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Tripathi PN, Lodhi A, Rai SN, Nandi NK, Dumoga S, Yadav P, Tiwari AK, Singh SK, El-Shorbagi ANA, Chaudhary S. Review of Pharmacotherapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Management Using Traditional Medicinal Plants. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 14:47-74. [PMID: 38784601 PMCID: PMC11114142 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s452009] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. While there is currently no cure for AD, several pharmacotherapeutic targets and management strategies have been explored. Additionally, traditional medicinal plants have gained attention for their potential role in AD management. Pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD include amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cholinergic dysfunction. Traditional medicinal plants, such as Ginkgo biloba, Huperzia serrata, Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Panax ginseng, have demonstrated the ability to modulate these targets through their bioactive compounds. Ginkgo biloba, for instance, contains flavonoids and terpenoids that exhibit neuroprotective effects by reducing Aβ deposition and enhancing cerebral blood flow. Huperzia serrata, a natural source of huperzine A, has acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting properties, thus improving cholinergic function. Curcuma longa, enriched with curcumin, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Panax ginseng's ginsenosides have shown neuroprotective and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The investigation of traditional medicinal plants as a complementary approach to AD management offers several advantages, including a lower risk of adverse effects and potential multi-target interactions. Furthermore, the cultural knowledge and utilization of these plants provide a rich source of information for the development of new therapies. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action, standardize preparations, and assess the safety and efficacy of these natural remedies. Integrating traditional medicinal-plant-based therapies with modern pharmacotherapies may hold the key to a more comprehensive and effective approach to AD treatment. This review aims to explore the pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD and assess the potential of traditional medicinal plants in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhash Nath Tripathi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ankit Lodhi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sachchida Nand Rai
- Center of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nilay Kumar Nandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shweta Dumoga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pooja Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amit Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar Singh
- Center of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abdel-Nasser A El-Shorbagi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sachin Chaudhary
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Artimagnella O, Mazzon E, Salamone S, Pollastro F, Gugliandolo A, Chiricosta L. Cannabinerol (CBNR) Influences Synaptic Genes Associated with Cytoskeleton and Ion Channels in NSC-34 Cell Line: A Transcriptomic Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:189. [PMID: 38255294 PMCID: PMC10813620 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010189] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are receiving great attention as a novel approach in the treatment of cognitive and motor disabilities, which characterize neurological disorders. To date, over 100 phytocannabinoids have been extracted from Cannabis sativa, and some of them have shown neuroprotective properties and the capacity to influence synaptic transmission. In this study, we investigated the effects of a less-known phytocannabinoid, cannabinerol (CBNR), on neuronal physiology. Using the NSC-34 motor-neuron-like cell line and next-generation sequencing analysis, we discovered that CBNR influences synaptic genes associated with synapse organization and specialization, including genes related to the cytoskeleton and ion channels. Specifically, the calcium, sodium, and potassium channel subunits (Cacna1b, Cacna1c, Cacnb1, Grin1, Scn8a, Kcnc1, Kcnj9) were upregulated, along with genes related to NMDAR (Agap3, Syngap1) and calcium (Cabp1, Camkv) signaling. Moreover, cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-associated genes (Actn2, Ina, Trio, Marcks, Bsn, Rtn4, Dgkz, Htt) were also regulated by CBNR. These findings highlight the important role played by CBNR in the regulation of synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission, suggesting the need for further studies to evaluate the neuroprotective role of CBNR in the treatment of synaptic dysfunctions that characterize motor disabilities in many neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Artimagnella
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy (E.M.)
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy (E.M.)
| | - Stefano Salamone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Agnese Gugliandolo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy (E.M.)
| | - Luigi Chiricosta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy (E.M.)
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Khananshvili D. Neuronal and astrocyte NCX isoform/splice variants: How do they participate in Na + and Ca 2+ signalling? Cell Calcium 2023; 116:102818. [PMID: 37918135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102818] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 gene isoforms and their splice variants are characteristically expressed in different regions of the brain. The tissue-specific splice variants of NCX1-3 isoforms show specific expression profiles in neurons and astrocytes, whereas the relevant NCX isoform/splice variants exhibit diverse allosteric modes of Na+- and Ca2+-dependent regulation. In general, overexpression of NCX1-3 genes leads to neuroprotective effects, whereas their ablation gains the opposite results. At this end, the partial contributions of NCX isoform/splice variants to neuroprotective effects remain unresolved. The glutamate-dependent Na+ entry generates Na+ transients (in response to neuronal cell activities), whereas the Na+-driven Ca2+ entry (through the reverse NCX mode) raises Ca2+ transients. This special mode of signal coupling translates Na+ transients into the Ca2+ signals while being a part of synaptic neurotransmission. This mechanism is of general interest since disease-related conditions (ischemia, metabolic stress, and stroke among many others) trigger Na+ and Ca2+ overload with deadly outcomes of downstream apoptosis and excitotoxicity. The recently discovered mechanisms of NCX allosteric regulation indicate that some NCX variants might play a critical role in the dynamic coupling of Na+-driven Ca2+ entry. In contrast, the others are less important or even could be dangerous under altered conditions (e.g., metabolic stress). This working hypothesis can be tested by applying advanced experimental approaches and highly focused computational simulations. This may allow the development of structure-based blockers/activators that can selectively modulate predefined NCX variants to lessen the life-threatening outcomes of excitotoxicity, ischemia, apoptosis, metabolic deprivation, brain injury, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Khananshvili
