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Joyce MKP, Uchendu S, Arnsten AFT. Stress and inflammation target dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function: Neural mechanisms underlying weakened cognitive control. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01420-3. [PMID: 38944141 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Most mental disorders involve dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), a recently evolved brain region that subserves working memory, abstraction and the thoughtful regulation of attention, action and emotion. For example, schizophrenia, depression, long-COVID and Alzheimer's disease are all associated with dlPFC dysfunction, with neuropathology often focused in layer III. The dlPFC has extensive top-down projections: e.g. to the posterior association cortices to regulate attention, and the subgenual cingulate cortex via the rostral and medial PFC to regulate emotional responses. However, the dlPFC is particularly dependent on arousal state, and is very vulnerable to stress and inflammation, which are etiological and/or exacerbating factors in most mental disorders. The cellular mechanisms by which stress and inflammation impact the dlPFC are a topic of current research, and are summarized in this review. For example, the layer III dlPFC circuits generating working memory-related neuronal firing have unusual neurotransmission, depending on NMDAR and nicotinic-α7R actions that are blocked under inflammatory conditions by kynurenic acid. These circuits also have unusual neuromodulation, with the molecular machinery to magnify calcium signaling in spines needed to support persistent firing, which must be tightly regulated to prevent toxic calcium actions. Stress rapidly weakens layer III connectivity by driving feedforward calcium-cAMP opening of potassium channels on spines. This is regulated by postsynaptic noradrenergic α2A-AR and mGluR3 signaling, but dysregulated by inflammation and/or chronic stress exposure, contributing to spine loss. Treatments that strengthen dlPFC, via pharmacological (the α2A-AR agonist, guanfacine) or rTMS manipulation, provide a rational basis for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kate P Joyce
- Dept Neuroscience, Yale Medical School, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT USA 06510
| | - Stacy Uchendu
- Dept Neuroscience, Yale Medical School, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT USA 06510
| | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Dept Neuroscience, Yale Medical School, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT USA 06510.
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Li H, Guan M, Zhang NN, Wang Y, Liang T, Wu H, Wang C, Sun T, Liu S. Harnessing nanomedicine for modulating microglial states in the central nervous system disorders: Challenges and opportunities. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117011. [PMID: 38917758 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding to pathological events in the central nervous system (CNS). Their dynamic and multidimensional states in different environments are pivotal factors in various CNS disorders. However, therapeutic modulation of microglial states is challenging due to the intricate balance these cells maintain in the CNS environment and the blood-brain barrier's restriction of drug delivery. Nanomedicine presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges, offering a method for the targeted and efficient modulation of microglial states. This review covers the challenges faced in microglial therapeutic modulation and potential use of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. We provide an in-depth examination of nanoparticle applications for modulating microglial states in a range of CNS disorders, encompassing neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, infections, traumatic injuries, stroke, tumors, chronic pain, and psychiatric conditions. This review highlights the recent advancements and future prospects in nanomedicine for microglial modulation, paving the way for future research and clinical applications of therapeutic interventions in CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisong Li
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Meng Guan
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ning-Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yizhuo Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Tingting Liang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Wiseman RL, Bigos KL, Dastgheyb RM, Barker PB, Rubin LH, Slusher BS. Brain N -acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate is associated with cognitive function in older virally suppressed people with HIV. AIDS 2024; 38:1003-1011. [PMID: 38411600 PMCID: PMC11062820 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003871] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive impairment persists in virally suppressed people with HIV (VS-PWH) especially in higher order domains. One cortical circuit, linked to these domains, is regulated by N -acetyl-aspartyl glutamate (NAAG), the endogenous agonist of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 3. The enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) catabolizes NAAG and is upregulated in aging and disease. Inhibition of GCPII increases brain NAAG and improves learning and memory in rodent and primate models. DESIGN As higher order cognitive impairment is present in VS-PWH, and NAAG has not been investigated in earlier magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies (MRS), we investigated if brain NAAG levels measured by MRS were associated with cognitive function. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 7-Tesla MRS data from a previously published study on cognition in older VS-PWH. The original study did not separately quantify NAAG, therefore, work for this report focused on relationships between regional NAAG levels in frontal white matter (FWM), left hippocampus, left basal ganglia and domain-specific cognitive performance in 40 VS-PWH after adjusting for confounds. Participants were older than 50 years, negative for affective and neurologic disorders, and had no prior 3-month psychoactive-substance use. RESULTS Higher NAAG levels in FWM were associated with better attention/working memory. Higher left basal ganglia NAAG related to better verbal fluency. There was a positive relationship between hippocampal NAAG and executive function which lost significance after correction for confounds. CONCLUSION These data suggest brain NAAG serves as a biomarker of cognition in VS-PWH. Pharmacological modulation of brain NAAG warrants investigation as a therapeutic approach for cognitive deficits in VS-PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn L. Wiseman
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology
| | - Kristin L. Bigos
