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Bendetowicz D, Fabbri M, Sirna F, Fernagut PO, Foubert-Samier A, Saulnier T, Le Traon AP, Proust-Lima C, Rascol O, Meissner WG. Recent Advances in Clinical Trials in Multiple System Atrophy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:95-112. [PMID: 38416311 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01335-0] [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: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes previous and ongoing neuroprotection trials in multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by parkinsonism, cerebellar, and autonomic dysfunction. It also describes the preclinical therapeutic pipeline and provides some considerations relevant to successfully conducting clinical trials in MSA, i.e., diagnosis, endpoints, and trial design. RECENT FINDINGS Over 30 compounds have been tested in clinical trials in MSA. While this illustrates a strong treatment pipeline, only two have reached their primary endpoint. Ongoing clinical trials primarily focus on targeting α-synuclein, the neuropathological hallmark of MSA being α-synuclein-bearing glial cytoplasmic inclusions. The mostly negative trial outcomes highlight the importance of better understanding underlying disease mechanisms and improving preclinical models. Together with efforts to refine clinical measurement tools, innovative statistical methods, and developments in biomarker research, this will enhance the design of future neuroprotection trials in MSA and the likelihood of positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bendetowicz
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France.
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Margherita Fabbri
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | - Federico Sirna
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, IPSED, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Fernagut
- Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, INSERM UMR-S 1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Alexandra Foubert-Samier
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, IPSED, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Anne Pavy Le Traon
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Olivier Rascol
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | - Wassilios G Meissner
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, and New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Garmendia JV, De Sanctis CV, Das V, Annadurai N, Hajduch M, De Sanctis JB. Inflammation, Autoimmunity and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Therapeutics and Beyond. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1080-1109. [PMID: 37898823 PMCID: PMC10964103 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231017141636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease (ND) incidence has recently increased due to improved life expectancy. Alzheimer's (AD) or Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most prevalent NDs. Both diseases are poly genetic, multifactorial and heterogenous. Preventive medicine, a healthy diet, exercise, and controlling comorbidities may delay the onset. After the diseases are diagnosed, therapy is needed to slow progression. Recent studies show that local, peripheral and age-related inflammation accelerates NDs' onset and progression. Patients with autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could be at higher risk of developing AD or PD. However, no increase in ND incidence has been reported if the patients are adequately diagnosed and treated. Autoantibodies against abnormal tau, β amyloid and α- synuclein have been encountered in AD and PD and may be protective. This discovery led to the proposal of immune-based therapies for AD and PD involving monoclonal antibodies, immunization/ vaccines, pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibition and anti-inflammatory cytokine addition. All the different approaches have been analysed here. Future perspectives on new therapeutic strategies for both disorders are concisely examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Valentina Garmendia
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Claudia Valentina De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Viswanath Das
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Narendran Annadurai
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Marián Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
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Fagen SJ, Burgess JD, Lim MJ, Amerna D, Kaya ZB, Faroqi AH, Perisetla P, DeMeo NN, Stojkovska I, Quiriconi DJ, Mazzulli JR, Delenclos M, Boschen SL, McLean PJ. Honokiol decreases alpha-synuclein mRNA levels and reveals novel targets for modulating alpha-synuclein expression. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1179086. [PMID: 37637959 PMCID: PMC10449643 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1179086] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intracytoplasmic inclusions comprised of aggregated alpha-synuclein (αsyn) represent a key histopathological feature of neurological disorders collectively termed "synucleinopathies," which includes Parkinson's disease (PD). Mutations and multiplications in the SNCA gene encoding αsyn cause familial forms of PD and a large body of evidence indicate a correlation between αsyn accumulation and disease. Decreasing αsyn expression is recognized as a valid target for PD therapeutics, with down-regulation of SNCA expression potentially attenuating downstream cascades of pathologic events. Here, we evaluated if Honokiol (HKL), a polyphenolic compound derived from magnolia tree bark with demonstrated neuroprotective properties, can modulate αsyn levels in multiple experimental models. Methods Human neuroglioma cells stably overexpressing αsyn, mouse primary neurons, and human iPSC-derived neurons were exposed to HKL and αsyn protein and SNCA messenger RNA levels were assessed. The effect of HKL on rotenone-induced overexpression of αsyn levels was further assessed and transcriptional profiling of mouse cortical neurons treated with HKL was performed to identify potential targets of HKL. Results We demonstrate that HKL can successfully reduce αsyn protein levels and SNCA expression in multiple in vitro models of PD with our data supporting a mechanism whereby HKL acts by post-transcriptional modulation of SNCA rather than modulating αsyn protein degradation. Transcriptional profiling of mouse cortical neurons treated with HKL identifies several differentially expressed genes (DEG) as potential targets to modulate SNCA expression. Conclusion This study supports a HKL-mediated downregulation of SNCA as a viable strategy to modify disease progression in PD and other synucleinopathies. HKL has potential as a powerful tool for investigating SNCA gene modulation and its downstream effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J. Fagen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
| | - Jeremy D. Burgess
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Melina J. Lim
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
| | - Danilyn Amerna
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
| | - Zeynep B. Kaya
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
| | - Ayman H. Faroqi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Priyanka Perisetla
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
| | - Natasha N. DeMeo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
| | - Iva Stojkovska
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Drew J. Quiriconi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joseph R. Mazzulli
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Marion Delenclos
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
| | - Suelen L. Boschen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Pamela J. McLean
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jackson ville, FL, United States
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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Siwecka N, Saramowicz K, Galita G, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Targeted Therapy for α-Synucleinopathy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37631265 PMCID: PMC10459316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (N.S.); (K.S.); (G.G.); (W.R.-K.)
