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O’Day DH. Calcium and Non-Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury: A Proposal for the Implementation of an Early Therapeutic Treatment for Initial Head Insults. Biomolecules 2024; 14:853. [PMID: 39062567 PMCID: PMC11274459 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Finding an effective treatment for traumatic brain injury is challenging for multiple reasons. There are innumerable different causes and resulting levels of damage for both penetrating and non-penetrating traumatic brain injury each of which shows diverse pathophysiological progressions. More concerning is that disease progression can take decades before neurological symptoms become obvious. Currently, the primary treatment for non-penetrating mild traumatic brain injury, also called concussion, is bed rest despite the fact the majority of emergency room visits for traumatic brain injury are due to this mild form. Furthermore, one-third of mild traumatic brain injury cases progress to long-term serious symptoms. This argues for the earliest therapeutic intervention for all mild traumatic brain injury cases which is the focus of this review. Calcium levels are greatly increased in damaged brain regions as a result of the initial impact due to tissue damage as well as disrupted ion channels. The dysregulated calcium level feedback is a diversity of ways to further augment calcium neurotoxicity. This suggests that targeting calcium levels and function would be a strong therapeutic approach. An effective calcium-based traumatic brain injury therapy could best be developed through therapeutic programs organized in professional team sports where mild traumatic brain injury events are common, large numbers of subjects are involved and professional personnel are available to oversee treatment and documentation. This review concludes with a proposal with that focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O’Day
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada;
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
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2
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Thiankhaw K, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. How calcineurin inhibitors affect cognition. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14161. [PMID: 38747643 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS With a focus on the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical findings, this review will gather comprehensive information about the effects of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) on cognitive function and related brain pathology from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We also summarize the potential mechanisms that underlie the pathways related to CNI-induced cognitive impairment. METHODS We systematically searched articles in PubMed using keywords 'calcineurin inhibitor*' and 'cognition' to identify related articles, which the final list pertaining to underlying mechanisms of CNI on cognition. RESULTS Several studies have reported an association between calcineurin and the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common neurocognitive disorder associated with amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment. CNI, including tacrolimus and cyclosporin A, are commonly prescribed for patients with transplantation of solid organs such as kidney, liver, or heart, those drugs are currently being used as long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Although preclinical models emphasize the favorable effects of CNI on the restoration of brain pathology due to the impacts of calcineurin on the alleviation of amyloid-beta deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation, or rescuing synaptic and mitochondrial functions, treatment-related neurotoxicity, resulting in cognitive dysfunctions has been observed in clinical settings of patients who received CNI. CONCLUSION Inconsistent results of CNI on cognition from clinical studies have been observed due to impairment of the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation mediated by reactive oxygen species, and alteration in mitochondrial fission, and extended research is required to confirm its promising use in cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitti Thiankhaw
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siripron C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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3
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Del Rosario Hernandez T, Joshi NR, Gore SV, Kreiling JA, Creton R. Combining supervised and unsupervised analyses to quantify behavioral phenotypes and validate therapeutic efficacy in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.07.597924. [PMID: 38895269 PMCID: PMC11185760 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.597924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral testing is an essential tool for evaluating cognitive function and dysfunction in preclinical research models. This is of special importance in the study of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. However, the reproducibility of classic behavioral assays is frequently compromised by interstudy variation, leading to ambiguous conclusions about the behavioral markers characterizing the disease. Here, we identify age- and genotype-driven differences between 3xTg-AD and non-transgenic control mice using a low-cost, highly customizable behavioral assay that requires little human intervention. Through behavioral phenotyping combining both supervised and unsupervised behavioral classification methods, we are able to validate the preventative effects of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine A in a rodent model of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the partially ameliorating effects of candidate drugs nebivolol and cabozantinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Del Rosario Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Narendra R Joshi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Sayali V Gore
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Jill A Kreiling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
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4
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Hong JM, Munna AN, Moon JH, Seol JW, Park SY. Melatonin-mediated calcineurin inactivation attenuates amyloid beta-induced apoptosis. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:336-344. [PMID: 38390232 PMCID: PMC10882114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide is a neuropathological marker of AD. While melatonin is recognized to have protective effects on aging and neurodegenerative disorders, the therapeutic effect of melatonin on calcineurin in AD is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of melatonin treatment on amyloid beta-mediated neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells. Melatonin treatment decreased calcineurin and autophagy in neuroblastoma cells. Electron microscopy images showed that melatonin inhibited amyloid beta-induced autophagic vacuoles. The increase in the amyloid beta-induced apoptosis rate was observed more in PrPC-expressing ZW cells than in PrPC-silencing Zpl cells. Taken together, the results suggest that by mitigating the effect of calcineurin and autophagy flux activation, melatonin could also rescue amyloid beta-induced neurotoxic effects. These findings may be relevant to therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Min Hong
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Gobong ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Ali Newaz Munna
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Gobong ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hong Moon
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Gobong ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Seol
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Gobong ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Youel Park
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Gobong ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
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5
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Zeng J, Hu XF, Sun DS, Hong XY, Ma JZ, Feng Q. Alzheimer-like behavior and synaptic dysfunction in 3 × Tg-AD mice are reversed with calcineurin inhibition. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1507-1515. [PMID: 38719948 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06841-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impairments in synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance. Current treatments are unable to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects or reverse the progression of the disease. Calcineurin has been implicated as part of a critical signaling pathway for learning and memory, and neuronal calcineurin may be hyperactivated in AD. To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of FK506, a calcineurin inhibitor, on Alzheimer-like behavior and synaptic dysfunction in the 3 × Tg-AD transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, we investigated the effect of FK506 on cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in the 3 × Tg-AD transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that FK506 treatment ameliorated cognitive deficits, as indicated by the decreased latency in the water maze, and attenuated tau hyperphosphorylation in 3 × Tg-AD mice. Treatment with FK506 also reduced the levels of certain markers of postsynaptic deficits, including PSD-95 and NR2B, and reversed the long-term potentiation deficiency and dendritic spine impairments in 3 × Tg-AD mice. These findings suggest that treatment with calcineurin inhibitors such as FK506 can be an effective therapeutic strategy to rescue synaptic deficit and cognitive impairment in familial Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xian-Feng Hu
- Department of General Practice, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, The School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Hong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, The School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun-Zheng Ma
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiong Feng
- Department of Pathology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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6
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Noche JA, Radhakrishnan H, Ubele MF, Boaz K, Mefford JL, Jones ED, van Rooyen HY, Perpich JA, McCarty K, Meacham B, Smiley J, Bembenek Bailey SA, Puskás LG, Powell DK, Sordo L, Phelan MJ, Norris CM, Head E, Stark CEL. Age-Related Brain Atrophy and the Positive Effects of Behavioral Enrichment in Middle-Aged Beagles. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2366232024. [PMID: 38561226 PMCID: PMC11097262 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2366-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging dogs serve as a valuable preclinical model for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to their natural age-related development of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, human-like metabolism, and large brains that are ideal for studying structural brain aging trajectories from serial neuroimaging. Here we examined the effects of chronic treatment with the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) tacrolimus or the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-inhibiting compound Q134R on age-related canine brain atrophy from a longitudinal study in middle-aged beagles (36 females, 7 males) undergoing behavioral enrichment. Annual MRI was analyzed using modern, automated techniques for region-of-interest-based and voxel-based volumetric assessments. We found that the frontal lobe showed accelerated atrophy with age, while the caudate nucleus remained relatively stable. Remarkably, the hippocampus increased in volume in all dogs. None of these changes were influenced by tacrolimus or Q134R treatment. Our results suggest that behavioral enrichment can prevent atrophy and increase the volume of the hippocampus but does not prevent aging-associated prefrontal cortex atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamsanandini Radhakrishnan
- University of California, Irvine, California 92697
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | | | - Kathy Boaz
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | | | - Erin D Jones
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lorena Sordo
- University of California, Irvine, California 92697
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7
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Hassan M, Yasir M, Shahzadi S, Chun W, Kloczkowski A. Molecular Role of Protein Phosphatases in Alzheimer's and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1097. [PMID: 38791058 PMCID: PMC11117500 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is distinguished by the gradual loss of cognitive function, which is associated with neuronal loss and death. Accumulating evidence supports that protein phosphatases (PPs; PP1, PP2A, PP2B, PP4, PP5, PP6, and PP7) are directly linked with amyloid beta (Aβ) as well as the formation of the neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) causing AD. Published data reported lower PP1 and PP2A activity in both gray and white matters in AD brains than in the controls, which clearly shows that dysfunctional phosphatases play a significant role in AD. Moreover, PP2A is also a major causing factor of AD through the deregulation of the tau protein. Here, we review recent advances on the role of protein phosphatases in the pathology of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of this problem may lead to the development of phosphatase-targeted therapies for neurodegenerative disorders in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubashir Hassan
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
| | - Muhammad Yasir
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (W.C.)