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | | | - Peter B. Barker
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences
| | - Leah H. Rubin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Department of Neurology
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Department of Neurology
- Department of Oncology
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Galindo AN, Frey Rubio DA, Hettiaratchi MH. Biomaterial strategies for regulating the neuroinflammatory response. MATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 5:4025-4054. [PMID: 38774837 PMCID: PMC11103561 DOI: 10.1039/d3ma00736g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Injury and disease in the central nervous system (CNS) can result in a dysregulated inflammatory environment that inhibits the repair of functional tissue. Biomaterials present a promising approach to tackle this complex inhibitory environment and modulate the mechanisms involved in neuroinflammation to halt the progression of secondary injury and promote the repair of functional tissue. In this review, we will cover recent advances in biomaterial strategies, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, implantable scaffolds, and neural probe coatings, that have been used to modulate the innate immune response to injury and disease within the CNS. The stages of inflammation following CNS injury and the main inflammatory contributors involved in common neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed, as understanding the inflammatory response to injury and disease is critical for identifying therapeutic targets and designing effective biomaterial-based treatment strategies. Biomaterials and novel composites will then be discussed with an emphasis on strategies that deliver immunomodulatory agents or utilize cell-material interactions to modulate inflammation and promote functional tissue repair. We will explore the application of these biomaterial-based strategies in the context of nanoparticle- and hydrogel-mediated delivery of small molecule drugs and therapeutic proteins to inflamed nervous tissue, implantation of hydrogels and scaffolds to modulate immune cell behavior and guide axon elongation, and neural probe coatings to mitigate glial scarring and enhance signaling at the tissue-device interface. Finally, we will present a future outlook on the growing role of biomaterial-based strategies for immunomodulation in regenerative medicine and neuroengineering applications in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alycia N Galindo
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
| | - David A Frey Rubio
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
| | - Marian H Hettiaratchi
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
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Dhull A, Zhang Z, Sharma R, Dar AI, Rani A, Wei J, Gopalakrishnan S, Ghannam A, Hahn V, Pulukuri AJ, Tasevski S, Moughni S, Wu BJ, Sharma A. Discovery of 2-deoxy glucose surfaced mixed layer dendrimer: a smart neuron targeted systemic drug delivery system for brain diseases. Theranostics 2024; 14:3221-3245. [PMID: 38855177 PMCID: PMC11155412 DOI: 10.7150/thno.95476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The availability of non-invasive drug delivery systems capable of efficiently transporting bioactive molecules across the blood-brain barrier to specific cells at the injury site in the brain is currently limited. Delivering drugs to neurons presents an even more formidable challenge due to their lower numbers and less phagocytic nature compared to other brain cells. Additionally, the diverse types of neurons, each performing specific functions, necessitate precise targeting of those implicated in the disease. Moreover, the complex synthetic design of drug delivery systems often hinders their clinical translation. The production of nanomaterials at an industrial scale with high reproducibility and purity is particularly challenging. However, overcoming this challenge is possible by designing nanomaterials through a straightforward, facile, and easily reproducible synthetic process. Methods: In this study, we have developed a third-generation 2-deoxy-glucose functionalized mixed layer dendrimer (2DG-D) utilizing biocompatible and cost-effective materials via a highly facile convergent approach, employing copper-catalyzed click chemistry. We further evaluated the systemic neuronal targeting and biodistribution of 2DG-D, and brain delivery of a neuroprotective agent pioglitazone (Pio) in a pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) model. Results: The 2DG-D exhibits favorable characteristics including high water solubility, biocompatibility, biological stability, nanoscale size, and a substantial number of end groups suitable for drug conjugation. Upon systemic administration in a pediatric mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), the 2DG-D localizes in neurons at the injured brain site, clears rapidly from off-target locations, effectively delivers Pio, ameliorates neuroinflammation, and improves behavioral outcomes. Conclusions: The promising in vivo results coupled with a convenient synthetic approach for the construction of 2DG-D makes it a potential nanoplatform for addressing brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhav Dhull
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, 1470 NE College Ave, Pullman, WA, USA 99164
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan -Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, USA 48128
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, 1470 NE College Ave, Pullman, WA, USA 99164
| | - Aqib Iqbal Dar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, 1470 NE College Ave, Pullman, WA, USA 99164
| | - Anu Rani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, 1470 NE College Ave, Pullman, WA, USA 99164
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA 99202
| | - Shamila Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, 1470 NE College Ave, Pullman, WA, USA 99164
| | - Amanda Ghannam
- Department of Natural Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan -Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, USA 48128
| | - Victoria Hahn
- Department of Natural Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan -Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, USA 48128
| | - Anunay James Pulukuri
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, 1470 NE College Ave, Pullman, WA, USA 99164
| | - Stefanie Tasevski
- Department of Natural Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan -Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, USA 48128
| | - Sara Moughni
- Department of Natural Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan -Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, USA 48128
| | - Boyang Jason Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA 99202
