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Pádua MS, Guil-Guerrero JL, Prates JAM, Lopes PA. Insights on the Use of Transgenic Mice Models in Alzheimer's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2805. [PMID: 38474051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052805] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, presents a significant global health challenge with no known cure to date. Central to our understanding of AD pathogenesis is the β-amyloid cascade hypothesis, which underlies drug research and discovery efforts. Despite extensive studies, no animal models of AD have completely validated this hypothesis. Effective AD models are essential for accurately replicating key pathological features of the disease, notably the formation of β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These pathological markers are primarily driven by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1) genes in familial AD (FAD) and by tau protein mutations for the tangle pathology. Transgenic mice models have been instrumental in AD research, heavily relying on the overexpression of mutated APP genes to simulate disease conditions. However, these models do not entirely replicate the human condition of AD. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the historical and ongoing research efforts in AD, particularly through the use of transgenic mice models. It is focused on the benefits gathered from these transgenic mice models in understanding β-amyloid toxicity and the broader biological underpinnings of AD. Additionally, the review critically assesses the application of these models in the preclinical testing of new therapeutic interventions, highlighting the gap between animal models and human clinical realities. This analysis underscores the need for refinement in AD research methodologies to bridge this gap and enhance the translational value of preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Soares Pádua
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José L Guil-Guerrero
- Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - José A M Prates
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Alexandra Lopes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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2
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Malpetti M, Franzmeier N, Brendel M. PET Imaging to Measure Neuroinflammation In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2785:177-193. [PMID: 38427195 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3774-6_12] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the potential of anti-inflammatory treatments to slow or prevent decline. This research focuses on the use of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to visualize and quantify molecular brain changes in patients, specifically microglial activation and reactive astrogliosis. We discuss the development and application of several PET radioligands, including first-generation ligands like PK11195 and Ro5-4864, as well as second- and third-generation ligands such as [11C]PBR28, [18F]DPA-714, [18F]GE-180, and [11C]ER176. These ligands target the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is overexpressed in activated microglia and upregulated in astrocytes. We also address the limitations of these ligands, such as low brain uptake, poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier, short half-life, and variable kinetic behavior. Furthermore, we demonstrate the impact of genetic polymorphisms on ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Malpetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal and Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
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3
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Finze A, Biechele G, Rauchmann BS, Franzmeier N, Palleis C, Katzdobler S, Weidinger E, Guersel S, Schuster S, Harris S, Schmitt J, Beyer L, Gnörich J, Lindner S, Albert NL, Wetzel CH, Rupprecht R, Rominger A, Danek A, Burow L, Kurz C, Tato M, Utecht J, Papazov B, Zaganjori M, Trappmann LK, Goldhardt O, Grimmer T, Haeckert J, Janowitz D, Buerger K, Keeser D, Stoecklein S, Dietrich O, Morenas-Rodriguez E, Barthel H, Sabri O, Bartenstein P, Simons M, Haass C, Höglinger GU, Levin J, Perneczky R, Brendel M. Individual regional associations between Aβ-, tau- and neurodegeneration (ATN) with microglial activation in patients with primary and secondary tauopathies. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4438-4450. [PMID: 37495886 PMCID: PMC10827660 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02188-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau aggregation as well as neuronal injury and atrophy (ATN) are the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and biomarkers for these hallmarks have been linked to neuroinflammation. However, the detailed regional associations of these biomarkers with microglial activation in individual patients remain to be elucidated. We investigated a cohort of 55 patients with AD and primary tauopathies and 10 healthy controls that underwent TSPO-, Aβ-, tau-, and perfusion-surrogate-PET, as well as structural MRI. Z-score deviations for 246 brain regions were calculated and biomarker contributions of Aβ (A), tau (T), perfusion (N1), and gray matter atrophy (N2) to microglial activation (TSPO, I) were calculated for each individual subject. Individual ATN-related microglial activation was correlated with clinical performance and CSF soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) concentrations. In typical and atypical AD, regional tau was stronger and more frequently associated with microglial activation when compared to regional Aβ (AD: βT = 0.412 ± 0.196 vs. βA = 0.142 ± 0.123, p < 0.001; AD-CBS: βT = 0.385 ± 0.176 vs. βA = 0.131 ± 0.186, p = 0.031). The strong association between regional tau and microglia reproduced well in primary tauopathies (βT = 0.418 ± 0.154). Stronger individual associations between tau and microglial activation were associated with poorer clinical performance. In patients with 4RT, sTREM2 levels showed a positive association with tau-related microglial activation. Tau pathology has strong regional associations with microglial activation in primary and secondary tauopathies. Tau and Aβ related microglial response indices may serve as a two-dimensional in vivo assessment of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Grants
- EXC 2145 SyNergy - ID 390857198 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- EXC 2155 - project number 39087428 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- HO2402/18-1 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- FOR-2858 project numbers 403161218, 421887978 and 422188432 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
- 19063p Alzheimer Forschung Initiative (Alzheimer Forschung Initiative e.V.)
- GUH was additionally funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, 01KU1403A EpiPD; 01EK1605A HitTau; 01DH18025 TauTherapy); European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases (Improve-PSP); VolkswagenStiftung (Niedersächsisches Vorab); Petermax-Müller Foundation (Etiology and Therapy of Synucleinopathies and Tauopathies). The Lüneburg Heritage and Friedrich-Baur-Stiftung have supported the work of CP. The Hirnliga e.V. supported recruitment and imaging of the ActiGliA cohort (Manfred-Strohscheer-Stiftung) by a grant to BSR and MB.
- TG received consulting fees from AbbVie, Alector, Anavex, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Functional Neuromodulation, Grifols, Iqvia, Noselab, Novo Nordisk, NuiCare, Orphanzyme, Roche Diagnostics, Roche Pharma, UCB, and Vivoryon; lecture fees from Grifols, Medical Tribune, Novo Nordisk, Roche Pharma, and Schwabe; and has received grants to his institution from Roche Diagnostics.
- CH collaborates with Denali Therapeutics. CH is chief advisor of ISAR Bioscience and a member of the advisory board of AviadoBio.
- Günter Höglinger participated in industry-sponsored research projects from Abbvie, Biogen, Biohaven, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, UCB; serves as a consultant for Abbvie, Alzprotect, Aprineua, Asceneuron, Bial, Biogen, Biohaven, Kyowa Kirin, Lundbeck, Novartis, Retrotope, Roche, Sanofi, UCB; received honoraria for scientific presentations from Abbvie, Bayer Vital, Bial, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Kyowa Kirin, Roche, Teva, UCB, Zambon; holds a patent on Treatment of Synucleinopathies. United States Patent No.: US 10,918,628 B2: EP 17 787 904.6-1109 / 3 525 788; received publication royalties from Academic Press, Kohlhammer, and Thieme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Finze
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gloria Biechele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Boris-Stephan Rauchmann
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- NeuroImaging Core Unit Munich (NICUM), LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carla Palleis
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Katzdobler
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Endy Weidinger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Selim Guersel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schuster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Harris
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Schmitt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Beyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Gnörich
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie L Albert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Danek
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena Burow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Kurz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maia Tato
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Utecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Boris Papazov
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- NeuroImaging Core Unit Munich (NICUM), LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mirlind Zaganjori
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena-Katharina Trappmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Goldhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Timo Grimmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Haeckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniel Keeser
- NeuroImaging Core Unit Munich (NICUM), LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Stoecklein
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olaf Dietrich
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Henryk Barthel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Osama Sabri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Mikael Simons
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Haass
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Chair of Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Günter U Höglinger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Levin
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Perneczky
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
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4
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Pham AQ, Dore K. Novel approaches to increase synaptic resilience as potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 139:84-92. [PMID: 35370089 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of brains with Alzheimer's disease pathology are obtained from patients that were cognitively normal, suggesting that differences within the brains of these individuals made them resilient to the disease. Here, we describe recent approaches that specifically increase synaptic resilience, as loss of synapses is considered to be the first change in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. We start by discussing studies showing benefit from increased expression of neurotrophic factors and protective genes. Methods that effectively make dendritic spines stronger, specifically by acting through actin network proteins, scaffolding proteins and inhibition of phosphatases are described next. Importantly, the therapeutic strategies presented in this review tackle Alzheimer's disease not by targeting plaques and tangles, but instead by making synapses resilient to the pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease, which has tremendous potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Q Pham
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, UCSD, La Jolla 92093, United States
| | - Kim Dore
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, UCSD, La Jolla 92093, United States.
