1
|
Vercammen H, Ondra M, Kotulova J, De La Hoz EC, Witters C, Jecmenova K, Le Compte M, Deben C, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Koppen C, Hajdúch M, Van den Bogerd B. "Keep on ROCKIn": Repurposed ROCK inhibitors to boost corneal endothelial regeneration. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116435. [PMID: 38513591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116435] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The global shortage of corneal endothelial graft tissue necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitors (ROCKi), recognized for their regenerative potential in cardiology, oncology, and neurology, have shown promise in corneal endothelial regeneration. This study investigates the repurposing potential of additional ROCKi compounds. Through screening a self-assembled library of ROCKi on B4G12 corneal endothelial cells, we evaluated their dose-dependent effects on proliferation, migration, and toxicity using live-cell imaging. Nine ROCKi candidates significantly enhanced B4G12 proliferation compared to the basal growth rate. These candidates were further assessed for their potential to accelerate wound closure as another indicator for tissue regeneration capacity, with most demonstrating notable efficacy. To assess the potential impact of candidate ROCKi on key corneal endothelial cell markers related to cell proliferation, leaky tight junctions and ion efflux capacity, we analyzed the protein expression of cyclin E1, CDK2, p16, ZO-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase, respectively. Immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis confirmed the preservation of corneal endothelial markers post-treatment with ROCKi hits. However, notable cytoplasm enlargement and nuclear fragmentation were detected after the treatment with SR-3677 and Thiazovivin, indicating possible cellular stress. In compared parameters, Chroman-1 at a concentration of 10 nM outperformed other ROCKi, requiring significantly 1000-fold lower effective concentration than established ROCKi Y-27632 and Fasudil. Altogether, this study underscores the potential of repurposing ROCKi for treating corneal endothelial dysfunctions, offering a viable alternative to conventional grafting methods, and highlights Chroman-1 as a promising candidate structure for hit-to-lead development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Vercammen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; DrugVision Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Martin Ondra
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kotulova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Charissa Witters
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; DrugVision Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Katerina Jecmenova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Carina Koppen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Bert Van den Bogerd
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Turkistani A, Al-kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Albuhadily AK, Elhussieny O, AL-Farga A, Aqlan F, Saad HM, Batiha GES. The functional and molecular roles of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75 NTR) in epilepsy. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2024; 16:11795735241247810. [PMID: 38655152 PMCID: PMC11036928 DOI: 10.1177/11795735241247810] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder manifested by recurring unprovoked seizures resulting from an imbalance in the inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. The process of epileptogenesis involves a complex interplay between the reduction of inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the enhancement of excitatory glutamate. Pro-BDNF/p75NTR expression is augmented in both glial cells and neurons following epileptic seizures and status epileptics (SE). Over-expression of p75NTR is linked with the pathogenesis of epilepsy, and augmentation of pro-BDNF/p75NTR is implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, the precise mechanistic function of p75NTR in epilepsy has not been completely elucidated. Therefore, this review aimed to revise the mechanistic pathway of p75NTR in epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Areej Turkistani
- Department of pharmacology and toxicology, Collage of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi
| | - Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Professor in department of clinical pharmacology and medicine, college of medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Professor in department of clinical pharmacology and medicine, college of medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali K. Albuhadily
- Professor in department of clinical pharmacology and medicine, college of medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Omnya Elhussieny
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Marsa Matruh, Egypt
| | - Ammar AL-Farga
- Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudia Arbia
| | - Faisal Aqlan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Ibb University, Ibb Governorate, Yemen
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hossen F, Geng X, Sun GY, Yao X, Lee JC. Oligomeric Amyloid-β and Tau Alter Cell Adhesion Properties and Induce Inflammatory Responses in Cerebral Endothelial Cells Through the RhoA/ROCK Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04138-z. [PMID: 38561558 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) has been implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite evidence showing cytotoxic effects of oligomeric amyloid-β (oAβ) and Tau (oTau) in the central nervous system, their direct effects on CECs have not been fully investigated. In this study, we examined the direct effects of oAβ, oTau, and their combination on cell adhesion properties and inflammatory responses in CECs. We found that both oAβ and oTau increased cell stiffness, as well as the p-selectin/Sialyl-LewisX (sLeX) bonding-mediated membrane tether force and probability of adhesion in CECs. Consistent with these biomechanical alterations, treatments with oAβ or oTau also increased actin polymerization and the expression of p-selectin at the cell surface. These toxic oligomeric peptides also triggered inflammatory responses, including upregulations of p-NF-kB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α. In addition, they rapidly activated the RhoA/ROCK pathway. These biochemical and biomechanical changes were further enhanced by the treatment with the combination of oAβ and oTau, which were significantly suppressed by Fasudil, a specific inhibitor for the RhoA/ROCK pathway. In conclusion, our data suggest that oAβ, oTau, and their combination triggered subcellular mechanical alterations and inflammatory responses in CECs through the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Hossen
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Xue Geng
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Grace Y Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Xincheng Yao
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - James C Lee
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kaushik A, Parashar S, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Ubiquitin E3 ligases assisted technologies in protein degradation: Sharing pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102279. [PMID: 38521359 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102279] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
E3 ligases, essential components of the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation system, play a critical role in cellular regulation. By covalently attaching ubiquitin (Ub) molecules to target proteins, these ligases mark them for degradation, influencing various bioprocesses. With over 600 E3 ligases identified, there is a growing realization of their potential as therapeutic candidates for addressing proteinopathies in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Recent research has highlighted the need to delve deeper into the intricate roles of E3 ligases as nexus points in the pathogenesis of both cancer and NDDs. Their dysregulation is emerging as a common thread linking these seemingly disparate diseases, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their molecular intricacies. Herein, we have discussed (i) the fundamental mechanisms through which different types of E3 ligases actively participate in selective protein degradation in cancer and NDDs, followed by an examination of common E3 ligases playing pivotal roles in both situations, emphasising common players. Moving to, (ii) the functional domains and motifs of E3 ligases involved in ubiquitination, we have explored their interactions with specific substrates in NDDs and cancer. Additionally, (iii) we have explored techniques like PROTAC, molecular glues, and other state-of-the-art methods for hijacking neurotoxic and oncoproteins. Lastly, (iv) we have provided insights into ongoing clinical trials, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of E3-based therapeutics for cancer and NDDs. Unravelling the intricate network of E3 ligase-mediated regulation holds the key to unlocking targeted therapies that address the specific molecular signatures of individual patients, heralding a new era in personalized medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Kaushik
