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Kang Y, Yeap YJ, Yang J, Ma S, Lim KL, Zhang Q, Lu L, Zhang C. Role of lipid droplets in neurodegenerative diseases: From pathogenesis to therapeutics. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 165:105867. [PMID: 39208878 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105867] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a series of disorders characterized by the progressive loss of specific neurons, leading to cognitive and locomotor impairment. NDDs affect millions of patients worldwide but lack effective treatments. Dysregulation of lipids, particularly the accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs), is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of NDDs. How LDs contribute to the occurrence and development of NDDs, and their potential as therapeutic targets remain to be addressed. In present review, we first introduce the processes of LDs formation, transportation and degradation. We then highlight how the accumulation of LDs contributes to the pathogenesis of NDDs in a cell type-specific manner. Moreover, we discuss currently available methods for detecting LDs and elaborate on LDs-based therapeutic strategies for NDDs. Lastly, we identify gaps that need to be filled to better leverage LD-based theranostics in NDDs and other diseases. We hope this review could shed light on the role of LDs in NDDs and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Kang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Yee Jie Yeap
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Sufang Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Qin Zhang
- Yuncheng Central Hospital, Yuncheng 044020, China.
| | - Li Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China; Shanxi Engineering Research Center for Precisive Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Jinzhong 030600, China.
| | - Chengwu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China; Shanxi Engineering Research Center for Precisive Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Jinzhong 030600, China.
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Kim HS, Jung H, Park YH, Heo SH, Kim S, Moon M. Skin-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease - Pathologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications: A Hypothetical Review. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0406. [PMID: 38739932 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The dynamic interaction between the brain and the skin is termed the 'skin-brain axis.' Changes in the skin not only reflect conditions in the brain but also exert direct and indirect effects on the brain. Interestingly, the connection between the skin and brain is crucial for understanding aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies have shown an association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and various skin disorders, such as psoriasis, bullous pemphigoid, and skin cancer. Previous studies have shown a significantly increased risk of new-onset AD in patients with psoriasis. In contrast, skin cancer may reduce the risk of developing AD. Accumulating evidence suggests an interaction between skin disease and AD; however, AD-associated pathological changes mediated by the skin-brain axis are not yet clearly defined. While some studies have reported on the diagnostic implications of the skin-brain axis in AD, few have discussed its potential therapeutic applications. In this review, we address the pathological changes mediated by the skin-brain axis in AD. Furthermore, we summarize (1) the diagnostic implications elucidated through the role of the skin-brain axis in AD and (2) the therapeutic implications for AD based on the skin-brain axis. Our review suggests that a potential therapeutic approach targeting the skin-brain axis will enable significant advances in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Soo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Haram Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Yong Ho Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Su-Hak Heo
- Department of Medicinal Bioscience, Konkuk University (Glocal Campus), Chungcheongbuk-do 27478, Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Research Institute for Dementia Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Research Institute for Dementia Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
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Costa-Laparra I, Juárez-Escoto E, Vicario C, Moratalla R, García-Sanz P. APOE ε4 allele, along with G206D- PSEN1 mutation, alters mitochondrial networks and their degradation in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1087072. [PMID: 37455931 PMCID: PMC10340123 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1087072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease remains the most common neurodegenerative disorder, depicted mainly by memory loss and the presence in the brain of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This disease is related to several cellular alterations like the loss of synapses, neuronal death, disruption of lipid homeostasis, mitochondrial fragmentation, or raised oxidative stress. Notably, changes in the autophagic pathway have turned out to be a key factor in the early development of the disease. The aim of this research is to determine the impact of the APOE allele ε4 and G206D-PSEN1 on the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. Methods Fibroblasts from Alzheimer's patients with APOE 3/4 + G206D-PSEN1 mutation and homozygous APOE ε4 were used to study the effects of APOE polymorphism and PSEN1 mutation on the autophagy pathway, mitochondrial network fragmentation, superoxide anion levels, lysosome clustering, and p62/SQSTM1 levels. Results We observed that the APOE allele ε4 in homozygosis induces mitochondrial network fragmentation that correlates with an increased colocalization with p62/SQSTM1, probably due to an inefficient autophagy. Moreover, G206D-PSEN1 mutation causes an impairment of the integrity of mitochondrial networks, triggering high superoxide anion levels and thus making APOE 3/4 + PSEN1 fibroblasts more vulnerable to cell death induced by oxidative stress. Of note, PSEN1 mutation induces accumulation and clustering of lysosomes that, along with an increase of global p62/SQSTM1, could compromise lysosomal function and, ultimately, its degradation. Conclusion The findings suggest that all these modifications could eventually contribute to the neuronal degeneration that underlies the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Further research in this area may help to develop targeted therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Costa-Laparra
- Neurobiology of the Basal Ganglia Laboratory, Department of Functional Systems and Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Juárez-Escoto
- Neurobiology of the Basal Ganglia Laboratory, Department of Functional Systems and Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Vicario
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Stem Cells, Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Moratalla
- Neurobiology of the Basal Ganglia Laboratory, Department of Functional Systems and Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia García-Sanz
- Neurobiology of the Basal Ganglia Laboratory, Department of Functional Systems and Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Wu CY, Ho CY, Yang YH. Developing Biomarkers for the Skin: Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Prediction of Treatment Outcomes of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108478. [PMID: 37239825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory decline and cognitive impairment. Research on biomarkers can aid in early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment efficacy, and advancing fundamental research. We conducted a cross-sectional longitudinal study to see if there is an association between AD patients and age-matched healthy controls for their physiologic skin characteristics, such as pH, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, microcirculation, and ApoE genotyping. The study used the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of the Boxes (CDR-SB) scales as references to quantify the presence of disease, if any. Our findings demonstrate that AD patients have a dominantly neutral pH, greater skin hydration, and less elasticity compared to the control subjects. At baseline, the tortuous capillary percentage negatively correlated with MMSE scores in AD patients. However, AD patients who carry the ApoE E4 allele and exhibit a high percentage of tortuous capillaries and capillary tortuous numbers have shown better treatment outcomes at six months. Therefore, we believe that physiologic skin testing is a rapid and effective way to screen, monitor progression, and ultimately guide the most appropriate treatment for AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ying Wu
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine and Post Baccalaureat Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yi Ho
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine and Post Baccalaureat Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Han Yang
- Department of Neurology, College of Post Baccalaureat Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Yin F. Lipid metabolism and Alzheimer's disease: clinical evidence, mechanistic link and therapeutic promise. FEBS J 2023; 290:1420-1453. [PMID: 34997690 PMCID: PMC9259766 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disorder with multifactorial etiology, intersecting genetic and environmental risk factors, and a lack of disease-modifying therapeutics. While the abnormal accumulation of lipids was described in the very first report of AD neuropathology, it was not until recent decades that lipid dyshomeostasis became a focus of AD research. Clinically, lipidomic and metabolomic studies have consistently shown alterations in the levels of various lipid classes emerging in early stages of AD brains. Mechanistically, decades of discovery research have revealed multifaceted interactions between lipid metabolism and key AD pathogenic mechanisms including amyloidogenesis, bioenergetic deficit, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and myelin degeneration. In the present review, converging evidence defining lipid dyshomeostasis in AD is summarized, followed by discussions on mechanisms by which lipid metabolism contributes to pathogenesis and modifies disease risk. Furthermore, lipid-targeting therapeutic strategies, and the modification of their efficacy by disease stage, ApoE status, and metabolic and vascular profiles, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yin
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Morphometric imaging biomarker identifies Alzheimer's disease even among mixed dementia patients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17675. [PMID: 36319674 PMCID: PMC9626495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21796-y] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), even in the presence of co-morbid neuropathology (occurring in > 50% of AD cases), is a significant unmet medical need that has obstructed the discovery of effective AD therapeutics. An AD-biomarker, the Morphometric Imaging (MI) assay on cultured skin fibroblasts, was used in a double-blind, allcomers (ages 55-90) trial of 3 patient cohorts: AD dementia patients, N = 25, all autopsy confirmed, non-AD dementia patients, N = 21-all autopsy or genetically confirmed; and non-demented control (AHC) patients N = 27. Fibroblasts cells isolated from 3-mm skin punch biopsies were cultured on a 3-D Matrigel matrix with movement dynamics quantified by image analysis. From counts of all aggregates (N) in a pre-defined field image and measures of the average area (A) of aggregates per image, the number-to-area ratios in a natural logarithmic form Ln(A/N) were determined for all patient samples. AD cell lines formed fewer large aggregates (cells clustered together) than non-AD or AHC cell lines. The cut-off value of Ln(A/N) = 6.98 was determined from the biomarker values of non-demented apparently healthy control (AHC) cases. Unequivocal validation by autopsy, genetics, and/or dementia criteria was possible for all 73 patient samples. The samples were collected from multiple centers-four US centers and one center in Japan. The study found no effect of center-to-center variation in fibroblast isolation, cell growth, or cell aggregation values (Ln(A/N)). The autopsy-confirmed MI Biomarker distinguished AD from non-AD dementia (non-ADD) patients and correctly diagnosed AD even in the presence of other co-morbid pathologies at autopsy (True Positive = 25, False Negative = 0, False Positive = 0, True Negative = 21, and Accuracy = 100%. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 100% (95% CI = 84 to 100.00%). From these findings, the MI assay appears to detect AD with great accuracy-even with abundant co-morbidity.
