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Alshammari QA. Redox modulatory role of DJ-1 in Parkinson's disease. Biogerontology 2025; 26:81. [PMID: 40159591 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-025-10227-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2025] [Accepted: 03/20/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025]
Abstract
In particular, oxidative stress, generated by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a major role in the neurodegenerative component of Parkinson's disease (PD) in aged neurons. DJ-1 (PARK7) is a key factor for maintaining redox homeostasis and modulation of mitochondrial function to preserve the cellular survival pathways. DJ-1 also plays a role in redox signaling independently of its antioxidant capacity by preventing the redox chain disulfide formation and stabilizing the master regulator of cellular antioxidant defense, Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2). In the DJ-1 or Nrf2 axis, expression of key antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in response to oxidative stress is increased, and decreased neuronal damage resulting from oxidative stress is achieved. It has been demonstrated that DJ-1 functions as an oxidative stress sensor, and mutations like L166P cause loss of antioxidant activity and increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) accumulation with subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons. The highly conserved cysteine residue at position 106 (Cys106) of DJ-1 becomes stepwise oxidized (Cys-SOH → Cys-SO₂H → Cys-SO3H), functioning as a redox sensor as well as redox modulator of cellular stress responses. Furthermore, by protecting against α-synuclein aggregation, DJ-1 also protects in models lacking DJ-1, whereby DJ-1 deficiency promotes protein misfolding and neurotoxicity. In addition, DJ-1 participates in regulating neuroinflammation since its diminution provokes NF-κB-mediated exacerbation of proinflammatory cytokine production, leading to neuronal death. Oxidized DJ-1 (OxiDJ-1) is generated in aging brains, particularly in the substantia nigra (SN), and is correlated with PD progression both as a biomarker for disease monitoring and diagnosis of PD early in its course. The therapeutic strategies aimed at DJ-1 include small molecular activators, protein supplementation (Tat-DJ-1, ND-13), and gene therapy aiming to restore the neuroprotective function of DJ-1. Since DJ-1 is multitasking to protect neurons from oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and even inflammation, it remains a promising therapeutic target. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms through which DJ-1 can protect from PD and aging-related neurodegeneration and has potential utility as a biomarker or therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qamar A Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia.
- Center for Health Research, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.
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Wang J, Zhang C, Jiang T, He Y, Wu Y, Zhou D, Yan J, Zhou Y. CDK5: Insights into its roles in diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2025; 52:145. [PMID: 39836243 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-025-10253-4] [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: 11/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 01/22/2025]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), a unique member of the CDK family, is a proline-directed serine/threonine protein kinase with critical roles in various physiological and pathological processes. Widely expressed in the central nervous system, CDK5 is strongly implicated in neurological diseases. Beyond its neurological roles, CDK5 is involved in metabolic disorders, psychiatric conditions, and tumor progression, contributing to processes such as proliferation, migration, immune evasion, genomic stability, and angiogenesis. This review explores the structure and biological functions of CDK5, highlighting its regulatory roles in disease development through the phosphorylation of diverse substrate proteins. Additionally, we examine the therapeutic potential of CDK5 inhibition, offering novel perspectives for disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
- Guangxi Medical and Health Key Cultivation Discipline Construction Project, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Yi He
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Yongli Wu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- Guangxi Medical and Health Key Cultivation Discipline Construction Project, Guilin, 541199, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Jianguo Yan
- Guangxi Medical and Health Key Cultivation Discipline Construction Project, Guilin, 541199, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China.
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China.
| | - Yali Zhou
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China.
- Guangxi Medical and Health Key Cultivation Discipline Construction Project, Guilin, 541199, China.
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China.