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5
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Masdeu JC, Pascual B, Fujita M. Imaging Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:45S-52S. [PMID: 35649654 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.263200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a major role in the etiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In vivo monitoring of neuroinflammation using PET is critical to understand this process, and data are accumulating in this regard, thus a review is useful. From PubMed, we retrieved publications using any of the available PET tracers to image neuroinflammation in humans as well as selected articles dealing with experimental animal models or the chemistry of currently used or potential radiotracers. We reviewed 280 articles. The most common PET neuroinflammation target, translocator protein (TSPO), has limitations, lacking cellular specificity and the ability to separate neuroprotective from neurotoxic inflammation. However, TSPO PET is useful to define the amount and location of inflammation in the brain of people with neurodegenerative disorders. We describe the characteristics of TSPO and other potential PET neuroinflammation targets and PET tracers available or in development. Despite target and tracer limitations, in recent years there has been a sharp increase in the number of reports of neuroinflammation PET in humans. The most studied has been Alzheimer disease, in which neuroinflammation seems initially neuroprotective and neurotoxic later in the progression of the disease. We describe the findings in all the major neurodegenerative disorders. Neuroinflammation PET is an indispensable tool to understand the process of neurodegeneration, particularly in humans, as well as to validate target engagement in therapeutic clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Masdeu
- Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Belen Pascual
- Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, Texas; and
| | - Masahiro Fujita
- Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, Texas; and.,PET Core, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, Texas
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6
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Syvänen S, Meier SR, Roshanbin S, Xiong M, Faresjö R, Gustavsson T, Bonvicini G, Schlein E, Aguilar X, Julku U, Eriksson J, Sehlin D. PET Imaging in Preclinical Anti-Aβ Drug Development. Pharm Res 2022; 39:1481-1496. [PMID: 35501533 PMCID: PMC9246809 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03277-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET), a medical imaging technique allowing for studies of the living human brain, has gained an important role in clinical trials of novel drugs against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). For example, PET data contributed to the conditional approval in 2021 of aducanumab, an antibody directed towards amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates, by showing a dose-dependent reduction in brain amyloid after treatment. In parallel to clinical studies, preclinical studies in animal models of Aβ pathology may also benefit from PET as a tool to detect target engagement and treatment effects of anti-Aβ drug candidates. PET is associated with a high level of translatability between species as similar, non-invasive protocols allow for longitudinal rather than cross-sectional studies and can be used both in a preclinical and clinical setting. This review focuses on the use of preclinical PET imaging in genetically modified animals that express human Aβ, and its present and potential future role in the development of drugs aimed at reducing brain Aβ levels as a therapeutic strategy to halt disease progression in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Syvänen
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Silvio R Meier
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sahar Roshanbin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mengfei Xiong
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Faresjö
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tobias Gustavsson
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gillian Bonvicini
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.,BioArctic AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Schlein
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ximena Aguilar
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Julku
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Eriksson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,PET Centre, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dag Sehlin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
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7
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Young JW, Barback CV, Stolz LA, Groman SM, Vera DR, Hoh C, Kotta KK, Minassian A, Powell SB, Brody AL. MicroPET evidence for a hypersensitive neuroinflammatory profile of gp120 mouse model of HIV. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 321:111445. [PMID: 35101828 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased survivability for people living with HIV (PLWH), HIV-related cognitive deficits persist. Determining biological mechanism(s) underlying abnormalities is critical to minimize the long-term impact of HIV. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies reveal that PLWH exhibit elevated neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to these problems. PLWH are hypersensitive to environmental insults that drive elevated inflammatory profiles. Gp120 is an envelope glycoprotein exposed on the surface of the HIV envelope which enables HIV entry into a cell contributing to HIV-related neurotoxicity. In vivo evidence for mice overexpressing gp120 (transgenic) mice exhibiting neuroinflammation remains unclear. Here, we conducted microPET imaging in gp120 transgenic and wildtype mice, using the radiotracer [(18)F]FEPPA (binds to the translocator protein expressed by activated microglial serving as a neuroinflammatory marker). Imaging was performed at baseline and 24 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mg/kg) treatment (endotoxin that triggers an immune response). Gp120 transgenic mice exhibited elevated [(18F)]FEPPA in response to LPS vs. wildtype mice throughout the brain including dorsal and ventral striata, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Gp120 transgenic mice are hypersensitive to environmental inflammatory insults, consistent with PLWH, measurable in vivo. It remains to-be-determined whether this heightened sensitivity is connected to the behavioral abnormalities of these mice or sensitive to any treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Christopher V Barback
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla California; UCSD In Vivo Cancer and Molecular Imaging Program
| | - Louise A Stolz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA
| | - Stephanie M Groman
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota
| | - David R Vera
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla California; UCSD In Vivo Cancer and Molecular Imaging Program
| | - Carl Hoh
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla California; UCSD In Vivo Cancer and Molecular Imaging Program
| | - Kishore K Kotta
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla California; UCSD In Vivo Cancer and Molecular Imaging Program
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Susan B Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Arthur L Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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8
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Blume T, Deussing M, Biechele G, Peters F, Zott B, Schmidt C, Franzmeier N, Wind K, Eckenweber F, Sacher C, Shi Y, Ochs K, Kleinberger G, Xiang X, Focke C, Lindner S, Gildehaus FJ, Beyer L, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Bartenstein P, Baumann K, Adelsberger H, Rominger A, Cumming P, Willem M, Dorostkar MM, Herms J, Brendel M. Chronic PPARγ Stimulation Shifts Amyloidosis to Higher Fibrillarity but Improves Cognition. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:854031. [PMID: 35431893 PMCID: PMC9007038 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.854031] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We undertook longitudinal β-amyloid positron emission tomography (Aβ-PET) imaging as a translational tool for monitoring of chronic treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist pioglitazone in Aβ model mice. We thus tested the hypothesis this treatment would rescue from increases of the Aβ-PET signal while promoting spatial learning and preservation of synaptic density. Here, we investigated longitudinally for 5 months PS2APP mice (N = 23; baseline age: 8 months) and AppNL–G–F mice (N = 37; baseline age: 5 months) using Aβ-PET. Groups of mice were treated with pioglitazone or vehicle during the follow-up interval. We tested spatial memory performance and confirmed terminal PET findings by immunohistochemical and biochemistry analyses. Surprisingly, Aβ-PET and immunohistochemistry revealed a shift toward higher fibrillary composition of Aβ-plaques during upon chronic pioglitazone treatment. Nonetheless, synaptic density and spatial learning were improved in transgenic mice with pioglitazone treatment, in association with the increased plaque fibrillarity. These translational data suggest that a shift toward higher plaque fibrillarity protects cognitive function and brain integrity. Increases in the Aβ-PET signal upon immunomodulatory treatments targeting Aβ aggregation can thus be protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Blume
