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Zhang Y, Li T, Miao J, Zhang Z, Yang M, Wang Z, Yang B, Zhang J, Li H, Su Q, Guo J. Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology, cognition, and behavior in APP/PS1 mice. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:533-547. [PMID: 38819065 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00030/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff In patients with Alzheimer's disease, gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 (GGT5) expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells. However, the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the underlying mechanism. We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer's disease (Aβ1-42-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells), as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model. Additionally, injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits. Interestingly, increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-β in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression of β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B. Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice. These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (General Hospital of Tisco), Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Miao
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhina Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Mingxuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhuoran Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Haiting Li
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Junhong Guo
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Chen YC, Chen JH, Tsai CF, Wu CY, Chang CN, Wu CT, Yeh WL. Protective effects of paeonol against cognitive impairment in lung diseases. J Pharmacol Sci 2024; 155:101-112. [PMID: 38797534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary inflammation may lead to neuroinflammation resulting in neurological dysfunction, and it is associated with a variety of acute and chronic lung diseases. Paeonol is a herbal phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The aim of this study is to understand the beneficial effects of paeonol on cognitive impairment, pulmonary inflammation and its underlying mechanisms. Pulmonary inflammation-associated cognitive deficit was observed in TNFα-stimulated mice, and paeonol mitigated the cognitive impairment by reducing the expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) in hippocampus. Moreover, elevated plasma miR-34c-5p in lung-inflamed mice was also reduced by paeonol. Pulmonary inflammation induced by intratracheal instillation of TNFα in mice resulted in immune cells infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, pulmonary edema, and acute fibrosis, and these inflammatory responses were alleviated by paeonol orally. In MH-S alveolar macrophages, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced inflammasome activation was ameliorated by paeonol. In addition, the expressions of antioxidants were elevated by paeonol, and reactive oxygen species production was reduced. In this study, paeonol demonstrates protective effects against cognitive deficits and pulmonary inflammation by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, suggesting a powerful benefit as a potential therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chang Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, No.91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404333, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, No. 88, Sec. 1, Fengxing Road, Taichung, 427213, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fang Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, No.500 Lioufeng Road, Taichung, 413305, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yun Wu
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, No.91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404333, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Ni Chang
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, No.91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404333, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Teng Wu
- Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yude Road, Taichung, 404332, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lan Yeh
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, No.91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404333, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, No.91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404333, Taiwan.
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3
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Gao F, Zhang M, Wang Q, Ni M, Liu C, Deng K, Xie Q, Wang S, Shi J, Shen Y. Associations of CSF BACE1 with amyloid pathology, neurodegeneration, and cognition in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:97. [PMID: 38856925 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02750-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is a crucial protease in the production of amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, the side effects observed in clinical trials of BACE1 inhibitors, including reduction in brain volume and cognitive worsening, suggest that the exact role of BACE1 in AD pathology is not fully understood. To further investigate this, we examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of BACE1 and its cleaved product sAPPβ that reflects BACE1 activity in the China Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorder Initiative cohort. We found significant correlations between CSF BACE1 or sAPPβ levels and CSF Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, but not with amyloid deposition detected by 18F-Florbetapir PET. Additionally, CSF BACE1 and sAPPβ levels were positively associated with cortical thickness in multiple brain regions, and higher levels of sAPPβ were linked to increased cortical glucose metabolism in frontal and supramarginal areas. Interestingly, individuals with higher baseline levels of CSF BACE1 exhibited slower rates of brain volume reduction and cognitive worsening over time. This suggests that increased levels and activity of BACE1 may not be the determining factor for amyloid deposition, but instead, may be associated with increased neuronal activity and potentially providing protection against neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Mengguo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Ming Ni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Kexue Deng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Shicung Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Jiong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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4