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, 1470 NE College Ave, Pullman, WA, USA 99164
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6
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Tallon C, Bell BJ, Malvankar MM, Deme P, Nogueras-Ortiz C, Eren E, Thomas AG, Hollinger KR, Pal A, Mustapic M, Huang M, Coleman K, Joe TR, Rais R, Haughey NJ, Kapogiannis D, Slusher BS. Inhibiting tau-induced elevated nSMase2 activity and ceramides is therapeutic in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:56. [PMID: 38049923 PMCID: PMC10694940 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) propagation between neurons along synaptically connected networks, in part via extracellular vesicles (EVs). EV biogenesis is triggered by ceramide enrichment at the plasma membrane from neutral sphingomyelinase2 (nSMase2)-mediated cleavage of sphingomyelin. We report, for the first time, that human tau expression elevates brain ceramides and nSMase2 activity. METHODS To determine the therapeutic benefit of inhibiting this elevation, we evaluated PDDC, the first potent, selective, orally bioavailable, and brain-penetrable nSMase2 inhibitor in the transgenic PS19 AD mouse model. Additionally, we directly evaluated the effect of PDDC on tau propagation in a mouse model where an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding P301L/S320F double mutant human tau was stereotaxically-injected unilaterally into the hippocampus. The contralateral transfer of the double mutant human tau to the dentate gyrus was monitored. We examined ceramide levels, histopathological changes, and pTau content within EVs isolated from the mouse plasma. RESULTS Similar to human AD, the PS19 mice exhibited increased brain ceramide levels and nSMase2 activity; both were completely normalized by PDDC treatment. The PS19 mice also exhibited elevated tau immunostaining, thinning of hippocampal neuronal cell layers, increased mossy fiber synaptophysin immunostaining, and glial activation, all of which were pathologic features of human AD. PDDC treatment reduced these changes. The plasma of PDDC-treated PS19 mice had reduced levels of neuronal- and microglial-derived EVs, the former carrying lower pTau levels, compared to untreated mice. In the tau propagation model, PDDC normalized the tau-induced increase in brain ceramides and significantly reduced the amount of tau propagation to the contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS PDDC is a first-in-class therapeutic candidate that normalizes elevated brain ceramides and nSMase2 activity, leading to the slowing of tau spread in AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Tallon
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Benjamin J Bell
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Medhinee M Malvankar
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Pragney Deme
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Carlos Nogueras-Ortiz
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Ste 8C228, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Erden Eren
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Ste 8C228, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ajit G Thomas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kristen R Hollinger
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Arindom Pal
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Maja Mustapic
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Ste 8C228, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Meixiang Huang
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kaleem Coleman
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Tawnjerae R Joe
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rana Rais
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Norman J Haughey
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Rangos 278, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Pathology 517, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Dimitrios Kapogiannis
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Ste 8C228, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Barbara S Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Rangos 278, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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7
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Arnsten AFT, Ishizawa Y, Xie Z. Scientific rationale for the use of α2A-adrenoceptor agonists in treating neuroinflammatory cognitive disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4540-4552. [PMID: 37029295 PMCID: PMC10080530 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02057-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory disorders preferentially impair the higher cognitive and executive functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This includes such challenging disorders as delirium, perioperative neurocognitive disorder, and the sustained cognitive deficits from "long-COVID" or traumatic brain injury. There are no FDA-approved treatments for these symptoms; thus, understanding their etiology is important for generating therapeutic strategies. The current review describes the molecular rationale for why PFC circuits are especially vulnerable to inflammation, and how α2A-adrenoceptor (α2A-AR) actions throughout the nervous and immune systems can benefit the circuits in PFC needed for higher cognition. The layer III circuits in the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) that generate and sustain the mental representations needed for higher cognition have unusual neurotransmission and neuromodulation. They are wholly dependent on NMDAR neurotransmission, with little AMPAR contribution, and thus are especially vulnerable to kynurenic acid inflammatory signaling which blocks NMDAR. Layer III dlPFC spines also have unusual neuromodulation, with cAMP magnification of calcium signaling in spines, which opens nearby potassium channels to rapidly weaken connectivity and reduce neuronal firing. This process must be tightly regulated, e.g. by mGluR3 or α2A-AR on spines, to prevent loss of firing. However, the production of GCPII inflammatory signaling reduces mGluR3 actions and markedly diminishes dlPFC network firing. Both basic and clinical studies show that α2A-AR agonists such as guanfacine can restore dlPFC network firing and cognitive function, through direct actions in the dlPFC, but also by reducing the activity of stress-related circuits, e.g. in the locus coeruleus and amygdala, and by having anti-inflammatory actions in the immune system. This information is particularly timely, as guanfacine is currently the focus of large clinical trials for the treatment of delirium, and in open label studies for the treatment of cognitive deficits from long-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy F T Arnsten
- Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 056510, USA.