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Hurley MJ, Urra C, Garduno BM, Bruno A, Kimbell A, Wilkinson B, Marino-Buslje C, Ezquer M, Ezquer F, Aburto PF, Poulin E, Vasquez RA, Deacon R, Avila A, Altimiras F, Whitney Vanderklish P, Zampieri G, Angione C, Constantino G, Holmes TC, Coba MP, Xu X, Cogram P. Genome Sequencing Variations in the Octodon degus, an Unconventional Natural Model of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:894994. [PMID: 35860672 PMCID: PMC9291219 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.894994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The degu (Octodon degus) is a diurnal long-lived rodent that can spontaneously develop molecular and behavioral changes that mirror those seen in human aging. With age some degu, but not all individuals, develop cognitive decline and brain pathology like that observed in Alzheimer's disease including neuroinflammation, hyperphosphorylated tau and amyloid plaques, together with other co-morbidities associated with aging such as macular degeneration, cataracts, alterations in circadian rhythm, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Here we report the whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the degu genome, which revealed unique features and molecular adaptations consistent with aging and Alzheimer's disease. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with Alzheimer's disease including a novel apolipoprotein E (Apoe) gene variant that correlated with an increase in amyloid plaques in brain and modified the in silico predicted degu APOE protein structure and functionality. The reported genome of an unconventional long-lived animal model of aging and Alzheimer's disease offers the opportunity for understanding molecular pathways involved in aging and should help advance biomedical research into treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Hurley
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Urra
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - B. Maximiliano Garduno
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Agostino Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Allison Kimbell
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brent Wilkinson
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Marcelo Ezquer
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Ezquer
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro F. Aburto
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elie Poulin
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A. Vasquez
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Robert Deacon
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ariel Avila
- Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisco Altimiras
- Faculty of Engineering and Business, Universidad de las Americas, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Guido Zampieri
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Angione
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | | | - Todd C. Holmes
- Department Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Marcelo P. Coba
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Patricia Cogram
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Patricia Cogram
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Gupta M, Weaver DF. Axonal plasma membrane-mediated toxicity of cholesterol in Alzheimer's disease: A microsecond molecular dynamics study. Biophys Chem 2021; 281:106718. [PMID: 34808480 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is increasingly being recognized as an immune-mediated disease of brain. Since physiological brain health and brain immune function is dependent upon homeostatic neuronal membrane structure and function, alterations in membrane lipid biochemistry may predispose to disease. Brain is rich in cholesterol, and cholesterol metabolism dysfunction is a known risk factor for AD. Employing extensive microsecond all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the properties of model neuronal membranes as a function of cholesterol concentration; phospholipid and phospholipid/cholesterol bilayers were also simulated to compare against available experimental data. Increased cholesterol concentrations compact and stiffen the lipid membrane, reducing permeability while modulating local water densities in the peri-membranous environment. Conversely, lower cholesterol mole fraction yields membranes with increased molecular disorder, enhanced fluidity, higher molecular tilting, and augmented interdigitation between bilayer leaflet lipids. Our findings provide a molecular insight on effect of cholesterol composition on various biochemical processes occurring at neuronal axon plasma membrane. These calculations also endeavor to establish a membrane-based link between cholesterol as an AD risk factor and possible AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Gupta
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Donald F Weaver
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto M5T 0S8, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M55 3H6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3M2, Canada.
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Shi W, Wu H, Liu S, Wu Z, Wu H, Liu J, Hou Y. Progesterone Suppresses Cholesterol Esterification in APP/PS1 mice and a cell model of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Res Bull 2021; 173:162-173. [PMID: 34044033 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Cholesteryl ester(CE), generated from the mitochondria associated membrane (MAM), is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In theory, the different neuroprotective effects of progesterone in AD are all linked to MAM, yet the effect on cholesterol esterification has not been reported. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the regulation of progesterone on intracerebral CE in AD models and the underlying mechanism. METHODS APP/PS1 mice and AD cell model induced by Aβ 25-35 were selected as the research objects. APP/PS1 mice were daily administrated intragastrically with progesterone and The Morris Water Maze test was performed to detect the learning and memory abilities. Intracellular cholesterol was measured by Cholesterol/Cholesteryl Ester Quantitation Assay. The structure of MAMs were observed with transmission electron microscopy. The expression of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were detected with western blotting, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. RESULTS Progesterone suppressed the accumulation of intracellular CE, shortened the length of abnormally prolonged MAM in cortex of APP/PS1 mice. Progesterone decreased the expression of ACAT1, which could be blocked by progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) inhibitor AG205. The ERK1/2 pathway maybe involved in the progesterone mediated regulation of ACAT1 in AD models, rather than the PI3K/Akt and the P38 MEPK pathways. SIGNIFICANCE The results supported a line of evidence that progesterone regulates CE level and the structure of MAM in neurons of AD models, providing a promising treatment against AD on the dysfunction of cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Hang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze 274000, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Third Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Zhigang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Zhangjiakou 075000, China.
| | - Honghai Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Jianfang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Yanning Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Department of Pharmacy, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei Province, China.
