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Soelter TM, Howton TC, Clark AD, Oza VH, Lasseigne BN. Altered glia-neuron communication in Alzheimer's Disease affects WNT, p53, and NFkB Signaling determined by snRNA-seq. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:317. [PMID: 38849813 PMCID: PMC11157763 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by amyloid-β plaques, tau neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Although neuronal loss is a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, it is known that non-neuronal cell populations are ultimately responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and neuronal health through neuron-glia and glial cell crosstalk. Many signaling pathways have been proposed to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease, including WNT, TGFβ, p53, mTOR, NFkB, and Pi3k/Akt signaling. Here, we predict altered cell-cell communication between glia and neurons. METHODS Using public snRNA-sequencing data generated from postmortem human prefrontal cortex, we predicted altered cell-cell communication between glia (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells) and neurons (excitatory and inhibitory). We confirmed interactions in a second and third independent orthogonal dataset. We determined cell-type-specificity using Jaccard Similarity Index and investigated the downstream effects of altered interactions in inhibitory neurons through gene expression and transcription factor activity analyses of signaling mediators. Finally, we determined changes in pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. RESULTS Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons is altered in Alzheimer's disease in a cell-type-specific manner. As expected, ligands are more cell-type-specific than receptors and targets. We identified ligand-receptor pairs in three independent datasets and found involvement of the Alzheimer's disease risk genes APP and APOE across datasets. Most of the signaling mediators of these interactions were not significantly differentially expressed, however, the mediators that are also transcription factors had differential activity between AD and control. Namely, MYC and TP53, which are associated with WNT and p53 signaling, respectively, had decreased TF activity in Alzheimer's disease, along with decreased WNT and p53 pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. Additionally, inhibitory neurons had both increased NFkB signaling pathway activity and increased TF activity of NFIL3, an NFkB signaling-associated transcription factor. CONCLUSIONS Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons in Alzheimer's disease is altered in a cell-type-specific manner involving Alzheimer's disease risk genes. Signaling mediators had altered transcription factor activity suggesting altered glia-neuron interactions may dysregulate signaling pathways including WNT, p53, and NFkB in inhibitory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea M Soelter
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Timothy C Howton
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Amanda D Clark
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Vishal H Oza
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Brittany N Lasseigne
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
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Soelter TM, Howton TC, Clark AD, Oza VH, Lasseigne BN. Altered Glia-Neuron Communication in Alzheimer's Disease Affects WNT, p53, and NFkB Signaling Determined by snRNA-seq. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.29.569304. [PMID: 38076822 PMCID: PMC10705421 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by amyloid-β plaques, tau neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Although neuronal loss is a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, it is known that non-neuronal cell populations are ultimately responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and neuronal health through neuron-glia and glial cell crosstalk. Many signaling pathways have been proposed to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease, including WNT, TGFβ, p53, mTOR, NFkB, and Pi3k/Akt signaling. Here, we predict altered cell-cell communication between glia and neurons. Methods Using public snRNA-sequencing data generated from postmortem human prefrontal cortex, we predicted altered cell-cell communication between glia (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells) and neurons (excitatory and inhibitory). We confirmed interactions in a second and third independent orthogonal dataset. We determined cell-type-specificity using Jaccard Similarity Index and investigated the downstream effects of altered interactions in inhibitory neurons through gene expression and transcription factor activity analyses of signaling mediators. Finally, we determined changes in pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. Results Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons is altered in Alzheimer's disease in a cell-type-specific manner. As expected, ligands are more cell-type-specific than receptors and targets. We identified ligand-receptor pairs in three independent datasets and found involvement of the Alzheimer's disease risk genes APP and APOE across datasets. Most of the signaling mediators of these interactions were not differentially expressed, however, the mediators that are also transcription factors had differential activity between AD and control. Namely, MYC and TP53, which are associated with WNT and p53 signaling, respectively, had decreased TF activity in Alzheimer's disease, along with decreased WNT and p53 pathway activity in inhibitory neurons. Additionally, inhibitory neurons had both increased NFkB signaling pathway activity and increased TF activity of NFIL3, an NFkB signaling-associated transcription factor. Conclusions Cell-cell communication between glia and neurons in Alzheimer's disease is altered in a cell-type-specific manner involving Alzheimer's disease risk genes. Signaling mediators had altered transcription factor activity suggesting altered glia-neuron interactions may dysregulate signaling pathways including WNT, p53, and NFkB in inhibitory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea M. Soelter
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Timothy C. Howton
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Amanda D. Clark
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Vishal H. Oza
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Brittany N. Lasseigne
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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Liu J, Wei AH, Liu TT, Ji XH, Zhang Y, Yan F, Chen MX, Hu JB, Zhou SY, Shi JS, Jin H, Jin F. Icariin ameliorates glycolytic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease models by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38400523 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17099] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