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Deussing
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gloria Biechele
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Finn Peters
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Zott
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudio Schmidt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wind
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eckenweber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Sacher
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuan Shi
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Ochs
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Gernot Kleinberger
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- ISAR Bioscience GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Xianyuan Xiang
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Focke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Gildehaus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Beyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara von Ungern-Sternberg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Baumann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Helmuth Adelsberger
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- SyNergy, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael Willem
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mario M. Dorostkar
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- SyNergy, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- SyNergy, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Matthias Brendel,
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9
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Leparulo A, Bisio M, Redolfi N, Pozzan T, Vassanelli S, Fasolato C. Accelerated Aging Characterizes the Early Stage of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:238. [PMID: 35053352 PMCID: PMC8774248 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For Alzheimer's disease (AD), aging is the main risk factor, but whether cognitive impairments due to aging resemble early AD deficits is not yet defined. When working with mouse models of AD, the situation is just as complicated, because only a few studies track the progression of the disease at different ages, and most ignore how the aging process affects control mice. In this work, we addressed this problem by comparing the aging process of PS2APP (AD) and wild-type (WT) mice at the level of spontaneous brain electrical activity under anesthesia. Using local field potential recordings, obtained with a linear probe that traverses the posterior parietal cortex and the entire hippocampus, we analyzed how multiple electrical parameters are modified by aging in AD and WT mice. With this approach, we highlighted AD specific features that appear in young AD mice prior to plaque deposition or that are delayed at 12 and 16 months of age. Furthermore, we identified aging characteristics present in WT mice but also occurring prematurely in young AD mice. In short, we found that reduction in the relative power of slow oscillations (SO) and Low/High power imbalance are linked to an AD phenotype at its onset. The loss of SO connectivity and cortico-hippocampal coupling between SO and higher frequencies as well as the increase in UP-state and burst durations are found in young AD and old WT mice. We show evidence that the aging process is accelerated by the mutant PS2 itself and discuss such changes in relation to amyloidosis and gliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Leparulo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (M.B.); (N.R.); (T.P.)
| | - Marta Bisio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (M.B.); (N.R.); (T.P.)
| | - Nelly Redolfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (M.B.); (N.R.); (T.P.)
| | - Tullio Pozzan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (M.B.); (N.R.); (T.P.)
- Neuroscience Institute-Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via G. Orus 2B, 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Vassanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (M.B.); (N.R.); (T.P.)
- Padua Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Via G. Orus 2B, 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Fasolato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; (A.L.); (M.B.); (N.R.); (T.P.)
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10
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Yuan J, Wang H, Wang Y, Wang Z, Huo Q, Dai X, Zhang J, Sun Y. Rapid Identification of 3,6'-Disinapoyl Sucrose Metabolites in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice Using UHPLC-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2021; 27:114. [PMID: 35011346 PMCID: PMC8746568 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by the progressive impairment of neural activity. Studies have shown that 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose (DISS) can alleviate the pathological symptoms of AD through the activation of the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. However, the exact biochemical mechanisms of action of DISS are not clear. This study explores metabolism of DISS in an AD mouse model, induced by the microinjection of a lentiviral expression plasmid of the APPswe695 gene into CA1 of the hippocampus. After gavage administration of DISS (200 mg/kg), the kidneys, livers, brains, plasma, urine, and feces were collected for UHPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis. Twenty metabolites, including the prototype drug of DISS, were positively or tentatively identified based on accurate mass measurements, characteristic fragmentation behaviors, and retention times. Thus, the metabolic pathways of DISS in AD mice were preliminarily elucidated through the identification of metabolites, such as ester bond cleavage, demethoxylation, demethylation, and sinapic acid-related products. Furthermore, differences in the in vivo distribution of several metabolites were observed between the model and sham control groups. These findings can provide a valuable reference for the pharmacological mechanisms and biosafety of DISS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100191, China; (J.Y.); (H.W.); (Y.W.); (Q.H.); (X.D.)
| | - Han Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100191, China; (J.Y.); (H.W.); (Y.W.); (Q.H.); (X.D.)
| | - Yunting Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100191, China; (J.Y.); (H.W.); (Y.W.); (Q.H.); (X.D.)
| | - Zijian Wang
- Beijing Research Institution of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China;
| | - Qing Huo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100191, China; (J.Y.); (H.W.); (Y.W.); (Q.H.); (X.D.)
| | - Xueling Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100191, China; (J.Y.); (H.W.); (Y.W.); (Q.H.); (X.D.)
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China;
| | - Yaxuan Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100191, China; (J.Y.); (H.W.); (Y.W.); (Q.H.); (X.D.)
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11
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Guilarte TR, Rodichkin AN, McGlothan JL, Acanda De La Rocha AM, Azzam DJ. Imaging neuroinflammation with TSPO: A new perspective on the cellular sources and subcellular localization. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 234:108048. [PMID: 34848203 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO), previously named Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor, is a well-validated and widely used biomarker of neuroinflammation to assess diverse central nervous system (CNS) pathologies in preclinical and clinical studies. Many studies have shown that in animal models of human neurological and neurodegenerative disease and in the human condition, TSPO levels increase in the brain neuropil, and this increase is driven by infiltration of peripheral inflammatory cells and activation of glial cells. Therefore, a clear understanding of the dynamics of the cellular sources of the TSPO response is critically important in the interpretation of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies and for understanding the pathophysiology of CNS diseases. Within the normal brain compartment, there are tissues and cells such as the choroid plexus, ependymal cells of the lining of the ventricles, and vascular endothelial cells that also express TSPO at even higher levels than in glial cells. However, there is a paucity of knowledge if these cell types respond and increase TSPO in the diseased brain. These cells do provide a background signal that needs to be accounted for in TSPO-PET imaging studies. More recently, there are reports that TSPO may be expressed in neurons of the adult brain and TSPO expression may be increased by neuronal activity. Therefore, it is essential to study this topic with a great deal of detail, methodological rigor, and rule out alternative interpretations and imaging artifacts. High levels of TSPO are present in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Recent studies have provided evidence of its localization in other cellular compartments including the plasma membrane and perinuclear regions which may define functions that are different from that in mitochondria. A greater understanding of the TSPO subcellular localization in glial cells and infiltrating peripheral immune cells and associated function(s) may provide an additional layer of information to the understanding of TSPO neurobiology. This review is an effort to outline recent advances in understanding the cellular sources and subcellular localization of TSPO in brain cells and to examine remaining questions that require rigorous investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás R Guilarte
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America.