| | - Yumiko Ishizawa
- Department Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Zhongcong Xie
- Department Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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8
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Saksena J, Hamilton AE, Gilbert RJ, Zuidema JM. Nanomaterial payload delivery to central nervous system glia for neural protection and repair. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1266019. [PMID: 37941607 PMCID: PMC10628439 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1266019] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) glia, including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, play prominent roles in traumatic injury and degenerative disorders. Due to their importance, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are being developed to modulate CNS glia in order to improve outcomes in traumatic injury and disease. While many of these APIs show promise in vitro, the majority of APIs that are systemically delivered show little penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) and into the CNS, rendering them ineffective. Novel nanomaterials are being developed to deliver APIs into the CNS to modulate glial responses and improve outcomes in injury and disease. Nanomaterials are attractive options as therapies for central nervous system protection and repair in degenerative disorders and traumatic injury due to their intrinsic capabilities in API delivery. Nanomaterials can improve API accumulation in the CNS by increasing permeation through the BBB of systemically delivered APIs, extending the timeline of API release, and interacting biophysically with CNS cell populations due to their mechanical properties and nanoscale architectures. In this review, we present the recent advances in the fields of both locally implanted nanomaterials and systemically administered nanoparticles developed for the delivery of APIs to the CNS that modulate glial activity as a strategy to improve outcomes in traumatic injury and disease. We identify current research gaps and discuss potential developments in the field that will continue to translate the use of glia-targeting nanomaterials to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayant Saksena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Adelle E. Hamilton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Ryan J. Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan M. Zuidema
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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9
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Wu T, Liu C, Kannan RM. Systemic Dendrimer-Peptide Therapies for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2428. [PMID: 37896188 PMCID: PMC10609940 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102428] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an end-stage event in a complex pathogenesis of macular degeneration, involving the abnormal growth of blood vessels at the retinal pigment epithelium driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Current therapies seek to interrupt VEGF signaling to halt the progress of neovascularization, but a significant patient population is not responsive. New treatment modalities such as integrin-binding peptides (risuteganib/Luminate/ALG-1001) are being explored to address this clinical need but these treatments necessitate the use of intravitreal injections (IVT), which carries risks of complications and restricts its availability in less-developed countries. Successful systemic delivery of peptide-based therapeutics must overcome obstacles such as degradation by proteinases in circulation and off-target binding. In this work, we present a novel dendrimer-integrin-binding peptide (D-ALG) synthesized with a noncleavable, "clickable" linker. In vitro, D-ALG protected the peptide payload from enzymatic degradation for up to 1.5 h (~90% of the compound remained intact) in a high concentration of proteinase (2 mg/mL) whereas ~90% of free ALG-1001 was degraded in the same period. Further, dendrimer conjugation preserved the antiangiogenic activity of ALG-1001 in vitro with significant reductions in endothelial vessel network formation compared to untreated controls. In vivo, direct intravitreal injections of ALG-1001 and D-ALG produced reductions in the CNV lesion area but in systemically dosed animals, only D-ALG produced significant reductions of CNV lesion area at 14 days. Imaging data suggested that the difference in efficacy may be due to more D-ALG remaining in the target area than ALG-1001 after administration. The results presented here offer a clinically relevant route for peptide therapeutics by addressing the major obstacles that these therapies face in delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rangaramanujam M. Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (T.W.); (C.L.)
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10
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Kannan RM, Pitha I, Parikh KS. A new era in posterior segment ocular drug delivery: Translation of systemic, cell-targeted, dendrimer-based therapies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115005. [PMID: 37419213 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115005] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Vision impairment and loss due to posterior segment ocular disorders, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are a rapidly growing cause of disability globally. Current treatments consist primarily of intravitreal injections aimed at preventing disease progression and characterized by high cost and repeated clinic visits. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for drug delivery to the eye, with potential to overcome anatomical and physiological barriers to provide safe, effective, and sustained treatment modalities. However, there are few nanomedicines approved for posterior segment disorders, and fewer that target specific cells or that are compatible with systemic administration. Targeting cell types that mediate these disorders via systemic administration may unlock transformative opportunities for nanomedicine and significantly improve patient access, acceptability, and outcomes. We highlight the development of hydroxyl polyamidoamine dendrimer-based therapeutics that demonstrate ligand-free cell targeting via systemic administration and are under clinical investigation for treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rangaramanujam M Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Ian Pitha
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kunal S Parikh