It was reported that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis and that brain glycolytic dysfunction results in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Icariin (ICA), an active component extracted from Epimedii Folium, has been reported to produce neuroprotective effects in multiple models of AD, but its underlying mechanism remains to be fully described. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of ICA on animal and cell models of AD and confirm whether the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has functions in the neuroprotective function of ICA. The 3 × Tg-AD mice were treated with ICA. HT22 cells, the Aβ25-35 peptide and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) agent (a specific inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) were used to further explore the underlying mechanism of ICA that produces anti-AD effects. Behavioral examination, western blotting assay, staining analysis, biochemical test, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were applied. We first demonstrated that ICA significantly improved cognitive function and autonomous behavior, reduced neuronal damage, and reversed the protein levels and activities of glycolytic key enzymes, and expression of protein molecules of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, in 3 × Tg-AD mice back to wild-type levels. Next, we further found that ICA increased cell viability and effectively improved the dysfunctional glycolysis in HT22 cells injured by Aβ25-35 . However, when canonical Wnt signaling was inhibited by DKK1, the above effects of ICA on glycolysis were abolished. In summary, ICA exerts neuroprotective effects in 3 × Tg-AD animals and AD cellular models by enhancing the function of glycolysis through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
- Department of Hospital Infection Management, People's Hospital of WeiNing County, Bijie, China
| | - Ai-Hong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Xin-Hao Ji
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Mei-Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Jin-Bo Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Shao-Yu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Jing-Shan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, China
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4
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Firdaus Z, Li X. Unraveling the Genetic Landscape of Neurological Disorders: Insights into Pathogenesis, Techniques for Variant Identification, and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2320. [PMID: 38396996 PMCID: PMC10889342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042320] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic abnormalities play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Genetic exploration has indeed contributed to unraveling the molecular complexities responsible for the etiology and progression of various NDDs. The intricate nature of rare and common variants in NDDs contributes to a limited understanding of the genetic risk factors associated with them. Advancements in next-generation sequencing have made whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing possible, allowing the identification of rare variants with substantial effects, and improving the understanding of both Mendelian and complex neurological conditions. The resurgence of gene therapy holds the promise of targeting the etiology of diseases and ensuring a sustained correction. This approach is particularly enticing for neurodegenerative diseases, where traditional pharmacological methods have fallen short. In the context of our exploration of the genetic epidemiology of the three most prevalent NDDs-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, our primary goal is to underscore the progress made in the development of next-generation sequencing. This progress aims to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and explore gene-based therapies for NDDs. Throughout this review, we focus on genetic variations, methodologies for their identification, the associated pathophysiology, and the promising potential of gene therapy. Ultimately, our objective is to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the emerging research arena of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Firdaus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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5
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Omar OMF, Kimble AL, Cheemala A, Tyburski JD, Pandey S, Wu Q, Reese B, Jellison ER, Li Y, Hao B, Yan R, Murphy PA. Targeted inCITE-Seq Analysis Identifies the Loss of Nuclear TDP-43 in Endothelium as a Mediator of Blood Brain Barrier Signaling Pathway Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571178. [PMID: 38168276 PMCID: PMC10760156 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the importance of the endothelium in the regulation of the blood brain barrier (BBB) in aging and neurodegenerative disease, difficulties in extracting endothelial cell (EC) nuclei have limited analysis of these cells. In addition, nearly all Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), and a large portion of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) exhibit neuronal TDP-43 aggregation, leading to loss of nuclear function, but whether TDP-43 is similarly altered in human BBB ECs is unknown. Here we utilize a novel technique for the enrichment of endothelial and microglial nuclei from human cortical brain tissues, combined with inCITE-seq, to analyze nuclear proteins and RNA transcripts in a large cohort of healthy and diseased donors. Our findings reveal a unique transcriptional signature in nearly half of the capillary endothelial cells across neurodegenerative states, characterized by reduced levels of nuclear β-Catenin and canonical downstream genes, and an increase in TNF/NF-kB target genes. We demonstrate that this does not correlate with increased nuclear p65/NF-kB, but rather a specific loss of nuclear TDP-43 in these disease associated ECs. Comparative analysis in animal models with targeted disruption of TDP-43 shows that this is sufficient to drive these transcriptional alterations. This work reveals that TDP-43 is a critical governor of the transcriptional output from nuclear p65/NF-kB, which has paradoxical roles in barrier maintenance and also barrier compromising inflammatory responses, and suggests that disease specific loss in ECs contributes to BBB defects observed in the progression of AD, ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar M F Omar
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Amy L Kimble
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Ashok Cheemala
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Jordan D Tyburski
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Swati Pandey
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Bo Reese
- Center for Genome Innovation, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT
| | - Evan R Jellison
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Farmington CT
| | - Bing Hao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Farmington CT
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
| | - Patrick A Murphy
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington CT
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6
