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Nystuen KL, McNamee SM, Akula M, Holton KM, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Alzheimer's Disease: Models and Molecular Mechanisms Informing Disease and Treatments. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:45. [PMID: 38247923 PMCID: PMC10813760 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11010045] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease resulting in progressive loss of memory, language and motor abilities caused by cortical and hippocampal degeneration. This review captures the landscape of understanding of AD pathology, diagnostics, and current therapies. Two major mechanisms direct AD pathology: (1) accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaque and (2) tau-derived neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). The most common variants in the Aβ pathway in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are largely responsible for early-onset AD (EOAD), while MAPT, APOE, TREM2 and ABCA7 have a modifying effect on late-onset AD (LOAD). More recent studies implicate chaperone proteins and Aβ degrading proteins in AD. Several tests, such as cognitive function, brain imaging, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and blood tests, are used for AD diagnosis. Additionally, several biomarkers seem to have a unique AD specific combination of expression and could potentially be used in improved, less invasive diagnostics. In addition to genetic perturbations, environmental influences, such as altered gut microbiome signatures, affect AD. Effective AD treatments have been challenging to develop. Currently, there are several FDA approved drugs (cholinesterase inhibitors, Aß-targeting antibodies and an NMDA antagonist) that could mitigate AD rate of decline and symptoms of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaden L. Nystuen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Shannon M. McNamee
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Monica Akula
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kristina M. Holton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Margaret M. DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Neena B. Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Weiler M, Stieger KC, Shroff K, Klein JP, Wood WH, Zhang Y, Chandrasekaran P, Lehrmann E, Camandola S, Long JM, Mattson MP, Becker KG, Rapp PR. Transcriptional changes in the rat brain induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1215291. [PMID: 38021223 PMCID: PMC10679736 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1215291] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that uses pulsed magnetic fields to affect the physiology of the brain and central nervous system. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) has been used to study and treat several neurological conditions, but its complex molecular basis is largely unexplored. Methods Utilizing three experimental rat models (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) and employing genome-wide microarray analysis, our study reveals the extensive impact of rTMS treatment on gene expression patterns. Results These effects are observed across various stimulation protocols, in diverse tissues, and are influenced by time and age. Notably, rTMS-induced alterations in gene expression span a wide range of biological pathways, such as glutamatergic, GABAergic, and anti-inflammatory pathways, ion channels, myelination, mitochondrial energetics, multiple neuron-and synapse-specific genes. Discussion This comprehensive transcriptional analysis induced by rTMS stimulation serves as a foundational characterization for subsequent experimental investigations and the exploration of potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Weiler
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kevin C. Stieger
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kavisha Shroff
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessie P. Klein
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - William H. Wood
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Prabha Chandrasekaran
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elin Lehrmann
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Simonetta Camandola
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Long
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark P. Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kevin G. Becker
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Peter R. Rapp
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Miao J, Ma H, Yang Y, Liao Y, Lin C, Zheng J, Yu M, Lan J. Microglia in Alzheimer's disease: pathogenesis, mechanisms, and therapeutic potentials. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1201982. [PMID: 37396657 PMCID: PMC10309009 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1201982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by protein aggregation in the brain. Recent studies have revealed the critical role of microglia in AD pathogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of microglial involvement in AD, focusing on genetic determinants, phenotypic state, phagocytic capacity, neuroinflammatory response, and impact on synaptic plasticity and neuronal regulation. Furthermore, recent developments in drug discovery targeting microglia in AD are reviewed, highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review emphasizes the essential role of microglia in AD and provides insights into potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifei Miao