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Rather HA, Almousa S, Craft S, Deep G. Therapeutic efficacy and promise of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's disease and other aging-related disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102088. [PMID: 37827304 PMCID: PMC10842260 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102088] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The term extracellular vesicles (EVs) refers to a variety of heterogeneous nanovesicles secreted by almost all cell types, primarily for intercellular communication and maintaining cellular homeostasis. The role of EVs has been widely reported in the genesis and progression of multiple pathological conditions, and these vesicles are suggested to serve as 'liquid biopsies'. In addition to their use as biomarkers, EVs secreted by specific cell types, especially with stem cell properties, have shown promise as cell-free nanotherapeutics. Stem cell-derived EVs (SC-EVs) have been increasingly used as an attractive alternative to stem cell therapies and have been reported to promote regeneration of aging-associated tissue loss and function. SC-EVs treatment ameliorates brain and peripheral aging, reproductive dysfunctions and inhibits cellular senescence, thereby reversing several aging-related disorders and dysfunctions. The anti-aging therapeutic potential of SC-EVs depends on multiple factors, including the type of stem cells, the age of the source stem cells, and their physiological state. In this review, we briefly describe studies related to the promising effects of SC-EVs against various aging-related pathologies, and then we focus in-depth on the therapeutic benefits of SC-EVs against Alzheimer's disease, one of the most devastating neurodegenerative diseases in elderly individuals. Numerous studies in transgenic mouse models have reported the usefulness of SC-EVs in targeting the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammation, leading to improved neuronal protection, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive measures. Cell culture studies have further identified the underlying molecular mechanisms through which SC-EVs reduce amyloid beta (Aβ) levels or shift microglia phenotype from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory state. Interestingly, multiple routes of administration, including nasal delivery, have confirmed that SC-EVs could cross the blood-brain barrier. Due to this, SC-EVs have also been tested to deliver specific therapeutic cargo molecule/s (e.g., neprilysin) to the brain. Despite these promises, several challenges related to quality control, scalability, and biodistribution remain, hindering the realization of the vast clinical promise of SC-EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Ahmad Rather
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Sameh Almousa
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Suzanne Craft
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States; Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Gagan Deep
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States; Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States; Atirum Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
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5
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Piccialli I, Greco F, Roviello G, Sisalli MJ, Tedeschi V, di Mola A, Borbone N, Oliviero G, De Feo V, Secondo A, Massa A, Pannaccione A. The 3-(3-oxoisoindolin-1-yl)pentane-2,4-dione (ISOAC1) as a new molecule able to inhibit Amyloid β aggregation and neurotoxicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115745. [PMID: 37871561 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115745] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ1-42) protein aggregation is considered one of the main triggers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we examined the in vitro anti-amyloidogenic activity of the isoindolinone derivative 3-(3-oxoisoindolin-1-yl)pentane-2,4-dione (ISOAC1) and its neuroprotective potential against the Aβ1-42 toxicity. By performing the Thioflavin T fluorescence assay, Western blotting analyses, and Circular Dichroism experiments, we found that ISOAC1 was able to reduce the Aβ1-42 aggregation and conformational transition towards β-sheet structures. Interestingly, in silico studies revealed that ISOAC1 was able to bind to both the monomer and a pentameric protofibril of Aβ1-42, establishing a hydrophobic interaction with the PHE19 residue of the Aβ1-42 KLVFF motif. In vitro analyses on primary cortical neurons showed that ISOAC1 counteracted the increase of intracellular Ca2+ levels and decreased the Aβ1-42-induced toxicity, in terms of mitochondrial activity reduction and increase of reactive oxygen species production. In addition, confocal microscopy analyses showed that ISOAC1 was able to reduce the Aβ1-42 intraneuronal accumulation. Collectively, our results clearly show that ISOAC1 exerts a neuroprotective effect by reducing the Aβ1-42 aggregation and toxicity, hence emerging as a promising compound for the development of new Aβ-targeting therapeutic strategies for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccialli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Josè Sisalli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonia di Mola
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Feo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Massa
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
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6
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D’Angiolini S, Basile MS, Mazzon E, Gugliandolo A. In Silico Analysis Reveals the Modulation of Ion Transmembrane Transporters in the Cerebellum of Alzheimer's Disease Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13924. [PMID: 37762226 PMCID: PMC10530854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813924] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. AD hallmarks are extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. It is interesting to notice that Aβ plaques appear in the cerebellum only in late stages of the disease, and then it was hypothesized that it can be resistant to specific neurodegenerative mechanisms. However, the role of cerebellum in AD pathogenesis is not clear yet. In this study, we performed an in silico analysis to evaluate the transcriptional profile of cerebellum in AD patients and non-AD subjects in order to deepen the knowledge on its role in AD. The analysis evidenced that only the molecular function (MF) "active ion transmembrane transporter activity" was overrepresented. Regarding the 21 differentially expressed genes included in this MF, some of them may be involved in the ion dyshomeostasis reported in AD, while others assumed, in the cerebellum, an opposite regulation compared to those reported in other brain regions in AD patients. They might be associated to a protective phenotype, that may explain the initial resistance of cerebellum to neurodegeneration in AD. Of note, this MF was not overrepresented in prefrontal cortex and visual cortex indicating that it is a peculiarity of the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (S.D.); (M.S.B.); (A.G.)
