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Paulėkas E, Vanagas T, Lagunavičius S, Pajėdienė E, Petrikonis K, Rastenytė D. Navigating the Neurobiology of Parkinson's: The Impact and Potential of α-Synuclein. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2121. [PMID: 39335634 PMCID: PMC11429448 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 09/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide; therefore, since its initial description, significant progress has been made, yet a mystery remains regarding its pathogenesis and elusive root cause. The widespread distribution of pathological α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregates throughout the body raises inquiries regarding the etiology, which has prompted several hypotheses, with the most prominent one being αSyn-associated proteinopathy. The identification of αSyn protein within Lewy bodies, coupled with genetic evidence linking αSyn locus duplication, triplication, as well as point mutations to familial Parkinson's disease, has underscored the significance of αSyn in initiating and propagating Lewy body pathology throughout the brain. In monogenic and sporadic PD, the presence of early inflammation and synaptic dysfunction leads to αSyn aggregation and neuronal death through mitochondrial, lysosomal, and endosomal functional impairment. However, much remains to be understood about αSyn pathogenesis, which is heavily grounded in biomarkers and treatment strategies. In this review, we provide emerging new evidence on the current knowledge about αSyn's pathophysiological impact on PD, and its presumable role as a specific disease biomarker or main target of disease-modifying therapies, highlighting that this understanding today offers the best potential of disease-modifying therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlandas Paulėkas
- Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.V.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (K.P.); (D.R.)
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2
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Sade O, Fischel D, Barak-Broner N, Halevi S, Gottfried I, Bar-On D, Sachs S, Mirelman A, Thaler A, Gour A, Kestenbaum M, Gana Weisz M, Anis S, Soto C, Roitman MS, Shahar S, Doppler K, Sauer M, Giladi N, Lev N, Alcalay RN, Hassin-Baer S, Ashery U. A novel super-resolution microscopy platform for cutaneous alpha-synuclein detection in Parkinson's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1431549. [PMID: 39296283 PMCID: PMC11409901 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1431549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) aggregates in the central nervous system are the main pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). ASyn aggregates have also been detected in many peripheral tissues, including the skin, thus providing a novel and accessible target tissue for the detection of PD pathology. Still, a well-established validated quantitative biomarker for early diagnosis of PD that also allows for tracking of disease progression remains lacking. The main goal of this research was to characterize aSyn aggregates in skin biopsies as a comparative and quantitative measure for PD pathology. Using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) and computational tools, we imaged total and phosphorylated-aSyn at the single molecule level in sweat glands and nerve bundles of skin biopsies from healthy controls (HCs) and PD patients. We developed a user-friendly analysis platform that offers a comprehensive toolkit for researchers that combines analysis algorithms and applies a series of cluster analysis algorithms (i.e., DBSCAN and FOCAL) onto dSTORM images. Using this platform, we found a significant decrease in the ratio of the numbers of neuronal marker molecules to phosphorylated-aSyn molecules, suggesting the existence of damaged nerve cells in fibers highly enriched with phosphorylated-aSyn molecules. Furthermore, our analysis found a higher number of aSyn aggregates in PD subjects than in HC subjects, with differences in aggregate size, density, and number of molecules per aggregate. On average, aSyn aggregate radii ranged between 40 and 200 nm and presented an average density of 0.001-0.1 molecules/nm2. Our dSTORM analysis thus highlights the potential of our platform for identifying quantitative characteristics of aSyn distribution in skin biopsies not previously described for PD patients while offering valuable insight into PD pathology by elucidating patient aSyn aggregation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Sade
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daphna Fischel
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noa Barak-Broner
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shir Halevi
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irit Gottfried
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Bar-On
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stefan Sachs
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anat Mirelman
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Movement Disorders Division, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avner Thaler
- Movement Disorders Division, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aviv Gour
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Meir Kestenbaum
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Mali Gana Weisz
- Movement Disorders Division, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Saar Anis
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Claudio Soto
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Melanie Shanie Roitman
- Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shimon Shahar
- Department of Statistics, Exact Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kathrin Doppler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nir Giladi
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Movement Disorders Division, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nirit Lev
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Roy N Alcalay
- Movement Disorders Division, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Hassin-Baer
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Uri Ashery
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Salunkhe J, Ugale R. Recent updates on immunotherapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Brain Res 2024; 1845:149205. [PMID: 39197568 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149205] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a progressive event leading to specific neuronal loss due to the accumulation of aberrant proteins. These pathologic forms of proteins further worsen and interfere with normal physiologic mechanisms, which can lead to abnormal proliferation of immune cells and subsequent inflammatory cascades and ultimately neuronal loss. Recently, immunotherapies targeting abnormal, pathologic forms of protein have shown a promising approach to modify the progression of neurodegeneration. Recent advances in immunotherapy have led to the development of novel antibodies against the proteinopathies which can eradicate aggregations of protein as evident from preclinical and clinical studies. Nonetheless, only a few of them have successfully received clinical approval, while others have been discontinued due to a lack of clinical efficacy endpoints. The current review discusses the status of investigational antibodies under clinical trials, their targets for therapeutic action, and evidence for failure or success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jotiram Salunkhe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, India
| | - Rajesh Ugale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, India.
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Brazdis RM, Zoicas I, Kornhuber J, Mühle C. Brain Region-Specific Expression Levels of Synuclein Genes in an Acid Sphingomyelinase Knockout Mouse Model: Correlation with Depression-/Anxiety-Like Behavior and Locomotor Activity in the Absence of Genotypic Variation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8685. [PMID: 39201372 PMCID: PMC11354454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests an involvement of sphingolipids, vital components of cell membranes and regulators of cellular processes, in the pathophysiology of both Parkinson's disease and major depressive disorder, indicating a potential common pathway in these neuropsychiatric conditions. Based on this interaction of sphingolipids and synuclein proteins, we explored the gene expression patterns of α-, β-, and γ-synuclein in a knockout mouse model deficient for acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), an enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide, and studied associations with behavioral parameters. Normalized Snca, Sncb, and Sncg gene expression was determined by quantitative PCR in twelve brain regions of sex-mixed homozygous (ASM-/-, n = 7) and heterozygous (ASM+/-, n = 7) ASM-deficient mice, along with wild-type controls (ASM+/+, n = 5). The expression of all three synuclein genes was brain region-specific but independent of ASM genotype, with β-synuclein showing overall higher levels and the least variation. Moreover, we discovered correlations of gene expression levels between brain regions and depression- and anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity, such as a positive association between Snca mRNA levels and locomotion. Our results suggest that the analysis of synuclein genes could be valuable in identifying biomarkers and comprehending the common pathological mechanisms underlying various neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (R.-M.B.); (I.Z.); (J.K.)
