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Soares C, Da Ros LU, Machado LS, Rocha A, Lazzarotto G, Carello-Collar G, De Bastiani MA, Ferrari-Souza JP, Lussier FZ, Souza DO, Rosa-Neto P, Pascoal TA, Bellaver B, Zimmer ER. The glutamatergic system in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02473-0. [PMID: 38366114 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02473-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Glutamatergic neurotransmission system dysregulation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, reported results on glutamatergic components across brain regions are contradictory. Here, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to examine whether there are consistent glutamatergic abnormalities in the human AD brain. We searched PubMed and Web of Science (database origin-October 2023) reports evaluating glutamate, glutamine, glutaminase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate reuptake, aspartate, excitatory amino acid transporters, vesicular glutamate transporters, glycine, D-serine, metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors in the AD human brain (PROSPERO #CDRD42022299518). The studies were synthesized by outcome and brain region. We included cortical regions, the whole brain (cortical and subcortical regions combined), the entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus. Pooled effect sizes were determined with standardized mean differences (SMD), random effects adjusted by false discovery rate, and heterogeneity was examined by I2 statistics. The search retrieved 6 936 articles, 63 meeting the inclusion criteria (N = 709CN/786AD; mean age 75/79). We showed that the brain of AD individuals presents decreased glutamate (SMD = -0.82; I2 = 74.54%; P < 0.001) and aspartate levels (SMD = -0.64; I2 = 89.71%; P = 0.006), and reuptake (SMD = -0.75; I2 = 83.04%; P < 0.001. We also found reduced α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPAR)-GluA2/3 levels (SMD = -0.63; I2 = 95.55%; P = 0.046), hypofunctional N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) (SMD = -0.60; I2 = 91.47%; P < 0.001) and selective reduction of NMDAR-GluN2B subunit levels (SMD = -1.07; I2 = 41.81%; P < 0.001). Regional differences include lower glutamate levels in cortical areas and aspartate levels in cortical areas and in the hippocampus, reduced glutamate reuptake, reduced AMPAR-GluA2/3 in the entorhinal cortex, hypofunction of NMDAR in cortical areas, and a decrease in NMDAR-GluN2B subunit levels in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. Other parameters studied were not altered. Our findings show depletion of the glutamatergic system and emphasize the importance of understanding glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity in AD. This study has implications for the development of therapies and biomarkers in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Soares
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lucas Uglione Da Ros
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luiza Santos Machado
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Andreia Rocha
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Lazzarotto
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Carello-Collar
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marco A De Bastiani
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - João Pedro Ferrari-Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Firoza Z Lussier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Diogo O Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, The McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Research Institute, Le Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tharick A Pascoal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bruna Bellaver
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eduardo R Zimmer
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Department of Pharmacology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Tian C, Reyes I, Masurkar AV. Impact of dendritic spine loss on excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons: a computational study of early Alzheimer disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.20.576500. [PMID: 38328155 PMCID: PMC10849489 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.576500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic spine loss is an early pathophysiologic hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) that precedes overt loss of dendritic architecture and frank neurodegeneration. While spine loss signifies a decreased engagement of postsynaptic neurons by presynaptic targets, the degree to which loss of spines and their passive components impacts the excitability of postsynaptic neurons and responses to surviving synaptic inputs is unclear. Using passive multicompartmental models of CA1 pyramidal neurons (PNs), implicated in early AD, we find that spine loss alone drives a boosting of remaining inputs to their proximal and distal dendrites, targeted by CA3 and entorhinal cortex (EC), respectively. This boosting effect is higher in distal versus proximal dendrites and can be mediated by spine loss restricted to the distal compartment, enough to impact synaptic input integration and somatodendritic backpropagation. This has particular relevance to very early stages of AD in which pathophysiology extends from EC to CA1.
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Huang Z. Evidence that Alzheimer's Disease Is a Disease of Competitive Synaptic Plasticity Gone Awry. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:447-470. [PMID: 38669548 PMCID: PMC11119021 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240042] [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] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that a physiological function of amyloid-β (Aβ) is to mediate neural activity-dependent homeostatic and competitive synaptic plasticity in the brain. I have previously summarized the lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis and highlighted the similarities between Aβ and anti-microbial peptides in mediating cell/synapse competition. In cell competition, anti-microbial peptides deploy a multitude of mechanisms to ensure both self-protection and competitor elimination. Here I review recent studies showing that similar mechanisms are at play in Aβ-mediated synapse competition and perturbations in these mechanisms underpin Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, I discuss evidence that Aβ and ApoE, two crucial players in AD, co-operate in the regulation of synapse competition. Glial ApoE promotes self-protection by increasing the production of trophic monomeric Aβ and inhibiting its assembly into toxic oligomers. Conversely, Aβ oligomers, once assembled, promote the elimination of competitor synapses via direct toxic activity and amplification of "eat-me" signals promoting the elimination of weak synapses. I further summarize evidence that neuronal ApoE may be part of a gene regulatory network that normally promotes competitive plasticity, explaining the selective vulnerability of ApoE expressing neurons in AD brains. Lastly, I discuss evidence that sleep may be key to Aβ-orchestrated plasticity, in which sleep is not only induced by Aβ but is also required for Aβ-mediated plasticity, underlining the link between sleep and AD. Together, these results strongly argue that AD is a disease of competitive synaptic plasticity gone awry, a novel perspective that may promote AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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4
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Dong B, Yue Y, Dong H, Wang Y. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction as a potential contributor to the progression and manifestation of many neurological disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1174738. [PMID: 37396784 PMCID: PMC10308130 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1174738] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA) are glutamate-gated ion channels critical for synaptic transmission and plasticity. A slight variation of NMDAR expression and function can result in devastating consequences, and both hyperactivation and hypoactivation of NMDARs are detrimental to neural function. Compared to NMDAR hyperfunction, NMDAR hypofunction is widely implicated in many neurological disorders, such as intellectual disability, autism, schizophrenia, and age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, NMDAR hypofunction is associated with the progression and manifestation of these diseases. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of NMDAR hypofunction in the progression of these neurological disorders and highlight that targeting NMDAR hypofunction is a promising therapeutic intervention in some neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Dong
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Yue
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Han Dong
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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5
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Meftah S, Gan J. Alzheimer’s disease as a synaptopathy: Evidence for dysfunction of synapses during disease progression. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1129036. [PMID: 36970154 PMCID: PMC10033629 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1129036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The synapse has consistently been considered a vulnerable and critical target within Alzheimer’s disease, and synapse loss is, to date, one of the main biological correlates of cognitive decline within Alzheimer’s disease. This occurs prior to neuronal loss with ample evidence that synaptic dysfunction precedes this, in support of the idea that synaptic failure is a crucial stage within disease pathogenesis. The two main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal aggregates of amyloid or tau proteins, have had demonstrable effects on synaptic physiology in animal and cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease. There is also growing evidence that these two proteins may have a synergistic effect on neurophysiological dysfunction. Here, we review some of the main findings of synaptic alterations in Alzheimer’s disease, and what we know from Alzheimer’s disease animal and cellular models. First, we briefly summarize some of the human evidence to suggest that synapses are altered, including how this relates to network activity. Subsequently, animal and cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease are considered, highlighting mouse models of amyloid and tau pathology and the role these proteins may play in synaptic dysfunction, either in isolation or examining how the two pathologies may interact in dysfunction. This specifically focuses on neurophysiological function and dysfunction observed within these animal models, typically measured using electrophysiology or calcium imaging. Following synaptic dysfunction and loss, it would be impossible to imagine that this would not alter oscillatory activity within the brain. Therefore, this review also discusses how this may underpin some of the aberrant oscillatory patterns seen in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and human patients. Finally, an overview of some key directions and considerations in the field of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease is covered. This includes current therapeutics that are targeted specifically at synaptic dysfunction, but also methods that modulate activity to rescue aberrant oscillatory patterns. Other important future avenues of note in this field include the role of non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes and microglia, and mechanisms of dysfunction independent of amyloid and tau in Alzheimer’s disease. The synapse will certainly continue to be an important target within Alzheimer’s disease for the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Meftah
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Gan
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jian Gan,
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Ehtezazi T, Rahman K, Davies R, Leach AG. The Pathological Effects of Circulating Hydrophobic Bile Acids in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:173-211. [PMID: 36994114 PMCID: PMC10041467 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical studies have revealed that the serum levels of toxic hydrophobic bile acids (deoxy cholic acid, lithocholic acid [LCA], and glycoursodeoxycholic acid) are significantly higher in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) when compared to control subjects. The elevated serum bile acids may be the result of hepatic peroxisomal dysfunction. Circulating hydrophobic bile acids are able to disrupt the blood-brain barrier and promote the formation of amyloid-β plaques through enhancing the oxidation of docosahexaenoic acid. Hydrophobic bile acid may find their ways into the neurons via the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter. It has been shown that hydrophobic bile acids impose their pathological effects by activating farnesoid X receptor and suppressing bile acid synthesis in the brain, blocking NMDA receptors, lowering brain oxysterol levels, and interfering with 17β-estradiol actions such as LCA by binding to E2 receptors (molecular modelling data exclusive to this paper). Hydrophobic bile acids may interfere with the sonic hedgehog signaling through alteration of cell membrane rafts and reducing brain 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol. This article will 1) analyze the pathological roles of circulating hydrophobic bile acids in the brain, 2) propose therapeutic approaches, and 3) conclude that consideration be given to reducing/monitoring toxic bile acid levels in patients with AD or aMCI, prior/in combination with other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Touraj Ehtezazi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Khalid Rahman
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rhys Davies
- The Walton Centre, NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew G Leach
- School of Pharmacy, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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7
