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Mathes TG, Monirizad M, Ermis M, de Barros NR, Rodriguez M, Kraatz HB, Jucaud V, Khademhosseini A, Falcone N. Effects of amyloid-β-mimicking peptide hydrogel matrix on neuronal progenitor cell phenotype. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00259-9. [PMID: 38801867 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptide-based hydrogels have become a highly attractive scaffold for three-dimensional (3D) in vitro disease modeling as they provide a way to create tunable matrices that can resemble the extracellular matrix (ECM) of various microenvironments. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an exceptionally complex neurodegenerative condition; however, our understanding has advanced due to the transition from two-dimensional (2D) to 3D in vitro modeling. Nonetheless, there is a current gap in knowledge regarding the role of amyloid structures, and previously developed models found long-term difficulty in creating an appropriate model involving the ECM and amyloid aggregates. In this report, we propose a multi-component self-assembling peptide-based hydrogel scaffold to mimic the amyloid-beta (β) containing microenvironment. Characterization of the amyloid-β-mimicking hydrogel (Col-HAMA-FF) reveals the formation of β-sheet structures as a result of the self-assembling properties of phenylalanine (Phe, F) through π-π stacking of the residues, thus mimicking the amyloid-β protein nanostructures. We investigated the effect of the amyloid-β-mimicking microenvironment on healthy neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) compared to a natural-mimicking matrix (Col-HAMA). Our results demonstrated higher levels of neuroinflammation and apoptosis markers when NPCs were cultured in the amyloid-like matrix compared to a natural brain matrix. Here, we provided insights into the impact of amyloid-like structures on NPC phenotypes and behaviors. This foundational work, before progressing to more complex plaque models, provides a promising scaffold for future investigations on AD mechanisms and drug testing. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we engineered two multi-component hydrogels: one to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the brain and one to resemble an amyloid-like microenvironment using a self-assembling peptide hydrogel. The self-assembling peptide mimics β-amyloid fibrils seen in amyloid-β protein aggregates. We report on the culture of neuronal progenitor cells within the amyloid-mimicking ECM scaffold to study the impact through marker expressions related to inflammation and DNA damage. This foundational work, before progressing to more complex plaque models, offers a promising scaffold for future investigations on AD mechanisms and drug testing. This is suitable for your readership as it fits into the scope of a hypothesis-driven design of biomaterials for modeling and understanding biological interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Grett Mathes
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mahsa Monirizad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Menekse Ermis
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA; BIOMATEN, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Natan Roberto de Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marco Rodriguez
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz
- University of Toronto, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Toronto, ON M5S 2E4, Canada; University of Toronto Scarborough, Department of Physical and Environmental Science, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Natashya Falcone
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Chen XQ, Becker A, Albay R, Nguyen PD, Karachentsev D, Roberts AJ, Rynearson KD, Tanzi RE, Mobley WC. γ-Secretase Modulator BPN15606 Reduced Aβ42 and Aβ40 and Countered Alzheimer-Related Pathologies in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome. Ann Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38747498 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Due to increased gene dose for the amyloid precursor protein (APP), elderly adults with Down syndrome (DS) are at a markedly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), known as DS-AD. How the increased APP gene dose acts and which APP products are responsible for DS-AD is not well understood, thus limiting strategies to target pathogenesis. As one approach to address this question, we used a novel class of γ-secretase modulators that promote γ-site cleavages by the γ-secretase complex, resulting in lower levels of the Aβ42 and Aβ40 peptides. METHODS Ts65Dn mice, which serve as a model of DS, were treated via oral gavage with 10 mg/kg/weekday of BPN15606 (a potent and novel pyridazine-containing γ-secretase modulators). Treatment started at 3 months-of-age and lasted for 4 months. RESULTS Demonstrating successful target engagement, treatment with BPN15606 significantly decreased levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the cortex and hippocampus; it had no effect on full-length APP or its C-terminal fragments in either 2 N or Ts65Dn mice. Importantly, the levels of total amyloid-β were not impacted, pointing to BPN15606-mediated enhancement of processivity of γ-secretase. Additionally, BPN15606 rescued hyperactivation of Rab5, a protein responsible for regulating endosome function, and normalized neurotrophin signaling deficits. BPN15606 treatment also normalized the levels of synaptic proteins and tau phosphorylation, while reducing astrocytosis and microgliosis, and countering cognitive deficits. INTERPRETATION Our findings point to the involvement of increased levels of Aβ42 and/or Aβ40 in contributing to several molecular and cognitive traits associated with DS-AD. They speak to increased dosage of the APP gene acting through heightened levels of Aβ42 and/or Aβ40 as supporting pathogenesis. These findings further the interest in the potential use of γ-secretase modulators for treating and possibly preventing AD in individuals with DS. ANN NEUROL 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qiao Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ricardo Albay
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Phuong D Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dmitry Karachentsev
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amanda J Roberts
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Guzmán-Ocampo DC, Aguayo-Ortiz R, Dominguez L. Understanding the Modulatory Role of E2012 on the γ-Secretase-Substrate Interaction. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3855-3864. [PMID: 38623052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation plays a critical role in enzyme functionality and requires a deep understanding of the interactions between the active and allosteric sites. γ-Secretase (GS) is a key therapeutic target in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), through its role in the synthesis of amyloid β peptides that accumulate in AD patients. This study explores the structure and dynamic effects of GS modulation by E2012 binding, employing well-tempered metadynamics and conventional molecular dynamics simulations across three binding scenarios: (1) GS enzyme with and without L458 inhibitor, (2) the GS-substrate complex together with the modulator E2012 in two different binding modes, and (3) E2012 interacting with a C99 substrate fragment. Our findings reveal that the presence of L458 induces conformational changes that contribute to stabilization of the GS enzyme dynamics, previously reported as a key factor that allowed the resolution of the cryo-EM structure and the enhanced binding of E2012. Furthermore, we identified the most favorable binding site for E2012 within the GS-substrate complex, uncovering significant modulatory effects and a complex network of interactions that influence the position of the substrate for catalysis. In addition, we explore a potential substrate-modulator binding before the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex. The insights gained from our study emphasize the importance of these interactions in the development of potential therapeutic interventions that target the functionality of the GS enzyme in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce C Guzmán-Ocampo
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Aguayo-Ortiz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
| | - Laura Dominguez
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
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Maccioni R, Travisan C, Badman J, Zerial S, Wagener A, Andrade-Talavera Y, Picciau F, Grassi C, Chen G, Lemoine L, Fisahn A, Jiang R, Fluhrer R, Mentrup T, Schröder B, Nilsson P, Tambaro S. Signal peptide peptidase-like 2b modulates the amyloidogenic pathway and exhibits an Aβ-dependent expression in Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 235:102585. [PMID: 38367747 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102585] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disorder driven by abnormal amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) levels. In this study, we investigated the role of presenilin-like signal peptide peptidase-like 2b (SPPL2b) in AD pathophysiology and its potential as a druggable target within the Aβ cascade. Exogenous Aβ42 influenced SPPL2b expression in human cell lines and acute mouse brain slices. SPPL2b and its AD-related substrate BRI2 were evaluated in the brains of AppNL-G-F knock-in AD mice and human postmortem AD brains. An early high cortical expression of SPPL2b was observed, followed by a downregulation in late AD pathology in AppNL-G-F mice, correlating with synaptic loss. To understand the consequences of pathophysiological SPPL2b dysregulation, we found that SPPL2b overexpression significantly increased APP cleavage, while genetic deletion reduced APP cleavage and Aβ production. Notably, postmortem AD brains showed higher levels of SPPL2b's BRI2 substrate compared to healthy control samples. These results strongly support the involvement of SPPL2b in AD pathology. The early Aβ-induced upregulation of SPPL2b may enhance Aβ production in a vicious cycle, further aggravating Aβ pathology. Therefore, SPPL2b emerges as a potential anti-Aβ drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Maccioni
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
| | - Caterina Travisan
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven 3001, Belgium.
| | - Jack Badman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden.
| | - Stefania Zerial
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden; Department of life science, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - Annika Wagener
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden; Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, 69117 Germany.
| | - Yuniesky Andrade-Talavera
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden.
| | - Federico Picciau
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09042, Italy.
| | - Caterina Grassi
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden; Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy.
| | - Gefei Chen
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 141 52, Sweden.
| | - Laetitia Lemoine
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 141 52, Sweden.
| | - André Fisahn
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden.
| | - Richeng Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Regina Fluhrer
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86159, Germany.
| | - Torben Mentrup
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany.
| | - Bernd Schröder
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany.
| | - Per Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden.
| | - Simone Tambaro
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna 171 64, Sweden.
