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Thew HY, Boon Keat K, Tan YC, Ong YS, Parat MO, Murugaiyah V, Goh BH, Khaw KY. Probing the anti-Aβ42 aggregation and protective effects of prenylated xanthone against Aβ42-induced toxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110978. [PMID: 38552766 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110978] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein aggregates, leading to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal cell death. In this study, we used a comprehensive approach encompassing in vitro assays, computational analyses, and an in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model to evaluate the inhibitory effects of various xanthones, focusing on Garcinone D (GD), on Aβ42 oligomer formation. Dot blot analysis revealed concentration-dependent responses among xanthones, with GD consistently inhibiting Aβ42 oligomer formation at low concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 μM, inhibitions of 84.66 ± 2.25% and 85.06 ± 6.57%, respectively). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations provided insights into the molecular interactions between xanthones and Aβ42, highlighting the disruption of key residues involved in Aβ42 aggregation. The neuroprotective potential of GD was established using transgenic C. elegans GMC101, with substantial delays in paralysis reported at higher concentrations. Our findings show that GD is a potent suppressor of Aβ42 oligomer formation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD. The concentration-dependent effects observed in both in vitro and in vivo models underscore the need for nuanced dose-response assessments. These findings contribute novel insights into the therapeutic landscape of xanthones against AD, emphasizing the multifaceted potential of GD for further translational endeavors in neurodegenerative disorder research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hin Yee Thew
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Khor Boon Keat
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Yong Chiang Tan
- International Medical University, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Marie-Odile Parat
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Vikneswaran Murugaiyah
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Bey Hing Goh
- Sunway Biofunctional Molecules Discovery Centre (SBMDC), School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Kooi Yeong Khaw
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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Jia K, Tian J, Wang T, Guo L, Xuan Z, Swerdlow RH, Du H. Mitochondria-sequestered Aβ renders synaptic mitochondria vulnerable in the elderly with a risk of Alzheimer disease. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e174290. [PMID: 37991017 PMCID: PMC10721326 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are critical for neurophysiology, and mitochondrial dysfunction constitutes a characteristic pathology in both brain aging and Alzheimer disease (AD). Whether mitochondrial deficiency in brain aging and AD is mechanistically linked, however, remains controversial. We report a correlation between intrasynaptosomal amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) and synaptic mitochondrial bioenergetics inefficiency in both aging and amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a transitional stage between normal aging and AD. Experiments using a mouse model expressing nonmutant humanized Aβ (humanized Aβ-knockin [hAβ-KI] mice) confirmed the association of increased intramitochondrial sequestration of Aβ42 with exacerbated synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction in an aging factor- and AD risk-bearing context. Also, in comparison with global cerebral Aβ, intramitochondrial Aβ was relatively preserved from activated microglial phagocytosis in aged hAβ-KI mice. The most parsimonious interpretation of our results is that aging-related mitochondrial Aβ sequestration renders synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction in the transitional stage between normal aging and AD. Mitochondrial dysfunction in both brain aging and the prodromal stage of AD may follow a continuous transition in response to escalated intraneuronal, especially intramitochondrial Aβ, accumulation. Moreover, our findings further implicate a pivotal role of mitochondria in harboring early amyloidosis during the conversion from normal to pathological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Jia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Tienju Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Zhenyu Xuan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Russell H. Swerdlow
- Alzheimer’s Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Heng Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Alzheimer’s Disease Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Chuang WH, Chou YT, Chen YH, Kuo TH, Liaw WF, Lu TT, Kao CF, Wang YM. Neuroprotective Effect of NO-Delivery Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes (DNICs) on Amyloid Pathology in the Alzheimer's Disease Cell Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2922-2934. [PMID: 37533298 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00348] [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] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioral deficits. β-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42) aggregation is a significant cause of the pathogenesis in AD. Despite the numerous types of research, the current treatment efficacy remains insufficient. Hence, a novel therapeutic strategy is required. Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional gaseous molecule. NO displays a neuroprotective role in the central nervous system by inhibiting the Aβ aggregation and rescuing memory and learning deficit through the NO signaling pathway. Targeting the NO pathway might be a therapeutic option; however, NO has a limited half-life under the biological system. To address this issue, a biomimetic dinitrosyl iron complex [(NO)2Fe(μ-SCH2CH2COOH)2Fe(NO)2] (DNIC-COOH) that could stably deliver NO was explored in the current study. To determine whether DNIC-COOH exerts anti-AD efficacy, DNIC-COOH was added to neuron-like cells and primary cortical neurons along with Aβ1-42. This study found that DNIC-COOH protected neuronal cells from Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, potentiated neuronal functions, and facilitated Aβ1-42 degradation through the NO-sGC-cGMP-AKT-GSK3β-CREB/MMP-9 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Han Chuang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chou
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hong Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Han Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Feng Liaw
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Te Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 32023, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Fei Kao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ming Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Department of Dentistry, Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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4
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Hilt S, Liu R, Maezawa I, Rojalin T, Aung HH, Budamagunta M, Slez R, Gong Q, Carney RP, Voss JC. Novel Stilbene-Nitroxyl Hybrid Compounds Display Discrete Modulation of Amyloid Beta Toxicity and Structure. Front Chem 2022; 10:896386. [PMID: 35720993 PMCID: PMC9204515 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.896386] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases are driven by misfolded proteins that assemble into soluble aggregates. These "toxic oligomers" have been associated with a plethora of cellular dysfunction and dysregulation, however the structural features underlying their toxicity are poorly understood. A major impediment to answering this question relates to the heterogeneous nature of the oligomers, both in terms of structural disorder and oligomer size. This not only complicates elucidating the molecular etiology of these disorders, but also the druggability of these targets as well. We have synthesized a class of bifunctional stilbenes to modulate both the conformational toxicity within amyloid beta oligomers (AβO) and the oxidative stress elicited by AβO. Using a neuronal culture model, we demonstrate this bifunctional approach has the potential to counter the molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease in a powerful, synergistic manner. Examination of AβO structure by various biophysical tools shows that each stilbene candidate uniquely alters AβO conformation and toxicity, providing insight towards the future development of structural correctors for AβO. Correlations of AβO structural modulation and bioactivity displayed by each provides insights for future testing in vivo. The multi-target activity of these hybrid molecules represents a highly advantageous feature for disease modification in Alzheimer's, which displays a complex, multifactorial etiology. Importantly, these novel small molecules intervene with intraneuronal AβO, a necessary feature to counter the cycle of dysregulation, oxidative stress and inflammation triggered during the earliest stages of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Hilt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ruiwu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- M.I.N.D. Institute and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Tatu Rojalin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Hnin H. Aung
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Research Division, California Air Resource Board, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Madhu Budamagunta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Slez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Qizhi Gong
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Randy P. Carney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - John C. Voss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Paramag Biosciences Inc., Davis, CA, United States
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5
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Meena VK, Kumar V, Karalia S, Garima, Sundd M. Ellagic Acid Modulates Uninduced as well as Mutation and Metal-Induced Aggregation of α-Synuclein: Implications for Parkinson's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3598-3614. [PMID: 34506119 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αS) is an intrinsically disordered protein whose aggregation and deposition in Lewy bodies is involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other related disorders. The aggregation process of αS is also triggered by mutations like A53T and E46K in the SNCA gene and disruption in metal-ion homeostasis. Currently, there is no obviating therapy available in the market that could effectively prevent the progression of the disease. In this backdrop, there exists an emerging need to consider naturally occurring polyphenols and flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents against PD. In this study, we demonstrate the modulatory effect of ellagic acid (EA) against wild-type as well as mutation and metal-induced aggregation of αS. Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay suggests that EA acts on the nucleation phase of αS fibrillization, thereby increasing the lag phase from 21.33 ± 3.01 to 48.20 ± 5.05 h and reducing the fibrils growth rate from 4.60 ± 2.06 to 0.890 ± 0.36 h-1. 