| | - Alexander N Rodichkin
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L McGlothan
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Arlet Maria Acanda De La Rocha
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Diana J Azzam
- Brain, Behavior, & the Environment Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
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12
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Ni R. Positron Emission Tomography in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloidosis: Translational Implications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1179. [PMID: 34832961 PMCID: PMC8623863 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis that recapitulate cerebral amyloid-beta pathology have been widely used in preclinical research and have greatly enabled the mechanistic understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the development of therapeutics. Comprehensive deep phenotyping of the pathophysiological and biochemical features in these animal models is essential. Recent advances in positron emission tomography have allowed the non-invasive visualization of the alterations in the brain of animal models and in patients with Alzheimer's disease. These tools have facilitated our understanding of disease mechanisms and provided longitudinal monitoring of treatment effects in animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. In this review, we focus on recent positron emission tomography studies of cerebral amyloid-beta accumulation, hypoglucose metabolism, synaptic and neurotransmitter receptor deficits (cholinergic and glutamatergic system), blood-brain barrier impairment, and neuroinflammation (microgliosis and astrocytosis) in animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. We further propose the emerging targets and tracers for reflecting the pathophysiological changes and discuss outstanding challenges in disease animal models and future outlook in the on-chip characterization of imaging biomarkers towards clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH & University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Pursuit of precision medicine: Systems biology approaches in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 161:105558. [PMID: 34767943 PMCID: PMC10112395 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease that is mediated by numerous factors and manifests in various forms. A systems biology approach to studying AD involves analyses of various body systems, biological scales, environmental elements, and clinical outcomes to understand the genotype to phenotype relationship that potentially drives AD development. Currently, there are many research investigations probing how modifiable and nonmodifiable factors impact AD symptom presentation. This review specifically focuses on how imaging modalities can be integrated into systems biology approaches using model mouse populations to link brain level functional and structural changes to disease onset and progression. Combining imaging and omics data promotes the classification of AD into subtypes and paves the way for precision medicine solutions to prevent and treat AD.
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14
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Tournier BB, Tsartsalis S, Ceyzériat K, Fraser BH, Grégoire MC, Kövari E, Millet P. Astrocytic TSPO Upregulation Appears Before Microglial TSPO in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:1043-1056. [PMID: 32804124 PMCID: PMC7683091 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: In vivo PET/SPECT imaging of neuroinflammation is primarily based on the estimation of the 18 kDa-translocator-protein (TSPO). However, TSPO is expressed by different cell types which complicates the interpretation. Objective: The present study evaluates the cellular origin of TSPO alterations in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: The TSPO cell origin was evaluated by combining radioactive imaging approaches using the TSPO radiotracer [125I]CLINDE and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, in a rat model of AD (TgF344-AD) and in AD subjects. Results: In the hippocampus of TgF344-AD rats, TSPO overexpression not only concerns glial cells but the increase is visible at 12 and 24 months in astrocytes and only at 24 months in microglia. In the temporal cortex of AD subjects, TSPO upregulation involved only glial cells. However, the mechanism of this upregulation appears different with an increase in the number of TSPO binding sites per cell without cell proliferation in the rat, and a microglial cell population expansion with a constant number of binding sites per cell in human AD. Conclusion: These data indicate an earlier astrocyte intervention than microglia and that TSPO in AD probably is an exclusive marker of glial activity without interference from other TSPO-expressing cells. This observation indicates that the interpretation of TSPO imaging depends on the stage of the pathology, and highlights the particular role of astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Tournier
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stergios Tsartsalis
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kelly Ceyzériat
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Nuclear medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ben H Fraser
- ANSTO LifeSciences, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, New Illawarra Road, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie-Claude Grégoire
- ANSTO LifeSciences, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, New Illawarra Road, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Enikö Kövari
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Millet
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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15
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Biechele G, Blume T, Deussing M, Zott B, Shi Y, Xiang X, Franzmeier N, Kleinberger G, Peters F, Ochs K, Focke C, Sacher C, Wind K, Schmidt C, Lindner S, Gildehaus FJ, Eckenweber F, Beyer L, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Bartenstein P, Baumann K, Dorostkar MM, Rominger A, Cumming P, Willem M, Adelsberger H, Herms J, Brendel M. Pre-therapeutic microglia activation and sex determine therapy effects of chronic immunomodulation. Theranostics 2021; 11:8964-8976. [PMID: 34522221 PMCID: PMC8419052 DOI: 10.7150/thno.64022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the innate immune system is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy against Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, determinants of a beneficial therapeutic effect are ill-understood. Thus, we investigated the potential of 18 kDa translocator protein positron-emission-tomography (TSPO-PET) for assessment of microglial activation in mouse brain before and during chronic immunomodulation. Methods: Serial TSPO-PET was performed during five months of chronic microglia modulation by stimulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ with pioglitazone in two different mouse models of AD (PS2APP, AppNL-G-F ). Using mixed statistical models on longitudinal TSPO-PET data, we tested for effects of therapy and sex on treatment response. We tested correlations of baseline with longitudinal measures of TSPO-PET, and correlations between PET results with spatial learning performance and β-amyloid accumulation of individual mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the molecular source of the TSPO-PET signal. Results: Pioglitazone-treated female PS2APP and AppNL-G-F mice showed attenuation of the longitudinal increases in TSPO-PET signal when compared to vehicle controls, whereas treated male AppNL-G-F mice showed the opposite effect. Baseline TSPO-PET strongly predicted changes in microglial activation in treated mice (R = -0.874, p < 0.0001) but not in vehicle controls (R = -0.356, p = 0.081). Reduced TSPO-PET signal upon pharmacological treatment was associated with better spatial learning despite higher fibrillar β-amyloid accumulation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed activated microglia to be the source of the TSPO-PET signal (R = 0.952, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: TSPO-PET represents a sensitive biomarker for monitoring of immunomodulation and closely reflects activated microglia. Sex and pre-therapeutic assessment of baseline microglial activation predict individual immunomodulation effects and may serve for responder stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Biechele
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Blume
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Deussing
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Zott
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuan Shi
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Xianyuan Xiang
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Finn Peters
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Ochs
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Focke
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Sacher
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wind
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudio Schmidt
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Gildehaus
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eckenweber
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Beyer
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Peter Bartenstein
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- SyNergy, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Baumann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience Discovery, Roche, Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mario M. Dorostkar
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- SyNergy, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paul Cumming
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael Willem
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jochen Herms
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- SyNergy, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- SyNergy, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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16
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Ryou MG, Chen X, Cai M, Wang H, Jung ME, Metzger DB, Mallet RT, Shi X. Intermittent Hypoxia Training Prevents Deficient Learning-Memory Behavior in Mice Modeling Alzheimer's Disease: A Pilot Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:674688. [PMID: 34276338 PMCID: PMC8282412 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.674688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), normobaric intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) can preserve neurobehavioral function when applied before deficits develop, but IHT's effectiveness after onset of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation is unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that IHT improves learning-memory behavior, diminishes Aβ accumulation in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and enhances cerebrocortical contents of the neuroprotective trophic factors erythropoietin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mice manifesting AD traits. Twelve-month-old female 3xTg-AD mice were assigned to untreated 3xTg-AD (n = 6), AD+IHT (n = 6), and AD+sham-IHT (n = 6) groups; 8 untreated wild-type (WT) mice also were studied. AD+IHT mice alternately breathed 10% O2 for 6 min and room air for 4 min, 10 cycles/day for 21 days; AD+sham-IHT mice breathed room air. Spatial learning-memory was assessed by Morris water maze. Cerebrocortical and hippocampal Aβ40 and Aβ42 contents were determined by ELISA, and cerebrocortical erythropoietin and BDNF were analyzed by immunoblotting and ELISA. The significance of time (12 vs. 12 months + 21 days) and treatment (IHT vs. sham-IHT) was evaluated by two-factor ANOVA. The change in swimming distance to find the water maze platform after 21 d IHT (-1.6 ± 1.8 m) differed from that after sham-IHT (+5.8 ± 2.6 m). Cerebrocortical and hippocampal Aβ42 contents were greater in 3xTg-AD than WT mice, but neither time nor treatment significantly affected Aβ40 or Aβ42 contents in the 3xTg-AD mice. Cerebrocortical erythropoietin and BDNF contents increased appreciably after IHT as compared to untreated 3xTg-AD and AD+sham-IHT mice. In conclusion, moderate, normobaric IHT prevented spatial learning-memory decline and restored cerebrocortical erythropoietin and BDNF contents despite ongoing Aβ accumulation in 3xTg-AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung-Gwi Ryou
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University System, Stephenville, TX, United States
| | - Xiaoan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- College of Sports Science, Jishou University, Jishou, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Marianna E. Jung
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Daniel B. Metzger
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Robert T. Mallet
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Xiangrong Shi
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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17
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Zhang PF, Hu H, Tan L, Yu JT. Microglia Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3388-3404. [PMID: 33713018 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early detection and clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have become an extremely important link in the prevention and treatment of AD. Because of the occult onset, the diagnosis and treatment of AD based on clinical symptoms are increasingly challenged by current severe situations. Therefore, molecular diagnosis models based on early AD pathological markers have received more attention. Among the possible pathological mechanisms, microglia which are necessary for normal brain function are highly expected and have been continuously studied in various models. Several AD biomarkers already exist, but currently there is a paucity of specific and sensitive microglia biomarkers which can accurately measure preclinical AD. Bringing microglia biomarkers into the molecular diagnostic system which is based on fluid and neuroimaging will play an important role in future scientific research and clinical practice. Furthermore, developing novel, more specific, and sensitive microglia biomarkers will make it possible to pharmaceutically target chemical pathways that preserve beneficial microglial functions in response to AD pathology. This review discusses microglia biomarkers in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, China.
