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Subhadarshini S, Tandon H, Srinivasan N, Sowdhamini R. Normal Mode Analysis Elicits Conformational Shifts in Proteins at Both Proximal and Distal Regions to the Phosphosite Stemming from Single-Site Phosphorylation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:24520-24537. [PMID: 38882086 PMCID: PMC11170700 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorylation, a fundamental biochemical switch, intricately regulates protein function and signaling pathways. Our study employs extensive computational structural analyses on a curated data set of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated protein pairs to explore the multifaceted impact of phosphorylation on protein conformation. Using normal mode analysis (NMA), we investigated changes in protein flexibility post-phosphorylation, highlighting an enhanced level of structural dynamism. Our findings reveal that phosphorylation induces not only local changes at the phosphorylation site but also extensive alterations in distant regions, showcasing its far-reaching influence on protein structure-dynamics. Through in-depth case studies on polyubiquitin B and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, we elucidate how phosphorylation at distinct sites leads to variable structural and dynamic modifications, potentially dictating functional outcomes. While phosphorylation largely preserves the residue motion correlation, it significantly disrupts low-frequency global modes, presenting a dualistic impact on protein dynamics. We also explored alterations in the total accessible surface area (ASA), emphasizing region-specific changes around phosphorylation sites. This study sheds light on phosphorylation-induced conformational changes, dynamic modulation, and surface accessibility alterations, leveraging an integrated computational approach with RMSD, NMA, and ASA, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of cellular regulation and suggesting promising avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Himani Tandon
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | | | - Ramanathan Sowdhamini
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
- Computational Approaches to Protein Science, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore 560065, India
- Computational Biology, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore 560100, India
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Felício D, Santos M. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (SCA11): TTBK2 variants, functions and associated disease mechanisms. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:678-687. [PMID: 36892783 PMCID: PMC10951003 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01540-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (SCA11) is a rare type of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, mainly characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, abnormal eye signs and dysarthria. SCA11 is caused by variants in TTBK2, which encodes tau tubulin kinase 2 (TTBK2) protein. Only a few families with SCA11 were described to date, all harbouring small deletions or insertions that result in frameshifts and truncated TTBK2 proteins. In addition, TTBK2 missense variants were also reported but they were either benign or still needed functional validation to ascertain their pathogenic potential in SCA11. The mechanisms behind cerebellar neurodegeneration mediated by TTBK2 pathogenic alleles are not clearly established. There is only one neuropathological report and a few functional studies in cell or animal models published to date. Moreover, it is still unclear whether the disease is caused by TTBK2 haploinsufficiency of by a dominant negative effect of TTBK2 truncated forms on the normal allele. Some studies point to a lack of kinase activity and mislocalization of mutated TTBK2, while others reported a disruption of normal TTBK2 function caused by SCA11 alleles, particularly during ciliogenesis. Although TTBK2 has a proven function in cilia formation, the phenotype caused by heterozygous TTBK2 truncating variants are not clearly typical of ciliopathies. Thus, other cellular mechanisms may explain the phenotype seen in SCA11. Neurotoxicity caused by impaired TTBK2 kinase activity against known neuronal targets, such as tau, TDP-43, neurotransmitter receptors or transporters, may contribute to neurodegeneration in SCA11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Felício
- UnIGENe, IBMC-Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Santos
- UnIGENe, IBMC-Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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García-Cruz VM, Arias C. Palmitic Acid Induces Posttranslational Modifications of Tau Protein in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Epitopes and Increases Intraneuronal Tau Levels. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-023-03886-8. [PMID: 38167971 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03886-8] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic diseases derived from an unhealthy lifestyle have been linked with an increased risk for developing cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although high consumption of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid (PA) has been associated with the development of obesity and type II diabetes, the mechanisms connecting elevated neuronal PA levels and increased AD marker expression remain unclear. Among other effects, PA induces insulin resistance, increases intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and reduces the NAD+/NADH ratio, resulting in decreased activity of the deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in neurons. These mechanisms may affect signaling pathways that impact the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of the tau protein. To analyze the role played by PA in inducing the phosphorylation and acetylation of tau, we examined PTM changes in human tau in differentiated neurons from human neuroblastoma cells. We found changes in the phosphorylation state of several AD-related sites, namely, S199/202 and S214, that were mediated by a mechanism associated with the dysregulated activity of the kinases GSK3β and mTOR. PA also increased the acetylation of residue K280 and elevated total tau level after long exposure time. These findings provide information about the mechanisms by which saturated fatty acids cause tau PTMs that are similar to those observed in association with AD biochemical changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Melissa García-Cruz
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CDMX, 04510, México
| | - Clorinda Arias
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CDMX, 04510, México.
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Yu J, Zhao Y, Gong XK, Liang Z, Zhao YN, Li X, Chen YJ, Yang YH, Wu MJ, Wang XC, Shu XJ, Bao J. P25/CDK5-mediated Tau Hyperphosphorylation in Both Ipsilateral and Contralateral Cerebra Contributes to Cognitive Deficits in Post-stroke Mice. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:1084-1095. [PMID: 37924385 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2792-8] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) develops in approximately one-third of stroke survivors and is associated with ingravescence. Nonetheless, the biochemical mechanisms underlying PSCI remain unclear. The study aimed to establish an ischemic mouse model by means of transient unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusions (MCAOs) and to explore the biochemical mechanisms of p25/cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5)-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation on the PSCI behavior. METHODS Cognitive behavior was investigated, followed by the detection of tau hyperphosphorylation, mobilization, activation of kinases and/or inhibition of phosphatases in the lateral and contralateral cerebrum of mice following ischemia in MACO mice. Finally, we treated HEK293/tau cells with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and a CDK5 inhibitor (Roscovitine) or a GSK3β inhibitor (LiCl) to the roles of CDK5 and GSK3β in mediating ischemia-reperfusion-induced tau phosphorylation. RESULTS Ischemia induced cognitive impairments within 2 months, as well as causing tau hyperphosphorylation and its localization to neuronal somata in both ipsilateral and contralateral cerebra. Furthermore, p25 that promotes CDK5 hyperactivation had significantly higher expression in the mice with MCAO than in the shamoperation (control) group, while the expression levels of protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) and the phosphorylation level at Tyr307 were comparable between the two groups. In addition, the CDK5 inhibitor rescued tau from hyperphosphorylation induced by OGD. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that upregulation of CDK5 mediates tau hyperphosphorylation and localization in both ipsilateral and contralateral cerebra, contributing to the pathogenesis of PSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Gong
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Zheng Liang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yan-Na Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yu-Ju Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - You-Hua Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Meng-Juan Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Xiao-Chuan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xi-Ji Shu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
| | - Jian Bao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
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Wang J, Zhao X, Zhang H, Chen Y, Bie Z. In situ digestion-assisted multi-template imprinted nanoparticles for efficient analysis of protein phosphorylation. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:490. [PMID: 38030869 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-06081-7] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
A new general approach called in situ digestion-assisted multi-template imprinting is proposed for preparation of phospho-specific molecularly imprinted nanoparticles. Through the novel templating strategy and controllable imprinting process, imprinted nanoparticles specific to the intact phosphoprotein and its phosphopeptides were synthesized. The prepared imprinted nanoparticles exhibited excellent specificity (cross reactivity < 10%), high affinity (10-6 M), high efficiency (47.5%), and good generality (both intact phosphoprotein and phosphopeptides). We also realized the fine tuning of the recognition at peptide level of the imprinted nanoparticles by adjusting the imprinting time. Based on the selective enrichment of the imprinted nanoparticles, the MS identification of both the intact phosphoprotein (Tau) and phosphopeptides (angiotensin II and peptides of Tau) in real complex samples could be achieved. Therefore, we believe that the in situ digestion-assisted multi-template imprinting strategy holds promising future in both phosphorylation analysis and proteomics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Xiuling Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233030, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Zijun Bie
- Department of Chemistry, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233030, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233000, China.