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Li Y, Wang T, Meng L, Jin L, Liu C, Liang Y, Ren L, Liu Y, Liu Y, Liu S, Li T, Liang Y, Chen X, Zhang Z. Novel naturally occurring autoantibodies attenuate α-synuclein pathology in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12860. [PMID: 36331758 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Accumulation and propagation of pathological α-synuclein (α-Syn) are the major contributing factors to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therapy to halt the spreading of α-Syn pathology needs to be established. METHODS After phage display and affinity maturation, human-derived anti-α-Syn autoantibodies were selected and applied to biochemical, cellular and animal models of PD. RESULTS The novel naturally occurring anti-α-Syn autoantibodies (α-Syn-nAbs), P21 and P22, selectively bind α-Syn preformed fibrils (PFFs), recognise Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) in human PD brains, block α-Syn fibrillization and inhibit the seeding of α-Syn PFFs. Moreover, systematic administration of P21 and P22 attenuates α-Syn pathology, degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway and motor deficits in mice injected with α-Syn PFFs. CONCLUSIONS P21 and P22 attenuate α-synuclein pathology and are promising candidates for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Tao Wang
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lei Jin
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yangqiu Liang
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lin Ren
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yang Liu
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanshuang Liu
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Tete Li
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanqi Liang
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
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The Role of α-Synuclein in SNARE-mediated Synaptic Vesicle Fusion. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167775. [PMID: 35931109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal communication depends on exquisitely regulated membrane fusion between synaptic vesicles and presynaptic neurons, which results in neurotransmitter release in precisely timed patterns. Presynaptic dysfunctions are known to occur prior to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. Synaptic accumulation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) oligomers has been implicated in the pathway leading to such outcomes. α-Syn oligomers exert aberrant effects on presynaptic fusion machinery through their interactions with synaptic vesicles and proteins. Here, we summarize in vitro bulk and single-vesicle assays for investigating the functions of α-Syn monomers and oligomers in synaptic vesicle fusion and then discuss the current understanding of the roles of α-Syn monomers and oligomers in synaptic vesicle fusion. Finally, we suggest a new therapeutic avenue specifically targeting the mechanisms of α-Syn oligomer toxicity rather than the oligomer itself.
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Öksüz N, Öztürk Ş, Doğu O. Future Prospects in Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis and Treatment. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2022; 59:S36-S41. [PMID: 36578989 PMCID: PMC9767134 DOI: 10.29399/npa.28169] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a rapidly increasing incidence and prevalence. Although it affects more than 6 million people worldwide, it is predicted to be doubled by 2040. Current criteria used in the diagnosis of PD include the presence of bradykinesia as well as the presence of rest tremor and/or rigidity, but the clinic is multifaceted and includes many non-motor symptoms. Non-motor symptoms may occur in the prodromal period, years before clinically evident Parkinson's disease. During this period, diagnosing the disease will likely be even more important when disease-modifying treatments are available. Currently, there is no single biomarker that can be used in the diagnosis of PD and no disease-modifying treatment is available. Identification of biomarkers in early diagnosis will enable the most effective use of disease-modifying therapies and will shed light on possible underlying pathologies, studies in this area have gained momentum in recent years. Molecular imaging methods, genetic studies, salivary gland and skin biopsies, metabolomics, lysosomal pathway are some of them. In this article, besides the current diagnosis and treatment methods of the disease, biomarkers and treatments that are expected to be better understood in the near future will be mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevra Öksüz
- Mersin University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mersin, Turkey,Correspondence Address: Nevra Öksüz, Mersin Üniversite Hastanesi, Çiftlik Köy Kampüsü, Kat:1 Yetişkin Nöroloji Polikliniği, Yenişehir, Mersin, Turkey • E-mail:
| | - Şeyda Öztürk
- Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Department of Neurology, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Okan Doğu
- Mersin University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mersin, Turkey