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Somya Parashar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University-Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Collu R, Yin Z, Giunti E, Daley S, Chen M, Morin P, Killick R, Wong STC, Xia W. Effect of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil on the brain proteomic profile in the tau transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1323563. [PMID: 38440100 PMCID: PMC10911083 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1323563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The goal of this study is to explore the pharmacological potential of the amyloid-reducing vasodilator fasudil, a selective Ras homolog (Rho)-associated kinases (ROCK) inhibitor, in the P301S tau transgenic mouse model (Line PS19) of neurodegenerative tauopathy and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods We used LC-MS/MS, ELISA and bioinformatic approaches to investigate the effect of treatment with fasudil on the brain proteomic profile in PS19 tau transgenic mice. We also explored the efficacy of fasudil in reducing tau phosphorylation, and the potential beneficial and/or toxic effects of its administration in mice. Results Proteomic profiling of mice brains exposed to fasudil revealed the activation of the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and blood-brain barrier (BBB) gap junction metabolic pathways. We also observed a significant negative correlation between the brain levels of phosphorylated tau (pTau) at residue 396 and both fasudil and its metabolite hydroxyfasudil. Conclusions Our results provide evidence on the activation of proteins and pathways related to mitochondria and BBB functions by fasudil treatment and support its further development and therapeutic potential for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Collu
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zheng Yin
- T. T. and W. F. Chao Center for BRAIN, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elisa Giunti
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah Daley
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mei Chen
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Peter Morin
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Richard Killick
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen T. C. Wong
- T. T. and W. F. Chao Center for BRAIN, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Weiming Xia
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Kennedy College of Science, Lowell, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Basavarajappa D, Galindo-Romero C, Gupta V, Agudo-Barriuso M, Gupta VB, Graham SL, Chitranshi N. Signalling pathways and cell death mechanisms in glaucoma: Insights into the molecular pathophysiology. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101216. [PMID: 37856930 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex multifactorial eye disease manifesting in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and optic nerve degeneration, ultimately causing irreversible vision loss. Research in recent years has significantly enhanced our understanding of RGC degenerative mechanisms in glaucoma. It is evident that high intraocular pressure (IOP) is not the only contributing factor to glaucoma pathogenesis. The equilibrium of pro-survival and pro-death signalling pathways in the retina strongly influences the function and survival of RGCs and optic nerve axons in glaucoma. Molecular evidence from human retinal tissue analysis and a range of experimental models of glaucoma have significantly contributed to unravelling these mechanisms. Accumulating evidence reveals a wide range of molecular signalling pathways that can operate -either alone or via intricate networks - to induce neurodegeneration. The roles of several molecules, including neurotrophins, interplay of intracellular kinases and phosphates, caveolae and adapter proteins, serine proteases and their inhibitors, nuclear receptors, amyloid beta and tau, and how their dysfunction affects retinal neurons are discussed in this review. We further underscore how anatomical alterations in various animal models exhibiting RGC degeneration and susceptibility to glaucoma-related neuronal damage have helped to characterise molecular mechanisms in glaucoma. In addition, we also present different regulated cell death pathways that play a critical role in RGC degeneration in glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Experimental Ophthalmology Group, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) & Ophthalmology Department, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Experimental Ophthalmology Group, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) & Ophthalmology Department, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Veer B Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Volik PI, Kopeina GS, Zhivotovsky B, Zamaraev AV. Total recall: the role of PIDDosome components in neurodegeneration. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:996-1013. [PMID: 37716905 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.08.008] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The PIDDosome is a multiprotein complex that includes p53-induced protein with a death domain 1 (PIDD1), receptor-interacting protein-associated ICH-1/CED-3 homologous protein with a death domain (RAIDD), and caspase-2, the activation of which is driven by PIDDosome assembly. In addition to the key role of the PIDDosome in the regulation of cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, and organogenesis and regeneration, caspase-2, RAIDD and PIDD1 engagement in neuronal development was shown. Here, we focus on the involvement of PIDDosome components in neurodegenerative disorders, including retinal neuropathies, different types of brain damage, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Lewy body disease. We also discuss pathogenic variants of PIDD1, RAIDD, and caspase-2 that are associated with intellectual, behavioral, and psychological abnormalities, together with prospective PIDDosome inhibition strategies and their potential clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel I Volik
- Facuty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gelina S Kopeina
- Facuty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Facuty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Division of Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Alexey V Zamaraev
- Facuty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Benarroch E. What Is the Role of the Rho-ROCK Pathway in Neurologic Disorders? Neurology 2023; 101:536-543. [PMID: 37722862 PMCID: PMC10516277 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
|
9
|
Sousa T, Moreira PI, Cardoso S. Current Advances in Mitochondrial Targeted Interventions in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2331. [PMID: 37760774 PMCID: PMC10525414 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and affects the lives not only of those who are diagnosed but also of their caregivers. Despite the enormous social, economic and political burden, AD remains a disease without an effective treatment and with several failed attempts to modify the disease course. The fact that AD clinical diagnosis is most often performed at a stage at which the underlying pathological events are in an advanced and conceivably irremediable state strongly hampers treatment attempts. This raises the awareness of the need to identify and characterize the early brain changes in AD, in order to identify possible novel therapeutic targets to circumvent AD's cascade of events. One of the most auspicious targets is mitochondria, powerful organelles found in nearly all cells of the body. A vast body of literature has shown that mitochondria from AD patients and model organisms of the disease differ from their non-AD counterparts. In view of this evidence, preserving and/or restoring mitochondria's health and function can represent the primary means to achieve advances to tackle AD. In this review, we will briefly assess and summarize the previous and latest evidence of mitochondria dysfunction in AD. A particular focus will be given to the recent updates and advances in the strategy options aimed to target faulty mitochondria in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Paula I. Moreira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana Cardoso
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIBB—Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hamano M, Ichinose T, Yasuda T, Ishijima T, Okada S, Abe K, Tashiro K, Furuya S. Bioinformatics Analysis of the Molecular Networks Associated with the Amelioration of Aberrant Gene Expression by a Tyr-Trp Dipeptide in Brains Treated with the Amyloid-β Peptide. Nutrients 2023; 15:2731. [PMID: 37375635 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122731] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain peptides derived from various protein sources have been shown to exhibit diverse bio-modulatory and health-promoting effects in animal experiments and human trials. We recently reported that the oral administration of the Tyr-Trp (YW) dipeptide to mice markedly enhances noradrenaline metabolism in the brain and ameliorates the working-memory deficits induced by the β-amyloid 25-35 peptide (Aβ25-35). In the current study, we performed multiple bioinformatics analyses of microarray data from Aβ25-35/YW-treated brains to determine the mechanism underlying the action of YW in the brain and to infer the molecular mechanisms and networks involved in the protective effect of YW in the brain. We found that YW not only reversed inflammation-related responses but also activated various molecular networks involving a transcriptional regulatory system, which is mediated by the CREB binding protein (CBP), EGR-family proteins, ELK1, and PPAR, and the calcium-signaling pathway, oxidative stress tolerance, and an enzyme involved in de novo l-serine synthesis in brains treated with Aβ25-35. This study revealed that YW has a neuroprotective effect against Aβ25-35 neuropathy, suggesting that YW is a new functional-food-material peptide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Momoko Hamano
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka 820-8502, Fukuoka, Japan
