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Komai M, Noda Y, Ikeda A, Kaneshiro N, Kamikubo Y, Sakurai T, Uehara T, Takasugi N. Nuclear SphK2/S1P signaling is a key regulator of ApoE production and Aβ uptake in astrocytes. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100510. [PMID: 38280459 PMCID: PMC10907773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100510] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between changes in astrocyte function and the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has attracted considerable attention. Interestingly, activated astrocytes in AD show abnormalities in their lipid content and metabolism. In particular, the expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a lipid transporter, is decreased. Because ApoE has anti-inflammatory and amyloid β (Aβ)-metabolizing effects, the nuclear receptors, retinoid X receptor (RXR) and LXR, which are involved in ApoE expression, are considered promising therapeutic targets for AD. However, the therapeutic effects of agents targeting these receptors are limited or vary considerably among groups, indicating the involvement of an unknown pathological factor that modifies astrocyte and ApoE function. Here, we focused on the signaling lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which is mainly produced by sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) in the brain. Using astrocyte models, we found that upregulation of SphK2/S1P signaling suppressed ApoE induction by both RXR and LXR agonists. We also found that SphK2 activation reduced RXR binding to the APOE promoter region in the nucleus, suggesting the nuclear function of SphK2/S1P. Intriguingly, suppression of SphK2 activity by RNA knockdown or specific inhibitors upregulated lipidated ApoE induction. Furthermore, the induced ApoE facilitates Aβ uptake in astrocytes. Together with our previous findings that SphK2 activity is upregulated in AD brain and promotes Aβ production in neurons, these results indicate that SphK2/S1P signaling is a promising multifunctional therapeutic target for AD that can modulate astrocyte function by stabilizing the effects of RXR and LXR agonists, and simultaneously regulate neuronal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Komai
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Noda
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuya Ikeda
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nanaka Kaneshiro
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuji Kamikubo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakurai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Vincent B, Maitra S. BACE1-dependent metabolism of neuregulin 1: Bridging the gap in explaining the occurrence of schizophrenia-like symptoms in Alzheimer's disease with psychosis? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101988. [PMID: 37331479 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101988] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by cortico-neuronal atrophy, impaired memory and other cognitive declines. On the other hand, schizophrenia is a neuro-developmental disorder with an overtly active central nervous system pruning system resulting into abrupt connections with common symptoms including disorganised thoughts, hallucination and delusion. Nevertheless, the fronto-temporal anomaly presents itself as a common denominator for the two pathologies. There is even a strong presumption of increased risk of developing co-morbid dementia for schizophrenic individuals and psychosis for Alzheimer's disease patients, overall leading to a further deteriorated quality of life. However, convincing proofs of how these two disorders, although very distant from each other when considering their aetiology, develop coexisting symptoms is yet to be resolved. At the molecular level, the two primarily neuronal proteins β-amyloid precursor protein and neuregulin 1 have been considered in this relevant context, although the conclusions are for the moment only hypotheses. In order to propose a model for explaining the psychotic schizophrenia-like symptoms that sometimes accompany AD-associated dementia, this review projects out on the similar sensitivity shared by these two proteins regarding their metabolism by the β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Vincent
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Excellence DistALZ, Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France.