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Stockinger F, Poc P, Möhwald A, Karch S, Häfner S, Alzheimer C, Sandoz G, Huth T, Broichhagen J. Multicolor, Cell-Impermeable, and High Affinity BACE1 Inhibitor Probes Enable Superior Endogenous Staining and Imaging of Single Molecules. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38842406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The prevailing but not undisputed amyloid cascade hypothesis places the β-site of APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) center stage in Alzheimer's Disease pathogenesis. Here, we investigated functional properties of BACE1 with novel tag- and antibody-free labeling tools, which are conjugates of the BACE1-inhibitor IV (also referred to as C3) linked to different impermeable Alexa Fluor dyes. We show that these fluorescent small molecules bind specifically to BACE1, with a 1:1 labeling stoichiometry at their orthosteric site. This is a crucial property especially for single-molecule and super-resolution microscopy approaches, allowing characterization of the dyes' labeling capabilities in overexpressing cell systems and in native neuronal tissue. With multiple colors at hand, we evaluated BACE1-multimerization by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) acceptor-photobleaching and single-particle imaging of native BACE1. In summary, our novel fluorescent inhibitors, termed Alexa-C3, offer unprecedented insights into protein-protein interactions and diffusion behavior of BACE1 down to the single molecule level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Stockinger
- Institut für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Pascal Poc
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Alexander Möhwald
- Institut für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Sandra Karch
- Institut für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Stephanie Häfner
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institut für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Guillaume Sandoz
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
| | - Tobias Huth
- Institut für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Johannes Broichhagen
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin 13125, Germany
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Afsar A, Zhang L. Putative Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning the Inverse Roles of Mitochondrial Respiration and Heme Function in Lung Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:185. [PMID: 38534454 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Mitochondria serve as the major source of oxidative stress. Impaired mitochondria produce less adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be a major factor in the oxidative imbalance observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Well-balanced mitochondrial respiration is important for the proper functioning of cells and human health. Indeed, recent research has shown that elevated mitochondrial respiration underlies the development and therapy resistance of many types of cancer, whereas diminished mitochondrial respiration is linked to the pathogenesis of AD. Mitochondria govern several activities that are known to be changed in lung cancer, the largest cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Because of the significant dependence of lung cancer cells on mitochondrial respiration, numerous studies demonstrated that blocking mitochondrial activity is a potent strategy to treat lung cancer. Heme is a central factor in mitochondrial respiration/oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and its association with cancer is the subject of increased research in recent years. In neural cells, heme is a key component in mitochondrial respiration and the production of ATP. Here, we review the role of impaired heme metabolism in the etiology of AD. We discuss the numerous mitochondrial effects that may contribute to AD and cancer. In addition to emphasizing the significance of heme in the development of both AD and cancer, this review also identifies some possible biological connections between the development of the two diseases. This review explores shared biological mechanisms (Pin1, Wnt, and p53 signaling) in cancer and AD. In cancer, these mechanisms drive cell proliferation and tumorigenic functions, while in AD, they lead to cell death. Understanding these mechanisms may help advance treatments for both conditions. This review discusses precise information regarding common risk factors, such as aging, obesity, diabetes, and tobacco usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Afsar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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6
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Xiao X, Wang X, Zhu K, Li L, He Y, Zhang J, Li L, Hu H, Cui Y, Zhang J, Zheng Y. BACE1 in PV interneuron tunes hippocampal CA1 local circuits and resets priming of fear memory extinction. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4151-4162. [PMID: 37452089 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02176-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACE1 is the rate-limiting enzyme for β-amyloid (Aβ) production and therefore is considered a prime drug target for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the BACE1 inhibitors failed in clinical trials, even exhibiting cognitive worsening, implying that BACE1 may function in regulating cognition-relevant neural circuits. Here, we found that parvalbumin-positive inhibitory interneurons (PV INs) in hippocampal CA1 express BACE1 at a high level. We designed and developed a mouse strain with conditional knockout of BACE1 in PV neurons. The CA1 fast-spiking PV INs with BACE1 deletion exhibited an enhanced response of postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors to local stimulation on CA1 oriens, with average intrinsic electrical properties and fidelity in synaptic integration. Intriguingly, the BACE1 deletion reorganized the CA1 recurrent inhibitory motif assembled by the heterogeneous pyramidal neurons (PNs) and the adjacent fast-spiking PV INs from the superficial to the deep layer. Moreover, the conditional BACE1 deletion impaired the AMPARs-mediated excitatory transmission of deep CA1 PNs. Further rescue experiments confirmed that these phenotypes require the enzymatic activity of BACE1. Above all, the BACE1 deletion resets the priming of the fear memory extinction. Our findings suggest a neuron-specific working model of BACE1 in regulating learning and memory circuits. The study may provide a potential path of targeting BACE1 and NMDAR together to circumvent cognitive worsening due to a single application of BACE1 inhibitor in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuansheng Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ke Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jinglan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Linying Li