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Wang K, Zhang W. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes: At the crossroad between familiar and sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Synapse 2021; 75:e22196. [PMID: 33559220 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and is incurable. The widely accepted amyloid hypothesis failed to produce efficient clinical therapies. In contrast, there is increasing evidence suggesting that the disruption of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAM) is a critical upstream event of AD pathogenesis. Here, we review MAM's role in some AD symptoms such as plaque formation, tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic loss, aberrant lipid synthesis, disturbed calcium homeostasis, and abnormal autophagy. At last, we proposed that MAM plays a central role in familial AD (FAD) and sporadic AD (SAD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangrun Wang
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
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Agrawal RR, Montesinos J, Larrea D, Area-Gomez E, Pera M. The silence of the fats: A MAM's story about Alzheimer. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 145:105062. [PMID: 32866617 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of contact sites was a breakthrough in cell biology. We have learned that an organelle cannot function in isolation, and that many cellular functions depend on communication between two or more organelles. One such contact site results from the close apposition of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, known as mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). These intracellular lipid rafts serve as hubs for the regulation of cellular lipid and calcium homeostasis, and a growing body of evidence indicates that MAM domains modulate cellular function in both health and disease. Indeed, MAM dysfunction has been described as a key event in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. Our most recent work shows that, by means of its affinity for cholesterol, APP-C99 accumulates in MAM domains of the ER and induces the uptake of extracellular cholesterol as well as its trafficking from the plasma membrane to the ER. As a result, MAM functionality becomes chronically upregulated while undergoing continual turnover. The goal of this review is to discuss the consequences of C99 elevation in AD, specifically the upregulation of cholesterol trafficking and MAM activity, which abrogate cellular lipid homeostasis and disrupt the lipid composition of cellular membranes. Overall, we present a novel framework for AD pathogenesis that can be linked to the many complex alterations that occur during disease progression, and that may open a door to new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi R Agrawal
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jorge Montesinos
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Delfina Larrea
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Estela Area-Gomez
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Marta Pera
- Departament of Basic Sciences, Facultat de Medicina I Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Sant Cugat del Vallés, 08195, Spain.
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Pera M, Montesinos J, Larrea D, Agrawal RR, Velasco KR, Stavrovskaya IG, Yun TD, Area-Gomez E. MAM and C99, key players in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 154:235-278. [PMID: 32739006 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inter-organelle communication is a rapidly-expanding field that has transformed our understanding of cell biology and pathology. Organelle-organelle contact sites can generate transient functional domains that act as enzymatic hubs involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism and intracellular signaling. One of these hubs is located in areas of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) connected to mitochondria, called mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAM). These MAM are transient lipid rafts intimately involved in cholesterol and phospholipid metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function and dynamics. In addition, γ-secretase-mediated proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein 99-aa C-terminal fragment (C99) to form amyloid β also occurs at the MAM. Our most recent data indicates that in Alzheimer's disease, increases in uncleaved C99 levels at the MAM provoke the upregulation of MAM-resident functions, resulting in the loss of lipid homeostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we discuss the relevance of these findings in the field, and the contribution of C99 and MAM dysfunction to Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pera
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jorge Montesinos
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Delfina Larrea
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rishi R Agrawal
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kevin R Velasco
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Irina G Stavrovskaya
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Taekyung D Yun
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Estela Area-Gomez
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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13
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Costaggiu D, Pinna E, Serchisu L, Barcellona D, Piano P, Ortu F, Marongiu F, Mandas A. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status as a screening strategy for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. AIDS Care 2020; 33:357-363. [PMID: 32183560 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1742859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
HIV-infected people are at risk for neurocognitive impairment (HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders - HAND). To evaluate whether the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), a widely used neurocognitive screening tool, could be a valid instrument for HAND identification, we evaluated 166 HIV-infected subjects. Our results showed that 96 (57.8%) HIV-infected scored RBANS Total Index Score <85 (at least one SD below the normal), 12 (7.2%) of them scored RBANS Total Index Score <70 (at least 2 SD below the normal, indicating a possible HIV-Associated Dementia). The more compromised areas were Immediate and Delayed Memory, and Attention. In the group with RBANS Total Index Score <85, there were significantly lower scores of Mini Mental State Examination (P = 0.0008), Clock Drawing Test (P = 0.0015) and higher score of Geriatric Depression Scale (P = 0.02) compared to the RBANS Total Index Score ≥85 group. Using a stepwise logistic regression, considering RBANS Total Index Score as dependent variable, we found a positive interaction with tenofovir/emtricitabine assumption (P = 0.027), Clock Drawing Test (P = 0.0125) and educational level (P = 0.0054). Being the viro-immunological markers not capable of predicting cognitive decline in HIV-infected individuals, our data suggest that RBANS may be a valid tool for the early identification of HIV-related cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Costaggiu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Pinna
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Serchisu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Doris Barcellona
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Piano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Ortu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Marongiu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Mandas
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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14
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Apolipoprotein E/Amyloid-β Complex Accumulates in Alzheimer Disease Cortical Synapses via Apolipoprotein E Receptors and Is Enhanced by APOE4. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1621-1636. [PMID: 31108099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) colocalizes with amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer disease (AD) plaques and in synapses, and evidence suggests that direct interactions between apoE and Aβ are important for apoE's effects in AD. The present work examines the hypothesis that apoE receptors mediate uptake of apoE/Aβ complex into synaptic terminals. Western blot analysis shows multiple SDS-stable assemblies in synaptosomes from human AD cortex; apoE/Aβ complex was markedly increased in AD compared with aged control samples. Complex formation between apoE and Aβ was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. The apoE receptors low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and LDLR-related protein 1 (LRP1) were quantified in synaptosomes using flow cytometry, revealing up-regulation of LRP1 in early- and late-stage AD. Dual-labeling flow cytometry analysis of LRP1- and LDLR positives indicate most (approximately 65%) of LDLR and LRP1 is associated with postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95)-positive synaptosomes, indicating that remaining LRP1 and LDLR receptors are exclusively presynaptic. Flow cytometry analysis of Nile red labeling revealed a reduction in cholesterol esters in AD synaptosomes. Dual-labeling experiments showed apoE and Aβ concentration into LDLR and LRP1-positive synaptosomes, along with free and esterified cholesterol. Synaptic Aβ was increased by apoE4 in control and AD samples. These results are consistent with uptake of apoE/Aβ complex and associated lipids into synaptic terminals, with subsequent Aβ clearance in control synapses and accumulation in AD synapses.
