receptor a culprit? Ageing Res Rev 2022; 75:101567. [PMID: 35051645 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101567] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases have become one of the major concerns in modern times as cognitive abilities tend to decline when we get older. It is well known that the main cause of this age-related cognitive deficit is due to aberrant changes in cellular, molecular circuitry and signaling pathways underlying synaptic plasticity and neuronal connections. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is one of the important mediators regulating the fate of the neurons in the nervous system. Its importance in neuronal apoptosis is well documented. However, the mechanisms involving the regulation of p75NTR in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function remain obscure, although cognitive impairment has been associated with a higher expression of p75NTR in neurons. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of how neurons are influenced by p75NTR function to maintain normal neuronal synaptic strength and connectivity, particularly to support learning and memory in the hippocampus. We then discuss the age-associated alterations in neurophysiological mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Furthermore, we also describe current evidence that has begun to elucidate how p75NTR regulates synaptic changes in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on the hippocampus. Elucidating the role that p75NTR signaling plays in regulating synaptic plasticity will contribute to a better understanding of cognitive processes and pathological conditions. This will in turn provide novel approaches to improve therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases in which p75NTR dysfunction has been demonstrated.
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Impairment of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in Alzheimer's diseases: Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1019-1040. [PMID: 35530153 PMCID: PMC9069408 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. The accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates including amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT/tau) in neuronal cells are hallmarks of AD. So far, the exact underlying mechanisms for the aetiologies of AD have not been fully understood and the effective treatment for AD is limited. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular catabolic process by which damaged cellular organelles and protein aggregates are degraded via lysosomes. Recently, there is accumulating evidence linking the impairment of the autophagy–lysosomal pathway with AD pathogenesis. Interestingly, the enhancement of autophagy to remove protein aggregates has been proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Here, we first summarize the recent genetic, pathological and experimental studies regarding the impairment of the autophagy–lysosomal pathway in AD. We then describe the interplay between the autophagy–lysosomal pathway and two pathological proteins, Aβ and MAPT/tau, in AD. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies and small molecules that target the autophagy–lysosomal pathway for AD treatment both in animal models and in clinical trials. Overall, this article highlights the pivotal functions of the autophagy–lysosomal pathway in AD pathogenesis and potential druggable targets in the autophagy–lysosomal pathway for AD treatment.
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Dastidar SG, Nair D. A Ribosomal Perspective on Neuronal Local Protein Synthesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:823135. [PMID: 35283723 PMCID: PMC8904363 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.823135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Continued mRNA translation and protein production are critical for various neuronal functions. In addition to the precise sorting of proteins from cell soma to distant locations, protein synthesis allows a dynamic remodeling of the local proteome in a spatially variable manner. This spatial heterogeneity of protein synthesis is shaped by several factors such as injury, guidance cues, developmental cues, neuromodulators, and synaptic activity. In matured neurons, thousands of synapses are non-uniformly distributed throughout the dendritic arbor. At any given moment, the activity of individual synapses varies over a wide range, giving rise to the variability in protein synthesis. While past studies have primarily focused on the translation factors or the identity of translated mRNAs to explain the source of this variation, the role of ribosomes in this regard continues to remain unclear. Here, we discuss how several stochastic mechanisms modulate ribosomal functions, contributing to the variability in neuronal protein expression. Also, we point out several underexplored factors such as local ion concentration, availability of tRNA or ATP during translation, and molecular composition and organization of a compartment that can influence protein synthesis and its variability in neurons.
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