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Duranti E, Villa C. Insights into Dysregulated Neurological Biomarkers in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2680. [PMID: 39123408 PMCID: PMC11312413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152680] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and cancer has generated greater interest in biomedical research, with decades of global studies investigating neurodegenerative biomarkers in cancer to better understand possible connections. Tau, amyloid-β, α-synuclein, SOD1, TDP-43, and other proteins associated with nervous system diseases have also been identified in various types of solid and malignant tumors, suggesting a potential overlap in pathological processes. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of current evidence on the role of these proteins in cancer, specifically examining their effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, chemoresistance, and tumor progression. Additionally, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of this interconnection, emphasizing the importance of further research to completely comprehend the clinical implications of these proteins in tumors. Finally, we explore the challenges and opportunities in targeting these proteins for the development of new targeted anticancer therapies, providing insight into how to integrate knowledge of NDs in oncology research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
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Staerz SD, Anamoah C, Tepe JJ. 20S proteasome enhancers prevent cytotoxic tubulin polymerization-promoting protein induced α-synuclein aggregation. iScience 2024; 27:110166. [PMID: 38974969 PMCID: PMC11225362 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a class of neurodegenerative diseases defined by the presence of α-synuclein inclusions. The location and composition of these α-synuclein inclusions directly correlate to the disease pattern. The inclusions in Multiple System Atrophy are located predominantly in oligodendrocytes and are rich in a second protein, p25α. P25α plays a key role in neuronal myelination by oligodendrocytes. In healthy oligodendrocytes, there is little to no α-synuclein present. If aberrant α-synuclein is present, p25α leaves the myelin sheaths and quickly co-aggregates with α-synuclein, resulting in the disruption of the cellular process and ultimately cell death. Herein, we report that p25α is susceptible for 20S proteasome-mediated degradation and that p25α induces α-synuclein aggregation, resulting in proteasome impairment and cell death. In addition, we identified small molecules 20S proteasome enhancers that prevent p25α induced α-synuclein fibrilization, restore proteasome impairment, and enhance cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia D. Staerz
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Charles Anamoah
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jetze J. Tepe
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
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Limanaqi F, Zecchini S, Ogno P, Artusa V, Fenizia C, Saulle I, Vanetti C, Garziano M, Strizzi S, Trabattoni D, Clerici M, Biasin M. Alpha-synuclein shapes monocyte and macrophage cell biology and functions by bridging alterations of autophagy and inflammatory pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1421360. [PMID: 39035028 PMCID: PMC11257978 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1421360] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Abnormal spreading of alpha-synuclein (αS), a hallmark of Parkinson's disease, is known to promote peripheral inflammation, which occurs in part via functional alterations in monocytes/macrophages. However, underlying intracellular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Herein we investigate the subcellular, molecular, and functional effects of excess αS in human THP-1 monocytic cell line, THP-1-derived macrophages, and at least preliminarily, in primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). In cells cultured w/wo recombinant αS (1 μM) for 4 h and 24 h, by Confocal microscopy, Western Blot, RT-qPCR, Elisa, and Flow Cytometry we assessed: i) αS internalization; ii) cytokine/chemokine expression/secretion, and C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) levels; iii) autophagy (LC3II/I, LAMP1/LysoTracker, p62, pS6/total S6); and iv) lipid droplets (LDs) accumulation, and cholesterol pathway gene expression. Transwell migration assay was employed to measure THP-1 cell migration/chemotaxis, while FITC-IgG-bead assay was used to analyze phagocytic capacity, and the fate of phagocytosed cargo in THP-1-derived macrophages. Results: Extracellular αS was internalized by THP-1 cells, THP-1-derived macrophages, and MDMs. In THP1 cells, αS induced a general pro-inflammatory profile and conditioned media from αS-exposed THP-1 cells potently attracted unstimulated cells. However, CCL2 secretion peaked at 4 h αS, consistent with early internalization of its receptor CCR2, while this was blunted at 24 h αS exposure, when CCR2 recycled back to the plasma membrane. Again, 4 h αS-exposed THP-1 cells showed increased spontaneous migration, while 24 h αS-exposed cells showed reduced chemotaxis. This occurred in the absence of cell toxicity and was associated with upregulation of autophagy/lysosomal markers, suggesting a pro-survival/tolerance mechanism against stress-related inflammation. Instead, in THP-1-derived macrophages, αS time-dependently potentiated the intracellular accumulation, and release of pro-inflammatory mediators. This was accompanied by mild toxicity, reduced autophagy-lysosomal markers, defective LDs formation, as well as impaired phagocytosis, and the appearance of stagnant lysosomes engulfed with phagocytosed cargo, suggesting a status of macrophage exhaustion reminiscent of hypophagia. Discussion: In summary, despite an apparently similar pro-inflammatory phenotype, monocytes and macrophages respond differently to intracellular αS accumulation in terms of cell survival, metabolism, and functions. Our results suggest that in periphery, αS exerts cell- and context-specific biological effects bridging alterations of autophagy, lipid dynamics, and inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ogno
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Artusa
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Fenizia
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Irma Saulle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Vanetti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Micaela Garziano
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Strizzi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daria Trabattoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Gatzemeier LM, Meyer F, Outeiro TF. Synthesis and Semi-Synthesis of Alpha-Synuclein: Insight into the Chemical Complexity of Synucleinopathies. Chembiochem 2024:e202400253. [PMID: 38965889 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400253] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The chemical rules governing protein folding have intrigued generations of researchers for decades. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), prediction of protein structure has improved tremendously. However, there is still a level of analysis that is only possible through wet laboratory experiments, especially in respect to the investigation of the pathological effect of mutations and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on proteins of interest. This requires the availability of pure peptides and proteins in sufficient quantities for biophysical, biochemical, and functional studies. In this context, chemical protein synthesis and semi-synthesis are powerful tools in protein research, which help to enlighten the role of protein modification in the physiology and pathology of proteins. A protein of high interest in the field of biomedicine is alpha-synuclein (aSyn), a protein deeply associated with several devastating neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), or multiple systems atrophy (MSA). Here, we describe several methods and pathways to synthesize native or modified aSyn, and discuss how these approaches enable us to address pathological mechanisms that may open novel perspectives for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Maria Gatzemeier
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franc Meyer
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstraße 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- Scientific employee with an honorary contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Von Siebold-Straße 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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Li B, Xiao X, Bi M, Jiao Q, Chen X, Yan C, Du X, Jiang H. Modulating α-synuclein propagation and decomposition: Implications in Parkinson's disease therapy. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102319. [PMID: 38719160 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is closely related to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Under pathological conditions, the conformation of α-syn changes and different forms of α-syn lead to neurotoxicity. According to Braak stages, α-syn can propagate in different brain regions, inducing neurodegeneration and corresponding clinical manifestations through abnormal aggregation of Lewy bodies (LBs) and lewy axons in different types of neurons in PD. So far, PD lacks early diagnosis biomarkers, and treatments are mainly targeted at some clinical symptoms. There is no effective therapy to delay the progression of PD. This review first summarized the role of α-syn in physiological and pathological states, and the relationship between α-syn and PD. Then, we focused on the origin, secretion, aggregation, propagation and degradation of α-syn as well as the important regulatory factors in these processes systematically. Finally, we reviewed some potential drug candidates for alleviating the abnormal aggregation of α-syn in order to provide valuable targets for the treatment of PD to cope with the occurrence and progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beining Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingxia Bi
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qian Jiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chunling Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xixun Du
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China; School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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10
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Vorobyov V, Deev A, Chaprov K, Ninkina N. Disruption of Electroencephalogram Coherence between Cortex/Striatum and Midbrain Dopaminergic Regions in the Knock-Out Mice with Combined Loss of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Synucleins. Biomedicines 2024; 12:881. [PMID: 38672235 PMCID: PMC11048202 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040881] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The malfunctioning of the brain synucleins is associated with pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Synucleins' ability to modulate various pre-synaptic processes suggests their modifying effects on the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded from different brain structures. Disturbances in interrelations between them are critical for the onset and evolution of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, we have shown that, in mice lacking several synucleins, differences between the frequency spectra of EEG from different brain structures are correlated with specificity of synucleins' combinations. Given that EEG spectra are indirect characteristics of inter-structural relations, in this study, we analyzed a coherence of instantaneous values for EEGs recorded from different structures as a direct measure of "functional connectivity" between them. METHODS EEG data from seven groups of knock-out (KO) mice with combined deletions of alpha, beta, and gamma synucleins versus a group of wild-type (WT) mice were compared. EEG coherence was estimated between the cortex (MC), putamen (Pt), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and substantia nigra (SN) in all combinations. RESULTS EEG coherence suppression, predominantly in the beta frequency band, was observed in KO mice versus WT littermates. The suppression was minimal in MC-Pt and VTA-SN interrelations in all KO groups and in all inter-structural relations in mice lacking either all synucleins or only beta synuclein. In other combinations of deleted synucleins, significant EEG coherence suppression in KO mice was dominant in relations with VTA and SN. CONCLUSION Deletions of the synucleins produced significant attenuation of intra-cerebral EEG coherence depending on the imbalance of different types of synucleins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily Vorobyov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Alexander Deev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Kirill Chaprov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Chernogolovka, Russia;
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Natalia Ninkina
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Chernogolovka, Russia;
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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Ishiguro Y, Tsunemi T, Shimada T, Yoroisaka A, Ueno SI, Takeshige-Amano H, Hatano T, Inoue Y, Saiki S, Hattori N. Extracellular vesicles contain filamentous alpha-synuclein and facilitate the propagation of Parkinson's pathology. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 703:149620. [PMID: 38359614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the pathological deposition of a-synuclein (a-syn) inclusions, known as Lewy bodies/neurites. Emerging evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role in facilitating the spreading of Lewy pathology between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. We analyzed serum EVs obtained from patients with PD (n = 142), multiple system atrophy (MSA) (n = 18), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) (n = 28), rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (n = 31), and controls (n = 105). While we observed a significant reduction in the number of EVs in PD compared to controls (p = 0.006), we also noted a substantial increase in filamentous α-synuclein within EVs in PD compared to controls (p < 0.0001), MSA (0.012), and PSP (p = 0.03). Further analysis unveiled the role of EVs in facilitating the transmission of filamentous α-synuclein between neurons and from peripheral blood to the CNS. These findings highlight the potential utility of serum α-synuclein filaments within EVs as diagnostic markers for synucleinopathies and underscore the significance of EVs in promoting the dissemination of filamentous α-synuclein throughout the entire body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Ishiguro
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Taiji Tsunemi
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan; Department of Neurology, Koto Hospital, 6-8-5 Ojima, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 136-0072, Japan.