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Waddell NJ, Liu Y, Chitaman JM, Kaplan GJ, Wang Z, Feng J. Transcription and DNA methylation signatures of paternal behavior in hippocampal dentate gyrus of prairie voles. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11020. [PMID: 37419920 PMCID: PMC10328943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37521-2] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), parental behaviors not only occur in mothers and fathers, but also exist in some virgin males. In contrast, the other virgin males display aggressive behaviors towards conspecific pups. However, little is known about the molecular underpinnings of this behavioral dichotomy, such as gene expression changes and their regulatory mechanisms. To address this, we profiled the transcriptome and DNA methylome of hippocampal dentate gyrus of four prairie vole groups, namely attacker virgin males, parental virgin males, fathers, and mothers. While we found a concordant gene expression pattern between parental virgin males and fathers, the attacker virgin males have a more deviated transcriptome. Moreover, numerous DNA methylation changes were found in pair-wise comparisons among the four groups. We found some DNA methylation changes overlapping with transcription differences, across gene-bodies and promoter regions. Furthermore, the gene expression changes and methylome alterations are selectively enriched in certain biological pathways, such as Wnt signaling, which suggest a canonical transcription regulatory role of DNA methylation in paternal behavior. Therefore, our study presents an integrated view of prairie vole dentate gyrus transcriptome and epigenome that provides a DNA epigenetic based molecular insight of paternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Waddell
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Javed M Chitaman
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Graham J Kaplan
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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Liu Y, Jiang L, Song W, Wang C, Yu S, Qiao J, Wang X, Jin C, Zhao D, Bai X, Zhang P, Wang S, Liu M. Ginsenosides on stem cells fate specification-a novel perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1190266. [PMID: 37476154 PMCID: PMC10354371 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1190266] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that stem cells have attracted much attention due to their special abilities of proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal, and are of great significance in regenerative medicine and anti-aging research. Hence, finding natural medicines that intervene the fate specification of stem cells has become a priority. Ginsenosides, the key components of natural botanical ginseng, have been extensively studied for versatile effects, such as regulating stem cells function and resisting aging. This review aims to summarize recent progression regarding the impact of ginsenosides on the behavior of adult stem cells, particularly from the perspective of proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Leilei Jiang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Wenbo Song
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chenxi Wang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Shiting Yu
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Juhui Qiao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chenrong Jin
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Daqing Zhao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xueyuan Bai
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Peiguang Zhang
- Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Siming Wang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Kostes WW, Brafman DA. The Multifaceted Role of WNT Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease Onset and Age-Related Progression. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081204. [PMID: 37190113 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081204] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved WNT signaling pathway orchestrates numerous complex biological processes during development and is critical to the maintenance of tissue integrity and homeostasis in the adult. As it relates to the central nervous system, WNT signaling plays several roles as it relates to neurogenesis, synaptic formation, memory, and learning. Thus, dysfunction of this pathway is associated with multiple diseases and disorders, including several neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by several pathologies, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline. In this review, we will discuss the various epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies that demonstrate a precise link between aberrant WNT signaling and AD-associated pathologies. In turn, we will discuss the manner in which WNT signaling influences multiple molecular, biochemical, and cellular pathways upstream of these end-point pathologies. Finally, we will discuss how merging tools and technologies can be used to generate next generation cellular models to dissect the relationship between WNT signaling and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Kostes
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - David A Brafman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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Microglial Expression of the Wnt Signaling Modulator DKK2 Differs between Human Alzheimer's Disease Brains and Mouse Neurodegeneration Models. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0306-22.2022. [PMID: 36599670 PMCID: PMC9836029 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0306-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is crucial for synapse and cognitive function. Indeed, deficient Wnt signaling is causally related to increased expression of DKK1, an endogenous negative Wnt regulator, and synapse loss, both of which likely contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasingly, AD research efforts have probed the neuroinflammatory role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, which have furthermore been shown to be modulated by Wnt signaling. The DKK1 homolog DKK2 has been previously identified as an activated response and/or disease-associated microglia (DAM/ARM) gene in a mouse model of AD. Here, we performed a detailed analysis of DKK2 in mouse models of neurodegeneration, and in human AD brain. In APP/PS1 and APPNL-G-F AD mouse model brains as well as in SOD1G93A ALS mouse model spinal cords, but not in control littermates, we demonstrated significant microgliosis and microglial Dkk2 mRNA upregulation in a disease-stage-dependent manner. In the AD models, these DAM/ARM Dkk2+ microglia preferentially accumulated close to βAmyloid plaques. Furthermore, recombinant DKK2 treatment of rat hippocampal primary neurons blocked WNT7a-induced dendritic spine and synapse formation, indicative of an anti-synaptic effect similar to that of DKK1. In stark contrast, no such microglial DKK2 upregulation was detected in the postmortem human frontal cortex from individuals diagnosed with AD or pathologic aging. In summary, the difference in microglial expression of the DAM/ARM gene DKK2 between mouse models and human AD brain highlights the increasingly recognized limitations of using mouse models to recapitulate facets of human neurodegenerative disease.