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De Strooper B, Karran E. New precision medicine avenues to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease from insights into the structure and function of γ-secretases. EMBO J 2024; 43:887-903. [PMID: 38396302 PMCID: PMC10943082 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00057-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Two phase-III clinical trials with anti-amyloid peptide antibodies have met their primary goal, i.e. slowing of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. However, antibody therapy may not be the optimal therapeutic modality for AD prevention, as we will discuss in the context of the earlier small molecules described as "γ-secretase modulators" (GSM). We review here the structure, function, and pathobiology of γ-secretases, with a focus on how mutations in presenilin genes result in early-onset AD. Significant progress has been made in generating compounds that act in a manner opposite to pathogenic presenilin mutations: they stabilize the proteinase-substrate complex, thereby increasing the processivity of substrate cleavage and altering the size spectrum of Aβ peptides produced. We propose the term "γ-secretase allosteric stabilizers" (GSAS) to distinguish these compounds from the rather heterogenous class of GSM. The GSAS represent, in theory, a precision medicine approach to the prevention of amyloid deposition, as they specifically target a discrete aspect in a complex cell biological signalling mechanism that initiates the pathological processes leading to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart De Strooper
- Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, at the Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 AT, UK.
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Eric Karran
- Cambridge Research Center, AbbVie, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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Zhao M, Ma G, Yan X, Li X, Wang E, Xu XX, Zhao JB, Ma X, Zeng J. Microbial infection promotes amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via modulating γ-secretase. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02428-5. [PMID: 38273109 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Microbial infection as a type of environmental risk factors is considered to be associated with long-term increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterized by two neuropathologically molecular hallmarks of hyperphosphorylated tau and amyloid-β (Aβ), the latter generated by several biochemically reactive enzymes, including γ-secretase. However, how infectious risk factors contribute to pathological development of the AD core molecules remains to be addressed. In this work, we utilized a modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (mHSV-1) and found that its hippocampal infection locally promotes Aβ pathology in 5 × FAD mice, the commonly used amyloid model. Mechanistically, we identified HSV-1 membrane glycoprotein US7 (Envelope gI) that interacts with and modulates γ-secretase and consequently facilitates Aβ production. Furthermore, we presented evidence that adenovirus-associated virus-mediated locally hippocampal overexpression of the US7 aggravates Aβ pathology in 5 × FAD mice. Collectively, these findings identify a herpesviral factor regulating γ-secretase in the development and progression of AD and represent a causal molecular link between infectious pathogens and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201600, China
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guanqin Ma
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoxu Yan
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201600, China
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Erlin Wang
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201600, China
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiang-Xiong Xu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie-Bin Zhao
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Xueling Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Jianxiong Zeng
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201600, China.
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China.
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Information, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
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7
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Serneels L, Bammens L, Zwijsen A, Tolia A, Chávez-Gutiérrez L, De Strooper B. Functional and topological analysis of PSENEN, the fourth subunit of the γ-secretase complex. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105533. [PMID: 38072061 PMCID: PMC10790097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105533] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The γ-secretase complexes are intramembrane cleaving proteases involved in the generation of the Aβ peptides in Alzheimer's disease. The complex consists of four subunits, with Presenilin harboring the catalytic site. Here, we study the role of the smallest subunit, PSENEN or Presenilin enhancer 2, encoded by the gene Psenen, in vivo and in vitro. We find a profound Notch deficiency phenotype in Psenen-/- embryos confirming the essential role of PSENEN in the γ-secretase complex. We used Psenen-/- fibroblasts to explore the structure-function of PSENEN by the scanning cysteine accessibility method. Glycine 22 and proline 27, which border the membrane domains 1 and 2 of PSENEN, are involved in complex formation and stabilization of γ-secretase. The hairpin structured hydrophobic membrane domains 1 and 2 are exposed to a water-containing cavity in the complex, while transmembrane domain 3 is not water exposed. We finally demonstrate the essential role of PSENEN for the cleavage activity of the complex. PSENEN is more than a structural component of the γ-secretase complex and might contribute to the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutgarde Serneels
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Bammens
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Zwijsen
- Laboratory of Developmental Signaling, Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Tolia
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucía Chávez-Gutiérrez
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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8
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Chen SY, Koch M, Chávez-Gutiérrez L, Zacharias M. How Modulator Binding at the Amyloidβ-γ-Secretase Interface Enhances Substrate Binding and Attenuates Membrane Distortion. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16772-16782. [PMID: 38059872 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of γ-secretase, an intramembrane protease, to reduce secretion of Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides has been considered for treating Alzheimer's disease. However, γ-secretase inhibitors suffer from severe side effects. As an alternative, γ-secretase modulators (GSM) reduce the generation of toxic peptides by enhancing the cleavage processivity without diminishing the enzyme activity. Starting from a known γ-secretase structure without substrate but in complex with an E2012 GSM, we generated a structural model that included a bound Aβ43 peptide and studied interactions among enzyme, substrate, GSM, and lipids. Our result suggests that E2012 binding at the enzyme-substrate-membrane interface attenuates the membrane distortion by shielding the substrate-membrane interaction. The model predicts that the E2012 modulation is charge-dependent and explains the preserved hydrogen acceptor and the aromatic ring observed in many imidazole-based GSM. Predicted effects of γ-secretase mutations on E2012 modulation were confirmed experimentally. We anticipate that the study will facilitate the future development of effective GSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yu Chen
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Matthias Koch
- VIB/KU Leuven, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | | | - Martin Zacharias
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies, Garching 85748, Germany
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9
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Marzi SJ, Schilder BM, Nott A, Frigerio CS, Willaime-Morawek S, Bucholc M, Hanger DP, James C, Lewis PA, Lourida I, Noble W, Rodriguez-Algarra F, Sharif JA, Tsalenchuk M, Winchester LM, Yaman Ü, Yao Z, Ranson JM, Llewellyn DJ. Artificial intelligence for neurodegenerative experimental models. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5970-5987. [PMID: 37768001 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experimental models are essential tools in neurodegenerative disease research. However, the translation of insights and drugs discovered in model systems has proven immensely challenging, marred by high failure rates in human clinical trials. METHODS Here we review the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in experimental medicine for dementia research. RESULTS Considering the specific challenges of reproducibility and translation between other species or model systems and human biology in preclinical dementia research, we highlight best practices and resources that can be leveraged to quantify and evaluate translatability. We then evaluate how AI and ML approaches could be applied to enhance both cross-model reproducibility and translation to human biology, while sustaining biological interpretability. DISCUSSION AI and ML approaches in experimental medicine remain in their infancy. However, they have great potential to strengthen preclinical research and translation if based upon adequate, robust, and reproducible experimental data. HIGHLIGHTS There are increasing applications of AI in experimental medicine. We identified issues in reproducibility, cross-species translation, and data curation in the field. Our review highlights data resources and AI approaches as solutions. Multi-omics analysis with AI offers exciting future possibilities in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Marzi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Brian M Schilder
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alexi Nott
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Magda Bucholc
- School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry, UK
| | - Diane P Hanger
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Patrick A Lewis
- Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Wendy Noble
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Jalil-Ahmad Sharif
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Tsalenchuk
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ümran Yaman
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | | | | | - David J Llewellyn
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
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10
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Nordvall G, Lundkvist J, Sandin J. Gamma-secretase modulators: a promising route for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1279740. [PMID: 37908487 PMCID: PMC10613654 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1279740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical data with three therapeutic anti-Aβ antibodies have demonstrated that removal of Aβ-amyloid plaques in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) can attenuate disease progression. This ground-breaking progress in AD medicine has validated both the amyloid cascade hypothesis and Aβ-amyloid as therapeutic targets. These results also strongly support therapeutic approaches that aim to reduce the production of amyloidogenic Aβ to prevent the formation of Aβ-pathology. One such strategy, so-called gamma-secretase modulators (GSM), has been thoroughly explored in preclinical settings but has yet to be fully tested in clinical trials. Recent scientific progress has shed new light on the role of Aβ in Alzheimer's disease and suggests that GSMs exhibit specific pharmacological features that hold great promise for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In this short review, we discuss the data that support why it is important to continue to progress in this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Nordvall
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Lundkvist
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sinfonia Biotherapeutics AB, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Johan Sandin
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Chen XQ, Sawa M, Becker A, Karachentsev D, Zuo X, Rynearson KD, Tanzi RE, Mobley WC. Retromer Proteins Reduced in Down Syndrome and the Dp16 Model: Impact of APP Dose and Preclinical Studies of a γ-Secretase Modulator. Ann Neurol 2023; 94:245-258. [PMID: 37042072 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The retromer complex plays an essential role in intracellular endosomal sorting. Deficits in the retromer complex are linked to enhanced Aβ production. The levels of the components of the retromer complex are reported to be downregulated in Alzheimer disease (AD). Down syndrome (DS) shares neuropathological features with AD. Recent evidence points to dysregulation of the retromer complex in DS. The mechanisms underlying retromer deficits in DS and AD are poorly understood. METHODS We measured the levels of retromer components in the frontal cortex of cases of DS-AD (AD in DS) as well as DS; the frontal cortex of a person partially trisomic (PT-DS) for human chromosome 21 (HSA21), whose genome had only the normal 2 copies of the APP gene, was also examined. We also analyzed these proteins in the Dp16 mouse model of DS. To further explore the molecular mechanism for changes in the retromer complex, we treated Dp16 mice with a γ-secretase modulator (GSM; 776890), a treatment that reduces the levels of Aβ42 and Aβ40. RESULTS We found VPS26A, VPS26B, and VPS29, but not VPS35, were significantly reduced in both DS and DS-AD, but not in PT-DS. Downregulation of VPS26A, VPS26B, and VPS29 was recapitulated in the brains of old Dp16 mice (at 16 months of age) and required increased App gene dose. Significantly, GSM treatment completely prevented reductions of the retromer complex. INTERPRETATION Our studies point to increased APP gene dose as a compromising retromer function in DS and suggest a causal role for Aβ42 and Aβ40. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:245-258.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qiao Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mariko Sawa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dmitry Karachentsev