| | - Tomoyo Shimada
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Asako Yoroisaka
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Ueno
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Haruka Takeshige-Amano
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Taku Hatano
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuichi Inoue
- Department of Somnology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Shinji Saiki
- Department of Neurology Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 2-1-1 Tenkubo, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaragi, 305-8576, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
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12
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Kim JB, Kim Y, Kim SJ, Ha TY, Kim DK, Kim DW, So M, Kim SH, Woo HG, Yoon D, Park SM. Integration of National Health Insurance claims data and animal models reveals fexofenadine as a promising repurposed drug for Parkinson's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:53. [PMID: 38383441 PMCID: PMC10880337 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and costly progressive neurodegenerative disease of unclear etiology. A disease-modifying approach that can directly stop or slow its progression remains a major unmet need in the treatment of PD. A clinical pharmacology-based drug repositioning strategy is a useful approach for identifying new drugs for PD. METHODS We analyzed claims data obtained from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), which covers a significant portion of the South Korean population, to investigate the association between antihistamines, a class of drugs commonly used to treat allergic symptoms by blocking H1 receptor, and PD in a real-world setting. Additionally, we validated this model using various animal models of PD such as the 6-hydroxydopmaine (6-OHDA), α-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFF) injection, and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models. Finally, whole transcriptome data and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used to elucidate drug mechanism pathways. RESULTS We identified fexofenadine as the most promising candidate using National Health Insurance claims data in the real world. In several animal models, including the 6-OHDA, PFF injection, and C. elegans models, fexofenadine ameliorated PD-related pathologies. RNA-seq analysis and the subsequent experiments suggested that fexofenadine is effective in PD via inhibition of peripheral immune cell infiltration into the brain. CONCLUSION Fexofenadine shows promise for the treatment of PD, identified through clinical data and validated in diverse animal models. This combined clinical and preclinical approach offers valuable insights for developing novel PD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Bong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164, Worldcup-Ro, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon, 16499, Korea
- Center for Convergence Research of Neurological Disorders, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Yujeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Jeong Kim
- Center for Convergence Research of Neurological Disorders, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Tae-Young Ha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164, Worldcup-Ro, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon, 16499, Korea
- Center for Convergence Research of Neurological Disorders, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dong-Kyu Kim
- Center for Convergence Research of Neurological Disorders, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dong Won Kim
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Seung Ho Kim
- Center for Convergence Research of Neurological Disorders, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Center for Convergence Research of Neurological Disorders, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dukyong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sang Myun Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164, Worldcup-Ro, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon, 16499, Korea.
- Center for Convergence Research of Neurological Disorders, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
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13
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Oláh J, Norris V, Lehotzky A, Ovádi J. Perspective Strategies for Interventions in Parkinsonism: Remedying the Neglected Role of TPPP. Cells 2024; 13:338. [PMID: 38391951 PMCID: PMC10886726 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders such as Parkinsonism cause serious socio-economic problems as there are, at present, only therapies that treat their symptoms. The well-established hallmark alpha-synuclein (SYN) is enriched in the inclusion bodies characteristic of Parkinsonism. We discovered a prominent partner of SYN, termed Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP), which has important physiological and pathological activities such as the regulation of the microtubule network and the promotion of SYN aggregation. The role of TPPP in Parkinsonism is often neglected in research, which we here attempt to remedy. In the normal brain, SYN and TPPP are expressed endogenously in neurons and oligodendrocytes, respectively, whilst, at an early stage of Parkinsonism, soluble hetero-associations of these proteins are found in both cell types. The cell-to-cell transmission of these proteins, which is central to disease progression, provides a unique situation for specific drug targeting. Different strategies for intervention and for the discovery of biomarkers include (i) interface targeting of the SYN-TPPP hetero-complex; (ii) proteolytic degradation of SYN and/or TPPP using the PROTAC technology; and (iii) depletion of the proteins by miRNA technology. We also discuss the potential roles of SYN and TPPP in the phenotype stabilization of neurons and oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Oláh
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (J.O.)
| | - Vic Norris
- Laboratory of Bacterial Communication and Anti-Infection Strategies, EA 4312, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan, France;
| | - Attila Lehotzky
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (J.O.)
| | - Judit Ovádi
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (J.O.)
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14
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Andersson A, Linse S, Sparr E, Fornasier M, Jönsson P. The density of anionic lipids modulates the adsorption of α-Synuclein onto lipid membranes. Biophys Chem 2024; 305:107143. [PMID: 38100855 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is an intrinsically disordered presynaptic protein associated with Parkinson's disease. The physiological role of α-Synuclein is not fully understood, but the protein is known to interact with lipid membranes. We here study how membrane charge affects the adsorption of α-Synuclein to (i) supported lipid bilayers and (ii) small unilamellar vesicles with varying amounts of anionic lipids. The results showed that α-Synuclein adsorbs onto membranes containing ≥5% anionic phosphatidylserine (DOPS) lipids, but not to membranes containing ≤1% DOPS. The density of adsorbed α-Synuclein increased steadily with the DOPS content up to 20% DOPS, after which it leveled off. The vesicles were saturated with α-Synuclein at a 3-5 times higher protein density compared to the supported bilayers, which suggests that a more deformable membrane binds more α-Synuclein. Altogether, the results show that both membrane charge density and flexibility influence the association of α-Synuclein to lipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Linse
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Sparr
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Peter Jönsson
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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15
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Miao Y, Meng H. The involvement of α-synucleinopathy in the disruption of microglial homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:31. [PMID: 38216911 PMCID: PMC10785555 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01402-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The intracellular deposition and intercellular transmission of α-synuclein (α-syn) are shared pathological characteristics among neurodegenerative disorders collectively known as α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the precise triggers of α-synucleinopathies remain unclear, recent findings indicate that disruption of microglial homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of PD. Microglia play a crucial role in maintaining optimal neuronal function by ensuring a homeostatic environment, but this function is disrupted during the progression of α-syn pathology. The involvement of microglia in the accumulation, uptake, and clearance of aggregated proteins is critical for managing disease spread and progression caused by α-syn pathology. This review summarizes current knowledge on the interrelationships between microglia and α-synucleinopathies, focusing on the remarkable ability of microglia to recognize and internalize extracellular α-syn through diverse pathways. Microglia process α-syn intracellularly and intercellularly to facilitate the α-syn neuronal aggregation and cell-to-cell propagation. The conformational state of α-synuclein distinctly influences microglial inflammation, which can affect peripheral immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes and may regulate the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies. We also discuss ongoing research efforts to identify potential therapeutic approaches targeting both α-syn accumulation and inflammation in PD. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhen Miao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongrui Meng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Seibler P, Streubel-Gallasch L, Klein C. Combining Biomarkers with Genetics In Prodromal/Earliest Phase Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:S345-S351. [PMID: 39331107 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-240155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Family studies have linked several rare genetic variants to hereditary forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition to these monogenic forms, many PD cases are associated with genetic risk factors. Asymptomatic individuals carrying pathogenic variants linked to PD are at risk of developing the disease later in life, thereby providing a unique opportunity for the detection of the earliest pathophysiological and later clinical changes and, importantly, also of protective and compensatory features and mechanisms. However, the rarity of monogenic PD-causing variants is a major challenge of this approach. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the search for biomarkers in the prodromal/earliest phase of genetically linked PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Linn Streubel-Gallasch
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
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17