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7
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Preziuso A, Piccirillo S, Cerqueni G, Serfilippi T, Terenzi V, Vinciguerra A, Orciani M, Amoroso S, Magi S, Lariccia V. Exploring the Role of NCX1 and NCX3 in an In Vitro Model of Metabolism Impairment: Potential Neuroprotective Targets for Alzheimer's Disease. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1005. [PMID: 37508434 PMCID: PMC10376230 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative disorder, affecting a large number of elderly individuals worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic alterations, and oxidative stress are regarded as cooperating drivers of the progression of AD. In particular, metabolic impairment amplifies the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in detrimental alterations to intracellular Ca2+ regulatory processes. The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) proteins are key pathophysiological determinants of Ca2+ and Na+ homeostasis, operating at both the plasma membrane and mitochondria levels. Our study aimed to explore the role of NCX1 and NCX3 in retinoic acid (RA) differentiated SH-SY5Y cells treated with glyceraldehyde (GA), to induce impairment of the default glucose metabolism that typically precedes Aβ deposition or Tau protein phosphorylation in AD. By using an RNA interference-mediated approach to silence either NCX1 or NCX3 expression, we found that, in GA-treated cells, the knocking-down of NCX3 ameliorated cell viability, increased the intracellular ATP production, and reduced the oxidative damage. Remarkably, NCX3 silencing also prevented the enhancement of Aβ and pTau levels and normalized the GA-induced decrease in NCX reverse-mode activity. By contrast, the knocking-down of NCX1 was totally ineffective in preventing GA-induced cytotoxicity except for the increase in ATP synthesis. These findings indicate that NCX3 and NCX1 may differently influence the evolution of AD pathology fostered by glucose metabolic dysfunction, thus providing a potential target for preventing AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Preziuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Piccirillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgia Cerqueni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Tiziano Serfilippi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Terenzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Monia Orciani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences-Histology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Amoroso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Magi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Lariccia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health-Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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8
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Molinaro P, Sanguigno L, Casamassa A, Valsecchi V, Sirabella R, Pignataro G, Annunziato L, Formisano L. Emerging Role of DREAM in Healthy Brain and Neurological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119177. [PMID: 37298129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119177] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) is a multifunctional Ca2+-sensitive protein exerting a dual mechanism of action to regulate several Ca2+-dependent processes. Upon sumoylation, DREAM enters in nucleus where it downregulates the expression of several genes provided with a consensus sequence named dream regulatory element (DRE). On the other hand, DREAM could also directly modulate the activity or the localization of several cytosolic and plasma membrane proteins. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the knowledge of DREAM dysregulation and DREAM-dependent epigenetic remodeling as a central mechanism in the progression of several diseases affecting central nervous system, including stroke, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Interestingly, DREAM seems to exert a common detrimental role in these diseases by inhibiting the transcription of several neuroprotective genes, including the sodium/calcium exchanger isoform 3 (NCX3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pro-dynorphin, and c-fos. These findings lead to the concept that DREAM might represent a pharmacological target to ameliorate symptoms and reduce neurodegenerative processes in several pathological conditions affecting central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Molinaro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rossana Sirabella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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9
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Avendaño-Lopez SS, Ariza-Salamanca DF, Rodriguez-Giraldo M, Calderon-Ospina CA, González-Reyes RE, Nava-Mesa MO. Role of Calcium Modulation in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109067. [PMID: 37240413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease and the most frequent cause of progressive dementia in senior adults. It is characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment secondary to cholinergic dysfunction and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated neurotoxicity. Intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, extracellular plaques composed of amyloid-β (Aβ), and selective neurodegeneration are the anatomopathological hallmarks of this disease. The dysregulation of calcium may be present in all the stages of AD, and it is associated with other pathophysiological mechanisms, such as mitochondrial failure, oxidative stress, and chronic neuroinflammation. Although the cytosolic calcium alterations in AD are not completely elucidated, some calcium-permeable channels, transporters, pumps, and receptors have been shown to be involved at the neuronal and glial levels. In particular, the relationship between glutamatergic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activity and amyloidosis has been widely documented. Other pathophysiological mechanisms involved in calcium dyshomeostasis include the activation of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, transient receptor potential channels, and ryanodine receptors, among many others. This review aims to update the calcium-dysregulation mechanisms in AD and discuss targets and molecules with therapeutic potential based on their modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Sara Sofia Avendaño-Lopez
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Daniel Felipe Ariza-Salamanca
- Medical and Health Sciences Education Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mateo Rodriguez-Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos A Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas Aplicadas (UR Biomed), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mauricio O Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
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Jadiya P, Cohen HM, Kolmetzky DW, Kadam AA, Tomar D, Elrod JW. Neuronal loss of NCLX-dependent mitochondrial calcium efflux mediates age-associated cognitive decline. iScience 2023; 26:106296. [PMID: 36936788 PMCID: PMC10014305 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106296] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial calcium overload contributes to neurodegenerative disease development and progression. We recently reported that loss of the mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger (NCLX), the primary mechanism of mCa2+ efflux, promotes mCa2+ overload, metabolic derangement, redox stress, and cognitive decline in models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether disrupted mCa2+ signaling contributes to neuronal pathology and cognitive decline independent of pre-existing amyloid or tau pathology remains unknown. Here, we generated mice with neuronal deletion of the mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger (NCLX, Slc8b1 gene), and evaluated age-associated changes in cognitive function and neuropathology. Neuronal loss of NCLX resulted in an age-dependent decline in spatial and cued recall memory, moderate amyloid deposition, mild tau pathology, synaptic remodeling, and indications of cell death. These results demonstrate that loss of NCLX-dependent mCa2+ efflux alone is sufficient to induce an Alzheimer's disease-like pathology and highlights the promise of therapies targeting mCa2+ exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Jadiya
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Henry M. Cohen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Devin W. Kolmetzky
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ashlesha A. Kadam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Dhanendra Tomar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - John W. Elrod
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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11
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Structure-Based Function and Regulation of NCX Variants: Updates and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010061. [PMID: 36613523 PMCID: PMC9820601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma-membrane homeostasis Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCXs) mediate Ca2+ extrusion/entry to dynamically shape Ca2+ signaling/in biological systems ranging from bacteria to humans. The NCX gene orthologs, isoforms, and their splice variants are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and exhibit nearly 104-fold differences in the transport rates and regulatory specificities to match the cell-specific requirements. Selective pharmacological targeting of NCX variants could benefit many clinical applications, although this intervention remains challenging, mainly because a full-size structure of eukaryotic NCX is unavailable. The crystal structure of the archaeal NCX_Mj, in conjunction with biophysical, computational, and functional analyses, provided a breakthrough in resolving the ion transport mechanisms. However, NCX_Mj (whose size is nearly three times smaller than that of mammalian NCXs) cannot serve as a structure-dynamic model for imitating high transport rates and regulatory modules possessed by eukaryotic NCXs. The crystal structures of isolated regulatory domains (obtained from eukaryotic NCXs) and their biophysical analyses by SAXS, NMR, FRET, and HDX-MS approaches revealed structure-based variances of regulatory modules. Despite these achievements, it remains unclear how multi-domain interactions can decode and integrate diverse allosteric signals, thereby yielding distinct regulatory outcomes in a given ortholog/isoform/splice variant. This article summarizes the relevant issues from the perspective of future developments.