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Ghatak S, Nakamura T, Lipton SA. Aberrant protein S-nitrosylation contributes to hyperexcitability-induced synaptic damage in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanistic insights and potential therapies. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1099467. [PMID: 36817649 PMCID: PMC9932935 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1099467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is arguably the most common cause of dementia in the elderly and is marked by progressive synaptic degeneration, which in turn leads to cognitive decline. Studies in patients and in various AD models have shown that one of the early signatures of AD is neuronal hyperactivity. This excessive electrical activity contributes to dysregulated neural network function and synaptic damage. Mechanistically, evidence suggests that hyperexcitability accelerates production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that contribute to neural network impairment and synapse loss. This review focuses on the pathways and molecular changes that cause hyperexcitability and how RNS-dependent posttranslational modifications, represented predominantly by protein S-nitrosylation, mediate, at least in part, the deleterious effects of hyperexcitability on single neurons and the neural network, resulting in synaptic loss in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swagata Ghatak
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Tomohiro Nakamura,
| | - Stuart A. Lipton
- Neurodegeneration New Medicines Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Stuart A. Lipton,
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8
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Zhao DP, Lei X, Wang YY, Xue A, Zhao CY, Xu YM, Zhang Y, Liu GL, Geng F, Xu HD, Zhang N. Sagacious confucius’ pillow elixir ameliorates Dgalactose induced cognitive injury in mice via estrogenic effects and synaptic plasticity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:971385. [PMID: 36249769 PMCID: PMC9555387 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.971385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing concern in modern society, and there is currently a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Sagacious Confucius’ Pillow Elixir (SCPE) has been studied for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. This study aimed to reveal the key components and mechanisms of SCPE’s anti-AD effect by combining Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography-electrostatic field Orbitrap combined high-resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap-MS) with a network pharmacology approach. And the mechanism was verified by in vivo experiments. Based on UPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap-MS technique identified 9 blood components from rat serum containing SCPE, corresponding to 113 anti-AD targets, and 15 of the 113 targets had high connectivity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that estrogen signaling pathway and synaptic signaling pathway were the most significantly enriched pathways in SCPE anti-AD, which has been proved by in vivo experiments. SCPE can exert estrogenic effects in the brain by increasing the amount of estrogen in the brain and the expression of ERα receptors. SCPE can enhance the synaptic structure plasticity by promoting the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) secretion and improving actin polymerization and coordinates cofilin activity. In addition, SCPE also enhances synaptic functional plasticity by increasing the density of postsynaptic densified 95 (PSD95) proteins and the expression of functional receptor AMPA. SCPE is effective for treatment of AD and the mechanism is related to increasing estrogenic effects and improving synaptic plasticity. Our study revealed the synergistic effect of SCPE at the system level and showed that SCPE exhibits anti-AD effects in a multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway manner. All these provide experimental support for the clinical application and drug development of SCPE in the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Ping Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xia Lei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Jiangsu, Wuxi, China
| | - Yue-Ying Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ao Xue
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chen-Yu Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- College of Jiamusi, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guo-Liang Liu
- College of Jiamusi, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fang Geng
- Key Laboratory of Photochemistry Biomaterials and Energy Storage Materials of Heilongjiang Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Geng, ; Hong-Dan Xu, ; Ning Zhang,
| | - Hong-Dan Xu
- College of Jiamusi, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China
- College of Pharmacy, Wuxi Higher Health Vocational Technology School, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Geng, ; Hong-Dan Xu, ; Ning Zhang,
| | - Ning Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- College of Jiamusi, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Geng, ; Hong-Dan Xu, ; Ning Zhang,
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Tozlu ÖÖ, Türkez H, Okkay U, Ceylan O, Bayram C, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Mardinoğlu A. Assessment of the neuroprotective potential of d-cycloserine and l-serine in aluminum chloride-induced experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease: In vivo and in vitro studies. Front Nutr 2022; 9:981889. [PMID: 36159454 PMCID: PMC9493202 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.981889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain accompanied by synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. No effective treatment has been found to slow the progression of the disease. Therapeutic studies using experimental animal models have therefore become very important. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of D-cycloserine and L-serine against aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD in rats. Administration of AlCl3 for 28 days caused oxidative stress and neurodegeneration compared to the control group. In addition, we found that aluminum decreases α-secretase activity while increasing β-secretase and γ-secretase activities by molecular genetic analysis. D-cycloserine and L-serine application resulted in an improvement in neurodegeneration and oxidative damage caused by aluminum toxicity. It is believed that the results of this study will contribute to the synthesis of new compounds with improved potential against AlCl3-induced neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and drug development research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Özdemir Tozlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Hasan Türkez
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ufuk Okkay
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Onur Ceylan
- Department of Medical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Cemil Bayram
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Adil Mardinoğlu
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Adil Mardinoğlu,
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10
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Chen Z, Wu M, Lai Q, Zhou W, Wen X, Yin X. Epigenetic regulation of synaptic disorder in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:888014. [PMID: 35992921 PMCID: PMC9382295 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.888014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are critical structures involved in neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. Their activity depends on their complete structure and function, which are the basis of learning, memory, and cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neuropathologically characterized by synaptic loss, synaptic disorder, and plasticity impairment. AD pathogenesis is characterized by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Changes in various receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, synaptic components, and dendritic spines lead to synaptic disorder. Changes in epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, RNA interference, and histone modification, are closely related to AD. These can affect neuronal and synaptic functions by regulating the structure and expression of neuronal genes. Some drugs have ameliorated synaptic and neural dysfunction in AD models via epigenetic regulation. We reviewed the recent progress on pathological changes and epigenetic mechanisms of synaptic dysregulation in AD to provide a new perspective on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, China
| | - Moxin Wu
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, China
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Qin Lai
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Weixin Zhou
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Xiaoping Yin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoping Yin,
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11
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Zhang Y, Hu Y, Han Z, Geng Y, Xia Z, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Wang Y, Kong E, Wang X, Jia J, Zhang H. Cattle Encephalon Glycoside and Ignotin Ameliorate Palmitoylation of PSD-95 and Enhance Expression of Synaptic Proteins in the Frontal Cortex of a APPswe/PS1dE9 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:141-154. [PMID: 35570485 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Synaptic abnormalities in synaptic proteins are the initial hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The higher level of palmitoylation of synaptic proteins was closely associated with amyloid-β (Aβ) in AD. Cattle encephalon glycoside and ignotin (CEGI) have been shown to act as multitarget neurotrophic agents in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic AD mice. However, it is not clear whether CEGI can influence Aβ deposition or whether it does so by the regulation of protein palmitoylation and expression of synaptic proteins in transgenic AD mice. Objective: In this study, we investigated the roles of CEGI in modulating postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) palmitoylation, Aβ pathologies, and expression of synaptic-associated proteins in APP/PS1 mice. Methods: Five-month-old APP/PS1 mice were treated intraperitoneally with 6.6 mL/kg of CEGI for 6 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, APP/PS1 mice were subjected to Morris water maze to test their cognitive functions. Acyl-biotinyl exchange (ABE) for PSD-95 palmitoylation, immunofluorescent staining for expression of PSD-95, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor subunit 2B (NR2B), and synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1) were assessed in mouse brain sections. Results: CEGI treatment in APP/PS1 mice significantly reduced Aβ deposition, relieved memory deficits, and decreased PSD-95 palmitoylation while markedly increasing the expression of PSD-95, NR2B, and SYT1 in the frontal cortex. There was a significant correlation between Aβ expression and PSD-95 palmitoylation in APP/PS1 mice. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that CEGI improved AD-like neuropathology, possibly by inhibiting PSD-95 palmitoylation, improving learning memory, and enhancing expression of synaptic-associated proteins, representing a potential therapy for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghan Zhang
- Institute of Geriatrics, The 2nd Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, China National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, Xuchang Hospital, Xuchang, Henan, China
| | - Yazhuo Hu
- Institute of Geriatrics, The 2nd Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, China National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhitao Han
- Institute of Geriatrics, The 2nd Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, China National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Department of Neurology, The 3rd Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Xia
- Department of Neurology, The 2nd Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xuchang Hospital, Xuchang, Henan, China
| | - Zhenfu Wang
- Department of Zhantansi, Medical District of Central Beijing, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Zhantansi, Medical District of Central Beijing, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Eryan Kong
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang Henan, China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics, The 2nd Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, China National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Jia
- Institute of Geriatrics, The 2nd Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, China National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Institute of Geriatrics, The 2nd Medical Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, China National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Marshall CA, McBride JD, Changolkar L, Riddle DM, Trojanowski JQ, Lee VMY. Inhibition of CK2 mitigates Alzheimer's tau pathology by preventing NR2B synaptic mislocalization. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:30. [PMID: 35246269 PMCID: PMC8895919 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01331-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that exhibits pathological changes in both tau and synaptic function. AD patients display increases in hyperphosphorylated tau and synaptic activity. Previous studies have individually identified the role of NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors in AD related synaptic dysfunction and aggregated tau without reconciling the conflicting differences and implications of NR2B expression. Inhibition of extrasynaptically located NR2B mitigates tau pathology in AD models, whereas the inhibition of synaptic NR2B replicates tau-associated hyperactivity. This suggests that a simultaneous increase in extrasynaptic NR2B and decrease in synaptic NR2B may be responsible for tau pathology and synaptic dysfunction, respectively. The synaptic location of NR2B is regulated by casein kinase 2 (CK2), which is highly expressed in AD patients. Here, we used patient brains diagnosed with AD, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy or Pick’s disease to characterize CK2 expression across these diverse tauopathies. Human derived material was also utilized in conjunction with cultured hippocampal neurons in order to investigate AD-induced changes in NR2B location. We further assessed the therapeutic effect of CK2 inhibition on NR2B synaptic distribution and tau pathology. We found that aberrant expression of CK2, and synaptically translocated NR2B, is unique to AD patients compared to other tauopathies. Increased CK2 was also observed in AD-tau treated neurons in addition to the mislocalization of NR2B receptors. Tau burden was alleviated in vitro by correcting synaptic:extrasynaptic NR2B function. Restoring NR2B physiological expression patterns with CK2 inhibition and inhibiting the function of excessive extrasynaptic NR2B with Memantine both mitigated tau accumulation in vitro. However, the combined pharmacological treatment promoted the aggregation of tau. Our data suggests that the synaptic:extrasynaptic balance of NR2B function regulates AD-tau pathogenesis, and that the inhibition of CK2, and concomitant prevention of NR2B mislocalization, may be a useful therapeutic tool for AD patients.