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Metabolism, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Ichinose
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Metabolism, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tokio Yasuda
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ishijima
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shinji Okada
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Keiko Abe
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (KISTEC), 3-25-13 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tashiro
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shigeki Furuya
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka 820-8502, Fukuoka, Japan
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Metabolism, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Fukuoka, Japan
- Innovative Bio-Architecture Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang H, Lu F, Liu P, Qiu Z, Li J, Wang X, Xu H, Zhao Y, Li X, Wang H, Lu D, Qi R. A direct interaction between RhoGDIα/Tau alleviates hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:58-71. [PMID: 35080740 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RhoGDIα is an inhibitor of RhoGDP dissociation that involves in Aβ metabolism and NFTs production in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by regulating of RhoGTP enzyme activity. Our previous research revealed that RhoGDIα, as the target of Polygala saponin (Sen), might alleviate apoptosis of the nerve cells caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). To further clarify the role of RhoGDIα in the generation of NFTs, we explored the relationship between RhoGDIα and Tau. We found out that RhoGDIα and Tau can bind with each other and interact by using coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and GST pulldown methods in vitro. This RhoGDIα-Tau partnership was further verified by using immunofluorescence colocalization and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches in PC12 cells. Using the RNA interference (RNAi) technique, we found that the RhoGDIα may be involved in an upstream signaling pathway for Tau. Subsequently, in Aβ25-35- and H/R-induced PC12 cells, forced expression of RhoGDIα via cDNA plasmid transfection was found to reduce the hyperphosphorylation of Tau, augment the expression of bcl-2 protein, and inhibit the expression of Bax protein (reducing the Bax/bcl-2 ratio) and the activity of caspase-3. In mouse AD and VaD models, forced expression of RhoGDIα via injection of a viral vector (pAAV-EGFP-RhoGDIα) into the lateral ventricle of the brain alleviated the pathological symptoms of AD and VaD. Finally, GST pulldown confirmed that the binding sites on RhoGDIα for Tau were located in the range of the ΔC33 fragment (aa 1-33). These results indicate that RhoGDIα is involved in the phosphorylation of Tau and apoptosis in AD and VaD. Overexpression of RhoGDIα can inhibit the generation of NFTs and delay the progress of these two types of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heping Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Lu
- Department of Emergency, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Panhong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zhaohui Qiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, ShenZhen, 518033, China
| | - Jianling Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yandong Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xuemin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Huadong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Daxiang Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Renbin Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Basheer N, Smolek T, Hassan I, Liu F, Iqbal K, Zilka N, Novak P. Does modulation of tau hyperphosphorylation represent a reasonable therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease? From preclinical studies to the clinical trials. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2197-2214. [PMID: 37264120 PMCID: PMC10611587 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases (PKs) have emerged as one of the most intensively investigated drug targets in current pharmacological research, with indications ranging from oncology to neurodegeneration. Tau protein hyperphosphorylation was the first pathological post-translational modification of tau protein described in Alzheimer's disease (AD), highlighting the role of PKs in neurodegeneration. The therapeutic potential of protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs)) and protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) activators in AD has recently been explored in several preclinical and clinical studies with variable outcomes. Where a number of preclinical studies demonstrate a visible reduction in the levels of phospho-tau in transgenic tauopathy models, no reduction in neurofibrillary lesions is observed. Amongst the few PKIs and PP2A activators that progressed to clinical trials, most failed on the efficacy front, with only a few still unconfirmed and potential positive trends. This suggests that robust preclinical and clinical data is needed to unequivocally evaluate their efficacy. To this end, we take a systematic look at the results of preclinical and clinical studies of PKIs and PP2A activators, and the evidence they provide regarding the utility of this approach to evaluate the potential of targeting tau hyperphosphorylation as a disease modifying therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Basheer
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 10, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Smolek
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 10, Slovakia
| | - Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA
| | - Norbert Zilka
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 10, Slovakia.
- AXON Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Bratislava, 811 02, Slovakia.
| | - Petr Novak
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, 845 10, Slovakia.
- AXON Neuroscience CRM Services SE, Bratislava, 811 02, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang H, Liang L, Yang C, Xiao L, Wang H, Wang G, Zhu Z. The protective role of hippocampal LRP1 knockdown involves synaptic plasticity through the promoting microtubule dynamics and activation of Akt/GSK-3β pathway in depressive rats. J Affect Disord 2023; 322:63-75. [PMID: 36372121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism by which synaptic plasticity mediates the occurrence of depression is unknown. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) affects axon growth and neurogenesis in the brain, but its role in depressive-like behaviors is poorly understood. METHODS Adeno-associated virus-mediated small interfering RNA was injected into the bilateral hippocampus 14 days before chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS). Behavior performance was assessed for depressive-like behaviors. Western blot was conducted to detect levels of LRP1, neurogenesis-related proteins, synaptic markers, microtubule system molecules and Akt/GSK-3β signaling-related proteins. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for LRP1 protein, immunofluorescence staining was conducted to determine the Sox2 protein, Nissl's staining and transmission electron microscope staining were used to observe hippocampal morphological features. RESULTS The expression of hippocampal LRP1 was positively correlated with depressive-like behaviors. Treatment with iAAV-LRP1 exerted protective effects on depressive-like behaviors. LRP1 Knockdown relieved the inhibition of synaptic plasticity induced by CUMS. Expression of Sox2, GluR2 and SYP was significantly increased in iAAV-LRP1 CUMS rats. LRP1 knockdown reduced the p-tau (Ser262 and Thr404) and Acet-tubule levels in depressed rats. Finally, we found that LRP1 knockdown activated the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibited GSK-3β signal transduction. LIMITATIONS More neurogenesis markers would be considered, and stereotactic injection into hippocampal DG region could be performed to investigate the effects of LRP1. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that hippocampal LRP1 deficiency in stressed rats plays an important protective role in depressive-like behavior by increasing synaptic plasticity mediated by microtubule dynamic and activating Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Therefore, LRP1 may represent a potential therapeutic target for depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238#, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Liang Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238#, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Can Yang
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238#, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238#, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238#, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Gaohua Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238#, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Zhixian Zhu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238#, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