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McGarry A, Rosanbalm S, Leinonen M, Olanow CW, To D, Bell A, Lee D, Chang J, Dubow J, Dhall R, Burdick D, Parashos S, Feuerstein J, Quinn J, Pahwa R, Afshari M, Ramirez-Zamora A, Chou K, Tarakad A, Luca C, Klos K, Bordelon Y, St Hiliare MH, Shprecher D, Lee S, Dawson TM, Roschke V, Kieburtz K. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of NLY01 in early untreated Parkinson's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:37-45. [PMID: 38101901 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Converging lines of evidence suggest that microglia are relevant to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, justifying exploration of therapeutic agents thought to attenuate pathogenic microglial function. We sought to test the safety and efficacy of NLY01-a brain-penetrant, pegylated, longer-lasting version of exenatide (a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) that is believed to be anti-inflammatory via reduction of microglia activation-in Parkinson's disease. METHODS We report a 36-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of NLY01 in participants with early untreated Parkinson's disease conducted at 58 movement disorder clinics in the USA. Participants meeting UK Brain Bank or Movement Disorder Society research criteria for Parkinson's disease were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to one of two active treatment groups (2·5 mg or 5·0 mg NLY01) or matching placebo, based on a central computer-generated randomisation scheme using permuted block randomisation with varying block sizes. All participants, investigators, coordinators, study staff, and sponsor personnel were masked to treatment assignments throughout the study. The primary efficacy endpoint for the primary analysis population (defined as all randomly assigned participants who received at least one dose of study drug) was change from baseline to week 36 in the sum of Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) parts II and III. Safety was assessed in the safety population (all randomly allocated participants who received at least one dose of the study drug) with documentation of adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory assessments, physical examination, and scales for suicidality, sleepiness, impulsivity, and depression. This trial is complete and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04154072. FINDINGS The study took place between Jan 28, 2020, and Feb 16, 2023. 447 individuals were screened, of whom 255 eligible participants were randomly assigned (85 to each study group). One patient assigned to placebo did not receive study treatment and was not included in the primary analysis. At 36 weeks, 2·5 mg and 5·0 mg NLY01 did not differ from placebo with respect to change in sum scores on MDS-UPDRS parts II and III: difference versus placebo -0·39 (95% CI -2·96 to 2·18; p=0·77) for 2·5 mg and 0·36 (-2·28 to 3·00; p=0·79) for 5·0 mg. Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar across groups (reported in 71 [84%] of 85 patients on 2·5 mg NLY01, 79 [93%] of 85 on 5·0 mg, and 73 [87%] of 84 on placebo), with gastrointestinal disorders the most commonly observed class in active groups (52 [61%] for 2·5 mg, 64 [75%] for 5·0 mg, and 30 [36%] for placebo) and nausea the most common event overall (33 [39%] for 2·5 mg, 49 [58%] for 5·0 mg, and 16 [19%] for placebo). No deaths occurred during the study. INTERPRETATION NLY01 at 2·5 and 5·0 mg was not associated with any improvement in Parkinson's disease motor or non-motor features compared with placebo. A subgroup analysis raised the possibility of motor benefit in younger participants. Further study is needed to determine whether these exploratory observations are replicable. FUNDING D&D Pharmatech-Neuraly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McGarry
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA; Clintrex Research Corporation, Sarasota, FL, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Dennis To
- D&D Pharmatech - Neuraly, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Adam Bell
- D&D Pharmatech - Neuraly, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Daniel Lee
- D&D Pharmatech - Neuraly, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Jordan Dubow
- Clintrex Research Corporation, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Rohit Dhall
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Daniel Burdick
- Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center, Kirkland, WA, USA
| | | | - Jeanne Feuerstein
- Neurosciences Center at UC Health University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joseph Quinn
- Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rajesh Pahwa
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | | | - Kelvin Chou
- University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin Klos
- The Movement Disorder Clinic of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Yvette Bordelon
- University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Seulki Lee
- D&D Pharmatech - Neuraly, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Radwan N, Khan E, Ardah MT, Kitada T, Haque ME. Ellagic Acid Prevents α-Synuclein Spread and Mitigates Toxicity by Enhancing Autophagic Flux in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease. Nutrients 2023; 16:85. [PMID: 38201915 PMCID: PMC10780534 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disorder, pathologically characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) as well as the formation of Lewy bodies composed mainly of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. It has been documented that abnormal aggregation of α-syn is one of the major causes of developing PD. In the current study, administration of ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenolic compound (10 mg/kg bodyweight), significantly decreased α-syn spreading and preserved dopaminergic neurons in a male C57BL/6 mouse model of PD. Moreover, EA altered the autophagic flux, suggesting the involvement of a restorative mechanism meditated by EA treatment. Our data support that EA could play a major role in the clearing of toxic α-syn from spreading, in addition to the canonical antioxidative role, and thus preventing dopaminergic neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Radwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.R.); (E.K.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Engila Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.R.); (E.K.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Mustafa T. Ardah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.R.); (E.K.); (M.T.A.)
| | - Tohru Kitada
- Otawa-Kagaku, Parkinson Clinic and Research, Kamakura 247-0061, Japan;
| | - M. Emdadul Haque
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.R.); (E.K.); (M.T.A.)
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19
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Bétemps D, Arsac JN, Nicot S, Canal D, Tlili H, Belondrade M, Morignat E, Verchère J, Gaillard D, Bruyère-Ostells L, Mayran C, Lakhdar L, Bougard D, Baron T. Protease-Sensitive and -Resistant Forms of Human and Murine Alpha-Synucleins in Distinct Brain Regions of Transgenic Mice (M83) Expressing the Human Mutated A53T Protein. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1788. [PMID: 38136658 PMCID: PMC10741842 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neurodegenerative diseases associated with the misfolding of the alpha-synuclein (aS) protein (synucleinopathies) are similar to prion diseases to the extent that lesions are spread by similar molecular mechanisms. In a transgenic mouse model (M83) overexpressing a mutated (A53T) form of human aS, we had previously found that Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) triggered the aggregation of aS, which is associated with a high resistance to the proteinase K (PK) digestion of both human and murine aS, a major hallmark of the disease-associated prion protein. In addition, PMCA was also able to trigger the aggregation of murine aS in C57Bl/6 mouse brains after seeding with sick M83 mouse brains. Here, we show that intracerebral inoculations of M83 mice with C57Bl/6-PMCA samples strikingly shortens the incubation period before the typical paralysis that develops in this transgenic model, demonstrating the pathogenicity of PMCA-aggregated murine aS. In the hind brain regions of these sick M83 mice containing lesions with an accumulation of aS phosphorylated at serine 129, aS also showed a high PK resistance in the N-terminal part of the protein. In contrast to M83 mice, old APPxM83 mice co-expressing human mutated amyloid precursor and presenilin 1 proteins were seen to have an aggregation of aS, especially in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum, which also contained the highest load of aS phosphorylated at serine 129. This was proven by three techniques: a Western blot analysis of PK-resistant aS; an ELISA detection of aS aggregates; or the identification of aggregates of aS using immunohistochemical analyses of cytoplasmic/neuritic aS deposits. The results obtained with the D37A6 antibody suggest a higher involvement of murine aS in APPxM83 mice than in M83 mice. Our study used novel tools for the molecular study of synucleinopathies, which highlight similarities with the molecular mechanisms involved in prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Bétemps
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Jean-Noël Arsac
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Simon Nicot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Dominique Canal
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Habiba Tlili
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Maxime Belondrade
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Eric Morignat
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Jérémy Verchère
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Damien Gaillard
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Lilian Bruyère-Ostells
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Charly Mayran
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Latifa Lakhdar
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Daisy Bougard
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français Du Sang, 34493 Montpellier, France; (S.N.); (M.B.); (L.B.-O.); (C.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Thierry Baron
- ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; (D.B.); (J.-N.A.); (D.C.); (H.T.); (E.M.); (J.V.); (D.G.); (L.L.)
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20
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Zeng N, Wang Q, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Yan J. A review of studies on the implication of NLRP3 inflammasome for Parkinson's disease and related candidate treatment targets. Neurochem Int 2023; 170:105610. [PMID: 37704080 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease for which the prevalence is second only to Alzheimer's disease (AD). This disease primarily affects people of middle and old age, significantly impacting their health and quality of life. The main pathological features include the degenerative nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neuron loss and Lewy body (LB) formation. Currently, available PD medications primarily aim to alleviate clinical symptoms, however, there is no universally recognized therapy worldwide that effectively prevents, clinically treats, stops, or reverses the disease. Consequently, the evaluation and exploration of potential therapeutic targets for PD are of utmost importance. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology of PD remains unknown, and neuroinflammation mediated by inflammatory cytokines that prompts neuron death is fundamental for the progression of PD. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key complex of proteins linking the neuroinflammatory cascade in PD. Moreover, mounting evidence suggests that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alleviates PD by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome. This article aims to comprehensively review the available studies on the composition and activating mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome, along with its significance in PD pathogenesis and potential treatment targets. We also review natural products or synthetic compounds which reduce neuroinflammation via modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity, aiming to identify new targets for future PD diagnosis and treatment through the exploration of NLRP3 inhibitors. Additionally, this review offers valuable references for developing new PD treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Zeng
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541100, China
| | - Yali Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Jianguo Yan
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China.