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13
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Romano AD, Villani R, Sangineto M, Cassano T, Serviddio G. The GLP-1 receptor agonist Exendin-4 modulates hippocampal NMDA-receptor signalling in aged rats and improves cognitive impairment in diabetic elderly patients. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS 2022. [DOI: 10.36150/2499-6564-n474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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14
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Selvaraj P, Tanaka M, Wen J, Zhang Y. The Novel Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitor MJN110 Suppresses Neuroinflammation, Normalizes Synaptic Composition and Improves Behavioral Performance in the Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury Mouse Model. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123454. [PMID: 34943962 PMCID: PMC8700188 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the endocannabinoid system has emerged as an effective approach for the treatment of many neurodegenerative and neuropsychological diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still uncertain. Using a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) mouse model, we found that there was an impairment in locomotor function and working memory within two weeks post-injury, and that treatment with MJN110, a novel inhibitor of the principal 2-arachidononyl glycerol (2-AG) hydrolytic enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase dose-dependently ameliorated those behavioral changes. Spatial learning and memory deficits examined by Morris water maze between three and four weeks post-TBI were also reversed in the drug treated animals. Administration of MJN110 selectively elevated the levels of 2-AG and reduced the production of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the TBI mouse brain. The increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, accumulation of astrocytes and microglia in the TBI mouse ipsilateral cerebral cortex and hippocampus were significantly reduced by MJN110 treatment. Neuronal cell death was also attenuated in the drug treated animals. MJN110 treatment normalized the expression of the NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B, the AMPA receptor subunits GluR1 and GluR2, and the GABAA receptor subunits α1, β2,3 and γ2, which were all reduced at 1, 2 and 4 weeks post-injury. The reduced inflammatory response and restored glutamate and GABA receptor expression likely contribute to the improved motor function, learning and memory in the MJN110 treated animals. The therapeutic effects of MJN110 were partially mediated by activation of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and were eliminated when it was co-administered with DO34, a novel inhibitor of the 2-AG biosynthetic enzymes. Our results suggest that augmentation of the endogenous levels of 2-AG can be therapeutically useful in the treatment of TBI by suppressing neuroinflammation and maintaining the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhuanand Selvaraj
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (P.S.); (M.T.); (J.W.)
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Mikiei Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (P.S.); (M.T.); (J.W.)
| | - Jie Wen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (P.S.); (M.T.); (J.W.)
| | - Yumin Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (P.S.); (M.T.); (J.W.)
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-295-3212
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15
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Polansky H, Goral B. How an increase in the copy number of HSV-1 during latency can cause Alzheimer's disease: the viral and cellular dynamics according to the microcompetition model. J Neurovirol 2021; 27:895-916. [PMID: 34635992 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-021-01012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies observed a link between the herpes smplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and Alzheimer's disease. However, the exact viral and cellular dynamics that lead from an HSV-1 infection to Alzheimer's disease are unknown. In this paper, we use the microcompetition model to formulate these dynamics by connecting seemingly unconnected observations reported in the literature. We concentrate on four pathologies characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. First, we explain how an increase in the copy number of HSV-1 during latency can decrease the expression of BECN1/Beclin1, the degradative trafficking protein, which, in turn, can cause a dysregulation of autophagy and Alzheimer's disease. Second, we show how an increase in the copy number of the latent HSV-1 can decrease the expression of many genes important for mitochondrial genome metabolism, respiratory chain, and homeostasis, which can lead to oxidative stress and neuronal damage, resulting in Alzheimer's disease. Third, we describe how an increase in this copy number can reduce the concentration of the NMDA receptor subunits NR1 and NR2b (Grin1 and Grin2b genes), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which can cause an impaired synaptic plasticity, Aβ accumulation and eventually Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we show how an increase in the copy number of HSV-1 in neural stem/progenitor cells in the hippocampus during the latent phase can lead to an abnormal quantity and quality of neurogenesis, and the clinical presentation of Alzheimer's disease. Since the current understanding of the dynamics and homeostasis of the HSV-1 reservoir during latency is limited, the proposed model represents only a first step towards a complete understanding of the relationship between the copy number of HSV-1 during latency and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Polansky
- The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease (CBCD), 3 Germay Dr, Wilmington, DE, 19804, USA.
| | - Benjamin Goral
- The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease (CBCD), 3 Germay Dr, Wilmington, DE, 19804, USA
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16
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Yeung JHY, Walby JL, Palpagama TH, Turner C, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Kwakowsky A. Glutamatergic receptor expression changes in the Alzheimer's disease hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e13005. [PMID: 34269494 PMCID: PMC8549033 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the leading form of dementia worldwide. Currently, the pathological mechanisms underlying AD are not well understood. Although the glutamatergic system is extensively implicated in its pathophysiology, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the expression of glutamate receptors in the AD brain. This study aimed to characterize the expression of specific glutamate receptor subunits in post‐mortem human brain tissue using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Free‐floating immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to quantify the density of glutamate receptor subunits GluA2, GluN1, and GluN2A in specific cell layers of the hippocampal sub‐regions, subiculum, entorhinal cortex, and superior temporal gyrus. Quantification of GluA2 expression in human post‐mortem hippocampus revealed a significant increase in the stratum (str.) moleculare of the dentate gyrus (DG) in AD compared with control. Increased GluN1 receptor expression was found in the str. moleculare and hilus of the DG, str. oriens of the CA2 and CA3, str. pyramidale of the CA2, and str. radiatum of the CA1, CA2, and CA3 subregions and the entorhinal cortex. GluN2A expression was significantly increased in AD compared with control in the str. oriens, str. pyramidale, and str. radiatum of the CA1 subregion. These findings indicate that the expression of glutamatergic receptor subunits shows brain region‐specific changes in AD, suggesting possible pathological receptor functioning. These results provide evidence of specific glutamatergic receptor subunit changes in the AD hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, indicating the requirement for further research to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms it entails, and further highlight the potential of glutamatergic receptor subunits as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason H Y Yeung
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joshua L Walby
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thulani H Palpagama
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clinton Turner
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Qi CC, Chen XX, Gao XR, Xu JX, Liu S, Ge JF. Impaired Learning and Memory Ability Induced by a Bilaterally Hippocampal Injection of Streptozotocin in Mice: Involved With the Adaptive Changes of Synaptic Plasticity. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:633495. [PMID: 33732137 PMCID: PMC7957014 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.633495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline, psychiatric symptoms and behavioral disorders, resulting in disability, and loss of self-sufficiency. Objective: To establish an AD-like mice model, investigate the behavioral performance, and explore the potential mechanism. Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ, 3 mg/kg) was microinjected bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice, and the behavioral performance was observed. The serum concentrations of insulin and nesfatin-1 were measured by ELISA, and the activation of hippocampal microglia and astrocytes was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of several molecular associated with the regulation of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and the pre-frontal cortex (PFC) was detected via western blotting. Results: The STZ-microinjected model mice showed a slower bodyweight gain and higher serum concentration of insulin and nesfatin-1. Although there was no significant difference between groups with regard to the ability of balance and motor coordination, the model mice presented a decline of spontaneous movement and exploratory behavior, together with an impairment of learning and memory ability. Increased activated microglia was aggregated in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of model mice, together with an increase abundance of Aβ1-42 and Tau in the hippocampus and PFC. Moreover, the protein expression of NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B, SynGAP, PSD95, BDNF, and p-β-catenin/β-catenin were remarkably decreased in the hippocampus and the PFC of model mice, and the expression of p-GSK-3β (ser9)/GSK-3β were reduced in the hippocampus. Conclusion: A bilateral hippocampal microinjection of STZ could induce not only AD-like behavioral performance in mice, but also adaptive changes of synaptic plasticity against neuroinflammatory and endocrinal injuries. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with the imbalanced expression of the key proteins of Wnt signaling pathway in the hippocampus and the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Cong Qi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Xing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xin-Ran Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jing-Xian Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sen Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jin-Fang Ge