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hanning Hu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yanqiu Cui
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jianliang Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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7
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Fronza MG, Alves D, Praticò D, Savegnago L. The neurobiology and therapeutic potential of multi-targeting β-secretase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β and acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102033. [PMID: 37595640 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 50 million of people around the world, characterized by a complex and age-related progressive pathology with projections to duplicate its incidence by the end of 2050. AD pathology has two major hallmarks, the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, alongside with several sub pathologies including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, loss of neurogenesis and synaptic dysfunction. In recent years, extensive research pointed out several therapeutic targets which have shown promising effects on modifying the course of the disease in preclinical models of AD but with substantial failure when transposed to clinic trials, suggesting that modulating just an isolated feature of the pathology might not be sufficient to improve brain function and enhance cognition. In line with this, there is a growing consensus that an ideal disease modifying drug should address more than one feature of the pathology. Considering these evidence, β-secretase (BACE1), Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has emerged as interesting therapeutic targets. BACE1 is the rate-limiting step in the Aβ production, GSK-3β is considered the main kinase responsible for Tau hyperphosphorylation, and AChE play an important role in modulating memory formation and learning. However, the effects underlying the modulation of these enzymes are not limited by its primarily functions, showing interesting effects in a wide range of impaired events secondary to AD pathology. In this sense, this review will summarize the involvement of BACE1, GSK-3β and AChE on synaptic function, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, we will present and discuss new perspectives on the modulation of these pathways on AD pathology and future directions on the development of drugs that concomitantly target these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G Fronza
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Diego Alves
- Laboratory of Clean Organic Synthesis (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), UFPel, RS, Brazil
| | - Domenico Praticò
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple - ACT, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lucielli Savegnago
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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Sentyabreva AV, Miroshnichenko EA, Melnikova EA, Tsvetkov IS, Kosyreva AM. Morphofunctional Changes in Brain and Peripheral Blood in Adult and Aged Wistar Rats with AlCl 3-Induced Neurodegeneration. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2336. [PMID: 37760778 PMCID: PMC10526012 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND the general lifespan has been prolonged greatly during the past century, and the incidence of age-associated diseases, including neurodegenerative ones, has increased as well. However, modelling of age-related pathologies is mostly conducted on adult rodents. We studied morphofunctional changes in the brain and peripheral blood of adult Wistar rats in comparison with old Wistar rats to determine age-related physiological changes and differences in adaptive reactions to AlCl3 exposure. METHODS the work was performed on adult and old male Wistar rats. The animals consumed a 100 mg/kg solution of AlCl3 each day for 60 days. Morphological changes of neurons and microglia, mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, microglia activation markers, amyloid-related proteins, and hallmarks of cellular senescence, monocyte, and lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood were examined. RESULTS old rats showed increasing hyperchromic neurons in the hippocampus; activation of microglia; upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cellular senescence markers; downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines; and Hif-1a and a decrease in B-cells and monocyte in peripheral blood. CONCLUSION compared to young animals, aged rats respond to aluminum exposure with a severe decline of most cells' function and irreversible neuronal loss. Regarding all reported data, neurodegeneration modelling and investigating of factors capable of accelerating or preventing it should be performed in experimental work on aged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Vladislavovna Sentyabreva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Alexandrovna Miroshnichenko
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Andreevna Melnikova
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan Sergeevich Tsvetkov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Mikhailovna Kosyreva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
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9
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Cai W, Li L, Sang S, Pan X, Zhong C. Physiological Roles of β-amyloid in Regulating Synaptic Function: Implications for AD Pathophysiology. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1289-1308. [PMID: 36443453 PMCID: PMC10387033 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of endogenous amyloid-β (Aβ), which plays important role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), have not been paid enough attention. Here, we review the multiple physiological effects of Aβ, particularly in regulating synaptic transmission, and the possible mechanisms, in order to decipher the real characters of Aβ under both physiological and pathological conditions. Some worthy studies have shown that the deprivation of endogenous Aβ gives rise to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficiency, while the moderate elevation of this peptide enhances long term potentiation and leads to neuronal hyperexcitability. In this review, we provide a new view for understanding the role of Aβ in AD pathophysiology from the perspective of physiological meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Cai