8-Anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS), Congo red (CR), and intrinsic fluorescence studies indicate that the interaction of EA with αS facilitates the structural changes in the protein that lead to inhibition of fibril formation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images illustrate that the size of fibrils diminishes up to 100 nm in the presence of EA. Dot blot and seeding experiments put forward that EA directs the αS aggregation toward off-pathway fibrillization. Our 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay deciphers the role of EA in minimizing the αS fibril-induced toxicity, thereupon leading to an increase in cell viability. Also, EA attenuates both mutations as well as metal-induced αS fibrillization and disaggregates the preexisting fibrils. Additionally, computational studies elucidate that EA preferentially interacts with the N-terminal and NAC domain of αS. Hence, this work reveals the aggregation inhibition mechanism of EA and provides considerable therapeutic interventions against PD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Kumar Meena
- NMR-II Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- NMR-II Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shivani Karalia
- NMR-II Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Garima
- NMR-II Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Monica Sundd
- NMR-II Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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Xuan Z, Gu X, Yan S, Xie Y, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Jin H, Hu S, Mak MSH, Zhou D, Keung Tsim KW, Carlier PR, Han Y, Cui W. Dimeric Tacrine(10)-hupyridone as a Multitarget-Directed Ligand To Treat Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2462-2477. [PMID: 34156230 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with multiple pathological features. Therefore, a multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy has been developed to treat AD. We have previously designed and synthesized dimeric tacrine(10)-hupyridone (A10E), a novel tacrine derivative with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation activity, by linking tacrine and a fragment of huperzine A. However, it was largely unknown whether A10E could act on other AD targets and produce cognitive-enhancing ability in AD animal models. In this study, A10E could prevent cognitive impairments in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers-treated mice, with higher potency than tacrine and huperzine A. Moreover, A10E could effectively inhibit Aβ production and deposition, alleviate neuroinflammation, enhance BDNF expression, and elevate cholinergic neurotransmission in vivo. At nanomolar concentrations, A10E could inhibit Aβ oligomers-induced neurotoxicity via the activation of tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB)/Akt pathway in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, Aβ oligomerization and fibrillization could be directly disrupted by A10E. Importantly, A10E at high concentrations did not produce obvious hepatotoxicity. Our results indicated that A10E could produce anti-AD neuroprotective effects via the inhibition of Aβ aggregation, the activation of the BDNF/TrkB pathway, the alleviation of neuroinflammation, and the decrease of AChE activity. As MTDLs could produce additional benefits, such as overcoming the deficits of drug combination and enhancing the compliance of AD patients, our results also suggested that A10E might be developed as a promising MTDL lead for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenquan Xuan
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315211, China
- Translational Medicine Center of Pain, Emotion and Cognition, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xinmei Gu
- Translational Medicine Center of Pain, Emotion and Cognition, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Sicheng Yan
- Translational Medicine Center of Pain, Emotion and Cognition, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yanfei Xie
- Translational Medicine Center of Pain, Emotion and Cognition, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yiying Zhou
- Translational Medicine Center of Pain, Emotion and Cognition, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Translational Medicine Center of Pain, Emotion and Cognition, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Haibo Jin
- Affiliated Hospital of Medical School Ningbo University and Ningbo City Third Hospital, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Shengquan Hu
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Marvin S. H. Mak
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | | | - Karl Wah Keung Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Paul R. Carlier
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Yifan Han
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315211, China