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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18
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Olajide OJ, Suvanto ME, Chapman CA. Molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in the entorhinal cortex that underlie its selective vulnerability during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio056796. [PMID: 33495355 PMCID: PMC7860115 DOI: 10.1242/bio.056796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The entorhinal cortex (EC) is a vital component of the medial temporal lobe, and its contributions to cognitive processes and memory formation are supported through its extensive interconnections with the hippocampal formation. During the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), many of the earliest degenerative changes are seen within the EC. Neurodegeneration in the EC and hippocampus during AD has been clearly linked to impairments in memory and cognitive function, and a growing body of evidence indicates that molecular and functional neurodegeneration within the EC may play a primary role in cognitive decline in the early phases of AD. Defining the mechanisms underlying molecular neurodegeneration in the EC is crucial to determining its contributions to the pathogenesis of AD. Surprisingly few studies have focused on understanding the mechanisms of molecular neurodegeneration and selective vulnerability within the EC. However, there have been advancements indicating that early dysregulation of cellular and molecular signaling pathways in the EC involve neurodegenerative cascades including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glia activation, stress kinases activation, and neuronal loss. Dysfunction within the EC can impact the function of the hippocampus, which relies on entorhinal inputs, and further degeneration within the hippocampus can compound this effect, leading to severe cognitive disruption. This review assesses the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying early degeneration in the EC during AD. These mechanisms may underlie the selective vulnerability of neuronal subpopulations in this brain region to the disease development and contribute both directly and indirectly to cognitive loss.This paper has an associated Future Leader to Watch interview with the first author of the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayemi Joseph Olajide
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, PMB 1515
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4B 1R6
| | - Marcus E Suvanto
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4B 1R6
| | - Clifton Andrew Chapman
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4B 1R6
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19
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Habif M, Do Carmo S, Báez MV, Colettis NC, Cercato MC, Salas DA, Acutain MF, Sister CL, Berkowicz VL, Canal MP, González Garello T, Cuello AC, Jerusalinsky DA. Early Long-Term Memory Impairment and Changes in the Expression of Synaptic Plasticity-Associated Genes, in the McGill-R-Thy1-APP Rat Model of Alzheimer's-Like Brain Amyloidosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 12:585873. [PMID: 33551786 PMCID: PMC7862771 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.585873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Accruing evidence supports the hypothesis that memory deficits in early Alzheimer Disease (AD) might be due to synaptic failure caused by accumulation of intracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers, then secreted to the extracellular media. Transgenic mouse AD models provide valuable information on AD pathology. However, the failure to translate these findings to humans calls for models that better recapitulate the human pathology. McGill-R-Thy1-APP transgenic (Tg) rat expresses the human amyloid precursor protein (APP751) with the Swedish and Indiana mutations (of familial AD), leading to an AD-like slow-progressing brain amyloid pathology. Therefore, it offers a unique opportunity to investigate learning and memory abilities at early stages of AD, when Aβ accumulation is restricted to the intracellular compartment, prior to plaque deposition. Our goal was to further investigate early deficits in memory, particularly long-term memory in McGill-R-Thy1-APP heterozygous (Tg+/–) rats. Short-term- and long-term habituation to an open field were preserved in 3-, 4-, and 6-month-old (Tg+/–). However, long-term memory of inhibitory avoidance to a foot-shock, novel object-recognition and social approaching behavior were seriously impaired in 4-month-old (Tg+/–) male rats, suggesting that they are unable to either consolidate and/or evoke such associative and discriminative memories with aversive, emotional and spatial components. The long-term memory deficits were accompanied by increased transcript levels of genes relevant to synaptic plasticity, learning and memory processing in the hippocampus, such as Grin2b, Dlg4, Camk2b, and Syn1. Our findings indicate that in addition to the previously well-documented deficits in learning and memory, McGill-R-Thy1-APP rats display particular long-term-memory deficits and deep social behavior alterations at pre-plaque early stages of the pathology. This highlights the importance of Aβ oligomers and emphasizes the validity of the model to study AD-like early processes, with potentially predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Habif
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - María Verónica Báez
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Claudia Colettis
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magalí Cecilia Cercato
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Salas
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Acutain
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Caterina Laura Sister
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Laura Berkowicz
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Pilar Canal
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás González Garello
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Diana Alicia Jerusalinsky
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurotoxins (LaN&N), Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN) "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis" (Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Engin AB, Engin A. Alzheimer's Disease and Protein Kinases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1275:285-321. [PMID: 33539020 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49844-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and accounts for more than 60-80% of all cases of dementia. Loss of pyramidal neurons, extracellular amyloid beta (Abeta) accumulated senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles that contain hyperphosphorylated tau constitute the main pathological alterations in AD.Synaptic dysfunction and extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hyperactivation contributes to excitotoxicity in patients with AD. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Abeta promoted neurodegeneration develop through the activation of protein kinase signaling cascade in AD. Furthermore, ultimate neuronal death in AD is under control of protein kinases-related signaling pathways. In this chapter, critical check-points within the cross-talk between neuron and protein kinases have been defined regarding the initiation and progression of AD. In this context, amyloid cascade hypothesis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, granulovacuolar degeneration, loss of Wnt signaling, Abeta-related synaptic alterations, prolonged calcium ions overload and NMDAR-related synaptotoxicity, damage signals hypothesis and type-3 diabetes are discussed briefly.In addition to clinical perspective of AD pathology, recommendations that might be effective in the treatment of AD patients have been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Atilla Engin
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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21
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Stress-Sensitive Protein Rac1 and Its Involvement in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8894372. [PMID: 33299404 PMCID: PMC7707960 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8894372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a small GTPase that is well known for its sensitivity to the environmental stress of a cell or an organism. It senses the external signals which are transmitted from membrane-bound receptors and induces downstream signaling cascades to exert its physiological functions. Rac1 is an important regulator of a variety of cellular processes, such as cytoskeletal organization, generation of oxidative products, and gene expression. In particular, Rac1 has a significant influence on certain brain functions like neuronal migration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation via regulation of actin dynamics in neurons. Abnormal Rac1 expression and activity have been observed in multiple neurological diseases. Here, we review recent findings to delineate the role of Rac1 signaling in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with abnormal spine morphology, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, certain novel inhibitors of Rac1 and related pathways are discussed as potential avenues toward future treatment for these diseases.
