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Jeyaraman M, Rajendran RL, Muthu S, Jeyaraman N, Sharma S, Jha SK, Muthukanagaraj P, Hong CM, Furtado da Fonseca L, Santos Duarte Lana JF, Ahn BC, Gangadaran P. An update on stem cell and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle-based therapy in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17808. [PMID: 37449130 PMCID: PMC10336689 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, neurological diseases pose a major burden to healthcare professionals in terms of the management and prevention of the disorder. Among neurological diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for 50%-70% of dementia and is the fifth leading cause of mortality worldwide. AD is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease, with the loss of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex and subcortical regions. The management of AD remains a debate among physicians as no standard and specific "disease-modifying" modality is available. The concept of 'Regenerative Medicine' is aimed at regenerating the degenerated neural tissues to reverse the pathology in AD. Genetically modified engineered stem cells modify the course of AD after transplantation into the brain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an emerging new approach in cell communication that involves the transfer of cellular materials from parental cells to recipient cells, resulting in changes at the molecular and signaling levels in the recipient cells. EVs are a type of vesicle that can be transported between cells. Many have proposed that EVs produced from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may have therapeutic promise in the treatment of AD. The biology of AD, as well as the potential applications of stem cells and their derived EVs-based therapy, were explored in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhan Jeyaraman
- Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600056, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
| | - Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathish Muthu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Orthopedics, Government Dindigul Medical College and Hospital, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, 624001, India
| | - Naveen Jeyaraman
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Orthopedics, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu, 603108, India
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Purushothaman Muthukanagaraj
- Department of Internal Medicine & Psychiatry, SUNY-Upstate Binghamton Clinical Campus, Binghamton, NY, 13904, USA
| | - Chae Moon Hong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucas Furtado da Fonseca
- Department of Orthopedics, The Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Byeong-Cheol Ahn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
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Wakhloo D, Oberhauser J, Madira A, Mahajani S. From cradle to grave: neurogenesis, neuroregeneration and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2606-2614. [PMID: 35662189 PMCID: PMC9165389 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.336138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the most common neurodegenerative disorders - Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases - are characterized by synaptic dysfunction and degeneration that culminate in neuronal loss due to abnormal protein accumulation. The intracellular aggregation of hyper-phosphorylated tau and the extracellular aggregation of amyloid beta plaques form the basis of Alzheimer's disease pathology. The major hallmark of Parkinson's disease is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, following the formation of Lewy bodies, which consists primarily of alpha-synuclein aggregates. However, the discrete mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration in these disorders are still poorly understood. Both neuronal loss and impaired adult neurogenesis have been reported in animal models of these disorders. Yet these findings remain subject to frequent debate due to a lack of conclusive evidence in post mortem brain tissue from human patients. While some publications provide significant findings related to axonal regeneration in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, they also highlight the limitations and obstacles to the development of neuroregenerative therapies. In this review, we summarize in vitro and in vivo findings related to neurogenesis, neuroregeneration and neurodegeneration in the context of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debia Wakhloo
- Deparment of Neuropathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jane Oberhauser
- Deparment of Neuropathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angela Madira
- Deparment of Neuropathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sameehan Mahajani
- Deparment of Neuropathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Baazaoui N, Iqbal K. Alzheimer's Disease: Challenges and a Therapeutic Opportunity to Treat It with a Neurotrophic Compound. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101409. [PMID: 36291618 PMCID: PMC9599095 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with an insidious onset and multifactorial nature. A deficit in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity are considered the early pathological features associated with neurofibrillary tau and amyloid β pathologies and neuroinflammation. The imbalance of neurotrophic factors with an increase in FGF-2 level and a decrease in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 4 (NT-4) in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and parietal cortex and disruption of the brain micro-environment are other characteristics of AD. Neurotrophic factors are crucial in neuronal differentiation, maturation, and survival. Several attempts to use neurotrophic factors to treat AD were made, but these trials were halted due to their blood-brain barrier (BBB) impermeability, short-half-life, and severe side effects. In the present review we mainly focus on the major etiopathology features of AD and the use of a small neurotrophic and neurogenic peptide mimetic compound; P021 that was discovered in our laboratory and was found to overcome the difficulties faced in the administration of the whole neurotrophic factor proteins. We describe pre-clinical studies on P021 and its potential as a therapeutic drug for AD and related neurodegenerative disorders. Our study is limited because it focuses only on P021 and the relevant literature; a more thorough investigation is required to review studies on various therapeutic approaches and potential drugs that are emerging in the AD field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Baazaoui
- Biology Department, College of Sciences and Arts Muhayil Assir, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-718-494-5259; Fax: +1-718-494-1080
