|
1
|
Velazquez-Rivera E, Dey O, Kim NS, Cao W, Ye Q, Gao P, Thai A, Nguyen JK, Zhang H, Ting JT, Gopi M, Ren B, Holmes TC, Xu X. Specific targeting of brain endothelial cells using enhancer AAV vectors. Neuron 2025; 113:1562-1578.e6. [PMID: 40403707 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2025.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2025] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 05/24/2025]
Abstract
Brain endothelial cells (BECs) in brain vasculature are critical structural and functional components of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids have previously been genetically engineered to confer specificity to endothelial cells, but these capsids show limited endothelial cell specificity that varies by delivery conditions. We developed a set of new BEC-enhancer AAV vectors that specifically target BECs based on the cis-regulatory elements identified from single-cell epigenetic datasets. Ex vivo and in vivo characterization of BEC-enhancer AAVs in wild-type, Ai9 reporter, and Alzheimer's disease model mouse brains show their utility for high transduction selectivity of the BECs with little off-target transduction in the liver. Our BEC-enhancer AAVs target the brain vasculature by systemic administration and can be minimally invasive in terms of the route of administration. They are useful new tools for delivering genetic payloads specifically to BECs for normal and diseased brain studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Velazquez-Rivera
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Oyshi Dey
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Nayoon S Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Wenhao Cao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Qiao Ye
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Pan Gao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Andy Thai
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jason K Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jonathan T Ting
- Human Cell Types Program, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - M Gopi
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Bing Ren
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Center for Neural Circuit Mapping (CNCM), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Todd C Holmes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Neural Circuit Mapping (CNCM), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Neural Circuit Mapping (CNCM), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Mekala A, Qiu H. Interplay Between Vascular Dysfunction and Neurodegenerative Pathology: New Insights into Molecular Mechanisms and Management. Biomolecules 2025; 15:712. [PMID: 40427605 PMCID: PMC12109301 DOI: 10.3390/biom15050712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2025] [Revised: 05/05/2025] [Accepted: 05/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Vascular dysfunction frequently coexists with neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older individuals; however, the cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear. While AD is primarily characterized by neural tissue degeneration, emerging evidence suggests that aging-induced vascular dysfunction contributes to both the onset and progression of cognitive impairment and dementia by decreasing cerebral blood flow (CBF) and disrupting the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This challenges the traditional notion and underscores vascular dysfunction as an early pathogenic stimulus; thus, targeting vascular pathologies could be a promising strategy to slow dementia progression and potentially prevent AD. Conversely, aging-related neurodegeneration exacerbates vascular dysfunction, accelerating dementia pathology through oxidative stress and inflammation as well as deposition of neurotoxic substances such as beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau in vascular walls. This bidirectional interaction creates a vicious cycle that worsens cognitive decline, underscoring the complexity of these diseases. This review aims to highlight recent advances in research on the mechanisms of aging-related vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and AD. Additionally, we will explore the reciprocal effects and intricate relationship between vascular dysfunction and neurodegenerative pathologies, enhancing our understanding of relative disease pathogenesis and guiding the development of innovative prevention and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avanthika Mekala
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
- Clinical Translational Sciences (CTS) and Bio5 Institution, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Fang X, Border JJ, Zhang H, Challagundla L, Kaur J, Hwang SH, Hammock BD, Fan F, Roman RJ. A Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor Improves Cerebrovascular Dysfunction, Neuroinflammation, Amyloid Burden, and Cognitive Impairments in the hAPP/PS1 TgF344-AD Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:2433. [PMID: 40141075 PMCID: PMC11942141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26062433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2025] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an increasing global healthcare crisis with few effective treatments. The accumulation of amyloid plaques and hyper-phosphorylated tau are thought to underlie the pathogenesis of AD. However, current studies have recognized a prominent role of cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD. We recently reported that SNPs in soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are linked to AD in human genetic studies and that long-term administration of an sEH inhibitor attenuated cerebral vascular and cognitive dysfunction in a rat model of AD. However, the mechanisms linking changes in cerebral vascular function and neuroprotective actions of sEH inhibitors in AD remain to be determined. This study investigated the effects of administration of an sEH inhibitor, 1-(1-Propanoylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]urea (TPPU), on neurovascular coupling, blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, neuroinflammation, and cognitive dysfunction in an hAPP/PS1 TgF344-AD rat model of AD. We observed predominant β-amyloid accumulation in the brains of 9-10-month-old AD rats and that TPPU treatment for three months reduced amyloid burden. The functional hyperemic response to whisker stimulation was attenuated in AD rats, and TPPU normalized the response. The sEH inhibitor, TPPU, mitigated capillary rarefaction, BBB leakage, and activation of astrocytes and microglia in AD rats. TPPU increased the expression of pre- and post-synaptic proteins and reduced loss of hippocampal neurons and cognitive impairments in the AD rats, which was confirmed in a transcriptome and GO analysis. These results suggest that sEH inhibitors could be a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (X.F.); (J.J.B.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jane J. Border
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (X.F.); (J.J.B.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huawei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (X.F.); (J.J.B.); (H.Z.)