He DL, Fan YG, Wang ZY. Energy Crisis Links to Autophagy and Ferroptosis in Alzheimer's Disease: Current Evidence and Future Avenues. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:67-86. [PMID: 35980072 PMCID: PMC10193753 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220817140737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. The occult nature of the onset and the uncertainty of the etiology largely impede the development of therapeutic strategies for AD. Previous studies revealed that the disorder of energy metabolism in the brains of AD patients appears far earlier than the typical pathological features of AD, suggesting a tight association between energy crisis and the onset of AD. Energy crisis in the brain is known to be induced by the reductions in glucose uptake and utilization, which may be ascribed to the diminished expressions of cerebral glucose transporters (GLUTs), insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunctions, and lactate dysmetabolism. Notably, the energy sensors such as peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPAR), transcription factor EB (TFEB), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were shown to be the critical regulators of autophagy, which play important roles in regulating beta-amyloid (Aβ) metabolism, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, iron dynamics, as well as ferroptosis. In this study, we summarized the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in the energy dysmetabolism of AD and discussed the interplays existing between energy crisis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. In addition, we highlighted the potential network in which autophagy may serve as a bridge between energy crisis and ferroptosis in the progression of AD. A deeper understanding of the relationship between energy dysmetabolism and AD may provide new insight into developing strategies for treating AD; meanwhile, the energy crisis in the progression of AD should gain more attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da-Long He
- Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Yong-Gang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Zhan-You Wang
- Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alan E, Kerry Z, Sevin G. Molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease: From therapeutic targets to promising drugs. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 37:397-427. [PMID: 36576325 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment so widespread that it interferes with a person's ability to complete daily activities. AD is becoming increasingly common, and it is estimated that the number of patients will reach 152 million by 2050. Current treatment options for AD are symptomatic and have modest benefits. Therefore, considering the human, social, and economic burden of the disease, the development of drugs with the potential to alter disease progression has become a global priority. In this review, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathology of AD were evaluated as therapeutic targets. The main aim of the review is to focus on new knowledge about mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuronal transmission in AD, as well as a range of cellular signaling mechanisms and associated treatments. Important molecular interactions leading to AD were described in amyloid cascade and in tau protein function, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, cAMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB), the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT-1), neuroinflammation (glial cells), and synaptic alterations. This review summarizes recent experimental and clinical research in AD pathology and analyzes the potential of therapeutic applications based on molecular disease mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Alan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Kerry
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulnur Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mani S, Jindal D, Chopra H, Jha SK, Singh SK, Ashraf GM, Kamal M, Iqbal D, Chellappan DK, Dey A, Dewanjee S, Singh KK, Ojha S, Singh I, Gautam RK, Jha NK. ROCK2 Inhibition: A Futuristic Approach for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104871. [PMID: 36122738 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Neurons depend on mitochondrial functions for membrane excitability, neurotransmission, and plasticity.Mitochondrialdynamicsare important for neural cell maintenance. To maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, lysosomes remove dysfunctionalmitochondria through mitophagy. Mitophagy promotes mitochondrial turnover and prevents the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria. In many neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), mitophagy is disrupted in neurons.Mitophagy is regulated by several proteins; recently,Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) has been suggested to negatively regulate the Parkin-dependent mitophagy pathway.Thus, ROCK2inhibitionmay bea promising therapyfor NDDs. This review summarizesthe mitophagy pathway, the role of ROCK2in Parkin-dependentmitophagyregulation,and mitophagy impairment in the pathology of AD. We further discuss different ROCK inhibitors (synthetic drugs, natural compounds,and genetherapy-based approaches)and examine their effects on triggering neuronal growth and neuroprotection in AD and other NDDs. This comprehensive overview of the role of ROCK in mitophagy inhibition provides a possible explanation for the significance of ROCK inhibitors in the therapeutic management of AD and other NDDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Mani
- Centre for Emerging Disease, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP, India.
| | - Divya Jindal
- Centre for Emerging Disease, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP, India
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | | | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Keshav K Singh
- Department of Genetics, UAB School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Inderbir Singh
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala -134007, India
| | - Rupesh K Gautam
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala -134007, India.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bjorkli C, Hemler M, Julian JB, Sandvig A, Sandvig I. Combined targeting of pathways regulating synaptic formation and autophagy attenuates Alzheimer’s disease pathology in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:913971. [PMID: 36052130 PMCID: PMC9426773 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.913971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All drug trials completed to date have fallen short of meeting the clinical endpoint of significantly slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. In this study, we repurposed two FDA-approved drugs, Fasudil and Lonafarnib, targeting synaptic formation (i.e., Wnt signaling) and cellular clearance (i.e., autophagic) pathways respectively, to test their therapeutic potential for attenuating AD-related pathology. We characterized our 3xTg AD mouse colony to select timepoints for separate and combinatorial treatment of both drugs while collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using an optimized microdialysis method. We found that treatment with Fasudil reduced Aβ at early and later stages of AD, whereas administration of Lonafarnib had no effect on Aβ, but did reduce tau, at early stages of the disease. Induction of autophagy led to increased size of amyloid plaques when administered at late phases of the disease. We show that combinatorial treatment with both drugs was effective at reducing intraneuronal Aβ and led to improved cognitive performance in mice. These findings lend support to regulating Wnt and autophagic pathways in order to attenuate AD-related pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Bjorkli
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurology, St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- *Correspondence: Christiana Bjorkli,
| | - Mary Hemler
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurology, St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Joshua B. Julian
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Axel Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurology, St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neuro Head and Neck, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ioanna Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurology, St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Multitargeting the Action of 5-HT 6 Serotonin Receptor Ligands by Additional Modulation of Kinases in the Search for a New Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease: Can It Work from a Molecular Point of View? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158768. [PMID: 35955902 PMCID: PMC9368844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158768] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In view of the unsatisfactory treatment of cognitive disorders, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the aim of this review was to perform a computer-aided analysis of the state of the art that will help in the search for innovative polypharmacology-based therapeutic approaches to fight against AD. Apart from 20-year unrenewed cholinesterase- or NMDA-based AD therapy, the hope of effectively treating Alzheimer’s disease has been placed on serotonin 5-HT6 receptor (5-HT6R), due to its proven, both for agonists and antagonists, beneficial procognitive effects in animal models; however, research into this treatment has so far not been successfully translated to human patients. Recent lines of evidence strongly emphasize the role of kinases, in particular microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4), Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase I/II (ROCKI/II) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) in the etiology of AD, pointing to the therapeutic potential of their inhibitors not only against the symptoms, but also the causes of this disease. Thus, finding a drug that acts simultaneously on both 5-HT6R and one of those kinases will provide a potential breakthrough in AD treatment. The pharmacophore- and docking-based comprehensive literature analysis performed herein serves to answer the question of whether the design of these kind of dual agents is possible, and the conclusions turned out to be highly promising.