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Jung ME. A Protective Role of Translocator Protein in Alzheimer's Disease Brain. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 17:3-15. [PMID: 32065102 DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666200217105950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Translocator Protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) is a mitochondrial protein that locates cytosol cholesterol to mitochondrial membranes to begin the synthesis of steroids including neurotrophic neurosteroids. TSPO is abundantly present in glial cells that support neurons and respond to neuroinflammation. Located at the outer membrane of mitochondria, TSPO regulates the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) that controls the entry of molecules necessary for mitochondrial function. TSPO is linked to neurodegenerative Alzheimer's Disease (AD) such that TSPO is upregulated in the brain of AD patients and signals AD-induced adverse changes in brain. The initial increase in TSPO in response to brain insults remains elevated to repair cellular damages and perhaps to prevent further neuronal degeneration as AD progresses. To exert such protective activities, TSPO increases the synthesis of neuroprotective steroids, decreases neuroinflammation, limits the opening of mPTP, and reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species. The beneficial effects of TSPO on AD brain are manifested as the attenuation of neurotoxic amyloid β and mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied by the improvement of memory and cognition. However, the protective activities of TSPO appear to be temporary and eventually diminish as the severity of AD becomes profound. Timely treatment with TSPO agonists/ligands before the loss of endogenous TSPO's activity may promote the protective functions and may extend neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna E Jung
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Healthy Aging, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
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19
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Quan W, Luo Q, Hao W, Tomic I, Furihata T, Schulz-Schäffer W, Menger MD, Fassbender K, Liu Y. Haploinsufficiency of microglial MyD88 ameliorates Alzheimer's pathology and vascular disorders in APP/PS1-transgenic mice. Glia 2021; 69:1987-2005. [PMID: 33934399 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that innate immune molecules regulate microglial activation in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, their effects on amyloid pathology and neurodegeneration remain inconclusive. Here, we conditionally deleted one allele of myd88 gene specifically in microglia in APP/PS1-transgenic mice by 6 months and analyzed AD-associated pathologies by 9 months. We observed that heterozygous deletion of myd88 gene in microglia decreased cerebral amyloid β (Aβ) load and improved cognitive function of AD mice, which was correlated with reduced number of microglia in the brain and inhibited transcription of inflammatory genes, for example, tnf-α and il-1β, in both brain tissues and individual microglia. To investigate mechanisms underlying the pathological improvement, we observed that haploinsufficiency of MyD88 increased microglial recruitment toward Aβ deposits, which might facilitate Aβ clearance. Microglia with haploinsufficient expression of MyD88 also increased vasculature in the brain of APP/PS1-transgenic mice, which was associated with up-regulated transcription of osteopontin and insulin-like growth factor genes in microglia. Moreover, MyD88-haploinsufficient microglia elevated protein levels of LRP1 in cerebral capillaries of APP/PS1-transgenic mice. Cell culture experiments further showed that treatments with interleukin-1β decreased LRP1 expression in pericytes. In summary, haploinsufficiency of MyD88 in microglia at a late disease stage attenuates pro-inflammatory activation and amyloid pathology, prevents the impairment of microvasculature and perhaps also protects LRP1-mediated Aβ clearance in the brain of APP/PS1-transgenic mice, all of which improves neuronal function of AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Quan
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,German Institute for Dementia Prevention (DIDP), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghua Luo
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,German Institute for Dementia Prevention (DIDP), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Wenlin Hao
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,German Institute for Dementia Prevention (DIDP), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Inge Tomic
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,German Institute for Dementia Prevention (DIDP), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Michael D Menger
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Fassbender
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,German Institute for Dementia Prevention (DIDP), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,German Institute for Dementia Prevention (DIDP), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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20
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Biechele G, Wind K, Blume T, Sacher C, Beyer L, Eckenweber F, Franzmeier N, Ewers M, Zott B, Lindner S, Gildehaus FJ, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Tahirovic S, Willem M, Bartenstein P, Cumming P, Rominger A, Herms J, Brendel M. Microglial activation in the right amygdala-entorhinal-hippocampal complex is associated with preserved spatial learning in App NL-G-F mice. Neuroimage 2020; 230:117707. [PMID: 33385560 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Alzheimer`s disease (AD), regional heterogeneity of β-amyloid burden and microglial activation of individual patients is a well-known phenomenon. Recently, we described a high incidence of inter-individual regional heterogeneity in terms of asymmetry of plaque burden and microglial activation in β-amyloid mouse models of AD as assessed by positron-emission-tomography (PET). We now investigate the regional associations between amyloid plaque burden, microglial activation, and impaired spatial learning performance in transgenic mice in vivo. METHODS In 30 AppNL-G-F mice (15 female, 15 male) we acquired cross-sectional 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO-PET, 18F-GE-180) and β-amyloid-PET (18F-florbetaben) scans at ten months of age. Control data were obtained from age- and sex-matched C57BI/6 wild-type mice. We assessed spatial learning (i.e. Morris water maze) within two weeks of PET scanning and correlated the principal component of spatial learning performance scores with voxel-wise β-amyloid and TSPO tracer uptake maps in AppNL-G-F mice, controlled for age and sex. In order to assess the effects of hemispheric asymmetry, we also analyzed correlations of spatial learning performance with tracer uptake in bilateral regions of interest for frontal cortex, entorhinal/piriform cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, using a regression model. We tested the correlation between regional asymmetry of PET biomarkers with individual spatial learning performance. RESULTS Voxel-wise analyses in AppNL-G-F mice revealed that higher TSPO-PET signal in the amygdala, entorhinal and piriform cortices, the hippocampus and the hypothalamus correlated with spatial learning performance. Region-based analysis showed significant correlations between TSPO expression in the right entorhinal/piriform cortex and the right amygdala and spatial learning performance, whereas there were no such correlations in the left hemisphere. Right lateralized TSPO expression in the amygdala predicted better performance in the Morris water maze (β = -0.470, p = 0.013), irrespective of the global microglial activation and amyloid level. Region-based results for amyloid-PET showed no significant associations with spatial learning. CONCLUSION Elevated microglial activation in the right amygdala-entorhinal-hippocampal complex of AppNL-G-F mice is associated with better spatial learning. Our findings support a protective role of microglia on cognitive function when they highly express TSPO in specific brain regions involved in spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Biechele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Karin Wind
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Blume
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Sacher
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Beyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eckenweber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
| | - Michael Ewers
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany; Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
| | - Benedikt Zott
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Gildehaus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Sabina Tahirovic
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Willem
- Chair of Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Herms
- DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, University of Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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21