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Shaoming Sang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Pan
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Chunjiu Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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10
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Passero M, Zhai T, Huang Z. Investigation of Potential Drug Targets for Cholesterol Regulation to Treat Alzheimer's Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6217. [PMID: 37444065 PMCID: PMC10341567 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and seven approved drugs, the complex interplay of genes, proteins, and pathways in Alzheimer's disease remains a challenge. This implies the intricacies of the mechanism for Alzheimer's disease, which involves the interaction of hundreds of genes, proteins, and pathways. While the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease are the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, excessive accumulation of cholesterol is reportedly correlated with Alzheimer's disease patients. In this work, protein-protein interaction analysis was conducted based upon the genes from a clinical database to identify the top protein targets with most data-indicated involvement in Alzheimer's disease, which include ABCA1, CYP46A1, BACE1, TREM2, GSK3B, and SREBP2. The reactions and pathways associated with these genes were thoroughly studied for their roles in regulating brain cholesterol biosynthesis, amyloid beta accumulation, and tau protein tangle formation. Existing clinical trials for each protein target were also investigated. The research indicated that the inhibition of SREBP2, BACE1, or GSK3B is beneficial to reduce cholesterol and amyloid beta accumulation, while the activation of ABCA1, CYP46A1, or TREM2 has similar effects. In this study, Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 2 (SREBP2) emerged as the primary protein target. SREBP2 serves a pivotal role in maintaining cholesterol balance, acting as a transcription factor that controls the expression of several enzymes pivotal for cholesterol biosynthesis. Novel studies suggest that SREBP2 performs a multifaceted role in Alzheimer's disease. The hyperactivity of SREBP2 may lead to heightened cholesterol biosynthesis, which suggested association with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Lowering SREBP2 levels in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model results in reduced production of amyloid-beta, a major contributor to Alzheimer's disease progression. Moreover, its thoroughly analyzed crystal structure allows for computer-aided screening of potential inhibitors; SREBP2 is thus selected as a prospective drug target. While more protein targets can be added onto the list in the future, this work provides an overview of key proteins involved in the regulation of brain cholesterol biosynthesis that may be further investigated for Alzheimer's disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zuyi Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
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11
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Zhou J, Singh N, Galske J, Hudobenko J, Hu X, Yan R. BACE1 regulates expression of Clusterin in astrocytes for enhancing clearance of β-amyloid peptides. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:31. [PMID: 37143090 PMCID: PMC10161466 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00611-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) in the brain induces a cascade of pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and inhibiting BACE1, which is required for Aβ generation, is therefore being explored for the treatment of AD by reducing Aβ accumulation. As Bace1 knockout mice exhibit increased number of reactive astrocytes and AD brains have reactive astrocytes that surround amyloid plaques, we investigated the role of BACE1 in astrocytes and determined whether BACE1 regulates astrocytic functions. METHODS We conducted unbiased single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) using purified astrocytes from Bace1 KO mice and wild type control littermates. Similar scRNA-seq was also conducted using AD mice with conditional deletion of Bace1 in the adult stage (5xFAD;Bace1fl/fl;UBC-creER compared to 5xFAD;Bace1fl/fl controls). We compared the transcriptomes of astrocyte and reactive astrocyte clusters and identified several differentially expressed genes, which were further validated using Bace1 KO astrocyte cultures. Mice with astrocyte-specific Bace1 knockout in 5xFAD background were used to compare amyloid deposition. Mechanistic studies using cultured astrocytes were used to identify BACE1 substrates for changes in gene expression and signaling activity. RESULTS Among altered genes, Clusterin (Clu) and Cxcl14 were significantly upregulated and validated by measuring protein levels. Moreover, BACE1 deficiency enhanced both astrocytic Aβ uptake and degradation, and this effect was significantly attenuated by siRNA knockdown of Clu. Mechanistic study suggests that BACE1 deficiency abolishes cleavage of astrocytic insulin receptors (IR), and this may enhance expression of Clu and Cxcl14. Acutely isolated astrocytes from astrocyte-specific knockout of Bace1 mice (Bace1 fl/fl;Gfap-cre) show similar increases in CLU and IR. Furthermore, astrocyte-specific knockout of Bace1 in a 5xFAD background resulted in a significant attenuation in cortical Aβ plaque load through enhanced clearance. CONCLUSION Together, our study suggests that BACE1 in astrocytes regulates expression of Clu and Cxcl14, likely via the control of insulin receptor pathway, and inhibition of astrocytic BACE1 is a potential alternative strategy for enhancing Aβ clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-3401, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, United States
| | - Neeraj Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-3401, USA
| | - James Galske
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-3401, USA
| | - Jacob Hudobenko
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-3401, USA
| | - Xiangyou Hu
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-3401, USA
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-3401, USA.