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Burek M, Kaupp V, Blecharz-Lang K, Dilling C, Meybohm P. Protocadherin gamma C3: a new player in regulating vascular barrier function. Neural Regen Res 2023. [PMID: 35799511 PMCID: PMC9241426 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.343896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in the endothelial cell barrier accompany diverse malfunctions of the central nervous system such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and systemic diseases such as sepsis, viral and bacterial infections, and cancer. Compromised endothelial sealing leads to leaking blood vessels, followed by vasogenic edema. Brain edema as the most common complication caused by stroke and traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death. Brain microvascular endothelial cells, together with astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, and neurons form a selective barrier, the so-called blood-brain barrier, which regulates the movement of molecules inside and outside of the brain. Mechanisms that regulate blood-brain barrier permeability in health and disease are complex and not fully understood. Several newly discovered molecules that are involved in the regulation of cellular processes in brain microvascular endothelial cells have been described in the literature in recent years. One of these molecules that are highly expressed in brain microvascular endothelial cells is protocadherin gamma C3. In this review, we discuss recent evidence that protocadherin gamma C3 is a newly identified key player involved in the regulation of vascular barrier function.
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11
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Bonansco C, Cerpa W, Inestrosa NC. How Are Synapses Born? A Functional and Molecular View of the Role of the Wnt Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010708. [PMID: 36614149 PMCID: PMC9821221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission is a dynamic process that requires precise regulation. Early in life, we must be able to forge appropriate connections (add and remove) to control our behavior. Neurons must recognize appropriate targets, and external soluble factors that activate specific signaling cascades provide the regulation needed to achieve this goal. Wnt signaling has been implicated in several forms of synaptic plasticity, including functional and structural changes associated with brain development. The analysis of synapses from an electrophysiological perspective allows us to characterize the functional role of cellular signaling pathways involved in brain development. The application of quantal theory to principles of developmental plasticity offers the possibility of dissecting the function of structural changes associated with the birth of new synapses as well as the maturation of immature silent synapses. Here, we focus on electrophysiological and molecular evidence that the Wnt signaling pathway regulates glutamatergic synaptic transmission, specifically N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), to control the birth of new synapses. We also focus on the role of Wnts in the conversion of silent synapses into functional synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bonansco
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.C.I.)
| | - Waldo Cerpa
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6200000, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C. Inestrosa
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6200000, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.C.I.)
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12
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The Molecular Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7095-7118. [PMID: 36083518 PMCID: PMC9616781 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03016-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is an environmental paradigm encompassing sensory, cognitive, and physical stimulation at a heightened level. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of EE in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. EE improves cognitive function as well as ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, making it a potentially effective neuroprotective strategy against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we summarize the current evidence for EE as a neuroprotective strategy as well as the potential molecular pathways that can explain the effects of EE from a biochemical perspective using animal models. The effectiveness of EE in enhancing brain activity against neurodegeneration is explored with a view to differences present in early and late life EE exposure, with its potential application in human being discussed. We discuss EE as one of the non pharmacological approaches in preventing or delaying the onset of AD for future research.