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Mucci S, Clas GS, Allio CP, Rodríguez-Varela MS, Isaja L, Marazita M, Sevlever GE, Scassa ME, Romorini L. CDK5 Deficiency Does not Impair Neuronal Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells but Affects Neurite Outgrowth. Mol Neurobiol 2025; 62:918-934. [PMID: 38937422 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04325-y] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a protein kinase involved in neuronal homeostasis and development critical for neuronal survival. Besides, its deregulation is linked to neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. For that reason, we aimed to generate a deficient CDK5 genetic model in neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We obtained a heterozygous CDK5+/- clone for the FN2.1 hiPSC line that retained hiPSC stemness and pluripotent potential. Then, neural stem cells (NSCs) and further neurons were derived from the CDK5+/- KO FN2.1 hiPSCs, and their phenotype was validated by immunofluorescence staining using antibodies that recognize lineage-specific markers (SOX-1, SOX-2, and NESTIN for NSCs and TUJ-1, MAP-5, and MAP-2 for neurons). We found that the proliferation rate increased in CDK5+/- KO hiPSC-derived neurons concomitantly with a reduction in NEUN and P35 expression levels. However, the morphometric analysis revealed that CDK5 deficiency caused an increase in the length of the main, primary, and secondary neurites and the neuronal soma area. As a whole, we found that a deficit in CDK5 does not impair hiPSC neuronal differentiation but deregulates proliferation and neurite outgrowth, favoring elongation. The misregulated activity of specific kinases leads to abnormalities such as impaired axonal connectivity in neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, therapeutic approaches aimed at normalizing the activity of kinases, such as CDK5, may help prevent the degeneration of vulnerable neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Mucci
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Giulia Solange Clas
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Neurociencias (LEN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Camila Paola Allio
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Soledad Rodríguez-Varela
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Isaja
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela Marazita
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Emilio Sevlever
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Elida Scassa
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Romorini
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada a Neurociencias, Instituto de Neurociencias, Fundación Para La Lucha Contra Las Enfermedades Neurológicas de La Infancia (LIAN-INEU, Fleni-CONICET), B1625XAF, Belén de Escobar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Hamidpour SK, Amiri M, Ketabforoush AHME, Saeedi S, Angaji A, Tavakol S. Unraveling Dysregulated Cell Signaling Pathways, Genetic and Epigenetic Mysteries of Parkinson's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:8928-8966. [PMID: 38573414 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04128-1] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent and burdensome neurodegenerative disorder that has been extensively researched to understand its complex etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors in PD makes its pathophysiology difficult to comprehend, emphasizing the need for further investigation into genetic and epigenetic markers involved in the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial for optimal management of the disease, and the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers is ongoing. Although many efforts have been made in the field of recognition and interpretation of the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, the current knowledge about PD is just the tip of the iceberg. By scrutinizing genetic and epigenetic patterns underlying PD, new avenues can be opened for dissecting the pathology of the disorder, leading to more precise and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review emphasizes the importance of studying dysregulated cell signaling pathways and molecular processes associated with genes and epigenetic alterations in understanding PD, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayesteh Kokabi Hamidpour
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Amiri
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saeedeh Saeedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Abdolhamid Angaji
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Department of Research and Development, Tavakol BioMimetic Technologies Company, Tehran, Iran.
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Singh A, Ansari VA, Mahmood T, Hasan SM, Wasim R, Maheshwari S, Akhtar J, Sheikh S, Vishwakarma VK. Targeting Abnormal Tau Phosphorylation for Alzheimer's Therapeutics. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:482-488. [PMID: 38350636 DOI: 10.1055/a-2238-1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory and cognitive decline, posing a formidable public health challenge. This review explores the intricate interplay between two pivotal players in AD pathogenesis: β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein. While the amyloid cascade theory has long dominated AD research, recent developments have ignited debates about its centrality. Aβ plaques and tau NFTs are hallmark pathologies in AD. Aducanumab and lecanemab, monoclonal antibodies targeting Aβ, have been approved, albeit amidst controversy, raising questions about the therapeutic efficacy of Aβ-focused interventions. On the other hand, tau, specifically its hyperphosphorylation, disrupts microtubule stability and contributes to neuronal dysfunction. Various post-translational modifications of tau drive its aggregation into NFTs. Emerging treatments targeting tau, such as GSK-3β and CDK5 inhibitors, have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies. Restoring the equilibrium between protein kinases and phosphatases, notably protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A), is a promising avenue for AD therapy, as tau is primarily regulated by its phosphorylation state. Activation of tau-specific phosphatases offers potential for mitigating tau pathology. The evolving landscape of AD drug development emphasizes tau-centric therapies and reevaluation of the amyloid cascade hypothesis. Additionally, exploring the role of neuroinflammation and its interaction with tau pathology present promising research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Singh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | | | | | | | - Rufaida Wasim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Juber Akhtar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Suvaiv Sheikh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