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Wei W, Liu Y, Dai CL, Baazaoui N, Tung YC, Liu F, Iqbal K. Neurotrophic Treatment Initiated During Early Postnatal Development Prevents the Alzheimer-Like Behavior and Synaptic Dysfunction. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:631-646. [PMID: 34057082 PMCID: PMC8385525 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impairments in synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance. Cognitive dysfunction and loss of neuronal plasticity are known to begin decades before the clinical diagnosis of the disease. The important influence of congenital genetic mutations on the early development of AD provides a novel opportunity to initiate treatment during early development to prevent the Alzheimer-like behavior and synaptic dysfunction. OBJECTIVE To explore strategies for early intervention to prevent Alzheimer's disease. METHODS In the present study, we investigated the effect of treatment during early development with a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) derived peptidergic compound, P021 (Ac-DGGLAG-NH2) on cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in 3xTg-AD transgenic mouse model of AD. 3xTg-AD and genetic background-matched wild type female mice were treated from birth to postnatal day 120 with P021 in diet or as a control with vehicle diet, and cognitive function and molecular markers of neuroplasticity were evaluated. RESULTS P021 treatment during early development prevented cognitive impairment and increased expressions of pCREB and BDNF that activated downstream various signaling cascades such as PLC/PKC, MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt, and ameliorated synaptic protein deficit in 4-month-old 3xTg-AD mice. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that treatment with the neurotrophic peptide mimetic such as P021 during early development can be an effective therapeutic strategy to rescue synaptic deficit and cognitive impairment in familial AD and related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Institute of Brain Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghua Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Ling Dai
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Narjes Baazaoui
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
- King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yunn Chyn Tung
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Martin CA, Radhakrishnan S, Nagarajan S, Muthukoori S, Dueñas JMM, Gómez Ribelles JL, Lakshmi BS, E A K N, Gómez-Tejedor JA, Reddy MS, Sellathamby S, Rela M, Subbaraya NK. An innovative bioresorbable gelatin based 3D scaffold that maintains the stemness of adipose tissue derived stem cells and the plasticity of differentiated neurons. RSC Adv 2019; 9:14452-14464. [PMID: 35519343 PMCID: PMC9064131 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra09688k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tissue engineering aims at producing a simulated environment using a matrix that is suitable to grow specialized neurons/glial cells pertaining to CNS/PNS which replace damaged or lost tissues. The primary goal of this study is to design a compatible scaffold that supports the development of neural-lineage cells which aids in neural regeneration. The fabricated, freeze-dried scaffolds consisted of biocompatible, natural and synthetic polymers: gelatin and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Physiochemical characterization was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging. The 3D construct retains good swelling proficiency and holds the integrated structure that supports cell adhesion and proliferation. The composite of PVP-gelatin is blended in such a way that it matches the mechanical strength of the brain tissue. The cytocompatibility analysis shows that the scaffolds are compatible and permissible for the growth of both stem cells as well as differentiated neurons. A change in the ratios of the scaffold components resulted in varied sizes of pores giving diverse surface morphology, greatly influencing the properties of the neurons. However, there is no change in stem cell properties. Different types of neurons are characterized by the type of gene associated with the neurotransmitter secreted by them. The change in the neuron properties could be attributed to neuroplasticity. The plasticity of the neurons was analyzed using quantitative gene expression studies. It has been observed that the gelatin-rich construct supports the prolonged proliferation of stem cells and multiple neurons along with their plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Ann Martin
- Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University Chennai India
- National Foundation for Liver Research, Global Hospitals & Health City Chennai India
| | - Subathra Radhakrishnan
- National Foundation for Liver Research, Global Hospitals & Health City Chennai India
- Department of Biomedicine, Bharathidasan University India
| | | | | | - J M Meseguer Dueñas
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València Camino de Vera s/n. 46022 Valencia Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - José Luis Gómez Ribelles
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València Camino de Vera s/n. 46022 Valencia Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | | | | | - José Antonio Gómez-Tejedor
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT), Universitat Politècnica de València Camino de Vera s/n. 46022 Valencia Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - Mettu Srinivas Reddy
- National Foundation for Liver Research, Global Hospitals & Health City Chennai India
| | | | - Mohamed Rela
- National Foundation for Liver Research, Global Hospitals & Health City Chennai India
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CORL Expression and Function in Insulin Producing Neurons Reversibly Influences Adult Longevity in Drosophila. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:2979-2990. [PMID: 30006413 PMCID: PMC6118311 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
CORL proteins (known as SKOR in mice, Fussel in humans and fussel in Flybase) are a family of CNS specific proteins related to Sno/Ski oncogenes. Their developmental and adult roles are largely unknown. A Drosophila CORL (dCORL) reporter gene is expressed in all Drosophila insulin-like peptide 2 (dILP2) neurons of the pars intercerebralis (PI) of the larval and adult brain. The transcription factor Drifter is also expressed in the PI in a subset of dCORL and dILP2 expressing neurons and in several non-dILP2 neurons. dCORL mutant virgin adult brains are missing all dILP2 neurons that do not also express Drifter. This phenotype is also seen when expressing dCORL-RNAi in neurosecretory cells of the PI. dCORL mutant virgin adults of both sexes have a significantly shorter lifespan than their parental strain. This longevity defect is completely reversed by mating (lifespan increases over 50% for males and females). Analyses of dCORL mutant mated adult brains revealed a complete rescue of dILP2 neurons without Drifter. Taken together, the data suggest that dCORL participates in a neural network connecting the insulin signaling pathway, longevity and mating. The conserved sequence and CNS specificity of all CORL proteins imply that this network may be operating in mammals.