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Tallon C, Bell BJ, Malvankar MM, Deme P, Nogueras-Ortiz C, Eren E, Thomas AG, Hollinger KR, Pal A, Mustapic M, Huang M, Coleman K, Joe TR, Rais R, Haughey NJ, Kapogiannis D, Slusher BS. Inhibiting tau-induced elevated nSMase2 activity and ceramides is therapeutic in murine Alzheimer's disease. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3131295. [PMID: 37502930 PMCID: PMC10371082 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3131295/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with prion-like tau propagation between neurons along synaptically connected networks, in part via extracellular vesicles (EV). EV biogenesis is triggered by ceramide enrichment at the plasma membrane from neutral sphingomyelinase2(nSMase2)-mediated cleavage of sphingomyelin. We report, for the first time, that tau expression triggers an elevation in brain ceramides and nSMase2 activity. Methods To determine the therapeutic benefit of inhibiting this elevation, we evaluated the efficacy of PDDC, the first potent, selective, orally bioavailable, and brain-penetrable nSMase2 inhibitor, in the PS19 tau transgenic AD murine model. Changes in brain ceramide and sphingomyelin levels, Tau content, histopathology, and nSMase2 target engagement were monitored, as well as changes in the number of brain-derived EVs in plasma and their Tau content. Additionally, we evaluated the ability of PDDC to impede tau propagation in a murine model where an adeno-associated virus(AAV) encoding for P301L/S320F double mutant human tau was stereotaxically-injected unilaterally into the hippocampus and the contralateral transfer to the dentate gyrus was monitored. Results Similar to human AD, PS19 mice exhibited increased brain ceramides and nSMase2 activity; both were completely normalized by PDDC treatment. PS19 mice exhibited elevated tau immunostaining, thinning of hippocampal neuronal cell layers, increased mossy fiber synaptophysin immunostaining, and glial activation, all pathologic features of human AD. PDDC treatment significantly attenuated these aberrant changes. Mouse plasma isolated from PDDC-treated PS19 mice exhibited reduced levels of neuron- and microglia-derived EVs, the former carrying lower phosphorylated Tau(pTau) levels, compared to untreated mice. In the AAV tau propagation model, PDDC normalized the tau-induced increase in brain ceramides and significantly decreased tau spreading to the contralateral side. Conclusions PDDC is a first-in-class therapeutic candidate that normalizes elevated brain ceramides and nSMase2 activity leading to the slowing of tau spread in AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Erden Eren
- National Institute on Aging Laboratory of Clinical Investigation
| | | | | | | | - Maja Mustapic
- National Institute on Aging Laboratory of Clinical Investigation
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12
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Fesharaki Zadeh A, Arnsten AFT, Wang M. Scientific Rationale for the Treatment of Cognitive Deficits from Long COVID. Neurol Int 2023; 15:725-742. [PMID: 37368329 PMCID: PMC10303664 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15020045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained cognitive deficits are a common and debilitating feature of "long COVID", but currently there are no FDA-approved treatments. The cognitive functions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) are the most consistently afflicted by long COVID, including deficits in working memory, motivation, and executive functioning. COVID-19 infection greatly increases kynurenic acid (KYNA) and glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) in brain, both of which can be particularly deleterious to PFC function. KYNA blocks both NMDA and nicotinic-alpha-7 receptors, the two receptors required for dlPFC neurotransmission, and GCPII reduces mGluR3 regulation of cAMP-calcium-potassium channel signaling, which weakens dlPFC network connectivity and reduces dlPFC neuronal firing. Two agents approved for other indications may be helpful in restoring dlPFC physiology: the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine inhibits the production of KYNA, and the α2A-adrenoceptor agonist guanfacine regulates cAMP-calcium-potassium channel signaling in dlPFC and is also anti-inflammatory. Thus, these agents may be helpful in treating the cognitive symptoms of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Fesharaki Zadeh
- Departments of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Amy F. T. Arnsten
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Min Wang
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
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13
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Sah N, Zhang Z, Chime A, Fowler A, Mendez-Trendler A, Sharma A, Kannan RM, Slusher B, Kannan S. Dendrimer-Conjugated Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II Inhibitor Restores Microglial Changes in a Rabbit Model of Cerebral Palsy. Dev Neurosci 2023; 45:268-275. [PMID: 36990069 PMCID: PMC10614263 DOI: 10.1159/000530389] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that maternal endotoxin exposure leads to a phenotype of cerebral palsy and pro-inflammatory microglia in the brain in neonatal rabbits. "Activated" microglia overexpress the enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) that hydrolyzes N-acetylaspartylglutamate to N-acetylaspartate and glutamate, and we have shown previously that inhibiting microglial GCPII is neuroprotective. Glutamate-induced injury and associated immune signaling can alter microglial responses including microglial process movements for surveillance and phagocytosis. We hypothesize that inhibition of GCPII activity could alter microglial phenotype and normalize microglial process movement/dynamics. Newborn rabbit kits exposed to endotoxin in utero, when treated with dendrimer-conjugated 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid (D-2PMPA), a potent and selective inhibitor of microglial GCPII, showed profound changes in microglial phenotype within 48 h of treatment. Live imaging of hippocampal microglia in ex vivo brain slice preparations revealed larger cell body and phagocytic cup sizes with less stable microglia processes in CP kits compared to healthy controls. D-2PMPA treatment led to significant reversal of microglial process stability to healthy control levels. Our results emphasize the importance of microglial process dynamics in determining the state of microglial function in the developing brain and demonstrate how GCPII inhibition specifically in microglia can effectively change the microglial process motility to healthy control levels, potentially impacting migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirnath Sah
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, USA
| | - Alicia Chime
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amanda Fowler
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Antonio Mendez-Trendler
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Rangaramanujam M. Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barbara Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Dendrimers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by progressive loss of structure or function of neurons. Current therapies for NDs are only symptomatic and long-term ineffective. This challenge has promoted the development of new therapies against relevant targets in these pathologies. In this review, we will focus on the most promising therapeutic approaches based on dendrimers (DDs) specially designed for the treatment and diagnosis of NDs. DDs are well-defined polymeric structures that provide a multifunctional platform for developing different nanosystems for a myriad of applications. DDs have been proposed as interesting drug delivery systems with the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and increase the bioavailability of classical drugs in the brain, as well as genetic material, by reducing the synthesis of specific targets, as β-amyloid peptide. Moreover, DDs have been shown to be promising anti-amyloidogenic systems against amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and Tau aggregation, powerful agents for blocking α-synuclein (α-syn) fibrillation, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, promote cellular uptake to certain cell types, and are potential tools for ND diagnosis. In summary, DDs have emerged as promising alternatives to current ND therapies since they may limit the extent of damage and provide neuroprotection to the affected tissues.