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12
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Qiu W, Liu H, Liu Y, Lu X, Wang L, Hu Y, Feng F, Li Q, Sun H. Regulation of beta-amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Research progress of therapeutic strategies and bioactive compounds. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36945751 DOI: 10.1002/med.21947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to treat. Extracellular amyloid is the principal pathological criterion for the diagnosis of AD. Amyloid β (Aβ) interacts with various receptor molecules on the plasma membrane and mediates a series of signaling pathways that play a vital role in the occurrence and development of AD. Research on receptors that interact with Aβ is currently ongoing. Overall, there are no effective medications to treat AD. In this review, we first discuss the importance of Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD, then summarize the latest progress of Aβ-related targets and compounds. Finally, we put forward the challenges and opportunities in the development of effective AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Qiu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanyu Hu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Institute of Food and Pharmaceuticals Research, Jiangsu, Huaian, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Benoit MR, Darboe M, Das B, Ge Y, Zhou J, Yao A, He W, Yan R, Hu X. Postnatal neuronal Bace1 deletion impairs neuroblast and oligodendrocyte maturation. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1193-1207. [PMID: 36370042 PMCID: PMC10026251 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta amyloid cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is largely expressed by neurons and is the sole β-secretase for initiating the production of neuronal β-amyloid peptides (Aβ). To fully understand the physiological functions of neuronal BACE1, we used mouse genetic approach coupled with unbiased single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) to investigate how targeted deletion of Bace1 in neurons, driven by Thy-1-Cre recombinase, would affect functions in the nervous system. Our transcriptome results revealed that BACE1 is essential for maturation of neural precursor cells and oligodendrocytes in mice. RNA velocity analysis confirmed deficit in the trajectory of neuroblasts in reaching the immature granule neuron state in young Bace1fl/fl; Thy1-cre mice. Further analysis of differential gene expression indicated changes in genes important for SNARE signaling, tight junction signaling, synaptogenesis and insulin secretion pathways. Morphological studies revealed a hypomyelination in Bace1fl/fl;Thy1-cre sciatic nerves, but no detectable myelination changes in the corpus callosum, despite clear reduction in myelination proteins in the brain. Functional studies showed reduction in long-term potential, defects in synaptogenesis and learning behavioral. Altogether, our results show that neuronal BACE1 is critical for optimal development of central and peripheral nervous system, and inhibition of neuronal BACE1 will result in deficits in synaptic functions and cognitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc R Benoit
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Mabintou Darboe
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Brati Das
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Yingying Ge
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - John Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Annie Yao
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Wanxia He
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Xiangyou Hu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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14
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Keable R, Hu S, Pfundstein G, Kozlova I, Su F, Du X, Yang H, Gunnersen J, Schachner M, Leshchyns'ka I, Sytnyk V. The BACE1-generated C-terminal fragment of the neural cell adhesion molecule 2 (NCAM2) promotes BACE1 targeting to Rab11-positive endosomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:555. [PMID: 36251052 PMCID: PMC9576659 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04575-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), also known as β-secretase, is an aspartic protease. The sorting of this enzyme into Rab11-positive recycling endosomes regulates the BACE1-mediated cleavage of its substrates, however, the mechanisms underlying this targeting remain poorly understood. The neural cell adhesion molecule 2 (NCAM2) is a substrate of BACE1. We show that BACE1 cleaves NCAM2 in cultured hippocampal neurons and NCAM2-transfected CHO cells. The C-terminal fragment of NCAM2 that comprises the intracellular domain and a small portion of NCAM2’s extracellular domain, associates with BACE1. This association is not affected in cells with inhibited endocytosis, indicating that the interaction of NCAM2 and BACE1 precedes the targeting of BACE1 from the cell surface to endosomes. In neurons and CHO cells, this fragment and BACE1 co-localize in Rab11-positive endosomes. Overexpression of full-length NCAM2 or a recombinant NCAM2 fragment containing the transmembrane and intracellular domains but lacking the extracellular domain leads to an increase in BACE1 levels in these organelles. In NCAM2-deficient neurons, the levels of BACE1 are increased at the cell surface and reduced in intracellular organelles. These effects are correlated with increased levels of the soluble extracellular domain of BACE1 in the brains of NCAM2-deficient mice, suggesting increased shedding of BACE1 from the cell surface. Of note, shedding of the extracellular domain of Sez6, a protein cleaved exclusively by BACE1, is reduced in NCAM2-deficient animals. These results indicate that the BACE1-generated fragment of NCAM2 regulates BACE1 activity by promoting the targeting of BACE1 to Rab11-positive endosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Keable