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Yeung JHY, Calvo-Flores Guzmán B, Palpagama TH, Ethiraj J, Zhai Y, Tate WP, Peppercorn K, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Kwakowsky A. Amyloid-beta 1-42 induced glutamatergic receptor and transporter expression changes in the mouse hippocampus. J Neurochem 2020; 155:62-80. [PMID: 32491248 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading type of dementia worldwide. With an increasing burden of an aging population coupled with the lack of any foreseeable cure, AD warrants the current intense research effort on the toxic effects of an increased concentration of beta-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. Glutamate is the main excitatory brain neurotransmitter and it plays an essential role in the function and health of neurons and neuronal excitability. While previous studies have shown alterations in expression of glutamatergic signaling components in AD, the underlying mechanisms of these changes are not well understood. This is the first comprehensive anatomical study to characterize the subregion- and cell layer-specific long-term effect of Aβ1-42 on the expression of specific glutamate receptors and transporters in the mouse hippocampus, using immunohistochemistry with confocal microscopy. Outcomes are examined 30 days after Aβ1-42 stereotactic injection in aged male C57BL/6 mice. We report significant decreases in density of the glutamate receptor subunit GluA1 and the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGluT) 1 in the conus ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus in the Aβ1-42 injected mice compared with artificial cerebrospinal fluid injected and naïve controls, notably in the stratum oriens and stratum radiatum. GluA1 subunit density also decreased within the dentate gyrus dorsal stratum moleculare in Aβ1-42 injected mice compared with artificial cerebrospinal fluid injected controls. These changes are consistent with findings previously reported in the human AD hippocampus. By contrast, glutamate receptor subunits GluA2, GluN1, GluN2A, and VGluT2 showed no changes in expression. These findings indicate that Aβ1-42 induces brain region and layer specific expression changes of the glutamatergic receptors and transporters, suggesting complex and spatial vulnerability of this pathway during development of AD neuropathology. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 7. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.14763.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason H Y Yeung
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Beatriz Calvo-Flores Guzmán
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thulani H Palpagama
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jayarjun Ethiraj
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ying Zhai
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Warren P Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Katie Peppercorn
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Vyas Y, Montgomery JM, Cheyne JE. Hippocampal Deficits in Amyloid-β-Related Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:266. [PMID: 32317913 PMCID: PMC7154147 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia. Symptoms of AD include memory loss, disorientation, mood and behavior changes, confusion, unfounded suspicions, and eventually, difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. These symptoms are caused by neuronal degeneration and cell loss that begins in the hippocampus, and later in disease progression spreading to the rest of the brain. While there are some medications that alleviate initial symptoms, there are currently no treatments that stop disease progression. Hippocampal deficits in amyloid-β-related rodent models of AD have revealed synaptic, behavioral and circuit-level defects. These changes in synaptic function, plasticity, neuronal excitability, brain connectivity, and excitation/inhibition imbalance all have profound effects on circuit function, which in turn could exacerbate disease progression. Despite, the wealth of studies on AD pathology we don't yet have a complete understanding of hippocampal deficits in AD. With the increasing development of in vivo recording techniques in awake and freely moving animals, future studies will extend our current knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning how hippocampal function is altered in AD, and aid in progression of treatment strategies that prevent and/or delay AD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanna M. Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juliette E. Cheyne
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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24
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Kohlmeier KA, Polli FS. Plasticity in the Brainstem: Prenatal and Postnatal Experience Can Alter Laterodorsal Tegmental (LDT) Structure and Function. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:3. [PMID: 32116639 PMCID: PMC7019863 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The brainstem has traditionally been considered an area of the brain with autonomous control of mostly homeostatic functions such as heart rate, respiration, and the sleep and wakefulness state, which would preclude the necessity to exhibit the high degree of synaptic or cellular mechanisms of plasticity typical of regions of the brain responsible for flexible, executive control, such as the medial prefrontal cortex or the hippocampus. The perception that the brainstem does not share the same degree of flexibility to alter synaptic strength and/or wiring within local circuits makes intuitive sense, as it is not easy to understand how "soft wiring" would be an advantage when considering the importance of faithful and consistent performance of the homeostatic, autonomic functions that are controlled by the brainstem. However, many of the molecular and cellular requirements which underlie strengthening of synapses seen in brain regions involved in higher-level processing are present in brainstem nuclei, and recent research suggest that the view of the brainstem as "hard wired," with rigid and static connectivity and with unchanging synaptic strength, is outdated. In fact, information from studies within the last decades, including work conducted in our group, leads us to propose that the brainstem can dynamically alter synaptic proteins, and change synaptic connections in response to prenatal or postnatal stimuli, and this would likely alter functionality and output. This article reviews recent research that has provided information resulting in our revision of the view of the brainstem as static and non-changing by using as example recent information gleaned from a brainstem pontine nucleus, the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT). The LDT has demonstrated mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, and plasticity has been exhibited in the postnatal LDT following exposure to drugs of abuse. Further, exposure of the brain during gestation to drugs of abuse results in alterations in development of signaling pathways in the LDT. As the LDT provides a high degree of innervation of mesoaccumbal and mesocortical circuits involved in salience, as well as thalamocortical circuits involved in control of arousal and orientation, changes in synaptic strength would be expected to alter output, which would significantly impact behavioral state, motivated behavior and directed attention. Further, alterations in developmental trajectory within the LDT following prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse would be expected to impact on later life expression of motivation and arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi A. Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Liu J, Chang L, Song Y, Li H, Wu Y. The Role of NMDA Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:43. [PMID: 30800052 PMCID: PMC6375899 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), early synaptic dysfunction is associated with the increased oligomeric amyloid-beta peptide, which causes NMDAR-dependent synaptic depression and spine elimination. Memantine, low-affinity NMDAR channel blocker, has been used in the treatment of moderate to severe AD. However, clear evidence is still deficient in demonstrating the underlying mechanisms and a relationship between NMDARs dysfunction and AD. This review focuses on not only changes in expression of different NMDAR subunits, but also some unconventional modes of NMDAR action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Liu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lirong Chang
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhi Song
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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26
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Baumeister S, Schepmann D, Wünsch B. Synthesis and receptor binding of thiophene bioisosteres of potent GluN2B ligands with a benzo[7]annulene-scaffold. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:315-325. [PMID: 30881618 DOI: 10.1039/c8md00545a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of NMDA receptors containing the GluN2B subunit in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease renders this NMDA receptor subtype an interesting pharmacological target. The aim of this study was the bioisosteric replacement of benzene, methoxybenzene and aniline moieties of known potent GluN2B selective NMDA receptor antagonists by a thiophene ring. In a nine-step synthesis starting from commercially available propionic acid 9 the thiophene derivative 7a was obtained as a bioisostere of the potent GluN2B ligands cis-3 and trans-3. [7]Annuleno[b]thiophene 8a without a benzylic OH moiety was prepared in a six-step synthesis starting from carboxylic acid 18. 8a represents a bioisostere of potent GluN2B ligands 4 and 5. [7]Annulenothiophene 8a without a benzylic OH moiety reveals approx. 8-fold higher GluN2B affinity (K i = 26 nM) than the analogous thiophene derivative 7a with a benzylic OH moiety (K i = 204 nM). Both thiophene bioisosteres show a slight preference for GluN2B receptors over both σ receptors. The data indicate that the bioisosteric replacement of benzene or substituted benzene rings by a thiophene ring is well tolerated by the NMDA receptor. Furthermore, the benzylic OH moiety seems not to be essential for high GluN2B affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Baumeister
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster , Corrensstraße 48 , D-48149 Münster , Germany . ; ; Tel: +49 251 83 33311
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster , Corrensstraße 48 , D-48149 Münster , Germany . ; ; Tel: +49 251 83 33311
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster , Corrensstraße 48 , D-48149 Münster , Germany . ; ; Tel: +49 251 83 33311.,Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM) , Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , Germany
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27
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Xu L, Qiu X, Wang S, Wang Q, Zhao XL. NMDA Receptor Antagonist MK801 Protects Against 1-Bromopropane-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction. Neurosci Bull 2018; 35:347-361. [PMID: 30569431 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational exposure to 1-bromopropane (1-BP) induces learning and memory deficits. However, no therapeutic strategies are currently available. Accumulating evidence has suggested that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and neuroinflammation are involved in the cognitive impairments in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we aimed to investigate whether the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist MK801 protects against 1-BP-induced cognitive dysfunction. Male Wistar rats were administered with MK801 (0.1 mg/kg) prior to 1-BP intoxication (800 mg/kg). Their cognitive performance was evaluated by the Morris water maze test. The brains of rats were dissected for biochemical, neuropathological, and immunological analyses. We found that the spatial learning and memory were significantly impaired in the 1-BP group, and this was associated with neurodegeneration in both the hippocampus (especially CA1 and CA3) and cortex. Besides, the protein levels of phosphorylated NMDARs were increased after 1-BP exposure. MK801 ameliorated the 1-BP-induced cognitive impairments and degeneration of neurons in the hippocampus and cortex. Mechanistically, MK801 abrogated the 1-BP-induced disruption of excitatory and inhibitory amino-acid balance and NMDAR abnormalities. Subsequently, MK801 inhibited the microglial activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in 1-BP-treated rats. Our findings, for the first time, revealed that MK801 protected against 1-BP-induced cognitive dysfunction by ameliorating NMDAR function and blocking microglial activation, which might provide a potential target for the treatment of 1-BP poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiaofei Qiu
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252000, China
| | - Qingshan Wang
- School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Xiu-Lan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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28
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Tiernan CT, Ginsberg SD, He B, Ward SM, Guillozet-Bongaarts AL, Kanaan NM, Mufson EJ, Counts SE. Pretangle pathology within cholinergic nucleus basalis neurons coincides with neurotrophic and neurotransmitter receptor gene dysregulation during the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 117:125-136. [PMID: 29859871 PMCID: PMC6278831 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic basal forebrain neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) regulate attentional and memory function and are exquisitely prone to tau pathology and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). nbM neurons require the neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF), its cognate receptor TrkA, and the pan-neurotrophin receptor p75NTR for their maintenance and survival. Additionally, nbM neuronal activity and cholinergic tone are regulated by the expression of nicotinic (nAChR) and muscarinic (mAChR) acetylcholine receptors as well as receptors modulating glutamatergic and catecholaminergic afferent signaling. To date, the molecular and cellular relationships between the evolution of tau pathology and nbM neuronal survival remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we profiled cholinotrophic pathway genes within nbM neurons immunostained for pS422, a pretangle phosphorylation event preceding tau C-terminal truncation at D421, or dual-labeled for pS422 and TauC3, a later stage tau neo-epitope revealed by this same C-terminal truncation event, via single-population custom microarray analysis. nbM neurons were obtained from postmortem tissues from subjects who died with an antemortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or mild/moderate AD. Quantitative analysis revealed significant downregulation of mRNAs encoding TrkA as well as TrkB, TrkC, and the Trk-mediated downstream pro-survival kinase Akt in pS422+ compared to unlabeled, pS422-negative nbM neurons. In addition, pS422+ neurons displayed a downregulation of transcripts encoding NMDA receptor subunit 2B, metabotropic glutamate receptor 2, D2 dopamine receptor, and β1 adrenoceptor. By contrast, transcripts encoding p75NTR were downregulated in dual-labeled pS422+/TauC3+ neurons. Appearance of the TauC3 epitope was also associated with an upregulation of the α7 nAChR subunit and differential downregulation of the β2 nAChR subunit. Notably, we found that gene expression patterns for each cell phenotype did not differ with clinical diagnosis. However, linear regression revealed that global cognition and Braak stage were predictors of select transcript changes within both unlabeled and pS422+/TauC3- neurons. Taken together, these cell phenotype-specific gene expression profiling data suggest that dysregulation of neurotrophic and neurotransmitter signaling is an early pathogenic mechanism associated with NFT formation in vulnerable nbM neurons and cognitive decline in AD, which may be amenable to therapeutic intervention early in the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea T Tiernan
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Stephen D Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Physiology & Neuroscience, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; NYU Neuroscience Institute, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bin He
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah M Ward
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Hauenstein Neurosciences Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Scott E Counts
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Hauenstein Neurosciences Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Maternal imprinting on cognition markers of wild type and transgenic Alzheimer's disease model mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6434. [PMID: 29691440 PMCID: PMC5915602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is higher in individuals from AD-affected mothers. The purpose of this investigation was to study whether maternal transmission might produce AD-related alterations in progenies of mice that do not have any genotypic alteration. We used cognitively-intact mothers harbouring in heterozygosity the transgene for overexpressing the Swedish double mutant version of the human amyloid precursor protein (hAβPPswe). The phenotype of the offspring with or without the transgene resulting from crossing young Tg2576 females with wild-type males were compared with those of the offspring resulting from crossing wild-type females with Tg2576 males. The hAβPPswe-bearing offspring from Tg2576 mothers showed an aggravated AD-like phenotype. Remarkably, cognitive, immunohistochemical and some biochemical features displayed by Tg2576 heterozygous mice were also found in wild-type animals generated from Tg2576 females. This suggests the existence of a maternal imprinting in the wild-type offspring that confers a greater facility to launch an AD-like neurodegenerative cascade. Such progeny, lacking any mutant amyloid precursor protein, constitutes a novel model to study maternal transmission of AD and, even more important, to discover early risk markers that predispose to the development of AD.
