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Yang Q, Yan C, Sun Y, Xie Z, Yang L, Jiang M, Ni J, Chen B, Xu S, Yuan Z, Wu Y, Liu X, Yuan Z, Bai Z. Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Alleviates Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease by Enhancing the Astrocytic Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400480. [PMID: 38881515 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, it is found that the injection of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), mimicking ECM remodeling, into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) reversed short-term memory loss and reduced amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in 5xFAD mice. ECM remodeling also reactivated astrocytes, reduced the levels of aggrecan in Aβ plaques, and enhanced astrocyte recruitment to surrounding plaques. Importantly, ECM remodeling enhanced the autophagy-lysosome pathway in astrocytes, thereby mediating Aβ clearance and alleviating AD pathology. ECM remodeling also promoted Aβ plaque phagocytosis by astrocytes by activating the astrocytic phagocytosis receptor MERTK and promoting astrocytic vesicle circulation. The study identified a cellular mechanism in which ECM remodeling activates the astrocytic autophagy-lysosomal pathway and alleviates AD pathology. Targeting ECM remodeling may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for AD and serve as a reference for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghu Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Chengxiang Yan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Yahan Sun
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Zhen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Beining Chen
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary InnoCenter for Organoids, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Xu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Zhaoyue Yuan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Yanyan Wu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Xia Liu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
| | - Zengqiang Yuan
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zhantao Bai
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan, 716000, China
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Mohamed RMSM, Ahmad Ahmad E, Amin DM, Abdo SA, Ibrahim IAAEH, Mahmoud MF, Abdelaal S. Adrenergic receptors blockade alleviates dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats: Distinct effects on β-arrestin2 expression and molecular markers of neural injury. Daru 2024; 32:97-108. [PMID: 37966585 PMCID: PMC11087427 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-023-00490-y] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity has been previously reported. However, the molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood. OBJECTIVES The current work aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of α- and β-adrenergic receptors on dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity in rats focused on changes in β-arrestin2 and molecular markers of neural injury in cerebral cortex. METHODS Male Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected with dexamethasone (10 mg/kg/day) for 7 days to induce neural injury in the cerebral cortex. The experiment involved 5 groups: control, dexamethasone, carvedilol, propranolol, and doxazosin. In the last 3 groups, drugs were given 2 hours before dexamethasone injection. At the end of experiment, brain samples were collected for measurement of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), kinase activity of protein kinase B (Akt), diacylglycerol (DAG), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad3, β-amyloid and phospho-tau protein levels in addition to histopathological examination of brain tissue using hematoxylin-eosin, Nissl, and Sirius red stains. Moreover, β-arrestin2 levels in the cerebral cortex were measured using immunohistochemical examination. RESULTS Dexamethasone slightly reduced brain weight and significantly decreased BDNF, Akt kinase activity and β-arrestin2 but markedly induced degeneration of cortical neurons and significantly increased GFAP, DAG, α-SMA, Smad3, β-amyloid and phospho-tau protein levels compared to controls. Carvedilol, propranolol, and doxazosin reversed all dexamethasone-induced molecular changes and slightly ameliorated the histopathological changes. Carvedilol significantly increased brain weight and β-arrestin2 levels compared to dexamethasone, propranolol, and doxazosin groups. CONCLUSION blocking α- and/or β-adrenergic receptors alleviate dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity despite their distinct effects on β-arrestin2 levels in the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha M S M Mohamed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Enssaf Ahmad Ahmad
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Dalia M Amin
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Samar Ahmed Abdo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Islam A A E-H Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Mona F Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abdelaal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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Matsui Y, Togayachi A, Sakamoto K, Angata K, Kadomatsu K, Nishihara S. Integrated Systems Analysis Deciphers Transcriptome and Glycoproteome Links in Alzheimer's Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.25.573290. [PMID: 38234803 PMCID: PMC10793412 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.25.573290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Glycosylation is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, evidence of Alzheimer's disease-specific glycoproteins has been established. However, the mechanisms underlying their dysregulation, including tissue- and cell-type specificity, are not fully understood. We aimed to explore the upstream regulators of aberrant glycosylation by integrating multiple data sources using a glycogenomics approach. We identified dysregulation of the glycosyltransferase PLOD3 in oligodendrocytes as an upstream regulator of cerebral vessels and found that it is involved in COL4A5 synthesis, which is strongly correlated with amyloid fiber formation. Furthermore, COL4A5 has been suggested to interact with astrocytes via extracellular matrix receptors as a ligand. This study suggests directions for new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease targeting glycosyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Matsui
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Biomedical and Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Science, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Daiko-minami, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Akira Togayachi
- Glycan and Life Systems Integration Center (GaLSIC), Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
| | - Kazuma Sakamoto
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Angata
- Glycan and Life Systems Integration Center (GaLSIC), Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
| | - Kenji Kadomatsu
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shoko Nishihara
- Glycan and Life Systems Integration Center (GaLSIC), Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
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Guvatova ZG, Kobelyatskaya AA, Kudasheva ER, Pudova EA, Bulavkina EV, Churov AV, Tkacheva ON, Moskalev AA. Matrisome Transcriptome Dynamics during Tissue Aging. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:593. [PMID: 38792614 PMCID: PMC11121957 DOI: 10.3390/life14050593] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex three-dimensional network of macromolecules that provides structural support for the cells and plays a significant role in tissue homeostasis and repair. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulation of ECM remodeling contributes to various pathological conditions in the body, including age-associated diseases. In this work, gene expression data of normal human tissues obtained from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project, as well as data from MatrisomeDB 2.0, the ECM-protein knowledge database, are used to estimate the age-dependent matrisome transcriptome dynamics in the blood, heart, brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and muscle. Differential gene expression (DE) analysis revealed dozens of matrisome genes encoding both structural elements of the ECM and ECM-associated proteins, which had a tissue-specific expression profile with age. Among common DE genes that changed expression with age in at least three tissues, COL18A1, MFAP1, IGFBP7, AEBP1, LTBP2, LTBP4, LG14, EFEMP1, PRELP, BGN, FAM20B, CTSC, CTSS, and CLEC2B were observed. The findings of the study also reveal that there are sex-specific alterations during aging in the matrisome gene expression. Taken together, the results obtained in this work may help in understanding the role of the ECM in tissue aging and might prove valuable for the future development of the field of ECM research in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulfiya G. Guvatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Eveline R. Kudasheva
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena A. Pudova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta V. Bulavkina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Churov
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga N. Tkacheva
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Moskalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 129226 Moscow, Russia
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5
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Ortega JA, Soares de Aguiar GP, Chandravanshi P, Levy N, Engel E, Álvarez Z. Exploring the properties and potential of the neural extracellular matrix for next-generation regenerative therapies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1962. [PMID: 38723788 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex network of proteins and molecules that surrounds cells and tissues in the nervous system and orchestrates a myriad of biological functions. This review carefully examines the diverse interactions between cells and the ECM, as well as the transformative chemical and physical changes that the ECM undergoes during neural development, aging, and disease. These transformations play a pivotal role in shaping tissue morphogenesis and neural activity, thereby influencing the functionality of the central nervous system (CNS). In our comprehensive review, we describe the diverse behaviors of the CNS ECM in different physiological and pathological scenarios and explore the unique properties that make ECM-based strategies attractive for CNS repair and regeneration. Addressing the challenges of scalability, variability, and integration with host tissues, we review how advanced natural, synthetic, and combinatorial matrix approaches enhance biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and functional recovery. Overall, this review highlights the potential of decellularized ECM as a powerful tool for CNS modeling and regenerative purposes and sets the stage for future research in this exciting field. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alberto Ortega