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13
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The Role of Clusterin Transporter in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease at the Blood–Brain Barrier Interface: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101452. [PMID: 36291661 PMCID: PMC9599067 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101452] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered a chronic and debilitating neurological illness that is increasingly impacting older-age populations. Some proteins, including clusterin (CLU or apolipoprotein J) transporter, can be linked to AD, causing oxidative stress. Therefore, its activity can affect various functions involving complement system inactivation, lipid transport, chaperone activity, neuronal transmission, and cellular survival pathways. This transporter is known to bind to the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, which is the major pathogenic factor of AD. On the other hand, this transporter is also active at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering and exiting the brain. Therefore, in this review, we discuss and emphasize the role of the CLU transporter and CLU-linked molecular mechanisms at the BBB interface in the pathogenesis of AD.
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14
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Zhao Y, Mahy W, Willis NJ, Woodward HL, Steadman D, Bayle ED, Atkinson BN, Sipthorp J, Vecchia L, Ruza RR, Harlos K, Jeganathan F, Constantinou S, Costa A, Kjær S, Bictash M, Salinas PC, Whiting P, Vincent JP, Fish PV, Jones EY. Structural Analysis and Development of Notum Fragment Screening Hits. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2060-2077. [PMID: 35731924 PMCID: PMC9264368 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling suppressor Notum is a promising target for osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and colorectal cancers. To develop novel Notum inhibitors, we used an X-ray crystallographic fragment screen with the Diamond-SGC Poised Library (DSPL) and identified 59 fragment hits from the analysis of 768 data sets. Fifty-eight of the hits were found bound at the enzyme catalytic pocket with potencies ranging from 0.5 to >1000 μM. Analysis of the fragments' diverse binding modes, enzymatic inhibitory activities, and chemical properties led to the selection of six hits for optimization, and five of these resulted in improved Notum inhibitory potencies. One hit, 1-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole 7, and its related cluster members, have shown promising lead-like properties. These became the focus of our fragment development activities, resulting in compound 7d with IC50 0.0067 μM. The large number of Notum fragment structures and their initial optimization provided an important basis for further Notum inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguang Zhao
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine,
Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - William Mahy
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Hannah L. Woodward
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - David Steadman
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Elliott D. Bayle
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Benjamin N. Atkinson
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - James Sipthorp
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Luca Vecchia
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine,
Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Reinis R. Ruza
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine,
Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Karl Harlos
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine,
Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Fiona Jeganathan
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Stefan Constantinou
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Artur Costa
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Svend Kjær
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Magda Bictash
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Patricia C. Salinas
- Department
of Cell and Developmental Biology, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular
Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Paul Whiting
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Jean-Paul Vincent
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Paul V. Fish
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - E. Yvonne Jones
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine,
Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
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15
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Zhang JH, Tasaki T, Tsukamoto M, Wang KY, Kubo KY, Azuma K. Deletion of Wnt10a Is Implicated in Hippocampal Neurodegeneration in Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071500. [PMID: 35884806 PMCID: PMC9313158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus plays an important role in maintaining normal cognitive function and is closely associated with the neuropathogenesis of dementia. Wnt signaling is relevant to neuronal development and maturation, synaptic formation, and plasticity. The role of Wnt10a in hippocampus-associated cognition, however, is largely unclear. Here, we examined the morphological and functional alterations in the hippocampus of Wnt10a-knockout (Wnt10a-/-) mice. Neurobehavioral tests revealed that Wnt10a-/- mice exhibited spatial memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior. Immunostaining and Western blot findings showed that the protein expressions of β-catenin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and doublecortin were significantly decreased and that the number of activated microglia increased, accompanied by amyloid-β accumulation, synaptic dysfunction, and microglia-associated neuroinflammation in the hippocampi of Wnt10a-/- mice. Our findings revealed that the deletion of Wnt10a decreased neurogenesis, impaired synaptic function, and induced hippocampal neuroinflammation, eventually leading to hippocampal neurodegeneration and memory deficit, possibly through the β-catenin signaling pathway, providing a novel insight into preventive approaches for hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-He Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Fukuoka, Japan;
| | - Takashi Tasaki
- Department of Pathology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Manabu Tsukamoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Fukuoka, Japan;
| | - Ke-Yong Wang
- Shared-Use Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Fukuoka, Japan;
| | - Kin-ya Kubo
- Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Science, Nagoya Women’s University, 3-40 Shioji-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8610, Aichi, Japan;
| | - Kagaku Azuma
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Fukuoka, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-93-691-7418; Fax: +81-93-691-8544
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16
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Infliximab and/or MESNA alleviate doxorubicin-induced Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in rats: A new insight into TNF-α/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Life Sci 2022; 301:120613. [PMID: 35523286 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The current study aimed to elucidate the neurotoxic potential of DOX to induce AD-like pathology paying attention to the role of wingless-integrated/β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin) signaling pathway. A major aim was to evaluate the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) either individually or in combination with 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium (MESNA) on the DOX-induced neurotoxicity in rats. METHODOLOGY AD-like pathology was induced in adult male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of DOX at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg twice a week for 3 weeks. DOX-injected rats were then treated with either INF at a single dose of 5 mg/kg i.p. (IFX group), MESNA at a dose of 160 mg/kg/day i.p. for 4 weeks (MESNA group) or their combination at the same specified doses (INF + MESNA group). At the end of the study period, behavioral assessment was performed and the brain tissue samples were harvested at sacrifice. KEY FINDINGS DOX-treated rats significantly exhibited AD-like brain injury, increased amyloid burden, enhanced neuroinflammation and apoptosis, and multifocal histological injury in the cerebral cortex with widespread vacuolations. IFX and MESNA significantly reversed all the aforementioned detrimental effects in the DOX-treated rats. SIGNIFICANCE The study has provided sufficient evidence of the potential of IFX and/or MESNA to ameliorate the DOX-induced neurotoxicity, with the best improvement observed with their combined administration. A new insight has been introduced into the critical role of Wnt/β-catenin activation.