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Baazaoui N, Iqbal K. Prevention of Amyloid-β and Tau Pathologies, Associated Neurodegeneration, and Cognitive Deficit by Early Treatment with a Neurotrophic Compound. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 58:215-230. [PMID: 28387677 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To date, neither any effective treatment nor prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a major dementia causing disorder, are available. Herein, we investigated the secondary prevention of neurodegeneration, amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathologies with a neurotrophic compound P021 in 3xTg-AD mice. Previous work found that P021 can rescue at mild to moderate stages Aβ and tau pathologies in 3xTg-AD mice. To determine its potential clinical application, we sought to test the preventive effect of P021 on Aβ and tau pathologies by starting the treatment during the period of synaptic compensation several months before the appearance of any overt pathology in 3xTg-AD mice. We started a continuous treatment with P021 in 3-month-old female animals and followed its effect at 9-, 15- and 18-months post-treatment. Neurodegeneration at the above time points was studied using Fluorojade C staining, and tau and Aβ pathologies both immunohistochemically and by Western blots. Cognitive performance was studied by assessing episodic memory with Novel Object Recognition task at 16-17-months post-treatment. We found that P021 treatment initiated during the synaptic compensation period can prevent neurodegeneration, Aβ and tau pathologies, rescue episodic memory impairment, and markedly reduce mortality rate. These findings for the first time show effective prevention of AD changes with a neurotrophic compound that targets neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, suggesting that improving the health of the neuronal network can prevent AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Baazaoui
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA.,Graduate Program in Biology (Neuroscience), College of Staten Island, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Baazaoui N, Flory M, Iqbal K. Synaptic Compensation as a Probable Cause of Prolonged Mild Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease: Implications from a Transgenic Mouse Model of the Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 56:1385-1401. [PMID: 28222506 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slow, progressive neurodegenerative disease in which cognitive decline takes place over a period of several years with a very variable period of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and, in some cases, relatively long period before progression to dementia. The cognitive deficit during MCI is probably due to neuronal loss, an intermediate level of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and synaptosis, which is interrupted with a transient compensatory increase. We found impairment in reference memory accompanied by a decrease in the expression of synaptophysin, β-III tubulin, and MAP2 and a trend for GluR1, at 12 weeks of age in 3xTg-AD mice (hAPPSwe, P301L tau, PS1 [M146V] knock-in), a widely used transgenic model of AD. Past 12 weeks, the cross-sectional analysis of different age groups showed a compensatory increase in synaptic markers relative to that in wild type animals in a topographic and time-dependent manner. When studied across time we found that in 3xTg-AD mice, the compensatory phenomenon occurred in parallel in different regions of the brain. However, this attempt of the brain to repair itself was able to only partially rescue cognitive impairment. These findings for the first time raise the intriguing possibility that AD causing mutated transgenes may initially cause an increase in synaptic and dendritic markers as a compensatory mechanism for synaptic deficit, and this phenomenon, though transient, could be the biological basis of the period of MCI seen in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Baazaoui
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, NY, USA.,Graduate Program in Biology (Neuroscience), College of Staten Island (CSI), City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Flory
- Research Design and Analysis Service, New York State Institute for Basic Research in DevelopmentalDisabilities, NY, USA
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, NY, USA
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Neuroregeneration versus neurodegeneration: toward a paradigm shift in Alzheimer's disease drug discovery. Future Med Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease represents an enormous global burden in terms of human suffering and economic cost. To tackle the current lack of effective drugs and the continuous clinical trial failures might require a shift from the prevailing paradigm targeting pathogenesis to the one targeting neural stem cells (NSCs) regeneration. In this context, small molecules have come to the forefront for their potential to manipulate NSCs, provide therapeutic tools and unveil NSCs biology. Classically, these molecules have been generated either by target-based or phenotypic approaches. To circumvent specific liabilities, nanomedicines emerge as a feasible alternative. However, this review is not intended to be comprehensive. Its purpose is to focus on recent examples that could accelerate development of neuroregenerative drugs against Alzheimer's disease.