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15
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van der Kant R, Langness VF, Herrera CM, Williams DA, Fong LK, Leestemaker Y, Steenvoorden E, Rynearson KD, Brouwers JF, Helms JB, Ovaa H, Giera M, Wagner SL, Bang AG, Goldstein LSB. Cholesterol Metabolism Is a Druggable Axis that Independently Regulates Tau and Amyloid-β in iPSC-Derived Alzheimer's Disease Neurons. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 24:363-375.e9. [PMID: 30686764 PMCID: PMC6414424 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic, epidemiologic, and biochemical evidence suggests that predisposition to Alzheimer's disease (AD) may arise from altered cholesterol metabolism, although the molecular pathways that may link cholesterol to AD phenotypes are only partially understood. Here, we perform a phenotypic screen for pTau accumulation in AD-patient iPSC-derived neurons and identify cholesteryl esters (CE), the storage product of excess cholesterol, as upstream regulators of Tau early during AD development. Using isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines carrying mutations in the cholesterol-binding domain of APP or APP null alleles, we found that while CE also regulate Aβ secretion, the effects of CE on Tau and Aβ are mediated by independent pathways. Efficacy and toxicity screening in iPSC-derived astrocytes and neurons showed that allosteric activation of CYP46A1 lowers CE specifically in neurons and is well tolerated by astrocytes. These data reveal that CE independently regulate Tau and Aβ and identify a druggable CYP46A1-CE-Tau axis in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik van der Kant
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam de Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa F Langness
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Cheryl M Herrera
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daniel A Williams
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lauren K Fong
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yves Leestemaker
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Evelyne Steenvoorden
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin D Rynearson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jos F Brouwers
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Huib Ovaa
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Giera
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Research Biologist, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Anne G Bang
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lawrence S B Goldstein
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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16
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Paltsev MA, Zuev VA, Kozhevnikova EO, Linkova NS, Kvetnaia TV, Polyakova VO, Kvetnoy IM. Molecular Markers of Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease: Prospects for Research in Peripheral Tissues. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057018020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Cipriani C, Pascarella S, Errante F, Menicacci B, Magnelli L, Mocali A, Rovero P, Giovannelli L. Serpin A1 and the modulation of type I collagen turnover: Effect of the C-terminal peptide 409-418 (SA1-III) in human dermal fibroblasts. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:1340-1348. [PMID: 29908000 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological modulation of collagen turnover is a strategy potentially useful in different skin conditions. The serine protease inhibitor Serpin A1 and portions of its C-terminal region have been investigated as collagen modulators. To clarify the mechanisms by which the C-terminal 409-418 peptide SA1-III increases extracellular type I collagen levels, to compare its activities range with that of the originator molecule Serpin A1, and to evaluate its efficacy in primary cultures from adult and aged human subjects. The different forms of type I collagen were analyzed by means of western blot in cell lysates and cell-conditioned media of primary human dermal fibroblasts obtained from subjects of different ages. Gelatin zymography was used to investigate the degrading enzymes. Cell viability and in vitro wound healing tests were used to evaluate cell proliferation. The SA1-III peptide increased extracellular collagen levels by reducing degradation, with no effect on cellular biosynthesis or cell proliferation mechanisms. A reduced level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was also found in cell media upon peptide treatment. No peptide effect was detected on inflammatory mediators gene expression in resting and LPS-stimulated fibroblasts, or in the wound healing test. The SA1-III peptide is a good collagen modulator candidate, protecting collagen against degradation without detectable actions on biosynthesis, acting at reasonably low concentrations, and non-interfering with cell proliferation. It is effective in primary fibroblasts from young and aged subjects. These effects can prove useful in pathological and physiological skin conditions in which collagen degradation is excessive compared to the synthetic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Cipriani
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Simona Pascarella
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Interdepartmental Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Fosca Errante
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Interdepartmental Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,Espikem S.r.l., Florence, Italy
| | - Beatrice Menicacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Magnelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mocali
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Rovero
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, Interdepartmental Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Lisa Giovannelli
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, 50134, Italy
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18
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A key role for MAM in mediating mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer disease. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:335. [PMID: 29491396 PMCID: PMC5832428 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, increased emphasis has been devoted to understanding the contribution of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAM) to human pathology in general, and neurodegenerative diseases in particular. A major reason for this is the central role that this subdomain of the ER plays in metabolic regulation and in mitochondrial biology. As such, aberrant MAM function may help explain the seemingly unrelated metabolic abnormalities often seen in neurodegeneration. In the specific case of Alzheimer disease (AD), besides perturbations in calcium and lipid homeostasis, there are numerous documented alterations in mitochondrial behavior and function, including reduced respiratory chain activity and oxidative phosphorylation, increased free radical production, and altered organellar morphology, dynamics, and positioning (especially perinuclear mitochondria). However, whether these alterations are primary events causative of the disease, or are secondary downstream events that are the result of some other, more fundamental problem, is still unclear. In support of the former possibility, we recently reported that C99, the C-terminal processing product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) derived from its cleavage by β-secretase, is present in MAM, that its level is increased in AD, and that this increase reduces mitochondrial respiration, likely via a C99-induced alteration in cellular sphingolipid homeostasis. Thus, the metabolic disturbances seen in AD likely arise from increased ER-mitochondrial communication that is driven by an increase in the levels of C99 at the MAM.
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19
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Zhang S, Glukhova SA, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA. NCEH-1 modulates cholesterol metabolism and protects against α-synuclein toxicity in a C. elegans model of Parkinson's disease. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3823-3836. [PMID: 28934392 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disease affecting millions worldwide. Misfolding, oligomerization and accumulation of the human α-synuclein protein is a key pathological hallmark of PD and is associated with the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons over the course of aging. Lifespan extension via the suppression of IGF-1/insulin-like signaling (IIS) offers a possibility to retard disease onset through induction of metabolic changes that provide neuroprotection. The nceh-1 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans encodes an ortholog of neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH-1), an IIS downstream protein that was identified in a screen as a modulator of α-synuclein accumulation in vivo. The mechanism whereby cholesterol metabolism functionally impacts neurodegeneration induced by α-synuclein is undefined. Here we report that NCEH-1 protects dopaminergic neurons from α-synuclein-dependent neurotoxicity in C. elegans via a mechanism that is independent of lifespan extension. We discovered that the presence of cholesterol, LDLR-mediated cholesterol endocytosis, and cholesterol efflux are all essential to NCEH-1-mediated neuroprotection. In protecting from α-synuclein neurotoxicity, NCEH-1 also stimulates cholesterol-derived neurosteroid formation and lowers cellular reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. Collectively, this study augments our understanding of how cholesterol metabolism can modulate a neuroprotective mechanism that attenuates α-synuclein neurotoxicity, thereby pointing toward regulation of neuronal cholesterol turnover as a potential therapeutic avenue for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Samantha A Glukhova
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama School of Medicine at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama School of Medicine at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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20