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Lana D, Ugolini F, Giovannini MG. Space-Dependent Glia-Neuron Interplay in the Hippocampus of Transgenic Models of β-Amyloid Deposition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9441. [PMID: 33322419 PMCID: PMC7763751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on the description and discussion of the alterations of astrocytes and microglia interplay in models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is an age-related neurodegenerative pathology with a slowly progressive and irreversible decline of cognitive functions. One of AD's histopathological hallmarks is the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain. Long regarded as a non-specific, mere consequence of AD pathology, activation of microglia and astrocytes is now considered a key factor in both initiation and progression of the disease, and suppression of astrogliosis exacerbates neuropathology. Reactive astrocytes and microglia overexpress many cytokines, chemokines, and signaling molecules that activate or damage neighboring cells and their mutual interplay can result in virtuous/vicious cycles which differ in different brain regions. Heterogeneity of glia, either between or within a particular brain region, is likely to be relevant in healthy conditions and disease processes. Differential crosstalk between astrocytes and microglia in CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus can be responsible for the differential sensitivity of the two areas to insults. Understanding the spatial differences and roles of glia will allow us to assess how these interactions can influence the state and progression of the disease, and will be critical for identifying therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Anatomopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
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22
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In Vivo TSPO Signal and Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9091941. [PMID: 32839410 PMCID: PMC7565089 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in in vivo imaging has attempted to demonstrate the presence of neuroinflammatory reactions by measuring the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) expression in many diseases of the central nervous system. We focus on two pathological conditions for which neuropathological studies have shown the presence of neuroinflammation, which translates in opposite in vivo expression of TSPO. Alzheimer's disease has been the most widely assessed with more than forty preclinical and clinical studies, showing overall that TSPO is upregulated in this condition, despite differences in the topography of this increase, its time-course and the associated cell types. In the case of schizophrenia, a reduction of TSPO has instead been observed, though the evidence remains scarce and contradictory. This review focuses on the key characteristics of TSPO as a biomarker of neuroinflammation in vivo, namely, on the cellular origin of the variations in its expression, on its possible biological/pathological role and on its variations across disease phases.
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23
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Ewers M, Biechele G, Suárez-Calvet M, Sacher C, Blume T, Morenas-Rodriguez E, Deming Y, Piccio L, Cruchaga C, Kleinberger G, Shaw L, Trojanowski JQ, Herms J, Dichgans M, Brendel M, Haass C, Franzmeier N. Higher CSF sTREM2 and microglia activation are associated with slower rates of beta-amyloid accumulation. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e12308. [PMID: 32790063 PMCID: PMC7507349 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia activation is the brain's major immune response to amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of soluble TREM2 (sTREM2), a biomarker of microglia activation, and microglia PET are increased in AD; however, whether an increase in these biomarkers is associated with reduced amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation remains unclear. To address this question, we pursued a two-pronged translational approach. Firstly, in non-demented and demented individuals, we tested CSF sTREM2 at baseline to predict (i) amyloid PET changes over ∼2 years and (ii) tau PET cross-sectionally assessed in a subset of patients. We found higher CSF sTREM2 associated with attenuated amyloid PET increase and lower tau PET. Secondly, in the AppNL-G-F mouse model of amyloidosis, we studied baseline 18 F-GE180 microglia PET and longitudinal amyloid PET to test the microglia vs. Aβ association, without any confounding co-pathologies often present in AD patients. Higher microglia PET at age 5 months was associated with a slower amyloid PET increase between ages 5-to-10 months. In conclusion, higher microglia activation as determined by CSF sTREM2 or microglia PET shows protective effects on subsequent amyloid accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ewers
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Gloria Biechele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Suárez-Calvet
- Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Servei de Neurologia, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Sacher
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Blume
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Estrella Morenas-Rodriguez
- Chair of Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuetiva Deming
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Laura Piccio
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gernot Kleinberger
- Chair of Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,ISAR Bioscience GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Leslie Shaw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Institute on Aging, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Haass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Chair of Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolai Franzmeier
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
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24
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Eckenweber F, Medina-Luque J, Blume T, Sacher C, Biechele G, Wind K, Deussing M, Briel N, Lindner S, Boening G, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Unterrainer M, Albert NL, Zwergal A, Levin J, Bartenstein P, Cumming P, Rominger A, Höglinger GU, Herms J, Brendel M. Longitudinal TSPO expression in tau transgenic P301S mice predicts increased tau accumulation and deteriorated spatial learning. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:208. [PMID: 32660586 PMCID: PMC7358201 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01883-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND P301S tau transgenic mice show age-dependent accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brainstem, hippocampus, and neocortex, leading to neuronal loss and cognitive deterioration. However, there is hitherto only sparse documentation of the role of neuroinflammation in tau mouse models. Thus, we analyzed longitudinal microglial activation by small animal 18 kDa translocator protein positron-emission-tomography (TSPO μPET) imaging in vivo, in conjunction with terminal assessment of tau pathology, spatial learning, and cerebral glucose metabolism. METHODS Transgenic P301S (n = 33) and wild-type (n = 18) female mice were imaged by 18F-GE-180 TSPO μPET at the ages of 1.9, 3.9, and 6.4 months. We conducted behavioral testing in the Morris water maze, 18F-fluordesoxyglucose (18F-FDG) μPET, and AT8 tau immunohistochemistry at 6.3-6.7 months. Terminal microglial immunohistochemistry served for validation of TSPO μPET results in vivo, applying target regions in the brainstem, cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. We compared the results with our historical data in amyloid-β mouse models. RESULTS TSPO expression in all target regions of P301S mice increased exponentially from 1.9 to 6.4 months, leading to significant differences in the contrasts with wild-type mice at 6.4 months (+ 11-23%, all p < 0.001), but the apparent microgliosis proceeded more slowly than in our experience in amyloid-β mouse models. Spatial learning and glucose metabolism of AT8-positive P301S mice were significantly impaired at 6.3-6.5 months compared to the wild-type group. Longitudinal increases in TSPO expression predicted greater tau accumulation and lesser spatial learning performance at 6.3-6.7 months. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of TSPO expression as a surrogate of microglial activation in P301S tau transgenic mice by μPET indicates a delayed time course when compared to amyloid-β mouse models. Detrimental associations of microglial activation with outcome parameters are opposite to earlier data in amyloid-β mouse models. The contribution of microglial response to pathology accompanying amyloid-β and tau over-expression merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Eckenweber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jose Medina-Luque
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Blume
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Sacher
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Gloria Biechele
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wind
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Deussing
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils Briel
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Guido Boening
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Unterrainer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie L Albert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Zwergal
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, DSGZ, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Levin
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Cumming
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Psychology and Counselling and IHBI, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Günter U Höglinger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany.