| | - Saba Shahzadi
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
| | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (W.C.)
| | - Andrzej Kloczkowski
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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8
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Tapella L, Dematteis G, La Vitola P, Leva S, Tonelli E, Raddi M, Delconti M, Dacomo L, La Macchia A, Murari E, Talmon M, Malecka J, Chrostek G, Grilli M, Colombo L, Salmona M, Forloni G, Genazzani AA, Balducci C, Lim D. Genetic deletion of astrocytic calcineurin B1 prevents cognitive impairment and neuropathology development in acute and chronic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Glia 2024; 72:899-915. [PMID: 38288580 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents an urgent yet unmet challenge for modern society, calling for exploration of innovative targets and therapeutic approaches. Astrocytes, main homeostatic cells in the CNS, represent promising cell-target. Our aim was to investigate if deletion of the regulatory CaNB1 subunit of calcineurin in astrocytes could mitigate AD-related memory deficits, neuropathology, and neuroinflammation. We have generated two, acute and chronic, AD mouse models with astrocytic CaNB1 ablation (ACN-KO). In the former, we evaluated the ability of β-amyloid oligomers (AβOs) to impair memory and activate glial cells once injected in the cerebral ventricle of conditional ACN-KO mice. Next, we generated a tamoxifen-inducible astrocyte-specific CaNB1 knock-out in 3xTg-AD mice (indACNKO-AD). CaNB1 was deleted, by tamoxifen injection, in 11.7-month-old 3xTg-AD mice for 4.4 months. Spatial memory was evaluated using the Barnes maze; β-amyloid plaques burden, neurofibrillary tangle deposition, reactive gliosis, and neuroinflammation were also assessed. The acute model showed that ICV injected AβOs in 2-month-old wild type mice impaired recognition memory and fostered a pro-inflammatory microglia phenotype, whereas in ACN-KO mice, AβOs were inactive. In indACNKO-AD mice, 4.4 months after CaNB1 depletion, we found preservation of spatial memory and cognitive flexibility, abolishment of amyloidosis, and reduction of neurofibrillary tangles, gliosis, and neuroinflammation. Our results suggest that ACN is crucial for the development of cognitive impairment, AD neuropathology, and neuroinflammation. Astrocyte-specific CaNB1 deletion is beneficial for both the abolishment of AβO-mediated detrimental effects and treatment of ongoing AD-related pathology, hence representing an intriguing target for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Dematteis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Pietro La Vitola
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Susanna Leva
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Tonelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Raddi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Marta Delconti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Letizia Dacomo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto La Macchia
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Murari
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Talmon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Justyna Malecka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gabriela Chrostek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Grilli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Colombo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Salmona
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Claudia Balducci
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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9
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Edison P. Astroglial activation: Current concepts and future directions. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3034-3053. [PMID: 38305570 PMCID: PMC11032537 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are abundantly and ubiquitously expressed cell types with diverse functions throughout the central nervous system. Astrocytes show remarkable plasticity and exhibit morphological, molecular, and functional remodeling in response to injury, disease, or infection of the central nervous system, as evident in neurodegenerative diseases. Astroglial mediated inflammation plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focus on the role of astrocytes as essential players in neuroinflammation and discuss their morphological and functional heterogeneity in the normal central nervous system and explore the spatial and temporal variations in astroglial phenotypes observed under different disease conditions. This review discusses the intimate relationship of astrocytes to pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, this review considers the putative therapeutic strategies that can be deployed to modulate the astroglial functions in neurodegenerative diseases. HIGHLIGHTS: Astroglia mediated neuroinflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Activated astrocytes exhibit diverse phenotypes in a region-specific manner in brain and interact with β-amyloid, tau, and α-synuclein species as well as with microglia and neuronal circuits. Activated astrocytes are likely to influence the trajectory of disease progression of neurodegenerative diseases, as determined by the stage of disease, individual susceptibility, and state of astroglial priming. Modulation of astroglial activation may be a therapeutic strategy at various stages in the trajectory of neurodegenerative diseases to modify the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Edison
- Division of NeurologyDepartment of Brain SciencesFaculty of Medicine, Imperial College LondonLondonUK
- Division of Psychological medicine and clinical neurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityWalesUK
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10
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Kraner SD, Sompol P, Prateeptrang S, Promkan M, Hongthong S, Thongsopha N, Nelson PT, Norris CM. Development of a monoclonal antibody specific for a calpain-generated ∆48 kDa calcineurin fragment, a marker of distressed astrocytes. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 402:110012. [PMID: 37984591 PMCID: PMC10841921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin (CN) is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase. In healthy tissue, CN exists mainly as a full-length (∼60 kDa) highly-regulated protein phosphatase involved in essential cellular functions. However, in diseased or injured tissue, CN is proteolytically converted to a constitutively active fragment that has been causatively-linked to numerous pathophysiologic processes. These calpain-cleaved CN fragments (∆CN) appear at high levels in human brain at early stages of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). NEW METHOD We developed a monoclonal antibody to ∆CN, using an immunizing peptide corresponding to the C-terminal end of the ∆CN fragment. RESULTS We obtained a mouse monoclonal antibody, designated 26A6, that selectively detects ∆CN in Western analysis of calpain-cleaved recombinant human CN. Using this antibody, we screened both pathological and normal human brain sections provided by the University of Kentucky's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. 26A6 showed low reactivity towards normal brain tissue, but detected astrocytes both surrounding AD amyloid plaques and throughout AD brain tissue. In brain tissue with infarcts, there was considerable concentration of 26A6-positive astrocytes within/around infarcts, suggesting a link with anoxic/ischemia pathways. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD The results obtained with the new monoclonal are similar to those obtained with a polyclonal we had previously developed. However, the monoclonal is an abundant tool available to the dementia research community. CONCLUSIONS The new monoclonal 26A6 antibody is highly selective for the ∆CN proteolytic fragment and labels a subset of astrocytes, and could be a useful tool for marking insidious brain pathology and identifying novel astrocyte phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Siriyagon Prateeptrang
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Moltira Promkan
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Suthida Hongthong
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Napasorn Thongsopha
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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11
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Kocanci FG, Goksu AY. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions of tacrolimus (FK506) on human microglial HMC3 cell line. Scand J Immunol 2024; 99:e13339. [PMID: 38441214 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Microglial cells are indispensable for the normal development and functioning of neurons in the central nervous system, where they play a crucial role in maintaining brain homeostasis by surveilling the microenvironment for signs of injury or stress and responding accordingly. However, in neurodegenerative diseases, the density and phenotypes of microglial cells undergo changes, leading to chronic activation and inflammation. Shifting the focus from neurons to microglia in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases has become an important therapeutic target. This study was aimed to investigate the potential of Tacrolimus (FK506) an FDA-approved calcineurin inhibitor, to modulate the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases through anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on microglial activation. The human microglia clone 3 (HMC3) cells were exposed to 1 μg/mL LPS in the presence and absence of doses of FK506. Survival rates of cells were determined using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) method. Morphological evaluation of cells showed that FK506 restored the normal morphology of activated microglia. Furthermore, FK506 treatment increases the total antioxidant capacity and reduces the total oxidative capacity, indicating its potential antioxidant effects. Data from ELISA and RT-PCR analyses showed that LPS abolished its promoting effects on the release of proinflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines in HMC3 cells, reflecting the anti-inflammatory effect of FK506. These findings support the idea that FK506 could be a promising therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases by modulating microglial activation and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Gonca Kocanci
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational High School of Health Services, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Azize Yasemin Goksu
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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12
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Del Rosario Hernández T, Gore SV, Kreiling JA, Creton R. Drug repurposing for neurodegenerative diseases using Zebrafish behavioral profiles. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116096. [PMID: 38185043 PMCID: PMC10922774 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing can accelerate drug development while reducing the cost and risk of toxicity typically associated with de novo drug design. Several disorders lacking pharmacological solutions and exhibiting poor results in clinical trials - such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) - could benefit from a cost-effective approach to finding new therapeutics. We previously developed a neural network model, Z-LaP Tracker, capable of quantifying behaviors in zebrafish larvae relevant to cognitive function, including activity, reactivity, swimming patterns, and optomotor response in the presence of visual and acoustic stimuli. Using this model, we performed a high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs to identify compounds that affect zebrafish larval behavior in a manner consistent with the distinct behavior induced by calcineurin inhibitors. Cyclosporine (CsA) and other calcineurin inhibitors have garnered interest for their potential role in the prevention of AD. We generated behavioral profiles suitable for cluster analysis, through which we identified 64 candidate therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayali V Gore
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jill A Kreiling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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13