| | - Subhamita Maitra
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå 90736, Sweden
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3
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Okamoto K, Kamikubo Y, Yamauchi K, Okamoto S, Takahashi M, Ishida Y, Koike M, Ikegaya Y, Sakurai T, Hioki H. Specific AAV2/PHP.eB-mediated gene transduction of CA2 pyramidal cells via injection into the lateral ventricle. Sci Rep 2023; 13:323. [PMID: 36609635 PMCID: PMC9822962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Given its limited accessibility, the CA2 area has been less investigated compared to other subregions of the hippocampus. While the development of transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase in the CA2 has revealed unique features of this area, the use of mouse lines has several limitations, such as lack of specificity. Therefore, a specific gene delivery system is required. Here, we confirmed that the AAV-PHP.eB capsid preferably infected CA2 pyramidal cells following retro-orbital injection and demonstrated that the specificity was substantially higher after injection into the lateral ventricle. In addition, a tropism for the CA2 area was observed in organotypic slice cultures. Combined injection into the lateral ventricle and stereotaxic injection into the CA2 area specifically introduced the transgene into CA2 pyramidal cells, enabling us to perform targeted patch-clamp recordings and optogenetic manipulation. These results suggest that AAV-PHP.eB is a versatile tool for specific gene transduction in CA2 pyramidal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Okamoto
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Neuroanatomy, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Juntendo Advanced Research Institute for Health Science, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Yuji Kamikubo
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Kenta Yamauchi
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Neuroanatomy, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Juntendo Advanced Research Institute for Health Science, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Shinichiro Okamoto
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Neuroanatomy, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Juntendo Advanced Research Institute for Health Science, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Megumu Takahashi
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Neuroanatomy, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501 Japan ,grid.54432.340000 0001 0860 6072Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083 Japan
| | - Yoko Ishida
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Neuroanatomy, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Juntendo Advanced Research Institute for Health Science, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Masato Koike
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan ,grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Juntendo Advanced Research Institute for Health Science, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo‐ku, Tokyo, 113‐0033 Japan ,grid.28312.3a0000 0001 0590 0962Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XInstitute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo‐ku, Tokyo, 113‐0033 Japan
| | - Takashi Sakurai
- grid.258269.20000 0004 1762 2738Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hioki
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan. .,Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan. .,Department of Multi-Scale Brain Structure Imaging, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
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Kamikubo Y, Jin H, Zhou Y, Niisato K, Hashimoto Y, Takasugi N, Sakurai T. Ex vivo analysis platforms for monitoring amyloid precursor protein cleavage. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1068990. [PMID: 36683852 PMCID: PMC9852844 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1068990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. The presence of large numbers of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and cerebral atrophy is the characteristic feature of AD. Amyloid β peptide (Aβ), derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), is the main component of senile plaques. AD has been extensively studied using methods involving cell lines, primary cultures of neural cells, and animal models; however, discrepancies have been observed between these methods. Dissociated cultures lose the brain's tissue architecture, including neural circuits, glial cells, and extracellular matrix. Experiments with animal models are lengthy and require laborious monitoring of multiple parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to combine these experimental models to understand the pathology of AD. An experimental platform amenable to continuous observation and experimental manipulation is required to analyze long-term neuronal development, plasticity, and progressive neurodegenerative diseases. In the current study, we provide a practical method to slice and cultivate rodent hippocampus to investigate the cleavage of APP and secretion of Aβ in an ex vivo model. Furthermore, we provide basic information on Aβ secretion using slice cultures. Using our optimized method, dozens to hundreds of long-term stable slice cultures can be coordinated simultaneously. Our findings are valuable for analyses of AD mouse models and senile plaque formation culture models.
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Kamikubo Y, Yamana T, Inoue Y, Sakurai T. Multifaceted analysis of nanotoxicity using primary cultured neurons. NANO EXPRESS 2022. [DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/ac7cfd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Various nanomaterials have been produced with the development of nanotechnology, some of which have been reported to have adverse effects on several types of cells, organs, and the environment. It has been suggested that some small nanoparticles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, which may be a potential cause of brain diseases. Neuronal cells are vulnerable to hypoxia, hypotrophy, and mechanical and oxidative stress. Therefore, it is essential to assess the toxicity of nanoparticles to neurons accurately. In this report, we describe a primary culture protocol to evaluate the toxicity of nanoparticles on neurons, a potential high-throughput method for assessing the cytotoxicity, and a method for evaluating the effect on neuronal maturation. This report assessed the toxicity of silicon dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron nanoparticles using rat hippocampal neurons, which are used frequently in pharmacological and physiological studies. Based on the methods and protocols we reported in this report, it may be possible to evaluate nanotoxicity to various neurons by using primary cultures of other brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, thalamus, etc.), spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