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Hartz RA, Ahuja VT, Luo G, Chen L, Sivaprakasam P, Xiao H, Krause CM, Clarke WJ, Xu S, Tokarski JS, Kish K, Lewis H, Szapiel N, Ravirala R, Mutalik S, Nakmode D, Shah D, Burton CR, Macor JE, Dubowchik GM. Discovery of 2-(Anilino)pyrimidine-4-carboxamides as Highly Potent, Selective, and Orally Active Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37235865 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that serves as an important regulator of a broad range of cellular functions. It has been linked to Alzheimer's disease as well as various other diseases, including mood disorders, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. There is considerable evidence indicating that GSK-3β in the central nervous system plays a role in the production of abnormal, hyperphosphorylated, microtubule-associated tau protein found in neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease. A series of analogues containing a pyrimidine-based hinge-binding heterocycle was synthesized and evaluated, leading to the identification of highly potent GSK-3 inhibitors with excellent kinase selectivity. Further evaluation of 34 and 40 in vivo demonstrated that these compounds are orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant GSK-3 inhibitors that lowered levels of phosphorylated tau in a triple-transgenic mouse Alzheimer's disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ramu Ravirala
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Sayali Mutalik
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Deepa Nakmode
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Devang Shah
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
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7
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Hartz RA, Ahuja VT, Sivaprakasam P, Xiao H, Krause CM, Clarke WJ, Kish K, Lewis H, Szapiel N, Ravirala R, Mutalik S, Nakmode D, Shah D, Burton CR, Macor JE, Dubowchik GM. Design, Structure-Activity Relationships, and In Vivo Evaluation of Potent and Brain-Penetrant Imidazo[1,2- b]pyridazines as Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4231-4252. [PMID: 36950863 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates numerous cellular processes, including metabolism, proliferation, and cell survival. Due to its multifaceted role, GSK-3 has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and mood disorders. GSK-3β has been linked to the formation of the neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease that arise from the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. The design and synthesis of a series of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine derivatives that were evaluated as GSK-3β inhibitors are described herein. Structure-activity relationship studies led to the identification of potent GSK-3β inhibitors. In vivo studies with 47 in a triple-transgenic mouse Alzheimer's disease model showed that this compound is a brain-penetrant, orally bioavailable GSK-3β inhibitor that significantly lowered levels of phosphorylated tau.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ramu Ravirala
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Sayali Mutalik
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Deepa Nakmode
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Devang Shah
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Biocon Park, Plot No. 2 & 3, Bommasandra Phase IV, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560099, India
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8
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Amaral B, Capacci A, Anderson T, Tezer C, Bajrami B, Lulla M, Lucas B, Chodaparambil JV, Marcotte D, Kumar PR, Murugan P, Spilker K, Cullivan M, Wang T, Peterson AC, Enyedy I, Ma B, Chen T, Yousaf Z, Calhoun M, Golonzhka O, Dillon GM, Koirala S. Elucidation of the GSK3α Structure Informs the Design of Novel, Paralog-Selective Inhibitors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1080-1094. [PMID: 36812145 PMCID: PMC10020971 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00476] [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: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) remains a therapeutic target of interest for diverse clinical indications. However, one hurdle in the development of small molecule GSK3 inhibitors has been safety concerns related to pan-inhibition of both GSK3 paralogs, leading to activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and potential for aberrant cell proliferation. Development of GSK3α or GSK3β paralog-selective inhibitors that could offer an improved safety profile has been reported but further advancement has been hampered by the lack of structural information for GSK3α. Here we report for the first time the crystal structure for GSK3α, both in apo form and bound to a paralog-selective inhibitor. Taking advantage of this new structural information, we describe the design and in vitro testing of novel compounds with up to ∼37-fold selectivity for GSK3α over GSK3β with favorable drug-like properties. Furthermore, using chemoproteomics, we confirm that acute inhibition of GSK3α can lower tau phosphorylation at disease-relevant sites in vivo, with a high degree of selectivity over GSK3β and other kinases. Altogether, our studies advance prior efforts to develop GSK3 inhibitors by describing GSK3α structure and novel GSK3α inhibitors with improved selectivity, potency, and activity in disease-relevant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Amaral
- Departments of Research, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Andrew Capacci
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Trip Anderson
- Departments of Research, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ceren Tezer
- Departments of Research, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Bekim Bajrami
- Departments of Chemical Biology and Proteomics, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Mukesh Lulla
- Departments of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Brian Lucas
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jayanth V Chodaparambil
- Departments of Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Douglas Marcotte
- Departments of Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - P Rajesh Kumar
- Departments of Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Paramasivam Murugan
- Departments of Bioassays, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Kerri Spilker
- Departments of Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Mike Cullivan
- Departments of Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ti Wang
- Departments of Bioassays, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Anton C Peterson
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Istvan Enyedy
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Bin Ma
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - TeYu Chen
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Zain Yousaf
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Michael Calhoun
- Departments of Research, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Olga Golonzhka
- Departments of Research, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Gregory M Dillon
- Departments of Research, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Samir Koirala
- Departments of Research, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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Oliveira AC, Santos M, Pinho M, Lopes CS. String/Cdc25 phosphatase is a suppressor of Tau-associated neurodegeneration. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:286255. [PMID: 36601903 PMCID: PMC9903143 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau pathology is defined by the intracellular accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated Tau (MAPT) and is prevalent in several neurodegenerative disorders. The identification of modulators of Tau abnormal phosphorylation and aggregation is key to understanding disease progression and developing targeted therapeutic approaches. In this study, we identified String (Stg)/Cdc25 phosphatase as a suppressor of abnormal Tau phosphorylation and associated toxicity. Using a Drosophila model of tauopathy, we showed that Tau dephosphorylation by Stg/Cdc25 correlates with reduced Tau oligomerization, brain vacuolization and locomotor deficits in flies. Moreover, using a disease mimetic model, we provided evidence that Stg/Cdc25 reduces Tau phosphorylation levels independently of Tau aggregation status and delays neurodegeneration progression in the fly. These findings uncover a role for Stg/Cdc25 phosphatases as regulators of Tau biology that extends beyond their well-characterized function as cell-cycle regulators during cell proliferation, and indicate Stg/Cdc25-based approaches as promising entry points to target abnormal Tau phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia C. Oliveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- PhD Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena Santos
- Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathological, Cytological and Thanatological Anatomy, ESS|P.PORTO, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Pinho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla S. Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Author for correspondence ()
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Validating MARK2 Gene Polymorphism as a Predictor of Response to Lithium Treatment in Bipolar Patients. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2022; 26:110-5. [PMID: 34953473 PMCID: PMC8987413 DOI: 10.52547/ibj.26.2.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Lithium is a therapeutic option for the treatment of the acute phase of the bipolar disorder and long-term management of this disorder. However, it is estimated that 10 to 60% of patients do not properly response to this medication. Methods To investigate the role of MARK2 gene in response to lithium, we genotyped the MARK2 rs10792421 polymorphism in Iranian bipolar patients using amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR. Results Results of this study showed a significant association of this polymorphism with response to lithium. The A allele was more frequent in the responder than the non-responder group and also in the semi- responder group compared to the non-responder group in the codominant model of analysis. AA and AG genotypes were more frequent in both the responder and semi-responder groups compared to the non-responder group in dominant model of analysis. Conclusion Based on the findings of the current study, the rs10792421 variant of MARK2 gene could be considered as a potential biomarker for predicting the treatment outcome of bipolar disorder type 1 in Iranian population.
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11
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Genetic deletion of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors induces an age-dependent Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 206:102154. [PMID: 34453977 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) and the failure of cholinergic transmission are key players in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, in the healthy brain, Aβ contributes to synaptic plasticity and memory acting through α7 subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs). Here, we hypothesized that the α7nAChR deletion blocks Aβ physiological function and promotes a compensatory increase in Aβ levels that, in turn, triggers an AD-like pathology. To validate this hypothesis, we studied the age-dependent phenotype of α7 knock out mice. We found that α7nAChR deletion caused an impairment of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory at 12 months of age, paralleled by an increase of Amyloid Precursor Protein expression and Aβ levels. This was accompanied by other classical AD features such as a hyperphosphorylation of tau at residues Ser 199, Ser 396, Thr 205, a decrease of GSK-3β at Ser 9, the presence of paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss and an increase of GFAP-positive astrocytes. Our findings suggest that α7nAChR malfunction might precede Aβ and tau pathology, offering a different perspective to interpret the failure of anti-Aβ therapies against AD and to find novel therapeutical approaches aimed at restoring α7nAChRs-mediated Aβ function at the synapse.