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Rational Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies Selective for Pathogenic Forms of Alpha-Synuclein. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092168. [PMID: 36140270 PMCID: PMC9496384 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092168] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolded toxic forms of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). The α-Syn oligomers and soluble fibrils have been shown to mediate neurotoxicity and cell-to-cell propagation of pathology. To generate antibodies capable of selectively targeting pathogenic forms of α-Syn, computational modeling was used to predict conformational epitopes likely to become exposed on oligomers and small soluble fibrils, but not on monomers or fully formed insoluble fibrils. Cyclic peptide scaffolds reproducing these conformational epitopes exhibited neurotoxicity and seeding activity, indicating their biological relevance. Immunization with the conformational epitopes gave rise to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with the desired binding profile showing selectivity for toxic α-Syn oligomers and soluble fibrils, with little or no reactivity with monomers, physiologic tetramers, or Lewy bodies. Recognition of naturally occurring soluble α-Syn aggregates in brain extracts from DLB and MSA patients was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In addition, the mAbs inhibited the seeding activity of sonicated pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) in a thioflavin-T fluorescence-based aggregation assay. In neuronal cultures, the mAbs protected primary rat neurons from toxic α-Syn oligomers, reduced the uptake of PFFs, and inhibited the induction of pathogenic phosphorylated aggregates of endogenous α-Syn. Protective antibodies selective for pathogenic species of α-Syn, as opposed to pan α-Syn reactivity, are expected to provide enhanced safety and therapeutic potency by preserving normal α-Syn function and minimizing the diversion of active antibody from the target by the more abundant non-toxic forms of α-Syn in the circulation and central nervous system.
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Nwabufo CK, Aigbogun OP. Diagnostic and therapeutic agents that target alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol 2022; 269:5762-5786. [PMID: 35831620 PMCID: PMC9281355 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of disease-modifying drugs and differential diagnostic agents is an urgent medical need in Parkinson’s disease. Despite the complex pathophysiological pathway, the misfolding of alpha-synuclein has been identified as a putative biomarker for detecting the onset and progression of the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease. Identifying the most appropriate alpha-synuclein-based diagnostic modality with clinical translation will revolutionize the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Likewise, molecules that target alpha-synuclein could alter the disease pathway that leads to Parkinson’s and may serve as first-in class therapeutics compared to existing treatment options such as levodopa and dopamine agonist that do not necessarily modify the disease pathway. Notwithstanding the promising benefits that alpha-synuclein presents to therapeutics and diagnostics development for Parkinson’s disease, finding ways to address potential challenges such as inadequate preclinical models, safety and efficacy will be paramount to achieving clinical translation. In this comprehensive review paper, we described the role of alpha-synuclein in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, as well as how its structure and function relationship delineate disease onset and progression. We further discussed different alpha-synuclein-based diagnostic modalities including biomolecular assays and molecular imaging. Finally, we presented current small molecules and biologics that are being developed as disease-modifying drugs or positron emission tomography imaging probes for Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwunonso K Nwabufo
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.
| | - Omozojie P Aigbogun
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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10
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Thapa K, Khan H, Kanojia N, Singh TG, Kaur A, Kaur G. Therapeutic Insights on Ferroptosis in Parkinson's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 930:175133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Vijayakumar D, Jankovic J. Slowing Parkinson's Disease Progression with Vaccination and Other Immunotherapies. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:327-343. [PMID: 35212935 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00903-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. There are several recognized pathways leading up to dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta and other cells in the brain as a result of age-related, genetic, environmental, and other processes. Of these, the most prominent is the role played by the protein α-synuclein, which aggregates and is the primary component of Lewy bodies, the histopathological hallmark of PD. The latest disease-modifying treatment options being investigated in PD are active and passive immunization against α-synuclein. There are currently five different monoclonal antibodies investigated as passive immunization and three drugs being studied as active immunization modalities in PD. These work through different mechanisms but with a common goal-to minimize or prevent α-synuclein-driven neurotoxicity by reducing α-synuclein synthesis, increasing α-synuclein degradation, and preventing aggregation and propagation from cell to cell. These promising strategies, along with other potential therapies, may favorably alter disease progression in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya Vijayakumar
- Department of Medicine, Prisma Health Upstate, The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Distinguished Chair in Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center at the McNair Campus, 7200 Cambridge, 9th Floor, Suite 9A, Houston, TX, 77030-4202, USA.