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Li YF, Scerif F, Picker SR, Stone TJ, Pickles JC, Moulding DA, Avery A, Virasami A, Fairchild AR, Tisdall M, Harkness W, Cross JH, Hargrave D, Guillemot F, Paine SM, Yasin SA, Jacques TS. Identifying cellular signalling molecules in developmental disorders of the brain: Evidence from focal cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:781-795. [PMID: 33797808 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We understand little of the pathogenesis of developmental cortical lesions, because we understand little of the diversity of the cell types that contribute to the diseases or how those cells interact. We tested the hypothesis that cellular diversity and cell-cell interactions play an important role in these disorders by investigating the signalling molecules in the commonest cortical malformations that lead to childhood epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and tuberous sclerosis (TS). METHODS Transcriptional profiling clustered cases into molecularly distinct groups. Using gene expression data, we identified the secretory signalling molecules in FCD/TS and characterised the cell types expressing these molecules. We developed a functional model using organotypic cultures. RESULTS We identified 113 up-regulated secretory molecules in FCDIIB/TS. The top 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated by immunohistochemistry. This highlighted two molecules, Chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) (MCP1) that were expressed in a unique population of small cells in close proximity to balloon cells (BC). We then characterised these cells and developed a functional model in organotypic slice cultures. We found that the number of CHI3L1 and CCL2 expressing cells decreased following inhibition of mTOR, the main aberrant signalling pathway in TS and FCD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight previously uncharacterised small cell populations in FCD and TS which express specific signalling molecules. These findings indicate a new level of diversity and cellular interactions in cortical malformations and provide a generalisable approach to understanding cell-cell interactions and cellular heterogeneity in developmental neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Feng Li
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Pathology Department, Tri-Service General Hospital & National Defence Medical Centre, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fatma Scerif
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Simon R Picker
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Thomas J Stone
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jessica C Pickles
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dale A Moulding
- ICH GOS Imaging Facility, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Aimee Avery
- Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alex Virasami
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amy R Fairchild
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Martin Tisdall
- Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - William Harkness
- Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Neurosciences Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Darren Hargrave
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Neuro-Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francois Guillemot
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Simon M Paine
- Department of Neuropathology, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Shireena A Yasin
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas S Jacques
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Departments of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Kamikubo Y, Wakisaka K, Imai Y, Sakurai T. Midbrain Slice Culture as an Ex Vivo Analysis Platform for Parkinson's Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2322:111-117. [PMID: 34043197 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1495-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor system. PD is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular protein aggregates, Lewy bodies, and Lewy neurites, composed primarily of the protein α-synuclein. Thus, PD is classified as the most common synucleinopathy. The motor symptoms of the disease result from the death of cells in the region of the midbrain, leading to a dopamine deficit. While the cause of PD is unknown, it is believed to involve both inherited and environmental factors. PD has been extensively studied using in vitro and in vivo models; however, some discrepancy is observed in these results. In order to analyze progressive neurodegenerative disease, experimental platform amenable to continuous observation and experimental manipulation is required. In this chapter, we provide a practical method to slice and cultivate the midbrain tissue as an ex vivo experimental model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Kamikubo
- Department of Pharmacology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Keiko Wakisaka
- Department of Research for Parkinson's Disease, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Imai
- Department of Research for Parkinson's Disease, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakurai
- Department of Pharmacology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Satir TM, Agholme L, Karlsson A, Karlsson M, Karila P, Illes S, Bergström P, Zetterberg H. Partial reduction of amyloid β production by β-secretase inhibitors does not decrease synaptic transmission. Alzheimers Res Ther 2020; 12:63. [PMID: 32456694 PMCID: PMC7251689 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-020-00635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Cerebral deposition of Aβ peptides, especially Aβ42, is considered the major neuropathological hallmark of AD and the putative cause of AD-related neurotoxicity. Aβ peptides are produced by sequential proteolytic processing of APP, with β-secretase (BACE) being the initiating enzyme. Therefore, BACE has been considered an attractive therapeutic target in AD research and several BACE inhibitors have been tested in clinical trials, but so far, all have had negative outcomes or even led to worsening of cognitive function. AD can be triggered by Aβ years before the first symptoms appear and one reason for the failures could be that the clinical trials were initiated too late in the disease process. Another possible explanation could be that BACE inhibition alters physiological APP processing in a manner that impairs synaptic function, causing cognitive deterioration. METHODS The aim of this study was to investigate if partial BACE inhibition, mimicking the putative protective effect of the Icelandic mutation in the APP gene, could reduce Aβ generation without affecting synaptic transmission. To investigate this, we used an optical electrophysiology platform, in which effects of compounds on synaptic transmission in cultured neurons can be monitored. We employed this method on primary cortical rat neuronal cultures treated with three different BACE inhibitors (BACE inhibitor IV, LY2886721, and lanabecestat) and monitored Aβ secretion into the cell media. RESULTS We found that all three BACE inhibitors tested decreased synaptic transmission at concentrations leading to significantly reduced Aβ secretion. However, low-dose BACE inhibition, resulting in less than a 50% decrease in Aβ secretion, did not affect synaptic transmission for any of the inhibitors tested. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Aβ production can be reduced by up to 50%, a level of reduction of relevance to the protective effect of the Icelandic mutation, without causing synaptic dysfunction. We therefore suggest that future clinical trials aimed at prevention of Aβ build-up in the brain should aim for a moderate CNS exposure of BACE inhibitors to avoid side effects on synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Munise Satir
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-415 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lotta Agholme
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-415 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Karlsson
- Cellectricon AB, Neongatan 4B, S-431 53, Mölndal, Sweden
| | | | - Paul Karila
- Cellectricon AB, Neongatan 4B, S-431 53, Mölndal, Sweden
| | | | - Petra Bergström
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-415 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, WC1E 6BT, London, UK
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9
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Tereshkina EB, Boksha IS, Prokhorova TA, Savushkina OK, Burbaeva GS, Morozova MA, Mukaetova-Ladinska EB. Decrease in 130 kDa- amyloid protein precursor protein (APP) and APP protein ratio in schizophrenia platelets. Neurosci Lett 2020; 725:134914. [PMID: 32194134 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is common among people with schizophrenia. The molecular substrates underlying this remain poorly understood. To address this, we analyzed changes in amyloid precursor protein (APP) in platelets of people with acute schizophrenia (n=24) and control subjects (n=20) by ECL-immunoblotting. APP bands corresponding to molecular masses of ∼130, ∼110 and ∼100 kDa, and the APP ratio (APPr: highest APP molecular mass vs lowest APP molecular mass bands) were quantified. The intensity of 130 kDa-APP and the APPr were significantly reduced in schizophrenia patients compared to control subjects. The age-associated decreases in the 130 kDa, ∼110 kDa proteins and APPr were present in patients, but not controls. Our results confirm peripheral APP metabolism is altered in people with schizophrenia. Further work is now warranted on a larger sample of diseased subjects with detailed cognitive assessment to determine the APP role in cognitive processing in schizophrenia, how it is related to severity and disease progression, as well as outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I S Boksha
- Mental Health Research Centre, Moscow, Russia; N. F. Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia.
| | | | | | | | | | - E B Mukaetova-Ladinska
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavior, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK; The Evington Centre, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4QG, UK
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Wang HY, Wu M, Diao JL, Li JB, Sun YX, Xiao XQ. Huperzine A ameliorates obesity-related cognitive performance impairments involving neuronal insulin signaling pathway in mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:145-153. [PMID: 31213670 PMCID: PMC7471460 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-019-0257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) share several common pathophysiological features. Huperzine A (Hup A), a Lycopodium alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb moss Huperzia serrata, is a specific and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, which is clinically used for the treatment of AD. In this study, we investigated whether Hup A improved the metabolic and cognitive functions in the high fat-induced (HFD) obese mice and genetic ob/ob mice. HFD and ob/ob mice were treated with Hup A (0.1, 0.3 mg · kg-1 · d-1, ig) for 3 months. Body weight was monitored and glucose tolerance tests were performed. Novel object recognition test and Morris water maze assay were conducted to evaluate the cognitive functions. We found that the Hup A treatment had no significant effect on peripheral metabolism of obese mice, whereas Hup A (0.1, mg · kg-1 · d-1) improved both the abilities of object recognition and spatial memory in HFD-fed mice, but not in ob/ob mice. Furthermore, Hup A treatment significantly upregulated the insulin and phosphorylated Akt levels in the cortex of HFD-fed mice, but not ob/ob mice. In addition, Hup A (0.3, mg · kg-1 · d-1) significantly decreased cortical β-secretase (BACE1) expression. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that treatment with Hup A (0.1, mg · kg-1 · d-1) can effectively improve the cognitive functions, at least in diet-induced obese mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ying Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400032, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jun-Ling Diao
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ji-Bin Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xiao-Qiu Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Major Metabolic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400032, China.