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Rai SK, Savastano A, Singh P, Mukhopadhyay S, Zweckstetter M. Liquid-liquid phase separation of tau: From molecular biophysics to physiology and disease. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1294-1314. [PMID: 33930220 PMCID: PMC8197432 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensation via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of intrinsically disordered proteins/regions (IDPs/IDRs), with and without nucleic acids, has drawn widespread interest due to the rapidly unfolding role of phase-separated condensates in a diverse range of cellular functions and human diseases. Biomolecular condensates form via transient and multivalent intermolecular forces that sequester proteins and nucleic acids into liquid-like membrane-less compartments. However, aberrant phase transitions into gel-like or solid-like aggregates might play an important role in neurodegenerative and other diseases. Tau, a microtubule-associated neuronal IDP, is involved in microtubule stabilization, regulates axonal outgrowth and transport in neurons. A growing body of evidence indicates that tau can accomplish some of its cellular activities via LLPS. However, liquid-to-solid transition resulting in the abnormal aggregation of tau is associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The physical chemistry of tau is crucial for governing its propensity for biomolecular condensation which is governed by various intermolecular and intramolecular interactions leading to simple one-component and complex multi-component condensates. In this review, we aim at capturing the current scientific state in unveiling the intriguing molecular mechanism of phase separation of tau. We particularly focus on the amalgamation of existing and emerging biophysical tools that offer unique spatiotemporal resolutions on a wide range of length- and time-scales. We also discuss the link between quantitative biophysical measurements and novel biological insights into biomolecular condensation of tau. We believe that this account will provide a broad and multidisciplinary view of phase separation of tau and its association with physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K. Rai
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering, Department of Biological Sciences, and Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)MohaliIndia
| | - Adriana Savastano
- Research group Translational Structural BiologyGerman Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)GöttingenGermany
| | - Priyanka Singh
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering, Department of Biological Sciences, and Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)MohaliIndia
| | - Samrat Mukhopadhyay
- Centre for Protein Science, Design and Engineering, Department of Biological Sciences, and Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)MohaliIndia
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- Research group Translational Structural BiologyGerman Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)GöttingenGermany
- Department for NMR‐based Structural BiologyMax Planck Institute for Biophysical ChemistryGöttingenGermany
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13
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Thapa P, Upadhyay SP, Suo WZ, Singh V, Gurung P, Lee ES, Sharma R, Sharma M. Chalcone and its analogs: Therapeutic and diagnostic applications in Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2021; 108:104681. [PMID: 33571811 PMCID: PMC7928223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chalcone [(E)-1,3-diphenyl-2-propene-1-one], a small molecule with α, β unsaturated carbonyl group is a precursor or component of many natural flavonoids and isoflavonoids. It is one of the privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. It possesses a wide range of biological activities encouraging many medicinal chemists to study this scaffold for its usefulness to oncology, infectious diseases, virology and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small molecular size, convenient and cost-effective synthesis, and flexibility for modifications to modulate lipophilicity suitable for blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability make chalcones a preferred candidate for their therapeutic and diagnostic potential in AD. This review summarizes and highlights the importance of chalcone and its analogs as single target small therapeutic agents, multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) as well as molecular imaging agents for AD. The information summarized here will guide many medicinal chemist and researchers involved in drug discovery to consider chalcone as a potential scaffold for the development of anti-AD agents including theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Thapa
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA.
| | - Sunil P Upadhyay
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - William Z Suo
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease & Aging Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Vikas Singh
- Division of Neurology, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Prajwal Gurung
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Eung Seok Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Ram Sharma
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
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14
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Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications of GSK-3 in Treating Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020262. [PMID: 33572709 PMCID: PMC7911291 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are spreading worldwide and are one of the greatest threats to public health. There is currently no adequate therapy for these disorders, and therefore there is an urgent need to accelerate the discovery and development of effective treatments. Although neurodegenerative disorders are broad ranging and highly complex, they may share overlapping mechanisms, and thus potentially manifest common targets for therapeutic interventions. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is now acknowledged to be a central player in regulating mood behavior, cognitive functions, and neuron viability. Indeed, many targets controlled by GSK-3 are critically involved in progressing neuron deterioration and disease pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on three pathways that represent prominent mechanisms linking GSK-3 with neurodegenerative disorders: cytoskeleton organization, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/autophagy axis, and mitochondria. We also consider the challenges and opportunities in the development of GSK-3 inhibitors for treating neurodegeneration.
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15
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Ye J, Shi M, Chen W, Zhu F, Duan Q. Research Advances in the Molecular Functions and Relevant Diseases of TAOKs, Novel STE20 Kinase Family Members. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:3122-3133. [PMID: 32013821 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200203115458] [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] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As serine/threonine-protein kinases, Thousand and One Kinases(TAOKs) are members of the GCKlike superfamily, one of two well-known branches of the Ste20 kinase family. Within the last two decades, three functionally similar kinases, namely TAOK1-3, were identified. TAOKs are involved in many molecular and cellular events. Scholars widely believe that TAOKs act as kinases upstream of the MAPK cascade and as factors that interact with MST family kinases, the cytoskeleton, and apoptosis-associated proteins. Therefore, TAOKs are thought to function in tumorigenesis. Additionally, TAOKs participate in signal transduction induced by Notch, TCR, and IL-17. Recent studies found that TAOKs play roles in a series of diseases and conditions, such as the central nervous system dysfunction, herpes viral infection, immune system imbalance, urogenital system malformation during development, cardiovascular events, and childhood obesity. Therefore, inhibitory chemicals targeting TAOKs may be of great significance as potential drugs for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mingjun Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Cancer Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, 541000, China
| | - Qiuhong Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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16
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Prajapat M, Sarma P, Shekhar N, Kaur H, Singh S, Kumar S, Kaur H, Mahendiratta S, Sharma AR, Kaur S, Mahalmani VM, Medhi B. In silico docking and comparative ADMET profile of different glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitors as the potential leads for the development of anti-Alzheimer drug therapy. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2020; 11:194-201. [PMID: 33425704 PMCID: PMC7784934 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_178_19] [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: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3 β) plays a key role in pathologic hyper phosphorylation of tau and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we have screened a set of potential hits in in silico platform to gain insight regarding binding profile with the target (GSK3 β) from molecular docking, ADME/T, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The three screened compounds 6-BIBEO, 6-BIO, and SB216763 topped the docking score chart when subjected to hard scoring function extraprecision of GLIDE. The active site dynamics study through MD simulations provides insights on residues Asp133, Val135, and Ile62 which are in a state of minimum deviation from their mean special position while they interact with the respective ligands. The same molecules also displayed favorable pharmacokinetic profile, negative Ames test and falls correctly within drug-likeliness rules. These agents can be taken forward further for the development of anti-Alzheimer's drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phulen Sarma
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Hardeep Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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17
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Galectin-3 Secreted by Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduces Aberrant Tau Phosphorylation in an Alzheimer Disease Model. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:8878412. [PMID: 32733573 PMCID: PMC7383310 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8878412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of neurofibrillary tangles has been implicated as an important pathological marker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have revealed that the inhibition of abnormal hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau in the AD brain might serve as an important drug target. Using in vitro and in vivo experimental models, such as the AD mouse model (5xFAD mice), we investigated the inhibition of hyperphosphorylation of tau using the human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs). Administration of hUCB-MSCs not only ameliorated the spatial learning and memory impairments but also mitigated the hyperphosphorylation of tau in 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, in vivo experiments in mice and in vitro ThT fluorescence assay validated galectin-3 (GAL-3) as an essential factor of hUCB-MSC. Moreover, GAL-3 was observed to be involved in the removal of aberrant forms of tau, by reducing hyperphosphorylation through decrements in the glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β). Our results confirm that GAL-3, secreted by hUCB-MSC, regulates the abnormal accumulation of tau by protein-protein interactions. This study suggests that hUCB-MSCs mitigate hyperphosphorylation of tau through GAL-3 secretion. These findings highlight the potential role of hUCB-MSCs as a therapeutic agent for aberrant tau in AD.
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18
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Ukmar-Godec T, Fang P, Ibáñez de Opakua A, Henneberg F, Godec A, Pan KT, Cima-Omori MS, Chari A, Mandelkow E, Urlaub H, Zweckstetter M. Proteasomal degradation of the intrinsically disordered protein tau at single-residue resolution. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba3916. [PMID: 32832664 PMCID: PMC7439447 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba3916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) can be degraded in a ubiquitin-independent process by the 20S proteasome. Decline in 20S activity characterizes neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we examine 20S degradation of IDP tau, a protein that aggregates into insoluble deposits in Alzheimer's disease. We show that cleavage of tau by the 20S proteasome is most efficient within the aggregation-prone repeat region of tau and generates both short, aggregation-deficient peptides and two long fragments containing residues 1 to 251 and 1 to 218. Phosphorylation of tau by the non-proline-directed Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibits degradation by the 20S proteasome. Phosphorylation of tau by GSK3β, a major proline-directed tau kinase, modulates tau degradation kinetics in a residue-specific manner. The study provides detailed insights into the degradation products of tau generated by the 20S proteasome, the residue specificity of degradation, single-residue degradation kinetics, and their regulation by posttranslational modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Ukmar-Godec
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - P. Fang
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Research group Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - A. Ibáñez de Opakua
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - F. Henneberg
- Department for Structural Dynamics, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - A. Godec
- Mathematical Biophysics Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - K.-T. Pan
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Research group Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - M.-S. Cima-Omori
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - A. Chari
- Department for Structural Dynamics, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - E. Mandelkow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, Geb. 99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- CAESAR Research Center, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - H. Urlaub
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Research group Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Bioanalytics, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center, Robert-Koch-Strasse 420, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - M. Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Shi XL, Yan N, Cui YJ, Liu ZP. A Unique GSK-3β inhibitor B10 Has a Direct Effect on Aβ, Targets Tau and Metal Dyshomeostasis, and Promotes Neuronal Neurite Outgrowth. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030649. [PMID: 32155989 PMCID: PMC7140427 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the complicated pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the development of multitargeted agents to simultaneously interfere with multiple pathological processes of AD is a potential choice. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) plays a vital role in the AD pathological process. In this study, we discovered a novel 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivative B10 as a GSK-3β inhibitor that features with a quinolin-8-ol moiety to target the metal dyshomeostasis of AD. B10 potently inhibited GSK-3β with an IC50 of 66 ± 2.5 nM. At the concentration of 20 μM, B10 increased β-catenin abundance (β-catenin/GAPDH: 0.83 ± 0.086 vs. 0.30 ± 0.016), phosphorylated GSK-3β at Ser9 (p-GSK-3β/GAPDH: 0.53 ± 0.045 vs. 0.35 ± 0.012), and decreased the phosphorylated tau level (p-tau/GAPDH: 0.33 ± 0.065 vs. 0.83 ± 0.061) in SH-SY5Y cells. Unlike other GSK-3β inhibitors, B10 had a direct effect on Aβ by inhibiting Aβ1-42 aggregation and promoting the Aβ1-42 aggregate disassociation. It selectively chelated with Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, and Al3+, and targeted AD metal dyshomeostasis. Moreover, B10 effectively increased the mRNA expression of the recognized neurogenesis markers, GAP43, N-myc, and MAP-2, and promoted the differentiated neuronal neurite outgrowth, possibly through the GSK-3β and β-catenin signal pathways. Therefore, B10 is a potent and unique GSK-3β inhibitor that has a direct on Aβ and serves as a multifunctional anti-AD agent for further investigations.