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15
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Li H, Zha S, Li H, Liu H, Wong KL, All AH. Polymeric Dendrimers as Nanocarrier Vectors for Neurotheranostics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2203629. [PMID: 36084240 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202203629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendrimers are polymers with well-defined 3D branched structures that are vastly utilized in various neurotheranostics and biomedical applications, particularly as nanocarrier vectors. Imaging agents can be loaded into dendrimers to improve the accuracy of diagnostic imaging processes. Likewise, combining pharmaceutical agents and anticancer drugs with dendrimers can enhance their solubility, biocompatibility, and efficiency. Practically, by modifying ligands on the surface of dendrimers, effective therapeutic and diagnostic platforms can be constructed and implemented for targeted delivery. Dendrimer-based nanocarriers also show great potential in gene delivery. Since enzymes can degrade genetic materials during their blood circulation, dendrimers exhibit promising packaging and delivery alternatives, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) treatments. The DNA and RNA encapsulated in dendrimers represented by polyamidoamine that are used for targeted brain delivery, via chemical-structural adjustments and appropriate generation, significantly improve the correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. This article reports a comprehensive review of dendrimers' structures, synthesis processes, and biological applications. Recent progress in diagnostic imaging processes and therapeutic applications for cancers and other CNS diseases are presented. Potential challenges and future directions in the development of dendrimers, which provide the theoretical basis for their broader applications in healthcare, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengde Li
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Zha
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Haolan Li
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Ka-Leung Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Angelo H All
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 224 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
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16
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Tallon C, Bell BJ, Sharma A, Pal A, Malvankar MM, Thomas AG, Yoo SW, Hollinger KR, Coleman K, Wilkinson EL, Kannan S, Haughey NJ, Kannan RM, Rais R, Slusher BS. Dendrimer-Conjugated nSMase2 Inhibitor Reduces Tau Propagation in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2066. [PMID: 36297501 PMCID: PMC9609094 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β and hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau), which can spread throughout the brain via extracellular vesicles (EVs). Membrane ceramide enrichment regulated by the enzyme neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) is a critical component of at least one EV biogenesis pathway. Our group recently identified 2,6-Dimethoxy-4-(5-Phenyl-4-Thiophen-2-yl-1H-Imidazol-2-yl)-Phenol (DPTIP), the most potent (30 nM) and selective inhibitor of nSMase2 reported to date. However, DPTIP exhibits poor oral pharmacokinetics (PK), modest brain penetration, and rapid clearance, limiting its clinical translation. To enhance its PK properties, we conjugated DPTIP to a hydroxyl-PAMAM dendrimer delivery system, creating dendrimer-DPTIP (D-DPTIP). In an acute brain injury model, orally administered D-DPTIP significantly reduced the intra-striatal IL-1β-induced increase in plasma EVs up to 72 h post-dose, while oral DPTIP had a limited effect. In a mouse tau propagation model, where a mutant hTau (P301L/S320F) containing adeno-associated virus was unilaterally seeded into the hippocampus, oral D-DPTIP (dosed 3× weekly) significantly inhibited brain nSMase2 activity and blocked the spread of pTau to the contralateral hippocampus. These data demonstrate that dendrimer conjugation of DPTIP improves its PK properties, resulting in significant inhibition of EV propagation of pTau in mice. Dendrimer-based delivery of DPTIP has the potential to be an exciting new therapeutic for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Tallon
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Bell
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Arindom Pal
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | | | - Seung-Wan Yoo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Kaleem Coleman
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Wilkinson
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Moser Center for Leukodystrophies at Kennedy Krieger, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy-Krieger Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Norman J. Haughey
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rangaramanujam M. Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Moser Center for Leukodystrophies at Kennedy Krieger, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rana Rais
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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17
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Gori SS, Thomas AG, Pal A, Wiseman R, Ferraris DV, Gao RD, Wu Y, Alt J, Tsukamoto T, Slusher BS, Rais R. D-DOPA Is a Potent, Orally Bioavailable, Allosteric Inhibitor of Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102018. [PMID: 36297453 PMCID: PMC9608075 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase-II (GCPII) is a zinc-dependent metalloenzyme implicated in numerous neurological disorders. The pharmacophoric requirements of active-site GCPII inhibitors makes them highly charged, manifesting poor pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Herein, we describe the discovery and characterization of catechol-based inhibitors including L-DOPA, D-DOPA, and caffeic acid, with sub-micromolar potencies. Of these, D-DOPA emerged as the most promising compound, with good metabolic stability, and excellent PK properties. Orally administered D-DOPA yielded high plasma exposures (AUCplasma = 72.7 nmol·h/mL) and an absolute oral bioavailability of 47.7%. Unfortunately, D-DOPA brain exposures were low with AUCbrain = 2.42 nmol/g and AUCbrain/plasma ratio of 0.03. Given reports of isomeric inversion of D-DOPA to L-DOPA via D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO), we evaluated D-DOPA PK in combination with the DAAO inhibitor sodium benzoate and observed a >200% enhancement in both plasma and brain exposures (AUCplasma = 185 nmol·h/mL; AUCbrain = 5.48 nmol·h/g). Further, we demonstrated GCPII target engagement; orally administered D-DOPA with or without sodium benzoate caused significant inhibition of GCPII activity. Lastly, mode of inhibition studies revealed D-DOPA to be a noncompetitive, allosteric inhibitor of GCPII. To our knowledge, this is the first report of D-DOPA as a distinct scaffold for GCPII inhibition, laying the groundwork for future optimization to obtain clinically viable candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadakatali S. Gori
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ajit G. Thomas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Arindom Pal
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robyn Wiseman
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dana V. Ferraris
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Run-duo Gao
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ying Wu
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jesse Alt
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Takashi Tsukamoto
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence: (B.S.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Rana Rais
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence: (B.S.S.); (R.R.)