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12
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Rozenfeld M, Azoulay IS, Ben Kasus Nissim T, Stavsky A, Melamed M, Stutzmann G, Hershfinkel M, Kofman O, Sekler I. Essential role of the mitochondrial Na +/Ca 2+ exchanger NCLX in mediating PDE2-dependent neuronal survival and learning. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111772. [PMID: 36476859 PMCID: PMC10521900 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired phosphodiesterase (PDE) function and mitochondrial Ca2+ (i.e., [Ca2+]m) lead to multiple health syndromes by an unknown pathway. Here, we fluorescently monitor robust [Ca2+]m efflux mediated by the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger NCLX in hippocampal neurons sequentially evoked by caffeine and depolarization. Surprisingly, neuronal depolarization-induced Ca2+ transients alone fail to evoke strong [Ca2+]m efflux in wild-type (WT) neurons. However, pre-treatment with the selective PDE2 inhibitor Bay 60-7550 effectively rescues [Ca2+]m efflux similarly to caffeine. Moreover, PDE2 acts by diminishing mitochondrial cAMP, thus promoting NCLX phosphorylation at its PKA site. We find that the protection of neurons against excitotoxic insults, conferred by PDE2 inhibition in WT neurons, is NCLX dependent. Finally, the administration of Bay 60-7550 enhances new object recognition in WT, but not in NCLX knockout (KO), mice. Our results identify a link between PDE and [Ca2+]m signaling that may provide effective therapy for cognitive and ischemic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Rozenfeld
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ivana Savic Azoulay
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tsipi Ben Kasus Nissim
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Alexandra Stavsky
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Moran Melamed
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Grace Stutzmann
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michal Hershfinkel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ora Kofman
- Department of Psychology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Israel Sekler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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13
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Zhang X, Smith CER, Morotti S, Edwards AG, Sato D, Louch WE, Ni H, Grandi E. Mechanisms of spontaneous Ca 2+ release-mediated arrhythmia in a novel 3D human atrial myocyte model: II Ca 2+ -handling protein variation. J Physiol 2022:10.1113/JP283602. [PMID: 36114707 PMCID: PMC10017376 DOI: 10.1113/jp283602] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the transverse-axial tubule system (TATS) in diseases such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation occurs in combination with changes in the expression and distribution of key Ca2+ -handling proteins. Together this ultrastructural and ionic remodelling is associated with aberrant Ca2+ cycling and electrophysiological instabilities that underlie arrhythmic activity. However, due to the concurrent changes in TATs and Ca2+ -handling protein expression and localization that occur in disease it is difficult to distinguish their individual contributions to the arrhythmogenic state. To investigate this, we applied our novel 3D human atrial myocyte model with spatially detailed Ca2+ diffusion and TATS to investigate the isolated and interactive effects of changes in expression and localization of key Ca2+ -handling proteins and variable TATS density on Ca2+ -handling abnormality driven membrane instabilities. We show that modulating the expression and distribution of the sodium-calcium exchanger, ryanodine receptors and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ buffer calsequestrin have varying pro- and anti-arrhythmic effects depending on the balance of opposing influences on SR Ca2+ leak-load and Ca2+ -voltage relationships. Interestingly, the impact of protein remodelling on Ca2+ -driven proarrhythmic behaviour varied dramatically depending on TATS density, with intermediately tubulated cells being more severely affected compared to detubulated and densely tubulated myocytes. This work provides novel mechanistic insight into the distinct and interactive consequences of TATS and Ca2+ -handling protein remodelling that underlies dysfunctional Ca2+ cycling and electrophysiological instability in disease. KEY POINTS: In our companion paper we developed a 3D human atrial myocyte model, coupling electrophysiology and Ca2+ handling with subcellular spatial details governed by the transverse-axial tubule system (TATS). Here we utilize this model to mechanistically examine the impact of TATS loss and changes in the expression and distribution of key Ca2+ -handling proteins known to be remodelled in disease on Ca2+ homeostasis and electrophysiological stability. We demonstrate that varying the expression and localization of these proteins has variable pro- and anti-arrhythmic effects with outcomes displaying dependence on TATS density. Whereas detubulated myocytes typically appear unaffected and densely tubulated cells seem protected, the arrhythmogenic effects of Ca2+ handling protein remodelling are profound in intermediately tubulated cells. Our work shows the interaction between TATS and Ca2+ -handling protein remodelling that underlies the Ca2+ -driven proarrhythmic behaviour observed in atrial fibrillation and may help to predict the effects of antiarrhythmic strategies at varying stages of ultrastructural remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - William E Louch
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cardiac Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Haibo Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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14
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Piccialli I, Sisalli MJ, de Rosa V, Boscia F, Tedeschi V, Secondo A, Pannaccione A. Increased K V2.1 Channel Clustering Underlies the Reduction of Delayed Rectifier K + Currents in Hippocampal Neurons of the Tg2576 Alzheimer's Disease Mouse. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182820. [PMID: 36139395 PMCID: PMC9497218 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive deterioration of cognitive functions. Cortical and hippocampal hyperexcitability intervenes in the pathological derangement of brain activity leading to cognitive decline. As key regulators of neuronal excitability, the voltage-gated K+ channels (KV) might play a crucial role in the AD pathophysiology. Among them, the KV2.1 channel, the main α subunit mediating the delayed rectifier K+ currents (IDR) and controlling the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal neurons, has been poorly examined in AD. In the present study, we investigated the KV2.1 protein expression and activity in hippocampal neurons from the Tg2576 mouse, a widely used transgenic model of AD. To this aim we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. Our Western blotting results reveal that KV2.1 was overexpressed in the hippocampus of 3-month-old Tg2576 mice and in primary hippocampal neurons from Tg2576 mouse embryos compared with the WT counterparts. Electrophysiological experiments unveiled that the whole IDR were reduced in the Tg2576 primary neurons compared with the WT neurons, and that this reduction was due to the loss of the KV2.1 current component. Moreover, we found that the reduction of the KV2.1-mediated currents was due to increased channel clustering, and that glutamate, a stimulus inducing KV2.1 declustering, was able to restore the IDR to levels comparable to those of the WT neurons. These findings add new information about the dysregulation of ionic homeostasis in the Tg2576 AD mouse model and identify KV2.1 as a possible player in the AD-related alterations of neuronal excitability.