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Sulfhydration of AKT triggers Tau-phosphorylation by activating glycogen synthase kinase 3β in Alzheimer's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:4418-4427. [PMID: 32051249 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916895117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), human Tau is phosphorylated at S199 (hTau-S199-P) by the protein kinase glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). HTau-S199-P mislocalizes to dendritic spines, which induces synaptic dysfunction at the early stage of AD. The AKT kinase, once phosphorylated, inhibits GSK3β by phosphorylating it at S9. In AD patients, the abundance of phosphorylated AKT with active GSK3β implies that phosphorylated AKT was unable to inactivate GSK3β. However, the underlying mechanism of the inability of phosphorylated AKT to phosphorylate GSK3β remains unknown. Here, we show that total AKT and phosphorylated AKT was sulfhydrated at C77 due to the induction of intracellular hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The increase in intracellular H2S levels resulted from the induction of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, which is a pathological hallmark of AD. Sulfhydrated AKT does not interact with GSK3β, and therefore does not phosphorylate GSK3β. Thus, active GSK3β phosphorylates Tau aberrantly. In a transgenic knockin mouse (AKT-KI+/+) that lacked sulfhydrated AKT, the interaction between AKT or phospho-AKT with GSK3β was restored, and GSK3β became phosphorylated. In AKT-KI+/+ mice, expressing the pathogenic human Tau mutant (hTau-P301L), the hTau S199 phosphorylation was ameliorated as GSK3β phosphorylation was regained. This event leads to a decrease in dendritic spine loss by reducing dendritic localization of hTau-S199-P, which improves cognitive dysfunctions. Sulfhydration of AKT was detected in the postmortem brains from AD patients; thus, it represents a posttranslational modification of AKT, which primarily contributes to synaptic dysfunction in AD.
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Study on the Multitarget Synergistic Effects of Kai-Xin-San against Alzheimer's Disease Based on Systems Biology. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:1707218. [PMID: 31976026 PMCID: PMC6955139 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1707218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Kai-Xin-San (KXS), a classical Chinese traditional prescription, was widely applied in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), while its functional mechanisms still remain unclear. By using systems biology approaches at animal, cellular, and molecular levels, the improvement of KXS on cognitive impairment was achieved by inhibiting abnormal acetylcholinesterase. The function on the nerve skeleton was performed by regulating the Tau phosphorylation pathway. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects by modulating the aberrant upregulation of ROS, proinflammatory factors, and apoptosis-related proteins in the brain were studied to reveal the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of KXS. Then, formula dismantling in vitro indicated that ginseng was the principal herb, whereas three other herbs served adjuvant roles to achieve the best effect. After that, the in vivo analysis of components into plasma and brain of AD rats showed that 8 of 23 components in blood and 4 of 10 components in brain were from ginseng, respectively, further verifying the principal status of ginseng and the synergistic effects of the formula. Thus, the anti-AD effects of KXS were achieved by multitargets and multichannels. The systems biology approaches presented here provide a novel way in traditional herbal medicine research.
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Chiroma SM, Baharuldin MTH, Mat Taib CN, Amom Z, Jagadeesan S, Ilham Adenan M, Mahdi O, Moklas MAM. Centella asiatica Protects d-Galactose/AlCl 3 Mediated Alzheimer's Disease-Like Rats via PP2A/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway in Their Hippocampus. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1871. [PMID: 31014012 PMCID: PMC6514756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder more prevalent among the elderly population. AD is characterised clinically by a progressive decline in cognitive functions and pathologically by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), deposition of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaque and synaptic dysfunction in the brain. Centella asiatica (CA) is a valuable herb being used widely in African, Ayurvedic, and Chinese traditional medicine to reverse cognitive impairment and to enhance cognitive functions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CA in preventing d-galactose/aluminium chloride (d-gal/AlCl3) induced AD-like pathologies and the underlying mechanisms of action were further investigated for the first time. Results showed that co-administration of CA to d-gal/AlCl3 induced AD-like rat models significantly increased the levels of protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) and decreased the levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β). It was further observed that, CA increased the expression of mRNA of Bcl-2, while there was minimal effect on the expression of caspase 3 mRNA. The results also showed that, CA prevented morphological aberrations in the connus ammonis 3 (CA 3) sub-region of the rat's hippocampus. The results clearly demonstrated for the first time that CA could alleviate d-gal/AlCl3 induced AD-like pathologies in rats via inhibition of hyperphosphorylated tau (P-tau) bio-synthetic proteins, anti-apoptosis and maintenance of cytoarchitecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaila Musa Chiroma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600230, Borno State, Nigeria.
| | | | - Che Norma Mat Taib
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Zulkhairi Amom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kampus Puncak Alam, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Saravanan Jagadeesan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Human Anatomy, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Bandar Sungai Long Cheras 43000, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Ilham Adenan
- Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kampus Puncak Alam, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Onesimus Mahdi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University, Gombe 760211, Gombe State, Nigeria.
| | - Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Chen Y, Fu AKY, Ip NY. Synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 195:186-198. [PMID: 30439458 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population, is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and pathological hallmarks of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, its pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood, and diagnostic tools and interventions are limited. Here, we review recent research on the amyloid hypothesis and beta-amyloid-induced dysfunction of neuronal synapses through distinct cell surface receptors. We also review how tau protein leads to synaptotoxicity through pathological modification, localization, and propagation. Finally, we discuss experimental therapeutics for AD and propose potential applications of disease-modifying strategies targeting synaptic failure for improved treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Amy K Y Fu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Nancy Y Ip
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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24
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Neuroimmune Tau Mechanisms: Their Role in the Progression of Neuronal Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19040956. [PMID: 29570615 PMCID: PMC5979395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive neurodegenerative pathologies in aged populations are an issue of major concern worldwide. The microtubule-associated protein tau is able to self-aggregate to form abnormal supramolecular structures that include small oligomers up to complex polymers. Tauopathies correspond to a group of diseases that share tau pathology as a common etiological agent. Since microglial cells play a preponderant role in innate immunity and are the main source of proinflammatory factors in the central nervous system (CNS), the alterations in the cross-talks between microglia and neuronal cells are the main focus of studies concerning the origins of tauopathies. According to evidence from a series of studies, these changes generate a feedback mechanism reactivating microglia and provoking constant cellular damage. Thus, the previously summarized mechanisms could explain the onset and progression of different tauopathies and their functional/behavioral effects, opening the window towards an understanding of the molecular basis of anomalous tau interactions. Despite clinical and pathological differences, increasing experimental evidence indicates an overlap between tauopathies and synucleinopathies, considering that neuroinflammatory events are involved and the existence of protein misfolding. Neurofibrillary tangles of pathological tau (NFT) and Lewy bodies appear to coexist in certain brain areas. Thus, the co-occurrence of synucleinopathies with tauopathies is evidenced by several investigations, in which NFT were found in the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that the pathologies share some common features at the level of neuroinflammatory events.