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18
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Jeitner TM, Babich JW, Kelly JM. Advances in PSMA theranostics. Transl Oncol 2022; 22:101450. [PMID: 35597190 PMCID: PMC9123266 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PSMA is an appealing target for theranostic because it is a transmembrane protein with a known substrate that is overexpessed on prostate cancer cells and internalizes upon ligand binding. There are a number of PSMA theranostic ligands in clinical evaluation, clinical trial, or clinically approved. PSMA theranostic ligands increase progression-free survival, overall survival, and pain in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. A major obstacle to PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy is off-target toxicity in salivary glands.
The validation of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a molecular target in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has stimulated the development of multiple classes of theranostic ligands that specifically target PSMA. Theranostic ligands are used to image disease or selectively deliver cytotoxic radioactivity to cells expressing PSMA according to the radioisotope conjugated to the ligand. PSMA theranostics is a rapidly advancing field that is now integrating into clinical management of prostate cancer patients. In this review we summarize published research describing the biological role(s) and activity of PSMA, highlight the most clinically advanced PSMA targeting molecules and biomacromolecules, and identify next generation PSMA ligands that aim to further improve treatment efficacy. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state-of-play and a roadmap to achieving further advances in PSMA theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Jeitner
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Belfer Research Building, 413 East 69th Street, Room BB-1604, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - John W Babich
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Belfer Research Building, 413 East 69th Street, Room BB-1604, New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - James M Kelly
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Belfer Research Building, 413 East 69th Street, Room BB-1604, New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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19
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Tallon C, Sharma A, Zhang Z, Thomas AG, Ng J, Zhu X, Donoghue A, Schulte M, Joe TR, Kambhampati SP, Sharma R, Liaw K, Kannan S, Kannan RM, Slusher BS. Dendrimer-2PMPA Delays Muscle Function Loss and Denervation in a Murine Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:274-288. [PMID: 34984651 PMCID: PMC9130402 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01159-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease where muscle weakness and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation precede motor neuron cell death. Although acetylcholine is the canonical neurotransmitter at the mammalian NMJ synapse, glutamate has recently been identified as a critical neurotransmitter for NMJ development and maintenance. One source of glutamate is through the catabolism of N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG), which is found in mM concentrations in mammalian motoneurons, where it is released upon stimulation and hydrolyzed to glutamate by the glial enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII). Using the SOD1G93A model of ALS, we found an almost fourfold elevation of GCPII enzymatic activity in SOD1G93A versus WT muscle and a robust increase in GCPII expression which was specifically associated with activated macrophages infiltrating the muscle. 2-(Phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (2PMPA) is a potent GCPII inhibitor which robustly blocks glutamate release from NAAG but is highly polar with limited tissue penetration. To improve this, we covalently attached 2PMPA to a hydroxyl polyamidoamine (PAMAM-G4-OH) dendrimer delivery system (D-2PMPA) which is known to target activated macrophages in affected tissues. Systemic D-2PMPA therapy (20 mg/kg 2PMPA equivalent; IP 2 × /week) was found to localize in muscle macrophages in SOD1G93A mice and completely normalize the enhanced GCPII activity. Although no changes in body weight or survival were observed, D-2PMPA significantly improved grip strength and inhibited the loss of NMJ innervation in the gastrocnemius muscles. Our finding that inhibiting elevated GCPII activity in SOD1G93A muscle can prolong muscle function and delay NMJ denervation may have early therapeutic implications for ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Tallon
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Center for Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, 48128, USA
| | - Ajit G Thomas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Justin Ng
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amanda Donoghue
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Michael Schulte
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tawnjerae R Joe
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Siva P Kambhampati
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Kevin Liaw
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Center for Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy-Krieger, Inc, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rangaramanujam M Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine-Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy-Krieger, Inc, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Barbara S Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Rangos 278, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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20