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Gisele P Soares de Aguiar
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Palash Chandravanshi
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natacha Levy
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Engel
- IMEM-BRT Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, EEBE, Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaida Álvarez
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER-BBN, Madrid, Spain
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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6
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Su H, Karin M. Multifaceted collagen-DDR1 signaling in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:406-415. [PMID: 37709651 PMCID: PMC10927612 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In addition to immune cells and fibroblasts, the tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises an extracellular matrix (ECM) which contains collagens (COLs) whose architecture and remodeling dictate cancer development and progression. COL receptors expressed by cancer cells sense signals generated by microenvironmental alterations in COL state to regulate cell behavior and metabolism. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a key sensor of COL fiber state and composition that controls tumor cell metabolism and growth, response to therapy, and patient survival. This review focuses on DDR1 to NRF2 signaling, its modulation of autophagy and macropinocytosis (MP), and its role in cancer and other diseases. Elucidating the regulation of DDR1 activity and expression under different pathophysiological conditions will facilitate the discovery of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Su
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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7
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Bhattarai P, Gunasekaran TI, Belloy ME, Reyes-Dumeyer D, Jülich D, Tayran H, Yilmaz E, Flaherty D, Turgutalp B, Sukumar G, Alba C, McGrath EM, Hupalo DN, Bacikova D, Le Guen Y, Lantigua R, Medrano M, Rivera D, Recio P, Nuriel T, Ertekin-Taner N, Teich AF, Dickson DW, Holley S, Greicius M, Dalgard CL, Zody M, Mayeux R, Kizil C, Vardarajan BN. Rare genetic variation in fibronectin 1 (FN1) protects against APOEε4 in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:70. [PMID: 38598053 PMCID: PMC11006751 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02721-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) significantly increases in individuals carrying the APOEε4 allele. Elderly cognitively healthy individuals with APOEε4 also exist, suggesting the presence of cellular mechanisms that counteract the pathological effects of APOEε4; however, these mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that APOEε4 carriers without dementia might carry genetic variations that could protect them from developing APOEε4-mediated AD pathology. To test this, we leveraged whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data in the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Family Based Study (NIA-AD FBS), Washington Heights/Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), and Estudio Familiar de Influencia Genetica en Alzheimer (EFIGA) cohorts and identified potentially protective variants segregating exclusively among unaffected APOEε4 carriers. In homozygous unaffected carriers above 70 years old, we identified 510 rare coding variants. Pathway analysis of the genes harboring these variants showed significant enrichment in extracellular matrix (ECM)-related processes, suggesting protective effects of functional modifications in ECM proteins. We prioritized two genes that were highly represented in the ECM-related gene ontology terms, (FN1) and collagen type VI alpha 2 chain (COL6A2) and are known to be expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), for postmortem validation and in vivo functional studies. An independent analysis in a large cohort of 7185 APOEε4 homozygous carriers found that rs140926439 variant in FN1 was protective of AD (OR = 0.29; 95% CI [0.11, 0.78], P = 0.014) and delayed age at onset of disease by 3.37 years (95% CI [0.42, 6.32], P = 0.025). The FN1 and COL6A2 protein levels were increased at the BBB in APOEε4 carriers with AD. Brain expression of cognitively unaffected homozygous APOEε4 carriers had significantly lower FN1 deposition and less reactive gliosis compared to homozygous APOEε4 carriers with AD, suggesting that FN1 might be a downstream driver of APOEε4-mediated AD-related pathology and cognitive decline. To validate our findings, we used zebrafish models with loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in fn1b-the ortholog for human FN1. We found that fibronectin LOF reduced gliosis, enhanced gliovascular remodeling, and potentiated the microglial response, suggesting that pathological accumulation of FN1 could impair toxic protein clearance, which is ameliorated with FN1 LOF. Our study suggests that vascular deposition of FN1 is related to the pathogenicity of APOEε4, and LOF variants in FN1 may reduce APOEε4-related AD risk, providing novel clues to potential therapeutic interventions targeting the ECM to mitigate AD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabesh Bhattarai
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tamil Iniyan Gunasekaran
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael E Belloy
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dolly Reyes-Dumeyer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dörthe Jülich
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Hüseyin Tayran
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elanur Yilmaz
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Delaney Flaherty
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Bengisu Turgutalp
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gauthaman Sukumar
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Camille Alba
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Elisa Martinez McGrath
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Daniel N Hupalo
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Dagmar Bacikova
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Yann Le Guen
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rafael Lantigua
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, New York, USA
| | - Martin Medrano
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, Santiago, Dominican Republic
| | - Diones Rivera
- Department of Neurology, CEDIMAT, Plaza de la Salud, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pedro Henriquez Urena (UNPHU), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Patricia Recio
- Department of Neurology, CEDIMAT, Plaza de la Salud, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Tal Nuriel
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Nilüfer Ertekin-Taner
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Andrew F Teich
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Scott Holley
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Michael Greicius
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Clifton L Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- The American Genome Center, Center for Military Precision Health, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael Zody
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, 10013, USA
| | - Richard Mayeux
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Caghan Kizil
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Badri N Vardarajan
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Velikic G, Maric DM, Maric DL, Supic G, Puletic M, Dulic O, Vojvodic D. Harnessing the Stem Cell Niche in Regenerative Medicine: Innovative Avenue to Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:993. [PMID: 38256066 PMCID: PMC10816024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020993] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine harnesses the body's innate capacity for self-repair to restore malfunctioning tissues and organs. Stem cell therapies represent a key regenerative strategy, but to effectively harness their potential necessitates a nuanced understanding of the stem cell niche. This specialized microenvironment regulates critical stem cell behaviors including quiescence, activation, differentiation, and homing. Emerging research reveals that dysfunction within endogenous neural stem cell niches contributes to neurodegenerative pathologies and impedes regeneration. Strategies such as modifying signaling pathways, or epigenetic interventions to restore niche homeostasis and signaling, hold promise for revitalizing neurogenesis and neural repair in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Comparative studies of highly regenerative species provide evolutionary clues into niche-mediated renewal mechanisms. Leveraging endogenous bioelectric cues and crosstalk between gut, brain, and vascular niches further illuminates promising therapeutic opportunities. Emerging techniques like single-cell transcriptomics, organoids, microfluidics, artificial intelligence, in silico modeling, and transdifferentiation will continue to unravel niche complexity. By providing a comprehensive synthesis integrating diverse views on niche components, developmental transitions, and dynamics, this review unveils new layers of complexity integral to niche behavior and function, which unveil novel prospects to modulate niche function and provide revolutionary treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Velikic
- Department for Research and Development, Clinic Orto MD-Parks Dr. Dragi Hospital, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Hajim School of Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Dusan M. Maric
- Department for Research and Development, Clinic Orto MD-Parks Dr. Dragi Hospital, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Stomatology Pancevo, University Business Academy, 26000 Pancevo, Serbia;
| | - Dusica L. Maric
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gordana Supic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.S.); (D.V.)
- Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miljan Puletic
- Faculty of Stomatology Pancevo, University Business Academy, 26000 Pancevo, Serbia;
| | - Oliver Dulic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Danilo Vojvodic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.S.); (D.V.)
- Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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9
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Lacar B, Ferdosi S, Alavi A, Stukalov A, Venkataraman GR, de Geus M, Dodge H, Wu CY, Kivisakk P, Das S, Guturu H, Hyman B, Batzoglou S, Arnold SE, Siddiqui A. Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Using Unbiased Plasma Proteomics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.05.574446. [PMID: 38260620 PMCID: PMC10802486 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.05.574446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) is a complex disease with multiple pathophysiological drivers that determine clinical symptomology and disease progression. These diseases develop insidiously over time, through many pathways and disease mechanisms and continue to have a huge societal impact for affected individuals and their families. While emerging blood-based biomarkers, such as plasma p-tau181 and p-tau217, accurately detect Alzheimer neuropthology and are associated with faster cognitive decline, the full extension of plasma proteomic changes in ADRD remains unknown. Earlier detection and better classification of the different subtypes may provide opportunities for earlier, more targeted interventions, and perhaps a higher likelihood of successful therapeutic development. In this study, we aim to leverage unbiased mass spectrometry proteomics to identify novel, blood-based biomarkers associated with cognitive decline. 1,786 plasma samples from 1,005 patients were collected over 12 years from partcipants in the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Longitudinal Cohort Study. Patient metadata includes demographics, final diagnoses, and clinical dementia rating (CDR) scores taken concurrently. The Proteograph™ Product Suite (Seer, Inc.) and liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis were used to process the plasma samples in this cohort and generate unbiased proteomics data. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry results yielded 36,259 peptides and 4,007 protein groups. Linear mixed effects models revealed 138 differentially abundant proteins between AD and healthy controls. Machine learning classification models for AD diagnosis identified potential candidate biomarkers including MBP, BGLAP, and APoD. Cox regression models were created to determine the association of proteins with disease progression and suggest CLNS1A, CRISPLD2, and GOLPH3 as targets of further investigation as potential biomarkers. The Proteograph workflow provided deep, unbiased coverage of the plasma proteome at a speed that enabled a cohort study of almost 1,800 samples, which is the largest, deep, unbiased proteomics study of ADRD conducted to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Matthijs de Geus
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Hiroko Dodge
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Chao-Yi Wu
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Pia Kivisakk
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Sudeshna Das
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | | | - Brad Hyman
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | | | - Steven E. Arnold
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
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10
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Tao QQ, Cai X, Xue YY, Ge W, Yue L, Li XY, Lin RR, Peng GP, Jiang W, Li S, Zheng KM, Jiang B, Jia JP, Guo T, Wu ZY. Alzheimer's disease early diagnostic and staging biomarkers revealed by large-scale cerebrospinal fluid and serum proteomic profiling. Innovation (N Y) 2024; 5:100544. [PMID: 38235188 PMCID: PMC10794110 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100544] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β, tau pathology, and biomarkers of neurodegeneration make up the core diagnostic biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, these proteins represent only a fraction of the complex biological processes underlying AD, and individuals with other brain diseases in which AD pathology is a comorbidity also test positive for these diagnostic biomarkers. More AD-specific early diagnostic and disease staging biomarkers are needed. In this study, we performed tandem mass tag proteomic analysis of paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples in a discovery cohort comprising 98 participants. Candidate biomarkers were validated by parallel reaction monitoring-based targeted proteomic assays in an independent multicenter cohort comprising 288 participants. We quantified 3,238 CSF and 1,702 serum proteins in the discovery cohort, identifying 171 and 860 CSF proteins and 37 and 323 serum proteins as potential early diagnostic and staging biomarkers, respectively. In the validation cohort, 58 and 21 CSF proteins, as well as 12 and 18 serum proteins, were verified as early diagnostic and staging biomarkers, respectively. Separate 19-protein CSF and an 8-protein serum biomarker panels were built by machine learning to accurately classify mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD from normal cognition with areas under the curve of 0.984 and 0.881, respectively. The 19-protein CSF biomarker panel also effectively discriminated patients with MCI due to AD from patients with other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we identified 21 CSF and 18 serum stage-associated proteins reflecting AD stages. Our findings provide a foundation for developing blood-based tests for AD screening and staging in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Tao
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Xue Cai
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzho 310024, China
| | - Yan-Yan Xue
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Weigang Ge
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzho 310024, China
| | - Liang Yue
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzho 310024, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Rong-Rong Lin
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Guo-Ping Peng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wenhao Jiang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzho 310024, China
| | - Sainan Li
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzho 310024, China
| | - Kun-Mu Zheng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361009, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361009, China
| | - Jian-Ping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Tiannan Guo
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzho 310024, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311100, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
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11
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Chia RSL, Minta K, Wu LY, Salai KHT, Chai YL, Hilal S, Venketasubramanian N, Chen CP, Chong JR, Lai MKP. Serum Brevican as a Biomarker of Cerebrovascular Disease in an Elderly Cognitively Impaired Cohort. Biomolecules 2024; 14:75. [PMID: 38254675 PMCID: PMC10813026 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010075] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the brain, the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition shapes the neuronal microenvironment and can undergo substantial changes with cerebral pathology. Brevican is integral to the formation of the ECM's neuroprotective perineuronal nets (PNNs). Decreased brevican levels were reported in vascular dementia (VaD) but not in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the status of brevican in clinical cohorts with high concomitance of AD pathological burden and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) is unclear. In this study, 32 non-cognitively impaired (NCI), 97 cognitively impaired no dementia (CIND), 46 AD, and 23 VaD participants recruited from memory clinics based in Singapore underwent neuropsychological and neuroimaging assessments, together with measurements of serum brevican. Association analyses were performed between serum brevican and neuroimaging measures of CeVDs, including white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), lacunes, cortical infarcts, and cerebral microbleeds. Using an aggregated score for CeVD burden, only CIND participants showed lower brevican levels with higher CeVD compared to those with lower CeVD burden (p = 0.006). Among the CeVD subtypes assessed, only elevated WMH burden was associated with lower brevican levels (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.3-5.5). Our findings suggest that brevican deficits may play a role in early cerebrovascular damage in participants at risk of developing dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S. L. Chia
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Karolina Minta
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore–ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Liu-Yun Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Kaung H. T. Salai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Yuek Ling Chai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Saima Hilal
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Departments of Epidemiology and Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Christopher P. Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Joyce R. Chong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Mitchell K. P. Lai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore 117600, Singapore
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12
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Ma J, Wang B, Wei X, Tian M, Bao X, Zhang Y, Qi H, Zhang Y, Hu M. Accumulation of extracellular elastin-derived peptides disturbed neuronal morphology and neuron-microglia crosstalk in aged brain. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38168728 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16039] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular elastin-derived peptides (EDPs) accumulate in the aging brain and have been associated with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The activation of inflammatory processes in glial cells with EDP treatment has received attention, but not in neurons. To properly understand EDPs' pathogenic significance, the impact on neuronal function and neuron-microglia crosstalk was explored further. Among the EDP molecules, Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (VGVAPG) is a typical repeating hexapeptide. Here, we observed that EDPs-VGVAPG influenced neuronal survival and morphology in a dose-dependent manner. High concentrations of VGVAPG induced synapse loss and microglia hyperactivation in vivo and in vitro. Following EDP incubation, galectin 3 (Gal-3) released by neurons served as a chemokine, attracting microglial engulfment. Blocking Gal-3 and EDP binding remedied synapse loss in neurons and phagocytosis in microglia. In response to the accumulation of EDPs, proteomics in matrix remodeling and cytoskeleton dynamics, such as a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family, were engaged. These findings in extracellular EDPs provided more evidence for the relationship between aging and neuron dysfunction, increasing the insight of neuroinflammatory responses and the development of new specialized extracellular matrix remolding-targeted therapy options for dementia or other neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingqian Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoxi Wei
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meng Tian
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xingfu Bao
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huichuan Qi
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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13
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Bhattarai P, Gunasekaran TI, Reyes-Dumeyer D, Jülich D, Tayran H, Yilmaz E, Flaherty D, Lantigua R, Medrano M, Rivera D, Recio P, Ertekin-Taner N, Teich AF, Dickson DW, Holley S, Mayeux R, Kizil C, Vardarajan BN. Rare genetic variation in Fibronectin 1 ( FN1 ) protects against APOEe4 in Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.02.573895. [PMID: 38260431 PMCID: PMC10802344 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) significantly increases in individuals carrying the APOEε4 allele. Elderly cognitively healthy individuals with APOEε4 also exist, suggesting the presence of cellular mechanisms that counteract the pathological effects of APOEε4 ; however, these mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that APOEε4 carriers without dementia might carry genetic variations that could protect them from developing APOEε4- mediated AD pathology. To test this, we leveraged whole genome sequencing (WGS) data in National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Family Based Study (NIA-AD FBS), Washington Heights/Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), and Estudio Familiar de Influencia Genetica en Alzheimer (EFIGA) cohorts and identified potentially protective variants segregating exclusively among unaffected APOEε4 carriers. In homozygous unaffected carriers above 70 years old, we identified 510 rare coding variants. Pathway analysis of the genes harboring these variants showed significant enrichment in extracellular matrix (ECM)-related processes, suggesting protective effects of functional modifications in ECM proteins. We prioritized two genes that were highly represented in the ECM-related gene ontology terms, (FN1) and collagen type VI alpha 2 chain ( COL6A2 ) and are known to be expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), for postmortem validation and in vivo functional studies. The FN1 and COL6A2 protein levels were increased at the BBB in APOEε4 carriers with AD. Brain expression of cognitively unaffected homozygous APOEε4 carriers had significantly lower FN1 deposition and less reactive gliosis compared to homozygous APOEε4 carriers with AD, suggesting that FN1 might be a downstream driver of APOEε4 -mediated AD-related pathology and cognitive decline. To validate our findings, we used zebrafish models with loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in fn1b - the ortholog for human FN1 . We found that fibronectin LOF reduced gliosis, enhanced gliovascular remodeling and potentiated the microglial response, suggesting that pathological accumulation of FN1 could impair toxic protein clearance, which is ameliorated with FN1 LOF. Our study suggests vascular deposition of FN1 is related to the pathogenicity of APOEε4 , LOF variants in FN1 may reduce APOEε4 -related AD risk, providing novel clues to potential therapeutic interventions targeting the ECM to mitigate AD risk.