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Kocanci FG, Erol AYG, Yildiz F, Eciroglu H. Pimecrolimus protects neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells against anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of both microglial secretome and hydrogen peroxide. Scand J Immunol 2024; 99:e13328. [PMID: 38441277 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors have been found to exhibit a preventive role against neuroinflammation, which represents a crucial underlying mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Additionally, they possess suppressive effects on the activation of apoptotic pathways, which constitute another mechanism underlying such diseases. Given that pimecrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, impedes the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-10, and influences apoptotic processes, it is noteworthy to test its potential neuroprotective properties. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to assess the potential protective effects of pimecrolimus against the degenerative consequences of both microglial secretomes and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an oxidant agent. The survival rates of HMC3 microglia cells, neuron-like differentiated SH-SY5Y (d-SH-SY5Y) cells, and their co-culture were determined using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) method. Furthermore, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were measured using ELISA kits, besides total antioxidant and oxidant capacities in conditioned media of cells. Additionally, the effect of pimecrolimus on neurite length in these cell groups was evaluated through morphological observations. This study revealed, for the first time, that pimecrolimus exerts preventive effects on neurodegenerative processes by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and -antioxidant activities. It holds promise as a potential treatment option for ND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Gonca Kocanci
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational High School of Health Services, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya, Turkey
| | - Azize Yasemin Goksu Erol
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Yildiz
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational High School of Health Services, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya, Turkey
| | - Hamiyet Eciroglu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational High School of Health Services, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya, Turkey
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14
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Garmendia JV, De Sanctis CV, Das V, Annadurai N, Hajduch M, De Sanctis JB. Inflammation, Autoimmunity and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Therapeutics and Beyond. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1080-1109. [PMID: 37898823 PMCID: PMC10964103 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231017141636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease (ND) incidence has recently increased due to improved life expectancy. Alzheimer's (AD) or Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most prevalent NDs. Both diseases are poly genetic, multifactorial and heterogenous. Preventive medicine, a healthy diet, exercise, and controlling comorbidities may delay the onset. After the diseases are diagnosed, therapy is needed to slow progression. Recent studies show that local, peripheral and age-related inflammation accelerates NDs' onset and progression. Patients with autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could be at higher risk of developing AD or PD. However, no increase in ND incidence has been reported if the patients are adequately diagnosed and treated. Autoantibodies against abnormal tau, β amyloid and α- synuclein have been encountered in AD and PD and may be protective. This discovery led to the proposal of immune-based therapies for AD and PD involving monoclonal antibodies, immunization/ vaccines, pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibition and anti-inflammatory cytokine addition. All the different approaches have been analysed here. Future perspectives on new therapeutic strategies for both disorders are concisely examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Valentina Garmendia
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Claudia Valentina De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Viswanath Das
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Narendran Annadurai
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Marián Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
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15
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Zaichick S, Caraveo G. Harnessing IGF-1 and IL-2 as biomarkers for calcineurin activity to tailor optimal FK506 dosage in α-synucleinopathies. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1292555. [PMID: 38094080 PMCID: PMC10716490 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1292555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Rise in Calcium (Ca2+) and hyperactive Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin represent two key determinants of a-synuclein (a-syn) pathobiology implicated in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Calcineurin activity can be inhibited with FK506, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compound. Our previous work demonstrated a protective effect of low doses of FK506 against a-syn pathology in various models of a-syn related pathobiology. Methods: Control and a-syn-expressing mice (12-18 months old) were injected with vehicle or two single doses of FK506 administered 4 days apart. Cerebral cortex and serum from these mice were collected and assayed using a meso scale discovery quickplex SQ 120 for cytokines and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IGF-1. Results: In this study we present evidence that reducing calcineurin activity with FK506 in a-syn transgenic mice increased insulin growth factor (IGF-1), while simultaneously decreasing IL-2 levels in both cerebral cortex and serum. Discussion: The highly conserved Ca2+/calcineurin signaling pathway is known to be affected in a-syn-dependent human disease. FK506, an already approved drug for other uses, exhibits high brain penetrance and a proven safety profile. IL-2 and IGF-1 are produced throughout life and can be measured using standard clinical methods. Our findings provide two potential biomarkers that could guide a clinical trial of FK506 in PD patients, without posing significant logistical or regulatory challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Caraveo
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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16
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Mackiewicz J, Lisek M, Boczek T. Targeting CaN/NFAT in Alzheimer's brain degeneration. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281882. [PMID: 38077352 PMCID: PMC10701682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions. While the exact causes of this debilitating disorder remain elusive, numerous investigations have characterized its two core pathologies: the presence of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Additionally, multiple studies of postmortem brain tissue, as well as results from AD preclinical models, have consistently demonstrated the presence of a sustained inflammatory response. As the persistent immune response is associated with neurodegeneration, it became clear that it may also exacerbate other AD pathologies, providing a link between the initial deposition of β-amyloid plaques and the later development of neurofibrillary tangles. Initially discovered in T cells, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is one of the main transcription factors driving the expression of inflammatory genes and thus regulating immune responses. NFAT-dependent production of inflammatory mediators is controlled by Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes its transcriptional activity. A substantial body of evidence has demonstrated that aberrant CaN/NFAT signaling is linked to several pathologies observed in AD, including neuronal apoptosis, synaptic deficits, and glia activation. In view of this, the role of NFAT isoforms in AD has been linked to disease progression at different stages, some of which are paralleled to diminished cognitive status. The use of classical inhibitors of CaN/NFAT signaling, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, or adeno-associated viruses to specifically inhibit astrocytic NFAT activation, has alleviated some symptoms of AD by diminishing β-amyloid neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In this article, we discuss the recent findings related to the contribution of CaN/NFAT signaling to the progression of AD and highlight the possible benefits of targeting this pathway in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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17
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Stallings NR, O'Neal MA, Hu J, Shen ZJ, Malter JS. Long-term normalization of calcineurin activity in model mice rescues Pin1 and attenuates Alzheimer's phenotypes without blocking peripheral T cell IL-2 response. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:179. [PMID: 37849016 PMCID: PMC10580561 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01323-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have largely failed to yield significant therapeutic benefits. Novel approaches are desperately needed to help address this immense public health issue. Data suggests that early intervention at the first stages of mild cognitive impairment may have a greater chance for success. The calcineurin (CN)-Pin1 signaling cascade can be selectively targeted with tacrolimus (FK506), a highly specific, FDA-approved CN inhibitor used safely for > 20 years in solid organ transplant recipients. AD prevalence was significantly reduced in solid organ recipients treated with FK506. METHODS Time release pellets were used to deliver constant FK506 dosage to APP/PS1 mice without deleterious manipulation or handling. Immunofluorescence, histology, molecular biology, and behavior were used to evaluate changes in AD pathology. RESULTS FK506 can be safely and consistently delivered into juvenile APP/PS1 mice via time-release pellets to levels roughly seen in transplant patients, leading to the normalization of CN activity and reduction or elimination of AD pathologies including synapse loss, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. Pin1 activity and function were rescued despite the continuing presence of high levels of transgenic Aβ42. Indicators of neuroinflammation including Iba1 positivity and IL-6 production were also reduced to normal levels. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained during treatment or splenocytes isolated at euthanasia activated normally after mitogens. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose, constant FK506 can normalize CNS CN and Pin1 activity, suppress neuroinflammation, and attenuate AD-associated pathology without blocking peripheral IL-2 responses making repurposed FK506 a viable option for early, therapeutic intervention in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R Stallings
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Melissa A O'Neal
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Zhong-Jian Shen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - James S Malter
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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18
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Schietzel S, Kressig RW, Huynh-Do U. Screening of cognitive performance in kidney transplant recipients: a mini review. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2023; 3:1238501. [PMID: 37780580 PMCID: PMC10539592 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2023.1238501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Why should we screen? The prevalence of cognitive impairment in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is up to 58%. The 10-year graft loss and mortality rates are above 30% and 50%, respectively, and executive malfunctioning increases disadvantageous outcomes. What causes cognitive impairment in KTRs? Strong risk factors are older age and chronic kidney disease. However, causes are multifactorial and include cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, uremic, psychiatric, and lifestyle-related susceptibilities. How should we screen? KTR-specific validated instruments or strategies do not exist. The central element should be a multidomain cognitive screening test that is sensitive to mild cognitive impairment, corrects for age and education, and includes executive functions testing. Cognitive trajectories, effects on everyday life and psychiatric comorbidities should be assessed by integrating the perspectives of both patients and knowledgeable informants. When should we screen? Screening should not be postponed if there is suspicion of impaired cognition. Different time points after transplantation tend to have their own characteristics. Who should conduct the screening? Screening should not be limited to specialists. It can be carried out by any healthcare professional who has received a limited amount of training. What are the benefits of screening? Screening does not provide a diagnosis. However, suggestive results change care in multiple ways. Goals are: Initiation of professional dementia work-up, securing of adherence, anticipation of potential complications (delirium, falls, frailty, functional impairment, malnutrition, etc.), mitigation of behavioral disorders, adjustment of diagnostic and therapeutic "load", reduction of caregiver burden and meeting of changing needs. We summarize data on the prevalence, risk factors and sequelae of cognitive impairment in KTRs. We also discuss the requirements for appropriate screening strategies and provide guiding principles regarding appropriate and safe care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Schietzel