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25
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Nisbet RM, Van der Jeugd A, Leinenga G, Evans HT, Janowicz PW, Götz J. Combined effects of scanning ultrasound and a tau-specific single chain antibody in a tau transgenic mouse model. Brain 2017; 140:1220-1230. [PMID: 28379300 PMCID: PMC5405237 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β as extracellular plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau as intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Tau pathology characterizes not only Alzheimer’s disease, but also many other tauopathies, presenting tau as an attractive therapeutic target. Passive tau immunotherapy has been previously explored; however, because only a small fraction of peripherally delivered antibodies crosses the blood–brain barrier, enters the brain and engages with tau that forms intracellular aggregates, more efficient ways of antibody delivery and neuronal uptake are warranted. In the brain, tau exists as multiple isoforms. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a novel 2N tau isoform-specific single chain antibody fragment, RN2N, delivered by passive immunization in the P301L human tau transgenic pR5 mouse model. We demonstrate that, in treated mice, RN2N reduces anxiety-like behaviour and phosphorylation of tau at distinct sites. When administration of RN2N was combined with focused ultrasound in a scanning mode (scanning ultrasound), RN2N delivery into the brain and uptake by neurons were markedly increased, and efficacy was significantly enhanced. Our study provides evidence that scanning ultrasound is a viable tool to enhance the delivery of biologics across the blood–brain barrier and improve therapeutic outcomes and further presents single-chain antibodies as an alternative to full-length antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Nisbet
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ann Van der Jeugd
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gerhard Leinenga
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Harrison T Evans
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Phillip W Janowicz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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26
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De Vos KJ, Hafezparast M. Neurobiology of axonal transport defects in motor neuron diseases: Opportunities for translational research? Neurobiol Dis 2017; 105:283-299. [PMID: 28235672 PMCID: PMC5536153 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular trafficking of cargoes is an essential process to maintain the structure and function of all mammalian cell types, but especially of neurons because of their extreme axon/dendrite polarisation. Axonal transport mediates the movement of cargoes such as proteins, mRNA, lipids, membrane-bound vesicles and organelles that are mostly synthesised in the cell body and in doing so is responsible for their correct spatiotemporal distribution in the axon, for example at specialised sites such as nodes of Ranvier and synaptic terminals. In addition, axonal transport maintains the essential long-distance communication between the cell body and synaptic terminals that allows neurons to react to their surroundings via trafficking of for example signalling endosomes. Axonal transport defects are a common observation in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, and mutations in components of the axonal transport machinery have unequivocally shown that impaired axonal transport can cause neurodegeneration (reviewed in El-Kadi et al., 2007, De Vos et al., 2008; Millecamps and Julien, 2013). Here we review our current understanding of axonal transport defects and the role they play in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) with a specific focus on the most common form of MND, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt J De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
| | - Majid Hafezparast
- Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK.
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27
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Chiarini A, Armato U, Gardenal E, Gui L, Dal Prà I. Amyloid β-Exposed Human Astrocytes Overproduce Phospho-Tau and Overrelease It within Exosomes, Effects Suppressed by Calcilytic NPS 2143-Further Implications for Alzheimer's Therapy. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:217. [PMID: 28473749 PMCID: PMC5397492 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The two main drivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) oligomers, cooperatively accelerate AD progression, but a hot debate is still ongoing about which of the two appears first. Here we present preliminary evidence showing that Tau and p-Tau are expressed by untransformed cortical adult human astrocytes in culture and that exposure of such cells to an Aβ42 proxy, Aβ25−35, which binds the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and activates its signaling, significantly increases intracellular p-Tau levels, an effect CaSR antagonist (calcilytic) NPS 2143 wholly hinders. The astrocytes also release both Tau and p-Tau by means of exosomes into the extracellular medium, an activity that could mediate p-Tau diffusion within the brain. Preliminary data also indicate that exosomal levels of p-Tau increase after Aβ25−35 exposure, but remain unchanged in cells pre-treated for 30-min with NPS 2143 before adding Aβ25−35. Thus, our previous and present findings raise the unifying prospect that Aβ•CaSR signaling plays a crucial role in AD development and progression by simultaneously activating (i) the amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor holoprotein, whose upshot is a surplus production and secretion of Aβ42 oligomers, and (ii) the GSK-3β-mediated increased production of p-Tau oligomers which are next released extracellularly inside exosomes. Therefore, as calcilytics suppress both effects on Aβ42 and p-Tau metabolic handling, these highly selective antagonists of pathological Aβ•CaSR signaling would effectively halt AD's progressive spread preserving patients' cognition and life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiarini
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Armato
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gardenal
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
| | - Li Gui
- Department of Neurology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical UniversityChongqing, China
| | - Ilaria Dal Prà
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
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28
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Majd S, Power JHT, Koblar SA, Grantham HJM. The impact of tau hyperphosphorylation at Ser 262 on memory and learning after global brain ischaemia in a rat model of reversible cardiac arrest. IBRO Rep 2016; 2:1-13. [PMID: 30135928 PMCID: PMC6084925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
An increase in phosphorylated tau (p-tau) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and brain hypoxia. Investigation of the association of residue-specific tau hyperphosphorylation and changes in cognition, leads to greater understanding of its potential role in the pathology of memory impairment. The aims of this study are to investigate the involvement of the main metabolic kinases, Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) and Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase Protein Kinase (AMPK), in tau phosphorylation-derived memory impairment, and to study the potential contribution of the other tau kinases and phosphatases including Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK-3β), Protein kinase A (PKA) and Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Spatial memory and learning were tested in a rat global brain ischemic model of reversible cardiac arrest (CA). The phosphorylation levels of LKB1, AMPK, GSK-3β, PP2A, PKA and tau-specific phosphorylation were assessed in rats, subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion and in clinically diagnosed AD and normal human brains. LKB1 and AMPK phosphorylation increased 4 weeks after CA as did AMPK related p-tau (Ser262). The animals showed unchanged levels of GSK-3β specific p-tau (Ser202/Thr205), phospho-PP2A (Tyr307), total GSK-3β, PP2A, phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) which is an indicator of PKA activity, and no memory deficits. AD brains had hyperphosphorylated tau in all the residues of Ser262, Ser202 and Thr205, with increased phosphorylation of both AMPK (Thr172) and GSK-3β (Ser9), and reduced PP2A levels. Our data suggests a crucial role for a combined activation of tau kinases and phosphatases in adversely affecting memory and that hyperphosphorylation of tau in more than one specific site may be required to create memory deficits. Short-term brain ischaemia causes AMPK activation and tau phosphorylation at its AMPK-sensitive site (Ser262). Activation of GSK-3β, PP2A and PKA are remained unchanged in short-term brain ischaemia/reperfusion. In clinical cases of AD, activation of AMPK, GSK-3β, PP2A and multiple site hyperphosphorylation of tau are observed. Hyperphosphorylation of tau (Ser262) alone without involving the other tau kinases/phosphatase does not affect memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohreh Majd
- Neuronal Injury and Repair Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - John H T Power
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Simon A Koblar
- School of Medicine, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) Campus, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hugh J M Grantham
- Neuronal Injury and Repair Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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29
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Lee HJ, Ryu JM, Jung YH, Lee SJ, Kim JY, Lee SH, Hwang IK, Seong JK, Han HJ. High glucose upregulates BACE1-mediated Aβ production through ROS-dependent HIF-1α and LXRα/ABCA1-regulated lipid raft reorganization in SK-N-MC cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36746. [PMID: 27829662 PMCID: PMC5103190 DOI: 10.1038/srep36746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an accumulation of evidence indicating that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is associated with diabetes mellitus, an indicator of high glucose concentrations in blood plasma. This study investigated the effect of high glucose on BACE1 expression and amyloidogenesis in vivo, and we present details of the mechanism associated with those effects. Our results, using ZLC and ZDF rat models, showed that ZDF rats have high levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ), phosphorylated tau, BACE1, and APP-C99. In vitro result with mouse hippocampal neuron and SK-N-MC, high glucose stimulated Aβ secretion and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, high glucose increased BACE1 and APP-C99 expressions, which were reversed by a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Indeed, high glucose increased intracellular ROS levels and HIF-1α expression, associated with regulation of BACE1 and Liver X Receptor α (LXRα). In addition, high glucose induced ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) down-regulation, was associated with LXR-induced lipid raft reorganization and BACE1 localization on the lipid raft. Furthermore, silencing of BACE1 expression was shown to regulate Aβ secretion and apoptosis of SK-N-MC. In conclusion, high glucose upregulates BACE1 expression and activity through HIF-1α and LXRα/ABCA1-regulated lipid raft reorganization, leading to Aβ production and apoptosis of SK-N-MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jik Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jung Min Ryu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Young Hyun Jung
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sei-Jung Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeong Yeon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sang Hun Lee
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, 330-930, Republic of Korea
| | - In Koo Hwang
- BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science; Seoul National University and Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, Korea.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC); College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, and Research Institute for Veterinary Science; Seoul National University and Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, Korea.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC); College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Jae Han