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14
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Mahzarnia A, Lutz MW, Badea A. A Continuous Extension of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis Using the Likelihood Ratio Test Statistics Identifies Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Candidate Pathway for Alzheimer's Disease via ITGA5. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:635-648. [PMID: 38160360 PMCID: PMC10836573 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230934] [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] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves brain neuropathologies such as amyloid plaque and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles and is accompanied by cognitive decline. Identifying the biological mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression based on quantifiable phenotypes will help understand disease etiology and devise therapies. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to identify molecular pathways associated with hallmark AD biomarkers and cognitive status, accounting for variables such as age, sex, education, and APOE genotype. METHODS We introduce a pathway-based statistical approach, extending the gene set likelihood ratio test to continuous phenotypes. We first analyzed independently each of the three phenotypes (amyloid-β, tau, cognition) using continuous gene set likelihood ratio tests to account for covariates, including age, sex, education, and APOE genotype. The analysis involved 634 subjects with data available for all three phenotypes, allowing for the identification of common pathways. RESULTS We identified 14 pathways significantly associated with amyloid-β; 5 associated with tau; and 174 associated with cognition, which showed a larger number of pathways compared to biomarkers. A single pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor binding (VEGF-RB), exhibited associations with all three phenotypes. Mediation analysis showed that among the VEGF-RB family genes, ITGA5 mediates the relationship between cognitive scores and pathological biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS We presented a new statistical approach linking continuous phenotypes, gene expression across pathways, and covariates like sex, age, and education. Our results reinforced VEGF RB2's role in AD cognition and demonstrated ITGA5's significant role in mediating the AD pathology-cognition connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahzarnia
- Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael W. Lutz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Badea
- Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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15
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Rahmani R, Rambarack N, Singh J, Constanti A, Ali AB. Age-Dependent Sex Differences in Perineuronal Nets in an APP Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease Are Brain Region-Specific. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14917. [PMID: 37834366 PMCID: PMC10574007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914917] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, which disproportionately affects women. AD symptoms include progressive memory loss associated with amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and dismantled synaptic mechanisms. Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are important components of the extracellular matrix with a critical role in synaptic stabilisation and have been shown to be influenced by microglia, which enter an activated state during AD. This study aimed to investigate whether sex differences affected the density of PNNs alongside the labelling of microglia and Aβ plaques density.We performed neurochemistry experiments using acute brain slices from both sexes of the APPNL-F/NL-F mouse model of AD, aged-matched (2-5 and 12-16 months) to wild-type mice, combined with a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) and hippocampal CA1, which are vulnerable during early AD pathology, were investigated and compared to the presubiculum (PRS), a region unscathed by AD pathology. The highest density of PNNs was found in the LEC and PRS regions of aged APPNL-F/NL-F mice with a region-specific sex differences. Analysis of the CA1 region using multiplex-fluorescent images from aged APPNL-F/NL-F mice showed regions of dense Aβ plaques near clusters of CD68, indicative of activated microglia and PNNs. This was consistent with the results of WGCNA performed on normalised data on microglial cells isolated from age-matched, late-stage male and female wild-type and APP knock-in mice, which revealed one microglial module that showed differential expression associated with tissue, age, genotype, and sex, which showed enrichment for fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that sex-related differences contribute to a disrupted interaction between PNNs and microglia in specific brain regions associated with AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Afia B. Ali
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (R.R.); (N.R.); (J.S.); (A.C.)
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16
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Plaschke K, Kopitz J, Gebert J, Wolf ND, Wolf RC. Proteomic Analysis Reveals Potential Exosomal Biomarkers in Patients With Sporadic Alzheimer Disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2023; 37:315-321. [PMID: 38015424 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite substantial progress made in the past decades, the pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer disease (sAD) and related biological markers of the disease are still controversially discussed. Cerebrospinal fluid and functional brain imaging markers have been established to support the clinical diagnosis of sAD. Yet, due to the invasiveness of such diagnostics, less burdensome markers have been increasingly investigated in the past years. Among such markers, extracellular vesicles may yield promise in (early) diagnostics and treatment monitoring in sAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this pilot study, we collected the blood plasma of 18 patients with sAD and compared the proteome of extracted extracellular vesicles with the proteome of 11 age-matched healthy controls. The resulting proteomes were characterized by Gene Ontology terms and between-group statistics. RESULTS Ten distinct proteins were found to significantly differ between sAD patients and controls (P<0.05, False Discovery Rate, corrected). These proteins included distinct immunoglobulins, fibronectin, and apolipoproteins. CONCLUSIONS These findings lend further support for exosomal changes in neurodegenerative disorders, and particularly in sAD. Further proteomic research could decisively advance our knowledge of sAD pathophysiology as much as it could foster the development of clinically meaningful biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nadine D Wolf
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Christian Wolf
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Wang P, Anderson DE, Ye Y. PI3K-AKT activation resculpts integrin signaling to drive filamentous tau-induced proinflammatory astrogliosis. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:179. [PMID: 37759245 PMCID: PMC10536728 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01128-x] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microtubule-binding protein tau is a misfolding-prone protein associated with tauopathies. As tau undergoes cell-to-cell transmission, extracellular tau aggregates convert astrocytes into a pro-inflammatory state via integrin activation, causing them to release unknown neurotoxic factors. RESULTS Here, we combine transcriptomics with isotope labeling-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of mouse primary astrocyte secretome to establish PI3K-AKT as a critical differentiator between pathogenic and physiological integrin activation; simultaneous activation of PI3K-AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in tau fibril-treated astrocytes changes the output of integrin signaling, causing pro-inflammatory gene upregulation, trans-Golgi network restructuring, and altered secretory flow. Furthermore, NCAM1, as a proximal signaling component in tau-stimulated integrin and PI3K-AKT activation, facilitates the secretion of complement C3 as a main neurotoxic factor. Significantly, tau fibrils-associated astrogliosis and C3 secretion can be mitigated by FAK or PI3K inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal an unexpected function for PI3K-AKT in tauopathy-associated reactive astrogliosis, which may be a promising target for anti-inflammation-based Alzheimer's therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - D Eric Anderson
- Advanced Mass Spectrometry Core, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yihong Ye
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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18
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Ferreira AC, Hemmer BM, Philippi SM, Grau-Perales AB, Rosenstadt JL, Liu H, Zhu JD, Kareva T, Ahfeldt T, Varghese M, Hof PR, Castellano JM. Neuronal TIMP2 regulates hippocampus-dependent plasticity and extracellular matrix complexity. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3943-3954. [PMID: 37914840 PMCID: PMC10730400 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02296-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Functional output of the hippocampus, a brain region subserving memory function, depends on highly orchestrated cellular and molecular processes that regulate synaptic plasticity throughout life. The structural requirements of such plasticity and molecular events involved in this regulation are poorly understood. Specific molecules, including tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP2) have been implicated in plasticity processes in the hippocampus, a role that decreases with brain aging as expression is lost. Here, we report that TIMP2 is highly expressed by neurons within the hippocampus and its loss drives changes in cellular programs related to adult neurogenesis and dendritic spine turnover with corresponding impairments in hippocampus-dependent memory. Consistent with the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the hippocampus we observe with aging, we find that TIMP2 acts to reduce accumulation of ECM around synapses in the hippocampus. Moreover, its deletion results in hindrance of newborn neuron migration through a denser ECM network. A novel conditional TIMP2 knockout (KO) model reveals that neuronal TIMP2 regulates adult neurogenesis, accumulation of ECM, and ultimately hippocampus-dependent memory. Our results define a mechanism whereby hippocampus-dependent function is regulated by TIMP2 and its interactions with the ECM to regulate diverse processes associated with synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Ferreira