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto W. Kressig
- University Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uyen Huynh-Do
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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19
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Hernández TDR, Gore SV, Kreiling JA, Creton R. Finding Drug Repurposing Candidates for Neurodegenerative Diseases using Zebrafish Behavioral Profiles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.12.557235. [PMID: 37745452 PMCID: PMC10515830 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.12.557235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing can accelerate drug development while reducing the cost and risk of toxicity typically associated with de novo drug design. Several disorders lacking pharmacological solutions and exhibiting poor results in clinical trials - such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) - could benefit from a cost-effective approach to finding new therapeutics. We previously developed a neural network model, Z-LaP Tracker, capable of quantifying behaviors in zebrafish larvae relevant to cognitive function, including activity, reactivity, swimming patterns, and optomotor response in the presence of visual and acoustic stimuli. Using this model, we performed a high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs to identify compounds that affect zebrafish larval behavior in a manner consistent with the distinct behavior induced by calcineurin inhibitors. Cyclosporine (CsA) and other calcineurin inhibitors have garnered interest for their potential role in the prevention of AD. We generated behavioral profiles suitable for cluster analysis, through which we identified 64 candidate therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Del Rosario Hernández
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sayali V Gore
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jill A Kreiling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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20
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Griffioen G. Calcium Dyshomeostasis Drives Pathophysiology and Neuronal Demise in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13243. [PMID: 37686048 PMCID: PMC10487569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This review postulates that age-related neurodegeneration entails inappropriate activation of intrinsic pathways to enable brain plasticity through deregulated calcium (Ca2+) signalling. Ca2+ in the cytosol comprises a versatile signal controlling neuronal cell physiology to accommodate adaptive structural and functional changes of neuronal networks (neuronal plasticity) and, as such, is essential for brain function. Although disease risk factors selectively affect different neuronal cell types across age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), these appear to have in common the ability to impair the specificity of the Ca2+ signal. As a result, non-specific Ca2+ signalling facilitates the development of intraneuronal pathophysiology shared by age-related NDDs, including mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, impaired proteostasis, and decreased axonal transport, leading to even more Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. These core pathophysiological processes and elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels comprise a self-enforcing feedforward cycle inevitably spiralling toward high levels of cytosolic Ca2+. The resultant elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels ultimately gear otherwise physiological effector pathways underlying plasticity toward neuronal demise. Ageing impacts mitochondrial function indiscriminately of the neuronal cell type and, therefore, contributes to the feedforward cycle of pathophysiology development seen in all age-related NDDs. From this perspective, therapeutic interventions to safely restore Ca2+ homeostasis would mitigate the excessive activation of neuronal destruction pathways and, therefore, are expected to have promising neuroprotective potential.
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21
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Dahl R, Moore AC, Knight C, Mauger C, Zhang H, Schiltz GE, Koss WA, Bezprozvanny I. Positive Allosteric Modulator of SERCA Pump NDC-1173 Exerts Beneficial Effects in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11057. [PMID: 37446234 PMCID: PMC10341805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide. AD does not have a cure and most drug development efforts in the AD field have been focused on targeting the amyloid pathway based on the "amyloid cascade hypothesis". However, in addition to the amyloid pathway, substantial evidence also points to dysregulated neuronal calcium (Ca2+) signaling as one of the key pathogenic events in AD, and it has been proposed that pharmacological agents that stabilize neuronal Ca2+ signaling may act as disease-modifying agents in AD. In previous studies, we demonstrated that positive allosteric regulators (PAMs) of the Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump might act as such Ca2+ stabilizing agents. In the present study, we report the development of a novel SERCA PAM agent, compound NDC-1173. To test the effectiveness of this compound, we performed behavioral studies with the APP/PS1 transgenic AD mouse model. We also evaluated effects of this compound on expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress genes in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. The results of this study support the hypothesis that the SERCA pump is a potential novel therapeutic drug target and that NDC-1173 is a promising lead molecule for developing disease-modifying agents in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Dahl
- Neurodon, 9800 Connecticut Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307, USA;
| | - Amanda C. Moore
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.C.M.); (W.A.K.)
| | - Caitlynn Knight
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (C.K.); (H.Z.)
| | - Colleen Mauger
- Neurodon, 9800 Connecticut Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307, USA;
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (C.K.); (H.Z.)
| | - Gary E. Schiltz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Wendy A. Koss
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (A.C.M.); (W.A.K.)
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (C.K.); (H.Z.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
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22
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Malter JS. Pin1 and Alzheimer's disease. Transl Res 2023; 254:24-33. [PMID: 36162703 PMCID: PMC10111655 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an immense and growing public health crisis. Despite over 100 years of investigation, the etiology remains elusive and therapy ineffective. Despite current gaps in knowledge, recent studies have identified dysfunction or loss-of-function of Pin1, a unique cis-trans peptidyl prolyl isomerase, as an important step in AD pathogenesis. Here I review the functionality of Pin1 and its role in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Malter
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5333 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390.
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23
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Lim D, Tapella L, Dematteis G, Talmon M, Genazzani AA. Calcineurin Signalling in Astrocytes: From Pathology to Physiology and Control of Neuronal Functions. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1077-1090. [PMID: 36083398 PMCID: PMC10030417 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03744-4] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN), a Ca2+/calmodulin-activated serine/threonine phosphatase, acts as a Ca2+-sensitive switch regulating cellular functions through protein dephosphorylation and activation of gene transcription. In astrocytes, the principal homeostatic cells in the CNS, over-activation of CaN is known to drive pathological transcriptional remodelling, associated with neuroinflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and brain trauma. Recent reports suggest that, in physiological conditions, the activity of CaN in astrocytes is transcription-independent and is required for maintenance of basal protein synthesis rate and activation of astrocytic Na+/K+ pump thereby contributing to neuronal functions such as neuronal excitability and memory formation. In this contribution we overview the role of Ca2+ and CaN signalling in astroglial pathophysiology focusing on the emerging physiological role of CaN in astrocytes. We propose a model for the context-dependent switch of CaN activity from the post-transcriptional regulation of cell proteostasis in healthy astrocytes to the CaN-dependent transcriptional activation in neuroinflammation-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - Laura Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Dematteis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
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24
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Gore SV, Kakodkar R, Del Rosario Hernández T, Edmister ST, Creton R. Zebrafish Larvae Position Tracker (Z-LaP Tracker): a high-throughput deep-learning behavioral approach for the identification of calcineurin pathway-modulating drugs using zebrafish larvae. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3174. [PMID: 36823315 PMCID: PMC9950053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain function studies greatly depend on quantification and analysis of behavior. While behavior can be imaged efficiently, the quantification of specific aspects of behavior is labor-intensive and may introduce individual biases. Recent advances in deep learning and artificial intelligence-based tools have made it possible to precisely track individual features of freely moving animals in diverse environments without any markers. In the current study, we developed Zebrafish Larvae Position Tracker (Z-LaP Tracker), a modification of the markerless position estimation software DeepLabCut, to quantify zebrafish larval behavior in a high-throughput 384-well setting. We utilized the high-contrast features of our model animal, zebrafish larvae, including the eyes and the yolk for our behavioral analysis. Using this experimental setup, we quantified relevant behaviors with similar accuracy to the analysis performed by humans. The changes in behavior were organized in behavioral profiles, which were examined by K-means and hierarchical cluster analysis. Calcineurin inhibitors exhibited a distinct behavioral profile characterized by increased activity, acoustic hyperexcitability, reduced visually guided behaviors, and reduced habituation to acoustic stimuli. The developed methodologies were used to identify 'CsA-type' drugs that might be promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayali V. Gore
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Rohit Kakodkar
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Center for Computation and Visualization, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Thaís Del Rosario Hernández
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Sara Tucker Edmister
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Robbert Creton
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