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17
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Abu-Elfotuh K, Hussein FH, Abbas AN, Al-Rekabi MD, Barghash SS, Zaghlool SS, El-Emam SZ. Melatonin and zinc supplements with physical and mental activities subside neurodegeneration and hepatorenal injury induced by aluminum chloride in rats: Inclusion of GSK-3β-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Neurotoxicology 2022; 91:69-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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Yildiz I, Yildiz BS. Computational Analysis of the Inhibition Mechanism of NOTUM by the ONIOM Method. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:13333-13342. [PMID: 35474786 PMCID: PMC9026088 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Notum is a member of serine hydrolyses that cleaves the palmitoleate moiety from Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) ligands. This enzyme plays crucial functions through modulating the Wnt signaling pathway. Inhibition of Notum carries therapeutic effects against a number of maladies including osteoporosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Recently, a class of irreversible inhibitors based on esters of 4-(indolin-1-yl)-4-oxobutanoic acid have been reported. Using the crystal structures of enzyme-4-(indolin-1-yl)-4-oxobutanoate adduct and 4-(indolin-1-yl)-4-oxobutanoic acid-enzyme complex, we studied computationally the proposed inhibition mechanism using model systems based on the own n-layered integrated molecular orbital and molecular mechanics (ONIOM) method. In the first place, model systems were formulated to investigate the transesterification between the catalytic serine residue, Ser-232, and the methyl ester of 4-(indolin-1-yl)-4-oxobutanoate. In the second place, the hydrolysis mechanism of the resultant enzyme-inhibitor adduct was studied. The energetics of these steps were analyzed using a density functional theory functional in the ONIOM method. In addition, the roles of active-site residues during these steps were highlighted. It was found that the hydrolysis of the covalent adduct is highly endergonic corroborating the irreversible inhibition mechanism. These results will shed light not only on the inhibition mechanism but also on the catalytic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Yildiz
- Chemistry
Department, Khalifa University, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi 00000, UAE
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19
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Tong XK, Royea J, Hamel E. Simvastatin rescues memory and granule cell maturation through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:325. [PMID: 35397630 PMCID: PMC8994768 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04784-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that simvastatin (SV) restored memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease (AD) concomitantly with normalization in protein levels of memory-related immediate early genes in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Here, we investigated age-related changes in the hippocampal memory pathway, and whether the beneficial effects of SV could be related to enhanced neurogenesis and signaling in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. APP mice and wild-type (WT) littermate controls showed comparable number of proliferating (Ki67-positive nuclei) and immature (doublecortin (DCX)-positive) granule cells in the dentate gyrus until 3 months of age. At 4 months, Ki67 or DCX positive cells decreased sharply and remained less numerous until the endpoint (6 months) in both SV-treated and untreated APP mice. In 6 month-old APP mice, dendritic extensions of DCX immature neurons in the molecular layer were shorter, a deficit fully normalized by SV. Similarly, whereas mature granule cells (calbindin-immunopositive) were decreased in APP mice and not restored by SV, their dendritic arborizations were normalized to control levels by SV treatment. SV increased Prox1 protein levels (↑67.7%, p < 0.01), a Wnt/β-catenin signaling target, while significantly decreasing (↓61.2%, p < 0.05) the upregulated levels of the β-catenin-dependent Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1 seen in APP mice. In APP mice, SV benefits were recapitulated by treatment with the Wnt/β-catenin specific agonist WAY-262611, whereas they were fully abolished in mice that received the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV939 during the last month of SV treatment. Our results indicate that activation of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway through downregulation of DKK1 underlies SV neuronal and cognitive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Kang Tong
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, H3A 2B4, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jessika Royea
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, H3A 2B4, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Edith Hamel
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, H3A 2B4, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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20
