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de Sousa LF, Paschoal DFS, Novato WTG. Molecular modeling of multi-target analogs of huperzine A and applications in Alzheimer's disease. J Mol Model 2024; 30:200. [PMID: 38850372 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05991-4] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Given the diverse pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, it is improbable that a single targeted drug will prove successful as a therapeutic strategy. Therefore, exploring various hypotheses in drug design is imperative. The sequestration of Fe(II) and Zn(II) cations stands out as a crucial mechanism based on the mitigation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase represents a pivotal strategy to enhance acetylcholine levels in the synaptic cleft. This research aims to investigate the analogs of Huperzine A, documented in scientific literature, considering of these two hypotheses. Consequently, the speciation chemistry of these structures with Fe(II) and Zn(II) was scrutinized using quantum chemistry calculations, molecular docking simulations, and theoretical predictions of pharmacokinetics properties. From the pharmacokinetic properties, only two analogs, HupA-A1 and HupA-A2, exhibited a theoretical permeability across the blood-brain barrier; on the other hand, from a thermodynamic standpoint, the enantiomers of HupA-A2 showed negligible chelation values. The enantiomers with the most favorable interaction parameters were S'R'HupA-A1 (ΔGBIND = -40.0 kcal mol-1, fitness score = 35.5) and R'R'HupA-A1 (ΔGBIND = -35.5 kcal mol-1, fitness score = 22.61), being compared with HupA (ΔGBIND = -41.75 kcal mol-1, fitness score = 39.95). From this study, some prime candidates for promising drug were S'R'HupA-A1 and R'R'HupA-A1, primarily owing to their favorable thermodynamic chelating capability and potential anticholinesterase mechanism. METHODS Quantum chemistry calculations were carried out at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level, considering the IEF-PCM(UFF) implicit solvent model for water. The coordination compounds were assessed using the Gibbs free energy variation and hard and soft acid theory. Molecular docking calculations were conducted using the GOLD program, based on the crystal structure of the acetylcholinesterase protein (PDB code = 4EY5), where the ChemScore function was employed with the active site defined as the region within a 15-Å radius around the centroid coordinates (X = -9.557583, Y = -43.910473, Z = 31.466687). Pharmacokinetic properties were predicted using SwissADME, focusing on Lipinski's rule of five.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo F de Sousa
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 27.971-525, Macaé, RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego F S Paschoal
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 27.971-525, Macaé, RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Willian T G Novato
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 27.971-525, Macaé, RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Chen B, Yu P, Chan WN, Xie F, Zhang Y, Liang L, Leung KT, Lo KW, Yu J, Tse GMK, Kang W, To KF. Cellular zinc metabolism and zinc signaling: from biological functions to diseases and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:6. [PMID: 38169461 PMCID: PMC10761908 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01679-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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Zinc metabolism at the cellular level is critical for many biological processes in the body. A key observation is the disruption of cellular homeostasis, often coinciding with disease progression. As an essential factor in maintaining cellular equilibrium, cellular zinc has been increasingly spotlighted in the context of disease development. Extensive research suggests zinc's involvement in promoting malignancy and invasion in cancer cells, despite its low tissue concentration. This has led to a growing body of literature investigating zinc's cellular metabolism, particularly the functions of zinc transporters and storage mechanisms during cancer progression. Zinc transportation is under the control of two major transporter families: SLC30 (ZnT) for the excretion of zinc and SLC39 (ZIP) for the zinc intake. Additionally, the storage of this essential element is predominantly mediated by metallothioneins (MTs). This review consolidates knowledge on the critical functions of cellular zinc signaling and underscores potential molecular pathways linking zinc metabolism to disease progression, with a special focus on cancer. We also compile a summary of clinical trials involving zinc ions. Given the main localization of zinc transporters at the cell membrane, the potential for targeted therapies, including small molecules and monoclonal antibodies, offers promising avenues for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peiyao Yu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wai Nok Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fuda Xie
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yigan Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kam Tong Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary M K Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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3
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Twarowski B, Herbet M. Inflammatory Processes in Alzheimer's Disease-Pathomechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6518. [PMID: 37047492 PMCID: PMC10095343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed cases of senile dementia in the world. It is an incurable process, most often leading to death. This disease is multifactorial, and one factor of this is inflammation. Numerous mediators secreted by inflammatory cells can cause neuronal degeneration. Neuritis may coexist with other mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, contributing to disease progression, and may also directly underlie AD. Although much has been established about the inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of AD, many aspects remain unexplained. The work is devoted in particular to the pathomechanism of inflammation and its role in diagnosis and treatment. An in-depth and detailed understanding of the pathomechanism of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease may help in the development of diagnostic methods for early diagnosis and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariola Herbet
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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4