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Gouda NA, Elkamhawy A, Cho J. Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Parkinson’s Disease and Future Prospects: A 2021 Update. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020371. [PMID: 35203580 PMCID: PMC8962417 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder pathologically distinguished by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Muscle rigidity, tremor, and bradykinesia are all clinical motor hallmarks of PD. Several pathways have been implicated in PD etiology, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired protein clearance, and neuroinflammation, but how these factors interact remains incompletely understood. Although many breakthroughs in PD therapy have been accomplished, there is currently no cure for PD, only trials to alleviate the related motor symptoms. To reduce or stop the clinical progression and mobility impairment, a disease-modifying approach that can directly target the etiology rather than offering symptomatic alleviation remains a major unmet clinical need in the management of PD. In this review, we briefly introduce current treatments and pathophysiology of PD. In addition, we address the novel innovative therapeutic targets for PD therapy, including α-synuclein, autophagy, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and others. Several immunomodulatory approaches and stem cell research currently in clinical trials with PD patients are also discussed. Moreover, preclinical studies and clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of novel and repurposed therapeutic agents and their pragmatic applications with encouraging outcomes are summarized. Finally, molecular biomarkers under active investigation are presented as potentially valuable tools for early PD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A. Gouda
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Korea; (N.A.G.); (A.E.)
| | - Ahmed Elkamhawy
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Korea; (N.A.G.); (A.E.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Jungsook Cho
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Korea; (N.A.G.); (A.E.)
- Correspondence:
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Passive Immunization in Alpha-Synuclein Preclinical Animal Models. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020168. [PMID: 35204668 PMCID: PMC8961624 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020168] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synucleinopathies include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, pure autonomic failure and multiple system atrophy. These are all progressive neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by pathological misfolding and accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein (αsyn) in neurons, axons or glial cells in the brain, but also in other organs. The abnormal accumulation and propagation of pathogenic αsyn across the autonomic connectome is associated with progressive loss of neurons in the brain and peripheral organs, resulting in motor and non-motor symptoms. To date, no cure is available for synucleinopathies, and therapy is limited to symptomatic treatment of motor and non-motor symptoms upon diagnosis. Recent advances using passive immunization that target different αsyn structures show great potential to block disease progression in rodent studies of synucleinopathies. However, passive immunotherapy in clinical trials has been proven safe but less effective than in preclinical conditions. Here we review current achievements of passive immunotherapy in animal models of synucleinopathies. Furthermore, we propose new research strategies to increase translational outcome in patient studies, (1) by using antibodies against immature conformations of pathogenic αsyn (monomers, post-translationally modified monomers, oligomers and protofibrils) and (2) by focusing treatment on body-first synucleinopathies where damage in the brain is still limited and effective immunization could potentially stop disease progression by blocking the spread of pathogenic αsyn from peripheral organs to the brain.
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14
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Pagano G, Boess FG, Taylor KI, Ricci B, Mollenhauer B, Poewe W, Boulay A, Anzures-Cabrera J, Vogt A, Marchesi M, Post A, Nikolcheva T, Kinney GG, Zago WM, Ness DK, Svoboda H, Britschgi M, Ostrowitzki S, Simuni T, Marek K, Koller M, Sevigny J, Doody R, Fontoura P, Umbricht D, Bonni A. A Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Prasinezumab in Early Parkinson's Disease (PASADENA): Rationale, Design, and Baseline Data. Front Neurol 2021; 12:705407. [PMID: 34659081 PMCID: PMC8518716 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.705407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Currently available treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) do not slow clinical progression nor target alpha-synuclein, a key protein associated with the disease. Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prasinezumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds aggregated alpha-synuclein, in individuals with early PD. Methods: The PASADENA study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment study. Individuals with early PD, recruited across the US and Europe, received monthly intravenous doses of prasinezumab (1,500 or 4,500 mg) or placebo for a 52-week period (Part 1), followed by a 52-week extension (Part 2) in which all participants received active treatment. Key inclusion criteria were: aged 40-80 years; Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) Stage I or II; time from diagnosis ≤2 years; having bradykinesia plus one other cardinal sign of PD (e.g., resting tremor, rigidity); DAT-SPECT imaging consistent with PD; and either treatment naïve or on a stable monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor dose. Study design assumptions for sample size and study duration were built using a patient cohort from the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI). In this report, baseline characteristics are compared between the treatment-naïve and MAO-B inhibitor-treated PASADENA cohorts and between the PASADENA and PPMI populations. Results: Of the 443 patients screened, 316 were enrolled into the PASADENA study between June 2017 and November 2018, with an average age of 59.9 years and 67.4% being male. Mean time from diagnosis at baseline was 10.11 months, with 75.3% in H&Y Stage II. Baseline motor and non-motor symptoms (assessed using Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS]) were similar in severity between the MAO-B inhibitor-treated and treatment-naïve PASADENA cohorts (MDS-UPDRS sum of Parts I + II + III [standard deviation (SD)]; 30.21 [11.96], 32.10 [13.20], respectively). The overall PASADENA population (63.6% treatment naïve and 36.4% on MAO-B inhibitor) showed a similar severity in MDS-UPDRS scores (e.g., MDS-UPDRS sum of Parts I + II + III [SD]; 31.41 [12.78], 32.63 [13.04], respectively) to the PPMI cohort (all treatment naïve). Conclusions: The PASADENA study population is suitable to investigate the potential of prasinezumab to slow disease progression in individuals with early PD. Trial Registration: NCT03100149.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Pagano