| | - Lavanya Challagundla
- Molecular and Genomics Facility, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (L.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Jasleen Kaur
- Molecular and Genomics Facility, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (L.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Sung Hee Hwang
- Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.H.H.); (B.D.H.)
| | - Bruce D. Hammock
- Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.H.H.); (B.D.H.)
| | - Fan Fan
- Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Richard J. Roman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (X.F.); (J.J.B.); (H.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Testa G, Giannelli S, Staurenghi E, Cecci R, Floro L, Gamba P, Sottero B, Leonarduzzi G. The Emerging Role of PCSK9 in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease: A Possible Target for the Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:13637. [PMID: 39769398 PMCID: PMC11727734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252413637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2024] [Revised: 12/13/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease mainly caused by β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in the brain. Among the several factors that may concur to AD development, elevated cholesterol levels and brain cholesterol dyshomeostasis have been recognized to play a relevant role. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protein primarily known to regulate plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) rich in cholesterol and to be one of the main causes of familial hypercholesterolemia. In addition to that, PCSK9 is also recognized to carry out diverse important activities in the brain, including control of neuronal differentiation, apoptosis, and, importantly, LDL receptors functionality. Moreover, PCSK9 appeared to be directly involved in some of the principal processes responsible for AD development, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and Aβ deposition. On these bases, PCSK9 management might represent a promising approach for AD treatment. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the role of PCSK9, whether or not cholesterol-related, in AD pathogenesis and to give an updated overview of the most innovative therapeutic strategies developed so far to counteract the pleiotropic activities of both humoral and brain PCSK9, focusing in particular on their potentiality for AD management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Testa
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Serena Giannelli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
- Division of Neurology Vand Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Staurenghi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Rebecca Cecci
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Lucrezia Floro
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Paola Gamba
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Barbara Sottero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Gabriella Leonarduzzi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (G.T.); (S.G.); (E.S.); (R.C.); (L.F.); (P.G.); (G.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Maggiore A, Latina V, D'Erme M, Amadoro G, Coccurello R. Non-canonical pathways associated to Amyloid beta and tau protein dyshomeostasis in Alzheimer's disease: A narrative review. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 102:102578. [PMID: 39542177 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2024] [Revised: 11/07/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among elderly people. This disease imposes a significant burden on the healthcare system, society, and economy due to the increasing global aging population. Current trials with drugs or bioactive compounds aimed at reducing cerebral Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles, which are the two main hallmarks of this devastating neurodegenerative disease, have not provided significant results in terms of their neuropathological outcomes nor met the expected clinical end-points. Ageing, genetic and environmental risk factors, along with different clinical symptoms suggest that AD is a complex and heterogeneous disorder with multiple interconnected pathological pathways rather than a single disease entity. In the present review, we highlight and discuss various non-canonical, Aβ-independent mechanisms, like gliosis, unhealthy dietary intake, lipid and sugar signaling, and cerebrovascular damage that contribute to the onset and development of AD. We emphasize that challenging the traditional "amyloid cascade hypothesis" may improve our understanding of this age-related complex syndrome and help fight the progressive cognitive decline in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maggiore
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy; Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Valentina Latina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, Rome 00161, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT) CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Maria D'Erme