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Arenas F, Garcia-Ruiz C, Fernandez-Checa JC. Intracellular Cholesterol Trafficking and Impact in Neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:382. [PMID: 29204109 PMCID: PMC5698305 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is a critical component of membrane bilayers where it plays key structural and functional roles by regulating the activity of diverse signaling platforms and pathways. Particularly enriched in brain, cholesterol homeostasis in this organ is singular with respect to other tissues and exhibits a heterogeneous regulation in distinct brain cell populations. Due to the key role of cholesterol in brain physiology and function, alterations in cholesterol homeostasis and levels have been linked to brain diseases and neurodegeneration. In the case of Alzheimer disease (AD), however, this association remains unclear with evidence indicating that either increased or decreased total brain cholesterol levels contribute to this major neurodegenerative disease. Here, rather than analyzing the role of total cholesterol levels in neurodegeneration, we focus on the contribution of intracellular cholesterol pools, particularly in endolysosomes and mitochondria through its trafficking via specialized membrane domains delineated by the contacts between endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, in the onset of prevalent neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, Parkinson disease, and Huntington disease as well as in lysosomal disorders like Niemann-Pick type C disease. We dissect molecular events associated with intracellular cholesterol accumulation, especially in mitochondria, an event that results in impaired mitochondrial antioxidant defense and function. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the distribution of cholesterol in intracellular compartments may shed light on the role of cholesterol homeostasis disruption in neurodegeneration and may pave the way for specific intervention opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Arenas
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit and Hospital Clinic I Provincial, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit and Hospital Clinic I Provincial, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Southern California Research Center for ALDP and Cirrhosis, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jose C. Fernandez-Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit and Hospital Clinic I Provincial, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Southern California Research Center for ALDP and Cirrhosis, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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21
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Area-Gomez E, Schon EA. On the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease: The MAM Hypothesis. FASEB J 2017; 31:864-867. [PMID: 28246299 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently unclear and is the subject of much debate. The most widely accepted hypothesis designed to explain AD pathogenesis is the amyloid cascade, which invokes the accumulation of extracellular plaques and intracellular tangles as playing a fundamental role in the course and progression of the disease. However, besides plaques and tangles, other biochemical and morphological features are also present in AD, often manifesting early in the course of the disease before the accumulation of plaques and tangles. These include altered calcium, cholesterol, and phospholipid metabolism; altered mitochondrial dynamics; and reduced bioenergetic function. Notably, these other features of AD are associated with functions localized to a subdomain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), known as mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). The MAM region of the ER is a lipid raft-like domain closely apposed to mitochondria in such a way that the 2 organelles are able to communicate with each other, both physically and biochemically, thereby facilitating the functions of this region. We have found that MAM-localized functions are increased significantly in cellular and animal models of AD and in cells from patients with AD in a manner consistent with the biochemical findings noted above. Based on these and other observations, we propose that increased ER-mitochondrial apposition and perturbed MAM function lie at the heart of AD pathogenesis.-Area-Gomez, E., Schon, E. A. On the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: the MAM hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Area-Gomez
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; and
| | - Eric A Schon
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; and.,Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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22
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West E, Osborne C, Bate C. The cholesterol ester cycle regulates signalling complexes and synapse damage caused by amyloid-β. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3050-3059. [PMID: 28760925 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.205484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is required for the formation and function of some signalling platforms. In synaptosomes, amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers, the causative agent in Alzheimer's disease, bind to cellular prion proteins (PrPC) resulting in increased cholesterol concentrations, translocation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2, also known as PLA2G4A) to lipid rafts, and activation of cPLA2 The formation of Aβ-PrPC complexes is controlled by the cholesterol ester cycle. In this study, Aβ activated cholesterol ester hydrolases, which released cholesterol from stores of cholesterol esters and stabilised Aβ-PrPC complexes, resulting in activated cPLA2 Conversely, cholesterol esterification reduced cholesterol concentrations causing the dispersal of Aβ-PrPC complexes. In cultured neurons, the cholesterol ester cycle regulated Aβ-induced synapse damage; cholesterol ester hydrolase inhibitors protected neurons, while inhibition of cholesterol esterification significantly increased Aβ-induced synapse damage. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the dispersal of signalling complexes is important as failure to deactivate signalling pathways can lead to pathology. This study demonstrates that esterification of cholesterol is a key factor in the dispersal of Aβ-induced signalling platforms involved in the activation of cPLA2 and synapse degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan West
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Craig Osborne
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Clive Bate
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
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23
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Szymański J, Janikiewicz J, Michalska B, Patalas-Krawczyk P, Perrone M, Ziółkowski W, Duszyński J, Pinton P, Dobrzyń A, Więckowski MR. Interaction of Mitochondria with the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Plasma Membrane in Calcium Homeostasis, Lipid Trafficking and Mitochondrial Structure. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071576. [PMID: 28726733 PMCID: PMC5536064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying organelles in isolation has been proven to be indispensable for deciphering the underlying mechanisms of molecular cell biology. However, observing organelles in intact cells with the use of microscopic techniques reveals a new set of different junctions and contact sites between them that contribute to the control and regulation of various cellular processes, such as calcium and lipid exchange or structural reorganization of the mitochondrial network. In recent years, many studies focused their attention on the structure and function of contacts between mitochondria and other organelles. From these studies, findings emerged showing that these contacts are involved in various processes, such as lipid synthesis and trafficking, modulation of mitochondrial morphology, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation and Ca2+ handling. In this review, we focused on the physical interactions of mitochondria with the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane and summarized present knowledge regarding the role of mitochondria-associated membranes in calcium homeostasis and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej Szymański
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Justyna Janikiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Bernadeta Michalska
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paulina Patalas-Krawczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mariasole Perrone
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Wiesław Ziółkowski
- Department of Bioenergetics and Nutrition, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Jerzy Duszyński
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Agnieszka Dobrzyń
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mariusz R Więckowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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Mitochondria-associated ER membranes and Alzheimer disease. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2016; 38:90-96. [PMID: 27235807 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The series of events underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) in unknown. The most widely accepted hypothesis is called the amyloid cascade, based on the observation that the brains of AD patients contain high levels of extracellular plaques, composed mainly of β-amyloid (Aβ), and intracellular tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated forms of the microtubule-associated protein tau. However, AD is also characterized by other features, including aberrant cholesterol, phospholipid, and calcium metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction, all ostensibly unrelated to plaque and tangle formation. Notably, these 'other' aspects of AD pathology are functions related to mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAM), a subdomain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that is apposed to, and communicates with, mitochondria. Given the potential relationship between MAM and AD, we explored the possibility that perturbed MAM function might play a role in AD pathogenesis. We found that γ-secretase activity, which processes the amyloid precursor protein to generate Aβ, is located predominantly in the MAM, and that ER-mitochondrial apposition and MAM function are increased significantly in cells from AD patients. These observations may help explain not only the aberrant Aβ production, but also many of the 'other' biochemical and morphological features of the disease. Based on these, and other, data we propose that AD is fundamentally a disorder of ER-mitochondrial hyperconnectivity.