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Nagu P, Sharma V, Behl T, Pathan AKA, Mehta V. Molecular Insights to the Wnt Signaling During Alzheimer's Disorder: a Potential Target for Therapeutic Interventions. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:679-690. [PMID: 34997460 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01940-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the adult brain, Wnt signaling is crucial for neurogenesis, and it also regulates neuronal development, neuronal maturation, neuronal differential, and proliferation. Impaired Wnt signaling pathways are associated with enhanced levels of amyloid-β, reduced β-catenin levels, and increased expression of GSK-3β enzyme, suggesting its direct association with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disorder (AD). These findings are consolidated by reports where activation of Wnt signaling by genetic factors and pharmacological intervention has improved the cognitive functions in animals and restored neurogenesis in the adult brain. Various natural and synthetic molecules have been identified that modulate Wnt signaling in the adult brain and promote neurogenesis and alleviate behavioral dysfunction. These molecules include lithium, valproic acid, ethosuximide, selenomethionine, curcumin, andrographolide, xanthoceraside, huperzine A, pyridostigmine, ginkgolide-B, ricinine, cannabidiol, and resveratrol. These molecules are associated with the DKK1 and GSK-3β inhibition and β-catenin stabilization along with their effects on neurogenesis, neuronal proliferation, and differentiation in the hippocampus through modulation of Wnt signaling and thereby could prove beneficial in the management of AD pathogenesis. Although modulation of the Wnt signaling seems to suggest to be promising in the management of AD, unfortunately, most of the literature available for the association of Wnt signaling and AD pathogenesis is either from preclinical studies or post-mortem brain. Therefore, it will be interesting to understand the role of Wnt signaling in AD patients, and a rigorous investigation could provide us with a better understanding of AD pathogenesis and the identification of novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Nagu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Government College of Pharmacy, Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.,Department of Pharmacology, Government College of Pharmacy, Himachal Pradesh 171207, Rohru, District Shimla, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Amjad Khan A Pathan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, Government College of Pharmacy, Himachal Pradesh 171207, Rohru, District Shimla, India.
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21
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Rueda‐Carrasco J, Martin‐Bermejo MJ, Pereyra G, Mateo MI, Borroto A, Brosseron F, Kummer MP, Schwartz S, López‐Atalaya JP, Alarcon B, Esteve P, Heneka MT, Bovolenta P. SFRP1 modulates astrocyte-to-microglia crosstalk in acute and chronic neuroinflammation. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51696. [PMID: 34569685 PMCID: PMC8567217 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases. It fosters a dysfunctional neuron-microglia-astrocyte crosstalk that, in turn, maintains microglial cells in a perniciously reactive state that often enhances neuronal damage. The molecular components that mediate this critical communication are not fully explored. Here, we show that secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1), a multifunctional regulator of cell-to-cell communication, is part of the cellular crosstalk underlying neuroinflammation. In mouse models of acute and chronic neuroinflammation, SFRP1, largely astrocyte-derived, promotes and sustains microglial activation, and thus a chronic inflammatory state. SFRP1 promotes the upregulation of components of the hypoxia-induced factor-dependent inflammatory pathway and, to a lower extent, of those downstream of the nuclear factor-kappa B. We thus propose that SFRP1 acts as an astrocyte-to-microglia amplifier of neuroinflammation, representing a potential valuable therapeutic target for counteracting the harmful effect of chronic inflammation in several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rueda‐Carrasco
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)MadridSpain
| | - María Jesús Martin‐Bermejo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)MadridSpain
| | - Guadalupe Pereyra
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)MadridSpain
| | - María Inés Mateo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)MadridSpain
| | - Aldo Borroto
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
| | - Frederic Brosseron
- NeurologyUniversitätsklinikum BonnBonnGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)BonnGermany
| | - Markus P Kummer
- NeurologyUniversitätsklinikum BonnBonnGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)BonnGermany
| | - Stephanie Schwartz
- NeurologyUniversitätsklinikum BonnBonnGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)BonnGermany
| | | | - Balbino Alarcon
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
| | - Pilar Esteve
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)MadridSpain
| | - Michael T Heneka
- NeurologyUniversitätsklinikum BonnBonnGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)BonnGermany
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaCSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)MadridSpain
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22