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xinxin Zuo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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12
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Liu L, Lauro BM, He A, Lee H, Bhattarai S, Wolfe MS, Bennett DA, Karch CM, Young-Pearse T, Selkoe DJ. Identification of the Aβ37/42 peptide ratio in CSF as an improved Aβ biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:79-96. [PMID: 35278341 PMCID: PMC9464800 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying CSF-based biomarkers for the β-amyloidosis that initiates Alzheimer's disease (AD) could provide inexpensive and dynamic tests to distinguish AD from normal aging and predict future cognitive decline. METHODS We developed immunoassays specifically detecting all C-terminal variants of secreted amyloid β-protein and identified a novel biomarker, the Aβ 37/42 ratio, that outperforms the canonical Aβ42/40 ratio as a means to evaluate the γ-secretase activity and brain Aβ accumulation. RESULTS We show that Aβ 37/42 can distinguish physiological and pathological status in (1) presenilin-1 mutant vs wild-type cultured cells, (2) AD vs control brain tissue, and (3) AD versus cognitively normal (CN) subjects in CSF, where 37/42 (AUC 0.9622) outperformed 42/40 (AUC 0.8651) in distinguishing CN from AD. DISCUSSION We conclude that the Aβ 37/42 ratio sensitively detects presenilin/γ-secretase dysfunction and better distinguishes CN from AD than Aβ42/40 in CSF. Measuring this novel ratio alongside promising phospho-tau analytes may provide highly discriminatory fluid biomarkers for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Bianca M. Lauro
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Amy He
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Hyo Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sanjay Bhattarai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS USA
| | - Michael S. Wolfe
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS USA
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Celeste M. Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
- Hope Center for Neurologic Disorders, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Tracy Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Dennis J. Selkoe
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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13
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Yao W, Yang H, Yang J. Small-molecule drugs development for Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1019412. [PMID: 36389082 PMCID: PMC9664938 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1019412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder with no effective therapeutic drugs currently. The complicated pathophysiology of AD is not well understood, although beta-amyloid (Aβ) cascade and hyperphosphorylated tau protein were regarded as the two main causes of AD. Other mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, deficiency of central cholinergic neurotransmitters, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, were also proposed and studied as targets in AD. This review aims to summarize the small-molecule drugs that were developed based on the pathogenesis and gives a deeper understanding of the AD. We hope that it could help scientists find new and better treatments to gradually conquer the problems related to AD in future.
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14
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Hirschfeld LR, Risacher SL, Nho K, Saykin AJ. Myelin repair in Alzheimer's disease: a review of biological pathways and potential therapeutics. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:47. [PMID: 36284351 PMCID: PMC9598036 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This literature review investigates the significant overlap between myelin-repair signaling pathways and pathways known to contribute to hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We discuss previously investigated therapeutic targets of amyloid, tau, and ApoE, as well as other potential therapeutic targets that have been empirically shown to contribute to both remyelination and progression of AD. Current evidence shows that there are multiple AD-relevant pathways which overlap significantly with remyelination and myelin repair through the encouragement of oligodendrocyte proliferation, maturation, and myelin production. There is a present need for a single, cohesive model of myelin homeostasis in AD. While determining a causative pathway is beyond the scope of this review, it may be possible to investigate the pathological overlap of myelin repair and AD through therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rose Hirschfeld
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Shannon L Risacher
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kwangsik Nho
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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15
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Small molecules targeting γ-secretase and their potential biological applications. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Lin WJ, Xiao C, Salton SR. Hope or hype? Aducanumab as a magic bullet for Alzheimer’s disease. BIO INTEGRATION 2022. [DOI: 10.15212/bioi-2021-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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17
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Ioppolo A, Eccles M, Groth D, Verdile G, Agostino M. Evaluation of Virtual Screening Strategies for the Identification of γ-Secretase Inhibitors and Modulators. Molecules 2021; 27:176. [PMID: 35011410 PMCID: PMC8746326 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Secretase is an intramembrane aspartyl protease that is important in regulating normal cell physiology via cleavage of over 100 transmembrane proteins, including Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and Notch family receptors. However, aberrant proteolysis of substrates has implications in the progression of disease pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), cancers, and skin disorders. While several γ-secretase inhibitors have been identified, there has been toxicity observed in clinical trials associated with non-selective enzyme inhibition. To address this, γ-secretase modulators have been identified and pursued as more selective agents. Recent structural evidence has provided an insight into how γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators are recognized by γ-secretase, providing a platform for rational drug design targeting this protease. In this study, docking- and pharmacophore-based screening approaches were evaluated for their ability to identify, from libraries of known inhibitors and modulators with decoys with similar physicochemical properties, γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators. Using these libraries, we defined strategies for identifying both γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators incorporating an initial pharmacophore-based screen followed by a docking-based screen, with each strategy employing distinct γ-secretase structures. Furthermore, known γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators were able to be identified from an external set of bioactive molecules following application of the derived screening strategies. The approaches described herein will inform the discovery of novel small molecules targeting γ-secretase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Ioppolo
- Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (A.I.); (M.E.); (D.G.); (G.V.)
| | - Melissa Eccles
- Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (A.I.); (M.E.); (D.G.); (G.V.)
| | - David Groth
- Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (A.I.); (M.E.); (D.G.); (G.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Verdile
- Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (A.I.); (M.E.); (D.G.); (G.V.)
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Mark Agostino
- Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (A.I.); (M.E.); (D.G.); (G.V.)
- Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
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18
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Cullen N, Janelidze S, Palmqvist S, Stomrud E, Mattsson-Carlgren N, Hansson O. Association of CSF Aβ38 Levels With Risk of Alzheimer Disease-Related Decline. Neurology 2021; 98:e958-e967. [PMID: 34937781 PMCID: PMC8901176 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000013228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental studies suggest that the balance between short and long Aβ species might modulate the toxic effects of Aβ in Alzheimer's disease (AD) but clinical evidence is lacking. We studied whether Aβ38 levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) relate to risk of AD dementia and cognitive decline. METHODS CSF Aβ38 levels were measured in 656 individuals across two clinical cohorts - the Swedish BioFINDER study and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between baseline Aβ38 levels and risk of AD dementia in AD-biomarker positive individuals (AD+; determined by CSF P-tau/Aβ42 ratio) with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate the association between baseline Aβ38 levels and cognitive decline as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in AD+ participants with SCD, MCI or AD dementia. RESULTS In the BioFINDER cohort, high Aβ38 levels were associated with slower decline in MMSE (β = 0.30 points / sd., P = 0.001) and with lower risk of conversion to AD dementia (HR = 0.83 per sd., P = 0.03). In the ADNI cohort, higher Aβ38 levels were associated with less decline in MMSE (β = 0.27, P = 0.01), but not risk of conversion to AD dementia (P = 0.66). Aβ38 levels in both cohorts were significantly associated with both cognitive and clinical outcomes when further adjusted for CSF P-tau or CSF Aβ42 levels. INTERPRETATION Higher CSF Aβ38 levels are associated with lower risk of AD-related changes in two independent clinical cohorts. These findings suggest that γ-secretase modulators could be effective as disease-altering therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Cullen
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shorena Janelidze
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Palmqvist
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Erik Stomrud
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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19
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Bhattarai S, Liu L, Wolfe MS. Discovery of aryl aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators with novel effects on amyloid β-peptide production. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 54:128446. [PMID: 34767913 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128446] [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: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A series of analogs based on a prototype aryl aminothiazole γ-secretase modulator (GSM) were synthesized and tested for their effects on the profile of 37-to-42-residue amyloid β-peptides (Aβ), generated through processive proteolysis of precursor protein substrate by γ-secretase. Certain substitutions on the terminal aryl D ring resulted in an altered profile of Aβ production compared to that seen with the parent molecule. Small structural changes led to concentration-dependent increases in Aβ37 and Aβ38 production without parallel decreases in their precursors Aβ40 and Aβ42, respectively. The new compounds therefore apparently also stimulate carboxypeptidase trimming of Aβ peptides ≥ 43 residues, providing novel chemical tools for mechanistic studies of processive proteolysis by γ-secretase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Bhattarai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael S Wolfe
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
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20
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Santiago Á, Guzmán-Ocampo DC, Aguayo-Ortiz R, Dominguez L. Characterizing the Chemical Space of γ-Secretase Inhibitors and Modulators. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2765-2775. [PMID: 34291906 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Secretase (GS) is one of the most attractive molecular targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its key role in the final step of amyloid-β peptides generation and its relationship in the cascade of events for disease development have caught the attention of many pharmaceutical groups. Over the past years, different inhibitors and modulators have been evaluated as promising therapeutics against AD. However, despite the great chemical diversity of the reported compounds, a global classification and visual representation of the chemical space for GS inhibitors and modulators remain unavailable. In the present work, we carried out a two-dimensional (2D) chemical space analysis from different classes and subclasses of GS inhibitors and modulators based on their structural similarity. Along with the novel structural information available for GS complexes, our analysis opens the possibility to identify compounds with high molecular similarity, critical to finding new chemical structures through the optimization of existing compounds and relating them with a potential binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Santiago
