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Majeed J, Sabbagh MN, Kang MH, Lawrence JJ, Pruitt K, Bacus S, Reyna E, Brown M, Decourt B. Cancer drugs with high repositioning potential for Alzheimer's disease. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023; 28:311-332. [PMID: 38100555 PMCID: PMC10877737 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2296079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the recent full FDA approval of lecanemab, there is currently no disease modifying therapy (DMT) that can efficiently slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the general population. This statement emphasizes the need to identify novel DMTs in the shortest time possible to prevent a global epidemic of AD cases as the world population experiences an increase in lifespan. AREAS COVERED Here, we review several classes of anti-cancer drugs that have been or are being investigated in Phase II/III clinical trials for AD, including immunomodulatory drugs, RXR agonists, sex hormone therapies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. EXPERT OPINION Given the overall course of brain pathologies during the progression of AD, we express a great enthusiasm for the repositioning of anti-cancer drugs as possible AD DMTs. We anticipate an increasing number of combinatorial therapy strategies to tackle AD symptoms and their underlying pathologies. However, we strongly encourage improvements in clinical trial study designs to better assess target engagement and possible efficacy over sufficient periods of drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Majeed
- University of Arizona Honors College, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Marwan N. Sabbagh
- Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Min H. Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - J. Josh Lawrence
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kevin Pruitt
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Ellie Reyna
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Maddy Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Boris Decourt
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Roseman University of Health Sciences, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Motaln H, Rogelj B. The Role of c-Abl Tyrosine Kinase in Brain and Its Pathologies. Cells 2023; 12:2041. [PMID: 37626851 PMCID: PMC10453230 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated status, low regenerative capacity and complex signaling make neuronal tissues highly susceptible to translating an imbalance in cell homeostasis into cell death. The high rate of neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly population confirms this. The multiple and divergent signaling cascades downstream of the various stress triggers challenge researchers to identify the central components of the stress-induced signaling pathways that cause neurodegeneration. Because of their critical role in cell homeostasis, kinases have emerged as one of the key regulators. Among kinases, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (Abelson kinase) c-Abl appears to be involved in both the normal development of neural tissue and the development of neurodegenerative pathologies when abnormally expressed or activated. However, exactly how c-Abl mediates the progression of neurodegeneration remains largely unexplored. Here, we summarize recent findings on the involvement of c-Abl in normal and abnormal processes in nervous tissue, focusing on neurons, astrocytes and microglial cells, with particular reference to molecular events at the interface between stress signaling, DNA damage, and metabolic regulation. Because inhibition of c-Abl has neuroprotective effects and can prevent neuronal death, we believe that an integrated view of c-Abl signaling in neurodegeneration could lead to significantly improved treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Motaln
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Jeffery N, Granger N. New insights into the treatment of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin since 2009: A review of 671 cases. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1114798. [PMID: 37008358 PMCID: PMC10050685 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1114798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
“Meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin” (MUO)—a collective term for a group of clinically-indistinguishable (but pathologically distinct) autoimmune diseases of the CNS—has become increasingly commonly recognized throughout the world. In the 1960s−1980s the focus was primarily on the pathological description of these conditions and, largely anecdotally, their response to glucocorticoids. The subsequent availability of magnetic resonance imaging for companion animals led to a focus on imaging characteristics and response of MUO to various immunosuppressive medications. Previous reviews have not found clear evidence of superiority of any specific treatment regimen. Here, we review outcomes in a further 671 dogs treated with various combinations of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs and reported since 2009, aiming to determine whether recommendations can be drawn from the material published during more recent decades. We observe that: (i) there is more complete information on outcome of MUO-affected dogs solely receiving glucocorticoids and these reports provide evidence to undermine the dogma that MUO inevitably requires treatment with glucocorticoids plus an immunosuppressive drug; (ii) there is far more information on the pharmacokinetics of cytarabine delivered by a variety of routes, revealing that previous dosing and duration of administration in dogs with MUO may not have been optimal; and, (iii) there is a large number of cases that could be available for entry into multi-institutional randomized controlled trials. Finally, we suggest new research avenues that might aid future clinical trials in MUO through improved understanding of etiological triggers and individual patterns of immune response, such as the impact of the gut microbiome, the potential of CSF flow cytometry, and the establishment of robust clinical scores for evaluation of treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Jeffery
