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Wu X, Yang Z, Zou J, Gao H, Shao Z, Li C, Lei P. Protein kinases in neurodegenerative diseases: current understandings and implications for drug discovery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2025; 10:146. [PMID: 40328798 PMCID: PMC12056177 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-025-02179-x] [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: 11/01/2024] [Revised: 01/03/2025] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) are major health threats for the aging population and their prevalences continue to rise with the increasing of life expectancy. Although progress has been made, there is still a lack of effective cures to date, and an in-depth understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these neurodegenerative diseases is imperative for drug development. Protein phosphorylation, regulated by protein kinases and protein phosphatases, participates in most cellular events, whereas aberrant phosphorylation manifests as a main cause of diseases. As evidenced by pharmacological and pathological studies, protein kinases are proven to be promising therapeutic targets for various diseases, such as cancers, central nervous system disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms of protein phosphatases in pathophysiology have been extensively reviewed, but a systematic summary of the role of protein kinases in the nervous system is lacking. Here, we focus on the involvement of protein kinases in neurodegenerative diseases, by summarizing the current knowledge on the major kinases and related regulatory signal transduction pathways implicated in diseases. We further discuss the role and complexity of kinase-kinase networks in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, illustrate the advances of clinical applications of protein kinase inhibitors or novel kinase-targeted therapeutic strategies (such as antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapy) for effective prevention and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wu
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhangzhong Yang
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinjun Zou
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenhua Shao
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanzhou Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Chen L, Shen Q, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Sun L, Ma X, Song N, Xie J. Homeostasis and metabolism of iron and other metal ions in neurodegenerative diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2025; 10:31. [PMID: 39894843 PMCID: PMC11788444 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-02071-0] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2025] Open
Abstract
As essential micronutrients, metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, are required for a wide range of physiological processes in the brain. However, an imbalance in metal ions, whether excessive or insufficient, is detrimental and can contribute to neuronal death through oxidative stress, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, cell senescence, or neuroinflammation. These processes have been found to be involved in the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the research history and milestone events of studying metal ions, including iron, manganese, copper, and zinc in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD), will be introduced. Then, the upstream regulators, downstream effector, and crosstalk of mental ions under both physiologic and pathologic conditions will be summarized. Finally, the therapeutic effects of metal ion chelators, such as clioquinol, quercetin, curcumin, coumarin, and their derivatives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed. Additionally, the promising results and limitations observed in clinical trials of these metal ion chelators will also be addressed. This review will not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of metal ions in disease development but also offer perspectives on their modulation for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Chen
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Qingqing Shen
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yingjuan Liu
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yunqi Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Liping Sun
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Xizhen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Song
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
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Ding X, Cao S, Wang Q, Du B, Lu K, Qi S, Cheng Y, Tuo Q, Liang W, Lei P. DNALI1 Promotes Neurodegeneration after Traumatic Brain Injury via Inhibition of Autophagosome-Lysosome Fusion. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306399. [PMID: 38348540 PMCID: PMC11022701 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to progressive neurodegeneration that may be caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Herein, the study identifies a crucial protein, axonemal dynein light intermediate polypeptide 1 (DNALI1), and elucidated its potential pathogenic role in post-TBI neurodegeneration. The DNALI1 gene is systematically screened through analyses of Aging, Dementia, and TBI studies, confirming its elevated expression both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it is observed that altered DNALI1 expression under normal conditions has no discernible effect. However, upon overexpression, DNALI1 inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, reduces autophagic flux, and exacerbates cell death under pathological conditions. DNALI1 silencing significantly enhances autophagic flux and alleviates neurodegeneration in a CTE model. These findings highlight DNALI1 as a potential key target for preventing TBI-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xulong Ding
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Center of Translational Medicine and Clinical LaboratoryThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversityMedical Center of Soochow UniversitySuzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Shuqiang Cao
- Department of Forensic GeneticsWest China School of Basic Science and Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Bin Du
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Kefeng Lu
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Qing‐zhang Tuo
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Weibo Liang
- Department of Forensic GeneticsWest China School of Basic Science and Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
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Du B, Chen K, Wang W, Lei P. Targeting Metals in Alzheimer's Disease: An Update. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 101:S141-S154. [PMID: 39422951 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240140] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
One pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the dysregulated metal ions, e.g., zinc, copper, and iron in the affected brain regions. The dysregulation of metal homeostasis may cause neurotoxicity and directly addressing these dysregulated metals through metal chelation or mitigating the downstream neurotoxicity stands as a pivotal strategy for AD therapy. This review aims to provide an up-to-date comprehensive overview of the application of metal chelators and drugs targeting metal-related neurotoxicity, such as antioxidants (ferroptotic inhibitors), in the context of AD treatment. It encompasses an exploration of their pharmacological effects, clinical research progress, and potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Du
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Fan YG, Wu TY, Zhao LX, Jia RJ, Ren H, Hou WJ, Wang ZY. From zinc homeostasis to disease progression: Unveiling the neurodegenerative puzzle. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107039. [PMID: 38123108 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Zinc is a crucial trace element in the human body, playing a role in various physiological processes such as oxidative stress, neurotransmission, protein synthesis, and DNA repair. The zinc transporters (ZnTs) family members are responsible for exporting intracellular zinc, while Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIPs) are involved in importing extracellular zinc. These processes are essential for maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis. Imbalances in zinc metabolism have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions in zinc levels can impact the survival and activity of neurons, thereby contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through mechanisms like cell apoptosis regulation, protein phase separation, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Therefore, conducting a systematic review of the regulatory network of zinc and investigating the relationship between zinc dysmetabolism and neurodegenerative diseases can enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additionally, it may offer new insights and approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Gang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ting-Yao Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Rong-Jun Jia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wen-Jia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhan-You Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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