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Zhang H, Knight C, Chen SRW, Bezprozvanny I. A Gating Mutation in Ryanodine Receptor Type 2 Rescues Phenotypes of Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Models by Upregulating Neuronal Autophagy. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1441-1454. [PMID: 36627208 PMCID: PMC9987572 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1820-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that ryanodine receptors (RyanRs) are overactive in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it has been suggested that inhibition of RyanR is potentially beneficial for AD treatment. In the present study, we explored a potential connection between basal RyanR activity and autophagy in neurons. Autophagy plays an important role in clearing damaged organelles and long-lived protein aggregates, and autophagy dysregulation occurs in both AD patients and AD animal models. Autophagy is known to be regulated by intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signals, and our results indicated that basal RyanR2 activity in hippocampal neurons inhibited autophagy through activation of calcineurin and the resulting inhibition of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)-ULK1 (unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1) pathway. Thus, we hypothesized that increased basal RyanR2 activity in AD may lead to the inhibition of neuronal autophagy and accumulation of β-amyloid. To test this hypothesis, we took advantage of the RyanR2-E4872Q knock-in mouse model (EQ) in which basal RyanR2 activity is reduced because of shortened channel open time. We discovered that crossing EQ mice with the APPKI and APPPS1 mouse models of AD (both males and females) rescued amyloid accumulation and LTP impairment in these mice. Our results revealed that reduced basal activity of RyanR2-EQ channels disinhibited the autophagic pathway and led to increased amyloid clearance in these models. These data indicated a potential pathogenic outcome of RyanR2 overactivation in AD and also provided additional targets for therapeutic intervention in AD. Basal activity of ryanodine receptors controls neuronal autophagy and contributes to development of the AD phenotype.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT It is well established that neuronal autophagy is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our results suggest that supranormal calcium (Ca2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum contributes to the inhibition of autophagy in AD and that reduction in basal activity of type 2 ryanodine receptors disinhibits the neuronal autophagic pathway and leads to increased amyloid clearance in AD models. Our findings directly link neuronal Ca2+ dysregulation with autophagy dysfunction in AD and point to additional targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Caitlynn Knight
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - S R Wayne Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, St. Petersburg State Polytechnical Universty, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation
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Norris CM. Is It Time to Repurpose Calcineurin Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia? J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:599-602. [PMID: 37661889 PMCID: PMC10947791 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Numerous preclinical and human tissue studies implicate the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) as a pathophysiologic mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. Using public electronic records of tens of thousands of individuals across the United States, Silva et al. (2023) show that use of the FDA-approved CN inhibitor, tacrolimus (for purposes of immunosuppression) is also associated with reduced prevalence of dementia-related symptoms. Notably, the study controls for age, sex, and race as well as multiple risk factors for AD. The results suggest that tacrolimus, and possibly other immunosuppressants could be repurposed for the treatment of AD-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Silva JD, Taglialatela G, Jupiter DC. Reduced Prevalence of Dementia in Patients Prescribed Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, or Cyclosporine. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:585-597. [PMID: 37574739 PMCID: PMC10578212 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests patients prescribed calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have a reduced prevalence of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, this result has never been replicated in a large cohort and the involved mechanism(s) and site of action (central versus periphery) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE We aim to determine if prescription of CNIs is associated with reduced prevalence of dementia, including AD, in a large, diverse patient population. Furthermore, we aim to gain insight into the mechanism(s) and site of action for CNIs to reduce dementia prevalence. METHODS Electronic health records (EHRs) from patients prescribed tacrolimus, cyclosporine, or sirolimus were analyzed to compare prevalence, odds, and hazard ratios related to dementia diagnoses among cohorts. EHRs from a random, heterogeneous population from the same network were obtained to generate a general population-like control. RESULTS All drugs examined reduced dementia prevalence compared to the general population-like control. There were no differences in dementia diagnoses upon comparing tacrolimus and sirolimus; however, patients prescribed tacrolimus had a reduced dementia prevalence relative to cyclosporine. CONCLUSION Converging mechanisms of action between tacrolimus and sirolimus likely explain the similar dementia prevalence between the cohorts. Calcineurin inhibition within the brain has a greater probability of reducing dementia relative to peripherally-restricted calcineurin inhibition. Overall, immunosuppressants provide a promising therapeutic avenue for dementia, with emphasis on the brain-penetrant CNI tacrolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline D. Silva
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel C. Jupiter
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Bezprozvanny I. Alzheimer's disease - Where do we go from here? Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 633:72-76. [PMID: 36344168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St Petersburg State Polytechnical University, St. Petersburg, 195251, Russia.
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O’Day DH. Calmodulin Binding Domains in Critical Risk Proteins Involved in Neurodegeneration. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:5802-5814. [PMID: 36421678 PMCID: PMC9689381 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44110394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration leads to multiple early changes in cognitive, emotional, and social behaviours and ultimately progresses to dementia. The dysregulation of calcium is one of the earliest potentially initiating events in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. A primary neuronal target of calcium is the small sensor and effector protein calmodulin that, in response to calcium levels, binds to and regulates hundreds of calmodulin binding proteins. The intimate and entangled relationship between calmodulin binding proteins and all phases of Alzheimer's disease has been established, but the relationship to other neurodegenerative diseases is just beginning to be evaluated. Risk factors and hallmark proteins from Parkinson's disease (PD; SNCA, Parkin, PINK1, LRRK2, PARK7), Huntington's disease (HD; Htt, TGM1, TGM2), Lewy Body disease (LBD; TMEM175, GBA), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal disease (ALS/FTD; VCP, FUS, TDP-43, TBK1, C90rf72, SQSTM1, CHCHD10, SOD1) were scanned for the presence of calmodulin binding domains and, within them, appropriate binding motifs. Binding domains and motifs were identified in multiple risk proteins, some of which are involved in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The potential calmodulin binding profiles for risk proteins involved in HD, PD, LBD, and ALS/FTD coupled with other studies on proven binding proteins supports the central and potentially critical role for calmodulin in neurodegenerative events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O’Day
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada;
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
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Liu BM, Gao YL, Zhang DJ, Zhou F, Wang J, Zheng CH, Liu JX. A new framework for drug-disease association prediction combing light-gated message passing neural network and gated fusion mechanism. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6775584. [PMID: 36305457 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of research on the complex aetiology of many diseases, computational drug repositioning methodology has proven to be a shortcut to costly and inefficient traditional methods. Therefore, developing more promising computational methods is indispensable for finding new candidate diseases to treat with existing drugs. In this paper, a model integrating a new variant of message passing neural network and a novel-gated fusion mechanism called GLGMPNN is proposed for drug-disease association prediction. First, a light-gated message passing neural network (LGMPNN), including message passing, aggregation and updating, is proposed to separately extract multiple pieces of information from the similarity networks and the association network. Then, a gated fusion mechanism consisting of a forget gate and an output gate is applied to integrate the multiple pieces of information to extent. The forget gate calculated by the multiple embeddings is built to integrate the association information into the similarity information. Furthermore, the final node representations are controlled by the output gate, which fuses the topology information of the networks and the initial similarity information. Finally, a bilinear decoder is adopted to reconstruct an adjacency matrix for drug-disease associations. Evaluated by 10-fold cross-validations, GLGMPNN achieves excellent performance compared with the current models. The following studies show that our model can effectively discover novel drug-disease associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Min Liu
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Ying-Lian Gao
- Qufu Normal University Library, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Dai-Jun Zhang
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Chun-Hou Zheng
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Jin-Xing Liu
- School of Computer Science, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China
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Mukherjee A, Cuanalo-Contreras K, Sood A, Soto C. Development of a novel pharmacophore model to screen specific inhibitors for the serine-threonine protein phosphatase calcineurin. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 31:101311. [PMID: 36032402 PMCID: PMC9398911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101311] [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: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN) is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase with a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. It is also the target of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved immunosuppressant drugs FK506 and cyclosporine A. Recent work from our group and others indicated that an uncontrolled increase in CaN activity causes synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death in various models of neurodegenerative diseases associated with calcium dysregulation. Furthermore, pharmacological normalization of CaN activity can prevent disease progression in animal models. However, none of the FDA-approved CaN inhibitors bind CaN directly, leading to adverse side effects. The development of direct CaN inhibitors is required to reduce off-target effects, but its highly conserved active site and similar mechanism of action with other protein serine/threonine phosphatases impose a significant challenge. In this work, we developed a novel pharmacophore model to screen for CaN-specific inhibitors. Then, we performed a virtual screen for molecules having the pharmacophore model. We also show that the molecules identified in this screen can inhibit CaN with a low micromolar IC50. Interestingly, the inhibitors identified from the screen do not inhibit phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A, a member of the serine/threonine phosphatase family that shares 43% sequence identity with the CaN active site. The pharmacophore model that we developed and validated in this work may help to accelerate the development of specific CaN inhibitors. In this work, we developed a novel pharmacophore model to screen for CaN-specific inhibitors. We show that the molecules identified in this screen can inhibit CaN with a low micromolar IC50. Importantly, the inhibitors identified from the screen do not inhibit phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A, a member of the serine/threonine phosphatase family that shares 43% sequence identity with the CaN active site.