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21
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Singh A, Panhelainen A, Voutilainen MH. Feasibility of combining alpha-synuclein aggregation and 6-OHDA in embryonic midbrain culture for modeling dopamine neuron degeneration. Neurosci Lett 2023; 816:137510. [PMID: 37802418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons and the presence of alpha-synuclein (αSyn)-positive Lewy body (LB) pathology. In this study, we attempted to recapitulate both these features in a novel in vitro model for PD. To achieve this, we combined the αSyn pre-formed fibril (PFF)-seeded LB-like pathology with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced mitochondrial toxicity in mouse embryonic midbrain cultures. To pilot the model for therapeutics testing, we assessed the effects of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) on αSyn aggregation and neuron survival. PFF-seeded pathology did not lead to DA neuron loss even with the highest dose of PFFs. The combination of PFFs and 6-OHDA did not trigger additional neurodegeneration or LB-like pathology and instead presented DA neuron loss to a similar extent as with 6-OHDA only. CDNF did not affect the PFF-seeded αSyn pathology or the DA neuron survival in the combination model but showed a trend toward neuroprotection in the 6-OHDA-only cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Singh
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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22
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Gao C, Jiang J, Tan Y, Chen S. Microglia in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanism and potential therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:359. [PMID: 37735487 PMCID: PMC10514343 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia activation is observed in various neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advances in single-cell technologies have revealed that these reactive microglia were with high spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Some identified microglia in specific states correlate with pathological hallmarks and are associated with specific functions. Microglia both exert protective function by phagocytosing and clearing pathological protein aggregates and play detrimental roles due to excessive uptake of protein aggregates, which would lead to microglial phagocytic ability impairment, neuroinflammation, and eventually neurodegeneration. In addition, peripheral immune cells infiltration shapes microglia into a pro-inflammatory phenotype and accelerates disease progression. Microglia also act as a mobile vehicle to propagate protein aggregates. Extracellular vesicles released from microglia and autophagy impairment in microglia all contribute to pathological progression and neurodegeneration. Thus, enhancing microglial phagocytosis, reducing microglial-mediated neuroinflammation, inhibiting microglial exosome synthesis and secretion, and promoting microglial conversion into a protective phenotype are considered to be promising strategies for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we comprehensively review the biology of microglia and the roles of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies and Huntington's disease. We also summarize the possible microglia-targeted interventions and treatments against neurodegenerative diseases with preclinical and clinical evidence in cell experiments, animal studies, and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengdi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
- Lab for Translational Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), Shanghai Tech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Lomeli-Lepe AK, Castañeda-Cabral JL, López-Pérez SJ. Synucleinopathies: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:427-442. [PMID: 37526884 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
α-Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by alterations in α-synuclein (α-syn), a protein associated with membrane phospholipids, whose precise function in normal cells is still unknown. These kinds of diseases are caused by multiple factors, but the regulation of the α-syn gene is believed to play a central role in the pathology of these disorders; therefore, the α-syn gene is one of the most studied genes. α-Synucleinopathies are complex disorders that derive from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Here, we offer an update on the landscape of the epigenetic regulation of α-syn gene expression that has been linked with α-synucleinopathies. We also delve into the reciprocal influence between epigenetic modifications and other factors related to these disorders, such as posttranslational modifications, microbiota participation, interactions with lipids, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, to promote α-syn aggregation by acting on the transcription and/or translation of the α-syn gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Karen Lomeli-Lepe
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
| | - Jose Luis Castañeda-Cabral
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
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24
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Ruiz-Pozo VA, Tamayo-Trujillo R, Cadena-Ullauri S, Frias-Toral E, Guevara-Ramírez P, Paz-Cruz E, Chapela S, Montalván M, Morales-López T, Simancas-Racines D, Zambrano AK. The Molecular Mechanisms of the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis. Nutrients 2023; 15:3585. [PMID: 37630775 PMCID: PMC10458139 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative condition resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons. This neuronal loss leads to motor and non-motor neurological symptoms. Most PD cases are idiopathic, and no cure is available. Recently, it has been proposed that insulin resistance (IR) could be a central factor in PD development. IR has been associated with PD neuropathological features like α-synuclein aggregation, dopaminergic neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy. These features are related to impaired neurological metabolism, neuronal death, and the aggravation of PD symptoms. Moreover, pharmacological options that involve insulin signaling improvement and dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic strategies have been under development. These drugs could prevent the metabolic pathways involved in neuronal damage. All these approaches could improve PD outcomes. Also, new biomarker identification may allow for an earlier PD diagnosis in high-risk individuals. This review describes the main pathways implicated in PD development involving IR. Also, it presents several therapeutic options that are directed at insulin signaling improvement and could be used in PD treatment. The understanding of IR molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative development could enhance PD therapeutic options and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana A Ruiz-Pozo
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Rafael Tamayo-Trujillo
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Cadena-Ullauri
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Evelyn Frias-Toral
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil 090615, Ecuador
| | - Patricia Guevara-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Elius Paz-Cruz
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Sebastián Chapela
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1121ABE, Argentina
- Equipo de Soporte Nutricional, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1280AEB, Argentina
| | - Martha Montalván
- School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón 091952, Ecuador
| | - Tania Morales-López
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Daniel Simancas-Racines
- Centro de Investigación de Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Ana Karina Zambrano
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
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25
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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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26
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Carceles-Cordon M, Weintraub D, Chen-Plotkin AS. Cognitive heterogeneity in Parkinson's disease: A mechanistic view. Neuron 2023; 111:1531-1546. [PMID: 37028431 PMCID: PMC10198897 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment occurs in most individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), exacting a high toll on patients, their caregivers, and the healthcare system. In this review, we begin by summarizing the current clinical landscape surrounding cognition in PD. We then discuss how cognitive impairment and dementia may develop in PD based on the spread of the pathological protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn) from neurons in brainstem regions to those in the cortical regions of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions, as first proposed in the Braak hypothesis. We appraise the Braak hypothesis from molecular (conformations of aSyn), cell biological (cell-to-cell spread of pathological aSyn), and organ-level (region-to-region spread of aSyn pathology at the whole brain level) viewpoints. Finally, we argue that individual host factors may be the most poorly understood aspect of this pathological process, accounting for substantial heterogeneity in the pattern and pace of cognitive decline in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Carceles-Cordon
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dan Weintraub
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alice S Chen-Plotkin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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27
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Di Nanni A, Saw RS, Bowden GD, Bidesi NSR, Bjerregaard-Andersen K, Korat Š, Herth MM, Pichler BJ, Herfert K, Maurer A. The Structural Combination of SIL and MODAG Scaffolds Fails to Enhance Binding to α-Synuclein but Reveals Promising Affinity to Amyloid β. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104001. [PMID: 37241742 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104001] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A technique to image α-synuclein (αSYN) fibrils in vivo is an unmet scientific and clinical need that would represent a transformative tool in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases. Several classes of compounds have shown promising results as potential PET tracers, but no candidate has yet exhibited the affinity and selectivity required to reach clinical application. We hypothesized that the application of the rational drug design technique of molecular hybridization to two promising lead scaffolds could enhance the binding to αSYN up to the fulfillment of those requirements. By combining the structures of SIL and MODAG tracers, we developed a library of diarylpyrazoles (DAPs). In vitro evaluation through competition assays against [3H]SIL26 and [3H]MODAG-001 showed the novel hybrid scaffold to have preferential binding affinity for amyloid β (Aβ) over αSYN fibrils. A ring-opening modification on the phenothiazine building block to produce analogs with increased three-dimensional flexibility did not result in an improved αSYN binding but a complete loss of competition, as well as a significant reduction in Aβ affinity. The combination of the phenothiazine and the 3,5-diphenylpyrazole scaffolds into DAP hybrids did not generate an enhanced αSYN PET tracer lead compound. Instead, these efforts identified a scaffold for promising Aβ ligands that may be relevant to the treatment and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Di Nanni
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ran Sing Saw
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gregory D Bowden
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natasha S R Bidesi
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kaare Bjerregaard-Andersen
- Department of Antibody Engineering and Biochemistry, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Špela Korat
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, 1117 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, 1117 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias M Herth
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kristina Herfert
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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28
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Roterman I, Stapor K, Konieczny L. Structural Specificity of Polymorphic Forms of α-Synuclein Amyloid. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051324. [PMID: 37238996 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051324] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural transformation producing amyloids is a phenomenon that sheds new light on the protein folding problem. The analysis of the polymorphic structures of the α-synuclein amyloid available in the PDB database allows analysis of the amyloid-oriented structural transformation itself, but also the protein folding process as such. The polymorphic amyloid structures of α-synuclein analyzed employing the hydrophobicity distribution (fuzzy oil drop model) reveal a differentiation with a dominant distribution consistent with the micelle-like system (hydrophobic core with polar shell). This type of ordering of the hydrophobicity distribution covers the entire spectrum from the example with all three structural units (single chain, proto-fibril, super-fibril) exhibiting micelle-like form, through gradually emerging examples of local disorder, to structures with an extremely different structuring pattern. The water environment directing protein structures towards the generation of ribbon micelle-like structures (concentration of hydrophobic residues in the center of the molecule forming a hydrophobic core with the exposure of polar residues on the surface) also plays a role in the amyloid forms of α-synuclein. The polymorphic forms of α-synuclein reveal local structural differentiation with a common tendency to accept the micelle-like structuralization in certain common fragments of the polypeptide chain of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Roterman
- Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Medyczna 7, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Stapor
- Department of Applied Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Leszek Konieczny
- Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
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29
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Lv QK, Tao KX, Wang XB, Yao XY, Pang MZ, Liu JY, Wang F, Liu CF. Role of α-synuclein in microglia: autophagy and phagocytosis balance neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:443-462. [PMID: 36598534 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01676-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and is characterized by accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn). Neuroinflammation driven by microglia is an important pathological manifestation of PD. α-Syn is a crucial marker of PD, and its accumulation leads to microglia M1-like phenotype polarization, activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, and impaired autophagy and phagocytosis in microglia. Autophagy of microglia is related to degradation of α-syn and NLRP3 inflammasome blockage to relieve neuroinflammation. Microglial autophagy and phagocytosis of released α-syn or fragments from apoptotic neurons maintain homeostasis in the brain. A variety of PD-related genes such as LRRK2, GBA and DJ-1 also contribute to this stability process. OBJECTIVES Further studies are needed to determine how α-syn works in microglia. METHODS A keyword-based search was performed using the PubMed database for published articles. CONCLUSION In this review, we discuss the interaction between microglia and α-syn in PD pathogenesis and the possible mechanism of microglial autophagy and phagocytosis in α-syn clearance and inhibition of neuroinflammation. This may provide a novel insight into treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Kun Lv
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Kang-Xin Tao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Yao
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Meng-Zhu Pang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jun-Yi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Chun-Feng Liu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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30
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The Interplay between α-Synuclein and Microglia in α-Synucleinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032477. [PMID: 36768798 PMCID: PMC9916729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a set of devastating neurodegenerative diseases that share a pathologic accumulation of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn). This accumulation causes neuronal death resulting in irreversible dementia, deteriorating motor symptoms, and devastating cognitive decline. While the etiology of these conditions remains largely unknown, microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), have been consistently implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. Microglia are generally believed to be neuroprotective in the early stages of α-syn accumulation and contribute to further neurodegeneration in chronic disease states. While the molecular mechanisms by which microglia achieve this role are still being investigated, here we highlight the major findings to date. In this review, we describe how structural varieties of inherently disordered α-syn result in varied microglial receptor-mediated interactions. We also summarize which microglial receptors enable cellular recognition and uptake of α-syn. Lastly, we review the downstream effects of α-syn processing within microglia, including spread to other brain regions resulting in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in chronic disease states. Understanding the mechanism of microglial interactions with α-syn is vital to conceptualizing molecular targets for novel therapeutic interventions. In addition, given the significant diversity in the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies, such molecular interactions are vital in gauging all potential pathways of neurodegeneration in the disease state.