Collapse
|
19
|
Wu Y, Meng W, Guan M, Zhao X, Zhang C, Fang Q, Zhang Y, Sun Z, Cai M, Huang D, Yang X, Yu Y, Cui Y, He S, Chai R. Pitavastatin protects against neomycin-induced ototoxicity through inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:963083. [PMID: 35992197 PMCID: PMC9381809 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.963083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Irreversible injury to inner ear hair cells induced by aminoglycoside antibiotics contributes to the formation of sensorineural hearing loss. Pitavastatin (PTV), a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects. However, its role in aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to investigate the beneficial effects, as well as the mechanism of action of PTV against neomycin-induced ototoxicity. We found that PTV remarkably reduced hair cell loss in mouse cochlear explants and promoted auditory HEI-OC1 cells survival after neomycin stimulation. We also observed that the auditory brainstem response threshold that was increased by neomycin was significantly reduced by pretreatment with PTV in mice. Furthermore, neomycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in hair cells was attenuated by PTV treatment through inhibition of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling. Additionally, we found that PTV suppressed the RhoA/ROCK/JNK signal pathway, which was activated by neomycin stimulation in HEI-OC1 cells. Collectively, our results showed that PTV might serve as a promising therapeutic agent against aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Zhongda Hospital, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Meng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Department of Neurobiology, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaojun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Zhongda Hospital, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Zhongda Hospital, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zihui Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingjing Cai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongdong Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuechun Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yafeng Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yafeng Yu,
| | - Yong Cui
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, South Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Yong Cui,
| | - Shuangba He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Shuangba He,
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Zhongda Hospital, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Renjie Chai,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lee DH, Lee JY, Hong DY, Lee EC, Park SW, Jo YN, Park YJ, Cho JY, Cho YJ, Chae SH, Lee MR, Oh JS. ROCK and PDE-5 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Dementia: Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061348. [PMID: 35740369 PMCID: PMC9219677 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a disease in which memory, thought, and behavior-related disorders progress gradually due to brain damage caused by injury or disease. It is mainly caused by Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia and several other risk factors, including genetic factors. It is difficult to treat as its incidence continues to increase worldwide. Many studies have been performed concerning the treatment of this condition. Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) are attracting attention as pharmacological treatments to improve the symptoms. This review discusses how ROCK and PDE-5 affect Alzheimer’s disease, vascular restructuring, and exacerbation of neuroinflammation, and how their inhibition helps improve cognitive function. In addition, the results of the animal behavior analysis experiments utilizing the Morris water maze were compared through meta-analysis to analyze the effects of ROCK inhibitors and PDE-5 inhibitors on cognitive function. According to the selection criteria, 997 publications on ROCK and 1772 publications on PDE-5 were screened, and conclusions were drawn through meta-analysis. Both inhibitors showed good improvement in cognitive function tests, and what is expected of the synergy effect of the two drugs was confirmed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hun Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (J.Y.L.); (D.-Y.H.); (E.C.L.); (S.-W.P.)
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soon Chun Hyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (J.Y.L.); (D.-Y.H.); (E.C.L.); (S.-W.P.)
| | - Dong-Yong Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (J.Y.L.); (D.-Y.H.); (E.C.L.); (S.-W.P.)
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soon Chun Hyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Eun Chae Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (J.Y.L.); (D.-Y.H.); (E.C.L.); (S.-W.P.)
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soon Chun Hyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Sang-Won Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (J.Y.L.); (D.-Y.H.); (E.C.L.); (S.-W.P.)
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soon Chun Hyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Yu Na Jo
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (Y.N.J.); (Y.J.P.); (J.Y.C.); (Y.J.C.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Yu Jin Park
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (Y.N.J.); (Y.J.P.); (J.Y.C.); (Y.J.C.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Jae Young Cho
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (Y.N.J.); (Y.J.P.); (J.Y.C.); (Y.J.C.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Yoo Jin Cho
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (Y.N.J.); (Y.J.P.); (J.Y.C.); (Y.J.C.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Su Hyun Chae
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (Y.N.J.); (Y.J.P.); (J.Y.C.); (Y.J.C.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Man Ryul Lee
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soon Chun Hyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.R.L.); (J.S.O.)
| | - Jae Sang Oh
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (D.-H.L.); (J.Y.L.); (D.-Y.H.); (E.C.L.); (S.-W.P.)
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soon Chun Hyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.R.L.); (J.S.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
RhoA Signaling in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091520. [PMID: 35563826 PMCID: PMC9103838 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) is a small GTPase of the Rho family involved in regulating multiple signal transduction pathways that influence a diverse range of cellular functions. RhoA and many of its downstream effector proteins are highly expressed in the nervous system, implying an important role for RhoA signaling in neurons and glial cells. Indeed, emerging evidence points toward a role of aberrant RhoA signaling in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of RhoA regulation and downstream cellular functions with an emphasis on the role of RhoA signaling in neurodegenerative diseases and the therapeutic potential of RhoA inhibition in neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang Z, Ren D, Zheng P. The role of Rho/ROCK in epileptic seizure-related neuronal damage. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:881-887. [PMID: 35119588 PMCID: PMC9042975 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00909-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most severe neurological disorders characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Although more than two-thirds of patients can be cured with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), the rest one-third of epilepsy patients are resistant to AEDs. A series of studies have demonstrated Rho/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway might be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in the recent twenty years. Several related pathway inhibitors of Rho/ROCK have been used in the treatment of epilepsy. We searched PubMed from Jan 1, 2000 to Dec 31, 2020, using the terms "epilepsy AND Rho AND ROCK" and "seizure AND Rho AND ROCK". We selected articles that characterized Rho/ROCK in animal models of epilepsy and patients. We then chose the most relevant research studies including in-vitro, in-vivo and clinical trials. The expression of Rho/ROCK could be a potential non-invasive biomarker to apply in treatment for patients with epilepsy. RhoA and ROCK show significant upregulation in the acute and chronic stage of epilepsy. ROCK inhibitors can reduce the epilepsy, epileptic seizure-related neuronal death and comorbidities. These findings demonstrate the novel development for diagnosis and treatment for patients with epilepsy. Rho/ROCK signaling pathway inhibitors may show more promising effects in epilepsy and related neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Dabin Ren
- Department of Neurusurgery & Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pudong New area People's Hospital, Shanghai, 201299, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Neurusurgery & Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pudong New area People's Hospital, Shanghai, 201299, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chang KC, Liu PF, Chang CH, Lin YC, Chen YJ, Shu CW. The interplay of autophagy and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and therapy of retinal degenerative diseases. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:1. [PMID: 34980273 PMCID: PMC8725349 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is mainly caused by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is highly associated with normal physiological homeostasis and the pathogenesis of diseases, particularly ocular diseases. Autophagy is a self-clearance pathway that removes oxidized cellular components and regulates cellular ROS levels. ROS can modulate autophagy activity through transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. Autophagy further triggers transcription factor activation and degrades impaired organelles and proteins to eliminate excessive ROS in cells. Thus, autophagy may play an antioxidant role in protecting ocular cells from oxidative stress. Nevertheless, excessive autophagy may cause autophagic cell death. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of interaction between ROS and autophagy and their roles in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and optic nerve atrophy, which are major causes of blindness. The autophagy modulators used to treat ocular diseases are further discussed. The findings of the studies reviewed here might shed light on the development and use of autophagy modulators for the future treatment of ocular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Feng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, PhD Program in Life Science, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Chang