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Dulce C. Guzmán-Ocampo
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Aguayo-Ortiz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Laura Dominguez
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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21
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Liang Y, Raven F, Ward JF, Zhen S, Zhang S, Sun H, Miller SJ, Choi SH, Tanzi RE, Zhang C. Upregulation of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-β Protein Precursor in Astrocytes Both in vitro and in vivo. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1071-1082. [PMID: 32597805 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amyloid cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) posits that amyloid-β (Aβ) protein accumulation underlies the pathogenesis of the disease by leading to the formation of amyloid plaques, a pathologic hallmark of AD. Aβ is a proteolytic product of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP; APP), which is expressed in both neurons and astrocytes. Although considerable evidence shows that astrocytes may play critical roles in the pathogenesis of AD, the longitudinal changes of amyloid plaques in relationship to AβPP expression in astrocytes and cellular consequences are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE Here, we aimed to investigate astrocyte-related pathological changes of Aβ and AβPP using immunohistochemistry and biochemical studies in both animal and cell models. METHODS/RESULTS We utilized 5XFAD transgenic mice and found age-dependent upregulation of AβPP in astrocytes demonstrated with astrocytic reactive properties, which followed appearance of amyloid plaques in the brain. We also observed that AβPP proteins presented well-defined punctate immuno reactivity in young animals, whereas AβPP staining showed disrupted structures surrounding amyloid plaques in older mice. Moreover, we utilized astrocyte cell models and showed that pretreatment of Aβ42 resulted in downstream astrocyte autonomous changes, including up regulation in AβPP and BACE1 levels, as well as prolonged amyloidogenesis that could be reduced by pharmacological inhibition of BACE1. CONCLUSION Collectively, our results show that age-dependent AβPP up regulation in astrocytes is a key feature in AD, which will not only provide novel insights for understanding AD progression, but also may offer new therapeutic strategies for treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxia Liang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Frank Raven
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Joseph F Ward
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Sherri Zhen
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Siyi Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Haoqi Sun
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sean J Miller
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Se Hoon Choi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
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22
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Prikhodko O, Rynearson KD, Sekhon T, Mante MM, Nguyen PD, Rissman RA, Tanzi RE, Wagner SL. The GSM BPN-15606 as a Potential Candidate for Preventative Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 73:1541-1554. [PMID: 31958080 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the dysregulation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) production and clearance leads to amyloid deposits, tau tangles, neuronal loss, and cognitive dysfunction. Thus far, therapies targeting the enzymes responsible for Aβ production have been found ineffective or having significant side effects. OBJECTIVE To test whether a γ-secretase modulator, BPN-15606, is an effective disease-modifying or preventative treatment in the PSAPP mouse model of AD. METHODS We treated pre-plaque (3-month-old) and post-plaque (6-month-old) PSAPP AD transgenic mice for 3 months and examined behavioral, biochemical, and pathological end points. RESULTS BPN-15606 attenuated cognitive impairment and reduced amyloid plaque load, microgliosis, and astrogliosis associated with the AD phenotype of PSAPP mice when administered to pre-plaque (3-month-old) but was ineffective when administered to post-plaque (6-month-old) mice. No treatment-related toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION BPN-15606 appears efficacious when administered prior to significant pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Prikhodko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA.,Present Address: Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA.,VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Travis Sekhon
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Mike M Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA.,VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Phuong D Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA.,VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA.,VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
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23
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Xu Y, Wang C, Wey HY, Liang Y, Chen Z, Choi SH, Ran C, Rynearson KD, Bernales DR, Koegel RE, Fiedler SA, Striar R, Wagner SL, Tanzi RE, Zhang C. Molecular imaging of Alzheimer's disease-related gamma-secretase in mice and nonhuman primates. J Exp Med 2021; 217:152091. [PMID: 32936886 PMCID: PMC7553790 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20182266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is primarily driven by brain accumulation of the amyloid-β-42 (Aβ42) peptide generated from the amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) via cleavages by β- and γ-secretase. γ-Secretase is a prime drug target for AD; however, its brain regional expression and distribution remain largely unknown. Here, we are aimed at developing molecular imaging tools for visualizing γ-secretase. We used our recently developed γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) and synthesized our GSM-based imaging agent, [11C]SGSM-15606. We subsequently performed molecular imaging in rodents, including AD transgenic animals, and macaques, which revealed that our probe displayed good brain uptake and selectivity, stable metabolism, and appropriate kinetics and distribution for imaging γ-secretase in the brain. Interestingly, rodents and macaques shared certain brain areas with high γ-secretase expression, suggesting a functional conservation of γ-secretase. Collectively, we have provided the first molecular brain imaging of γ-secretase, which may not only accelerate our drug discovery for AD but also advance our understanding of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Xu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Hsiao-Ying Wey
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Yingxia Liang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Zude Chen
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Se Hoon Choi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Chongzhao Ran
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Daniela R Bernales
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Robert E Koegel
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Stephanie A Fiedler
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Robin Striar
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Research Biologist, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
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24
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Dobrowolska Zakaria JA, Vassar RJ. A promising new γ-secretase modulator for Alzheimer's disease. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211861. [PMID: 33683299 PMCID: PMC7944409 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20210077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective and safe treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been an elusive target for scientists who have been working tirelessly to gain control over a disease that is affecting millions of people, with continually rising case numbers as the population ages. However, in this issue of JEM, Rynearson et al. (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20202560) present a beacon of hope for this field with a preclinical evaluation of a potent and robust γ-secretase modulator (GSM).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J Vassar
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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25
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Rynearson KD, Ponnusamy M, Prikhodko O, Xie Y, Zhang C, Nguyen P, Hug B, Sawa M, Becker A, Spencer B, Florio J, Mante M, Salehi B, Arias C, Galasko D, Head BP, Johnson G, Lin JH, Duddy SK, Rissman RA, Mobley WC, Thinakaran G, Tanzi RE, Wagner SL. Preclinical validation of a potent γ-secretase modulator for Alzheimer's disease prevention. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211838. [PMID: 33651103 PMCID: PMC7931646 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20202560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A potent γ-secretase modulator (GSM) has been developed to circumvent problems associated with γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) and to potentially enable use in primary prevention of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOFAD). Unlike GSIs, GSMs do not inhibit γ-secretase activity but rather allosterically modulate γ-secretase, reducing the net production of Aβ42 and to a lesser extent Aβ40, while concomitantly augmenting production of Aβ38 and Aβ37. This GSM demonstrated robust time- and dose-dependent efficacy in acute, subchronic, and chronic studies across multiple species, including primary and secondary prevention studies in a transgenic mouse model. The GSM displayed a >40-fold safety margin in rats based on a comparison of the systemic exposure (AUC) at the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) to the 50% effective AUC or AUCeffective, the systemic exposure required for reducing levels of Aβ42 in rat brain by 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Moorthi Ponnusamy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Olga Prikhodko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Yuhuan Xie
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Brenda Hug
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mariko Sawa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Brian Spencer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Bahar Salehi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Carlos Arias
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Douglas Galasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Brian P Head
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | | | | | - Steven K Duddy
- Integrated Nonclinical Development Solutions, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Gopal Thinakaran
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
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26
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Mehra R, Kepp KP. Computational prediction and molecular mechanism of γ-secretase modulators. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 157:105626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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27
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Yang G, Zhou R, Guo X, Yan C, Lei J, Shi Y. Structural basis of γ-secretase inhibition and modulation by small molecule drugs. Cell 2020; 184:521-533.e14. [PMID: 33373587 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Development of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) and modulators (GSMs) represents an attractive therapeutic opportunity for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancers. However, how these GSIs and GSMs target γ-secretase has remained largely unknown. Here, we report the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human γ-secretase bound individually to two GSI clinical candidates, Semagacestat and Avagacestat, a transition state analog GSI L685,458, and a classic GSM E2012, at overall resolutions of 2.6-3.1 Å. Remarkably, each of the GSIs occupies the same general location on presenilin 1 (PS1) that accommodates the β strand from amyloid precursor protein or Notch, interfering with substrate recruitment. L685,458 directly coordinates the two catalytic aspartate residues of PS1. E2012 binds to an allosteric site of γ-secretase on the extracellular side, potentially explaining its modulating activity. Structural analysis reveals a set of shared themes and variations for inhibitor and modulator recognition that will guide development of the next-generation substrate-selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuefei Guo
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chuangye Yan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianlin Lei
- Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yigong Shi
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China.