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Neupane S, De Cecco E, Aguzzi A. The Hidden Cell-to-Cell Trail of α-Synuclein Aggregates. J Mol Biol 2022:167930. [PMID: 36566800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167930] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The progressive accumulation of insoluble aggregates of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple System Atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, commonly referred to as synucleinopathies. Despite considerable progress on the structural biology of these aggregates, the molecular mechanisms mediating their cell-to-cell transmission, propagation, and neurotoxicity remain only partially understood. Numerous studies have highlighted the stereotypical spatiotemporal spreading of pathological α-Syn aggregates across different tissues and anatomically connected brain regions over time. Experimental evidence from various cellular and animal models indicate that α-Syn transfer occurs in two defined steps: the release of pathogenic α-Syn species from infected cells, and their uptake via passive or active endocytic pathways. Once α-Syn aggregates have been internalized, little is known about what drives their toxicity or how they interact with the endogenous protein to promote its misfolding and subsequent aggregation. Similarly, unknown genetic factors modulate different cellular responses to the aggregation and accumulation of pathogenic α-Syn species. Here we discuss the current understanding of the molecular phenomena associated with the intercellular spreading of pathogenic α-Syn seeds and summarize the evidence supporting the transmission hypothesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in α-Syn aggregates transmission is essential to develop novel targeted therapeutics against PD and related synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh Neupane
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. https://twitter.com/neuron_sandesh
| | - Elena De Cecco
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Brás IC, Khani MH, Vasili E, Möbius W, Riedel D, Parfentev I, Gerhardt E, Fahlbusch C, Urlaub H, Zweckstetter M, Gollisch T, Outeiro TF. Molecular Mechanisms Mediating the Transfer of Disease-Associated Proteins and Effects on Neuronal Activity. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:2397-2422. [PMID: 36278361 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various cellular pathways have been implicated in the transfer of disease-related proteins between cells, contributing to disease progression and neurodegeneration. However, the overall effects of protein transfer are still unclear. OBJECTIVE Here, we performed a systematic comparison of basic molecular mechanisms involved in the release of alpha-synuclein, Tau, and huntingtin, and evaluated functional effects upon internalization by receiving cells. METHODS Evaluation of protein release to the extracellular space in a free form and in extracellular vesicles using an optimized ultracentrifugation protocol. The extracellular effects of the proteins and extracellular vesicles in primary neuronal cultures were assessed using multi-channel electrophysiological recordings combined with a customized spike sorting framework. RESULTS We demonstrate cells differentially release free-forms of each protein to the extracellular space. Importantly, neuronal activity is distinctly modulated upon protein internalization in primary cortical cultures. In addition, these disease-related proteins also occur in extracellular vesicles, and are enriched in ectosomes. Internalization of ectosomes and exosomes by primary microglial or astrocytic cells elicits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modifies spontaneous electrical activity in neurons. OBJECTIVE Overall, our study demonstrates that released proteins can have detrimental effects for surrounding cells, and suggests protein release pathways may be exploited as therapeutic targets in different neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês C Brás
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mohammad H Khani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eftychia Vasili
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Möbius
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Electron Microscopy Core Unit, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dietmar Riedel
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Iwan Parfentev
- Research Group Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Gerhardt
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christiane Fahlbusch
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Research Group Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,Bioanalytics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department for NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tim Gollisch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom.,Scientific Employee with an Honorary Contract at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
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Fassler M, Benaim C, George J. A Single Chain Fragment Variant Binding Misfolded Alpha-Synuclein Exhibits Neuroprotective and Antigen-Specific Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233822. [PMID: 36497081 PMCID: PMC9739179 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alpha synuclein (αSyn) misfolding plays a requisite role in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. Direct toxicity to neurons, triggering neuroinflammation as well as the spreading and seeding of αSyn pathology are essential pathogenetic underlying mechanisms. Immunotherapy in experimental Parkinson's disease (PD) has been shown to be consistently effective in preclinical models, yet the initial clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) yielded marginal results if any. Aiming to overcome some of the limitation of this approach, we aimed to select an αSyn binding scFv antibody format and test it in multiple experimental PD in vivo models. METHODS We cloned the lead αSyn scFv based on preselection of human phage display libraries of human Fab. The selected of scFv targeting both oligomers and pre-formed fibrils (PFF) of αSyn were tested for their ability to protect neurons from triggered toxicity, influence their uptake to microglia, and accelerate misfolded αSyn degradation. The lead scFv- sMB08, was also tested for its ability to impact αSyn aggregation as well as spreading and seeding. RESULTS sMB08 was shown to protect neurons from misfolded αSyn mediated toxicity, promote its intracellular degradation, and to reduce its uptake by microglia. sMB08 exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, including its ability to attenuate adaptive αSyn autoimmunity and ameliorate proinflammatory cytokine expression in brains of mice stereotactically injected with PFF. Employing three experimental models of PD, intranasal treatment with sMB08 attenuated motoric dysfunction and achieved acceptable brain levels by pharmacokinetic analysis, leading to significant preservation of dopaminergic n neurons. CONCLUSION sMB08, a scFv targeting both αSyn oligomers and PFF, due to its small size facilitating paraneural brain penetration and avoidance of nonspecific inflammation, appears as an attractive approach to test in patients with PD by addressing the major mechanisms that mediate misfolded αSyn driven pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fassler
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Cognyxx Ltd., Tel Aviv 6578317, Israel
| | - Clara Benaim
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Cognyxx Ltd., Tel Aviv 6578317, Israel
| | - Jacob George
- Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Cognyxx Ltd., Tel Aviv 6578317, Israel
- Correspondence: or
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Latif K, Ullah A, Shkodina AD, Boiko DI, Rafique Z, Alghamdi BS, Alfaleh MA, Ashraf GM. Drug reprofiling history and potential therapies against Parkinson's disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1028356. [PMID: 36386233 PMCID: PMC9643740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1028356] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the high whittling down rates, high costs, and moderate pace of new medication, revelation, and improvement, repurposing "old" drugs to treat typical and uncommon illnesses is progressively becoming an appealing proposition. Drug repurposing is the way toward utilizing existing medications in treating diseases other than the purposes they were initially designed for. Faced with scientific and economic challenges, the prospect of discovering new medication indications is enticing to the pharmaceutical sector. Medication repurposing can be used at various stages of drug development, although it has shown to be most promising when the drug has previously been tested for safety. We describe strategies of drug repurposing for Parkinson's disease, which is a neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. We also discuss the obstacles faced by the repurposing community and suggest new approaches to solve these challenges so that medicine repurposing can reach its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Latif
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aman Ullah
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millet University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anastasiia D. Shkodina
- Department of Neurological Diseases, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine
- Municipal Enterprise “1 City Clinical Hospital of Poltava City Council”, Poltava, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro I. Boiko
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology and Medical Psychology, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine
| | - Zakia Rafique
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Badrah S. Alghamdi
- Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Center for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Alfaleh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Vaccines and Immunotherapy, King Fahd Center for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Md. Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Taha HB, Kearney B, Bitan G. A minute fraction of α-synuclein in extracellular vesicles may be a major contributor to α-synuclein spreading following autophagy inhibition. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1001382. [PMID: 36245921 PMCID: PMC9554483 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1001382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hash Brown Taha
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brian Kearney
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gal Bitan
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Gal Bitan
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Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Complex I Dysfunction Correlate with Neurodegeneration in an α-Synucleinopathy Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911394. [PMID: 36232716 PMCID: PMC9570254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The α-synucleinopathies constitute a subset of neurodegenerative disorders, of which Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common worldwide, characterized by the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein in the cytoplasm of neurons, which spreads in a prion-like manner to anatomically interconnected brain areas. However, it is not clear how α-synucleinopathy triggers neurodegeneration. We recently developed a rat model through a single intranigral administration of the neurotoxic β-sitosterol β-D-glucoside (BSSG), which produces α-synucleinopathy. In this model, we aimed to evaluate the temporal pattern of levels in oxidative and nitrosative stress and mitochondrial complex I (CI) dysfunction and how these biochemical parameters are associated with neurodegeneration in different brain areas with α-synucleinopathy (Substantia nigra pars compacta, the striatum, in the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb, where α-syn aggregation spreads). Interestingly, an increase in oxidative stress and mitochondrial CI dysfunction accompanied neurodegeneration in those brain regions. Furthermore, in silico analysis suggests a high-affinity binding site for BSSG with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) alpha (PPAR-α) and gamma (PPAR-γ). These findings will contribute to elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with α-synucleinopathies and lead to the identification of new early biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Helwig M, Ulusoy A, Rollar A, O’Sullivan SA, Lee SSL, Aboutalebi H, Pinto-Costa R, Jevans B, Klinkenberg M, Di Monte DA. Neuronal hyperactivity-induced oxidant stress promotes in vivo α-synuclein brain spreading. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn0356. [PMID: 36044566 PMCID: PMC9432848 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Interneuronal transfer and brain spreading of pathogenic proteins are features of neurodegenerative diseases. Pathophysiological conditions and mechanisms affecting this spreading remain poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between neuronal activity and interneuronal transfer of α-synuclein, a Parkinson-associated protein, and elucidated mechanisms underlying this relationship. In a mouse model of α-synuclein brain spreading, hyperactivity augmented and hypoactivity attenuated protein transfer. Important features of neuronal hyperactivity reported here were an exacerbation of oxidative and nitrative reactions, pronounced accumulation of nitrated α-synuclein, and increased protein aggregation. Data also pointed to mitochondria as key targets and likely sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species within hyperactive neurons. Rescue experiments designed to counteract the increased burden of reactive oxygen species reversed hyperactivity-induced α-synuclein nitration, aggregation, and interneuronal transfer, providing first evidence of a causal link between these pathological effects of neuronal stimulation and indicating a mechanistic role of oxidant stress in hyperactivity-induced α-synuclein spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Helwig