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30
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Girard H, Potvin O, Nugent S, Dallaire-Théroux C, Cunnane S, Duchesne S. Faster progression from MCI to probable AD for carriers of a single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with type 2 diabetes. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 64:157.e11-157.e17. [PMID: 29338921 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), as opposed to its autosomal dominant form, is likely caused by a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and health lifestyle factors. Twin studies indicate that sporadic AD heritability could be between 58% and 79%, around half of which is explained by the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE4). We hypothesized that genes associated with known risk factors for AD, namely hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, would contribute significantly to the remaining heritability. We analyzed 22 AD-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), associated with these risk factors, that were included in the sequencing data of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 1 data set, which included 355 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We built survival models with the selected SNPs to predict progression of MCI to probable AD over the 10-year follow-up of the study. The rs391300 SNP, located on the serine racemase (SRR) gene and linked to increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, was associated with progression from MCI to probable AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Girard
- Centre de recherche CERVO de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec, Canada; Département de radiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivier Potvin
- Centre de recherche CERVO de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Scott Nugent
- Centre de recherche CERVO de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Dallaire-Théroux
- Centre de recherche CERVO de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec, Canada; Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Stephen Cunnane
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Simon Duchesne
- Centre de recherche CERVO de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec, Canada; Département de radiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Blocking the Interaction between EphB2 and ADDLs by a Small Peptide Rescues Impaired Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurosci 2017; 36:11959-11973. [PMID: 27881781 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1327-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers, also known as Aβ-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs), are thought to be the key pathogenic factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but there is still no effective treatment for preventing or reversing the progression of the disease. Targeting NMDA receptor trafficking and regulation is a new strategy for early treatment of AD. Aβ oligomers have been found to bind to the fibronectin (FN) type III repeat domain of EphB2 to trigger EphB2 degradation, thereby impairing the normal functioning of NMDA receptors and resulting in cognitive deficits. Here, we identified for the first time the interaction sites of the EphB2 FN domain with ADDLs by applying the peptide array method to design and synthesize four candidate peptides (Pep21, Pep25, Pep32, and Pep63) that might be able to block the EphB2-ADDL interaction. Among them, Pep63 was found to be the most effective at inhibiting the binding between EphB2 and ADDLs. We found that Pep63 not only rescued the ADDL-induced depletion of EphB2- and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors from the neuronal surface in cultured hippocampal neurons, but also improved impaired memory deficits in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice and the phosphorylation and surface expression of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in cultures. Together, these results suggest that blocking the EphB2-ADDL interaction by small interfering peptides may be a promising strategy for AD treatment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder and amyloid β-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) play a key role in triggering the early cognitive deficits that constitute AD. ADDLs may bind EphB2 and alter NMDA receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity. Here, we identified the interaction sites of the EphB2 FN domain with ADDLs for the first time to develop a small (10 aa) peptide (Pep63) capable of blocking the EphB2-ADDL interaction. We found that Pep63 not only rescued the ADDL-induced depletion of EphB2 and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors from the neuronal surface in cultured hippocampal neurons, but also improved impaired memory deficits in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice. Our results suggest that blocking the EphB2-ADDL interaction with Pep63 may be a promising strategy for AD treatment.
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Leon J, Moreno AJ, Garay BI, Chalkley RJ, Burlingame AL, Wang D, Dubal DB. Peripheral Elevation of a Klotho Fragment Enhances Brain Function and Resilience in Young, Aging, and α-Synuclein Transgenic Mice. Cell Rep 2017; 20:1360-1371. [PMID: 28793260 PMCID: PMC5816951 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction and decreased mobility from aging and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases, are major biomedical challenges in need of more effective therapies. Increasing brain resilience may represent a new treatment strategy. Klotho, a longevity factor, enhances cognition when genetically and broadly overexpressed in its full, wild-type form over the mouse lifespan. Whether acute klotho treatment can rapidly enhance cognitive and motor functions or induce resilience is a gap in our knowledge of its therapeutic potential. Here, we show that an α-klotho protein fragment (αKL-F), administered peripherally, surprisingly induced cognitive enhancement and neural resilience despite impermeability to the blood-brain barrier in young, aging, and transgenic α-synuclein mice. αKL-F treatment induced cleavage of the NMDAR subunit GluN2B and also enhanced NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity. GluN2B blockade abolished αKL-F-mediated effects. Peripheral αKL-F treatment is sufficient to induce neural enhancement and resilience in mice and may prove therapeutic in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Leon
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Arturo J Moreno
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Bayardo I Garay
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Robert J Chalkley
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Dena B Dubal
- Department of Neurology, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Hu R, Wei P, Jin L, Zheng T, Chen WY, Liu XY, Shi XD, Hao JR, Sun N, Gao C. Overexpression of EphB2 in hippocampus rescues impaired NMDA receptors trafficking and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer model. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2717. [PMID: 28358367 PMCID: PMC5386541 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which affects more and more people. But there is still no effective treatment for preventing or reversing the progression of the disease. Soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers, also known as Aβ-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) play an important role in AD. Synaptic activity and cognition critically depend on the function of glutamate receptors. Targeting N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors trafficking and its regulation is a new strategy for AD early treatment. EphB2 is a key regulator of synaptic localization of NMDA receptors. Aβ oligomers could bind to the fibronectin repeats domain of EphB2 and trigger EphB2 degradation in the proteasome. Here we identified that overexpression of EphB2 with lentiviral vectors in dorsal hippocampus improved impaired memory deficits and anxiety or depression-like behaviors in APPswe/PS1-dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice. Phosphorylation and surface expression of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors were also improved. Overexpression of EphB2 also rescued the ADDLs-induced depletion of the expression of EphB2 and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors trafficking in cultured hippocampal neurons. These results suggest that improving the decreased expression of EphB2 and subsequent GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors trafficking in hippocampus may be a promising strategy for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou TCM Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, China
| | - Pan Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Lu Jin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Teng Zheng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Wen-Yu Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Shi
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Jing-Ru Hao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Can Gao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
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Chang L, Zhang Y, Liu J, Song Y, Lv A, Li Y, Zhou W, Yan Z, Almeida OFX, Wu Y. Differential Regulation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunits is an Early Event in the Actions of Soluble Amyloid-β(1-40) Oligomers on Hippocampal Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 51:197-212. [PMID: 26836185 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction during early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is triggered by soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers that interact with NMDA receptors (NMDARs). We previously showed that Aβ induces synaptic protein loss through NMDARs, albeit through undefined mechanisms. Accordingly, we here examined the contribution of individual NMDAR subunits to synaptotoxicity and demonstrate that Aβ exerts differential effects on the levels and distribution of GluN2A and GluN2B subunits of NMDAR in dendrites. Treatment of cultured hippocampal neurons with Aβ1-40 (10 μM, 1 h) induced a significant increase of dendritic and synaptic GluN2B puncta densities with parallel decreases in the puncta densities of denritic and synaptic pTyr1472-GluN2B. Conversely, Aβ significantly decreased dendritic and synaptic GluN2A and dendritic pTyr1325-GluN2A puncta densities and increased synaptic pTyr1325-GluN2A puncta densities. Unexpectedly, Aβ treatment resulted in a significant reduction of GluN2B and pTyr1472-GluN2B protein levels but did not influence GluN2A and pTyr1325-GluN2A levels. These results show that Aβ exerts complex and distinct regulatory effects on the trafficking and phosphorylation of GluN2A and GluN2B, as well as on their localization within synaptic and non-synaptic sites. Increased understanding of these early events in Aβ-induced synaptic dysfunction is likely to be important for the development of timely preventive and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Chang
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhi Song
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Angchu Lv
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Yan Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Ministry of Science and Technology Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Ohizumi Y. [A new strategy for preventive and functional therapeutic methods for dementia--approach using natural products]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2016; 135:449-64. [PMID: 25759053 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.14-00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a serious social problem in Japan. However, effective preventive and fundamental therapeutic methods for AD have not yet been developed. Using a new strategy in the course of our survey of numerous natural resouces having neurotrophic activity, we isolated a variety of active constituents and proved their pharmacological properties. As a result, we successfully found nobiletin, a compound with anti-dementia activity that comes from citrus peels. Also, we have demonstrated that nobiletin ameliorates cognitive impairment in several dementia model animals such as chronically amyloid β(Aβ) infused rats, amyloid precursor protein transgenic (APPTg) mice, olfactory-bulbectomized (OBX) mice, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (MK-801)-treated mice, senescence-accelated mice and bilaterial common carotid arteries occlusion mice. In a APPTg mouse of AD, nobiletin greatly improved memory impairment, and this was accompanied by a marked decrease in Aβ deposition. Also, in OBX mice memory impairment was markedly recoverd by nobiletin, accompanied by improvement of a decrease indensity of cholinergic neurons. Interestingly, nobiletin improves age-related congnitive impairment and decreased hyperphosphorylation of tau as well as oxidative stress in senescence-accelerated mice. In cultured cells, nobiletin reversed the Aβ-induced inhibition of glutamate-induced increases in cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and modulated gen expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein and NMDA resceptor subunits. These results suggest that nobiletin prevents memory impairment and exhibits a protecting action against neurodgeneration in AD model animals. Nobiletin and citrus peels thus have potential as functional foods for prevention of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Ohizumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University; 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University; 6-6-07 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka; 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan; Kansei Research Institute, Tohoku Fukushi University; 1-19-1 Kunimi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 989-3201, Japan; Yokohama College of Pharmacy; 601 Matano-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-0066, Japan
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36
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Abstract
Homochirality is fundamental for life. L-Amino acids are exclusively used as substrates for the polymerization and formation of peptides and proteins in living systems. However, D- amino acids were recently detected in various living organisms, including mammals. Of these D-amino acids, D-serine has been most extensively studied. D-Serine was found to play an important role as a neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system (CNS) by binding to the N-methyl- D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr). D-Serine binds with high affinity to a co-agonist site at the NMDAr and, along with glutamate, mediates several vital physiological and pathological processes, including NMDAr transmission, synaptic plasticity and neurotoxicity. Therefore, a key role for D-serine as a determinant of NMDAr mediated neurotransmission in mammalian CNS has been suggested. In this context, we review the known functions of D-serine in human physiology, such as CNS development, and pathology, such as neuro-psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases related to NMDAr dysfunction.