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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30
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Majd S, Power JHT, Koblar SA, Grantham HJM. Early glycogen synthase kinase-3β and protein phosphatase 2A independent tau dephosphorylation during global brain ischaemia and reperfusion following cardiac arrest and the role of the adenosine monophosphate kinase pathway. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:1987-97. [PMID: 27177932 PMCID: PMC5089632 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal tau phosphorylation (p‐tau) has been shown after hypoxic damage to the brain associated with traumatic brain injury and stroke. As the level of p‐tau is controlled by Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK)‐3β, Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase (AMPK), different activity levels of these enzymes could be involved in tau phosphorylation following ischaemia. This study assessed the effects of global brain ischaemia/reperfusion on the immediate status of p‐tau in a rat model of cardiac arrest (CA) followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We reported an early dephosphorylation of tau at its AMPK sensitive residues, Ser396 and Ser262after 2 min of ischaemia, which did not recover during the first two hours of reperfusion, while the tau phosphorylation at GSK‐3β sensitive but AMPK insensitive residues, Ser202/Thr205 (AT8), as well as the total amount of tau remained unchanged. Our data showed no alteration in the activities of GSK‐3β and PP2A during similar episodes of ischaemia of up to 8 min and reperfusion of up to 2 h, and 4 weeks recovery. Dephosphorylation of AMPK followed the same pattern as tau dephosphorylation during ischaemia/reperfusion. Catalase, another AMPK downstream substrate also showed a similar pattern of decline to p‐AMPK, in ischaemic/reperfusion groups. This suggests the involvement of AMPK in changing the p‐tau levels, indicating that tau dephosphorylation following ischaemia is not dependent on GSK‐3β or PP2A activity, but is associated with AMPK dephosphorylation. We propose that a reduction in AMPK activity is a possible early mechanism responsible for tau dephosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohreh Majd
- Centre for Neuroscience, Neuronal Injury and Repair Laboratory, School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - John H T Power
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon A Koblar
- School of Medicine, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hugh J M Grantham
- Centre for Neuroscience, Neuronal Injury and Repair Laboratory, School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
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31
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Alonso AD, Beharry C, Corbo CP, Cohen LS. Molecular mechanism of prion-like tau-induced neurodegeneration. Alzheimers Dement 2016; 12:1090-1097. [PMID: 27126544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau and the disruption of microtubules are correlated with synaptic loss and pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Impaired cognitive function and pathology of AD is correlated with this lesion. This review looks at the mechanism of neurodegeneration, the prion-like behavior of tau in its interaction with normal MAPs in correlation with tau hyperphosphorylation. METHODS We reviewed our work in the field as well as current literature that pertains to tau phosphorylation and the biological effects. RESULTS Hyperphosphorylation of tau in AD, in vitro, in cells, or in animal models converts this protein into a prion-like protein that is able to propagate the altered conformation. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that phosphorylation of tau is a critical event in neurodegeneration. The combination of phosphorylation sites can generate a gain of toxic function for tau. The mechanism of tau toxicity might involve not only the microtubule system but also interference with other cellular compartments such as the nucleus and the actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra D Alonso
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, Graduate Center, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA.
| | - Cindy Beharry
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, Graduate Center, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | | | - Leah S Cohen
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, Graduate Center, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
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32
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Luo G, Chen L, Burton CR, Xiao H, Sivaprakasam P, Krause CM, Cao Y, Liu N, Lippy J, Clarke WJ, Snow K, Raybon J, Arora V, Pokross M, Kish K, Lewis HA, Langley DR, Macor JE, Dubowchik GM. Discovery of Isonicotinamides as Highly Selective, Brain Penetrable, and Orally Active Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2016; 59:1041-51. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Luo
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Ling Chen
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Catherine R. Burton
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Hong Xiao
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Prasanna Sivaprakasam
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Carol M. Krause
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Yang Cao
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Nengyin Liu
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Jonathan Lippy
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Wendy J. Clarke
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Kimberly Snow
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Joseph Raybon
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Vinod Arora
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Matt Pokross
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Kevin Kish
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Hal A. Lewis
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - David R. Langley
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - John E. Macor
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Gene M. Dubowchik
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
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33
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Ahuja P, Cantrelle FX, Huvent I, Hanoulle X, Lopez J, Smet C, Wieruszeski JM, Landrieu I, Lippens G. Proline Conformation in a Functional Tau Fragment. J Mol Biol 2015; 428:79-91. [PMID: 26655856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The conformational state of distinct prolines can determine the folding of a protein but equally other biological processes when coupled to a conformation-sensitive secondary reaction. For the neuronal tau protein, the importance of proline conformation is underscored by its interaction with different prolyl cis/trans isomerases. The proline conformation would gain even further importance after phosphorylation of the preceding residue by various proline-directed kinases. A number of molecular diseases including Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury were thereby recently qualified as "cistauosis", as they would imply a cis conformation for the pThr231-Pro232 prolyl bond. We here investigate by NMR spectroscopy the conformation of all prolines in a functional Tau fragment, Tau[208-324]. Although we can detect and identify some minor conformers in the cis form, we show that all prolines are for over 90% in the trans conformation. Phosphorylation by CDK2/CycA3, which notably leads to complete modification of the Thr231 residue, does not change this conclusion. Our data hence disagree with the notion that specific prolyl bonds in tau would adopt preferentially the cis conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Ahuja
- UMR8576 CNRS Lille University, 59658 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | | | - Isabelle Huvent
- UMR8576 CNRS Lille University, 59658 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Xavier Hanoulle
- UMR8576 CNRS Lille University, 59658 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Juan Lopez
- UMR8576 CNRS Lille University, 59658 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Caroline Smet
- UMR8576 CNRS Lille University, 59658 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | | | | | - G Lippens
- UMR8576 CNRS Lille University, 59658 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
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34
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Li YQ, Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan L. Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:6091-6105. [PMID: 26537902 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9507-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is characterized by progressive deterioration of frontal and anterior temporal lobes of the brain and often exhibits frontotemporal dementia (FTD) on clinic, in <65-year-old patients at the time of diagnosis. Interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, molecular and cell biology, and laboratory animal science have revealed some of its potential molecular mechanisms. Although there is still no effective treatment to delay, prevent, and reverse the progression of FTD, emergence of agents targeting molecular mechanisms has been beginning to promote potential pharmaceutical development. Our review summarizes the latest new findings of FTLD and challenges in FTLD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qing Li
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Meng-Shan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China. .,Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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35
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Lazzara CA, Kim YH. Potential application of lithium in Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:403. [PMID: 26578864 PMCID: PMC4621308 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lithium, the long-standing hallmark treatment for bipolar disorder, has recently been identified as a potential neuroprotective agent in neurodegeneration. Here we focus on introducing numerous in vitro and in vivo studies that have shown lithium treatment to be efficacious in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, and decreasing the accumulation of α-synulcein, with an emphasis on Parkinson's disease. A number of biological pathways have been shown to be involved in causing these neuroprotective effects. The inhibition of GSK-3β has been the mechanism most studied; however, other modes of action include the regulation of apoptotic proteins and glutamate excitotoxicity as well as down-regulation of calpain. This review provides a framework of the neuroprotective effects of lithium in neurodegenerative diseases and the putative mechanisms by which lithium provides the protection. Lithium-only treatment may not be a suitable therapeutic option for neurodegenerative diseases due to inconsistent efficacy and potential side-effects, however, the use of low dose lithium in combination with other potential or existing therapeutic compounds may be a promising approach to reduce symptoms and disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Lazzara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University Dover, DE, USA
| | - Yong-Hwan Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware State University Dover, DE, USA
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Abstract
Tau is required for the induction of long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Here we probe the role of tau in LTD, finding that an AMPA receptor internalization mechanism is impaired in tau KO mice, and that LTD causes specific phosphorylation at the serine 396 and 404 residues of tau. Surprisingly, we find that phosphorylation at serine 396, specifically, is critical for LTD but has no role in LTP. Finally, we show that tau KO mice exhibit deficits in spatial reversal learning. These findings underscore the physiological role for tau at the synapse and identify a behavioral correlate of its role in LTD.