- Translational Medicine Center of Pain, Emotion and Cognition, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Jia L, Wang W, Yan Y, Hu R, Sang J, Zhao W, Wang Y, Wei W, Cui W, Yang G, Lu F, Zheng J, Liu F. General Aggregation-Induced Emission Probes for Amyloid Inhibitors with Dual Inhibition Capacity against Amyloid β-Protein and α-Synuclein. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:31182-31194. [PMID: 32584021 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c07745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid self-assembly is pathologically linked to many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). While many inhibitors have been developed individually for specific amyloid proteins, there are a few effective platforms to screen on a large scale general amyloid inhibitors against different amyloid proteins. Herein, we developed a new class of amyloid inhibitor probes by site-specific conjugation of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules with amyloid proteins (i.e., AIE@amyloid probes) to realize a high-throughput screening of small-molecule inhibitors. Optimization of site-specific AIE conjugation with two amyloid proteins, amyloid-β protein (Aβ) and α-synuclein (αSN), enabled us to retain their high amyloidogenic properties; i.e., AIE-amyloid probes alone exhibited strong fluorescence due to amyloid-like aggregation, but they showed no fluorescence in the presence of amyloid inhibitors to prevent amyloid aggregation. From integration of AIE@amyloid probes and computational virtual screening from a large drug database, it was found that tolcapone possessed a dual inhibition against the aggregation and cytotoxicity of both Aβ and αSN. More importantly, tolcapone significantly improved the spatial cognition and recognition of Aβ-treated mice. This work represents an innovative attempt to design an AIE-based anti-amyloid drug platform for identifying new small-molecule inhibitors against amyloidogenesis in both AD and PD or other amyloid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longgang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yushan Yan
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Photochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jingcheng Sang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wenping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Guoqiang Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Photochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fuping Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Fufeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
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Chen L, Pan H, Bai Y, Li H, Yang W, Lin ZX, Cui W, Xian YF. Gelsemine, a natural alkaloid extracted from Gelsemium elegans Benth. alleviates neuroinflammation and cognitive impairments in Aβ oligomer-treated mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2111-2124. [PMID: 32363440 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05522-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gelsemine is a natural alkaloid extracted from Gelsemium elegans Benth., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Gelsemine has been shown to penetrate the brain, and could produce neurological activities, such as anxiolytic and neuralgia-alleviating effects, suggesting that this natural compound might be used for treating nervous system diseases. RESULTS In this study, we have found, for the first time, that gelsemine at low concentrations (5-10 μg/kg) significantly alleviated cognitive impairments induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomer, a main neurotoxin of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, gelsemine substantially prevented Aβ oligomer-induced over-activation of microglia and astrocytes, indicating that gelsemine might reduce AD-related gliosis. Consistently, gelsemine inhibited the over-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in the brain of mice. Moreover, gelsemine largely increased the expression of pSer9-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), and decreased the hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein as evidenced by Western blotting analysis. Furthermore, gelsemine prevented Aβ oligomer-induced reduction of PSD-95, a representative post-synaptic protein. CONCLUSION All these results directly demonstrated the anti-Aβ oligomer neuroprotective properties of gelsemine, opening a novel perspective for the development of gelsemine-based therapeutics against Aβ-associated neurodegeneration disorders, including AD in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chen
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanbo Pan
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujing Bai
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqin Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cui
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University. Ningbo, Ningbo, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China. .,Brain Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Capturing Amyloid-β Oligomers by Stirring with Microscaled Iron Oxide Stir Bars into Magnetic Plaques to Reduce Cytotoxicity toward Neuronal Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10071284. [PMID: 32629933 PMCID: PMC7407479 DOI: 10.3390/nano10071284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Soluble amyloid-β oligomers (oAβ42)-induced neuronal death and inflammation response has been recognized as one of the major causes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this work, a novel strategy adopting silica-coated iron oxide stir bar (MSB)-based AD therapy system via magnetic stirring-induced capture of oAβ42 into magnetic plaques (mpAβ42) and activation of microglia on cellular plaque clearance was developed. With oAβ42 being effectively converted into mpAβ42, the neurotoxicity toward neuronal cells was thus greatly reduced. In addition to the good preservation of neurite outgrowth through the diminished uptake of oAβ42, neurons treated with oAβ42 under magnetic stirring also exhibited comparable neuron-specific protein expression to those in the absence of oAβ42. The phagocytic uptake of mpAβ42 by microglia was enhanced significantly as compared to the counterpart of oAβ42, and the M1 polarization of microglia often occurring after the uptake of oAβ42 restricted to an appreciable extent. As a result, the inflammation induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines was greatly alleviated.