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brittany M Hemmer
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah M Philippi
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alejandro B Grau-Perales
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacob L Rosenstadt
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanxiao Liu
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Zhu
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatyana Kareva
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tim Ahfeldt
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Merina Varghese
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph M Castellano
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Aguilar-Calvo P, Malik A, Sandoval DR, Barback C, Orrù CD, Standke HG, Thomas OR, Dwyer CA, Pizzo DP, Bapat J, Soldau K, Ogawa R, Riley MB, Nilsson KPR, Kraus A, Caughey B, Iliff JJ, Vera DR, Esko JD, Sigurdson CJ. Neuronal Ndst1 depletion accelerates prion protein clearance and slows neurodegeneration in prion infection. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011487. [PMID: 37747931 PMCID: PMC10586673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Select prion diseases are characterized by widespread cerebral plaque-like deposits of amyloid fibrils enriched in heparan sulfate (HS), a abundant extracellular matrix component. HS facilitates fibril formation in vitro, yet how HS impacts fibrillar plaque growth within the brain is unclear. Here we found that prion-bound HS chains are highly sulfated, and that the sulfation is essential for accelerating prion conversion in vitro. Using conditional knockout mice to deplete the HS sulfation enzyme, Ndst1 (N-deacetylase / N-sulfotransferase) from neurons or astrocytes, we investigated how reducing HS sulfation impacts survival and prion aggregate distribution during a prion infection. Neuronal Ndst1-depleted mice survived longer and showed fewer and smaller parenchymal plaques, shorter fibrils, and increased vascular amyloid, consistent with enhanced aggregate transit toward perivascular drainage channels. The prolonged survival was strain-dependent, affecting mice infected with extracellular, plaque-forming, but not membrane bound, prions. Live PET imaging revealed rapid clearance of recombinant prion protein monomers into the CSF of neuronal Ndst1- deficient mice, neuronal, further suggesting that HS sulfate groups hinder transit of extracellular prion protein monomers. Our results directly show how a host cofactor slows the spread of prion protein through the extracellular space and identify an enzyme to target to facilitate aggregate clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adela Malik
- Department of Pathology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Sandoval
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher Barback
- Department of Radiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Christina D. Orrù
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Heidi G. Standke
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Olivia R. Thomas
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Chrissa A. Dwyer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Donald P. Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jaidev Bapat
- Department of Pathology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Katrin Soldau
- Department of Pathology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ryotaro Ogawa
- Department of Radiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Mckenzie B. Riley
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - K. Peter R. Nilsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Allison Kraus
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Byron Caughey
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey J. Iliff
- VISN 20 NW Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David R. Vera
- Department of Radiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D. Esko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Christina J. Sigurdson
- Department of Pathology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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20
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John U, Patro N, Patro IK. Astrogliosis and associated CSPG upregulation adversely affect dendritogenesis, spinogenesis and synaptic activity in the cerebellum of a double-hit rat model of protein malnutrition (PMN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced bacterial infection. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 131:102286. [PMID: 37169039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in growth, guidance and survival of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). The chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are a type of ECM proteins that are crucial for CNS homeostasis. The major goal of this study was to uncover the effects of astroglial activation and associated intensified expression of CSPGs on dendritogenesis, spinogenesis as well as on synaptic activity in cerebellum following protein malnutrition (PMN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced bacterial infection. Female Wistar albino rats (3 months old) were switched to control (20% protein) or low protein (LP, 8% protein) diet for 15 days followed by breeding. A set of pups born to control/LP mothers and maintained on respective diets throughout the experimental period constituted the control and LP groups, while a separate set of both control and LP group pups exposed to bacterial infection by a single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (0.3 mg/ kg body weight) on postnatal day-9 (P-9) constituted control+LPS and LP+LPS groups respectively. The consequences of astrogliosis induced CSPG upregulation on cerebellar cytoarchitecture and synaptic activity were studied using standard immunohistochemical and histological tools on P-21 and 6 months of age. The results revealed reactive astrogliosis and associated CSPG upregulation in a double-hit model of PMN and LPS induced bacterial infection resulted in disrupted dendritogenesis, reduced postsynaptic density protein (PSD-95) levels and a deleterious impact on normal spine growth. Such alterations frequently have the potential to cause synaptic dysregulation and inhibition of plasticity both during development as well as adulthood. At the light of our results, we can envision that upregulation of CSPGs in PMN and LPS co-challenged individuals might emerge as an important modulator of brain circuitry and a major causative factor for many neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmilla John
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India; School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India
| | - Nisha Patro
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India
| | - Ishan K Patro
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India; School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India.
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21
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Mahzarnia A, Lutz MW, Badea A. A Continuous Extension of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis using the Likelihood Ratio Test Statistics Identifies VEGF as a Candidate Pathway for Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.22.554319. [PMID: 37662249 PMCID: PMC10473614 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.554319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease involves brain pathologies such as amyloid plaque depositions and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles and is accompanied by cognitive decline. Identifying the biological mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression based on quantifiable phenotypes will help understand the disease etiology and devise therapies. Objective Our objective was to identify molecular pathways associated with AD biomarkers (Amyloid-β and tau) and cognitive status (MMSE) accounting for variables such as age, sex, education, and APOE genotype. Methods We introduce a novel pathway-based statistical approach, extending the gene set likelihood ratio test to continuous phenotypes. We first analyzed independently each of the three phenotypes (Amyloid-β, tau, cognition), using continuous gene set likelihood ratio tests to account for covariates, including age, sex, education, and APOE genotype. The analysis involved a large sample size with data available for all three phenotypes, allowing for the identification of common pathways. Results We identified 14 pathways significantly associated with Amyloid-β, 5 associated with tau, and 174 associated with MMSE. Surprisingly, the MMSE outcome showed a larger number of significant pathways compared to biomarkers. A single pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor binding (VEGF-RB), exhibited significant associations with all three phenotypes. Conclusions The study's findings highlight the importance of the VEGF signaling pathway in aging in AD. The complex interactions within the VEGF signaling family offer valuable insights for future therapeutic interventions.