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Yang S, Datta D, Elizabeth Woo, Duque A, Morozov YM, Arellano J, Slusher BS, Wang M, Arnsten AFT. Inhibition of glutamate-carboxypeptidase-II in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: potential therapeutic target for neuroinflammatory cognitive disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4252-4263. [PMID: 35732693 PMCID: PMC9718677 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase-II (GCPII) expression in brain is increased by inflammation, e.g. by COVID19 infection, where it reduces NAAG stimulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 3 (mGluR3). GCPII-mGluR3 signaling is increasingly linked to higher cognition, as genetic alterations that weaken mGluR3 or increase GCPII signaling are associated with impaired cognition in humans. Recent evidence from macaque dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) shows that mGluR3 are expressed on dendritic spines, where they regulate cAMP-PKA opening of potassium (K+) channels to enhance neuronal firing during working memory. However, little is known about GCPII expression and function in the primate dlPFC, despite its relevance to inflammatory disorders. The present study used multiple label immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy to localize GCPII in aging macaque dlPFC, and examined the effects of GCPII inhibition on dlPFC neuronal physiology and working memory function. GCPII was observed in astrocytes as expected, but also on neurons, including extensive expression in dendritic spines. Recordings in dlPFC from aged monkeys performing a working memory task found that iontophoresis of the GCPII inhibitors 2-MPPA or 2-PMPA markedly increased working memory-related neuronal firing and spatial tuning, enhancing neural representations. These beneficial effects were reversed by an mGluR2/3 antagonist, or by a cAMP-PKA activator, consistent with mGluR3 inhibition of cAMP-PKA-K+ channel signaling. Systemic administration of the brain penetrant inhibitor, 2-MPPA, significantly improved working memory performance without apparent side effects, with largest effects in the oldest monkeys. Taken together, these data endorse GCPII inhibition as a potential strategy for treating cognitive disorders associated with aging and/or neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengtao Yang
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Dibyadeep Datta
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Elizabeth Woo
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Alvaro Duque
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Yury M. Morozov
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Jon Arellano
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department Neurology and Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Min Wang
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Amy F. T. Arnsten
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
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21
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Krečmerová M, Majer P, Rais R, Slusher BS. Phosphonates and Phosphonate Prodrugs in Medicinal Chemistry: Past Successes and Future Prospects. Front Chem 2022; 10:889737. [PMID: 35668826 PMCID: PMC9163707 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.889737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds with a phosphonate group, i.e., -P(O)(OH)2 group attached directly to the molecule via a P-C bond serve as suitable non-hydrolyzable phosphate mimics in various biomedical applications. In principle, they often inhibit enzymes utilizing various phosphates as substrates. In this review we focus mainly on biologically active phosphonates that originated from our institute (Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague); i.e., acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs, e.g., adefovir, tenofovir, and cidofovir) and derivatives of non-nucleoside phosphonates such as 2-(phosphonomethyl) pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA). Principal strategies of their syntheses and modifications to prodrugs is reported. Besides clinically used ANP antivirals, a special attention is paid to new biologically active molecules with respect to emerging infections and arising resistance of many pathogens against standard treatments. These new structures include 2,4-diamino-6-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethoxy]pyrimidines or so-called "open-ring" derivatives, acyclic nucleoside phosphonates with 5-azacytosine as a base moiety, side-chain fluorinated ANPs, aza/deazapurine ANPs. When transformed into an appropriate prodrug by derivatizing their charged functionalities, all these compounds show promising potential to become drug candidates for the treatment of viral infections. ANP prodrugs with suitable pharmacokinetics include amino acid phosphoramidates, pivaloyloxymethyl (POM) and isopropoxycarbonyloxymethyl (POC) esters, alkyl and alkoxyalkyl esters, salicylic esters, (methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxol-4-yl) methyl (ODOL) esters and peptidomimetic prodrugs. We also focus on the story of cytostatics related to 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]guanine and its prodrugs which eventually led to development of the veterinary drug rabacfosadine. Various new ANP structures are also currently investigated as antiparasitics, especially antimalarial agents e.g., guanine and hypoxanthine derivatives with 2-(phosphonoethoxy)ethyl moiety, their thia-analogues and N-branched derivatives. In addition to ANPs and their analogs, we also describe prodrugs of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA), a potent inhibitor of the enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), also known as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Glutamate carboxypeptidase II inhibitors, including 2-PMPA have been found efficacious in various preclinical models of neurological disorders which are caused by glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Unfortunately its highly polar character and hence low bioavailability severely limits its potential for clinical use. To overcome this problem, various prodrug strategies have been used to mask carboxylates and/or phosphonate functionalities with pivaloyloxymethyl, POC, ODOL and alkyl esters. Chemistry and biological characterization led to identification of prodrugs with 44-80 fold greater oral bioavailability (tetra-ODOL-2-PMPA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Krečmerová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR), Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Marcela Krečmerová,
| | - Pavel Majer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR), Prague, Czechia
| | - Rana Rais
- Departments of Neurology, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Departments of Neurology, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Neuroscience, Medicine, Oncology, Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, MD, United States
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