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Zhang SG, Wang XS, Zhang YD, Di Q, Shi JP, Qian M, Xu LG, Lin XJ, Lu J. Indirubin-3'-monoxime suppresses amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:988-93. [PMID: 27482230 PMCID: PMC4962599 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.184500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Indirubin-3′-monoxime is an effective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent protein kinases, and may play an obligate role in neuronal apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we found that indirubin-3′-monoxime improved the morphology and increased the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells exposed to amyloid-beta 25–35 (Aβ25–35), and also suppressed apoptosis by reducing tau phosphorylation at Ser199 and Thr205. Furthermore, indirubin-3′-monoxime inhibited phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Our results suggest that indirubin-3′-monoxime reduced Aβ25–35-induced apoptosis by suppressing tau hyperphosphorylation via a GSK-3β-mediated mechanism. Indirubin-3′-monoxime is a promising drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Gang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying-Dong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qing Di
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Ping Shi
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Qian
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Gang Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xing-Jian Lin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Kazim SF, Iqbal K. Neurotrophic factor small-molecule mimetics mediated neuroregeneration and synaptic repair: emerging therapeutic modality for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2016; 11:50. [PMID: 27400746 PMCID: PMC4940708 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-016-0119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable and debilitating chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder which is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. AD is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disorder, histopathologically characterized by the presence of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of Aβ peptides and abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau protein, respectively. Independent of the various etiopathogenic mechanisms, neurodegeneration is a final common outcome of AD neuropathology. Synaptic loss is a better correlate of cognitive impairment in AD than Aβ or tau pathologies. Thus a highly promising therapeutic strategy for AD is to shift the balance from neurodegeneration to neuroregeneration and synaptic repair. Neurotrophic factors, by virtue of their neurogenic and neurotrophic activities, have potential for the treatment of AD. However, the clinical therapeutic usage of recombinant neurotrophic factors is limited because of the insurmountable hurdles of unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties, poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and severe adverse effects. Neurotrophic factor small-molecule mimetics, in this context, represent a potential strategy to overcome these short comings, and have shown promise in preclinical studies. Neurotrophic factor small-molecule mimetics have been the focus of intense research in recent years for AD drug development. Here, we review the relevant literature regarding the therapeutic beneficial effect of neurotrophic factors in AD, and then discuss the recent status of research regarding the neurotrophic factor small-molecule mimetics as therapeutic candidates for AD. Lastly, we summarize the preclinical studies with a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) small-molecule peptide mimetic, Peptide 021 (P021). P021 is a neurogenic and neurotrophic compound which enhances dentate gyrus neurogenesis and memory processes via inhibiting leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signaling pathway and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. It robustly inhibits tau abnormal hyperphosphorylation via increased BDNF mediated decrease in glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β, major tau kinase) activity. P021 is a small molecular weight, BBB permeable compound with suitable pharmacokinetics for oral administration, and without adverse effects associated with native CNTF or BDNF molecule. P021 has shown beneficial therapeutic effect in several preclinical studies and has emerged as a highly promising compound for AD drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faraz Kazim
- />Department of Neurochemistry, and SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Program in Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Institute for Basic Research (NYSIBR), 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314 USA
- />Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203 USA
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- />Department of Neurochemistry, and SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Program in Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Institute for Basic Research (NYSIBR), 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314 USA
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Effect of Astragaloside IV on Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Alzheimer's Disease Rat Models. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:3106980. [PMID: 27034688 PMCID: PMC4806686 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3106980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapy is a promising treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism underlying the maintenance of renewal and replacement capabilities of endogenous progenitor cells or engrafted stem cells in a pathological environment remains elusive. To investigate the effect of astragaloside IV (ASI) on the proliferation and differentiation of the engrafted neural stem cells (NSCs), we cultured NSCs from the hippocampus of E14 rat embryos, treated the cells with ASI, and then transplanted the cells into the hippocampus of rat AD models. In vitro experimentation showed that 10−5 M ASI induced NSCs to differentiate into β-tubulin III+ and GFAP+ cells. NSCs transplantation into rat AD models resulted in improvements in learning and memory, especially in the ASI-treated groups. ASI treatment resulted in an increase in the number of β-tubulin III+ cells in the hippocampus. Further investigation showed that ASI inhibited PS1 expression in vitro and in vivo. The high-dose ASI downregulated the Notch intracellular domain, whereas the low-dose ASI increased Notch-1 and NICD. In conclusion, ASI treatment resulted in improvements in learning and memory of AD models by promoting NSC proliferation and differentiation partly through the Notch signal pathway.