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Nick Jeffery
| | - Nicolas Granger
- Bristol Vet Specialists, CVS Referrals & Bristol Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Windsor R, Stewart S, Schmidt J, Mosqueda M, Piras I, Keller SM, Steinmetz B, Borjesson DL, Huentelman M, Khanna C. A potential early clinical phenotype of necrotizing meningoencephalitis in genetically at-risk pug dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1382-1389. [PMID: 35621070 PMCID: PMC9308433 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16444] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) in the pug dogs is a fatal neuroinflammatory disease associated with rapid progression and poor response to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Diagnosis is typically made after severe neurological abnormalities have manifested. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE Pug dogs at genetic risk for NME might manifest neurological abnormalities before developing pathognomonic clinical signs of NME. ANIMALS Thirty-six pug dogs less than 4 years of age asymptomatic for NME. METHODS Prospective observational cohort study with germline genome-wide genotyping. Neurological examinations were performed 4 weeks apart to document reproducible findings of central nervous system disease. Magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and testing for infectious diseases were performed in all pugs with reproducible abnormalities detected on neurological examination. RESULTS The overall risk allele frequency in this cohort was 40%; 5 (14%) dogs were high risk, 19 (53%) dogs were medium risk, and 12 (33%) dogs were low genetic risk for NME. Reproducible abnormalities detected on neurological examination were identified in 8/24 (33%) genetically at-risk dogs and 0/12 (0%) low risk dogs. Clinical abnormalities included multifocal spinal pain in 8/8, reduced menace response in 5/8, and lateralizing postural reaction deficits in 5/8 pugs. There was a strong association between genotype risk and the presence of this clinical phenotype (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Our findings suggest the presence of a novel early clinical phenotype of NME in apparently asymptomatic genetically at-risk pugs which might be used to plan early diagnostic and therapeutic clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Windsor
- Ethos Veterinary HealthWoburnMassachusettsUSA
- Ethos Discovery (501c.3.)San DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Samuel Stewart
- Ethos Veterinary HealthWoburnMassachusettsUSA
- Ethos Discovery (501c.3.)San DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Mario Mosqueda
- Neurogenomics DivisionTranslational Genomics Research InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Ignazio Piras
- Neurogenomics DivisionTranslational Genomics Research InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Stefan M. Keller
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, ImmunologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Briana Steinmetz
- Ethos Veterinary HealthWoburnMassachusettsUSA
- Ethos Discovery (501c.3.)San DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Dori L. Borjesson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, ImmunologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew Huentelman
- Neurogenomics DivisionTranslational Genomics Research InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Chand Khanna
- Ethos Veterinary HealthWoburnMassachusettsUSA
- Ethos Discovery (501c.3.)San DiegoCaliforniaUSA
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Klose K, Packeiser EM, Granados-Soler JL, Hewicker-Trautwein M, Murua Escobar H, Nolte I. Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of masitinib and expression of its specific targets c-Kit, PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β, and Lyn in canine prostate cancer cell lines. Vet Comp Oncol 2022; 20:641-652. [PMID: 35384248 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Canine prostate cancer is classified into adenocarcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma with prostatic involvement, and mixed forms. Early metastatic spread leads to poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Masitinib is approved for the treatment of canine mast cell tumours and inhibits tyrosine kinase c-Kit, tyrosine-protein kinase Lyn (Lyn), and platelet-derived growth factor receptors alpha and beta (PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β), which are known to be expressed in canine prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate masitinib in an in vitro model consisting of cell lines from primary prostate adenocarcinoma, the associated lymph node metastasis of the same patient, and transitional cell carcinoma. To assess the suitability of the model system, the targets of masitinib were investigated by immunocytochemistry in the cell lines and by immunohistochemistry in the respective formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) original neoplastic tissue. After exposure to masitinib, cell viability, cell count, apoptosis induction, and protein expression of c-Kit, Lyn, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β were assessed. To hedge the efficacy, two application protocols of masitinib (single application or 12-h double-dose regimen) were compared. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased Lyn, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β expression in cell lines and FFPE original neoplastic tissue compared to healthy prostate tissue. Masitinib exposure increased apoptosis, while the cell counts and cell viability decreased in a dose- and application interval-dependent manner, with increased impact in the 12-h double-dose regimen. These in vitro effects of masitinib in canine prostate cancer and associated metastasis support further in vivo research and modifications of the clinical treatment protocol in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Klose