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Tambini MD, Pera M, Kanter E, Yang H, Guardia-Laguarta C, Holtzman D, Sulzer D, Area-Gomez E, Schon EA. ApoE4 upregulates the activity of mitochondria-associated ER membranes. EMBO Rep 2015; 17:27-36. [PMID: 26564908 PMCID: PMC4718413 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201540614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the appearance of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by aberrant lipid metabolism and early mitochondrial dysfunction. We recently showed that there was increased functionality of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAM), a subdomain of the ER involved in lipid and cholesterol homeostasis, in presenilin-deficient cells and in fibroblasts from familial and sporadic AD patients. Individuals carrying the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4) are at increased risk for developing AD compared to those carrying ApoE3. While the reason for this increased risk is unknown, we hypothesized that it might be associated with elevated MAM function. Using an astrocyte-conditioned media (ACM) model, we now show that ER-mitochondrial communication and MAM function-as measured by the synthesis of phospholipids and of cholesteryl esters, respectively-are increased significantly in cells treated with ApoE4-containing ACM as compared to those treated with ApoE3-containing ACM. Notably, this effect was seen with lipoprotein-enriched preparations, but not with lipid-free ApoE protein. These data are consistent with a role of upregulated MAM function in the pathogenesis of AD and may help explain, in part, the contribution of ApoE4 as a risk factor in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc D Tambini
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marta Pera
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Kanter
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - David Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David Sulzer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Estela Area-Gomez
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric A Schon
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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François M, Leifert W, Martins R, Thomas P, Fenech M. Biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease risk in peripheral tissues; focus on buccal cells. Curr Alzheimer Res 2015; 11:519-31. [PMID: 24938500 PMCID: PMC4166904 DOI: 10.2174/1567205011666140618103827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the brain and is the most common form of dementia. To-date no simple, inexpensive and minimally invasive procedure is available to confirm with certainty the early diagnosis of AD prior to the manifestations of symptoms characteristic of the disease. Therefore, if population screening of individuals is to be performed, more suitable, easily accessible tissues would need to be used for a diagnostic test that would identify those who exhibit cellular pathology indicative of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD risk so that they can be prioritized for primary prevention. This need for minimally invasive tests could be achieved by targeting surrogate tissues, since it is now well recognized that AD is not only a disorder restricted to pathology and biomarkers within the brain. Human buccal cells for instance are accessible in a minimally invasive manner, and exhibit cytological and nuclear morphologies that may be indicative of accelerated ageing or neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. However, to our knowledge there is no review available in the literature covering the biology of buccal cells and their applications in AD biomarker research. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize some of the main findings of biomarkers reported for AD in peripheral tissues, with a further focus on the rationale for the use of the buccal mucosa (BM) for biomarkers of AD and the evidence to date of changes exhibited in buccal cells with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael Fenech
- CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, Gate 13, Kintore Ave, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
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Malhotra A, Younesi E, Bagewadi S, Hofmann-Apitius M. Linking hypothetical knowledge patterns to disease molecular signatures for biomarker discovery in Alzheimer's disease. Genome Med 2014; 6:97. [PMID: 25484918 PMCID: PMC4256903 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-014-0097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of compelling candidate Alzheimer's biomarkers remain buried within the literature. Indeed, there should be a systematic effort towards gathering this information through approaches that mine publicly available data and substantiate supporting evidence through disease modeling methods. In the presented work, we demonstrate that an integrative gray zone mining approach can be used as a way to tackle this challenge successfully. METHODS The methodology presented in this work combines semantic information retrieval and experimental data through context-specific modeling of molecular interactions underlying stages in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Information about putative, highly speculative AD biomarkers was harvested from the literature using a semantic framework and was put into a functional context through disease- and stage-specific models. Staging models of AD were further validated for their functional relevance and novel biomarker candidates were predicted at the mechanistic level. RESULTS Three interaction models were built representing three stages of AD, namely mild, moderate, and severe stages. Integrated analysis of these models using various arrays of evidence gathered from experimental data and published knowledge resources led to identification of four candidate biomarkers in the mild stage. Mode of action of these candidates was further reasoned in the mechanistic context of models by chains of arguments. Accordingly, we propose that some of these 'emerging' potential biomarker candidates have a reasonable mechanistic explanation and deserve to be investigated in more detail. CONCLUSIONS Systematic exploration of derived hypothetical knowledge leads to generation of a coherent overview on emerging knowledge niches. Integrative analysis of this knowledge in the context of disease mechanism is a promising approach towards identification of candidate biomarkers taking into consideration the complex etiology of disease. The added value of this strategy becomes apparent particularly in the area of biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative diseases where predictive biomarkers are desperately needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Malhotra
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Schloss Birlinghoven, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany ; Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Erfan Younesi
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Schloss Birlinghoven, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Shweta Bagewadi
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Schloss Birlinghoven, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany ; Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Hofmann-Apitius
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Schloss Birlinghoven, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany ; Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology, 53113 Bonn, Germany
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Peiretti E, Mandas A, Abete C, Vinci M, Piludu S, Casu M, Caminiti G, Dessì S, Fossarello M. Age-related macular degeneration and cognitive impairment show similarities in changes of neutral lipids in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Exp Eye Res 2014; 124:11-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Mocali A, Della Malva N, Abete C, Mitidieri Costanza VA, Bavazzano A, Boddi V, Sanchez L, Dessì S, Pani A, Paoletti F. Altered proteolysis in fibroblasts of Alzheimer patients with predictive implications for subjects at risk of disease. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2014; 2014:520152. [PMID: 24949214 PMCID: PMC4052202 DOI: 10.1155/2014/520152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is great interest in developing reliable biomarkers to support antemortem diagnosis of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Early prediction and diagnosis of AD might be improved by the detection of a proteolytic dysfunction in extracts from cultured AD fibroblasts, producing altered isoelectrophoretic forms of the enzyme transketolase (TK-alkaline bands). The TK profile and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype were examined in fibroblasts from 36 clinically diagnosed probable late-onset sporadic AD patients and 38 of their asymptomatic relatives, 29 elderly healthy individuals, 12 neurological non-AD patients, and 5 early-onset AD patients. TK alterations occurred in (i) several probable AD patients regardless of age-of-onset and severity of disease; (ii) all early-onset AD patients and APOE ε 4/4 carriers; and (iii) nearly half of asymptomatic AD relatives. Normal subjects and non-AD patients were all negative. Notably, culture conditions promoting TK alterations were also effective in increasing active BACE1 levels. Overall, the TK assay might represent a low-cost laboratory tool useful for supporting AD differential diagnosis and identifying asymptomatic subjects who are at greater risk of AD and who should enter a follow-up study. Moreover, the cultured fibroblasts were confirmed as a useful in vitro model for further studies on the pathogenetic process of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mocali
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Nunzia Della Malva
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Abete
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | | | | | - Vieri Boddi
- Department of Public Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luis Sanchez
- 1st Unit of General Surgery and Transplantation, Careggi Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Dessì
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Francesco Paoletti