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28
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Wan Y, Liang Y, Liang F, Shen N, Shinozuka K, Yu JT, Ran C, Quan Q, Tanzi RE, Zhang C. A Curcumin Analog Reduces Levels of the Alzheimer's Disease-Associated Amyloid-β Protein by Modulating AβPP Processing and Autophagy. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 72:761-771. [PMID: 31640096 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with no cure currently available. A pathological hallmark of AD is accumulation and deposition of amyloid-β protein (Aβ), a ∼4 kDa peptide generated through serial cleavage of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) by β- and γ-secretases. Curcumin is a natural compound primarily found in the widely used culinary spice, turmeric, which displays therapeutic potential for AD. Recently, we reported the development of curcumin analogs and identified a lead compound, curcumin-like compound-R17 (CLC-R17), that significantly attenuates Aβ deposition in an AD transgenic mouse model. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms of this analog on Aβ levels and AβPP processing using cell models of AD. Using biochemical methods and our recently developed nanoplasmonic fiber tip probe technology, we showed that the lead compound potently lowers Aβ levels in conditioned media and reduces oligomeric amyloid levels in the cells. Furthermore, like curcumin, the lead compound attenuates the maturation of AβPP in the secretory pathway. Interestingly, it upregulated α-secretase processing of AβPP and inhibited β-secretase processing of AβPP by decreasing BACE1 protein levels. Collectively, our data reveal mechanisms of a promising curcumin analog in reducing Aβ levels, which strongly support its development as a potential therapeutic for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wan
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingxia Liang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Feng Liang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Rowland Institute at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nolan Shen
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth Shinozuka
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongzhao Ran
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Qimin Quan
- Rowland Institute at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
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29
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Xiao S, Song LL, Li JT, Wang H, Yu N, Wang ZQ, Zhang Y, He JS, Hung T. Intraperitoneal Administration of Monoclonal Antibody Against Pathologic Aβ42 Aggregates Alleviated Cognitive Deficits and Synaptic Lesions in APP/PS1 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:657-670. [PMID: 31839610 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregates, phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau), and progressive neurodegeneration. Amyloid-β peptide 42 (Aβ42) is considered an early trigger of AD pathogenesis. We have previously reported that Aβ N-terminus monoclonal antibody (mAb) A8 alleviated cognitive dysfunction and reduced the abundance of soluble Aβ in the brains of the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse model. To confirm the efficacy of mAb A8 in the double-transgenic APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mice, here we reported the related findings. The Morris water maze (MWM) data showed that the A8 treatment group had a shorter escape latency than the control groups in the place navigation test and the probe trial (p < 0.05). Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed decreased levels of both Aβ and p-tau in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Regarding Aβ levels, western blot results showed that Aβ42 oligomer (p < 0.01) but not Aβ40 levels were diminished in brains of A8-treated APP/PS1 mice. Western blot results showed that phospho-tau (pSer231) (p < 0.01) but not tau levels were reduced in A8-treated mouse brains. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy images indicated ultrastructural improvements, including an increased (p < 0.01) density of synapses and a reduction of abnormally enlarged mitochondria (p < 0.01), in the brains of A8-treated mice. Taken together, our data showed that mAb A8 is highly efficacious in APP/PS1 mice as a treatment for AD, and the underlying mechanism may target synaptic pathology by inhibiting the amyloid cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-Lin Song
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang-Tao Li
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - He Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Yu
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Qi Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Sheng He
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Hung
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China.,Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China
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30
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Behl T, Kaur I, Fratila O, Brata R, Bungau S. Exploring the Potential of Therapeutic Agents Targeted towards Mitigating the Events Associated with Amyloid-β Cascade in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207443. [PMID: 33050199 PMCID: PMC7589257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most commonly occurring neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD), encompasses the loss of cognitive and memory potential, impaired learning, dementia and behavioral defects, and has been prevalent since the 1900s. The accelerating occurrence of AD is expected to reach 65.7 million by 2030. The disease results in neural atrophy and disrupted inter-neuronal connections. Amongst multiple AD pathogenesis hypotheses, the amyloid beta (Aβ) cascade is the most relevant and accepted form of the hypothesis, which suggests that Aβ monomers are formed as a result of the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), followed by the conversion of these monomers to toxic oligomers, which in turn develop β-sheets, fibrils and plaques. The review targets the events in the amyloid hypothesis and elaborates suitable therapeutic agents that function by hindering the steps of plaque formation and lowering Aβ levels in the brain. The authors discuss treatment possibilities, including the inhibition of β- and γ-secretase-mediated enzymatic cleavage of APP, the immune response generating active immunotherapy and passive immunotherapeutic approaches targeting monoclonal antibodies towards Aβ aggregates, the removal of amyloid aggregates by the activation of enzymatic pathways or the regulation of Aβ circulation, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-mediated curbed accumulation and the neurotoxic potential of Aβ aggregates, bapineuzumab-mediated vascular permeability alterations, statin-mediated Aβ peptide degradation, the potential role of ibuprofen and the significance of natural drugs and dyes in hindering the amyloid cascade events. Thus, the authors aim to highlight the treatment perspective, targeting the amyloid hypothesis, while simultaneously emphasizing the need to conduct further investigations, in order to provide an opportunity to neurologists to develop novel and reliable treatment therapies for the retardation of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India;
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.B.); Tel.: +40-726-776-588 (S.B.)
| | - Ishnoor Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India;
| | - Ovidiu Fratila
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea 410073, Romania; (O.F.); (R.B.)
| | - Roxana Brata
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea 410073, Romania; (O.F.); (R.B.)
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea 410028, Romania
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.B.); Tel.: +40-726-776-588 (S.B.)
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31
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Hur JY, Frost GR, Wu X, Crump C, Pan SJ, Wong E, Barros M, Li T, Nie P, Zhai Y, Wang JC, TCW J, Guo L, McKenzie A, Ming C, Zhou X, Wang M, Sagi Y, Renton AE, Esposito BT, Kim Y, Sadleir KR, Trinh I, Rissman RA, Vassar R, Zhang B, Johnson DS, Masliah E, Greengard P, Goate A, Li YM. The innate immunity protein IFITM3 modulates γ-secretase in Alzheimer's disease. Nature 2020; 586:735-740. [PMID: 32879487 PMCID: PMC7919141 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2681-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Innate immunity is associated with Alzheimer's disease1, but the influence of immune activation on the production of amyloid-β is unknown2,3. Here we identify interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) as a γ-secretase modulatory protein, and establish a mechanism by which inflammation affects the generation of amyloid-β. Inflammatory cytokines induce the expression of IFITM3 in neurons and astrocytes, which binds to γ-secretase and upregulates its activity, thereby increasing the production of amyloid-β. The expression of IFITM3 is increased with ageing and in mouse models that express familial Alzheimer's disease genes. Furthermore, knockout of IFITM3 reduces γ-secretase activity and the formation of amyloid plaques in a transgenic mouse model (5xFAD) of early amyloid deposition. IFITM3 protein is upregulated in tissue samples from a subset of patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease that exhibit higher γ-secretase activity. The amount of IFITM3 in the γ-secretase complex has a strong and positive correlation with γ-secretase activity in samples from patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. These findings reveal a mechanism in which γ-secretase is modulated by neuroinflammation via IFITM3 and the risk of Alzheimer's disease is thereby increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yeun Hur
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Georgia R. Frost
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Program of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Xianzhong Wu
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christina Crump
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Si Jia Pan
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eitan Wong
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marilia Barros
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thomas Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Program of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Pengju Nie
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Yujia Zhai
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jen Chyong Wang
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Julia TCW
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew McKenzie
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Chen Ming
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xianxiao Zhou
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yotam Sagi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan E. Renton
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bianca T. Esposito
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yong Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Ivy Trinh
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert Vassar
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paul Greengard
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Goate
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yue-Ming Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Program of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.,Correspondence to:
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Chen XQ, Salehi A, Pearn ML, Overk C, Nguyen PD, Kleschevnikov AM, Maccecchini M, Mobley WC. Targeting increased levels of APP in Down syndrome: Posiphen-mediated reductions in APP and its products reverse endosomal phenotypes in the Ts65Dn mouse model. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 17:271-292. [PMID: 32975365 PMCID: PMC7984396 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective Recent clinical trials targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have yet to demonstrate efficacy. Reviewing the hypotheses for AD pathogenesis and defining possible links between them may enhance insights into both upstream initiating events and downstream mechanisms, thereby promoting discovery of novel treatments. Evidence that in Down syndrome (DS), a population markedly predisposed to develop early onset AD, increased APP gene dose is necessary for both AD neuropathology and dementia points to normalization of the levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its products as a route to further define AD pathogenesis and discovering novel treatments. Background AD and DS share several characteristic manifestations. DS is caused by trisomy of whole or part of chromosome 21; this chromosome contains about 233 protein‐coding genes, including APP. Recent evidence points to a defining role for increased expression of the gene for APP and for its 99 amino acid C‐terminal fragment (C99, also known as β‐CTF) in dysregulating the endosomal/lysosomal system. The latter is critical for normal cellular function and in neurons for transmitting neurotrophic signals. New/updated hypothesis We hypothesize that the increase in APP gene dose in DS initiates a process in which increased levels of full‐length APP (fl‐APP) and its products, including β‐CTF and possibly Aβ peptides (Aβ42 and Aβ40), drive AD pathogenesis through an endosome‐dependent mechanism(s), which compromises transport of neurotrophic signals. To test this hypothesis, we carried out studies in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS and examined the effects of Posiphen, an orally available small molecule shown in prior studies to reduce fl‐APP. In vitro, Posiphen lowered fl‐APP and its C‐terminal fragments, reversed Rab5 hyperactivation and early endosome enlargement, and restored retrograde transport of neurotrophin signaling. In vivo, Posiphen treatment (50 mg/kg/d, 26 days, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) of Ts65Dn mice was well tolerated and demonstrated no adverse effects in behavior. Treatment resulted in normalization of the levels of fl‐APP, C‐terminal fragments and small reductions in Aβ species, restoration to normal levels of Rab5 activity, reduced phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), and reversed deficits in TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B) activation and in the Akt (protein kinase B [PKB]), ERK (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase), and CREB (cAMP response element–binding protein) signaling pathways. Remarkably, Posiphen treatment also restored the level of choline acetyltransferase protein to 2N levels. These findings support the APP gene dose hypothesis, point to the need for additional studies to explore the mechanisms by which increased APP gene expression acts to increase the risk for AD in DS, and to possible utility of treatments to normalize the levels of APP and its products for preventing AD in those with DS. Major challenges for the hypothesis Important unanswered questions are: (1) When should one intervene in those with DS; (2) would an APP‐based strategy have untoward consequences on possible adaptive changes induced by chronically increased APP gene dose; (3) do other genes present on chromosome 21, or on other chromosomes whose expression is dysregulated in DS, contribute to AD pathogenesis; and (4) can one model strategies that combine the use of an APP‐based treatment with those directed at other AD phenotypes including p‐tau and inflammation. Linkage to other major theories The APP gene dose hypothesis interfaces with the amyloid cascade hypothesis of AD as well as with the genetic and cell biological observations that support it. Moreover, upregulation of fl‐APP protein and products may drive downstream events that dysregulate tau homeostasis and inflammatory responses that contribute to propagation of AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qiao Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ahmad Salehi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Matthew L Pearn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA.,V.A. San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Phuong D Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Rynearson KD, Buckle RN, Herr RJ, Mayhew NJ, Chen X, Paquette WD, Sakwa SA, Yang J, Barnes KD, Nguyen P, Mobley WC, Johnson G, Lin JH, Tanzi RE, Wagner SL. Design and synthesis of novel methoxypyridine-derived gamma-secretase modulators. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115734. [PMID: 33007551 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) through the introduction of novel heterocycles with the goal of aligning activity for reducing the levels of Aβ42 and properties consistent with a drug-like molecule are described. The insertion of a methoxypyridine motif within the tetracyclic scaffold provided compounds with improved activity for arresting Aβ42 production as well as improved properties, including solubility. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that several compounds within the novel series were capable of crossing the BBB and accessing the therapeutic target. Treatment with methoxypyridine-derived compound 64 reduced Aβ42 levels in the plasma of J20 mice, in addition to reducing Aβ42 levels in the plasma and brain of Tg2576 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States.
| | - Ronald N Buckle
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - R Jason Herr
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Nicholas J Mayhew
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Xinchao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - William D Paquette
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Samuel A Sakwa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Jinhai Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Keith D Barnes
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, AMRI, East Campus, 3 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States
| | - Graham Johnson
- NuPharmAdvise, 3 Lakeside Drive, Sanbornton, NH 03269, United States
| | - Juinn H Lin
- Biopharm Consulting Partners, 2 Willet Drive, Ambler, PA 19002, United States
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, United States
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, United States; Veterans Administrative San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, United States.
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Mekala S, Nelson G, Li YM. Recent developments of small molecule γ-secretase modulators for Alzheimer's disease. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1003-1022. [PMID: 33479693 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00196a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of progressive neurodegenerative disorder, marked by memory loss and a decline in cognitive function. The major hallmarks of AD are the presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins and extracellular plaques composed of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ). The amyloid (Aβ) cascade hypothesis proposes that the AD pathogenesis is initiated by the accumulation of Aβ peptides in the parenchyma of the brain. An aspartyl intramembranal protease called γ-secretase is responsible for the production of Aβ by the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Clinical studies of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) for AD failed due to the lack of substrate specificity. Therefore, γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) have been developed as potential disease modifying agents to modulate the γ-secretase cleavage activity towards the production of toxic Aβ42 peptides. Following the first-generation 'nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug' (NSAID) based GSMs, second-generation GSMs (carboxylic acid based NSAID derivatives and non-NSAID derived heterocyclic analogues), as well as natural product-based GSMs, have been developed. In this review, we focus on the recent developments of small molecule-based GSMs that show potential improvements in terms of drug-like properties as well as their current status in human clinical trials and the future perspectives of GSM research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekar Mekala
- Chemical Biology Program , Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , New York 10065 , USA . ;
| | - Grady Nelson
- Chemical Biology Program , Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , New York 10065 , USA . ;
| | - Yue-Ming Li
- Chemical Biology Program , Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , 1275 York Avenue , New York , New York 10065 , USA . ; .,Pharmacology Graduate Program , Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University , New York , New York 10021 , USA
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35
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Mandal M, Buevich A, Caldwell JP, Hyde L, Huang X, Liu X, McKittrick B, Mazzola RD, Pissarnitski D, Palani A, Zhang L, Parker E, Xiao L, Rindgen D, Zhu Z. Generation of Leads for γ-Secretase Modulation. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8216-8230. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mihirbaran Mandal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Alexei Buevich
- Department of NMR Structure Elucidation, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - John P. Caldwell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Lynn Hyde
- Department of Neuroscience, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Xianhai Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Xiaoxiang Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Brian McKittrick
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Robert D. Mazzola
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Dmitri Pissarnitski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Anandan Palani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Eric Parker
- Department of Neuroscience, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Modeling and Informatics, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Diane Rindgen
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Zhaoning Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
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36
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Funamoto S, Tagami S, Okochi M, Morishima-Kawashima M. Successive cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein by γ-secretase. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 105:64-74. [PMID: 32354467 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
γ-Secretase is a multimeric aspartyl protease that cleaves the membrane-spanning region of the β-carboxyl terminal fragment (βCTF) generated from β-amyloid precursor protein. γ-Secretase defines the generated molecular species of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), a critical molecule in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many therapeutic trials for AD have targeted γ-secretase. However, in contrast to the great efforts in drug discovery, the enzymatic features and cleavage mechanism of γ-secretase are poorly understood. Here we review our protein-chemical analyses of the cleavage products generated from βCTF by γ-secretase, which revealed that Aβ was produced by γ-secretase through successive cleavages of βCTF, mainly at three-residue intervals. Two representative product lines were identified. ε-Cleavages occur first at Leu49-Val50 and Thr48-Leu49 of βCTF (in accordance with Aβ numbering). Longer generated Aβs, Aβ49 and Aβ48, are precursors to the majority of Aβ40 and Aβ42, concomitantly releasing the tripeptides, ITL, VIV, and IAT; and VIT and TVI, respectively. A portion of Aβ42 is processed further to Aβ38, releasing a tetrapeptide, VVIA. The presence of additional multiple minor pathways may reflect labile cleavage activities derived from the conformational flexibility of γ-secretase through molecular interactions. Because these peptide byproducts are not secreted and remain within the cells, they may serve as an indicator that reflects γ-secretase activity more directly than secreted Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Funamoto
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Tagami
- Neuropsychiatry, Department of Integrated Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masayasu Okochi
- Neuropsychiatry, Department of Integrated Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Maho Morishima-Kawashima
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Petersen M, Hall J, Parsons T, Johnson L, O'Bryant S. Combining Select Blood-Based Biomarkers with Neuropsychological Assessment to Detect Mild Cognitive Impairment among Mexican Americans. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 75:739-750. [PMID: 32310167 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent work has supported use of blood-based biomarkers in detection of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Inclusion of neuropsychological measures has shown promise in enhancing utility of biomarkers to detect disease. OBJECTIVE The present study sought to develop cognitive-biomarker profiles for detection of MCI. METHODS Data were analyzed on 463 participants (normal control n = 378; MCI n = 85) from HABLE. Random forest analyses determined proteomic profile of MCI. Separate linear regression analyses determined variance accounted for by select biomarkers per neuropsychological measure. When neuropsychological measure with the least shared variance was identified, it was then combined with select biomarkers to create a biomarker-cognitive profile. RESULTS The biomarker-cognitive profile was 90% accurate in detecting MCI. Among amnestic MCI cases, the detection accuracy of the biomarker-cognitive profile was 92% and increased to 94% with demographic variables. CONCLUSION The biomarker-cognitive profile for MCI was highly accurate in its detection with use of only five biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Petersen