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22
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Wang P, Anderson DE, Ye Y. PI3K-AKT activation resculpts integrin signaling to drive filamentous tau-induced proinflammatory astrogliosis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3253118. [PMID: 37674732 PMCID: PMC10479431 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3253118/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Microtubule-binding protein tau is a misfolding-prone protein associated with tauopathies. As tau undergoes cell-to-cell transmission, extracellular tau aggregates convert astrocytes into a pro-inflammatory state via integrin activation, causing them to release unknown neurotoxic factors. Results Here, we combine transcriptomics with isotope labeling-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of mouse primary astrocyte secretome to establish PI3K-AKT as a critical differentiator between pathogenic and physiological integrin activation; simultaneous activation of PI3K-AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in tau fibril-treated astrocytes changes the output of integrin signaling, causing pro-inflammatory gene upregulation, trans-Golgi network restructuring, and altered secretory flow. Furthermore, NCAM1, as a proximal signaling component in tau-stimulated integrin and PI3K-AKT activation, facilitates the secretion of complement C3 as a main neurotoxic factor. Significantly, tau fibrils-associated astrogliosis and C3 secretion can be mitigated by FAK or PI3K inhibitors. Conclusions These findings reveal an unexpected function for PI3K-AKT in tauopathy-associated reactive astrogliosis, which may be a promising target for anti-inflammation-based Alzheimer's therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | - D Eric Anderson
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | - Yihong Ye
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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23
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Amontree M, Deasy S, Turner RS, Conant K. Matrix disequilibrium in Alzheimer's disease and conditions that increase Alzheimer's disease risk. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1188065. [PMID: 37304012 PMCID: PMC10250680 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1188065] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias are a leading cause of death globally and are predicted to increase in prevalence. Despite this expected increase in the prevalence of AD, we have yet to elucidate the causality of the neurodegeneration observed in AD and we lack effective therapeutics to combat the progressive neuronal loss. Throughout the past 30 years, several non-mutually exclusive hypotheses have arisen to explain the causative pathologies in AD: amyloid cascade, hyper-phosphorylated tau accumulation, cholinergic loss, chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial and cerebrovascular dysfunction. Published studies in this field have also focused on changes in neuronal extracellular matrix (ECM), which is critical to synaptic formation, function, and stability. Two of the greatest non-modifiable risk factors for development of AD (aside from autosomal dominant familial AD gene mutations) are aging and APOE status, and two of the greatest modifiable risk factors for AD and related dementias are untreated major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity. Indeed, the risk of developing AD doubles for every 5 years after ≥ 65, and the APOE4 allele increases AD risk with the greatest risk in homozygous APOE4 carriers. In this review, we will describe mechanisms by which excess ECM accumulation may contribute to AD pathology and discuss pathological ECM alterations that occur in AD as well as conditions that increase the AD risk. We will discuss the relationship of AD risk factors to chronic central nervous system and peripheral inflammation and detail ECM changes that may follow. In addition, we will discuss recent data our lab has obtained on ECM components and effectors in APOE4/4 and APOE3/3 expressing murine brain lysates, as well as human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from APOE3 and APOE4 expressing AD individuals. We will describe the principal molecules that function in ECM turnover as well as abnormalities in these molecular systems that have been observed in AD. Finally, we will communicate therapeutic interventions that have the potential to modulate ECM deposition and turnover in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Amontree
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Samantha Deasy
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - R. Scott Turner
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Katherine Conant
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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24
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Akcay G, Luttge R. Microenvironments Matter: Advances in Brain-on-Chip. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:551. [PMID: 37232912 PMCID: PMC10216565 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To highlight the particular needs with respect to modeling the unique and complex organization of the human brain structure, we reviewed the state-of-the-art in devising brain models with engineered instructive microenvironments. To acquire a better perspective on the brain's working mechanisms, we first summarize the importance of regional stiffness gradients in brain tissue, varying per layer and the cellular diversities of the layers. Through this, one can acquire an understanding of the essential parameters in emulating the brain in vitro. In addition to the brain's organizational architecture, we addressed also how the mechanical properties have an impact on neuronal cell responses. In this respect, advanced in vitro platforms emerged and profoundly changed the methods of brain modeling efforts from the past, mainly focusing on animal or cell line research. The main challenges in imitating features of the brain in a dish are with regard to composition and functionality. In neurobiological research, there are now methods that aim to cope with such challenges by the self-assembly of human-derived pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), i.e., brainoids. Alternatively, these brainoids can be used stand-alone or in conjunction with Brain-on-Chip (BoC) platform technology, 3D-printed gels, and other types of engineered guidance features. Currently, advanced in vitro methods have made a giant leap forward regarding cost-effectiveness, ease-of-use, and availability. We bring these recent developments together into one review. We believe our conclusions will give a novel perspective towards advancing instructive microenvironments for BoCs and the understanding of the brain's cellular functions either in modeling healthy or diseased states of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulden Akcay
- Neuro-Nanoscale Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering/Microsystems, Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Regina Luttge
- Neuro-Nanoscale Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering/Microsystems, Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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25
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Liu G, Shen C, Qiu A. Amyloid-β Accumulation in Relation to Functional Connectivity in Aging: a Longitudinal Study. Neuroimage 2023; 275:120146. [PMID: 37127190 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain undergoes many changes at pathological and functional levels in healthy aging. This study employed a longitudinal and multimodal imaging dataset from the OASIS-3 study (n=300) and explored possible relationships between amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation and functional brain organization over time in healthy aging. We used positron emission tomography (PET) with Pittsburgh compound-B (PIB) to quantify the Aβ accumulation in the brain and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) to measure functional connectivity (FC) among brain regions. Each participant had at least 2 to 3 follow-up visits. A linear mixed-effect model was used to examine longitudinal changes of Aβ accumulation and FC throughout the whole brain. We found that the limbic and frontoparietal networks had a greater annual Aβ accumulation and a slower decline in FC in aging. Additionally, the amount of the Aβ deposition in the amygdala network at baseline slowed down the decline in its FC in aging. Furthermore, the functional connectivity of the limbic, default mode network (DMN), and frontoparietal networks accelerated the Aβ propagation across their functionally highly connected regions. The functional connectivity of the somatomotor and visual networks accelerated the Aβ propagation across the brain regions in the limbic, frontoparietal, and DMN networks. These findings suggested that the slower decline in the functional connectivity of the functional hubs may compensate for their greater Aβ accumulation in aging. The Aβ propagation from one brain region to the other may depend on their functional connectivity strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chenye Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anqi Qiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS (Suzhou) Research Institute, National University of Singapore, China; The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Data Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Johns Hopkins University, USA.