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11
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Namvar A, Arsang-Jang S, Komaki A, Taheri M. Expression Analysis of BDNF, BACE1, and Their Natural Occurring Antisenses in Autistic Patients. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 70:194-200. [PMID: 31760580 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a multifaceted neurological syndrome affects many aspects of neuropsychologic functions. Dysregulated expressions of several genes have been documented in ASD patients. The current project aimed at comparison of transcript levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and their natural occurring antisenses in the peripheral blood of ASD individuals (n = 50, male/female = 38/12, age (mean ± standard deviation (SD)): 6 ± 1.4, age range: 3-8) and matched healthy persons (n = 50, male/female = 37/13, age (mean ± SD): 6 ± 1.74, age range: 3-8). We demonstrated remarkable higher levels of these genes in ASD patients. BACE1 transcript levels were correlated with transcript levels of BACE1-AS in all study participants. However, BACE1 transcript levels were not correlated with participants' age. BACE1-AS and BDNF transcript levels were correlated with age in female participants. Significant correlations were detected between transcript levels of BDNF and those of other genes in all study groups. The current results render further indications for contribution of BDNF, BACE1, and their antisenses in the course of ASD and suggested expression levels of these transcripts as putative markers for this neurobehavioral disorder. Such results might be applied in clinical setting for diagnosis of complicated ASD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Namvar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- Clinical Research Development Center (CRDU), Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Assessment of Apoptosis Pathway in Peripheral Blood of Autistic Patients. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 69:588-596. [PMID: 31363911 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01387-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a number of severe neurodevelopmental disorders known by defects in social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal interactions, and stereotypic activities and limited interests. Dysregulation of apoptotic pathways have been demonstrated in brain tissues of affected individuals. In the present study, we evaluated expression levels of apoptosis-related genes and miRNAs in peripheral blood of ASD patients compared with healthy subjects. Transcript levels of BCL2, CASP8, and hsa-29c-3p were significantly lower in total ASD patients compared with total normal children (P values = 0.003, 0.002, and 0.01 respectively). When sex of study participants was considered in the analysis, the difference in transcript levels of these genes was significant only in male subjects. Peripheral expression of BCL2 and hsa-29c-3p had 100% sensitivity 92% specificity in ASD diagnosis. The diagnostic power of combination of transcript levels of these genes was estimated to be 78% based on the calculated AUC value. The present study provides evidences for dysregulation of apoptotic pathways in peripheral blood of ASD patients and suggests certain apoptosis-related genes as biomarkers in this regard.
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13
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Consequences of Pharmacological BACE Inhibition on Synaptic Structure and Function. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:478-487. [PMID: 29945719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among elderly persons. Overt accumulation and aggregation of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is thought to be the initial causative factor for Alzheimer's disease. Aβ is produced by sequential proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the initial and rate-limiting protease for the generation of Aβ. Therefore, inhibiting BACE1 is considered one of the most promising therapeutic approaches for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, several drugs blocking this enzyme (BACE inhibitors) are being evaluated in clinical trials. However, high-dosage BACE-inhibitor treatment interferes with structural and functional synaptic plasticity in mice. These adverse side effects may mask the therapeutic benefit of lowering the Aβ concentration. In this review, we focus on the consequences of BACE inhibition-mediated synaptic deficits and the potential clinical implications.
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14
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Zhang Z, Huang J, Shen Y, Li R. BACE1-Dependent Neuregulin-1 Signaling: An Implication for Schizophrenia. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:302. [PMID: 28993723 PMCID: PMC5622153 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of about 1% in the general population. Recent studies have shown that Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) is a candidate gene for schizophrenia. At least 15 alternative splicing of NRG1 isoforms all contain an extracellular epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain, which is sufficient for Nrg1 biological activity including the formation of myelin sheaths and the regulation of synaptic plasticity. It is known that Nrg1 can be cleaved by β-secretase (BACE1) and the resulting N-terminal fragment (Nrg1-ntf) binds to receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4, which activates Nrg1/ErbB4 signaling. While changes in Nrg1 expression levels in schizophrenia still remain controversial, understanding the BACE1-cleaved Nrg1-ntf and Nrg1/ErbB4 signaling in schizophrenia neuropathogenesis is essential and important. In this review paper, we included three major parts: (1) Nrg1 structure and cleavage pattern by BACE1; (2) BACE1-dependent Nrg1 cleavage associated with schizophrenia in human studies; and (3) Animal studies of Nrg1 and BACE1 mutations with behavioral observations. Our review will provide a better understanding of Nrg1 in schizophrenia and a potential strategy for using BACE1 cleavage of Nrg1 as a unique biomarker for diagnosis, as well as a new therapeutic target, of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Jing Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China.,Center for Therapeutic Strategies for Brain Disorders, Roskamp Institute, SarasotaFL, United States.,Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education, Roskamp Institute, SarasotaFL, United States
| | - Rena Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China.,Center for Therapeutic Strategies for Brain Disorders, Roskamp Institute, SarasotaFL, United States.,Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education, Roskamp Institute, SarasotaFL, United States.,Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
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