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Shangfeng Hu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Grant Pfundstein
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Irina Kozlova
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Feifei Su
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ximing Du
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jenny Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08554, USA
| | - Iryna Leshchyns'ka
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Vladimir Sytnyk
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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15
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Peng S, Li F, Yu K, Zhou F, Yu H, Liu H, Guo J, Li G, Wang C, Yan X, Li Z. Integrating transcriptome and chemical analyses to reveal the anti-Alzheimer's disease components in Verbena officinalis Linn. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:955075. [PMID: 35991454 PMCID: PMC9386363 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.955075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Verbena officinalis Linn. is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, which has a long history of application and shows good effects on neuroprotection. Therefore, we consider that V. officinalis may be a potential drug for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). First, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) pointed out that the main chemical components in V. officinalis were iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, and flavonoids. These compounds were used for molecular docking and the results showed that these compounds had good anti-AD activity. To explore the biosynthetic pathway of anti-AD components in V. officinalis, UPLC and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry were used for contents determination and the result was leaf > stem > root. At the same time, 92,867 unigenes were annotated in V. officinalis transcriptome; 206, 229, 115 related unigenes were, respectively, annotated in iridoid glycoside, phenylethanoid glycoside, and flavonoid pathway, of which 61, 73, and 35 were differential expression genes. The components had relatively high expression in leaves, which was consistent with the quantitative results. In addition, the tissue distribution particularity of verbenalin may be related to the branching of pathways. Meanwhile transcription factors VoWRKY6 and VoWRKY7 may be involved in the regulation of iridoid glycoside biosynthesis. Further, VoWRKY3, VoWRKY9, and VoWRKY12 may be related to flavonoid biosynthesis. The above research is helpful to explore the biosynthetic pathway of anti-AD components and the regulation mechanism of active components and to further explore the anti-AD effect of V. officinalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhuan Peng
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangyi Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kuo Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengshu Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Heshui Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Jialiang Guo
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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16
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Singh N, Das B, Zhou J, Hu X, Yan R. Targeted BACE-1 inhibition in microglia enhances amyloid clearance and improved cognitive performance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo3610. [PMID: 35857844 PMCID: PMC9299535 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo3610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides is a culprit in Alzheimer's disease (AD); blocking Aβ generation is therefore being explored as a logical approach for AD treatment. Here, we demonstrate that targeted inhibition of β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE-1) in microglia has unique advantages. When Bace-1 was deleted in Alzheimer's 5xFAD microglia, fewer amyloid plaques developed, and this reduction was not due to changes in APP processing but rather to enhanced Aβ clearance, in line with the increase in a microglial gene signature favoring phagocytosis. Moreover, deletion of Bace-1 in microglia enhances functions of autophagolysosomes and Aβ-induced metabolic reprogramming necessary for Aβ degradation by favoring phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTOR) at Ser2448 and modulating the PI3K-mTOR-HIF-1α signaling pathways. Mice with deletion of Bace-1 in microglia showed no reduction in long-term potentiation, unlike global deletion of Bace-1. Our results suggest that targeted inhibition of BACE-1 in microglia is a superior strategy for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3401, USA
| | | | - John Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3401, USA
| | - Xiangyou Hu
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3401, USA
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17