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32
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Tucker Edmister S, Del Rosario Hernández T, Ibrahim R, Brown CA, Gore SV, Kakodkar R, Kreiling JA, Creton R. Novel use of FDA-approved drugs identified by cluster analysis of behavioral profiles. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6120. [PMID: 35449173 PMCID: PMC9023506 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10133-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Repurposing FDA-approved drugs is an efficient and cost-effective approach in the development of therapeutics for a broad range of diseases. However, prediction of function can be challenging, especially in the brain. We screened a small-molecule library with FDA-approved drugs for effects on behavior. The studies were carried out using zebrafish larvae, imaged in a 384-well format. We found that various drugs affect activity, habituation, startle responses, excitability, and optomotor responses. The changes in behavior were organized in behavioral profiles, which were examined by hierarchical cluster analysis. One of the identified clusters includes the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506), which are immunosuppressants and potential therapeutics in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The calcineurin inhibitors form a functional cluster with seemingly unrelated drugs, including bromocriptine, tetrabenazine, rosiglitazone, nebivolol, sorafenib, cabozantinib, tamoxifen, meclizine, and salmeterol. We propose that drugs with 'CsA-type' behavioral profiles are promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tucker Edmister
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Thaís Del Rosario Hernández
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Rahma Ibrahim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Cameron A Brown
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sayali V Gore
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Rohit Kakodkar
- Center for Computation and Visualization, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jill A Kreiling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Characterization of Altered Molecular Pathways in the Entorhinal Cortex of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and In Silico Prediction of Potential Repurposable Drugs. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040703. [PMID: 35456509 PMCID: PMC9028005 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive functions. Accumulation of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are a typical feature of AD neuropathological changes. The entorhinal cortex (EC) is the first brain area associated with pathologic changes in AD, even preceding atrophy of the hippocampus. In the current study, we have performed a meta-analysis of publicly available expression data sets of the entorhinal cortex (EC) in order to identify potential pathways underlying AD pathology. The meta-analysis identified 1915 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the EC from normal and AD patients. Among the downregulated DEGs, we found a significant enrichment of biological processes pertaining to the “neuronal system” (R-HSA-112316) and the “synaptic signaling” (GO:0099536), while the “regulation of protein catabolic process” (GO:00042176) and “transport of small molecules” (R-HSA-382551) resulted in enrichment among both the upregulated and downregulated DEGs. Finally, by means of an in silico pharmacology approach, we have prioritized drugs and molecules potentially able to revert the transcriptional changes associated with AD pathology. The drugs with a mostly anti-correlated signature were: efavirenz, an anti-retroviral drug; tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor; and sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor. Among the predicted drugs, those potentially able to cross the blood-brain barrier have also been identified. Overall, our study found a disease-specific set of dysfunctional biological pathways characterizing the EC in AD patients and identified a set of drugs that could in the future be exploited as potential therapeutic strategies. The approach used in the current study has some limitations, as it does not account for possible post-transcriptional events regulating the cellular phenotype, and also, much clinical information about the samples included in the meta-analysis was not available. However, despite these limitations, our study sets the basis for future investigations on the pathogenetic processes occurring in AD and proposes the repurposing of currently used drugs for the treatment of AD patients.
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Edmister ST, Ibrahim R, Kakodkar R, Kreiling JA, Creton R. A zebrafish model for calcineurin-dependent brain function. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113544. [PMID: 34425181 PMCID: PMC8903086 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule modulators of calcineurin signaling have been proposed as potential therapeutics in Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Models predict that in Down syndrome, suppressed calcineurin-NFAT signaling may be mitigated by proINDY, which activates NFAT, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells. Conversely, elevated calcineurin signaling in Alzheimer's disease may be suppressed with the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Such small-molecule treatments may have both beneficial and adverse effects. The current study examines the effects of proINDY, cyclosporine and tacrolimus on behavior, using zebrafish larvae as a model system. To suppress calcineurin signaling, larvae were treated with cyclosporine and tacrolimus. We found that these calcineurin inhibitors induced hyperactivity, suppressed visually-guided behaviors, acoustic hyperexcitability and reduced habituation to acoustic stimuli. To activate calcineurin-NFAT signaling, larvae were treated with proINDY. ProINDY treatment reduced activity and stimulated visually-guided behaviors, opposite to the behavioral changes induced by calcineurin inhibitors. The opposing effects suggest that activity and visually-guided behaviors are regulated by the calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway. A central role of calcineurin-NFAT signaling is further supported by co-treatments of calcineurin inhibitors and proINDY, which had therapeutic effects on activity and visually-guided behaviors. However, these co-treatments adversely increased excitability, suggesting that some behaviors are regulated by other calcineurin signaling pathways. Overall, the developed methodologies provide an efficient high-throughput platform for the evaluation of modulators of calcineurin signaling that restore neural function, while avoiding adverse side effects, in a complex neural system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tucker Edmister
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Rahma Ibrahim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Rohit Kakodkar
- Center for Computation and Visualization, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Jill A. Kreiling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.,Corresponding author.
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Reffatto V, Gupta PK, Williams T, Schmitz-Brown ME, Vizzeri G. FK506 Treatment Prevents Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thinning in Organ-Transplanted Glaucoma Patients: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study. Cureus 2021; 13:e18192. [PMID: 34722017 PMCID: PMC8544622 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This is a retrospective study of primary open-angle glaucoma patients treated with the immunosuppressor FK506 (tacrolimus) after an organ transplant. We assessed whether FK506 might be a potential neuroprotector adjuvant in glaucoma therapy. Patients and methods Organ transplant patients treated with FK506 for one or more years between 2006 and 2017 at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) were enrolled. Those selected were patients older than or equal to 50 years of age and had an ophthalmological eye examination with or without diagnostic tests for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Sixty-one eligible subjects were included in the study and matched with the non-FK506 control group for age, gender, race, and follow-up visits. Results A lower incidence of POAG was noted in the FK506-treated patients (15%) when compared to the non-FK506 group (22%), though not significant (p=0.34). Among POAG subjects, the average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness decreased at a rate of 1.4 µm per year (p=0.0001) in the non-FK506 control patients versus 0.4 µm per year (p=0.34) in the FK506 patients. The superior and inferior RNFL quadrants in the control non-FK506 group had a thinning of 2.2 µm and 2.3 µm per year, respectively, (p=0.003 and p=0.0001), while in the FK506 patients, there was no significant loss. In addition, RNFL thinning in nasal and temporal quadrant also showed less reduction in FK506-treated subjects but was not statistically significant (p=0.68 and p=0.93). Conclusion FK506 therapy offers a new promising avenue for neuroprotection in POAG patients and needs to be investigated further for use in conjunction with conventional glaucoma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Praveena K Gupta
- Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Tamila Williams
- Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
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Sanderson JL, Freund RK, Gorski JA, Dell'Acqua ML. β-Amyloid disruption of LTP/LTD balance is mediated by AKAP150-anchored PKA and Calcineurin regulation of Ca 2+-permeable AMPA receptors. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109786. [PMID: 34610314 PMCID: PMC8530450 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulated insertion and removal of postsynaptic AMPA glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediates hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. In Alzheimer’s disease β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers may impair learning and memory by altering AMPAR trafficking and LTP/LTD balance. Importantly, Ca2+-permeable AMPARs (CP-AMPARs) assembled from GluA1 subunits are excluded from hippocampal synapses basally but can be recruited rapidly during LTP and LTD to modify synaptic strength and signaling. By employing mouse knockin mutations that disrupt anchoring of the kinase PKA or phosphatase Calcineurin (CaN) to the postsynaptic scaffold protein AKAP150, we find that local AKAP-PKA signaling is required for CP-AMPAR recruitment, which can facilitate LTP but also, paradoxically, prime synapses for Aβ impairment of LTP mediated by local AKAP-CaN LTD signaling that promotes subsequent CP-AMPAR removal. These findings highlight the importance of PKA/CaN signaling balance and CP-AMPARs in normal plasticity and aberrant plasticity linked to disease. In Alzheimer’s disease, Aβ oligomers disrupt hippocampal neuronal plasticity and cognition. Sanderson et al. show how the postsynaptic scaffold protein AKAP150 coordinates PKA and Calcineurin regulation of Ca2+-permeable AMPA-type glutamate receptors to mediate disruption of synaptic plasticity by Aβ oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Sanderson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ronald K Freund
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jessica A Gorski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mark L Dell'Acqua
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Kraner SD, Artiushin IA, Cloyd RA, Chishti EA, Koren SA, Nation GK, Abisambra JF, Huzian O, Nagy LI, Santha M, Hackler L, Puskas LG, Norris CM. Q134R: Small chemical compound with NFAT inhibitory properties improves behavioral performance and synapse function in mouse models of amyloid pathology. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13416. [PMID: 34117818 PMCID: PMC8282246 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) ameliorates pathophysiologic and cognitive changes in aging rodents and mice with aging-related Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology. However, concerns over adverse effects have slowed the transition of common CN-inhibiting drugs to the clinic for the treatment of AD and AD-related disorders. Targeting substrates of CN, like the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs), has been suggested as an alternative, safer approach to CN inhibitors. However, small chemical inhibitors of NFATs have only rarely been described. Here, we investigate a newly developed neuroprotective hydroxyquinoline derivative (Q134R) that suppresses NFAT signaling, without inhibiting CN activity. Q134R partially inhibited NFAT activity in primary rat astrocytes, but did not prevent CN-mediated dephosphorylation of a non-NFAT target, either in vivo, or in vitro. Acute (≤1 week) oral delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 (12 months old) or wild-type mice (3-4 months old) infused with oligomeric Aβ peptides led to improved Y maze performance. Chronic (≥3 months) oral delivery of Q134R appeared to be safe, and, in fact, promoted survival in wild-type (WT) mice when given for many months beyond middle age. Finally, chronic delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 mice during the early stages of amyloid pathology (i.e., between 6 and 9 months) tended to reduce signs of glial reactivity, prevented the upregulation of astrocytic NFAT4, and ameliorated deficits in synaptic strength and plasticity, without noticeably altering parenchymal Aβ plaque pathology. The results suggest that Q134R is a promising drug for treating AD and aging-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jenna L. Gollihue