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26
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Kim S, Fuselier J, Latoff A, Manges J, Jazwinski SM, Zsombok A. Upregulation of extracellular proteins in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6998. [PMID: 37117484 PMCID: PMC10147640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33677-z] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Various risk factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are known, such as advanced age, possession of certain genetic variants, accumulation of toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, and unhealthy lifestyle. An estimate of heritability of AD ranges from 0.13 to 0.25, indicating that its phenotypic variation is accounted for mostly by non-genetic factors. DNA methylation is regarded as an epigenetic mechanism that interfaces the genome with non-genetic factors. The Tg2576 mouse model has been insightful in AD research. These transgenic mice express a mutant form of human amyloid precursor protein linked to familial AD. At 9-13 months of age, these mice show elevated levels of Aβ peptides and cognitive impairment. The current literature lacks integrative multiomics of the animal model. We applied transcriptomics and DNA methylomics to the same brain samples from ~ 11-month-old transgenic mice. We found that genes involved in extracellular matrix structures and functions are transcriptionally upregulated, and genes involved in extracellular protein secretion and localization are differentially methylated in the transgenic mice. Integrative analysis found enrichment of GO terms related to memory and synaptic functionability. Our results indicate a possibility of transcriptional modulation by DNA methylation underlying AD neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangkyu Kim
- Tulane Center for Aging and Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., MBC 8513, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Jessica Fuselier
- Tulane Center for Aging and Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Data Science Department, Catalytic Data Science, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Anna Latoff
- Tulane Center for Aging and Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Justin Manges
- Tulane Center for Aging and Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - S Michal Jazwinski
- Tulane Center for Aging and Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Andrea Zsombok
- Tulane Center for Aging and Department of Physiology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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27
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Soles A, Selimovic A, Sbrocco K, Ghannoum F, Hamel K, Moncada EL, Gilliat S, Cvetanovic M. Extracellular Matrix Regulation in Physiology and in Brain Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7049. [PMID: 37108212 PMCID: PMC10138624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounds cells in the brain, providing structural and functional support. Emerging studies demonstrate that the ECM plays important roles during development, in the healthy adult brain, and in brain diseases. The aim of this review is to briefly discuss the physiological roles of the ECM and its contribution to the pathogenesis of brain disease, highlighting the gene expression changes, transcriptional factors involved, and a role for microglia in ECM regulation. Much of the research conducted thus far on disease states has focused on "omic" approaches that reveal differences in gene expression related to the ECM. Here, we review recent findings on alterations in the expression of ECM-associated genes in seizure, neuropathic pain, cerebellar ataxia, and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Next, we discuss evidence implicating the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) in regulating the expression of ECM genes. HIF-1 is induced in response to hypoxia, and also targets genes involved in ECM remodeling, suggesting that hypoxia could contribute to ECM remodeling in disease conditions. We conclude by discussing the role microglia play in the regulation of the perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized form of ECM in the central nervous system. We show evidence that microglia can modulate PNNs in healthy and diseased brain states. Altogether, these findings suggest that ECM regulation is altered in brain disease, and highlight the role of HIF-1 and microglia in ECM remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Soles
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Adem Selimovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kaelin Sbrocco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ferris Ghannoum
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katherine Hamel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Emmanuel Labrada Moncada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Stephen Gilliat
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 2101 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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28
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Plaut S. “Long COVID-19” and viral “fibromyalgia-ness”: Suggesting a mechanistic role for fascial myofibroblasts (Nineveh, the shadow is in the fascia). Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:952278. [PMID: 37089610 PMCID: PMC10117846 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.952278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a wave of chronic disease cases; “Long COVID-19” is recognized as a new medical entity and resembles “fibromyalgia” which, likewise, lacks a clear mechanism. Observational studies indicate that up to 30%–40% of convalescent COVID-19 patients develop chronic widespread pain and fatigue and fulfill the 2016 diagnostic criteria for “fibromyalgia.” A recent study suggested a theoretical neuro-biomechanical model (coined “Fascial Armoring”) to help explain the pathogenesis and cellular pathway of fibromyalgia, pointing toward mechanical abnormalities in connective tissue and fascia, driven by contractile myo/fibroblasts and altered extracellular matrix remodeling with downstream corresponding neurophysiological aberrations. This may help explain several of fibromyalgia’s manifestations such as pain, distribution of pain, trigger points/tender spots, hyperalgesia, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular abnormalities, metabolic abnormalities, autonomic abnormalities, small fiber neuropathy, various psychosomatic symptoms, lack of obvious inflammation, and silent imaging investigations. Pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways provide input into this mechanism via stimulation of proto/myofibroblasts. In this hypothesis and theory paper the theoretical model of Fascial Armoring is presented to help explain the pathogenesis and manifestations of “long COVID-19” as a disease of immuno-rheumo-psycho-neurology. The model is also used to make testable experimental predictions on investigations and predict risk and relieving factors.
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29
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Donnaloja F, Limonta E, Mancosu C, Morandi F, Boeri L, Albani D, Raimondi MT. Unravelling the mechanotransduction pathways in Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:22. [PMID: 36978103 PMCID: PMC10045049 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00336-w] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents one of the most common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorders. By the end of 2040, AD patients might reach 11.2 million in the USA, around 70% higher than 2022, with severe consequences on the society. As now, we still need research to find effective methods to treat AD. Most studies focused on the tau and amyloid hypothesis, but many other factors are likely involved in the pathophysiology of AD. In this review, we summarize scientific evidence dealing with the mechanotransduction players in AD to highlight the most relevant mechano-responsive elements that play a role in AD pathophysiology. We focused on the AD-related role of extracellular matrix (ECM), nuclear lamina, nuclear transport and synaptic activity. The literature supports that ECM alteration causes the lamin A increment in the AD patients, leading to the formation of nuclear blebs and invaginations. Nuclear blebs have consequences on the nuclear pore complexes, impairing nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. This may result in tau hyperphosphorylation and its consequent self-aggregation in tangles, which impairs the neurotransmitters transport. It all exacerbates in synaptic transmission impairment, leading to the characteristic AD patient's memory loss. Here we related for the first time all the evidence associating the mechanotransduction pathway with neurons. In addition, we highlighted the entire pathway influencing neurodegenerative diseases, paving the way for new research perspectives in the context of AD and related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Donnaloja
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Emma Limonta
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Mancosu
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Morandi
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Boeri
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Teresa Raimondi
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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30
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Extracellular matrix and synapse formation. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232259. [PMID: 36503961 PMCID: PMC9829651 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex molecular network distributed throughout the extracellular space of different tissues as well as the neuronal system. Previous studies have identified various ECM components that play important roles in neuronal maturation and signal transduction. ECM components are reported to be involved in neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and axonal growth by interacting or binding to specific receptors. In addition, the ECM is found to regulate synapse formation, the stability of the synaptic structure, and synaptic plasticity. Here, we mainly reviewed the effects of various ECM components on synapse formation and briefly described the related diseases caused by the abnormality of several ECM components.
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Widjaya MA, Cheng YJ, Kuo YM, Liu CH, Cheng WC, Lee SD. Transcriptomic Analyses of Exercise Training in Alzheimer's Disease Cerebral Cortex. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:349-363. [PMID: 36970901 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research reported exercise could reduce Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms in human and animals. However, the molecular mechanism of exercise training via transcriptomic analysis was unclear especially in AD in the cortex area. OBJECTIVE Investigate potential significant pathways in the cortex area that were affected by exercise during AD. METHODS RNA-seq analysis, differential expressed genes, functional enrichment analysis, and GSOAP clustering analysis were performed in the isolated cerebral cortex from eight 3xTg AD mice (12 weeks old) randomly and equally divided into control (AD) and exercise training (AD-EX) group. Swimming exercise training in AD-EX group was conducted 30 min/day for 1 month. RESULTS There were 412 genes significant differentially expressed in AD-EX group compared to AD group. Top 10 upregulated genes in AD-EX group against AD group mostly correlated with neuroinflammation, while top 10 downregulated genes mostly had connection with vascularization, membrane transport, learning memory, and chemokine signal. Pathway analysis revealed the upregulated interferon alpha beta signaling in AD-EX had association with cytokines delivery in microglia cells compared to AD and top 10 upregulated genes involved in interferon alpha beta were Usp18, Isg15, Mx1, Mx2, Stat1, Oas1a, and Irf9; The downregulated extracellular matrix organization in AD-EX had correlation with Aβ and neuron cells interaction and Vtn was one of the top 10 downregulated genes involved in this pathway. CONCLUSION Exercise training influenced 3xTg mice cortex through interferon alpha beta signaling upregulation and extracellular matrix organization downregulation based on transcriptomics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Anekson Widjaya
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jung Cheng
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Liu
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, China Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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32
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AbouElhassan KM, Sarhan HA, Hussein AK, Taye A, Ahmed YM, Safwat MA. Brain Targeting of Citicoline Sodium via Hyaluronic Acid-Decorated Novel Nano-Transbilosomes for Mitigation of Alzheimer’s Disease in a Rat Model: Formulation, Optimization, in vitro and in vivo Assessment. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:6347-6376. [DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s381353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Guvatova ZG, Borisov PV, Alekseev AA, Moskalev AA. Age-Related Changes in Extracellular Matrix. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1535-1551. [PMID: 36717445 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922120112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is an extracellular tissue structure that, in addition to mechanical support to the cell, is involved in regulation of many cellular processes, including chemical transport, growth, migration, differentiation, and cell senescence. Age-related changes in the structure and composition of the matrix and increase of ECM stiffness with age affect functioning of many tissues and contribute to the development of various pathological conditions. This review considers age-related changes of ECM in various tissues and organs, in particular, effect of ECM changes on aging is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulfiia G Guvatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 129226, Russia
| | - Pavel V Borisov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alexey A Alekseev
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 129226, Russia
| | - Alexey A Moskalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia. .,Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 129226, Russia
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34
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Ali AB, Islam A, Constanti A. The fate of interneurons, GABA A receptor sub-types and perineuronal nets in Alzheimer's disease. Brain Pathol 2022; 33:e13129. [PMID: 36409151 PMCID: PMC9836378 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurological disease, which is associated with gradual memory loss and correlated with synaptic hyperactivity and abnormal oscillatory rhythmic brain activity that precedes phenotypic alterations and is partly responsible for the spread of the disease pathology. Synaptic hyperactivity is thought to be because of alteration in the homeostasis of phasic and tonic synaptic inhibition, which is orchestrated by the GABAA inhibitory system, encompassing subclasses of interneurons and GABAA receptors, which play a vital role in cognitive functions, including learning and memory. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix, the perineuronal nets (PNNs) which often go unnoticed in considerations of AD pathology, encapsulate the inhibitory cells and neurites in critical brain regions and have recently come under the light for their crucial role in synaptic stabilisation and excitatory-inhibitory balance and when disrupted, serve as a potential trigger for AD-associated synaptic imbalance. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the current understanding of the selective vulnerability of distinct interneuron subtypes, their synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA R subtypes as well as the changes in PNNs in AD, detailing their contribution to the mechanisms of disease development. We aim to highlight how seemingly unique malfunction in each component of the interneuronal GABA inhibitory system can be tied together to result in critical circuit dysfunction, leading to the irreversible symptomatic damage observed in AD.