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Packeiser
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Hugo Murua Escobar
- Division of Medicine Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ingo Nolte
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Elbert JA, Yau W, Rissi DR. Neuroinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system of dogs: A retrospective study of 207 cases (2008-2019). THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2022; 63:178-186. [PMID: 35110776 PMCID: PMC8759338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study we describe 207 cases of neuroinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in dogs autopsied at the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (University of Georgia, United States) from 2008 to 2019. Idiopathic and infectious diseases were diagnosed in 111 cases (53.6%) and 96 cases (46.4%), respectively. Idiopathic diseases consisted of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (n = 42; 37.8% of idiopathic cases), nonspecific lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalomyelitis (n = 39; 35.1%), necrotizing meningoencephalomyelitis (n = 22; 19.8%), presumed steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (n = 6; 5.4%), and necrotizing leukoencephalitis (n = 2; 1.8%). Infectious diseases consisted of bacterial infections (n = 49; 51% of infectious cases), viral infections (n = 39; 40.6%), fungal infections (n = 5; 5.2%), and parasitic infections (n = 3; 3.1%). Our study provides an overview of the most frequent neuroinflammatory diseases of the CNS of dogs in our diagnostic routine; indicates that a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including a thorough evaluation of the pathology findings and ancillary laboratory testing results, is important for an adequate diagnosis of neurologic diseases in dogs; and underscores the problems associated with the variability in tissue sample collection methods among cases. The great number of nonspecific lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis also highlights the need for development of molecular laboratory tests to identify potential infectious agents in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Elbert
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Rissi), Department of Pathology (Elbert), University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia; Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, California (Yau)
| | - Wilson Yau
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Rissi), Department of Pathology (Elbert), University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia; Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, California (Yau)
| | - Daniel R Rissi
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Rissi), Department of Pathology (Elbert), University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia; Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, California (Yau)
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Song JH, Yu DH, Hwang TS, Seung BJ, Sur JH, Kim YJ, Jung DI. Expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α/ß, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, c-Abl, and c-Kit in canine granulomatous meningoencephalitis and necrotizing encephalitis. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:965-974. [PMID: 32585777 PMCID: PMC7738704 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Given the active research on targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitors (TKIs) in the field of oncology, further studies have recently been conducted to evaluate their use in autoimmune disorders. Based on immunological investigations, previous studies have suggested that granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) and necrotizing encephalomyelitis (NE) are similar to multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a human autoimmune demyelinating central nervous system disease. Objectives Considering this perspective, we hypothesized that canine GME and NE have significant expression of one or more TKs, which are associated with human MS pathogenesis. Methods To determine the possible use of conventional multi‐targeted TKIs as a treatment for canine GME and NE, we characterized the immunohistochemical expression of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)‐α, PDGFR‐ß, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)‐2, c‐Abl and c‐Kit in GME and NE samples. Results Histological samples from four dogs with GME and three with NE were retrieved. All samples stained positive for PDGFR‐ß (7/7 [100%]). PDGFR‐α and c‐Kit were expressed in 3/7 (42.8%) samples each. c‐Abl was identified in 2/7 (28.5%) samples; no sample showed VEGFR‐2 (0%) expression. Co‐expression of TKs was identified in 6/7 (85.7%) dogs. Conclusions All samples were positive for at least one or more of PDGFR‐α, PDGFR‐ß, c‐Kit and c‐Abl, which are known as the target TKs of conventional multi‐targeted TKIs. Their presence does suggest that these TKs may play a role in the pathogenesis of GME and NE. Therefore, multi‐targeted TKIs may provide benefits in the treatment of canine GME and NE by suppressing the activity of these TKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joong-Hyun Song
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hyeon Yu
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Sung Hwang
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joon Seung
- Department of Pathobiology, Small Animal Tumor Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyang Sur
- Department of Pathobiology, Small Animal Tumor Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joo Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Dong-In Jung
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
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