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15
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Ballarini E, Malacrida A, Rodriguez-Menendez V, Pozzi E, Canta A, Chiorazzi A, Monza L, Semperboni S, Meregalli C, Carozzi VA, Hashemi M, Nicolini G, Scuteri A, Housley SN, Cavaletti G, Alberti P. Sodium-Calcium Exchanger 2: A Pivotal Role in Oxaliplatin Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity and Axonal Damage? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10063. [PMID: 36077454 PMCID: PMC9456447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin (OHP)-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OIPN) is a frequent adverse event of colorectal cancer treatment. OIPN encompasses a chronic and an acute syndrome. The latter consists of transient axonal hyperexcitability, due to unbalance in Na+ voltage-operated channels (Na+VOC). This leads to sustained depolarisation which can activate the reverse mode of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 2 (NCX2), resulting in toxic Ca2+ accumulation and axonal damage (ADa). We explored the role of NCX2 in in vitro and in vivo settings. Embryonic rat Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) organotypic cultures treated with SEA0400 (SEA), a NCX inhibitor, were used to assess neuroprotection in a proof-of-concept and pilot study to exploit NCX modulation to prevent ADa. In vivo, OHP treated mice (7 mg/Kg, i.v., once a week for 8 weeks) were compared with a vehicle-treated group (n = 12 each). Neurophysiological and behavioural testing were performed to characterise acute and chronic OIPN, and morphological analyses were performed to detect ADa. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting (WB) analyses were also performed to demonstrate changes in NCX2 immunoreactivity and protein expression. In vitro, NCX inhibition was matched by ADa mitigation. In the in vivo part, after verifyingboth acute and chronic OIPN had ensued, we confirmed via immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and WB that a significant NCX2 alteration had ensued in the OHP group. Our data suggest NCX2 involvement in ADa development, paving the way to a new line of research to prevent OIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ballarini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Malacrida
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Rodriguez-Menendez
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pozzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Canta
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Chiorazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Monza
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Semperboni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Meregalli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Alda Carozzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Maryamsadat Hashemi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Nicolini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Scuteri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stephen N. Housley
- Integrated Cancer Research Center, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Alberti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), 20126 Milan, Italy
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16
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Rodrigues T, Piccirillo S, Magi S, Preziuso A, Dos Santos Ramos V, Serfilippi T, Orciani M, Maciel Palacio Alvarez M, Luis Dos Santos Tersariol I, Amoroso S, Lariccia V. Control of Ca 2+ and metabolic homeostasis by the Na +/Ca 2+ exchangers (NCXs) in health and disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115163. [PMID: 35803319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115163] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal control of calcium (Ca2+) levels is essential for the background rhythms and responses of living cells to environmental stimuli. Whatever other regulators a given cellular activity may have, localized and wider scale Ca2+ events (sparks, transients, and waves) are hierarchical determinants of fundamental processes such as cell contraction, excitability, growth, metabolism and survival. Different cell types express specific channels, pumps and exchangers to efficiently generate and adapt Ca2+ patterns to cell requirements. The Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCXs) in particular contribute to Ca2+ homeostasis by buffering intracellular Ca2+ loads according to the electrochemical gradients of substrate ions - i.e., Ca2+ and sodium (Na+) - and under a dynamic control of redundant regulatory processes. An interesting feature of NCX emerges from the strict relationship that connects transporter activity with cell metabolism: on the one hand NCX operates under constant control of ATP-dependent regulatory processes, on the other hand the ion fluxes generated through NCX provide mechanistic support for the Na+-driven uptake of glutamate and Ca2+ influx to fuel mitochondrial respiration. Proof of concept evidence highlights therapeutic potential of preserving a timed and balanced NCX activity in a growing rate of diseases (including excitability, neurodegenerative, and proliferative disorders) because of an improved ability of stressed cells to safely maintain ion gradients and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here, we will summarize and review recent works that have focused on the pathophysiological roles of NCXs in balancing the two-way relationship between Ca2+ signals and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Rodrigues
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil.
| | - Silvia Piccirillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Simona Magi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Preziuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Vyctória Dos Santos Ramos
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biochemistry Investigation (CIIB), University of Mogi das Cruzes (UMC), Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiziano Serfilippi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Monia Orciani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Histology, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Marcela Maciel Palacio Alvarez
- Department of Biochemistry, São Paulo School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Salvatore Amoroso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Lariccia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Ancona, Italy.
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17
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Piccialli I, Tedeschi V, Caputo L, D’Errico S, Ciccone R, De Feo V, Secondo A, Pannaccione A. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s Disease: Focus on Polyphenols and Monoterpenes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:876614. [PMID: 35600880 PMCID: PMC9114803 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.876614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, complex neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by the irreversible loss of memory and cognitive functions. Different hypotheses have been proposed thus far to explain the etiology of this devastating disorder, including those centered on the Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide aggregation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Nonetheless, the therapeutic strategies conceived thus far to treat AD neurodegeneration have proven unsuccessful, probably due to the use of single-target drugs unable to arrest the progressive deterioration of brain functions. For this reason, the theoretical description of the AD etiology has recently switched from over-emphasizing a single deleterious process to considering AD neurodegeneration as the result of different pathogenic mechanisms and their interplay. Moreover, much relevance has recently been conferred to several comorbidities inducing insulin resistance and brain energy hypometabolism, including diabetes and obesity. As consequence, much interest is currently accorded in AD treatment to a multi-target approach interfering with different pathways at the same time, and to life-style interventions aimed at preventing the modifiable risk-factors strictly associated with aging. In this context, phytochemical compounds are emerging as an enormous source to draw on in the search for multi-target agents completing or assisting the traditional pharmacological medicine. Intriguingly, many plant-derived compounds have proven their efficacy in counteracting several pathogenic processes such as the Aβ aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Many strategies have also been conceived to overcome the limitations of some promising phytochemicals related to their poor pharmacokinetic profiles, including nanotechnology and synthetic routes. Considering the emerging therapeutic potential of natural medicine, the aim of the present review is therefore to highlight the most promising phytochemical compounds belonging to two major classes, polyphenols and monoterpenes, and to report the main findings about their mechanisms of action relating to the AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccialli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Caputo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Roselia Ciccone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Feo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Anna Pannaccione,
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18
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Patient-Specific iPSCs-Based Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Focus on Aberrant Calcium Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020624. [PMID: 35054808 PMCID: PMC8776084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cell reprogramming technologies became a breakthrough in the creation of new models of human diseases, including neurodegenerative pathologies. The iPSCs-based models allow for the studying of both hereditary and sporadic cases of pathologies and produce deep insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. The use of the cells most vulnerable to a particular pathology makes it possible to identify specific pathological mechanisms and greatly facilitates the task of selecting the most effective drugs. To date, a large number of studies on patient-specific models of neurodegenerative diseases has been accumulated. In this review, we focused on the alterations of such a ubiquitous and important intracellular regulatory pathway as calcium signaling. Here, we reviewed and analyzed the data obtained from iPSCs-based models of different neurodegenerative disorders that demonstrated aberrant calcium signaling.