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10
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Feng C, Bao X, Shan L, Ling Y, Ding Y, Wang J, Cao Y, Wang Q, Cui W, Xu S. Calcium-Sensing Receptor Mediates β-Amyloid-Induced Synaptic Formation Impairment and Cognitive Deficits via Regulation of Cytosolic Phospholipase A2/Prostaglandin E2 Metabolic Pathway. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:144. [PMID: 32670047 PMCID: PMC7328130 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs). Soluble β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is one of the orthosteric modulators of CaSR, while, the role and underlying mechanism of CaSR in cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is unclear. In this study, molecular technology such as live-cell imaging combined with behavioral tests were used to explore the role and the underlying mechanism of CaSR in the cognitive deficits in AD mice. The expression levels of CaSR were increased both in AD mice and Aβ1–42 (β-amyloid protein)-treated primary cultured neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of CaSR ameliorated recognitive and spatial memory deficits of Aβ1–42-oligomer-treated mice in a dose-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of CaSR or down-regulation of the expression of CaSR by CaSR-shRNA-lentivirus prevented the impairment of filopodia, and the synapse induced by oligomeric Aβ1–42. The contents of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in hippocampal neurons and tissue were increased after treatment with Aβ1–42 oligomers. Inhibition or down-regulation of CaSR mediates Aβ-induced synapse formation and cognitive deficits partially, through the activation of the cPLA2/PGE2 pathway. This study provides novel insights on CaSR, which is a promising therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Feng
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China.,Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Bao
- HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Ling Shan
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yunxiang Ling
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanfei Ding
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China
| | - Jia Wang
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanzi Cao
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China
| | - Qinwen Wang
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China
| | - Wei Cui
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China
| | - Shujun Xu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo, China
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11
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Protocol for High-Throughput Screening of Neural Cell or Brain Tissue Protein Using a Dot-Blot Technique with Near-Infrared Imaging. STAR Protoc 2020; 1. [PMID: 33043308 PMCID: PMC7546518 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dot blotting allows for the rapid screening of a larger number of samples and/or targets than more traditional methods, such as a western blot or in-tissue-based methods. We have developed a dot-blot assay specifically for use with a LiCor Odyssey CLx imager, which allows for sensitive detection of proteins in the infrared range. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for the preparation of brain tissue and neural cell culture lysates for analysis of protein targets by dot blotting.
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12
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Jin X, Wang M, Shentu J, Huang C, Bai Y, Pan H, Zhang D, Yuan Z, Zhang H, Xiao X, Wu X, Ding L, Wang Q, He S, Cui W. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and β-amyloid oligomer formation by 6-bromotryptamine A, a multi-target anti-Alzheimer's molecule. Oncol Lett 2019; 19:1593-1601. [PMID: 31966085 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by learning and memory impairments. Recent studies have suggested that AD can be induced by multiple factors, such as cholinergic system dysfunction and β-amyloid (Aβ) neurotoxicity. It was reported that 6-bromo-N-propionyltryptamine could treat neurological diseases, including AD. In the present study, 6-bromotryptamine A, a derivative of 6-bromo-N-propionyltryptamine, was synthesized by the condensation of 2-(6-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)ethan-1-amine and 2-(4-bromophenyl)acetic acid, and was used as a potential anti-AD molecule. Furthermore, scopolamine can induce impairments of learning and memory, and was widely used to establish AD animal models. The results demonstrated that 6-bromotryptamine A significantly prevented scopolamine-induced short-term cognitive impairments, as revealed by various behavioral tests in mice. Furthermore, an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity assay revealed that 6-bromotryptamine A directly inhibited AChE activity. Notably, it was observed that 6-bromotryptamine A blocked the formation of Aβ oligomer, as evaluated by the dot blot assay. All these results suggested that 6-bromotryptamine A may be used to prevent impairments in short-term learning and memory ability possibly via the inhibition of AChE and the blockade of Aβ oligomer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China.,Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Minjun Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China.,Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Jieyi Shentu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China.,Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Chunhui Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China.,Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Yujing Bai
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Hanbo Pan
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Difan Zhang
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Yuan
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China.,Deparment of Anesthesia, Ningbo University Medical School Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, P.R. China
| | - Lijian Ding
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Qinwen Wang
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Shan He
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Wei Cui
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China.,Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
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