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haixia Ma
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanpin Liao
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cui Lin
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juanxia Zheng
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Muli Yu
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiao Lan
- Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Padhy B, Kapuganti RS, Hayat B, Mohanty PP, Alone DP. Wide-spread enhancer effect of SNP rs2279590 on regulating epoxide hydrolase-2 and protein tyrosine kinase 2-beta gene expression. Gene 2023; 854:147096. [PMID: 36470481 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147096] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms in the PTK2B-CLU locus have been associated with various neurodegenerative disorders including pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Many of these genomic variants are within enhancer elements and modulate genes associated with the disease pathogenesis. However, mechanisms by which they control the gene expression is unknown. Previously, we have shown that clusterin enhancer element surrounding rs2279590 intronic variant, a risk factor in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma modulates gene expression of clusterin (CLU), protein tyrosine kinase 2 beta (PTK2B) and epoxide hydrolase 2 (EPHX2). Here, we explored the mechanism by which rs2279590 enhancer regulates their gene expression through chromosome conformation capture assays. 3C assays revealed a strong enhancer-promoter chromatin interaction between rs2279590 enhancer and promoters of genes CLU, PTK2B and EPHX2 in the HEK293 wild type cells. Moreover, genomic knockout of rs2279590 element significantly decreases the chromatin-chromatin cross-linking frequency suggesting gene regulation at transcriptional level through formation of chromatin loop. In addition, molecular assays showed a significantly decreased expression of EPHX2 but not PTK2B at both mRNA and protein level in the lens capsule of pseudoexfoliation affected patients in comparison to control subjects implying a role of EPHX2 in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Padhy
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Jatni, Khurda, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Ramani Shyam Kapuganti
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Jatni, Khurda, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Bushra Hayat
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Jatni, Khurda, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | | | - Debasmita Pankaj Alone
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Jatni, Khurda, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
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Brody AH, Nies SH, Guan F, Smith LM, Mukherjee B, Salazar SA, Lee S, Lam TKT, Strittmatter SM. Alzheimer risk gene product Pyk2 suppresses tau phosphorylation and phenotypic effects of tauopathy. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:32. [PMID: 35501917 PMCID: PMC9063299 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00526-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variation at the PTK2B locus encoding the protein Pyk2 influences Alzheimer's disease risk. Neurons express Pyk2 and the protein is required for Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide driven deficits of synaptic function and memory in mouse models, but Pyk2 deletion has minimal effect on neuro-inflammation. Previous in vitro data suggested that Pyk2 activity might enhance GSK3β-dependent Tau phosphorylation and be required for tauopathy. Here, we examine the influence of Pyk2 on Tau phosphorylation and associated pathology. METHODS The effect of Pyk2 on Tau phosphorylation was examined in cultured Hek cells through protein over-expression and in iPSC-derived human neurons through pharmacological Pyk2 inhibition. PS19 mice overexpressing the P301S mutant of human Tau were employed as an in vivo model of tauopathy. Phenotypes of PS19 mice with a targeted deletion of Pyk2 expression were compared with PS19 mice with intact Pyk2 expression. Phenotypes examined included Tau phosphorylation, Tau accumulation, synapse loss, gliosis, proteomic profiling and behavior. RESULTS Over-expression experiments from Hek293T cells indicated that Pyk2 contributed to Tau phosphorylation, while iPSC-derived human neuronal cultures with endogenous protein levels supported the opposite conclusion. In vivo, multiple phenotypes of PS19 were exacerbated by Pyk2 deletion. In Pyk2-null PS19 mice, Tau phosphorylation and accumulation increased, mouse survival decreased, spatial memory was impaired and hippocampal C1q deposition increased relative to PS19 littermate controls. Proteomic profiles of Pyk2-null mouse brain revealed that several protein kinases known to interact with Tau are regulated by Pyk2. Endogenous Pyk2 suppresses LKB1 and p38 MAPK activity, validating one potential pathway contributing to increased Tau pathology. CONCLUSIONS The absence of Pyk2 results in greater mutant Tau-dependent phenotypes in PS19 mice, in part via increased LKB1 and MAPK activity. These data suggest that in AD, while Pyk2 activity mediates Aβ-driven deficits, Pyk2 suppresses Tau-related phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Harrison Brody