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35
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Glycosylated clusterin species facilitate Aβ toxicity in human neurons. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18639. [PMID: 36329114 PMCID: PMC9633591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23167-z] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Clusterin (CLU) is one of the most significant genetic risk factors for late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms by which CLU contributes to AD development and pathogenesis remain unclear. Studies have demonstrated that the trafficking and localisation of glycosylated CLU proteins is altered by CLU-AD mutations and amyloid-β (Aβ), which may contribute to AD pathogenesis. However, the roles of non-glycosylated and glycosylated CLU proteins in mediating Aβ toxicity have not been studied in human neurons. iPSCs with altered CLU trafficking were generated following the removal of CLU exon 2 by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Neurons were generated from control (CTR) and exon 2 -/- edited iPSCs and were incubated with aggregated Aβ peptides. Aβ induced changes in cell death and neurite length were quantified to determine if altered CLU protein trafficking influenced neuronal sensitivity to Aβ. Finally, RNA-Seq analysis was performed to identify key transcriptomic differences between CLU exon 2 -/- and CTR neurons. The removal of CLU exon 2, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-signal peptide located within, abolished the presence of glycosylated CLU and increased the abundance of intracellular, non-glycosylated CLU. While non-glycosylated CLU levels were unaltered by Aβ25-35 treatment, the trafficking of glycosylated CLU was altered in control but not exon 2 -/- neurons. The latter also displayed partial protection against Aβ-induced cell death and neurite retraction. Transcriptome analysis identified downregulation of multiple extracellular matrix (ECM) related genes in exon 2 -/- neurons, potentially contributing to their reduced sensitivity to Aβ toxicity. This study identifies a crucial role of glycosylated CLU in facilitating Aβ toxicity in human neurons. The loss of these proteins reduced both, cell death and neurite damage, two key consequences of Aβ toxicity identified in the AD brain. Strikingly, transcriptomic differences between exon 2 -/- and control neurons were small, but a significant and consistent downregulation of ECM genes and pathways was identified in exon 2 -/- neurons. This may contribute to the reduced sensitivity of these neurons to Aβ, providing new mechanistic insights into Aβ pathologies and therapeutic targets for AD.
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36
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An Alzheimer’s Disease Patient-Derived Olfactory Stem Cell Model Identifies Gene Expression Changes Associated with Cognition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203258. [PMID: 36291125 PMCID: PMC9601087 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an impaired sense of smell, for which the molecular basis remains elusive. Here, we generated human olfactory neurosphere-derived (ONS) cells from people with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and performed global RNA sequencing to determine gene expression changes. ONS cells expressed markers of neuroglial differentiation, providing a unique cellular model to explore changes of early AD-associated pathways. Our transcriptomics data from ONS cells revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with cognitive processes in AD cells compared to MCI, or matched healthy controls (HC). A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 6 (AKAP6) was the most significantly altered gene in AD compared to both MCI and HC, and has been linked to cognitive function. The greatest change in gene expression of all DEGs occurred between AD and MCI. Gene pathway analysis revealed defects in multiple cellular processes with aging, intellectual deficiency and alternative splicing being the most significantly dysregulated in AD ONS cells. Our results demonstrate that ONS cells can provide a cellular model for AD that recapitulates disease-associated differences. We have revealed potential novel genes, including AKAP6 that may have a role in AD, particularly MCI to AD transition, and should be further examined.
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Pintér P, Alpár A. The Role of Extracellular Matrix in Human Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911085. [PMID: 36232390 PMCID: PMC9569603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dense neuropil of the central nervous system leaves only limited space for extracellular substances free. The advent of immunohistochemistry, soon followed by advanced diagnostic tools, enabled us to explore the biochemical heterogeneity and compartmentalization of the brain extracellular matrix in exploratory and clinical research alike. The composition of the extracellular matrix is critical to shape neuronal function; changes in its assembly trigger or reflect brain/spinal cord malfunction. In this study, we focus on extracellular matrix changes in neurodegenerative disorders. We summarize its phenotypic appearance and biochemical characteristics, as well as the major enzymes which regulate and remodel matrix establishment in disease. The specifically built basement membrane of the central nervous system, perineuronal nets and perisynaptic axonal coats can protect neurons from toxic agents, and biochemical analysis revealed how the individual glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan components interact with these molecules. Depending on the site, type and progress of the disease, select matrix components can either proactively trigger the formation of disease-specific harmful products, or reactively accumulate, likely to reduce tissue breakdown and neuronal loss. We review the diagnostic use and the increasing importance of medical screening of extracellular matrix components, especially enzymes, which informs us about disease status and, better yet, allows us to forecast illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panka Pintér
- Department of Anatomy, Semmelweis University, 1113 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alán Alpár
- Department of Anatomy, Semmelweis University, 1113 Budapest, Hungary
- SE NAP Research Group of Experimental Neuroanatomy and Developmental Biology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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38
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Rocha DN, Carvalho ED, Relvas JB, Oliveira MJ, Pêgo AP. Mechanotransduction: Exploring New Therapeutic Avenues in Central Nervous System Pathology. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:861613. [PMID: 35573316 PMCID: PMC9096357 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.861613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are continuously exposed to physical forces and the central nervous system (CNS) is no exception. Cells dynamically adapt their behavior and remodel the surrounding environment in response to forces. The importance of mechanotransduction in the CNS is illustrated by exploring its role in CNS pathology development and progression. The crosstalk between the biochemical and biophysical components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are here described, considering the recent explosion of literature demonstrating the powerful influence of biophysical stimuli like density, rigidity and geometry of the ECM on cell behavior. This review aims at integrating mechanical properties into our understanding of the molecular basis of CNS disease. The mechanisms that mediate mechanotransduction events, like integrin, Rho/ROCK and matrix metalloproteinases signaling pathways are revised. Analysis of CNS pathologies in this context has revealed that a wide range of neurological diseases share as hallmarks alterations of the tissue mechanical properties. Therefore, it is our belief that the understanding of CNS mechanotransduction pathways may lead to the development of improved medical devices and diagnostic methods as well as new therapeutic targets and strategies for CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nogueira Rocha
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva Daniela Carvalho
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia (FEUP), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Bettencourt Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Oliveira
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Pêgo
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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