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Susan D. Kraner
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Irina A. Artiushin
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Ryan A. Cloyd
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Emad A. Chishti
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Shon A. Koren
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Grant K. Nation
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jose F. Abisambra
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
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Radhakrishnan H, Ubele MF, Krumholz SM, Boaz K, Mefford JL, Jones ED, Meacham B, Smiley J, Puskás LG, Powell DK, Norris CM, Stark CEL, Head E. Tacrolimus Protects against Age-Associated Microstructural Changes in the Beagle Brain. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5124-5133. [PMID: 33952632 PMCID: PMC8197636 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0361-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of calcineurin leads to astrocyte hyperactivation, neuronal death, and inflammation, which are characteristics often associated with pathologic aging and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, prevents age-associated microstructural atrophy, which we measured using higher-order diffusion MRI, in the middle-aged beagle brain (n = 30, male and female). We find that tacrolimus reduces hippocampal (p = 0.001) and parahippocampal (p = 0.002) neurite density index, as well as protects against an age-associated increase in the parahippocampal (p = 0.007) orientation dispersion index. Tacrolimus also protects against an age-related decrease in fractional anisotropy in the prefrontal cortex (p < 0.0001). We also show that these microstructural alterations precede cognitive decline and gross atrophy. These results support the idea that calcineurin inhibitors may have the potential to prevent aging-related pathology if administered at middle age.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hyperactive calcineurin signaling causes neuroinflammation and other neurobiological changes often associated with pathologic aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Controlling the expression of calcineurin before gross cognitive deficits are observable might serve as a promising avenue for preventing AD pathology. In this study, we show that the administration of the calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus, over 1 year prevents age- and AD-associated microstructural changes in the hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, and prefrontal cortex of the middle-aged beagle brain, with no noticeable adverse effects. Tacrolimus is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans to prevent solid organ transplant rejection, and our results bolster the promise of this drug to prevent AD and aging-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamsanandini Radhakrishnan
- Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Margo F Ubele
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Stephanie M Krumholz
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Kathy Boaz
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Jennifer L Mefford
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Erin Denhart Jones
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Beverly Meacham
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Jeffrey Smiley
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | | | - David K Powell
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
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Ohta S. Direct Targets and Subsequent Pathways for Molecular Hydrogen to Exert Multiple Functions: Focusing on Interventions in Radical Reactions. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:595-609. [PMID: 32767925 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200806101137] [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: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Molecular hydrogen (H2) was long regarded as non-functional in mammalian cells. We overturned the concept by demonstrating that H2 exhibits antioxidant effects and protects cells against oxidative stress. Subsequently, it has been revealed that H2 has multiple functions in addition to antioxidant effects, including antiinflammatory, anti-allergic functions, and as cell death and autophagy regulation. Additionally, H2 stimulates energy metabolism. As H2 does not readily react with most biomolecules without a catalyst, it is essential to identify the primary targets with which H2 reacts or interacts directly. As a first event, H2 may react directly with strong oxidants, such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in vivo. This review addresses the key issues related to this in vivo reaction. •OH may have a physiological role because it triggers a free radical chain reaction and may be involved in the regulation of Ca2+- or mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+-channeling. In the subsequent pathway, H2 suppressed a free radical chain reaction, leading to decreases in lipid peroxide and its end products. Derived from the peroxides, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal functions as a mediator that up-regulates multiple functional PGC-1α. As the other direct target in vitro and in vivo, H2 intervenes in the free radical chain reaction to modify oxidized phospholipids, which may act as an antagonist of Ca2+-channels. The resulting suppression of Ca2+-signaling inactivates multiple functional NFAT and CREB transcription factors, which may explain H2 multi-functionality. This review also addresses the involvement of NFAT in the beneficial role of H2 in COVID-19, Alzheimer's disease and advanced cancer. We discuss some unsolved issues of H2 action on lipopolysaccharide signaling, MAPK and NF-κB pathways and the Nrf2 paradox. Finally, as a novel idea for the direct targeting of H2, this review introduces the possibility that H2 causes structural changes in proteins via hydrate water changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Ohta
- Department of Neurology Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
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Kitamura N, Kaminuma O. Isoform-Selective NFAT Inhibitor: Potential Usefulness and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2725. [PMID: 33800389 PMCID: PMC7962815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which is the pharmacological target of immunosuppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus, has been shown to play an important role not only in T cells (immune system), from which their name is derived, but also in many biological events. Therefore, functional and/or structural abnormalities of NFAT are linked to the pathogenesis of diseases in various organs. The NFAT protein family consists of five isoforms, and each isoform performs diverse functions and has unique expression patterns in the target tissues. This diversity has made it difficult to obtain ideal pharmacological output for immunosuppressants that inhibit the activity of almost all NFAT family members, causing serious and wide-ranging side effects. Moreover, it remains unclear whether isoform-selective NFAT regulation can be achieved by targeting the structural differences among NFAT isoforms and whether this strategy can lead to the development of better drugs than the existing ones. This review summarizes the role of the NFAT family members in biological events, including the development of various diseases, as well as the usefulness of and problems associated with NFAT-targeting therapies, including those dependent on current immunosuppressants. Finally, we propose a novel therapeutic strategy based on the molecular mechanisms that enable selective regulation of specific NFAT isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Kitamura
- Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Osamu Kaminuma
- Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
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41
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McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, Lerner A. A Fundamental Role for Oxidants and Intracellular Calcium Signals in Alzheimer's Pathogenesis-And How a Comprehensive Antioxidant Strategy May Aid Prevention of This Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2140. [PMID: 33669995 PMCID: PMC7926325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042140] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and increased cytoplasmic calcium are key mediators of the detrimental effects on neuronal function and survival in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pathways whereby these perturbations arise, and then prevent dendritic spine formation, promote tau hyperphosphorylation, further amplify amyloid β generation, and induce neuronal apoptosis, are described. A comprehensive program of nutraceutical supplementation, comprised of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor phycocyanobilin, phase two inducers, the mitochondrial antioxidant astaxanthin, and the glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine, may have important potential for antagonizing the toxic effects of amyloid β on neurons and thereby aiding prevention of AD. Moreover, nutraceutical antioxidant strategies may oppose the adverse impact of amyloid β oligomers on astrocyte clearance of glutamate, and on the ability of brain capillaries to export amyloid β monomers/oligomers from the brain. Antioxidants, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and vitamin D, have potential for suppressing microglial production of interleukin-1β, which potentiates the neurotoxicity of amyloid β. Epidemiology suggests that a health-promoting lifestyle, incorporating a prudent diet, regular vigorous exercise, and other feasible measures, can cut the high risk for AD among the elderly by up to 60%. Conceivably, complementing such lifestyle measures with long-term adherence to the sort of nutraceutical regimen outlined here may drive down risk for AD even further.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aaron Lerner
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Tel Hashomer 5262000, Israel
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42
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Kang YJ, Diep YN, Tran M, Cho H. Therapeutic Targeting Strategies for Early- to Late-Staged Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9591. [PMID: 33339351 PMCID: PMC7766709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, typically showing progressive neurodegeneration in aging brains. The key signatures of the AD progression are the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, the formation of tau tangles, and the induction of detrimental neuroinflammation leading to neuronal loss. However, conventional pharmacotherapeutic options are merely relying on the alleviation of symptoms that are limited to mild to moderate AD patients. Moreover, some of these medicines discontinued to use due to either the insignificant effectiveness in improving the cognitive impairment or the adverse side effects worsening essential bodily functions. One of the reasons for the failure is the lack of knowledge on the underlying mechanisms that can accurately explain the major causes of the AD progression correlating to the severity of AD. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the better understanding of AD pathogenesis and the development of the disease-modifying treatments, particularly for severe and late-onset AD, which have not been covered thoroughly. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of AD progression, which have been employed for the currently established therapeutic strategies. We believe this will further spur the discovery of a novel disease-modifying treatment for mild to severe, as well as early- to late-onset, AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Jung Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yen N. Diep
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
| | - Minh Tran
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
| | - Hansang Cho
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea; (Y.N.D.); (M.T.)