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25
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Schlepckow K, Monroe KM, Kleinberger G, Cantuti‐Castelvetri L, Parhizkar S, Xia D, Willem M, Werner G, Pettkus N, Brunner B, Sülzen A, Nuscher B, Hampel H, Xiang X, Feederle R, Tahirovic S, Park JI, Prorok R, Mahon C, Liang C, Shi J, Kim DJ, Sabelström H, Huang F, Di Paolo G, Simons M, Lewcock JW, Haass C. Enhancing protective microglial activities with a dual function TREM2 antibody to the stalk region. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11227. [PMID: 32154671 PMCID: PMC7136959 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is essential for the transition of homeostatic microglia to a disease-associated microglial state. To enhance TREM2 activity, we sought to selectively increase the full-length protein on the cell surface via reducing its proteolytic shedding by A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (i.e., α-secretase) 10/17. We screened a panel of monoclonal antibodies against TREM2, with the aim to selectively compete for α-secretase-mediated shedding. Monoclonal antibody 4D9, which has a stalk region epitope close to the cleavage site, demonstrated dual mechanisms of action by stabilizing TREM2 on the cell surface and reducing its shedding, and concomitantly activating phospho-SYK signaling. 4D9 stimulated survival of macrophages and increased microglial uptake of myelin debris and amyloid β-peptide in vitro. In vivo target engagement was demonstrated in cerebrospinal fluid, where nearly all soluble TREM2 was 4D9-bound. Moreover, in a mouse model for Alzheimer's disease-related pathology, 4D9 reduced amyloidogenesis, enhanced microglial TREM2 expression, and reduced a homeostatic marker, suggesting a protective function by driving microglia toward a disease-associated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Schlepckow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) MunichMunichGermany
| | | | - Gernot Kleinberger
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
- Present address:
ISAR Bioscience GmbHPlaneggGermany
| | | | - Samira Parhizkar
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Dan Xia
- Denali Therapeutics Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Michael Willem
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Georg Werner
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Nadine Pettkus
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Bettina Brunner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) MunichMunichGermany
| | - Alice Sülzen
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) MunichMunichGermany
| | - Brigitte Nuscher
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Heike Hampel
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Xianyuan Xiang
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
- Graduate School of Systemic NeuroscienceLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Regina Feederle
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) MunichMunichGermany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy)MunichGermany
- Helmholtz Center MunichGerman Research Center for Environmental HealthInstitute for Diabetes and ObesityCore Facility Monoclonal Antibody DevelopmentMunichGermany
| | - Sabina Tahirovic
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) MunichMunichGermany
| | | | | | - Cathal Mahon
- Denali Therapeutics Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | | | - Ju Shi
- Denali Therapeutics Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
- Present address:
Jazz PharmaceuticalsPalo AltoCAUSA
| | - Do Jin Kim
- Denali Therapeutics Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | | | - Fen Huang
- Denali Therapeutics Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | | | - Mikael Simons
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) MunichMunichGermany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy)MunichGermany
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology (TUM‐NZB)MunichGermany
| | | | - Christian Haass
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) MunichMunichGermany
- Metabolic BiochemistryBiomedical Center (BMC)Faculty of MedicineLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy)MunichGermany
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26
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Cavaliere C, Tramontano L, Fiorenza D, Alfano V, Aiello M, Salvatore M. Gliosis and Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Role of PET and MR Imaging. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:75. [PMID: 32327973 PMCID: PMC7161920 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial activation characterizes most neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, often anticipating clinical manifestations and macroscopical brain alterations. Although imaging techniques have improved diagnostic accuracy in many neurological conditions, often supporting diagnosis, prognosis prediction and treatment outcome, very few molecular imaging probes, specifically focused on microglial and astrocytic activation, have been translated to a clinical setting. In this context, hybrid positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) scanners represent the most advanced tool for molecular imaging, combining the functional specificity of PET radiotracers (e.g., targeting metabolism, hypoxia, and inflammation) to both high-resolution and multiparametric information derived by MR in a single imaging acquisition session. This simultaneity of findings achievable by PET/MR, if useful for reciprocal technical adjustments regarding temporal and spatial cross-modal alignment/synchronization, opens still debated issues about its clinical value in neurological patients, possibly incompliant and highly variable from a clinical point of view. While several preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the sensitivity of PET tracers to track microglial (mainly TSPO ligands) and astrocytic (mainly MAOB ligands) activation, less studies have focused on MR specificity to this topic (e.g., through the assessment of diffusion properties and T2 relaxometry), and only few exploiting the integration of simultaneous hybrid acquisition. This review aims at summarizing and critically review the current state about PET and MR imaging for glial targets, as well as the potential added value of hybrid scanners for characterizing microglial and astrocytic activation.
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27
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Jung ME, Metzger DB, Hall J. The long-term but not short-term use of benzodiazepine impairs motoric function and upregulates amyloid β in part through the suppression of translocator protein. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 191:172873. [PMID: 32105662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many elderly American women use CNS depressant benzodiazepine (BZD) to ameliorate anxiety or insomnia. However, the chronic use of BZD (cBZD) is prevalent, causing adverse effects of BZD that include movement deficit. We previously reported that cBZD upregulates neurotoxic amyloid β42 (Aβ42) and downregulates neuroprotective translocator protein (TSPO) in the cerebellum, the brain area of movement and balance. The aim of the current study is two-fold: 1) to determine a direct effect of TSPO (inhibition) on cBZD-induced Aβ42 and Aβ-associated molecules; Aβ-producing-protein presenilin-1 (PS1) and Aβ-degrading-enzyme neprilysin and 2) to determine whether Aβ42 upregulation and motoric deficit occur upon a long-term (cBZD) rather than a short-term BZD (sBZD) treatment. Old female mice received BZD (lorazepam) for 20 days (cBZD) or 3 days (sBZD) with or without prototype TSPO ligand PK11195 and were tested for motoric performance for 3 days using Rotarod. ELISA was conducted to measure Aβ42 level and neprilysin activity in cerebellum. RT-PCR and immunoblot were conducted to measure the mRNA and protein levels of TSPO, PS1, and neprilysin. cBZD treatment decreased TSPO and neprilysin but increased Aβ42 accompanied by motoric deficit. Chronic PK11195 treatment acted as a TSPO inhibitor by suppressing TSPO expression and mimicked or exacerbated the effects of cBZD on all parameters measured except for PS1. None of the molecular and behavioral changes induced by cBZD were reproduced by sBZD treatment. These data suggest that cBZD upregulates Aβ42 and downregulates neprilysin in part through TSPO inhibition, the mechanisms distinct from sBZD, collectively contributing to motoric deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna E Jung
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, UNT Health Science Center, Institute for Healthy Aging, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States of America.