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19
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Piccialli I, Ciccone R, Secondo A, Boscia F, Tedeschi V, de Rosa V, Cepparulo P, Annunziato L, Pannaccione A. The Na +/Ca 2+ Exchanger 3 Is Functionally Coupled With the Na V1.6 Voltage-Gated Channel and Promotes an Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca 2+ Refilling in a Transgenic Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:775271. [PMID: 34955845 PMCID: PMC8692738 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.775271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The remodelling of neuronal ionic homeostasis by altered channels and transporters is a critical feature of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Different reports converge on the concept that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), as one of the main regulators of Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations and signalling, could exert a neuroprotective role in AD. The activity of NCX has been found to be increased in AD brains, where it seemed to correlate with an increased neuronal survival. Moreover, the enhancement of the NCX3 currents (INCX) in primary neurons treated with the neurotoxic amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ1-42) oligomers prevented the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and neuronal death. The present study has been designed to investigate any possible modulation of the INCX, the functional interaction between NCX and the NaV1.6 channel, and their impact on the Ca2+ homeostasis in a transgenic in vitro model of AD, the primary hippocampal neurons from the Tg2576 mouse, which overproduce the Aβ1-42 peptide. Electrophysiological studies, carried in the presence of siRNA and the isoform-selective NCX inhibitor KB-R7943, showed that the activity of a specific NCX isoform, NCX3, was upregulated in its reverse, Ca2+ influx mode of operation in the Tg2576 neurons. The enhanced NCX activity contributed, in turn, to increase the ER Ca2+ content, without affecting the cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations of the Tg2576 neurons. Interestingly, our experiments have also uncovered a functional coupling between NCX3 and the voltage-gated NaV1.6 channels. In particular, the increased NaV1.6 currents appeared to be responsible for the upregulation of the reverse mode of NCX3, since both TTX and the Streptomyces griseolus antibiotic anisomycin, by reducing the NaV1.6 currents, counteracted the increase of the INCX in the Tg2576 neurons. In agreement, our immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the NCX3/NaV1.6 co-expression was increased in the Tg2576 hippocampal neurons in comparison with the WT neurons. Collectively, these findings indicate that NCX3 might intervene in the Ca2+ remodelling occurring in the Tg2576 primary neurons thus emerging as a molecular target with a neuroprotective potential, and provide a new outcome of the NaV1.6 upregulation related to the modulation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in AD neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccialli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roselia Ciccone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Boscia
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria de Rosa
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Cepparulo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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20
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Magli E, Fattorusso C, Persico M, Corvino A, Esposito G, Fiorino F, Luciano P, Perissutti E, Santagada V, Severino B, Tedeschi V, Pannaccione A, Pignataro G, Caliendo G, Annunziato L, Secondo A, Frecentese F. New Insights into the Structure-Activity Relationship and Neuroprotective Profile of Benzodiazepinone Derivatives of Neurounina-1 as Modulators of the Na +/Ca 2+ Exchanger Isoforms. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17901-17919. [PMID: 34845907 PMCID: PMC8713167 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to the neuroprotective role of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) isoforms NCX1 and NCX3, we synthesized novel benzodiazepinone derivatives of the unique NCX activator Neurounina-1, named compounds 1-19. The derivatives are characterized by a benzodiazepinonic nucleus linked to five- or six-membered cyclic amines via a methylene, ethylene, or acetyl spacer. The compounds have been screened on NCX1/NCX3 isoform activities by a high-throughput screening approach, and the most promising were characterized by patch-clamp electrophysiology and Fura-2AM video imaging. We identified two novel modulators of NCX: compound 4, inhibiting NCX1 reverse mode, and compound 14, enhancing NCX1 and NCX3 activity. Compound 1 displayed neuroprotection in two preclinical models of brain ischemia. The analysis of the conformational and steric features led to the identification of the molecular volume required for selective NCX1 activation for mixed NCX1/NCX3 activation or for NCX1 inhibition, providing the first prototypal model for the design of optimized isoform modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Magli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Fattorusso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Persico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Corvino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fiorino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Luciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Perissutti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Santagada
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Severino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Pharmacology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Pharmacology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Pharmacology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caliendo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Agnese Secondo
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Pharmacology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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21
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Tail-vein injection of MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles facilitates the restoration of hippocampal neuronal morphology and function in APP / PS1 mice. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:230. [PMID: 34482379 PMCID: PMC8418600 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem-cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs), as a therapeutic agent, have shown great promise in the treatment of neurological diseases. To date, the neurorestorative effects and underlying mechanism of MSC-EVs in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not well known. Herein, we aimed to investigate the action of MSC-EVs on the neuronal deficits in β-amyloid protein (Aβ)-stimulated hippocampal neurons, or AD cell (SHSY5Y cell lines) and animal (APPswe / PS1dE9 mice) models. In the present study, the cell and AD models received a single-dose of MSC-EVs, and were then assessed for behavioral deficits, pathological changes, intracellular calcium transients, neuronal morphology alterations, or electrophysiological variations. Additionally, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, a key mediator of neuronal injury in AD) signaling pathway was probed by western blotting in vitro and in vivo models of AD. Our results showed that MSC-EVs therapy improved the cognitive impairments and reduced the hippocampal Aβ aggregation and neuronal loss in AD mice. Markedly, EV treatment restored the calcium oscillations, dendritic spine alterations, action potential abnormalities, or mitochondrial changes in the hippocampus of AD models. Also, we found that the Nrf2 signaling pathway participated in the actions of MSC-EVs in the cell and animal models. Together, these data indicate that MS-EVs as promising nanotherapeutics for restoration of hippocampal neuronal morphology and function in APP / PS1 mice, further highlighting the clinical values of MSC-EVs in the treatment of AD.