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Bonk S, Kirchner K, Ameling S, Garvert L, Völzke H, Nauck M, Völker U, Grabe HJ, Van der Auwera S. APOE ε4 in Depression-Associated Memory Impairment—Evidence from Genetic and MicroRNA Analyses. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071560. [PMID: 35884866 PMCID: PMC9313258 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to replicate a reported interaction between APOE ε4 status and depression on memory function in two independent, nondemented samples from the general population and to examine the potential role of circulating plasma miRNAs. (2) Methods: The impact of the APOE ε4 allele on verbal memory and the interaction with depression is investigated in two large general-population cohorts from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP, total n = 6286). Additionally, biological insights are gained by examining the potential role of circulating plasma miRNAs as potential epigenetic regulators. Analyses are performed using linear regression models adjusted for relevant biological and environmental covariates. (3) Results: Current depression as well as carrying the APOE ε4 allele were associated with impaired memory performance, with increasing effect for subjects with both risk factors. In a subcohort with available miRNA data subjects with current depressive symptoms and carrying APOE e4 revealed reduced levels of hsa-miR-107, a prominent risk marker for early Alzheimer’s Disease. (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm the effect of depressive symptoms and APOE ε4 status on memory performance. Additionally, miRNA analysis identified hsa-miR-107 as a possible biological link between APOE ε4, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bonk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
| | - Kevin Kirchner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
| | - Sabine Ameling
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (S.A.); (U.V.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Linda Garvert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
| | - Henry Völzke
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (S.A.); (U.V.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (H.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Hans J. Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Van der Auwera
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (S.B.); (K.K.); (L.G.); (H.J.G.)
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Correspondence:
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18
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Taylor HA, Simmons KJ, Clavane EM, Trevelyan CJ, Brown JM, Przemyłska L, Watt NT, Matthews LC, Meakin PJ. PTPRD and DCC Are Novel BACE1 Substrates Differentially Expressed in Alzheimer's Disease: A Data Mining and Bioinformatics Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094568. [PMID: 35562959 PMCID: PMC9103286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-site Amyloid precursor protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) is an extensively studied therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD), owing to its role in the production of neurotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. However, despite numerous BACE1 inhibitors entering clinical trials, none have successfully improved AD pathogenesis, despite effectively lowering Aβ concentrations. This can, in part, be attributed to an incomplete understanding of BACE1, including its physiological functions and substrate specificity. We propose that BACE1 has additional important physiological functions, mediated through substrates still to be identified. Thus, to address this, we computationally analysed a list of 533 BACE1 dependent proteins, identified from the literature, for potential BACE1 substrates, and compared them against proteins differentially expressed in AD. We identified 15 novel BACE1 substrates that were specifically altered in AD. To confirm our analysis, we validated Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type D (PTPRD) and Netrin receptor DCC (DCC) using Western blotting. These findings shed light on the BACE1 inhibitor failings and could enable the design of substrate-specific inhibitors to target alternative BACE1 substrates. Furthermore, it gives us a greater understanding of the roles of BACE1 and its dysfunction in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. Taylor
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Katie J. Simmons
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Eva M. Clavane
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Christopher J. Trevelyan
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Jane M. Brown
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Lena Przemyłska
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Nicole T. Watt
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
| | - Laura C. Matthews
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Paul J. Meakin
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (H.A.T.); (K.J.S.); (E.M.C.); (C.J.T.); (J.M.B.); (L.P.); (N.T.W.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Wang R, Chopra N, Nho K, Maloney B, Obukhov AG, Nelson PT, Counts SE, Lahiri DK. Human microRNA (miR-20b-5p) modulates Alzheimer's disease pathways and neuronal function, and a specific polymorphism close to the MIR20B gene influences Alzheimer's biomarkers. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1256-1273. [PMID: 35087196 PMCID: PMC9054681 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with loss of cognitive, executive, and other mental functions, and is the most common form of age-related dementia. Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) contributes to the etiology and progression of the disease. Aβ is derived from the amyloid-β precursor protein (APP). Multiple microRNA (miRNA) species are also implicated in AD. We report that human hsa-miR20b-5p (miR-20b), produced from the MIR20B gene on Chromosome X, may play complex roles in AD pathogenesis, including Aβ regulation. Specifically, miR-20b-5p miRNA levels were altered in association with disease progression in three regions of the human brain: temporal neocortex, cerebellum, and posterior cingulate cortex. In cultured human neuronal cells, miR-20b-5p treatment interfered with calcium homeostasis, neurite outgrowth, and branchpoints. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) upstream of the MIR20B gene (rs13897515) associated with differences in levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ1-42 and thickness of the entorhinal cortex. We located a miR-20b-5p binding site in the APP mRNA 3'-untranslated region (UTR), and treatment with miR-20b-5p reduced APP mRNA and protein levels. Network analysis of protein-protein interactions and gene coexpression revealed other important potential miR-20b-5p targets among AD-related proteins/genes. MiR-20b-5p, a miRNA that downregulated APP, was paradoxically associated with an increased risk for AD. However, miR-20b-5p also reduced, and the blockade of APP by siRNA likewise reduced calcium influx. As APP plays vital roles in neuronal health and does not exist solely to be the source of "pathogenic" Aβ, the molecular etiology of AD is likely to not just be a disease of "excess" but a disruption of delicate homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Nipun Chopra
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- DePauw University, Greencastle, IN, 46135, USA
| | - Kwangsik Nho
- Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Alexander G Obukhov
- Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Scott E Counts
- Departments of Translational Neuroscience & Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, and Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Debomoy K Lahiri
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Zhu MH, Jogdand AH, Jang J, Nagella SC, Das B, Milosevic MM, Yan R, Antic SD. Evoked Cortical Depolarizations Before and After the Amyloid Plaque Accumulation: Voltage Imaging Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:1443-1458. [PMID: 35811528 PMCID: PMC10493004 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220249] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Alzheimer's disease (AD), synaptic dysfunction is thought to occur many years before the onset of cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE Detecting synaptic dysfunctions at the earliest stage of AD would be desirable in both clinic and research settings. METHODS Population voltage imaging allows monitoring of synaptic depolarizations, to which calcium imaging is relatively blind. We developed an AD mouse model (APPswe/PS1dE9 background) expressing a genetically-encoded voltage indicator (GEVI) in the neocortex. GEVI was restricted to the excitatory pyramidal neurons (unlike the voltage-sensitive dyes). RESULTS Expression of GEVI did not disrupt AD model formation of amyloid plaques. GEVI expression was stable in both AD model mice and Control (healthy) littermates (CTRL) over 247 days postnatal. Brain slices were stimulated in layer 2/3. From the evoked voltage waveforms, we extracted several parameters for comparison AD versus CTRL. Some parameters (e.g., temporal summation, refractoriness, and peak latency) were weak predictors, while other parameters (e.g., signal amplitude, attenuation with distance, and duration (half-width) of the evoked transients) were stronger predictors of the AD condition. Around postnatal age 150 days (P150) and especially at P200, synaptically-evoked voltage signals in brain slices were weaker in the AD groups versus the age- and sex-matched CTRL groups, suggesting an AD-mediated synaptic weakening that coincides with the accumulation of plaques. However, at the youngest ages examined, P40 and P80, the AD groups showed differentially stronger signals, suggesting "hyperexcitability" prior to the formation of plaques. CONCLUSION Our results indicate bidirectional alterations in cortical physiology in AD model mice; occurring both prior (P40-80), and after (P150-200) the amyloid deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hong Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Aditi H Jogdand
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jinyoung Jang
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sai C Nagella
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Brati Das
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Milena M Milosevic
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Srdjan D Antic
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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21
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Lichtenthaler SF, Tschirner SK, Steiner H. Secretases in Alzheimer's disease: Novel insights into proteolysis of APP and TREM2. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 72:101-110. [PMID: 34689040 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Secretases are a group of proteases that are major drug targets considered for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Secretases do not only process the AD-linked neuronal amyloid precursor protein (APP) but also the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), thereby controlling microglial functions. This review highlights selected recent discoveries for the α-secretases a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), the β-secretase β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase and their link to AD. New genetic evidence strengthens the role of α-secretases in AD through cleavage of APP and TREM2. Novel proteins were linked to AD, which control α- and β-secretase activity through transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Finally, new opportunities but also challenges are discussed for pharmacologically targeting β- and γ-secretase cleavage of APP and α-secretase cleavage of TREM2 with the aim to prevent or treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
| | - Sarah K Tschirner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Steiner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany.
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