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank G. Boess
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kirsten I. Taylor
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benedicte Ricci
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brit Mollenhauer
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik, Kassel, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anne Boulay
- Idorisa Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Annamarie Vogt
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maddalena Marchesi
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Gene G. Kinney
- Prothena Biosciences Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Wagner M. Zago
- Prothena Biosciences Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel K. Ness
- Prothena Biosciences Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hanno Svoboda
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Britschgi
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tanya Simuni
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kenneth Marek
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Martin Koller
- Prothena Biosciences Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jeff Sevigny
- Prevail Therapeutics, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Daniel Umbricht
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Azad Bonni
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Przewodowska D, Marzec W, Madetko N. Novel Therapies for Parkinsonian Syndromes-Recent Progress and Future Perspectives. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:720220. [PMID: 34512258 PMCID: PMC8427499 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.720220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atypical parkinsonian syndromes are rare, fatal neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal protein accumulation in the brain. Examples of these syndromes include progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, and corticobasal degeneration. A common clinical feature in parkinsonism is a limited improvement with levodopa. So far, there are no disease-modifying treatments to address these conditions, and therapy is only limited to the alleviation of symptoms. Diagnosis is devastating for patients, as prognosis is extremely poor, and the disease tends to progress rapidly. Currently, potential causes and neuropathological mechanisms involved in these diseases are being widely investigated. Objectives: The goal of this review is to summarize recent advances and gather emerging disease-modifying therapies that could slow the progression of atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched regarding novel perspectives for atypical parkinsonism treatment. The following medical subject headings were used: "atypical parkinsonian syndromes-therapy," "treatment of atypical parkinsonian syndromes," "atypical parkinsonian syndromes-clinical trial," "therapy of tauopathy," "alpha-synucleinopathy treatment," "PSP therapy/treatment," "CBD therapy/treatment," "MSA therapy/treatment," and "atypical parkinsonian syndromes-disease modifying." All search results were manually reviewed prior to inclusion in this review. Results: Neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, microglia activation, proteasomal impairment, and oxidative stress play a role in the neurodegenerative process. Ongoing studies and clinical trials target these components in order to suppress toxic protein accumulation. Various approaches such as stem cell therapy, anti-aggregation/anti-phosphorylation agent administration, or usage of active and passive immunization appear to have promising results. Conclusion: Presently, disease-modifying strategies for atypical parkinsonian syndromes are being actively explored, with encouraging preliminary results. This leads to an assumption that developing accurate, safe, and progression-halting treatment is not far off. Nevertheless, the further investigation remains necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Przewodowska
- Students' Scientific Association of the Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Weronika Marzec
- Students' Scientific Association of the Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Madetko
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Current experimental disease-modifying therapeutics for multiple system atrophy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:1529-1543. [PMID: 34398313 PMCID: PMC8528757 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a challenging neurodegenerative disorder with a difficult and often inaccurate early diagnosis, still lacking effective treatment. It is characterized by a highly variable clinical presentation with parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, autonomic dysfunction, and pyramidal signs, with a rapid progression and an aggressive clinical course. The definite MSA diagnosis is only possible post-mortem, when the presence of distinctive oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs), mainly composed of misfolded and aggregated α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is demonstrated. The process of α-Syn accumulation and aggregation within oligodendrocytes is accepted one of the main pathological events underlying MSA. However, MSA is considered a multifactorial disorder with multiple pathogenic events acting together including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted neurotrophic support, among others. The discussed here treatment approaches are based on our current understanding of the pathogenesis of MSA and the results of preclinical and clinical therapeutic studies conducted over the last 2 decades. We summarize leading disease-modifying approaches for MSA including targeting α-Syn pathology, modulation of neuroinflammation, and enhancement of neuroprotection. In conclusion, we outline some challenges related to the need to overcome the gap in translation between preclinical and clinical studies towards a successful disease modification in MSA.