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Ayse Ulusoy
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Angela Rollar
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | | | - Shirley S. L. Lee
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Helia Aboutalebi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Benjamin Jevans
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | | | - Donato A. Di Monte
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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Forloni G, La Vitola P, Balducci C. Oligomeropathies, inflammation and prion protein binding. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:822420. [PMID: 36081661 PMCID: PMC9445368 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.822420] [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: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central role of oligomers, small soluble aggregates of misfolded proteins, in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders is recognized in numerous experimental conditions and is compatible with clinical evidence. To underline this concept, some years ago we coined the term oligomeropathies to define the common mechanism of action of protein misfolding diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson or prion diseases. Using simple experimental conditions, with direct application of synthetic β amyloid or α-synuclein oligomers intraventricularly at micromolar concentrations, we could detect differences and similarities in the biological consequences. The two oligomer species affected cognitive behavior, neuronal dysfunction and cerebral inflammatory reactions with distinct mechanisms. In these experimental conditions the proposed mediatory role of cellular prion protein in oligomer activities was not confirmed. Together with oligomers, inflammation at different levels can be important early in neurodegenerative disorders; both β amyloid and α-synuclein oligomers induce inflammation and its control strongly affects neuronal dysfunction. This review summarizes our studies with β-amyloid or α-synuclein oligomers, also considering the potential curative role of doxycycline, a well-known antibiotic with anti-amyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. These actions are analyzed in terms of the therapeutic prospects.
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Opportunities and challenges of alpha-synuclein as a potential biomarker for Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:93. [PMID: 35869066 PMCID: PMC9307631 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-022-00357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disease, develops and progresses for 10–15 years before the clinical diagnostic symptoms of the disease are manifested. Furthermore, several aspects of PD pathology overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) linked to alpha-synuclein (aSyn) aggregation, also called synucleinopathies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and validate early diagnostic and prognostic markers that reflect disease pathophysiology, progression, severity, and potential differences in disease mechanisms between PD and other NDDs. The close association between aSyn and the development of pathology in synucleinopathies, along with the identification of aSyn species in biological fluids, has led to increasing interest in aSyn species as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of PD and differentiate it from other synucleinopathies. In this review, we (1) provide an overview of the progress toward mapping the distribution of aSyn species in the brain, peripheral tissues, and biological fluids; (2) present comparative and critical analysis of previous studies that measured total aSyn as well as other species such as modified and aggregated forms of aSyn in different biological fluids; and (3) highlight conceptual and technical gaps and challenges that could hinder the development and validation of reliable aSyn biomarkers; and (4) outline a series of recommendations to address these challenges. Finally, we propose a combined biomarker approach based on integrating biochemical, aggregation and structure features of aSyn, in addition to other biomarkers of neurodegeneration. We believe that capturing the diversity of aSyn species is essential to develop robust assays and diagnostics for early detection, patient stratification, monitoring of disease progression, and differentiation between synucleinopathies. This could transform clinical trial design and implementation, accelerate the development of new therapies, and improve clinical decisions and treatment strategies.
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Sidoroff V, Bower P, Stefanova N, Fanciulli A, Stankovic I, Poewe W, Seppi K, Wenning GK, Krismer F. Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple System Atrophy: Where Are We in 2022? JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:1369-1387. [PMID: 35491799 PMCID: PMC9398078 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. While numerous preclinical studies suggested efficacy of potentially disease modifying agents, none of those were proven to be effective in large-scale clinical trials. Three major strategies are currently pursued in preclinical and clinical studies attempting to slow down disease progression. These target α-synuclein, neuroinflammation, and restoration of neurotrophic support. This review provides a comprehensive overview on ongoing preclinical and clinical developments of disease modifying therapies. Furthermore, we will focus on potential shortcomings of previous studies that can be avoided to improve data quality in future studies of this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sidoroff
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Pam Bower
- The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Inc., McLean, VA, USA
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Iva Stankovic
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Seppi
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Krismer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Sahoo S, Padhy AA, Kumari V, Mishra P. Role of Ubiquitin-Proteasome and Autophagy-Lysosome Pathways in α-Synuclein Aggregate Clearance. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5379-5407. [PMID: 35699874 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02897-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Synuclein aggregation in neuronal cells is the primary underlying cause of synucleinopathies. Changes in gene expression patterns, structural modifications, and altered interactions with other cellular proteins often trigger aggregation of α-synuclein, which accumulates as oligomers or fibrils in Lewy bodies. Although fibrillar forms of α-synuclein are primarily considered pathological, recent studies have revealed that even the intermediate states of aggregates are neurotoxic, complicating the development of therapeutic interventions. Autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways play a significant role in maintaining the soluble levels of α-synuclein inside cells; however, the heterogeneous nature of the aggregates presents a significant bottleneck to its degradation by these cellular pathways. With studies focused on identifying the proteins that modulate synuclein aggregation and clearance, detailed mechanistic insights are emerging about the individual and synergistic effects of these degradation pathways in regulating soluble α-synuclein levels. In this article, we discuss the impact of α-synuclein aggregation on autophagy-lysosome and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways and the therapeutic strategies that target various aspects of synuclein aggregation or degradation via these pathways. Additionally, we also highlight the natural and synthetic compounds that have shown promise in alleviating the cellular damage caused due to synuclein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashree Sahoo
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Amrita Arpita Padhy
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Varsha Kumari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Parul Mishra
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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Höllerhage M, Klietz M, Höglinger GU. Disease modification in Parkinsonism: obstacles and ways forward. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:1133-1153. [PMID: 35695938 PMCID: PMC9463344 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To date, the diagnoses of Parkinson syndromes are based on clinical examination. Therefore, these specific diagnoses are made, when the neuropathological process is already advanced. However, disease modification or neuroprotection, is considered to be most effective before marked neurodegeneration has occurred. In recent years, early clinical or prodromal stages of Parkinson syndromes came into focus. Moreover, subtypes of distinct diseases will allow predictions of the individual course of the diseases more precisely. Thereby, patients will be enrolled into clinical trials with more specific disease entities and endpoints. Furthermore, novel fluid and imaging biomarkers that allow biochemical diagnoses are under development. These will lead to earlier diagnoses and earlier therapy in the future as consequence. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches will take the underlying neuropathological process of neurodegenerative Parkinson syndromes more specific into account. Specifically, future therapies will target the aggregation of aggregation-prone proteins such as alpha-synuclein and tau, the degradation of pathological aggregates, and the spreading of pathological protein aggregates throughout the brain. Many of these approaches are already in (pre)clinical development. In addition, anti-inflammatory approaches are in development. Furthermore, drug-repurposing is a feasible approach to shorten the developmental process of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Höllerhage
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Klietz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - G U Höglinger
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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Vidović M, Rikalovic MG. Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation Pathway in Parkinson's Disease: Current Status and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111732. [PMID: 35681426 PMCID: PMC9179656 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Following Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder, sharing an unclear pathophysiology, a multifactorial profile, and massive social costs worldwide. Despite this, no disease-modifying therapy is available. PD is tightly associated with α-synuclein (α-Syn) deposits, which become organised into insoluble, amyloid fibrils. As a typical intrinsically disordered protein, α-Syn adopts a monomeric, random coil conformation in an aqueous solution, while its interaction with lipid membranes drives the transition of the molecule part into an α-helical structure. The central unstructured region of α-Syn is involved in fibril formation by converting to well-defined, β-sheet rich secondary structures. Presently, most therapeutic strategies against PD are focused on designing small molecules, peptides, and peptidomimetics that can directly target α-Syn and its aggregation pathway. Other approaches include gene silencing, cell transplantation, stimulation of intracellular clearance with autophagy promoters, and degradation pathways based on immunotherapy of amyloid fibrils. In the present review, we sum marise the current advances related to α-Syn aggregation/neurotoxicity. These findings present a valuable arsenal for the further development of efficient, nontoxic, and non-invasive therapeutic protocols for disease-modifying therapy that tackles disease onset and progression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Vidović