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Zhang W, Tian F, Zheng J, Li S, Qiang M. Chronic Administration of Benzo(a)pyrene Induces Memory Impairment and Anxiety-Like Behavior and Increases of NR2B DNA Methylation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149574. [PMID: 26901155 PMCID: PMC4768874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, an increasing number of human and animal studies have reported that exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) induces neurological abnormalities and is also associated with adverse effects, such as tumor formation, immunosuppression, teratogenicity, and hormonal disorders. However, the exact mechanisms underlying BaP-induced impairment of neurological function remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the regulating mechanisms underlying the impact of chronic BaP exposure on neurobehavioral performance. Methods C57BL mice received either BaP in different doses (1.0, 2.5, 6.25 mg/kg) or olive oil twice a week for 90 days. Memory and emotional behaviors were evaluated using Y-maze and open-field tests, respectively. Furthermore, levels of mRNA expression were measured by using qPCR, and DNA methylation of NMDA receptor 2B subunit (NR2B) was examined using bisulfate pyrosequencing in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Results Compared to controls, mice that received BaP (2.5, 6.25 mg/kg) showed deficits in short-term memory and an anxiety-like behavior. These behavioral alterations were associated with a down-regulation of the NR2B gene and a concomitant increase in the level of DNA methylation in the NR2B promoter in the two brain regions. Conclusions Chronic BaP exposure induces an increase in DNA methylation in the NR2B gene promoter and down-regulates NR2B expression, which may contribute to its neurotoxic effects on behavioral performance. The results suggest that NR2B vulnerability represents a target for environmental toxicants in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Zhang
- Department of Neurotoxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Fengjie Tian
- Department of Neurotoxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Jinping Zheng
- Department of Neurotoxicology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Senlin Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States of America
| | - Mei Qiang
- Department of Children and Adolescences, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, Taiyuan, 030001, China
- * E-mail:
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Jambrina E, Cerne R, Smith E, Scampavia L, Cuadrado M, Findlay J, Krambis MJ, Wakulchik M, Chase P, Brunavs M, Burris KD, Gallagher P, Spicer TP, Ursu D. An Integrated Approach for Screening and Identification of Positive Allosteric Modulators of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:468-79. [PMID: 26838761 DOI: 10.1177/1087057116628437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors that play an important role in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory formation. Malfunctioning of NMDARs, in particular the reduction in NMDAR activity, is thought to be implicated in major neurological disorders. NMDAR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) represent potential therapeutic interventions for restoring normal NMDAR function. We report a novel screening approach for identification and characterization of NMDAR-PAMs. The approach combines high-throughput fluorescence imaging with automated electrophysiological recording of glutamate-evoked responses in HEK-293 cells expressing NR1/NR2A NMDAR subunits. Initial high-throughput screening (HTS) of a chemical library containing >810,000 compounds using a calcium flux assay in 1536-well plate format identified a total of 864 NMDAR-PAMs. Concentration response determination in both calcium flux and automated electrophysiological assays found several novel chemical series with EC50 values between 0.49 and 10 µM. A small subset (six series) was selected and analyzed for pharmacological properties, subtype selectivity, mode of action, and activity at native NMDARs. Our approach demonstrates the successful application of HTS functional assays that led to identification of NMDAR-PAMs providing the foundation for further medicinal chemistry work that may lead to novel therapies for treatment of cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emery Smith
- Scripps Research Institute Molecular Screening Center, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Louis Scampavia
- Scripps Research Institute Molecular Screening Center, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Chase
- Scripps Research Institute Molecular Screening Center, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | - Timothy P Spicer
- Scripps Research Institute Molecular Screening Center, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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The Functional and Molecular Properties, Physiological Functions, and Pathophysiological Roles of GluN2A in the Central Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1008-1021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9715-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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40
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de Wilde MC, Overk CR, Sijben JW, Masliah E. Meta-analysis of synaptic pathology in Alzheimer's disease reveals selective molecular vesicular machinery vulnerability. Alzheimers Dement 2016; 12:633-44. [PMID: 26776762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loss of synapses best correlates to cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which oligomeric neurotoxic species of amyloid-β appears to contribute synaptic pathology. Although a number of clinical pathologic studies have been performed with limited sample size, there are no systematic studies encompassing large samples. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis study. METHODS We identified 417 publications reporting postmortem synapse and synaptic marker loss from AD patients. Two meta-analyses were performed using a single database of subselected publications and calculating the standard mean differences. RESULTS Meta-analysis confirmed synaptic loss in selected brain regions is an early event in AD pathogenesis. The second meta-analysis of 57 synaptic markers revealed that presynaptic makers were affected more than postsynaptic markers. DISCUSSION The present meta-analysis study showed a consistent synaptic loss across brain regions and that molecular machinery including endosomal pathways, vesicular assembly mechanisms, glutamate receptors, and axonal transport are often affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn C de Wilde
- Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Nutricia Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cassia R Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John W Sijben
- Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Nutricia Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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41
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The Role of Reelin Signaling in Alzheimer’s Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5692-700. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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42
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Life extension factor klotho prevents mortality and enhances cognition in hAPP transgenic mice. J Neurosci 2015; 35:2358-71. [PMID: 25673831 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5791-12.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the principal demographic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Klotho is a key modulator of the aging process and, when overexpressed, extends mammalian lifespan, increases synaptic plasticity, and enhances cognition. Whether klotho can counteract deficits related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, is unknown. Here we show that elevating klotho expression decreases premature mortality and network dysfunction in human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) transgenic mice, which simulate key aspects of AD. Increasing klotho levels prevented depletion of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunits in the hippocampus and enhanced spatial learning and memory in hAPP mice. Klotho elevation in hAPP mice increased the abundance of the GluN2B subunit of NMDAR in postsynaptic densities and NMDAR-dependent long-term potentiation, which is critical for learning and memory. Thus, increasing wild-type klotho levels or activities improves synaptic and cognitive functions, and may be of therapeutic benefit in AD and other cognitive disorders.