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Nimmo JT, Verma A, Dodart JC, Wang CY, Savistchenko J, Melki R, Carare RO, Nicoll JAR. Novel antibodies detect additional α-synuclein pathology in synucleinopathies: potential development for immunotherapy. Alzheimers Res Ther 2020; 12:159. [PMID: 33256825 PMCID: PMC7702704 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-020-00727-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation is the primary characteristic of synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Immunotherapy targeting α-Syn has shown promising results in animal models of the disease. This study investigates the target specificity of three different active vaccines for pathological α-Syn aggregates found in human brain tissue from synucleinopathies. METHODS Guinea pigs were immunised with 3 vaccines developed by United Neuroscience, and IgG fractions purified from the resulting immune sera (IGG-1, IGG-2 or IGG-3) were used to perform immunohistochemical staining of human cases of PD, DLB and MSA. The resulting immunoreactivity was compared to a commercially available α-Syn antibody from Novacastra (NOV) commonly used for diagnostic purposes. Images were captured from the substantia nigra (SN), temporal lobe, internal capsule, insular cortex and putamen and quantified for the percentage area with α-Syn immunoreactivity. Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN) were further analysed in PD and DLB cases. RESULTS Vaccine-generated antibodies detected more α-Syn pathology compared to NOV. The levels of α-Syn immunoreactivity varied between brain region and disease type with IGG-3 recognising the highest levels of α-Syn in most cases and in all brain regions that are affected early in disease progression. IGG-3 had a high recognition for glial inclusions found in MSA which are known to have a more compact conformation. Slot blot analysis confirmed the specificity of IGG-3 for native oligomers and fibrillar α-Syn. Higher levels of α-Syn were recognised by IGG-2 in cortical regions, and by IGG-3 in SN of PD and DLB cases. This was due to increased immunolabelling of LNs in these brain regions suggesting that IGG-2 and IGG-3 recognised additional α-Syn pathology compared to IGG-1 and NOV. Whether the unique binding properties of the antibodies produced in guinea pigs will translate in the clinic remains to be addressed, which is the main limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS These vaccines induce antibodies that bind α-Syn oligomers and aggregates in the human brain and specifically support the choice of the vaccine generating IGG-3 (i.e. UB-312) as a candidate for clinical trials for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui T. Nimmo
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Clinical Neurosciences. Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ajay Verma
- United Neuroscience, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | | | | | - Jimmy Savistchenko
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282Institute Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Ronald Melki
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282Institute Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Roxana O. Carare
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Clinical Neurosciences. Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James A. R. Nicoll
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Clinical Neurosciences. Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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18
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Du XY, Xie XX, Liu RT. The Role of α-Synuclein Oligomers in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228645. [PMID: 33212758 PMCID: PMC7697105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is a protein associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegeneration disease with no effective treatment. However, how α-syn drives the pathology of PD remains elusive. Recent studies suggest that α-syn oligomers are the primary cause of neurotoxicity and play a critical role in PD. In this review, we discuss the process of α-syn oligomers formation and the current understanding of the structures of oligomers. We also describe seed and propagation effects of oligomeric forms of α-syn. Then, we summarize the mechanism by which α-syn oligomers exert neurotoxicity and promote neurodegeneration, including mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, proteostasis dysregulation, synaptic impairment, cell apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Finally, we investigate treatment regimens targeting α-syn oligomers at present. Further research is needed to understand the structure and toxicity mechanism of different types of oligomers, so as to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-yu Du
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China; (X.-y.D.); (X.-x.X.)
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi-xiu Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China; (X.-y.D.); (X.-x.X.)