| | - Daniel B Metzger
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, UNT Health Science Center, Institute for Healthy Aging, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States of America
| | - James Hall
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, UNT Health Science Center, Institute for Healthy Aging, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States of America
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Trem2 Deletion Reduces Late-Stage Amyloid Plaque Accumulation, Elevates the Aβ42:Aβ40 Ratio, and Exacerbates Axonal Dystrophy and Dendritic Spine Loss in the PS2APP Alzheimer's Mouse Model. J Neurosci 2020; 40:1956-1974. [PMID: 31980586 PMCID: PMC7046459 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1871-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
TREM2 is an Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk gene expressed in microglia. To study the role of Trem2 in a mouse model of β-amyloidosis, we compared PS2APP transgenic mice versus PS2APP mice lacking Trem2 (PS2APP;Trem2ko) at ages ranging from 4 to 22 months. Microgliosis was impaired in PS2APP;Trem2ko mice, with Trem2-deficient microglia showing compromised expression of proliferation/Wnt-related genes and marked accumulation of ApoE. TREM2 is an Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk gene expressed in microglia. To study the role of Trem2 in a mouse model of β-amyloidosis, we compared PS2APP transgenic mice versus PS2APP mice lacking Trem2 (PS2APP;Trem2ko) at ages ranging from 4 to 22 months. Microgliosis was impaired in PS2APP;Trem2ko mice, with Trem2-deficient microglia showing compromised expression of proliferation/Wnt-related genes and marked accumulation of ApoE. Plaque abundance was elevated in PS2APP;Trem2ko females at 6–7 months; but by 12 or 19–22 months of age, it was notably diminished in female and male PS2APP;Trem2ko mice, respectively. Across all ages, plaque morphology was more diffuse in PS2APP;Trem2ko brains, and the Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio was elevated. The amount of soluble, fibrillar Aβ oligomers also increased in PS2APP;Trem2ko hippocampi. Associated with these changes, axonal dystrophy was exacerbated from 6 to 7 months onward in PS2APP;Trem2ko mice, notwithstanding the reduced plaque load at later ages. PS2APP;Trem2ko mice also exhibited more dendritic spine loss around plaque and more neurofilament light chain in CSF. Thus, aggravated neuritic dystrophy is a more consistent outcome of Trem2 deficiency than amyloid plaque load, suggesting that the microglial packing of Aβ into dense plaque is an important neuroprotective activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Genetic studies indicate that TREM2 gene mutations confer increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. We studied the effects of Trem2 deletion in the PS2APP mouse AD model, in which overproduction of Aβ peptide leads to amyloid plaque formation and associated neuritic dystrophy. Interestingly, neuritic dystrophies were intensified in the brains of Trem2-deficient mice, despite these mice displaying reduced plaque accumulation at later ages (12–22 months). Microglial clustering around plaques was impaired, plaques were more diffuse, and the Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio and amount of soluble, fibrillar Aβ oligomers were elevated in Trem2-deficient brains. These results suggest that the Trem2-dependent compaction of Aβ into dense plaques is a protective microglial activity, limiting the exposure of neurons to toxic Aβ species.
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29
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Jung YJ, Tweedie D, Scerba MT, Greig NH. Neuroinflammation as a Factor of Neurodegenerative Disease: Thalidomide Analogs as Treatments. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:313. [PMID: 31867326 PMCID: PMC6904283 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is initiated when glial cells, mainly microglia, are activated by threats to the neural environment, such as pathogen infiltration or neuronal injury. Although neuroinflammation serves to combat these threats and reinstate brain homeostasis, chronic inflammation can result in excessive cytokine production and cell death if the cause of inflammation remains. Overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine with a central role in microglial activation, has been associated with neuronal excitotoxicity, synapse loss, and propagation of the inflammatory state. Thalidomide and its derivatives, termed immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs), are a class of drugs that target the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of TNF-α mRNA, inhibiting TNF-α production. Due to their multi-potent effects, several IMiDs, including thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide, have been repurposed as drug treatments for diseases such as multiple myeloma and psoriatic arthritis. Preclinical studies of currently marketed IMiDs, as well as novel IMiDs such as 3,6'-dithiothalidomide and adamantyl thalidomide derivatives, support the development of IMiDs as therapeutics for neurological disease. IMiDs have a competitive edge compared to similar anti-inflammatory drugs due to their blood-brain barrier permeability and high bioavailability, with the potential to alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative disease and slow disease progression. In this review, we evaluate the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing specifically on the role of TNF-α in neuroinflammation, as well as appraise current research on the potential of IMiDs as treatments for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Jin Jung
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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30
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Sacher C, Blume T, Beyer L, Peters F, Eckenweber F, Sgobio C, Deussing M, Albert NL, Unterrainer M, Lindner S, Gildehaus FJ, von Ungern-Sternberg B, Brzak I, Neumann U, Saito T, Saido TC, Bartenstein P, Rominger A, Herms J, Brendel M. Longitudinal PET Monitoring of Amyloidosis and Microglial Activation in a Second-Generation Amyloid-β Mouse Model. J Nucl Med 2019; 60:1787-1793. [PMID: 31302633 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.119.227322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonphysiologic overexpression of amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor protein in common transgenic Aβ mouse models of Alzheimer disease likely hampers their translational potential. The novel App NL-G-F mouse incorporates a mutated knock-in, potentially presenting an improved model of Alzheimer disease for Aβ-targeting treatment trials. We aimed to establish serial small-animal PET of amyloidosis and neuroinflammation in App NL-G-F mice as a tool for therapy monitoring. Methods: App NL-G-F mice (20 homozygous and 21 heterogeneous) and 12 age-matched wild-type mice were investigated longitudinally from 2.5 to 10 mo of age with 18F-florbetaben Aβ PET and 18F-GE-180 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) PET. Voxelwise analysis of SUV ratio images was performed using statistical parametric mapping. All mice underwent a Morris water maze test of spatial learning after their final scan. Quantification of fibrillar Aβ and activated microglia by immunohistochemistry and biochemistry served for validation of the PET results. Results: The periaqueductal gray emerged as a suitable pseudo reference tissue for both tracers. Homozygous App NL-G-F mice had a rising SUV ratio in cortex and hippocampus for Aβ (+9.1%, +3.8%) and TSPO (+19.8%, +14.2%) PET from 2.5 to 10 mo of age (all P < 0.05), whereas heterozygous App NL-G-F mice did not show significant changes with age. Significant voxelwise clusters of Aβ deposition and microglial activation in homozygous mice appeared at 5 mo of age. Immunohistochemical and biochemical findings correlated strongly with the PET data. Water maze escape latency was significantly elevated in homozygous App NL-G-F mice compared with wild-type at 10 mo of age and was associated with high TSPO binding. Conclusion: Longitudinal PET in App NL-G-F knock-in mice enables monitoring of amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation in homozygous mice but is insensitive to minor changes in heterozygous animals. The combination of PET with behavioral tasks in App NL-G-F treatment trials is poised to provide important insights in preclinical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sacher
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Tanja Blume
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany.,DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Beyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Finn Peters
- DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eckenweber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Carmelo Sgobio
- DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Deussing
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Nathalie L Albert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Marcus Unterrainer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Simon Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Gildehaus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | | | - Irena Brzak
- Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulf Neumann
- Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; and
| | - Jochen Herms
- DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.,Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich Germany .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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31
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Westfall S, Iqbal U, Sebastian M, Pasinetti GM. Gut microbiota mediated allostasis prevents stress-induced neuroinflammatory risk factors of Alzheimer's disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 168:147-181. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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