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Stamelou M, Boxer AL. Disease-Modifying Treatments for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2015; 2:3-5. [PMID: 30363906 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research has focused on the development of disease-modifying treatments for PSP, targeting mainly at tau dysfunction. However, the glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor, tideglusib, and the microtubuli stabilizer, davunetide, both failed to show efficacy in recent double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Despite these results, further agents targeting tau dysfunction, tau post-translational modifications, or aiming at mictorubuli stabilization are currently being investigated. Further approaches under development include agents to reduce tau levels extracellularly by active or passive immunization, antisense oligonucleotides to reduce tau concentrations, and small interfering RNAs to suppress human tau expression. However, the major limitation on the way to find disease-modifying treatments for PSP still remains the lack of biomarkers. Indeed, for all of these potential therapeutic modalities, a well-designed human trial would require validated biomarkers, without which the results of negative efficacy trials will be difficult to interpret. In this regard, PET imaging using tau-specific ligands may be proven useful in the near future. There is great hope that the next decade will bring the first effective therapy for PSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stamelou
- Movement Disorders Clinic Second Department of Neurology Attikon Hospital Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece.,Department of Movement Disorders Hygeia Hospital Athens Greece.,Neurology Clinic Philipps University Marburg Germany
| | - Adam L Boxer
- Memory and Aging Center Department of Neurology University of California San Francisco California USA
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Lee TM, Lin SZ, Chang NC. Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β prevents sympathetic hyperinnervation in infarcted rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:979-92. [PMID: 25576342 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214564746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have demonstrated that nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in the myocardium is selectively increased during chronic stage of myocardial infarction, resulting in sympathetic hyperinnervation. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) signal has been shown to play key roles in the regulation of cytoskeletal assembly during axon regeneration. We assessed whether lithium, a GSK-3 inhibitor, attenuates cardiac sympathetic reinnervation after myocardial infarction through attenuated NGF expression and Tau expression. Twenty-four hours after ligation of the anterior descending artery, male Wistar rats were randomized to either LiCl or SB216763, chemically unrelated inhibitors of GSK-3β, a combination of LiCl and SB216763, or vehicle for four weeks. Myocardial norepinephrine levels revealed a significant elevation in vehicle-treated rats compared with sham-operated rats, consistent with excessive sympathetic reinnervation after infarction. Immunohistochemical analysis for sympathetic nerve also confirmed the change of myocardial norepinephrine. This was paralleled by a significant upregulation of NGF protein and mRNA in the vehicle-treated rats, which was reduced after administering either LiCl, SB216763, or combination. Arrhythmic scores during programmed stimulation in the vehicle-treated rats were significantly higher than those treated with GSK-3 inhibitors. Addition of SB216763 did not have additional beneficial effects compared with those seen in rats treated with LiCl alone. Furthermore, lithium treatment increased Tau1 and decreased AT8 and AT180 levels. Chronic use of lithium after infarction, resulting in attenuated sympathetic reinnervation by GSK-3 inhibition, may modify the arrhythmogenic response to programmed electrical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ming Lee
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, China Medical University-An Nan Hospital, Tainan 709, Taiwan Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Neuropsychiatry Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Beigan Hospital, Yunlin 651, Taiwan Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University-An Nan Hospital, Tainan 40447, Taiwan
| | - Nen-Chung Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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GSK-3β dysregulation contributes to parkinson's-like pathophysiology with associated region-specific phosphorylation and accumulation of tau and α-synuclein. Cell Death Differ 2014; 22:838-51. [PMID: 25394490 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, namely phosphorylation, induce abnormalities in the biological properties of recipient proteins, underlying neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD). Genome-wide studies link genes encoding α-synuclein (α-Syn) and Tau as two of the most important in the genesis of PD. Although several kinases are known to phosphorylate α-Syn and Tau, we focused our analysis on GSK-3β because of its accepted role in phosphorylating Tau and to increasing evidence supporting a strong biophysical relationship between α-Syn and Tau in PD. Therefore, we investigated transgenic mice, which express a point mutant (S9A) of human GSK-3β. GSK-3β-S9A is capable of activation through endogenous natural signaling events, yet is unable to become inactivated through phosphorylation at serine-9. We used behavioral, biochemical, and in vitro analysis to assess the contributions of GSK-3β to both α-Syn and Tau phosphorylation. Behavioral studies revealed progressive age-dependent impairment of motor function, accompanied by loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+ DA-neurons) neurons and dopamine production in the oldest age group. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed deterioration of the substantia nigra in aged mice, a characteristic feature of PD patients. At the molecular level, kinase-active p-GSK-3β-Y216 was seen at all ages throughout the brain, yet elevated levels of p-α-Syn-S129 and p-Tau (S396/404) were found to increase with age exclusively in TH+ DA-neurons of the midbrain. p-GSK-3β-Y216 colocalized with p-Tau and p-α-Syn-S129. In vitro kinase assays showed that recombinant human GSK-3β directly phosphorylated α-Syn at a single site, Ser129, in addition to its known ability to phosphorylate Tau. Moreover, α-Syn and Tau together cooperated with one another to increase the magnitude or rate of phosphorylation of the other by GSK-3β. Together, these data establish a novel upstream role for GSK-3β as one of several kinases associated with PTMs of key proteins known to be causal in PD.
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Grosso C, Valentão P, Ferreres F, Andrade PB. Bioactive marine drugs and marine biomaterials for brain diseases. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:2539-89. [PMID: 24798925 PMCID: PMC4052305 DOI: 10.3390/md12052539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine invertebrates produce a plethora of bioactive compounds, which serve as inspiration for marine biotechnology, particularly in drug discovery programs and biomaterials development. This review aims to summarize the potential of drugs derived from marine invertebrates in the field of neuroscience. Therefore, some examples of neuroprotective drugs and neurotoxins will be discussed. Their role in neuroscience research and development of new therapies targeting the central nervous system will be addressed, with particular focus on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In addition, the neuronal growth promoted by marine drugs, as well as the recent advances in neural tissue engineering, will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Grosso
- REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Valentão
- REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Federico Ferreres
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS (CSIC), P.O. Box 164, Campus University Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain.
| | - Paula B Andrade
- REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, no. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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Beharry C, Cohen LS, Di J, Ibrahim K, Briffa-Mirabella S, Alonso ADC. Tau-induced neurodegeneration: mechanisms and targets. Neurosci Bull 2014; 30:346-58. [PMID: 24733656 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-013-1414-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau is a common feature of several dementias. Tau is one of the brain microtubule-associated proteins. Here we discuss tau's functions in microtubule assembly and stabilization and with regard to its interactions with other proteins. We describe and analyze important post-translational modifications: hyperphosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycation, glycosylation, nitration, polyamination, proteolysis, acetylation, and methylation. We discuss how these post-translational modifications can alter tau's biological function. We analyze the role of mitochondrial health in neurodegeneration. We propose that microtubules could be a therapeutic target and review different approaches. Finally, we consider whether tau accumulation or its conformational change is related to tau-induced neurodegeneration, and propose a mechanism of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Beharry
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, Graduate Center, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA
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Pereira PA, Bicalho MAC, de Moraes EN, Malloy-Diniz L, Bozzi ICRS, Nicolato R, Valadão DR, Miranda DM, Romano-Silva MA. Genetic variant of AKT1 and AKTIP associated with late-onset depression in a Brazilian population. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2014; 29:399-405. [PMID: 24022875 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Examine the association between polymorphisms in the AKT1 and AKTIP genes and late-onset depression (LOD). Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric diseases. LOD is a disorder that starts after 65 years old. AKT1 is a downstream enzyme that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurotransmitter-related disorders, such as depression. The identification of a novel AKT1-binding protein (AKTIP) was pointed as an important new target. AKTIP binds directly to AKT1, enhancing the phosphorylation of regulatory sites, and this modulation are affected by AKT1 activation. The association of AKT1 and AKTIP polymorphisms with depressive symptoms was not investigated in LOD. DESIGN Genotype tagSNPs in the AKT1 and AKTIP in LOD patients and controls. SETTINGS An academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Sample composed by 190 outpatients with LOD and 77 healthy individuals. MEASURES The participants were evaluated using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria, MINI-PLUS and the Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS Our findings suggested an association between the tagSNP rs3730358 homozygous A/A (p = 0.006) and LOD. A strong association of allele A and increased association for LOD was demonstrated with tagSNP rs3730358 (p-value = 0.003). LIMITATIONS Limitation include composition of our control group, where the exclusion criteria generated a kind of super-healthy older group what might have produced a hidden stratification when compared with the LOD. CONCLUSION This study is the first one to establish the association of the AKT1/AKTIP genes and LOD, and further studies are necessary to clarify the functional role of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Araújo Pereira
- INCT de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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Maciotta S, Meregalli M, Torrente Y. The involvement of microRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:265. [PMID: 24391543 PMCID: PMC3867638 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) originate from a loss of neurons in the central nervous system and are severely debilitating. The incidence of NDDs increases with age, and they are expected to become more common due to extended life expectancy. Because no cure is available, these diseases have become a major challenge in neurobiology. The increasing relevance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in biology has prompted investigation into their possible involvement in neurodegeneration in order to identify new therapeutic targets. The idea of using miRNAs as therapeutic targets is not far from realization, but important issues need to be addressed before moving into the clinics. Here, we review what is known about the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NDDs. We also report the miRNA expression levels in peripheral tissues of patients affected by NDDs in order to evaluate their application as biomarkers of disease. Finally, discrepancies, innovations, and the effectiveness of collected data will be elucidated and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Maciotta
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, Italy ; Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mirella Meregalli
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, Italy
| | - Yvan Torrente
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan, Italy
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Increased O-GlcNAcylation reduces pathological tau without affecting its normal phosphorylation in a mouse model of tauopathy. Neuropharmacology 2013; 79:307-13. [PMID: 24326295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), mainly consisting of fibrillar aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau, are a defining pathological feature of Alzheimer's Disease and other tauopathies. Progressive accumulation of tau into NFT is considered to be a toxic cellular event causing neurodegeneration. Tau is subject to O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification and O-GlcNAcylation of tau has been suggested to regulate tau phosphorylation. We tested if an increase in tau O-GlcNAcylation affected tau phosphorylation and aggregation in the rTg4510 tau transgenic mouse model. Acute treatment of rTg4510 mice with an O-GlcNAcase inhibitor transiently reduced tau phosphorylation at epitopes implicated in tau pathology. More importantly, long-term inhibitor treatment strongly increased tau O-GlcNAcylation, reduced the number of dystrophic neurons, and protected against the formation of pathological tau species without altering the phosphorylation of non-pathological tau. This indicates that O-GlcNAcylation prevents the aggregation of tau in a manner that does not affect its normal phosphorylation state. Collectively, our results support O-GlcNAcase inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and other tauopathies.