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah Helena Nies
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, D-72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fulin Guan
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Levi M Smith
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bandhan Mukherjee
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Santiago A Salazar
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Suho Lee
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tu Kiet T Lam
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Keck MS & Proteomics Resource, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair Program, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Sirin S, Nigdelioglu Dolanbay S, Aslim B. The relationship of early- and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease genes with COVID-19. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:847-859. [PMID: 35429259 PMCID: PMC9012910 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases have been exposed to excess risk by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19’s main manifestations include high body temperature, dry cough, and exhaustion. Nevertheless, some affected individuals may have an atypical presentation at diagnosis but suffer neurological signs and symptoms as the first disease manifestation. These findings collectively show the neurotropic nature of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its ability to involve the central nervous system. In addition, Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19 has a number of common risk factors and comorbid conditions including age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and the expression of APOE ε4. Until now, a plethora of studies have examined the COVID-19 disease but only a few studies has yet examined the relationship of COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease as risk factors of each other. This review emphasizes the recently published evidence on the role of the genes of early- or late-onset Alzheimer’s disease in the susceptibility of individuals currently suffering or recovered from COVID-19 to Alzheimer’s disease or in the susceptibility of individuals at risk of or with Alzheimer’s disease to COVID-19 or increased COVID-19 severity and mortality. Furthermore, the present review also draws attention to other uninvestigated early- and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease genes to elucidate the relationship between this multifactorial disease and COVID-19.
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G N S HS, Marise VLP, Satish KS, Yergolkar AV, Krishnamurthy M, Ganesan Rajalekshmi S, Radhika K, Burri RR. Untangling huge literature to disinter genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer's Disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101421. [PMID: 34371203 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Drug discovery for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is channeled towards unravelling key disease specific drug targets/genes to predict promising therapeutic candidates. Though enormous literature on AD genetics is available, there exists dearth in data pertinent to drug targets and crucial pathological pathways intertwined in disease progression. Further, the research findings revealing genetic associations failed to demonstrate consistency across different studies. This scenario prompted us to initiate a systematic review and meta-analysis with an aim of unearthing significant genetic hallmarks of AD. Initially, a Boolean search strategy was developed to retrieve case-control studies from PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest, Europe PMC, grey literature and HuGE navigator. Subsequently, certain inclusion and exclusion criteria were framed to shortlist the relevant studies. These studies were later critically appraised using New Castle Ottawa Scale and Q-Genie followed by data extraction. Later, meta-analysis was performed only for those Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which were evaluated in at least two different ethnicities from two different reports. Among, 204,351 studies retrieved, 820 met our eligibility criteria and 117 were processed for systematic review after critical appraisal. Ultimately, meta-analysis was performed for 23 SNPs associated with 15 genes which revealed significant associations of rs3865444 (CD33), rs7561528 (BIN1) and rs1801133 (MTHFR) with AD risk.