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 70, Lianhai Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Cheng Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ju Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 70, Lianhai Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Clioquinol Decreases Levels of Phosphorylated, Truncated, and Oligomerized Tau Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112063. [PMID: 34769495 PMCID: PMC8584684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are senile plaques (SPs), which are composed of amyloid β protein (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which consist of highly phosphorylated tau protein. As bio-metal imbalance may be involved in the formation of NFT and SPs, metal regulation may be a direction for AD treatment. Clioquinol (CQ) is a metal-protein attenuating compound with mild chelating effects for Zn2+ and Cu2+, and CQ can not only detach metals from SPs, but also decrease amyloid aggregation in the brain. Previous studies suggested that Cu2+ induces the hyperphosphorylation of tau. However, the effects of CQ on tau were not fully explored. To examine the effects of CQ on tau metabolism, we used a human neuroblastoma cell line, M1C cells, which express wild-type tau protein (4R0N) via tetracycline-off (TetOff) induction. In a morphological study and ATP assay, up to 10 μM CQ had no effect on cell viability; however, 100 μM CQ had cytotoxic effects. CQ decreased accumulation of Cu+ in the M1C cells (39.4% of the control), and both total and phosphorylated tau protein. It also decreased the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) (37.3% and 60.7% levels of the control, respectively), which are tau kinases. Of note, activation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is a tau phosphatase, was also observed after CQ treatment. Fractionation experiments demonstrated a reduction of oligomeric tau in the tris insoluble, sarkosyl soluble fraction by CQ treatment. CQ also decreased caspase-cleaved tau, which accelerated the aggregation of tau protein. CQ activated autophagy and proteasome pathways, which are considered important for the degradation of tau protein. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the effects of CQ on tau, CQ may shed light on possible AD therapeutics.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang Y, Jiang L, Huang T, Lu D, Song Y, Wang L, Gao J. Mechanosensitive cation channel Piezo1 contributes to ventilator-induced lung injury by activating RhoA/ROCK1 in rats. Respir Res 2021; 22:250. [PMID: 34548087 PMCID: PMC8456630 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01844-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mechanical ventilation can induce or aggravate lung injury, which is termed ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Piezo1 is a key element of the mechanotransduction process and can transduce mechanical signals into biological signals by mediating Ca2+ influx, which in turn regulates cytoskeletal remodeling and stress alterations. We hypothesized that it plays an important role in the occurrence of VILI, and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Methods High tidal volume mechanical ventilation and high magnitude cyclic stretch were performed on Sprague–Dawley rats, and A549 and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, respectively, to establish VILI models. Immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, histological examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and survival curves were used to assess the effect of Piezo1 on induction of lung injury, as well as the signaling pathways involved. Results We observed that Piezo1 expression increased in the lungs after high tidal volume mechanical ventilation and in cyclic stretch-treated cells. Mechanistically, we observed the enhanced expression of RhoA/ROCK1 in both cyclic stretch and Yoda1-treated cells, while the deficiency or inhibition of Piezo1 dramatically antagonized RhoA/ROCK1 expression. Furthermore, blockade of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling using an inhibitor did not affect Piezo1 expression. GSMTx4 was used to inhibit Piezo1, which alleviated VILI-induced pathologic changes, water content and protein leakage in the lungs, and the induction of systemic inflammatory mediators, and improved the 7-day mortality rate in the model rats. Conclusions These findings indicate that Piezo1 affects the development and progression of VILI through promotion of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 Nan Tong Western Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lulu Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tianfeng Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 Nan Tong Western Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dahao Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 Nan Tong Western Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 Nan Tong Western Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 Nan Tong Western Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ju Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 Nan Tong Western Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Martín-Cámara O, Cores Á, López-Alvarado P, Menéndez JC. Emerging targets in drug discovery against neurodegenerative diseases: Control of synapsis disfunction by the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113742. [PMID: 34388381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic spine morphology is controlled by the activity of Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA, which need to be finely balanced, and in particular RhoA/ROCK prevents the formation of new protrusions by stabilizing actin formation. These processes are crucial to the maturation process, slowing the de novo generation of new spines. The RhoA/ROCK also influences plasticity processes, and selective modulation by ROCK1 of MLC-dependent actin dynamics leads to neurite retraction, but not to spine retraction. ROCK1 is also responsible for the reduction of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. These and other evidences suggest that ROCK1 is the main isoform acting on the presynaptic neuron. On the other hand, ROCK2 seems to have broad effects on LIMK/cofilin-dependent plasticity processes such as cofilin-dependent PSD changes. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is an important factor in several different brain-related pathologies via both downstream and upstream pathways. In the aggregate, these evidences show that the RhoA/ROCK pathway has a central role in the etiopathogenesis of a large group of CNS diseases, which underscores the importance of the pharmacological modulation of RhoA/ROCK as an important pathway to drug discovery in the neurodegenerative disease area. This article aims at providing the first review of the role of compounds acting on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the control of synaptic disfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olmo Martín-Cámara
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Cores
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Alvarado
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cai R, Wang Y, Huang Z, Zou Q, Pu Y, Yu C, Cai Z. Role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in Alzheimer's disease. Behav Brain Res 2021; 414:113481. [PMID: 34302876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK), a serine/threonine kinase regulated by the small GTPase RhoA, is involved in regulating cell migration, proliferation, and survival. Numerous studies have shown that the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway can promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) occurrence. ROCK activation increases β-secretase activity and promotes amyloid-beta (Aβ) production; moreover, Aβ further activates ROCK. This is suggestive of a possible positive feedback role for Aβ and ROCK. Moreover, ROCK activation promotes the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and abnormal synaptic contraction. Additionally, ROCK activation can promote the neuroinflammatory response by activating microglia and astrocytes to release inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, ROCK is a promising drug target in AD; further, there is a need to elucidate the specific mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- RuoLan Cai
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563003, China; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - YangYang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - ZhenTing Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Qian Zou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - YinShuang Pu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Changyin Yu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - Zhiyou Cai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Autophagy and Tau Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147475. [PMID: 34299093 PMCID: PMC8303176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles, which consist of highly phosphorylated tau protein, and senile plaques (SPs) are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In swollen axons, many autophagic vacuoles are observed around SP in the AD brain. This suggests that autophagy function is disturbed in AD. We used a neuronal cellular model of tauopathy (M1C cells), which harbors wild type tau (4R0N), to assess the effects of the lysosomotrophic agent NH4Cl, and autophagy inhibitors chloroquine and 3 methyladenine (3MA). It was found that chloroquine, NH4Cl and 3MA markedly increased tau accumulation. Thus, autophagy lysosomal system disturbances disturbed the degradation mechanisms of tau protein. Other studies also revealed that tau protein, including aggregated tau, is degraded via the autophagy lysosome system. Phosphorylated and C terminal truncated tau were also reported to disturb autophagy function. As a therapeutic strategy, autophagy upregulation was suggested. Thus far, as autophagy modulators, rapamycin, mTOCR1 inhibitor and its analogues, lithium, metformin, clonidine, curcumin, nicotinamide, bexaroten, and torehalose have been proposed. As a therapeutic strategy, autophagic modulation may be the next target of AD therapeutics.