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22
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Devi RV, Raj D, Doble M. Lockdown of mitochondrial Ca 2+ extrusion and subsequent resveratrol treatment kill HeLa cells by Ca 2+ overload. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 139:106071. [PMID: 34428589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Anticancer effect of resveratrol and the role of sodium/lithium/calcium exchanger in context with calcium ions are studied in human cervical cancer cell line. This therapeutic approach using siNCLX mediated gene silencing and drug therapy with resveratrol indicates the disruption of calcium homeostasis, increase in caspase (-3, 8, 9) mRNA expressions and DNA damage leading to apoptotic cell death. Monitoring the intracellular Ca2+ changes using fluo-4AM indicates highest rise in [Ca2+] level in sodium/lithium/calcium exchanger silenced group with five different stages, that is distinguishable based on the fluorescence intensity. In resveratrol treated and siNCLX + resveratrol treated groups no such cell staging differences were observed, despite uniform Ca2+ rise followed by decrease in the intensity. Integrating RNAi gene silencing of sodium/lithium/calcium exchanger with resveratrol can form the most interesting, efficient and promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Viswambari Devi
- Bioengineering and Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Divakar Raj
- Bioengineering and Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Mukesh Doble
- Bioengineering and Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, 600036, India.
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23
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Anzilotti S, Valsecchi V, Brancaccio P, Guida N, Laudati G, Tedeschi V, Petrozziello T, Frecentese F, Magli E, Hassler B, Cuomo O, Formisano L, Secondo A, Annunziato L, Pignataro G. Prolonged NCX activation prevents SOD1 accumulation, reduces neuroinflammation, ameliorates motor behavior and prolongs survival in a ALS mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105480. [PMID: 34411705 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Imbalance in cellular ionic homeostasis is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) is a membrane antiporter that, operating in a bidirectional way, couples the exchange of Ca2+ and Na + ions in neurons and glial cells, thus controlling the intracellular homeostasis of these ions. Among the three NCX genes, NCX1 and NCX2 are widely expressed within the CNS, while NCX3 is present only in skeletal muscles and at lower levels of expression in selected brain regions. ALS mice showed a reduction in the expression and activity of NCX1 and NCX2 consistent with disease progression, therefore we aimed to investigate their role in ALS pathophysiology. Notably, we demonstrated that the pharmacological activation of NCX1 and NCX2 by the prolonged treatment of SOD1G93A mice with the newly synthesized compound neurounina: (1) prevented the reduction in NCX activity observed in spinal cord; (2) preserved motor neurons survival in the ventral spinal horn of SOD1G93A mice; (3) prevented the spinal cord accumulation of misfolded SOD1; (4) reduced astroglia and microglia activation and spared the resident microglia cells in the spinal cord; (5) improved the lifespan and mitigated motor symptoms of ALS mice. The present study highlights the significant role of NCX1 and NCX2 in the pathophysiology of this neurodegenerative disorder and paves the way for the design of a new pharmacological approach for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Petrozziello
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Magli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Brenda Hassler
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
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24
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The downregulation of NCXs is positively correlated with the prognosis of stage II-IV colon cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:177. [PMID: 34127021 PMCID: PMC8204472 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02284-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Colon cancer (CC) is a very common gastrointestinal tumor that is prone to invasion and metastasis in the late stage. This study aims to observe the expression of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCXs) and analyze the correlation between NCXs and the prognosis of CC. Methods Specimens of 111 stage II–IV CC patients were collected. We used western blotting, qPCR, and immunohistochemical staining to observe the distributions and expression levels of NCX isoforms (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3) in CC and distal normal tissues. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess prognostic factors for patients. Results The expression of NCXs in most tumor specimens was lower than that in normal tissues. The NCX expression levels in tumor tissues from the primary tumor, local lymph node metastasis sites, and distant liver metastasis sites were increasingly significantly lower than those in normal tissues. The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the downregulation of any NCX isoform was closely related to the worse prognosis of advanced CC. Conclusion NCXs can be used as independent prognostic factors for CC. Our research results are expected to provide new targets for the treatment of CC.