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Wang P, Ye Y. Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Perspective from Tauopathy and α-Synucleinopathy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090938. [PMID: 34575087 PMCID: PMC8471224 DOI: 10.3390/life11090938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are aging-associated chronic pathological conditions affecting primarily neurons in humans. Inclusion bodies containing misfolded proteins have emerged as a common pathologic feature for these diseases. In many cases, misfolded proteins produced by a neuron can be transmitted to another neuron or a non-neuronal cell, leading to the propagation of disease-associated pathology. While undergoing intercellular transmission, misfolded proteins released from donor cells can often change the physiological state of recipient cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that astrocytes are highly sensitive to neuron-originated proteotoxic insults, which convert them into an active inflammatory state. Conversely, activated astrocytes can release a plethora of factors to impact neuronal functions. This review summarizes our current understanding of the complex molecular interplays between astrocyte and neuron, emphasizing on Tau and α-synuclein (α-syn), the disease-driving proteins for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yihong Ye
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-594-0845; Fax: +1-301-496-0201
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Cong Y, Wu H, Bian X, Xie Q, Lyu Q, Cui J, Suo L, Kuang Y. Ptk2b deletion improves mice folliculogenesis and fecundity via inhibiting follicle loss mediated by Erk pathway. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1043-1053. [PMID: 32608523 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ptk2b has been found playing critical roles in oocyte maturation and subsequent fertilization in vitro. But what is the exact in vivo function in reproduction still elusive. Here, by constructing Ptk2b mutant mice, we found Ptk2b was not essential for mice fertility, unexpectedly, contrary to previously reported in vitro findings, we found Ptk2b ablation significantly improved female fecundity. Follicle counting indicated that the number of primordial follicles and growing follicles in matured mice was significantly increased in the absence of Ptk2b, whereas the primordial follicle formation showed no defects. We also found this regulation was in an autophosphorylation independent pathway, as autophosphorylation site mutant mice (PTK2BY402F ) show no phenotype in female fertility. Further biochemistry studies revealed that Ptk2b ablation promotes folliculogenesis via Erk pathway mediate follicle survival. Together, we found a novel biological function of Ptk2b in folliculogenesis, which could be potentially used as a therapeutic target for corresponding infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Cong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuejiao Bian
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Xie
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qifeng Lyu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junqi Cui
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun Suo
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhang C, Hu R, Zhang G, Zhe Y, Hu B, He J, Wang Z, Qi X. A Weighted Genetic Risk Score Based on Four APOE-Independent Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Loci May Supplement APOE E4 for Better Disease Prediction. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 69:433-443. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Arranz AM, De Strooper B. The role of astroglia in Alzheimer's disease: pathophysiology and clinical implications. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:406-414. [PMID: 30795987 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes, also called astroglia, maintain homoeostasis of the brain by providing trophic and metabolic support to neurons. They recycle neurotransmitters, stimulate synaptogenesis and synaptic neurotransmission, form part of the blood-brain barrier, and regulate regional blood flow. Although astrocytes have been known to display morphological alterations in Alzheimer's disease for more than a century, research has remained neurocentric. Emerging evidence suggests that these morphological changes reflect functional alterations that affect disease. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Genetic studies indicate that most of the risk of developing late onset Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of the disease, affecting patients aged 65 years and older, is associated with genes (ie, APOE, APOJ, and SORL) that are mainly expressed by glial cells (ie, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes). This insight has moved the focus of research away from neurons and towards glial cells and neuroinflammation. Molecular studies in rodent models suggest a direct contribution of astrocytes to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes causing Alzheimer's disease; however, these models might insufficiently mimic the human disease, because rodent astrocytes differ considerably in morphology, functionality, and gene expression. In-vivo studies using stem-cell derived human astrocytes are allowing exploration of the human disease and providing insights into the neurotoxic or protective contributions of these cells to the pathogenesis of disease. The first attempts to develop astrocytic biomarkers and targeted therapies are emerging. WHERE NEXT?: Single-cell transcriptomics allows the fate of individual astrocytes to be followed in situ and provides the granularity needed to describe healthy and pathological cellular states at different stages of Alzheimer's disease. Given the differences between human and rodent astroglia, study of human cells in this way will be crucial. Although refined single-cell transcriptomic analyses of human post-mortem brains are important for documentation of pathology, they only provide snapshots of a dynamic reality. Thus, functional work studying human astrocytes generated from stem cells and exposed to pathological conditions in rodent brain or cell culture are needed to understand the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. These studies will lead to novel biomarkers and hopefully a series of new drug targets to tackle this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia M Arranz
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.