Collapse
|
29
|
Guiler W, Koehler A, Boykin C, Lu Q. Pharmacological Modulators of Small GTPases of Rho Family in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661612. [PMID: 34054432 PMCID: PMC8149604 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical Rho GTPases, including RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, are members of the Ras small GTPase superfamily and play essential roles in a variety of cellular functions. Rho GTPase signaling can be turned on and off by specific GEFs and GAPs, respectively. These features empower Rho GTPases and their upstream and downstream modulators as targets for scientific research and therapeutic intervention. Specifically, significant therapeutic potential exists for targeting Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases due to their widespread cellular activity and alterations in neural tissues. This study will explore the roles of Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases with focus on the applications of pharmacological modulators in recent discoveries. There have been exciting developments of small molecules, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and natural products and toxins for each classical Rho GTPase category. A brief overview of each category followed by examples in their applications will be provided. The literature on their roles in various diseases [e.g., Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS)] highlights the unique and broad implications targeting Rho GTPases for potential therapeutic intervention. Clearly, there is increasing knowledge of therapeutic promise from the discovery of pharmacological modulators of Rho GTPases for managing and treating these conditions. The progress is also accompanied by the recognition of complex Rho GTPase modulation where targeting its signaling can improve some aspects of pathogenesis while exacerbating others in the same disease model. Future directions should emphasize the importance of elucidating how different Rho GTPases work in concert and how they produce such widespread yet different cellular responses during neurodegenerative disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qun Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurogenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Improved neurocognitive performance in FIV infected cats following treatment with the p75 neurotrophin receptor ligand LM11A-31. J Neurovirol 2021; 27:302-324. [PMID: 33661457 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-021-00956-2] [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: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
HIV rapidly infects the central nervous system (CNS) and establishes a persistent viral reservoir within microglia, perivascular macrophages and astrocytes. Inefficient control of CNS viral replication by antiretroviral therapy results in chronic inflammation and progressive cognitive decline in up to 50% of infected individuals with no effective treatment options. Neurotrophin based therapies have excellent potential to stabilize and repair the nervous system. A novel non-peptide ligand, LM11A-31, that targets the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) has been identified as a small bioavailable molecule capable of strong neuroprotection with minimal side effects. To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of LM11A-31 in a natural infection model, we treated cats chronically infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) with 13 mg/kg LM11A-31 twice daily over a period of 10 weeks and assessed effects on cognitive functions, open field behaviors, activity, sensory thresholds, plasma FIV, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) FIV, peripheral blood mononuclear cell provirus, CD4 and CD8 cell counts and general physiology. Between 12 and 18 months post-inoculation, cats began to show signs of neural dysfunction in T maze testing and novel object recognition, which were prevented by LM11A-31 treatment. Anxiety-like behavior was reduced in the open field and no changes were seen in sensory thresholds. Systemic FIV titers were unaffected but treated cats exhibited a log drop in CSF FIV titers. No significant adverse effects were observed under all conditions. The data indicate that LM11A-31 is likely to be a potent adjunctive treatment for the control of neurodegeneration in HIV infected individuals.
Collapse
|
31
|
Xie Z, Yang X, Duan Y, Han J, Liao C. Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Nononcologic Diseases. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1283-1345. [PMID: 33481605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Great successes have been achieved in developing small-molecule kinase inhibitors as anticancer therapeutic agents. However, kinase deregulation plays essential roles not only in cancer but also in almost all major disease areas. Accumulating evidence has revealed that kinases are promising drug targets for different diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system disorders, viral infections, and malaria. Indeed, the first small-molecule kinase inhibitor for treatment of a nononcologic disease was approved in 2011 by the U.S. FDA. To date, 10 such inhibitors have been approved, and more are in clinical trials for applications other than cancer. This Perspective discusses a number of kinases and their small-molecule inhibitors for the treatment of diseases in nononcologic therapeutic fields. The opportunities and challenges in developing such inhibitors are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Jihong Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ruan Z, Li Y, He R, Li X. Inhibition of microRNA-10b-5p up-regulates HOXD10 to attenuate Alzheimer's disease in rats via the Rho/ROCK signalling pathway. J Drug Target 2021; 29:531-540. [PMID: 33307856 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1864739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is believed that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the specified function of miR-10b-5p in the disease has not been thoroughly understood. Thereafter, this research aimed to assess the function of miR-10b-5p in AD. METHODS Rat AD models were established by injected with amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42), which were mainly treated with lentivirus-miR-10b-5p inhibitor, or lentivirus-overexpressed homeobox D10 (HOXD10). MiR-10b-5p, HOXD10, RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression in rat hippocampal tissues were determined. Afterwards, the behaviour of rats was tested, and neuronal apoptosis, pathological injury, and inflammatory factors and oxidative stress-related factors were all assessed. Finally, the target relation between miR-10b-5p and HOXD10 was detected. RESULTS MiR-10b-5p was upregulated while HOXD10 was downregulated, and the Rho/ROCK signalling pathway was activated in hippocampal tissues of rats with AD. Inhibition of miR-10b-5p could attenuate the neuronal apoptosis, pathological injury, inflammation reaction, and oxidative stress by elevating HOXD10 and inhibiting the Rho/ROCK signalling pathway in AD rats. Moreover, HOXD10 was targeted by miR-10b-5p. CONCLUSION Inhibited miR-10b-5p decelerated the development of AD by promoting HOXD10 and inactivating the Rho/ROCK signalling pathway, and our findings may contribute to the exploration of AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfan Ruan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Rongzhang He
- Translational Medicine Institute, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for High-through Molecular Diagnosis Technology, Collaborative Research Center for Post-doctoral Mobile Stations of Central South University, Affiliated the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou of University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang J, Feng D, Gao B. An Overview of Potential Therapeutic Agents Targeting WNT/PCP Signaling. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:175-213. [PMID: 34463852 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the proto-oncogene Wnt1 (Int1) in 1982, WNT signaling has been identified as one of the most important pathways that regulates a wide range of fundamental developmental and physiological processes in multicellular organisms. The canonical WNT signaling pathway depends on the stabilization and translocation of β-catenin and plays important roles in development and homeostasis. The WNT/planar cell polarity (WNT/PCP) signaling, also known as one of the β-catenin-independent WNT pathways, conveys directional information to coordinate polarized cell behaviors. Similar to WNT/β-catenin signaling, disruption or aberrant activation of WNT/PCP signaling also underlies a variety of developmental defects and cancers. However, the pharmacological targeting of WNT/PCP signaling for therapeutic purposes remains largely unexplored. In this review, we briefly discuss WNT/PCP signaling in development and disease and summarize the known drugs/inhibitors targeting this pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Di Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chen WP, Zhang G, Cheng ZJ, Gu XH, Li M, Liu X. Inhibitor Kappa B Kinase β, Modulated by DJ-1/p-VHL, Reduces Phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) Accumulation via Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease Model. Neuroscience 2020; 452:1-12. [PMID: 33069779 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated Inhibitor Kappa B Kinase β (IKKβ) facilitates autophagy, which in turn mediates p-Tau protein clearance. However, the specific regulatory mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. Firstly, AD model was generated by the intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of the Β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) peptide. Subsequently, mice were injected with shRNA adenoviral transduction particles designed to target DJ-1 or Aβ1-42 or Aβ1-42 + shNC or Aβ1-42 + shRNA against DJ-1. shRNA against DJ-1 were injected into hippocampus of mice (8 × 104 viral particles for each mice) for seven consecutive days. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the accumulation of Aβ in the hippocampus of mice, and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining assay was carried to detect pathological changes in the hippocampus of mice. Further, sh-IKKβ, shDJ-1, pcDNA-IKKβ and pcDNA-DJ-1 plasmids were transfected into HT-22 cells, MTT assay, TUNEL staining and Hoechst staining were performed to detect cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Western blotting was carried to measure the relative expression of proteins. Findings indicated that Aβ1-42 inhibited autophagy and up-regulated p-Tau protein expression; Overexpression of IKKβ and DJ-1 all rescued the autophagy inhibited by Aβ1-42 and down-regulated p-Tau protein expression induced by Aβ1-42; DJ-1 up-regulated IKKβ via p-VHL, further promoted autophagy and reduced the expression of p-Tau protein; DJ-1 knockdown inhibited autophagy and up-regulated p-Tau protein expression, resulting in delayed behavior in mice. In conclusion, IKKβ, modulated by DJ-1/p-VHL, reduces p-Tau accumulation via autophagy in AD's disease model. This study may provide theoretical basis for the treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, JiangXi Mental Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Zhi-Juan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Xun-Hu Gu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Álvarez-Santos MD, Álvarez-González M, Estrada-Soto S, Bazán-Perkins B. Regulation of Myosin Light-Chain Phosphatase Activity to Generate Airway Smooth Muscle Hypercontractility. Front Physiol 2020; 11:701. [PMID: 32676037 PMCID: PMC7333668 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle is a central structure involved in the regulation of airway tone. In addition, it plays an important role in the development of some pathologies generated by alterations in contraction, such as hypercontractility and the airway hyperresponsiveness observed in asthma. The molecular processes associated with smooth muscle contraction are centered around myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, which is controlled by a balance in the activity of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light-chain phosphatase (MLCP). MLCK activation depends on increasing concentrations of intracellular Ca2+, while MLCP activation is independent of Ca2+. MLCP contains a phosphatase subunit (PP1c) that is regulated through myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) and other subunits, such as glycogen-associated regulatory subunit and myosin-binding subunit 85 kDa. Interestingly, MLCP inhibition may contribute to exacerbation of smooth muscle contraction by increasing MLC phosphorylation to induce hypercontractility. Many pathways inhibiting MLCP activity in airway smooth muscle have been proposed and are focused on inhibition of PP1c, inhibitory phosphorylation of MYPT1 and dissociation of the PP1c-MYPT1 complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayra D Álvarez-Santos
- Biology Area, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marisol Álvarez-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Samuel Estrada-Soto
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Blanca Bazán-Perkins
- Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico.,Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Song L, Zhu C, Zheng W, Lu D, Jiao H, Zhao R, Bao Z. Computational systematic selectivity of the Fasalog inhibitors between ROCK-I and ROCK-II kinase isoforms in Alzheimer's disease. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 87:107314. [PMID: 32619776 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase (ROCK) is a class of essential neurokinases that consists of two structurally conserved isoforms ROCK-I and ROCK-II; they have been revealed to play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders. Selective targeting of the two kinase isoforms with small-molecule inhibitors is a great challenge due to the surprisingly high homology in kinase domain (92 %) and the full identity in kinase active site (100 %). Here, we describe a computational protocol to systematically profile the selectivity of Fasudil and its 25 analogs (termed as Fasalogs) between the two kinase isoforms. It is suggested that the substitution of Fasudil's 1,4-diazepane moiety with rigid ring such as Ripasudil and Dimehtylfasudil would render the resulting inhibitors of ROCK-II over ROCK-I (II-o-I) selectivity, while the substitution with long, flexible group such as H-89 and BDBM92607 tends to have I-o-II selectivity. Structural analysis reveals that the inhibitor affinity is not only determined by the identical active site, but also contributed from the non-identical first and second shells of the site as well as other non-conserved kinase regions, which can indirectly influence the active site and inhibitor binding through allosteric effect. A further kinase assay basically confirms the computational findings, which also exhibits a good consistence with theoretical selectivity over 10 tested samples (Rp = 0.89). In particular, the Fasalog compounds Dimehtylfasudil and H-89 are identified as II-o-I and I-o-II selective inhibitors. They can be considered as promising lead molecular entities to develop new specific ROCK isoform-selective Fasalog inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laijun Song
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital, Daqing, 163001, China
| | - Chunyu Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital, Daqing, 163001, China
| | - Wenxin Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital, Daqing, 163001, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital, Daqing, 163001, China
| | - Hong Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Rongbing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital, Daqing, 163001, China.
| | - Zhonglei Bao
- Department of Neurology, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital, Daqing, 163001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ghali GZ, Ghali MGZ. Nafamostat mesylate attenuates the pathophysiologic sequelae of neurovascular ischemia. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:2217-2234. [PMID: 32594033 PMCID: PMC7749469 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.284981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nafamostat mesylate, an apparent soi-disant panacea of sorts, is widely used to anticoagulate patients undergoing hemodialysis or cardiopulmonary bypass, mitigate the inflammatory response in patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, and reverse the coagulopathy of patients experiencing the commonly preterminal disseminated intravascular coagulation in the Far East. The serine protease inhibitor nafamostat mesylate exhibits significant neuroprotective effects in the setting of neurovascular ischemia. Nafamostat mesylate generates neuroprotective effects by attenuating the enzymatic activity of serine proteases, neuroinflammatory signaling cascades, and the endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, downregulating excitotoxic transient receptor membrane channel subfamily 7 cationic currents, modulating the activity of intracellular signal transduction pathways, and supporting neuronal survival (brain-derived neurotrophic factor/TrkB/ERK1/2/CREB, nuclear factor kappa B. The effects collectively reduce neuronal necrosis and apoptosis and prevent ischemia mediated disruption of blood-brain barrier microarchitecture. Investigational clinical applications of these compounds may mitigate ischemic reperfusion injury in patients undergoing cardiac, hepatic, renal, or intestinal transplant, preventing allograft rejection, and treating solid organ malignancies. Neuroprotective effects mediated by nafamostat mesylate support the wise conduct of randomized prospective controlled trials in Western countries to evaluate the clinical utility of this compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Zaki Ghali
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington, VA; Department of Toxicology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Michael George Zaki Ghali
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|