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25
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Wanichawan P, Skogestad J, Lunde M, Støle TP, Stensland M, Nyman TA, Sjaastad I, Sejersted OM, Aronsen JM, Carlson CR. Design of a Proteolytically Stable Sodium-Calcium Exchanger 1 Activator Peptide for In Vivo Studies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:638646. [PMID: 34163352 PMCID: PMC8215385 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.638646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiac sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX1) is important for normal Na+- and Ca2+-homeostasis and cardiomyocyte relaxation and contraction. It has been suggested that NCX1 activity is reduced by phosphorylated phospholemman (pSer68-PLM); however its direct interaction with PLM is debated. Disruption of the potentially inhibitory pSer68-PLM-NCX1 interaction might be a therapeutic strategy to increase NCX1 activity in cardiac disease. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the binding affinities and kinetics of the PLM-NCX1 and pSer68-PLM-NCX1 interactions by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and to develop a proteolytically stable NCX1 activator peptide for future in vivo studies. The cytoplasmic parts of PLM (PLMcyt) and pSer68-PLM (pSer68-PLMcyt) were found to bind strongly to the intracellular loop of NCX1 (NCX1cyt) with similar KD values of 4.1 ± 1.0 nM and 4.3 ± 1.9 nM, but the PLMcyt-NCX1cyt interaction showed higher on/off rates. To develop a proteolytically stable NCX1 activator, we took advantage of a previously designed, high-affinity PLM binding peptide (OPT) that was derived from the PLM binding region in NCX1 and that reverses the inhibitory PLM (S68D)-NCX1 interaction in HEK293. We performed N- and C-terminal truncations of OPT and identified PYKEIEQLIELANYQV as the minimum sequence required for pSer68-PLM binding. To increase peptide stability in human serum, we replaced the proline with an N-methyl-proline (NOPT) after identification of N-terminus as substitution tolerant by two-dimensional peptide array analysis. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the half-life of NOPT was increased 17-fold from that of OPT. NOPT pulled down endogenous PLM from rat left ventricle lysate and exhibited direct pSer68-PLM binding in an ELISA-based assay and bound to pSer68-PLMcyt with a KD of 129 nM. Excess NOPT also reduced the PLMcyt-NCX1cyt interaction in an ELISA-based competition assay, but in line with that NCX1 and PLM form oligomers, NOPT was not able to outcompete the physical interaction between endogenous full length proteins. Importantly, cell-permeable NOPT-TAT increased NCX1 activity in cardiomyocytes isolated from both SHAM-operated and aorta banded heart failure (HF) mice, indicating that NOPT disrupted the inhibitory pSer68-PLM-NCX1 interaction. In conclusion, we have developed a proteolytically stable NCX1-derived PLM binding peptide that upregulates NCX1 activity in SHAM and HF cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pimthanya Wanichawan
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonas Skogestad
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Lunde
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thea Parsberg Støle
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Stensland
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Rikshospitalet Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tuula A Nyman
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Rikshospitalet Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivar Sjaastad
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole M Sejersted
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Magnus Aronsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cathrine Rein Carlson
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Rosenkranz SC, Shaposhnykov AA, Träger S, Engler JB, Witte ME, Roth V, Vieira V, Paauw N, Bauer S, Schwencke-Westphal C, Schubert C, Bal LC, Schattling B, Pless O, van Horssen J, Freichel M, Friese MA. Enhancing mitochondrial activity in neurons protects against neurodegeneration in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. eLife 2021; 10:61798. [PMID: 33565962 PMCID: PMC7993994 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While transcripts of neuronal mitochondrial genes are strongly suppressed in central nervous system inflammation, it is unknown whether this results in mitochondrial dysfunction and whether an increase of mitochondrial function can rescue neurodegeneration. Here, we show that predominantly genes of the electron transport chain are suppressed in inflamed mouse neurons, resulting in impaired mitochondrial complex IV activity. This was associated with post-translational inactivation of the transcriptional co-regulator proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). In mice, neuronal overexpression of Ppargc1a, which encodes for PGC-1α, led to increased numbers of mitochondria, complex IV activity, and maximum respiratory capacity. Moreover, Ppargc1a-overexpressing neurons showed a higher mitochondrial membrane potential that related to an improved calcium buffering capacity. Accordingly, neuronal deletion of Ppargc1a aggravated neurodegeneration during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, while neuronal overexpression of Ppargc1a ameliorated it. Our study provides systemic insights into mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons during inflammation and commends elevation of mitochondrial activity as a promising neuroprotective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina C Rosenkranz
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Artem A Shaposhnykov
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Träger
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Broder Engler
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maarten E Witte
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Roth
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Vieira
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nanne Paauw
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Simone Bauer
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Celina Schwencke-Westphal
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Schubert
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Can Bal
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schattling
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer ITMP ScreeningPort, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jack van Horssen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marc Freichel
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel A Friese
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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27
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Competing Endogenous RNA Networks as Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249582. [PMID: 33339180 PMCID: PMC7765627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is classically considered the main cause of neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). However, increasing evidence suggests that alteration of RNA metabolism is a key factor in the etiopathogenesis of these complex disorders. Non-coding RNAs are the major contributor to the human transcriptome and are particularly abundant in the central nervous system, where they have been proposed to be involved in the onset and development of NDDs. Interestingly, some ncRNAs (such as lncRNAs, circRNAs and pseudogenes) share a common functionality in their ability to regulate gene expression by modulating miRNAs in a phenomenon known as the competing endogenous RNA mechanism. Moreover, ncRNAs are found in body fluids where their presence and concentration could serve as potential non-invasive biomarkers of NDDs. In this review, we summarize the ceRNA networks described in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, and discuss their potential as biomarkers of these NDDs. Although numerous studies have been carried out, further research is needed to validate these complex interactions between RNAs and the alterations in RNA editing that could provide specific ceRNET profiles for neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way to a better understanding of these diseases.
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28
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Mitochondrial Calcium Deregulation in the Mechanism of Beta-Amyloid and Tau Pathology. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092135. [PMID: 32967303 PMCID: PMC7564294 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation and deposition of β-amyloid and/or tau protein are the key neuropathological features in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies including frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The interaction between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and the impairment of calcium ions (Ca2+) homeostasis induced by misfolded tau and β-amyloid plays an important role in the progressive neuronal loss occurring in specific areas of the brain. In addition to the control of bioenergetics and ROS production, mitochondria are fine regulators of the cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis that induce vital signalling mechanisms in excitable cells such as neurons. Impairment in the mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake through the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) or release through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger may lead to mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and opening of the permeability transition pore inducing neuronal death. Recent evidence suggests an important role for these mechanisms as the underlying causes for neuronal death in β-amyloid and tau pathology. The present review will focus on the mechanisms that lead to cytosolic and especially mitochondrial Ca2+ disturbances occurring in AD and tau-induced FTD, and propose possible therapeutic interventions for these disorders.
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Chovancova B, Liskova V, Babula P, Krizanova O. Role of Sodium/Calcium Exchangers in Tumors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091257. [PMID: 32878087 PMCID: PMC7563772 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) is a unique calcium transport system, generally transporting calcium ions out of the cell in exchange for sodium ions. Nevertheless, under special conditions this transporter can also work in a reverse mode, in which direction of the ion transport is inverted—calcium ions are transported inside the cell and sodium ions are transported out of the cell. To date, three isoforms of the NCX have been identified and characterized in humans. Majority of information about the NCX function comes from isoform 1 (NCX1). Although knowledge about NCX function has evolved rapidly in recent years, little is known about these transport systems in cancer cells. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about NCX functions in individual types of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Chovancova
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 45 Bratislava, Slovakia; (B.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Veronika Liskova
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 45 Bratislava, Slovakia; (B.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Olga Krizanova
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 45 Bratislava, Slovakia; (B.C.); (V.L.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +4212-3229-5312
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