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Chai GS, Wang YY, Yasheng A, Zhao P. Beta 2-adrenergic receptor activation enhances neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease mice. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1617-1624. [PMID: 27904493 PMCID: PMC5116841 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.193241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired hippocampal neurogenesis is one of the early pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. Enhancing adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been pursued as a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that environmental novelty activates β2-adrenergic signaling and prevents the memory impairment induced by amyloid-β oligomers. Here, we hypothesized that β2-adrenoceptor activation would enhance neurogenesis and ameliorate memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of β2-adrenoceptor activation on neurogenesis and memory in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice using the agonist clenbuterol (intraperitoneal injection, 2 mg/kg). We found that β2-adrenoceptor activation enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis, ameliorated memory deficits, and increased dendritic branching and the density of dendritic spines. These effects were associated with the upregulation of postsynaptic density 95, synapsin 1 and synaptophysin in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, β2-adrenoceptor activation decreased cerebral amyloid plaques by decreasing APP phosphorylation at Thr668. These findings suggest that β2-adrenoceptor activation enhances neurogenesis and ameliorates memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Shang Chai
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang-Yang Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Amina Yasheng
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
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Standardized Herbal Formula PM012 Decreases Cognitive Impairment and Promotes Neurogenesis in the 3xTg AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5401-12. [PMID: 26446019 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no effective treatment. This study investigated whether treatment with the herbal formula PM012 would improve the cognitive function and the pathological features of AD in 3xTg-AD mice. The cognitive function of 3xTg-AD mice was assessed using the Morris water maze test and positron-emission tomography (PET) with 18 F-2 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([F-18] FDG) neuroimaging. The levels of the amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits in the hippocampus were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Neurogenesis was assessed by quantitative labeling with the DNA marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and the newborn neuron marker doublecortin (DCX). PM012 treatment significantly ameliorated memory deficit in AD mice, as shown by shortened escape latencies and increased time spent in the target zone during probe tests. In addition, PM012 significantly decreased Aβ deposits, up-regulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), increased neurogenesis, and improved brain glucose metabolism in the 3xTg-AD mice. These results suggest that PM012 could be a promising treatment for AD.
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Bobkova N, Vorobyov V. The brain compensatory mechanisms and Alzheimer's disease progression: a new protective strategy. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:696-7. [PMID: 26109935 PMCID: PMC4468752 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.156954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bobkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Vasily Vorobyov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
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Kazim SF, Cardenas-Aguayo MDC, Arif M, Blanchard J, Fayyaz F, Grundke-Iqbal I, Iqbal K. Sera from children with autism induce autistic features which can be rescued with a CNTF small peptide mimetic in rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118627. [PMID: 25769033 PMCID: PMC4359103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized clinically by impairments in social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication skills as well as restricted interests and repetitive behavior. It has been hypothesized that altered brain environment including an imbalance in neurotrophic support during early development contributes to the pathophysiology of autism. Here we report that sera from children with autism which exhibited abnormal levels of various neurotrophic factors induced cell death and oxidative stress in mouse primary cultured cortical neurons. The effects of sera from autistic children were rescued by pre-treatment with a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) small peptide mimetic, Peptide 6 (P6), which was previously shown to exert its neuroprotective effect by modulating CNTF/JAK/STAT pathway and LIF signaling and by enhancing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Similar neurotoxic effects and neuroinflammation were observed in young Wistar rats injected intracerebroventricularly with autism sera within hours after birth. The autism sera injected rats demonstrated developmental delay and deficits in social communication, interaction, and novelty. Both the neurobiological changes and the behavioral autistic phenotype were ameliorated by P6 treatment. These findings implicate the involvement of neurotrophic imbalance during early brain development in the pathophysiology of autism and a proof of principle of P6 as a potential therapeutic strategy for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faraz Kazim
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Neural and Behavioral Science Graduate Program, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Center for Developmental Neuroscience (CDN), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Maria del Carmen Cardenas-Aguayo
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Arif
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Julie Blanchard
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Fatima Fayyaz
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Inge Grundke-Iqbal
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Center for Developmental Neuroscience (CDN), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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