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Baerends E, Soud K, Folke J, Pedersen AK, Henmar S, Konrad L, Lycas MD, Mori Y, Pakkenberg B, Woldbye DPD, Dmytriyeva O, Pankratova S. Modeling the early stages of Alzheimer's disease by administering intracerebroventricular injections of human native Aβ oligomers to rats. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:113. [PMID: 35974377 PMCID: PMC9380371 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau along with a slow decline in cognitive functions. Unlike advanced AD, the initial steps of AD pathophysiology have been poorly investigated, partially due to limited availability of animal models focused on the early, plaque-free stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early behavioral, anatomical and molecular alterations in wild-type rats following intracerebroventricular injections of human Aβ oligomers (AβOs). Bioactive human AD and nondemented control brain tissue extracts were characterized using ELISA and proteomics approaches. Following a bilateral infusion, rats underwent behavioral testing, including the elevated plus maze, social recognition test, Morris water maze and Y-maze within 6 weeks postinjection. An analysis of brain structure was performed with manganese-enhanced MRI. Collected brain tissues were analyzed using stereology, immunohistochemistry, ELISA and qPCR. No sensorimotor deficits affecting motor performance on different maze tasks were observed, nor was spatial memory disturbed in AD rats. In contrast, a significant impairment of social memory became evident at 21 days postinjection. This deficit was associated with a significantly decreased volume of the lateral entorhinal cortex and a tendency toward a decrease in the total brain volume. Significant increase of cleaved caspase-3-positive cells, microglial activation and proinflammatory responses accompanied by altered expression of synaptic markers were observed in the hippocampus of AD rats with immunohistochemical and qPCR approaches at 6 weeks postinjection. Our data suggest that the social memory impairment observed in AβO-injected rats might be determined by neuroinflammatory responses and synaptopathy. An infusion of native oligomeric Aβ in the rat brain represents a feasible tool to model early plaque-free events associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Baerends
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katia Soud
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Folke
- Centre for Neuroscience and Stereology, Department of Neurology,, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Center for Translational Research, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Kathrine Pedersen
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon Henmar
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisa Konrad
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew D Lycas
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuki Mori
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Pakkenberg
- Centre for Neuroscience and Stereology, Department of Neurology,, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David P D Woldbye
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oksana Dmytriyeva
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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Lampinen R, Górová V, Avesani S, Liddell JR, Penttilä E, Závodná T, Krejčík Z, Lehtola JM, Saari T, Kalapudas J, Hannonen S, Löppönen H, Topinka J, Koivisto AM, White AR, Giugno R, Kanninen KM. Biometal Dyshomeostasis in Olfactory Mucosa of Alzheimer's Disease Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084123. [PMID: 35456941 PMCID: PMC9032618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory function, orchestrated by the cells of the olfactory mucosa at the rooftop of the nasal cavity, is disturbed early in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Biometals including zinc and calcium are known to be important for sense of smell and to be altered in the brains of AD patients. Little is known about elemental homeostasis in the AD patient olfactory mucosa. Here we aimed to assess whether the disease-related alterations to biometal homeostasis observed in the brain are also reflected in the olfactory mucosa. We applied RNA sequencing to discover gene expression changes related to metals in olfactory mucosal cells of cognitively healthy controls, individuals with mild cognitive impairment and AD patients, and performed analysis of the elemental content to determine metal levels. Results demonstrate that the levels of zinc, calcium and sodium are increased in the AD olfactory mucosa concomitantly with alterations to 17 genes related to metal-ion binding or metal-related function of the protein product. A significant elevation in alpha-2-macroglobulin, a known metal-binding biomarker correlated with brain disease burden, was observed on the gene and protein levels in the olfactory mucosa cells of AD patients. These data demonstrate that the olfactory mucosa cells derived from AD patients recapitulate certain impairments of biometal homeostasis observed in the brains of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riikka Lampinen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (R.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Veronika Górová
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (R.L.); (V.G.)
| | - Simone Avesani
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Jeffrey R. Liddell
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Elina Penttilä
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (E.P.); (H.L.)
| | - Táňa Závodná
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.Z.); (Z.K.); (J.T.)
| | - Zdeněk Krejčík
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.Z.); (Z.K.); (J.T.)
| | - Juha-Matti Lehtola
- Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.-M.L.); (T.S.); (J.K.); (S.H.); (A.M.K.)
- Department of Neurology, NeuroCentre, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Toni Saari
- Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.-M.L.); (T.S.); (J.K.); (S.H.); (A.M.K.)
| | - Juho Kalapudas
- Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.-M.L.); (T.S.); (J.K.); (S.H.); (A.M.K.)
| | - Sanna Hannonen
- Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.-M.L.); (T.S.); (J.K.); (S.H.); (A.M.K.)
- Department of Neurology, NeuroCentre, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki Löppönen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (E.P.); (H.L.)
| | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.Z.); (Z.K.); (J.T.)
| | - Anne M. Koivisto
- Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (J.-M.L.); (T.S.); (J.K.); (S.H.); (A.M.K.)