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - James Hall
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Parsons
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Leigh Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Sid O'Bryant
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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38
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Nie P, Vartak A, Li YM. γ-Secretase inhibitors and modulators: Mechanistic insights into the function and regulation of γ-Secretase. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 105:43-53. [PMID: 32249070 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Over two decades, γ-secretase has been the target for extensive therapeutic development due to its pivotal role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and cancer. However, it has proven to be a challenging task owing to its large set of substrates and our limited understanding of the enzyme's structural and mechanistic features. The scientific community is taking bigger strides towards solving this puzzle with recent advancement in techniques like cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and photo-affinity labelling (PAL). This review highlights the significance of the PAL technique with multiple examples of photo-probes developed from γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators. The binding of these probes into active and/or allosteric sites of the enzyme has provided crucial information on the γ-secretase complex and improved our mechanistic understanding of this protease. Combining the knowledge of function and regulation of γ-secretase will be a decisive factor in developing novel γ-secretase modulators and biological therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Nie
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Pharmacology program, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Abhishek Vartak
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yue-Ming Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Pharmacology program, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Trambauer J, Fukumori A, Steiner H. Pathogenic Aβ generation in familial Alzheimer’s disease: novel mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 61:73-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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40
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Electrochemiluminescence immunosensor of “signal-off” for β-amyloid detection based on dual metal-organic frameworks. Talanta 2020; 208:120376. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Ghosh S, Lalani R, Patel V, Bhowmick S, Misra A. Surface engineered liposomal delivery of therapeutics across the blood brain barrier: recent advances, challenges and opportunities. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2019; 16:1287-1311. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2019.1676721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
- Formulation Development Department-Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Vadodara, India
| | - Rohan Lalani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
- Formulation Development Department-Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Vadodara, India
| | - Vivek Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
| | - Subhas Bhowmick
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
- Formulation Development Department-Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Vadodara, India
| | - Ambikanandan Misra
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
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Kounnas MZ, Durakoglugil MS, Herz J, Comer WT. NGP 555, a γ-secretase modulator, shows a beneficial shift in the ratio of amyloid biomarkers in human cerebrospinal fluid at safe doses. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2019; 5:458-467. [PMID: 31921961 PMCID: PMC6944734 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it is widely accepted that AD is a complex disease with multiple approaches necessary to prevent and treat the disease. METHODS Using amyloid biomarkers in human cerebrospinal fluid, pharmacokinetic, safety, and metabolism studies, we investigate the properties of NGP 555, γ-secretase modulator, for the first time in human clinical trials. RESULTS Our preclinical and clinical studies combined show beneficial effects with NGP 555 on synaptic response and amyloid cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers while avoiding negative side effects. Importantly, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters combined with safety outcomes indicate that NGP 555 penetrates the blood-brain barrier and increases the ratio of amyloid-β peptide Aβ37 and Aβ38 compared with that of Aβ42, establishing a proof of target engagement in humans in a 14 day, once-daily oral dosing trial. DISCUSSION In humans, NGP 555 has demonstrated a beneficial shift in the production of Aβ37 and Aβ38 versus Aβ42 biomarker levels in the cerebrospinal fluid while maintaining an adequate safety profile. The overall clinical goal is to achieve an optimal balance of efficacy for altering amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) biomarkers while maintaining a safe profile so that NGP 555 can be given early in AD to prevent production of Aβ42 and accumulation of amyloid plaques, in an effort to prevent aggregation of tau and destruction of neurons and synapses resulting in cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Z. Kounnas
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Murat S. Durakoglugil
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Joachim Herz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Ayyalasomayajula N, Ajumeera R, Chellu CS, Challa S. Mitigative effects of epigallocatechin gallate in terms of diminishing apoptosis and oxidative stress generated by the combination of lead and amyloid peptides in human neuronal cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 33:e22393. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajanna Ajumeera
- Cell and Molecular Biology DivisionNational Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad Telangana India
| | - Chetty S. Chellu
- Department of Natural SciencesSavannah State University Savannah Georgia
| | - Suresh Challa
- Cell and Molecular Biology DivisionNational Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad Telangana India
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Silva GM, Barcelos MP, Poiani JGC, Hage-Melim LIDS, da Silva CHTDP. Allosteric Modulators of Potential Targets Related to Alzheimer's Disease: a Review. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1467-1483. [PMID: 31310701 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Among neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, and there is an urgent need to discover new and efficacious forms of treatment for it. Pathological patterns of AD include cholinergic dysfunction, increased β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide concentration, the appearance of neurofibrillary tangles, among others, all of which are strongly associated with specific biological targets. Interactions observed between these targets and potential drug candidates in AD most often occur by competitive mechanisms driven by orthosteric ligands that sometimes result in the production of side effects. In this context, the allosteric mechanism represents a key strategy; this can be regarded as the selective modulation of such targets by allosteric modulators in an advantageous manner, as this may decrease the likelihood of side effects. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of compounds that act as allosteric modulators of the main biological targets related to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Martins Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14090-901, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariana Pegrucci Barcelos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14090-901, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Gabriel Curtolo Poiani
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lorane Izabel da Silva Hage-Melim
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Curso de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, KM-02, 68903-419, Macapá, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Tomich de Paula da Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14090-901, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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45
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Cam M, Durieu E, Bodin M, Manousopoulou A, Koslowski S, Vasylieva N, Barnych B, Hammock BD, Bohl B, Koch P, Omori C, Yamamoto K, Hata S, Suzuki T, Karg F, Gizzi P, Erakovic Haber V, Bencetic Mihaljevic V, Tavcar B, Portelius E, Pannee J, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Garbis SD, Auvray P, Gerber H, Fraering J, Fraering PC, Meijer L. Induction of Amyloid-β42 Production by Fipronil and Other Pyrazole Insecticides. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 62:1663-1681. [PMID: 29504531 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Generation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβs) by proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), especially increased production of Aβ42/Aβ43 over Aβ40, and their aggregation as oligomers and plaques, represent a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In familial AD (FAD), altered Aβ production originates from specific mutations of AβPP or presenilins 1/2 (PS1/PS2), the catalytic subunits of γ-secretase. In sporadic AD, the origin of altered production of Aβs remains unknown. We hypothesize that the 'human chemical exposome' contains products able to favor the production of Aβ42/Aβ43 over Aβ40 and shorter Aβs. To detect such products, we screened a library of 3500 + compounds in a cell-based assay for enhanced Aβ42/Aβ43 production. Nine pyrazole insecticides were found to induce a β- and γ-secretase-dependent, 3-10-fold increase in the production of extracellular Aβ42 in various cell lines and neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from healthy and FAD patients. Immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry analyses showed increased production of Aβs cleaved at positions 42/43, and reduced production of peptides cleaved at positions 38 and shorter. Strongly supporting a direct effect on γ-secretase activity, pyrazoles shifted the cleavage pattern of another γ-secretase substrate, alcadeinα, and shifted the cleavage of AβPP by highly purified γ-secretase toward Aβ42/Aβ43. Focusing on fipronil, we showed that some of its metabolites, in particular the persistent fipronil sulfone, also favor the production of Aβ42/Aβ43 in both cell-based and cell-free systems. Fipronil administered orally to mice and rats is known to be metabolized rapidly, mostly to fipronil sulfone, which stably accumulates in adipose tissue and brain. In conclusion, several widely used pyrazole insecticides enhance the production of toxic, aggregation prone Aβ42/Aβ43 peptides, suggesting the possible existence of environmental "Alzheimerogens" which may contribute to the initiation and propagation of the amyloidogenic process in sporadic AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Cam
- ManRos Therapeutics, Centre de Perharidy, Roscoff, Bretagne, France
| | - Emilie Durieu
- ManRos Therapeutics, Centre de Perharidy, Roscoff, Bretagne, France
| | - Marion Bodin
- ManRos Therapeutics, Centre de Perharidy, Roscoff, Bretagne, France
| | - Antigoni Manousopoulou
- Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Sciences and Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Svenja Koslowski
- ManRos Therapeutics, Centre de Perharidy, Roscoff, Bretagne, France.,C.RIS Pharma, Parc Technopolitain, Atalante Saint Malo, Saint Malo, France
| | - Natalia Vasylieva
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bogdan Barnych
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bettina Bohl