- Laboratory for Plant Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-16-4276-3221
| | - Milena G. Rikalovic
- Environment and Sustainable Development, Singidunum Univeristy, Danijelova 32, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia;
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44
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Gramotnev DK, Gramotnev G, Gramotnev A, Summers MJ. Path analysis of biomarkers for cognitive decline in early Parkinson’s disease. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268379. [PMID: 35560326 PMCID: PMC9106174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and biochemical diversity of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and numerous demographic, clinical, and pathological measures influencing cognitive function and its decline in PD create problems with the determination of effects of individual measures on cognition in PD. This is particularly the case where these measures significantly interrelate with each other producing intricate networks of direct and indirect effects on cognition. Here, we use generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM) to identify and characterize significant paths for direct and indirect effects of 14 baseline measures on global cognition in PD at baseline and at 4 years later. We consider 269 drug-naïve participants from the Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative database, diagnosed with idiopathic PD and observed for at least 4 years after baseline. Two GSEM networks are derived, highlighting the possibility of at least two different molecular pathways or two different PD sub-types, with either CSF p-tau181 or amyloid beta (1–42) being the primary protein variables potentially driving progression of cognitive decline. The models provide insights into the interrelations between the 14 baseline variables, and determined their total effects on cognition in early PD. High CSF amyloid concentrations (> 500 pg/ml) are associated with nearly full protection against cognitive decline in early PD in the whole range of baseline age between 40 and 80 years, and irrespectively of whether p-tau181 or amyloid beta (1–42) are considered as the primary protein variables. The total effect of depression on cognition is shown to be strongly amplified by PD, but not at the time of diagnosis or at prodromal stages. CSF p-tau181 protein could not be a reliable indicator of cognitive decline because of its significantly heterogeneous effects on cognition. The outcomes will enable better understanding of the roles of the clinical and pathological measures and their mutual effects on cognition in early PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Galina Gramotnev
- Research and Data Analysis Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexandra Gramotnev
- Research and Data Analysis Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Mind & Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mathew J. Summers
- School of Health and Behavioural Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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45
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Menon S, Armstrong S, Hamzeh A, Visanji NP, Sardi SP, Tandon A. Alpha-Synuclein Targeting Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease and Related Synucleinopathies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:852003. [PMID: 35614915 PMCID: PMC9124903 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.852003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (asyn) is a key pathogenetic factor in a group of neurodegenerative diseases generically known as synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Although the initial triggers of pathology and progression are unclear, multiple lines of evidence support therapeutic targeting of asyn in order to limit its prion-like misfolding. Here, we review recent pre-clinical and clinical work that offers promising treatment strategies to sequester, degrade, or silence asyn expression as a means to reduce the levels of seed or substrate. These diverse approaches include removal of aggregated asyn with passive or active immunization or by expression of vectorized antibodies, modulating kinetics of misfolding with small molecule anti-aggregants, lowering asyn gene expression by antisense oligonucleotides or inhibitory RNA, and pharmacological activation of asyn degradation pathways. We also discuss recent technological advances in combining low intensity focused ultrasound with intravenous microbubbles to transiently increase blood-brain barrier permeability for improved brain delivery and target engagement of these large molecule anti-asyn biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Menon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sabrina Armstrong
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amir Hamzeh
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naomi P. Visanji
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anurag Tandon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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46
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Baron T, Arsac JN, Verchère J, Tlili H, Aufauvre C, Bétemps D. Co-expression of APP/PS1 disrupts the distribution of brain lesions in a synucleinopathy transgenic mouse model (M83). Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:527-529. [PMID: 35257220 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02410-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Baron
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Lyon (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 31 avenue Tony Garnier, 69364, Lyon, Cedex 7, France.
| | - Jean-Noël Arsac
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Lyon (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 31 avenue Tony Garnier, 69364, Lyon, Cedex 7, France
| | - Jérémy Verchère
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Lyon (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 31 avenue Tony Garnier, 69364, Lyon, Cedex 7, France
| | - Habiba Tlili
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Lyon (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 31 avenue Tony Garnier, 69364, Lyon, Cedex 7, France
| | - Claire Aufauvre
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Lyon (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 31 avenue Tony Garnier, 69364, Lyon, Cedex 7, France
| | - Dominique Bétemps
- ANSES-Laboratoire de Lyon (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), University of Lyon, 31 avenue Tony Garnier, 69364, Lyon, Cedex 7, France
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47
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Golan H, Volkov O, Shalom E. Nuclear imaging in Parkinson's disease: The past, the present, and the future. J Neurol Sci 2022; 436:120220. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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48
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Santos J, Pallarès I, Ventura S. Is a cure for Parkinson’s disease hiding inside us? Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:641-644. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Wang Y, Gao L, Chen J, Li Q, Huo L, Wang Y, Wang H, Du J. Pharmacological Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway as a Therapeutic Target of Parkinson's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:757161. [PMID: 34887759 PMCID: PMC8650509 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.757161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder featuring both motor and nonmotor symptoms associated with a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Genetic and environmental factors can produce OS, which has been implicated as a core contributor to the initiation and progression of PD through the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) orchestrates activation of multiple protective genes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which protects cells from OS. Nrf2 has also been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects and modulate both mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Recently, a series of studies have reported that different bioactive compounds were shown to be able to activate Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) and can ameliorate PD-associated neurotoxin, both in animal models and in tissue culture. In this review, we briefly overview the sources of OS and the association between OS and the pathogenesis of PD. Then, we provided a concise overview of Nrf2/ARE pathway and delineated the role played by activation of Nrf2/HO-1 in PD. At last, we expand our discussion to the neuroprotective effects of pharmacological modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 by bioactive compounds and the potential application of Nrf2 activators for the treatment of PD. This review suggests that pharmacological modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by bioactive compounds is a therapeutic target of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Luyan Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, The Fourth Central Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, The Fourth Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Liang Huo
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanchao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jichen Du
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
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50
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Kuo MC, Liu SCH, Hsu YF, Wu RM. The role of noncoding RNAs in Parkinson's disease: biomarkers and associations with pathogenic pathways. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:78. [PMID: 34794432 PMCID: PMC8603508 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00775-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of various noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their biological implications is a growing area in cell biology. Increasing evidence has revealed canonical and noncanonical functions of long and small ncRNAs, including microRNAs, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, and tRNA-derived fragments. These ncRNAs have the ability to regulate gene expression and modify metabolic pathways. Thus, they may have important roles as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, especially Parkinson's disease. Recently, through diverse sequencing technologies and a wide variety of bioinformatic analytical tools, such as reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR, microarrays, next-generation sequencing and long-read sequencing, numerous ncRNAs have been shown to be associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease. In this review article, we will first introduce the biogenesis of different ncRNAs, including microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, circular RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and tRNA-derived fragments. The pros and cons of the detection platforms of ncRNAs and the reproducibility of bioinformatic analytical tools will be discussed in the second part. Finally, the recent discovery of numerous PD-associated ncRNAs and their association with the diagnosis and pathophysiology of PD are reviewed, and microRNAs and long ncRNAs that are transported by exosomes in biofluids are particularly emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Che Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Neurology, Cancer Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sam Chi-Hao Liu
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fang Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Meei Wu
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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