- Department of Neurology, NeuroCentre, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Helsinki University Hospital and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anthony R. White
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Mental Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Rosalba Giugno
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Katja M. Kanninen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (R.L.); (V.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Kirchweger B, Klein-Junior LC, Pretsch D, Chen Y, Cretton S, Gasper AL, Heyden YV, Christen P, Kirchmair J, Henriques AT, Rollinger JM. Azepine-Indole Alkaloids From Psychotria nemorosa Modulate 5-HT 2A Receptors and Prevent in vivo Protein Toxicity in Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:826289. [PMID: 35360162 PMCID: PMC8963987 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.826289] [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: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemorosine A (1) and fargesine (2), the main azepine-indole alkaloids of Psychotria nemorosa, were explored for their pharmacological profile on neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) applying a combined in silico–in vitro–in vivo approach. By using 1 and 2 as queries for similarity-based searches of the ChEMBL database, structurally related compounds were identified to modulate the 5-HT2A receptor; in vitro experiments confirmed an agonistic effect for 1 and 2 (24 and 36% at 10 μM, respectively), which might be linked to cognition-enhancing properties. This and the previously reported target profile of 1 and 2, which also includes BuChE and MAO-A inhibition, prompted the evaluation of these compounds in several Caenorhabditis elegans models linked to 5-HT modulation and proteotoxicity. On C. elegans transgenic strain CL4659, which expresses amyloid beta (Aβ) in muscle cells leading to a phenotypic paralysis, 1 and 2 reduced Aβ proteotoxicity by reducing the percentage of paralyzed worms to 51%. Treatment of the NL5901 strain, in which α-synuclein is yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged, with 1 and 2 (10 μM) significantly reduced the α-synuclein expression. Both alkaloids were further able to significantly extend the time of metallothionein induction, which is associated with reduced neurodegeneration of aged brain tissue. These results add to the multitarget profiles of 1 and 2 and corroborate their potential in the treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kirchweger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luiz C Klein-Junior
- School of Health Sciences, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Quality Control of Phytomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Dagmar Pretsch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ya Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sylvian Cretton
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - André L Gasper
- Herbarium Dr. Roberto Miguel Klein, Department of Natural Sciences, Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Yvan Vander Heyden
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemometrics and Molecular Modeling, Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Christen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kirchmair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amélia T Henriques
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Quality Control of Phytomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Judith M Rollinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Guo M, Zhu F, Qiu W, Qiao G, Law BYK, Yu L, Wu J, Tang Y, Yu C, Qin D, Zhou X, Wu A. High-throughput screening for amyloid-β binding natural small-molecules based on the combinational use of biolayer interferometry and UHPLC−DAD-Q/TOF-MS/MS. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1723-1739. [PMID: 35847494 PMCID: PMC9279722 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovery of drugs rapidly and effectively is an important aspect for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) method aims at screening the small-molecules with amyloid-β (Aβ) binding affinity from natural medicines, based on the combinational use of biolayer interferometry (BLI) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detector and quadrupole/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC−DAD-Q/TOF-MS/MS) has been firstly developed. Briefly, the components in natural medicines disassociated from biotinylated Aβ were collected to analyze their potential Aβ binding affinity by UHPLC−DAD-Q/TOF-MS/MS. Here, baicalein was confirmed to exhibit the highest binding affinity with Aβ in Scutellaria baicalensis. Moreover, polyporenic acid C (PPAC), dehydrotumulosic acid (DTA), and tumulosic acid (TA) in Kai-Xin-San (KXS) were also identified as potent Aβ inhibitors. Further bioactivity validations indicated that these compounds could inhibit Aβ fibrillation, improve the viability in Aβ-induced PC-12 cells, and decrease the Aβ content and improve the behavioral ability in Caenorhabditis elegans. The molecular docking results confirmed that PPAC, DTA, and TA possessed good binding properties with Aβ. Collectively, the present study has provided a novel and effective HTS method for the identification of natural inhibitors on Aβ fibrillation, which may accelerate the process on anti-AD drugs discovery and development.
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8
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The Impact of Fullerenes as Doxorubicin Nano-Transporters on Metallothionein and Superoxide Dismutase Status in MCF-10A Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14010102. [PMID: 35056998 PMCID: PMC8777724 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to synthesise C60–DOX complexes followed by the analysis of their effect on the concentration of metallothionein (MT) as a non-enzymatic antioxidant and on the concentration and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as an antioxidant enzyme in healthy human mammary MCF-10A cells. Dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic light scattering were used to establish the size and zeta potential of the complexes. The MT and SOD concentrations were determined using the ELISA method; SOD activity was determined by tetrazolium salt reduction inhibition. Lower MT concentration following exposure of cells to both DOX and C60 fullerene compared to the control sample was found. However, the concentration of this protein increased as a consequence of the C60–DOX complexes action on MCF-10A cells compared to the control. C60 used alone did not affect the concentration and activity of SOD in MCF-10A cells. Application of free DOX did not activate cellular antioxidant defence in the form of an increase in SOD concentration or its activity. In contrast treatment of cells with the C60–DOX complex resulted in a decrease in SOD1 concentration and a significant increase in SOD activity compared to cells treated with free DOX, C60 and control. Thus, it was found that C60–DOX complexes showed potential for protective effects against DOX-induced toxicity to MCF-10A cells.