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Koch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg/ Medical, Faculty Mannheim and Hector Institut for Translational Brain Research (HITBR gGmbH), Mannheim, Germany
| | - Chiori Omori
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamamoto
- Department of Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Saori Hata
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Suzuki
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Frank Karg
- HPC INTERNATIONAL SAS and Atlantis Développement SAS, Noyal-Châtillon sur Seiche, Saint-Erblon, France
| | - Patrick Gizzi
- Plate-forme TechMedILL, UMR 7242, ESBS - Pôle API, Illkirch cedex, France
| | | | | | | | - Erik Portelius
- Clinical Neurochemical Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Josef Pannee
- Clinical Neurochemical Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemical Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemical Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Spiros D Garbis
- Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Sciences and Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Pierrick Auvray
- C.RIS Pharma, Parc Technopolitain, Atalante Saint Malo, Saint Malo, France
| | - Hermeto Gerber
- Foundation Eclosion, Switzerland.,Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Fraering
- Foundation Eclosion, Switzerland.,Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C Fraering
- Foundation Eclosion, Switzerland.,Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Meijer
- ManRos Therapeutics, Centre de Perharidy, Roscoff, Bretagne, France
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46
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Chen XQ, Mobley WC. Exploring the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease in Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons: Converging Insights From Alternative Hypotheses. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:446. [PMID: 31133787 PMCID: PMC6514132 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) represents an oncoming epidemic that without an effective treatment promises to exact extraordinary financial and emotional burdens (Apostolova, 2016). Studies of pathogenesis are essential for defining critical molecular and cellular events and for discovering therapies to prevent or mitigate their effects. Through studies of neuropathology, genetic and cellular, and molecular biology recent decades have provided many important insights. Several hypotheses have been suggested. Documentation in the 1980s of selective loss of cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain, followed by clinical improvement in those treated with inhibitors of acetylycholinesterase, supported the “cholinergic hypothesis of age-related cognitive dysfunction” (Bartus et al., 1982). A second hypothesis, prompted by the selective loss of cholinergic neurons and the discovery of central nervous system (CNS) neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF), prompted the “deficient neurotrophic hypothesis” (Chen et al., 2018). The most persuasive hypothesis, the amyloid cascade hypothesis first proposed more than 25 years ago (Selkoe and Hardy, 2016), is supported by a wealth of observations. Genetic studies were exceptionally important, pointing to increased dose of the gene for the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in Down syndrome (DS) and a familial AD (FAD) due to duplication of APP and to mutations in APP and in the genes for Presenilin 1 and 2 (PSEN1, 2), which encode the γ-secretase enzyme that processes APP (Dorszewska et al., 2016). The “tau hypothesis” noted the prominence of tau-related pathology and its correlation with dementia (Kametani and Hasegawa, 2018). Recent interest in induction of microglial activation in the AD brain, as well as other manifestations of inflammation, supports the “inflammatory hypothesis” (Mcgeer et al., 2016). We place these findings in the context of the selective, but by no means unique, involvement of BFCNs and their trophic dependence on NGF signaling and speculate as to how pathogenesis in these neurons is initiated, amplified and ultimately results in their dysfunction and death. In so doing we attempt to show how the different hypotheses for AD may interact and reinforce one another. Finally, we address current attempts to prevent and/or treat AD in light of advances in understanding pathogenetic mechanisms and suggest that studies in the DS population may provide unique insights into AD pathogenesis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qiao Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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47
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γ-Secretase and its modulators: Twenty years and beyond. Neurosci Lett 2019; 701:162-169. [PMID: 30763650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Twenty years ago, Wolfe, Xia, and Selkoe identified two aspartate residues in Alzheimer's presenilin protein that constitute the active site of the γ-secretase complex. Mutations in the genes encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilin (PS) cause early onset familial Alzheimer's disease (AD), and sequential cleavages of the APP by β-secretase and γ-secretase/presenilin generate amyloid β protein (Aβ), the major component of pathological hallmark, neuritic plaques, in brains of AD patients. Therapeutic strategies centered on targeting γ-secretase/presenilin to reduce amyloid were implemented and led to several high profile clinical trials. This review article focuses on the studies of γ-secretase and its inhibitors/modulators since the discovery of presenilin as the γ-secretase. While a lack of complete understanding of presenilin biology renders failure of clinical trials, the lessons learned from some γ-secretase modulators, while premature for human testing, provide new directions to develop potential therapeutics. Imbalanced Aβ homeostasis is an upstream event of neurodegenerative processes. Exploration of γ-secretase modulators for their roles in these processes is highly significant, e.g., decreasing neuroinflammation and levels of phosphorylated tau, the component of the other AD pathological hallmark, neurofibrillary tangles. Agents with excellent human pharmacology hold great promise in suppressing neurodegeneration in pre-symptomatic or early stage AD patients.
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48
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Madav Y, Wairkar S, Prabhakar B. Recent therapeutic strategies targeting beta amyloid and tauopathies in Alzheimer's disease. Brain Res Bull 2019; 146:171-184. [PMID: 30634016 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been a global concern for years due to its severe implications that affects the quality of life of the patients. The available line of therapy for treating Alzheimer's includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA(N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonists and their combination which gives only symptomatic relief rather than treating the root cause of AD. Senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the characteristic features underlying Alzheimer's pathology. Several attempts have been made towards exploring the niceties of these hallmarks and targeting various aspects of amyloid and tau pathology at different stages to eliminate the ultimate cause. Approaches targeting cleavage and formation of toxic amyloid fragments by secretases, aggregation of amyloid monofilaments, and immunotherapy against amyloid deposits has been extensively studied to treat amyloid pathology. Similarly, for tau pathology, tau hyperphosphorylation, microtubule stabilization, anti-tau immunotherapy has been explored. This article focuses on AD pathology and current pharmacotherapy, precisely for amyloid and tau. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies along with potential leads discovered under these approaches have also been included in this article. However, despite extensive research in drug development, overcoming clinical barrier still remain a major challenge for Alzheimer's pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Madav
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS, V.L.Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India
| | - Sarika Wairkar
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS, V.L.Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India
| | - Bala Prabhakar
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS, V.L.Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India.
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49
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Steiner H, Fukumori A, Tagami S, Okochi M. Making the final cut: pathogenic amyloid-β peptide generation by γ-secretase. Cell Stress 2018; 2:292-310. [PMID: 31225454 PMCID: PMC6551803 DOI: 10.15698/cst2018.11.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease of the elderly population. Genetic evidence strongly suggests that aberrant generation and/or clearance of the neurotoxic amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is triggering the disease. Aβ is generated from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the sequential cleavages of β- and γ-secretase. The latter cleavage by γ-secretase, a unique and fascinating four-component protease complex, occurs in the APP transmembrane domain thereby releasing Aβ species of 37-43 amino acids in length including the longer, highly pathogenic peptides Aβ42 and Aβ43. The lack of a precise understanding of Aβ generation as well as of the functions of other γ-secretase substrates has been one factor underlying the disappointing failure of γ-secretase inhibitors in clinical trials, but on the other side also been a major driving force for structural and in depth mechanistic studies on this key AD drug target in the past few years. Here we review recent breakthroughs in our understanding of how the γ-secretase complex recognizes substrates, of how it binds and processes β-secretase cleaved APP into different Aβ species, as well as the progress made on a question of outstanding interest, namely how clinical AD mutations in the catalytic subunit presenilin and the γ-secretase cleavage region of APP lead to relative increases of Aβ42/43. Finally, we discuss how the knowledge emerging from these studies could be used to therapeutically target this enzyme in a safe way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Steiner
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Metabolic Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Akio Fukumori
- Department of Aging Neurobiology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu & Department of Mental Health Promotion, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Shinji Tagami
- Neuropsychiatry, Department of Integrated Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masayasu Okochi
- Neuropsychiatry, Department of Integrated Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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50
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Alasmari F, Alshammari MA, Alasmari AF, Alanazi WA, Alhazzani K. Neuroinflammatory Cytokines Induce Amyloid Beta Neurotoxicity through Modulating Amyloid Precursor Protein Levels/Metabolism. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3087475. [PMID: 30498753 PMCID: PMC6222241 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3087475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been observed in association with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, a positive correlation has been documented between neuroinflammatory cytokine release and the progression of the AD, which suggests these cytokines are involved in AD pathophysiology. A histological hallmark of the AD is the presence of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Beta-amyloid is generated by the sequential cleavage of beta (β) and gamma (γ) sites in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretase enzymes and its accumulation can result from either a decreased Aβ clearance or increased metabolism of APP. Previous studies reported that neuroinflammatory cytokines reduce the efflux transport of Aβ, leading to elevated Aβ concentrations in the brain. However, less is known about the effects of neuroinflammatory mediators on APP expression and metabolism. In this article, we review the modulatory role of neuroinflammatory cytokines on APP expression and metabolism, including their effects on β- and γ-secretase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaad A. Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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