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Wang D, Jacobs SA, Tsien JZ. Targeting the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B for treating or preventing age-related memory decline. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1121-30. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.941286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Mota SI, Ferreira IL, Valero J, Ferreiro E, Carvalho AL, Oliveira CR, Rego AC. Impaired Src signaling and post-synaptic actin polymerization in Alzheimer's disease mice hippocampus--linking NMDA receptors and the reelin pathway. Exp Neurol 2014; 261:698-709. [PMID: 25128699 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Early cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been related to deregulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and synaptic dysfunction in response to amyloid-beta peptide. NMDAR anchorage to post-synaptic membrane depends in part on Src kinase, which is also implicated in NMDAR activation and actin cytoskeleton stabilization, two processes relevant for normal synaptic function. In this study we analyzed the changes in GluN2B subunit phosphorylation and the levels of proteins involved in Src related signaling pathways linking the Tyr kinase to actin cytoskeleton polymerization, namely reelin, disabled-1 (Dab1) and cortactin, in hippocampal and cortical homogenates obtained from the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD) that shows progression of pathology as a function of age versus age-matched wild-type mice. Moreover, we evaluated regional post-synaptic actin polymerization using phalloidin labeling in hippocampal slices. Young (3month-old) 3xTg-AD male mice hippocampus exhibited decreased GluN2B Tyr1472 phosphorylation and reduced Src activity. In the cortex, decreased Src activity correlated with reduced levels of reelin and Dab1, implicating changes in the reelin pathway. We also observed diminished phosphorylated Dab1 and cortactin protein levels in the hippocampus and cortex of young 3xTg-AD male mice. Concordantly with the recognized role of these proteins in actin stabilization, we detected a significant decrease in post-synaptic F-actin in 3month-old 3xTg-AD male CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. These data suggest deregulated Src-dependent signaling pathways involving GluN2B-composed NMDARs and post-synaptic actin cytoskeleton depolymerization in the hippocampus in early stages of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra I Mota
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ildete L Ferreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Jorge Valero
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana L Carvalho
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Life Science Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Catarina R Oliveira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - A Cristina Rego
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Nakajima A, Ohizumi Y, Yamada K. Anti-dementia Activity of Nobiletin, a Citrus Flavonoid: A Review of Animal Studies. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 12:75-82. [PMID: 25191498 PMCID: PMC4153867 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2014.12.2.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia among the elderly, is characterized by the progressive decline of cognitive function and has a detrimental impact worldwide. Despite intensive laboratory and clinical research over the last three decades, pharmacological options for the prevention and effective long-term treatment of AD are not currently available. Consequently, successful therapeutic and preventive treatments for AD are needed. When researching materials from natural resources having anti-dementia drug activity, we identified nobiletin, a polymethoxylated flavone from the peel of Citrus depressa. Nobiletin exhibited memory-improving effects in various animal models of dementia and exerted a wide range of beneficial effects against pathological features of AD including amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology, tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, cholinergic neurodegeneration and dysfunction of synaptic plasticity-related signaling, suggesting this natural compound could become a novel drug for the treatment and prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nakajima
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ohizumi
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan. ; Department of Anti-Dementia Functional Food Development, Research Center of Supercritical Fluid Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. ; Laboratory of Kampo Medicines, Yokohama College of Pharmacy, Yokohama, Japan. ; Kansei Fukushi Research Institute, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Loss of MAP function leads to hippocampal synapse loss and deficits in the Morris Water Maze with aging. J Neurosci 2014; 34:7124-36. [PMID: 24849348 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3439-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation and accumulation of tau aggregates are prominent features in tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, but the impact of loss of tau function on synaptic and cognitive deficits remains poorly understood. We report that old (19-20 months; OKO) but not middle-aged (8-9 months; MKO) tau knock-out mice develop Morris Water Maze (MWM) deficits and loss of hippocampal acetylated α-tubulin and excitatory synaptic proteins. Mild motor deficits and reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra were present by middle age, but did not affect MWM performance, whereas OKO mice showed MWM deficits paralleling hippocampal deficits. Deletion of tau, a microtubule-associated protein (MAP), resulted in increased levels of MAP1A, MAP1B, and MAP2 in MKO, followed by loss of MAP2 and MAP1B in OKO. Hippocampal synaptic deficits in OKO mice were partially corrected with dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and both MWM and synaptic deficits were fully corrected by combining DHA with α-lipoic acid (ALA), which also prevented TH loss. DHA or DHA/ALA restored phosphorylated and total GSK3β and attenuated hyperactivation of the tau C-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) while increasing MAP1B, dephosphorylated (active) MAP2, and acetylated α-tubulin, suggesting improved microtubule stability and maintenance of active compensatory MAPs. Our results implicate the loss of MAP function in age-associated hippocampal deficits and identify a safe dietary intervention, rescuing both MAP function and TH in OKO mice. Therefore, in addition to microtubule-stabilizing therapeutic drugs, preserving or restoring compensatory MAP function may be a useful new prevention strategy.
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Dubal DB, Yokoyama JS, Zhu L, Broestl L, Worden K, Wang D, Sturm VE, Kim D, Klein E, Yu GQ, Ho K, Eilertson KE, Yu L, Kuro-o M, De Jager PL, Coppola G, Small GW, Bennett DA, Kramer JH, Abraham CR, Miller BL, Mucke L. Life extension factor klotho enhances cognition. Cell Rep 2014; 7:1065-76. [PMID: 24813892 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the primary risk factor for cognitive decline, an emerging health threat to aging societies worldwide. Whether anti-aging factors such as klotho can counteract cognitive decline is unknown. We show that a lifespan-extending variant of the human KLOTHO gene, KL-VS, is associated with enhanced cognition in heterozygous carriers. Because this allele increased klotho levels in serum, we analyzed transgenic mice with systemic overexpression of klotho. They performed better than controls in multiple tests of learning and memory. Elevating klotho in mice also enhanced long-term potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity, and enriched synaptic GluN2B, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit with key functions in learning and memory. Blockade of GluN2B abolished klotho-mediated effects. Surprisingly, klotho effects were evident also in young mice and did not correlate with age in humans, suggesting independence from the aging process. Augmenting klotho or its effects may enhance cognition and counteract cognitive deficits at different life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena B Dubal
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Jennifer S Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lei Zhu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lauren Broestl
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kurtresha Worden
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Virginia E Sturm
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Daniel Kim
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Eric Klein
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Gui-Qiu Yu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Ho
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Lei Yu
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Makoto Kuro-o
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Program in Translational NeuroPsychiatric Genomics, Institute for Neurosciences, Departments of Neurology & Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Gary W Small
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Joel H Kramer
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Carmela R Abraham
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lennart Mucke
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Canu N, Ciotti MT, Pollegioni L. Serine racemase: a key player in apoptosis and necrosis. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2014; 6:9. [PMID: 24795622 PMCID: PMC4000995 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2014.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A fine balance between cell survival and cell death is required to sculpt the nervous system during development. However, an excess of cell death can occur following trauma, exposure to neurotoxins or alcohol, and some developmental and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) support synaptic plasticity and survival of many neuronal populations whereas inappropriate activation may promote various forms of cell death, apoptosis, and necrosis representing the two extremes of a continuum of cell death processes both “in vitro” and “in vivo.” Hence, by identifying the switches controlling pro-survival vs. apoptosis and apoptosis vs. pro-excitotoxic outcome of NMDAR stimulation, NMDAR modulators could be developed that selectively block the cell death enhancing pro-survival signaling or synaptic plasticity mediated by NMDAR. Among these modulators, a role is emerging for the enzyme serine racemase (SR) that synthesizes D-serine, a key co-agonist with glutamate at NMDAR. This review summarizes the experimental evidence from “in vitro” neuronal cultures—with special emphasis on cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs)—and “in vivo” models of neurodegeneration, where the dual role of the SR/D-serine pathway as a master regulator of apoptosis and the apoptosis-necrosis shift will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Canu
- Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università degli Studi di Roma Roma, Italy ; Istituto di Biologia Cellulare e Neurobiologia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- Istituto di Biologia Cellulare e Neurobiologia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Roma, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria Varese, Italy ; Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Biotecnologie Proteiche "The Protein Factory," Politecnico di Milano, ICRM-CNR Milano and Università degli studi dell'Insubria Milano, Italy
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Cochran JN, Hall AM, Roberson ED. The dendritic hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. Brain Res Bull 2014; 103:18-28. [PMID: 24333192 PMCID: PMC3989444 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Converging evidence indicates that processes occurring in and around neuronal dendrites are central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. These data support the concept of a "dendritic hypothesis" of AD, closely related to the existing synaptic hypothesis. Here we detail dendritic neuropathology in the disease and examine how Aβ, tau, and AD genetic risk factors affect dendritic structure and function. Finally, we consider potential mechanisms by which these key drivers could affect dendritic integrity and disease progression. These dendritic mechanisms serve as a framework for therapeutic target identification and for efforts to develop disease-modifying therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nicholas Cochran
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Alicia M Hall
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Erik D Roberson
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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c-Jun N-terminal kinase has a key role in Alzheimer disease synaptic dysfunction in vivo. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1019. [PMID: 24457963 PMCID: PMC4040696 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Altered synaptic function is considered one of the first features of Alzheimer disease (AD). Currently, no treatment is available to prevent the dysfunction of excitatory synapses in AD. Identification of the key modulators of synaptopathy is of particular significance in the treatment of AD. We here characterized the pathways leading to synaptopathy in TgCRND8 mice and showed that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is activated at the spine prior to the onset of cognitive impairment. The specific inhibition of JNK, with its specific inhibiting peptide D-JNKI1, prevented synaptic dysfunction in TgCRND8 mice. D-JNKI1 avoided both the loss of postsynaptic proteins and glutamate receptors from the postsynaptic density and the reduction in size of excitatory synapses, reverting their dysfunction. This set of data reveals that JNK is a key signaling pathway in AD synaptic injury and that its specific inhibition offers an innovative therapeutic strategy to prevent spine degeneration in AD.
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