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Korea
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43
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Dimethyl fumarate exerts neuroprotection by modulating calcineurin/NFAT1 and NFκB dependent BACE1 activity in Aβ1-42 treated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Brain Res Bull 2020; 165:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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44
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Omar MH, Scott JD. AKAP Signaling Islands: Venues for Precision Pharmacology. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:933-946. [PMID: 33082006 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory enzymes often have different roles in distinct subcellular compartments. Yet, most drugs indiscriminately saturate the cell. Thus, subcellular drug-delivery holds promise as a means to reduce off-target pharmacological effects. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) sequester combinations of signaling enzymes within subcellular microdomains. Targeting drugs to these 'signaling islands' offers an opportunity for more precise delivery of therapeutics. Here, we review mechanisms that bestow protein kinase A (PKA) versatility inside the cell, appraise recent advances in exploiting AKAPs as platforms for precision pharmacology, and explore the impact of methodological innovations on AKAP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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45
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O’Day DH. Calmodulin Binding Proteins and Alzheimer's Disease: Biomarkers, Regulatory Enzymes and Receptors That Are Regulated by Calmodulin. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197344. [PMID: 33027906 PMCID: PMC7582761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The integral role of calmodulin in the amyloid pathway and neurofibrillary tangle formation in Alzheimer’s disease was first established leading to the “Calmodulin Hypothesis”. Continued research has extended our insight into the central function of the small calcium sensor and effector calmodulin and its target proteins in a multitude of other events associated with the onset and progression of this devastating neurodegenerative disease. Calmodulin’s involvement in the contrasting roles of calcium/CaM-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and calcineurin (CaN) in long term potentiation and depression, respectively, and memory impairment and neurodegeneration are updated. The functions of the proposed neuronal biomarker neurogranin, a calmodulin binding protein also involved in long term potentiation and depression, is detailed. In addition, new discoveries into calmodulin’s role in regulating glutamate receptors (mGluR, NMDAR) are overviewed. The interplay between calmodulin and amyloid beta in the regulation of PMCA and ryanodine receptors are prime examples of how the buildup of classic biomarkers can underly the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The role of calmodulin in the function of stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) and adenosine A2A receptor, two other proteins linked to neurodegenerative events, is discussed. Prior to concluding, an analysis of how targeting calmodulin and its binding proteins are viable routes for Alzheimer’s therapy is presented. In total, calmodulin and its binding proteins are further revealed to be central to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O’Day
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada;
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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46
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Blanchard JW, Bula M, Davila-Velderrain J, Akay LA, Zhu L, Frank A, Victor MB, Bonner JM, Mathys H, Lin YT, Ko T, Bennett DA, Cam HP, Kellis M, Tsai LH. Reconstruction of the human blood-brain barrier in vitro reveals a pathogenic mechanism of APOE4 in pericytes. Nat Med 2020; 26:952-963. [PMID: 32514169 PMCID: PMC7704032 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0886-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease, amyloid deposits along the brain vasculature lead to a condition known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), which impairs blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and accelerates cognitive degeneration. Apolipoprotein (APOE4) is the strongest risk factor for CAA, yet the mechanisms underlying this genetic susceptibility are unknown. Here we developed an induced pluripotent stem cell-based three-dimensional model that recapitulates anatomical and physiological properties of the human BBB in vitro. Similarly to CAA, our in vitro BBB displayed significantly more amyloid accumulation in APOE4 compared to APOE3. Combinatorial experiments revealed that dysregulation of calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling and APOE in pericyte-like mural cells induces APOE4-associated CAA pathology. In the human brain, APOE and NFAT are selectively dysregulated in pericytes of APOE4 carriers, and inhibition of calcineurin-NFAT signaling reduces APOE4-associated CAA pathology in vitro and in vivo. Our study reveals the role of pericytes in APOE4-mediated CAA and highlights calcineurin-NFAT signaling as a therapeutic target in CAA and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel W Blanchard
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael Bula
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jose Davila-Velderrain
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Leyla Anne Akay
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lena Zhu
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Frank
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matheus B Victor
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Julia Maeve Bonner
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hansruedi Mathys
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yuan-Ta Lin
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tak Ko
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hugh P Cam
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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47
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Garrett MD. Multiple Causes of Dementia as Engineered Senescence. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES 2020; 2. [DOI: 10.24018/ejmed.2020.2.2.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
All traumas—cranial, cardiovascular, hormone, viral, bacterial, fungi, parasites, misfolded protein, genetic, behavior, environmental and medication—affect the brain. This paper itemizes studies showing the many different causes of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Causes interact with each other, act sequentially by preparing the optimal conditions for its successor, initiate other diseases, allow for other traumas to accumulate and degrade protective features of the brain. Since such age-related cognitive impairment is not exclusively a human attribute there might be support for an evolutionary theory of dementia. Relying on theories of antagonistic pleiotropy and polymorphism, the brain has been designed to sequester trauma. Because of increased longevity, the short-term tactic of sequestering trauma becomes a long-term liability. We are engineered to sequester these insults until a tipping point is reached. Dementia is an evolutionary trade-off for longevity. We cannot cure dementia without understanding the overall biology of aging.
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Roy J, Cyert MS. Identifying New Substrates and Functions for an Old Enzyme: Calcineurin. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:a035436. [PMID: 31308145 PMCID: PMC7050593 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biological processes are dynamically regulated by signaling networks composed of protein kinases and phosphatases. Calcineurin, or PP3, is a conserved phosphoserine/phosphothreonine-specific protein phosphatase and member of the PPP family of phosphatases. Calcineurin is unique, however, in its activation by Ca2+ and calmodulin. This ubiquitously expressed phosphatase controls Ca2+-dependent processes in all human tissues, but is best known for driving the adaptive immune response by dephosphorylating the nuclear factor of the activated T-cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors. Therefore, calcineurin inhibitors, FK506 (tacrolimus), and cyclosporin A serve as immunosuppressants. We describe some of the adverse effects associated with calcineurin inhibitors that result from inhibition of calcineurin in nonimmune tissues, illustrating the many functions of this enzyme that have yet to be elucidated. In fact, calcineurin has essential roles beyond the immune system, from yeast to humans, but since its discovery more than 30 years ago, only a small number of direct calcineurin substrates have been shown (∼75 proteins). This is because of limitations in current methods for identification of phosphatase substrates. Here we discuss recent insights into mechanisms of calcineurin activation and substrate recognition that have been critical in the development of novel approaches for identifying its targets systematically. Rather than comprehensively reviewing known functions of calcineurin, we highlight new approaches to substrate identification for this critical regulator that may reveal molecular mechanisms underlying toxicities caused by calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoree Roy
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5020
| | - Martha S Cyert
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5020
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Abstract
Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) was described over a century ago, there are no effective approaches to its prevention and treatment. Such a slow progress is explained, at least in part, by our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AD. Here, I champion a hypothesis whereby AD is initiated on a disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) caused by either genetic or non-genetic risk factors. The BBB disruption leads to an autoimmune response against pyramidal neurons located in the allo- and neocortical structures involved in memory formation and storage. The response caused by the adaptive immune system is not strong enough to directly kill neurons but may be sufficient to make them selectively vulnerable to neurofibrillary pathology. This hypothesis is based on the recent data showing that memory formation is associated with epigenetic chromatin modifications and, therefore, may be accompanied by expression of memory-specific proteins recognized by the immune system as "non-self" antigens. The autoimmune hypothesis is testable, and I discuss potential ways for its experimental and clinical verification. If confirmed, this hypothesis can radically change therapeutic approaches to AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri I Arshavsky
- BioCircuits Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Bezprozvanny I. Calcium hypothesis of neurodegeneration - An update. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 520:667-669. [PMID: 31761066 PMCID: PMC6878992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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