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Mandas A, Dessì S. Mononuclear cells in dementia. Clin Chim Acta 2014; 431:278-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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François M, Leifert W, Hecker J, Faunt J, Martins R, Thomas P, Fenech M. Altered cytological parameters in buccal cells from individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Cytometry A 2014; 85:698-708. [PMID: 24616437 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be reflective of the early stages of more pronounced neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is a need for a minimally invasive and inexpensive diagnostic to identify those who exhibit cellular pathology indicative of MCI and AD risk so that they can be prioritized for primary preventative measures. The hypothesis was that a minimally invasive approach using cytological markers in isolated buccal mucosa cells can be used to identify individuals of both MCI and AD. An automated buccal cell assay was developed using laser scanning cytometry (LSC) to measure buccal cell type ratios, nuclear DNA content and shape, and neutral lipid content of buccal cells from clinically diagnosed AD (n = 13) and MCI (n = 13) patients prior to treatment compared to age- and gender-matched controls (n = 26). DNA content was significantly higher in all cell types in both MCI (P < 0.01) and AD (P < 0.05) compared with controls mainly due to an increase in >2N nuclei. Abnormal nuclear shape (circularity) was significantly increased in transitional cells in MCI (P < 0.001) and AD (P < 0.01) when compared to controls. In contrast, neutral lipid content (as measured by Oil red O "ORO" staining) of buccal cells was significantly lower in the MCI group (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. The ratio of DNA content/ORO in buccal basal cells for both MCI and AD was significantly higher compared to the control group, with ratios for MCI being approximately 2.8-fold greater (P < 0.01) and AD approximately 2.3-fold greater (P < 0.05) than the control group. Furthermore, there was a strong negative correlation between buccal cell DNA content and ORO content in the AD group (r(2) = 0.75, P < 0.0001) but not in MCI or controls. The changes in the buccal cell cytome observed in this study could prove useful as potential biomarkers in identifying individuals with an increased risk of developing MCI and eventually AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime François
- CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; CSIRO Preventative Health Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Edith Cowan University, Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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Cao C, Yudin Y, Bikard Y, Chen W, Liu T, Li H, Jendrossek D, Cohen A, Pavlov E, Rohacs T, Zakharian E. Polyester modification of the mammalian TRPM8 channel protein: implications for structure and function. Cell Rep 2013; 4:302-315. [PMID: 23850286 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The TRPM8 ion channel is expressed in sensory neurons and is responsible for sensing environmental cues, such as cold temperatures and chemical compounds, including menthol and icilin. The channel functional activity is regulated by various physical and chemical factors and is likely to be preconditioned by its molecular composition. Our studies indicate that the TRPM8 channel forms a structural-functional complex with the polyester poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). We identified by mass spectrometry a number of PHB-modified peptides in the N terminus of the TRPM8 protein and in its extracellular S3-S4 linker. Removal of PHB by enzymatic hydrolysis and site-directed mutagenesis of both the serine residues that serve as covalent anchors for PHB and adjacent hydrophobic residues that interact with the methyl groups of the polymer resulted in significant inhibition of TRPM8 channel activity. We conclude that the TRPM8 channel undergoes posttranslational modification by PHB and that this modification is required for its normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chike Cao
- New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H626, Newark NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yevgen Yudin
- New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H626, Newark NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yann Bikard
- New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H626, Newark NJ 07103, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center - UMDNJ, Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, Building F1105, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Tong Liu
- New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center - UMDNJ, Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, Building F1105, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Hong Li
- New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center - UMDNJ, Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, Building F1105, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Dieter Jendrossek
- Universität Stuttgart Zentrum für Bioverfahrenstechnik Institut für Mikrobiologie, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alejandro Cohen
- Dalhousie University, Proteomics Core Facility, Clinical Research Centre, Room C-304 5849 University Avenue, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Evgeny Pavlov
- Dalhousie University, Department of Physiology and Biophysics Faculty of Medicine, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Halifax, Room 5G, 5850 College St., Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Tibor Rohacs
- New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H626, Newark NJ 07103, USA
| | - Eleonora Zakharian
- New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H626, Newark NJ 07103, USA
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, 1 Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
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Schon EA, Area-Gomez E. Mitochondria-associated ER membranes in Alzheimer disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2013; 55:26-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2012.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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Bellei B, Pitisci A, Ottaviani M, Ludovici M, Cota C, Luzi F, Dell'Anna ML, Picardo M. Vitiligo: a possible model of degenerative diseases. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59782. [PMID: 23555779 PMCID: PMC3608562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitiligo is characterized by the progressive disappearance of pigment cells from skin and hair follicle. Several in vitro and in vivo studies show evidence of an altered redox status, suggesting that loss of cellular redox equilibrium might be the pathogenic mechanism in vitiligo. However, despite the numerous data supporting a pathogenic role of oxidative stress, there is still no consensus explanation underlying the oxidative stress-driven disappear of melanocytes from the epidermis. In this study, in vitro characterization of melanocytes cultures from non-lesional vitiligo skin revealed at the cellular level aberrant function of signal transduction pathways common with neurodegenerative diseases including modification of lipid metabolism, hyperactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), constitutive p53-dependent stress signal transduction cascades, and enhanced sensibility to pro-apoptotic stimuli. Notably, these long-term effects of subcytotoxic oxidative stress are also biomarkers of pre-senescent cellular phenotype. Consistent with this, vitiligo cells showed a significant increase in p16 that did not correlate with the chronological age of the donor. Moreover, vitiligo melanocytes produced many biologically active proteins among the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SAPS), such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metallo proteinase-3 (MMP3), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 and 7 (IGFBP3, IGFBP7). Together, these data argue for a complicated pathophysiologic puzzle underlying melanocytes degeneration resembling, from the biological point of view, neurodegenerative diseases. Our results suggest new possible targets for intervention that in combination with current therapies could correct melanocytes intrinsic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.
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Anchisi L, Dessì S, Pani A, Mandas A. Cholesterol homeostasis: a key to prevent or slow down neurodegeneration. Front Physiol 2013; 3:486. [PMID: 23316166 PMCID: PMC3539713 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration, a common feature for many brain disorders, has severe consequences on the mental and physical health of an individual. Typically human neurodegenerative diseases are devastating illnesses that predominantly affect elderly people, progress slowly, and lead to disability and premature death; however they may occur at all ages. Despite extensive research and investments, current therapeutic interventions against these disorders treat solely the symptoms. Therefore, since the underlying mechanisms of damage to neurons are similar, in spite of etiology and background heterogeneous, it will be of interest to identify possible trigger point of neurodegeneration enabling development of drugs and/or prevention strategies that target many disorders simultaneously. Among the factors that have been identified so far to cause neurodegeneration, failures in cholesterol homeostasis are indubitably the best investigated. The aim of this review is to critically discuss some of the main results reported in the recent years in this field mainly focusing on the mechanisms that, by recovering perturbations of cholesterol homeostasis in neuronal cells, may correct clinically relevant features occurring in different neurodegenerative disorders and, in this regard, also debate the current potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Anchisi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) n°5 Oristano, Italy ; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina Messina, Italy
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Xu M, Liu K, Swaroop M, Porter FD, Sidhu R, Firnkes S, Finkes S, Ory DS, Marugan JJ, Xiao J, Southall N, Pavan WJ, Davidson C, Walkley SU, Remaley AT, Baxa U, Sun W, McKew JC, Austin CP, Zheng W. δ-Tocopherol reduces lipid accumulation in Niemann-Pick type C1 and Wolman cholesterol storage disorders. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:39349-60. [PMID: 23035117 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.357707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) and Wolman disease are two members of a family of storage disorders caused by mutations of genes encoding lysosomal proteins. Deficiency in function of either the NPC1 or NPC2 protein in NPC disease or lysosomal acid lipase in Wolman disease results in defective cellular cholesterol trafficking. Lysosomal accumulation of cholesterol and enlarged lysosomes are shared phenotypic characteristics of both NPC and Wolman cells. Utilizing a phenotypic screen of an approved drug collection, we found that δ-tocopherol effectively reduced lysosomal cholesterol accumulation, decreased lysosomal volume, increased cholesterol efflux, and alleviated pathological phenotypes in both NPC1 and Wolman fibroblasts. Reduction of these abnormalities may be mediated by a δ-tocopherol-induced intracellular Ca(2+) response and subsequent enhancement of lysosomal exocytosis. Consistent with a general mechanism for reduction of lysosomal lipid accumulation, we also found that δ-tocopherol reduces pathological phenotypes in patient fibroblasts from other lysosomal storage diseases, including NPC2, Batten (ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal 2, CLN2), Fabry, Farber, Niemann-Pick disease type A, Sanfilippo type B (mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB, MPSIIIB), and Tay-Sachs. Our data suggest that regulated exocytosis may represent a potential therapeutic target for reduction of lysosomal storage in this class of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Upregulated function of mitochondria-associated ER membranes in Alzheimer disease. EMBO J 2012; 31:4106-23. [PMID: 22892566 PMCID: PMC3492725 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 476] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) associated (gamma)-secretase components presenilin-1 and -2 accumulate in MAM, an LR-like ER subcompartment connected to mitochondria. MAM function increases in patients with familial or sporadic AD and may be linked to AD pathogenesis. Alzheimer disease (AD) is associated with aberrant processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by γ-secretase, via an unknown mechanism. We recently showed that presenilin-1 and -2, the catalytic components of γ-secretase, and γ-secretase activity itself, are highly enriched in a subcompartment of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that is physically and biochemically connected to mitochondria, called mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). We now show that MAM function and ER–mitochondrial communication—as measured by cholesteryl ester and phospholipid synthesis, respectively—are increased significantly in presenilin-mutant cells and in fibroblasts from patients with both the familial and sporadic forms of AD. We also show that MAM is an intracellular detergent-resistant lipid raft (LR)-like domain, consistent with the known presence of presenilins and γ-secretase activity in rafts. These findings may help explain not only the aberrant APP processing but also a number of other biochemical features of AD, including altered lipid metabolism and calcium homeostasis. We propose that upregulated MAM function at the ER–mitochondrial interface, and increased cross-talk between these two organelles, may play a hitherto unrecognized role in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Mandas A, Abete C, Putzu PF, la Colla P, Dessì S, Pani A. Changes in cholesterol metabolism-related gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Alzheimer patients. Lipids Health Dis 2012; 11:39. [PMID: 22414021 PMCID: PMC3323438 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-11-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholesterol homeostasis dysfunction has been reported to have role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Therefore, changes in cholesterol metabolism in blood components may help to develop new potential AD biomarkers. In this study changes in cholesterol metabolism-related gene expression genes were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from AD subjects, their first degree relatives (FDR) and two groups of age matched controls (C1 > 80 years, C2 < 60 years). The expression of three genes related to APP processing was also determined. RESULTS Results showed significantly different behavior (P = 0.000) in the expression of all analyzed genes among the 4 groups. An inverse correlation emerged between the age of controls and the propensity of their PBMCs to express selected genes. Moreover, when gene expression was evaluated in PBMCs from AD patients and compared with that of PBMCs from healthy subjects of the same age, LDL-R and APP mRNAs were most abundant in AD as compared C1 whereas SREBP-2 and particularly nCEH were present at much lower mRNA levels in AD-PBMCs. This study describes for the first time a differential expression profile of cholesterol and APP related genes in PBMCs from AD patients and their FDR. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the expressions of cholesterol homeostasis and APP processing related genes in PBMC could be proposed as possible biomarkers to evaluate AD risk. In addition, gene expression in PBMC could be also used for diagnosis and development of therapeutic strategies as well as for personalized prediction in clinical outcome of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mandas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042- Monserrato (CA) Italy.
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Mulas MF, Abete C, Pulisci D, Pani A, Massidda B, Dessì S, Mandas A. Cholesterol esters as growth regulators of lymphocytic leukaemia cells. Cell Prolif 2011; 44:360-71. [PMID: 21645151 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2011.00758.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alterations in plasma lipid profile and in intracellular cholesterol homoeostasis have been described in various malignancies; however, significance of these alterations, if any, in cancer biology is not clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible correlation between alterations in cholesterol metabolism and expansion of leukaemia cell numbers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lipid profiles in plasma and in primary leukaemia cells isolated from patients with acute or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL and CLL) were studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Decreased levels of HDL-C were observed in plasma of leukaemic patients, levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides and phospholipids were unchanged or only slightly increased. As compared to normal lymphocytes, freshly isolated leukaemic cells showed increased levels of cholesterol esters and reduction in free cholesterol. Growth stimulation of ALL and CLL cells with phytohemagglutinin led to further increase in levels of cholesterol esters. Conversely, treatment with an inhibitor of cell proliferation such as the mTOR inhibitor, RAD, caused decline in population growth rate of leukaemia cells, which was preceded by sharp reduction in rate of cholesterol esterification. On the other hand, exposure of leukaemic cells to two inhibitors of cholesterol esterification, progesterone and SaH 58-035, caused 60% reduction in their proliferation rate. In addition to demonstrating tight correlation between cell number expansion and cholesterol esterification in leukaemic cells, these results suggest that pathways that control cholesterol esterification might represent a promising targets for novel anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Mulas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Leduc V, Jasmin-Bélanger S, Poirier J. APOE and cholesterol homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease. Trends Mol Med 2011; 16:469-77. [PMID: 20817608 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Converging evidence from clinical and pathological studies indicate the presence of important relationships between the ongoing deterioration of brain lipid homeostasis, vascular changes and the pathophysiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). These associations include the recognition of cholesterol transporters apolipoprotein E (APOE), APOC1 and APOJ as major genetic risk factors for common AD and observations associating risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high midlife plasma cholesterol, diabetes, stroke, obesity and hypertension to dementia. Moreover, recent clinical findings lend support to the notion that progressive deterioration of cholesterol homeostasis in AD is a central player in the disease pathophysiology and is, therefore, a potential therapeutic target for disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Leduc
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 Lasalle, Montreal (Verdun), Quebec, H4H 1R3, Canada
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Schreml S, Kaiser E, Landthaler M, Szeimies RM, Babilas P. Amyloid in skin and brain: What′s the link? Exp Dermatol 2010; 19:953-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2010.01166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Pani A, Mandas A, Diaz G, Abete C, Cocco PL, Angius F, Brundu A, Muçaka N, Pais ME, Saba A, Barberini L, Zaru C, Palmas M, Putzu PF, Mocali A, Paoletti F, La Colla P, Dessì S. Accumulation of neutral lipids in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a distinctive trait of Alzheimer patients and asymptomatic subjects at risk of disease. BMC Med 2009; 7:66. [PMID: 19883495 PMCID: PMC2777188 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-7-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, numerous progresses in the discovery of novel Alzheimer's disease molecular biomarkers in brain as well as in biological fluids have been made. Among them, those involving lipid metabolism are emerging as potential candidates. In particular, an accumulation of neutral lipids was recently found by us in skin fibroblasts from Alzheimer's disease patients. Therefore, with the aim to assess whether peripheral alterations in cholesterol homeostasis might be relevant in Alzheimer's disease development and progression, in the present study we analyzed lipid metabolism in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Alzheimer's disease patients and from their first-degree relatives. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 93 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease and from 91 of their first-degree relatives. As controls we utilized 57, cognitively normal, over-65 year-old volunteers and 113 blood donors aged 21-66 years, respectively. Data are reported as mean +/- standard error. Statistical calculations were performed using the statistical analysis software Origin 8.0 version. Data analysis was done using the Student t-test and the Pearson test. RESULTS Data reported here show high neutral lipid levels and increased ACAT-1 protein in about 85% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells freshly isolated (ex vivo) from patients with probable sporadic Alzheimer's disease compared to about 7% of cognitively normal age-matched controls. A significant reduction in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in plasma from Alzheimer's disease blood samples was also observed. Additionally, correlation analyses reveal a negative correlation between high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and cognitive capacity, as determined by Mini Mental State Examination, as well as between high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and neutral lipid accumulation. We observed great variability in the neutral lipid-peripheral blood mononuclear cells data and in plasma lipid analysis of the subjects enrolled as Alzheimer's disease-first-degree relatives. However, about 30% of them tend to display a peripheral metabolic cholesterol pattern similar to that exhibited by Alzheimer's disease patients. CONCLUSION We suggest that neutral lipid-peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol determinations might be of interest to outline a distinctive metabolic profile applying to both Alzheimer's disease patients and asymptomatic subjects at higher risk of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pani
- Department of Internal Medical Science, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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