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45
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LRRK2 phosphorylates novel tau epitopes and promotes tauopathy. Acta Neuropathol 2013; 126:809-27. [PMID: 24113872 PMCID: PMC3830748 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1188-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuropathology of LRRK2-related PD is heterogeneous and can include aberrant tau phosphorylation or neurofibrillary tau pathology. Recently, LRRK2 has been shown to phosphorylate tau in vitro; however, the major epitopes phosphorylated by LRRK2 and the physiological or pathogenic consequences of these modifications in vivo are unknown. Using mass spectrometry, we identified multiple sites on recombinant tau that are phosphorylated by LRRK2 in vitro, including pT149 and pT153, which are phospho-epitopes that to date have been largely unexplored. Importantly, we demonstrate that expression of transgenic LRRK2 in a mouse model of tauopathy increased the aggregation of insoluble tau and its phosphorylation at T149, T153, T205, and S199/S202/T205 epitopes. These findings indicate that tau can be a LRRK2 substrate and that this interaction can enhance salient features of human disease.
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46
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Tan YJ, Sui D, Wang WH, Kuo MH, Reid GE, Bruening ML. Phosphopeptide enrichment with TiO2-modified membranes and investigation of tau protein phosphorylation. Anal Chem 2013; 85:5699-706. [PMID: 23638980 PMCID: PMC3721342 DOI: 10.1021/ac400198n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Selective enrichment of phosphopeptides prior to their analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) is vital for identifying protein phosphorylation sites involved in cellular regulation. This study describes modification of porous nylon substrates with TiO2 nanoparticles to create membranes that rapidly enrich phosphopeptides. Membranes with a 22-mm diameter bind 540 nmol of phosphoangiotensin and recover 70% of the phosphopeptides in mixtures with a 15-fold excess of nonphosphorylated proteins. Recovery is 90% for a pure phosphopeptide. Insertion of small membrane disks into HPLC fittings allows rapid enrichment from 5 mL of 1 fmol/μL phosphoprotein digests and concentration into small-volume (tens of microliters) eluates. The combination of membrane enrichment with tandem mass spectrometry reveals seven phosphorylation sites from in vivo phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jing Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Dexin Sui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Wei-Han Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Min-Hao Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Gavin E. Reid
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Merlin L. Bruening
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
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Maurin H, Lechat B, Dewachter I, Ris L, Louis JV, Borghgraef P, Devijver H, Jaworski T, Van Leuven F. Neurological characterization of mice deficient in GSK3α highlight pleiotropic physiological functions in cognition and pathological activity as Tau kinase. Mol Brain 2013; 6:27. [PMID: 23705847 PMCID: PMC3671145 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-6-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GSK3β is involved in a wide range of physiological functions, and is presumed to act in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, from bipolar disorder to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In contrast, the GSK3α isozyme remained largely ignored with respect to both aspects. RESULTS We generated and characterized two mouse strains with neuron-specific or with total GSK3α deficiency. Behavioral and electrophysiological analysis demonstrated the physiological importance of neuronal GSK3α, with GSK3β not compensating for impaired cognition and reduced LTP. Interestingly, the passive inhibitory avoidance task proved to modulate the phosphorylation status of both GSK3 isozymes in wild-type mice, further implying both to function in cognition. Moreover, GSK3α contributed to the neuronal architecture of the hippocampal CA1 sub-region that is most vulnerable in AD. Consequently, practically all parameters and characteristics indicated that both GSK3 isoforms were regulated independently, but that they acted on the same physiological functions in learning and memory, in mobility and in behavior. CONCLUSIONS GSK3α proved to be regulated independently from GSK3β, and to exert non-redundant physiological neurological functions in general behavior and in cognition. Moreover, GSK3α contributes to the pathological phosphorylation of protein Tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Maurin
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department Human Genetics, KULeuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Lechat
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department Human Genetics, KULeuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Dewachter
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department Human Genetics, KULeuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurence Ris
- Department Neurosciences, University Mons-Hainaut, B-7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Justin V Louis
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department Human Genetics, KULeuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Borghgraef
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department Human Genetics, KULeuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Herman Devijver
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department Human Genetics, KULeuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tomasz Jaworski
- Present address: Nencki Institute Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Fred Van Leuven
- Experimental Genetics Group - LEGTEGG, Department Human Genetics, KULeuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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48
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Tavares IA, Touma D, Lynham S, Troakes C, Schober M, Causevic M, Garg R, Noble W, Killick R, Bodi I, Hanger DP, Morris JDH. Prostate-derived sterile 20-like kinases (PSKs/TAOKs) phosphorylate tau protein and are activated in tangle-bearing neurons in Alzheimer disease. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:15418-29. [PMID: 23585562 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.448183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer disease (AD), the microtubule-associated protein tau is highly phosphorylated and aggregates into characteristic neurofibrillary tangles. Prostate-derived sterile 20-like kinases (PSKs/TAOKs) 1 and 2, members of the sterile 20 family of kinases, have been shown to regulate microtubule stability and organization. Here we show that tau is a good substrate for PSK1 and PSK2 phosphorylation with mass spectrometric analysis of phosphorylated tau revealing more than 40 tau residues as targets of these kinases. Notably, phosphorylated residues include motifs located within the microtubule-binding repeat domain on tau (Ser-262, Ser-324, and Ser-356), sites that are known to regulate tau-microtubule interactions. PSK catalytic activity is enhanced in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, areas of the brain that are most susceptible to Alzheimer pathology, in comparison with the cerebellum, which is relatively spared. Activated PSK is associated with neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites surrounding neuritic plaques, neuropil threads, and granulovacuolar degeneration bodies in AD brain. By contrast, activated PSKs and phosphorylated tau are rarely detectible in immunostained control human brain. Our results demonstrate that tau is a substrate for PSK and suggest that this family of kinases could contribute to the development of AD pathology and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignatius A Tavares
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 1UL, London
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Nijholt DAT, Nölle A, van Haastert ES, Edelijn H, Toonen RF, Hoozemans JJM, Scheper W. Unfolded protein response activates glycogen synthase kinase-3 via selective lysosomal degradation. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 34:1759-71. [PMID: 23415837 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a stress response that is activated upon disturbed homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. In Alzheimer's disease, as well as in other tauopathies, the UPR is activated in neurons that contain early tau pathology. A recent genome-wide association study identified genetic variation in a UPR transducer as a risk factor for tauopathy, supporting a functional connection between UPR activation and tau pathology. Here we show that UPR activation increases the activity of the major tau kinase glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 in vitro via a selective removal of inactive GSK-3 phosphorylated at Ser(21/9). We demonstrate that this is mediated by the autophagy/lysosomal pathway. In brain tissue from patients with different tauopathies, lysosomal accumulations of pSer(21/9) GSK-3 are found in neurons with markers for UPR activation. Our data indicate that UPR activation increases the activity of GSK-3 by a novel mechanism, the lysosomal degradation of the inactive pSer(21/9) GSK-3. This may provide a functional explanation for the close association between UPR activation and early tau pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A T Nijholt
- Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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50
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Schonrock N, Götz J. Decoding the non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer's disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:3543-59. [PMID: 22955374 PMCID: PMC11114718 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are integral components of biological networks with fundamental roles in regulating gene expression. They can integrate sequence information from the DNA code, epigenetic regulation and functions of multimeric protein complexes to potentially determine the epigenetic status and transcriptional network in any given cell. Humans potentially contain more ncRNAs than any other species, especially in the brain, where they may well play a significant role in human development and cognitive ability. This review discusses their emerging role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a human pathological condition characterized by the progressive impairment of cognitive functions. We discuss the complexity of the ncRNA world and how this is reflected in the regulation of the amyloid precursor protein and Tau, two proteins with central functions in AD. By understanding this intricate regulatory network, there is hope for a better understanding of disease mechanisms and ultimately developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schonrock
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI), Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
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