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Kwok MK, Lin SL, Schooling CM. Re-thinking Alzheimer's disease therapeutic targets using gene-based tests. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:461-470. [PMID: 30314892 PMCID: PMC6446018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating condition with no known effective drug treatments. Existing drugs only alleviate symptoms. Given repeated expensive drug failures, we assessed systematically whether approved and investigational AD drugs are targeting products of genes strongly associated with AD and whether these genes are targeted by existing drugs for other indications which could be re-purposed. Methods We identified genes strongly associated with late-onset AD from the loci of genetic variants associated with AD at genome-wide-significance and from a gene-based test applied to the most extensively genotyped late-onset AD case (n = 17,008)-control (n = 37,154) study, the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project. We used three gene-to-drug cross-references, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Drugbank and Drug Repurposing Hub, to identify genetically validated targets of AD drugs and any existing drugs or nutraceuticals targeting products of the genes strongly associated with late-onset AD. Findings A total of 67 autosomal genes (forming 9 gene clusters) were identified as strongly associated with late-onset AD, 28 from the loci of single genetic variants, 51 from the gene-based test and 12 by both methods. Existing approved or investigational AD drugs did not target products of any of these 67 genes. Drugs for other indications targeted 11 of these genes, including immunosuppressive disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs targeting PTK2B gene products. Interpretation Approved and investigational AD drugs are not targeting products of genes strongly associated with late-onset AD. However, other drugs targeting products of these genes exist and could perhaps be re-purposing to combat late-onset AD after further scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Ki Kwok
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building (North Wing), 7 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shi Lin Lin
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building (North Wing), 7 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building (North Wing), 7 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, United States.
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Polis B, Gil-Henn H. Commentary on Giralt et al.: PTK2B/Pyk2 overexpression improves a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Exp Neurol 2018; 311:313-317. [PMID: 30171866 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the most common cause of dementia and the 6th leading cause of death. Although research has revealed significant information about AD, much is yet to be discovered about the precise biological changes that cause AD and how the disease could be prevented, slowed, or stopped. Accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of the non-receptor proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) in AD, but the downstream signaling events triggered by this protein and their implications on the pathology of the disease were unclear until recently. A recent paper by Giralt et al. used genetically depleted and overexpression mouse models to elucidate the role of Pyk2 in AD. Here, we discuss the findings presented in this paper in light of previous information and hypotheses, and suggest interpretations and explanations for this surprising and unexpected phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruh Polis
- Laboratory of Cell Migration and Invasion, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; Drug Discovery Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Hava Gil-Henn
- Laboratory of Cell Migration and Invasion, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
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Chen Y, Cao B, Chen X, Ou R, Wei Q, Zhao B, Wu Y, Yuan L, Shang HF. The relationship between four GWAS-identified loci in Alzheimer's disease and the risk of Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple system atrophy. Neurosci Lett 2018; 686:205-210. [PMID: 30144538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of genetic variants have previously been identified and associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including rs10838725 in CELF1, rs28834970 in PTK2B, rs17125944 in FERMT2, and rs10410544 in SIRT2 based on genome-wide association studies. Considering the overlap between the clinical manifestation and pathological characteristics of AD and Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), we conducted a large sample study to investigate the associations between these variants and these three common neurodegenerative diseases in a Chinese population. METHODS A total of 2449 patients, including 1219 PD, 870 sporadic ALS, and 360 MSA, and 821 healthy controls were examined for this study. All cases were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphisms using Sequenom iPLEX assay technology. RESULTS No significant differences were found in genotype distribution and minor allele frequencies between the four candidate variants and the three neurodegenerative diseases. However, a significant difference was found in the minor allele frequency of rs28834970 in PTK2B between PD patients with normal and abnormal cognitive function (p = 0.001). Moreover, the minor allele "C" was associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment in PD (OR = 1.84). Although this observation was not significant (p = 0.064), the mean Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACER) score of PD patients with the risk allele of rs28834970 was 2.913 ± 1.569 points lower than that of PD patients without the risk allele. CONCLUSION This study provides new insight into some of the phenotypes that may share the common pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Chen
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bei Cao
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueping Chen
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruwei Ou
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Wei
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bi Zhao
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lixing Yuan
- Public Laboratory of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology and West China Brain Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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