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Lojk J, Marc J. Roles of Non-Canonical Wnt Signalling Pathways in Bone Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10840. [PMID: 34639180 PMCID: PMC8509327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signalling pathway is one of the central signalling pathways in bone development, homeostasis and regulation of bone mineral density. It consists of numerous Wnt ligands, receptors and co-receptors, which ensure tight spatiotemporal regulation of Wnt signalling pathway activity and thus tight regulation of bone tissue homeostasis. This enables maintenance of optimal mineral density, tissue healing and adaptation to changes in bone loading. While the role of the canonical/β-catenin Wnt signalling pathway in bone homeostasis is relatively well researched, Wnt ligands can also activate several non-canonical, β-catenin independent signalling pathways with important effects on bone tissue. In this review, we will provide a thorough overview of the current knowledge on different non-canonical Wnt signalling pathways involved in bone biology, focusing especially on the pathways that affect bone cell differentiation, maturation and function, processes involved in bone tissue structure regulation. We will describe the role of the two most known non-canonical pathways (Wnt/planar cell polarity pathways and Wnt/Ca2+ pathway), as well as other signalling pathways with a strong role in bone biology that communicate with the Wnt signalling pathway through non-canonical Wnt signalling. Our goal is to bring additional attention to these still not well researched but important pathways in the regulation of bone biology in the hope of prompting additional research in the area of non-canonical Wnt signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Lojk
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Janja Marc
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- University Clinical Center Ljubljana, Clinical Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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23
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On the Common Journey of Neural Cells through Ischemic Brain Injury and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189689. [PMID: 34575845 PMCID: PMC8472292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease (AD) both lead to cell death in the central nervous system (CNS) and thus negatively affect particularly the elderly population. Due to the lack of a definitive cure for brain ischemia and AD, it is advisable to carefully study, compare, and contrast the mechanisms that trigger, and are involved in, both neuropathologies. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms may help ameliorate, or even prevent, the destructive effects of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we deal with ischemic damage and AD, with the main emphasis on the common properties of these CNS disorders. Importantly, we discuss the Wnt signaling pathway as a significant factor in the cell fate determination and cell survival in the diseased adult CNS. Finally, we summarize the interesting findings that may improve or complement the current sparse and insufficient treatments for brain ischemia and AD, and we delineate prospective directions in regenerative medicine.
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Zhao Y, Svensson F, Steadman D, Frew S, Monaghan A, Bictash M, Moreira T, Chalk R, Lu W, Fish PV, Jones EY. Structural Insights into Notum Covalent Inhibition. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11354-11363. [PMID: 34292747 PMCID: PMC8365597 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The carboxylesterase Notum hydrolyzes a palmitoleate moiety from Wingless/Integrated(Wnt) ligands and deactivates Wnt signaling. Notum inhibitors can restore Wnt signaling which may be of therapeutic benefit for pathologies such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. We report the identification of a novel class of covalent Notum inhibitors, 4-(indolin-1-yl)-4-oxobutanoate esters. High-resolution crystal structures of the Notum inhibitor complexes reveal a common covalent adduct formed between the nucleophile serine-232 and hydrolyzed butyric esters. The covalent interaction in solution was confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Inhibitory potencies vary depending on the warheads used. Mechanistically, the resulting acyl-enzyme intermediate carbonyl atom is positioned at an unfavorable angle for the approach of the active site water, which, combined with strong hydrophobic interactions with the enzyme pocket residues, hinders the intermediate from being further processed and results in covalent inhibition. These insights into Notum catalytic inhibition may guide development of more potent Notum inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguang Zhao
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Fredrik Svensson
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - David Steadman
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Sarah Frew
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Amy Monaghan
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Magda Bictash
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Tiago Moreira
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Rod Chalk
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Weixian Lu
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
| | - Paul V. Fish
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - E. Yvonne Jones
- Division
of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K.
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From Channels to Canonical Wnt Signaling: A Pathological Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094613. [PMID: 33924772 PMCID: PMC8125460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is an important pathway mainly active during embryonic development and controlling cell proliferation. This regulatory pathway is aberrantly activated in several human diseases. Ion channels are known modulators of several important cellular functions ranging from the tuning of the membrane potential to modulation of intracellular pathways, in particular the influence of ion channels in Wnt signaling regulation has been widely investigated. This review will discuss the known links between ion channels and canonical Wnt signaling, focusing on their possible roles in human metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer.
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