| | - Rui-tian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China; (X.-y.D.); (X.-x.X.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-82545017
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19
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Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease variably associated with motor, nonmotor, and autonomic symptoms, resulting from putaminal and cerebellar degeneration and associated with glial cytoplasmic inclusions enriched with α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes and neurons. Although symptomatic treatment of MSA can provide significant improvements in quality of life, the benefit is often partial, limited by adverse effects, and fails to treat the underlying cause. Consistent with the multisystem nature of the disease and evidence that motor symptoms, autonomic failure, and depression drive patient assessments of quality of life, treatment is best achieved through a coordinated multidisciplinary approach driven by the patient's priorities and goals of care. Research into disease-modifying therapies is ongoing with a particular focus on synuclein-targeted therapies among others. This review focuses on both current management and emerging therapies for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Burns
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UFHealth, Movement Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, University of Florida, 3009 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608 USA
| | - Nikolaus R. McFarland
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UFHealth, Movement Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, University of Florida, 3009 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608 USA
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20
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Lemos M, Venezia S, Refolo V, Heras-Garvin A, Schmidhuber S, Giese A, Leonov A, Ryazanov S, Griesinger C, Galabova G, Staffler G, Wenning GK, Stefanova N. Targeting α-synuclein by PD03 AFFITOPE® and Anle138b rescues neurodegenerative pathology in a model of multiple system atrophy: clinical relevance. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:38. [PMID: 32972456 PMCID: PMC7513530 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Misfolded oligomeric α-synuclein plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy, and its detection parallels activation of microglia and a loss of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Here we aimed to analyze the therapeutic efficacy of PD03, a new AFFITOPE® immunotherapy approach, either alone or in combination with Anle138b, in a PLP-α-syn mouse model. Methods The PLP-α-syn mice were treated with PD03 immunotherapy, Anle138b, or a combination of two. Five months after study initiation, the mice underwent behavioral testing and were sacrificed for neuropathological analysis. The treatment groups were compared to the vehicle group with regard to motor performance, nigral neuronal loss, microglial activation and α-synuclein pathology. Results The PLP-α-syn mice receiving the PD03 or Anle138b single therapy showed improvement of gait deficits and preservation of nigral dopaminergic neurons associated with the reduced α-synuclein oligomer levels and decreased microglial activation. The combined therapy with Anle138b and PD03 resulted in lower IgG binding in the brain as compared to the single immunotherapy with PD03. Conclusions PD03 and Anle138b can selectively target oligomeric α-synuclein, resulting in attenuation of neurodegeneration in the PLP-α-syn mice. Both approaches are potential therapies that should be developed further for disease modification in α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Lemos
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Serena Venezia
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Violetta Refolo
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Antonio Heras-Garvin
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Armin Giese
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrei Leonov
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sergey Ryazanov
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Gergana Galabova
- AFFIRIS AG, Vienna, Austria.,Present Address: Origenis GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Gregor Karl Wenning
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Fouka M, Mavroeidi P, Tsaka G, Xilouri M. In Search of Effective Treatments Targeting α-Synuclein Toxicity in Synucleinopathies: Pros and Cons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:559791. [PMID: 33015057 PMCID: PMC7500083 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.559791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) represent pathologically similar, progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the pathological aggregation of the neuronal protein α-synuclein. PD and DLB are characterized by the abnormal accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein in proteinaceous inclusions within neurons named Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs), whereas in MSA α-synuclein inclusions are mainly detected within oligodendrocytes named glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). The presence of pathologically aggregated α-synuclein along with components of the protein degradation machinery, such as ubiquitin and p62, in LBs and GCIs is considered to underlie the pathogenic cascade that eventually leads to the severe neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation that characterizes these diseases. Importantly, α-synuclein is proposed to undergo pathogenic misfolding and oligomerization into higher-order structures, revealing self-templating conformations, and to exert the ability of "prion-like" spreading between cells. Therefore, the manner in which the protein is produced, is modified within neural cells and is degraded, represents a major focus of current research efforts in the field. Given that α-synuclein protein load is critical to disease pathogenesis, the identification of means to limit intracellular protein burden and halt α-synuclein propagation represents an obvious therapeutic approach in synucleinopathies. However, up to date the development of effective therapeutic strategies to prevent degeneration in synucleinopathies is limited, due to the lack of knowledge regarding the precise mechanisms underlying the observed pathology. This review critically summarizes the recent developed strategies to counteract α-synuclein toxicity, including those aimed to increase protein degradation, to prevent protein aggregation and cell-to-cell propagation, or to engage antibodies against α-synuclein and discuss open questions and unknowns for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Xilouri
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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22
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Fatoba O, Ohtake Y, Itokazu T, Yamashita T. Immunotherapies in Huntington's disease and α-Synucleinopathies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:337. [PMID: 32161599 PMCID: PMC7052383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of immune activation using immunotherapy has attracted considerable attention for many years as a potential therapeutic intervention for several inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases. However, the efficacy of single-target immunotherapy intervention has shown limited or no efficacy in alleviating disease burden and restoring functional capacity. Marked immune system activation and neuroinflammation are important features and prodromal signs in polyQ repeat disorders and α-synucleinopathies. This review describes the current status and future directions of immunotherapies in proteinopathy-induced neurodegeneration with emphasis on preclinical and clinical efficacies of several anti-inflammatory compounds and antibody-based therapies for the treatment of Huntington's disease and α-synucleinopathies. The review concludes with how disease modification and functional restoration could be achieved by using targeted multimodality therapy to target multiple factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Fatoba