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Maheshwari S, Singh A, Ansari VA, Mahmood T, Wasim R, Akhtar J, Verma A. Navigating the dementia landscape: Biomarkers and emerging therapies. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102193. [PMID: 38215913 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The field of dementia research has witnessed significant developments in our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Dementia, a collection of symptoms arising from the degeneration of brain cells, presents a significant healthcare challenge, especially as its prevalence escalates with age. This abstract delves into the complexities of these disorders, the role of biomarkers in their diagnosis and monitoring, as well as emerging neurophysiological insights. In the context of AD, anti-amyloid therapy has gained prominence, aiming to reduce the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain, a hallmark of the disease. Notably, Leqembi recently received full FDA approval, marking a significant breakthrough in AD treatment. Additionally, ongoing phase 3 clinical trials are investigating novel therapies, including Masitinib and NE3107, focusing on cognitive and functional improvements in AD patients. In the realm of FTD, research has unveiled distinct neuropathological features, including the involvement of proteins like TDP-43 and progranulin, providing valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of this heterogeneous condition. Biomarkers, including neurofilaments and various tau fragments, have shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Neurophysiological techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have contributed to our understanding of AD and FTD. TMS has uncovered unique neurophysiological signatures, highlighting impaired plasticity, hyperexcitability, and altered connectivity in AD, while FTD displays differences in neurotransmitter systems, particularly GABAergic and glutamatergic circuits. Lastly, ongoing clinical trials in anti-amyloid therapy for AD, such as Simufilam, Solanezumab, Gantenerumab, and Remternetug, offer hope for individuals affected by this devastating disease, with the potential to alter the course of cognitive decline. These advancements collectively illuminate the evolving landscape of dementia research and the pursuit of effective treatments for these challenging conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhrat Maheshwari
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Rama University Mandhana, Bithoor Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 209217, India; Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 21107, U.P., India.
| | - Aditya Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India.
| | - Vaseem Ahamad Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India.
| | - Tarique Mahmood
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India.
| | - Rufaida Wasim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India.
| | - Juber Akhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India.
| | - Amita Verma
- Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 21107, U.P., India.
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Lee RMQ, Koh TW. Genetic modifiers of synucleinopathies-lessons from experimental models. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad001. [PMID: 38596238 PMCID: PMC10913850 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a pleiotropic protein underlying a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Together, these are known as synucleinopathies. Like all neurological diseases, understanding of disease mechanisms is hampered by the lack of access to biopsy tissues, precluding a real-time view of disease progression in the human body. This has driven researchers to devise various experimental models ranging from yeast to flies to human brain organoids, aiming to recapitulate aspects of synucleinopathies. Studies of these models have uncovered numerous genetic modifiers of α-synuclein, most of which are evolutionarily conserved. This review discusses what we have learned about disease mechanisms from these modifiers, and ways in which the study of modifiers have supported ongoing efforts to engineer disease-modifying interventions for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Min Qi Lee
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Tong-Wey Koh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Block S3 #05-01, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
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Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by the progressive loss of specific neurons. The exact mechanisms of action of these diseases are unknown, and many studies have focused on pathways related to abnormal accumulation and processing of proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress leading to apoptotic death. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that aberrant cell cycle re-entry plays a major role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. The activation of the cell cycle in mature neurons could be promoted by several signaling mechanisms, including c-Jun N-terminal kinases, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascades; post-translational modifications such as Tau-phosphorylation; and DNA damage response. In all these events, implicated Cdk5, a proline-directed serine/threonine protein kinase, seems to be responsible for several cellular processes in neurons including axon growth, neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, neuronal migration, and maintenance of neuronal survival. However, under pathological conditions, Cdk5 dysregulation may lead to cell cycle re-entry in post-mitotic neurons. Thus, Cdk5 hyperactivation, by its physiologic activator p25, hyper-phosphorylates downstream substrates related to neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes factors such as oxidative stress, DNA damage response, signaling pathway disturbance, and Ubiquitin proteasome malfunction contributing to cell cycle re-entry in post-mitotic neurons. It also describes how all these factors are linked to a greater or lesser extent with Cdk5. Thus, it offers a global vision of the function of cell cycle-related proteins in mature neurons with a focus on Cdk5 and how this protein contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease by cell cycle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Requejo-Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain,Correspondence to: Raquel Requejo-Aguilar, PhD, .
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