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9
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Ibrahim O, Sutherland HG, Lea RA, Nasrallah F, Maksemous N, Smith RA, Haupt LM, Griffiths LR. Discriminating head trauma outcomes using machine learning and genomics. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:303-312. [PMID: 34797388 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02158-z] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A percentage of the population suffers prolonged and persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS) following average head injuries or develops severe neurological dysfunction following minor head trauma. Genetic variants that may contribute to individual response to head trauma have been investigated in some studies, but to date none have explored the use of machine learning (ML) methods with genomic data to specifically explore outcomes of head trauma. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was completed for three groups of individuals (N = 60): (a) 16 individuals with severe neurological responses to minor head trauma, (b) 26 individuals with persistent PCS and (c) 18 individuals with normal recovery from concussion or mTBI. Gradient boosted tree algorithms were applied to the data using XGBoost. By using variants with CADD scores above 15 in the training set (randomly sampled 70%), we identified signatures that accurately distinguish to accurately distinguish the test groups with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8 (SE = 0.019). Metrics including positive and negative prediction values, as well as kappa were all within acceptable range to support the prediction accuracy. This study illustrates how ML methods in combination with WES data have the potential to predict severe or prolonged responses to head trauma from healthy recovery. KEY MESSAGES: Linear association analysis has been inconclusive in concussion genetics. Non-linear methods as boosted trees can offer better insights in small samples. Strong discrimination trends can be achieved from exome data of cases and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ibrahim
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Heidi G Sutherland
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Rodney A Lea
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Fatima Nasrallah
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Neven Maksemous
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Robert A Smith
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Lyn R Griffiths
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.
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10
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The discovery and development of transthyretin amyloidogenesis inhibitors: what are the lessons? Future Med Chem 2021; 13:2083-2105. [PMID: 34633220 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is associated with several human amyloid diseases. Various kinetic stabilizers have been developed to inhibit the dissociation of TTR tetramer and the formation of amyloid fibrils. Most of them are bisaryl derivatives, natural flavonoids, crown ethers and carborans. In this review article, we focus on TTR tetramer stabilizers, genetic therapeutic approaches and fibril remodelers. The binding modes of typical bisaryl derivatives, natural flavonoids, crown ethers and carborans are discussed. Based on knowledge of the binding of thyroxine to TTR tetramer, many stabilizers have been screened to dock into the thyroxine binding sites, leading to TTR tetramer stabilization. Particularly, those stabilizers with unique binding profiles have shown great potential in developing the therapeutic management of TTR amyloidogenesis.
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11
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Ge F, Zhu D, Tian M, Shi J. The Role of Thyroid Function in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:1553-1562. [PMID: 34420955 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The thyroid gland is crucial for the regulation of metabolism, growth, and development of various tissues, organs, systems, including the central nervous system. Recent studies have implicated the role of thyroid dysfunction in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), while AD leads to a significant increase in the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. In this review, we have analyzed the role of thyroid function in the pathophysiology of AD as well as its biomarkers. The present review aims to provide encouraging targets for early screening of AD risk factors and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Ge
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Donglin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjie Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingping Shi
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Gunn AP, McLean CA, Crouch PJ, Roberts BR. Quantification of metallothionein-III in brain tissues using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Biochem 2021; 630:114326. [PMID: 34358515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are crucial for metal ion homeostasis in mammalian cells. Specialized mass spectrometry methods have been developed to detect MTs in tissue extracts, though facile methods with scalable throughput are lacking. To improve analytical throughput and repeatability, we developed a standardised liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for robust determination of metallothionein-3 (MT3) that is amenable to microplate processing. This method uses standard protein digestion conditions with commercially available reagents and commonly practiced reversed-phase chromatography, detecting MT3 at low ng/mL levels in human brain tissue extracts. We found that trypsin digestion largely underestimated MT3 levels, whereas endopeptidase Lys-C yielded vastly higher signals with low replicate variance. The choice of target peptide was critical for accurate MT3 detection - a peptide in the α-domain yielded the most robust signals. We demonstrate the utility of this method by comparing the expression of MT3 in post-mortem brain tissues of a cohort of Alzheimer's disease (AD) individuals and age-matched controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Gunn
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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