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,WPI -Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yosuke Ohtake
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahide Itokazu
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,WPI -Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Heras-Garvin A, Stefanova N. MSA: From basic mechanisms to experimental therapeutics. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2020; 73:94-104. [PMID: 32005598 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by rapidly progressive autonomic and motor dysfunction. Pathologically, MSA is mainly characterized by the abnormal accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes, which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Striatonigral degeneration and olivopontecerebellar atrophy underlie the motor syndrome, while degeneration of autonomic centers defines the autonomic failure in MSA. At present, there is no treatment that can halt or reverse its progression. However, over the last decade several studies in preclinical models and patients have helped to better understand the pathophysiological events underlying MSA. The etiology of this fatal disorder remains unclear and may be multifactorial, caused by a combination of factors which may serve as targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the etiopathogenesis and neuropathology of MSA, its different preclinical models, and the main disease modifying therapies that have been used so far or that are planned for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Heras-Garvin
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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24
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Jellinger KA. Animal models of synucleinopathies and how they could impact future drug discovery and delivery efforts. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:969-982. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1638908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Effect of naturally occurring α-synuclein-antibodies on toxic α-synuclein-fragments. Neurosci Lett 2019; 704:181-188. [PMID: 30954607 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a soluble protein primarily expressed in presynaptic terminals in the central nervous system (CNS). Aggregates of fibrillated α-Syn are the major component of Lewy bodies (LB), a pathologic hallmark of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, naturally occurring autoantibodies against human α-Syn (nAbs α-Syn) were detected in the peripheral blood of PD patients and controls. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of nAbs α-Syn on distinct α-Syn fragments, as well as inflammatory responses and cytotoxicity evoked by nAbs α-Syn in primary microglia. All α-Syn fragments induced the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) from microglia in primary culture. Cotreatment with nAbs α-Syn alleviated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by α-Syn fragments α-Syn 1-95, α-Syn 61-140, α-Syn 96-140 and α-Syn 112. Treatment with the α-Syn fragments α-Syn 1-95, α-Syn 61-140 and α-Syn 112 impaired the viability of primary microglia. This effect could not be counteracted by cotreatment with nAbs α-Syn. Data suggest an important role of nAbs α-Syn in the α-Syn-induced inflammation cascade, and indicate the potential importance of nAbs in the pathogenesis of PD. This could provide an experimental therapeutic target for patients with PD.
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Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Target Alpha-Synuclein and Related Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020105. [PMID: 30708997 PMCID: PMC6406239 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is significantly influenced by disease-causing changes in the protein alpha-Synuclein (aSyn). It can trigger and promote intracellular stress and thereby impair the function of dopaminergic neurons. However, these damage mechanisms do not only extend to neuronal cells, but also affect most glial cell populations, such as astroglia and microglia, but also T lymphocytes, which can no longer maintain the homeostatic CNS milieu because they produce neuroinflammatory responses to aSyn pathology. Through precise neuropathological examination, molecular characterization of biomaterials, and the use of PET technology, it has been clearly demonstrated that neuroinflammation is involved in human PD. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the pathomechanisms that aSyn elicits in models of disease and focus on the affected glial cell and lymphocyte populations and their interaction with pathogenic aSyn species. The interplay between aSyn and glial cells is analyzed both in the basic research setting and in the context of human neuropathology. Ultimately, a strong rationale builds up to therapeutically reduce the burden of pathological aSyn in the CNS. The current antibody-based approaches to lower the amount of aSyn and thereby alleviate neuroinflammatory responses is finally discussed as novel therapeutic strategies for PD.
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Huang YR, Xie XX, Ji M, Yu XL, Zhu J, Zhang LX, Liu XG, Wei C, Li G, Liu RT. Naturally occurring autoantibodies against α-synuclein rescues memory and motor deficits and attenuates α-synuclein pathology in mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 124:202-217. [PMID: 30481547 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) into oligomers leads to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), but intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) which contains antibodies against α-syn monomers and oligomers fails to treat PD mouse model. The reason may be because IVIG contains much low level of antibodies against α-syn, and of which only a small part can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, resulting in an extremely low level of effective antibodies in the brain, and limiting the beneficial effect of IVIG on PD mice. Here, we first isolated naturally occurring autoantibodies against α-syn (NAbs-α-syn) from IVIG. Our further investigation results showed that NAbs-α-syn inhibited α-syn aggregation and attenuated α-syn-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Compared with vehicles, NAbs-α-syn significantly attenuated the memory and motor deficits by reducing the levels of soluble α-syn, total human α-syn and α-syn oligomers, decreasing the intracellular p-α-synser129 deposits and axonal pathology, inhibiting the microgliosis and astrogliosis, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines, increasing the levels of PSD95, synaptophysin and TH in the brain of A53T transgenic mice. These findings suggest that NAbs-α-syn overcomes the deficiency of IVIG and exhibits a promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi-Xiu Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Mei Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Ge Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Wei
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Rui-Tian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
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