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, Rome 00161, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT) CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- Institute for Complex System (ISC) CNR, Via dei Taurini 19, Rome 00185, Italy; IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, European Center for Brain Research, Via Fosso del Fiorano 64-65, Rome 00143, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Yue Q, Leng X, Xie N, Zhang Z, Yang D, Hoi MPM. Endothelial Dysfunctions in Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Alzheimer's Disease: From Mechanisms to Potential Therapies. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e70079. [PMID: 39548663 PMCID: PMC11567945 DOI: 10.1111/cns.70079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research has shown the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in Alzheimer's disease (AD). BBB is a dynamic interface consisting of a continuous monolayer of brain endothelial cells (BECs) enveloped by pericytes and astrocytes. The restricted permeability of BBB strictly controls the exchange of substances between blood and brain parenchyma, which is crucial for brain homeostasis by excluding blood-derived detrimental factors and pumping out brain-derived toxic molecules. BBB breakdown in AD is featured as a series of BEC pathologies such as increased paracellular permeability, abnormal levels and functions of transporters, and inflammatory or oxidative profile, which may disturb the substance transportation across BBB, thereafter induce CNS disorders such as hypometabolism, Aβ accumulation, and neuroinflammation, eventually aggravate cognitive decline. Therefore, it seems important to protect BEC properties for BBB maintenance and neuroprotection. In this review, we thoroughly summarized the pathological alterations of BEC properties reported in AD patients and numerous AD models, including paracellular permeability, influx and efflux transporters, and inflammatory and oxidative profiles, and probably associated underlying mechanisms. Then we reviewed current therapeutic agents that are effective in ameliorating a series of BEC pathologies, and ultimately protecting BBB integrity and cognitive functions. Regarding the current drug development for AD proceeds extremely hard, this review aims to discuss the therapeutic potentials of targeting BEC pathologies and BBB maintenance for AD treatment, therefore expecting to shed a light on the future AD drug development by targeting BEC pathologies and BBB protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauMacao SARChina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauMacao SARChina
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital)HeyuanGuangdongChina
| | - Xinyue Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauMacao SARChina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauMacao SARChina
| | - Ningqing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio‐Cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug ResearchJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs ResearchJinan University College of PharmacyGuangzhouChina
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE)Jinan University College of PharmacyGuangzhouChina
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio‐Cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug ResearchJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Laboratory for Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs ResearchJinan University College of PharmacyGuangzhouChina
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE)Jinan University College of PharmacyGuangzhouChina
| | - Deguang Yang
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital)HeyuanGuangdongChina
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE)Jinan University College of PharmacyGuangzhouChina
| | - Maggie Pui Man Hoi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauMacao SARChina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauMacao SARChina
| |
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Sánchez-Puebla L, López-Cuenca I, Salobrar-García E, González-Jiménez M, Arias-Vázquez A, Matamoros JA, Ramírez AI, Fernández-Albarral JA, Elvira-Hurtado L, Saido TC, Saito T, Nieto-Vaquero C, Cuartero MI, Moro MA, Salazar JJ, de Hoz R, Ramírez JM. Retinal Vascular and Structural Changes in the Murine Alzheimer's APPNL-F/NL-F Model from 6 to 20 Months. Biomolecules 2024; 14:828. [PMID: 39062542 PMCID: PMC11274728 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) may manifest retinal changes preceding brain pathology. A transversal case-control study utilized spectral-domain OCT angiography (SD-OCTA) and Angio-Tool software 0.6a to assess retinal vascular structures and OCT for inner and outer retina thickness in the APPNL-F/NL-F AD model at 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 20 months old. Comparisons to age-matched wild type (WT) were performed. The analysis focused on the three vascular plexuses using AngiooTool and on retinal thickness, which was represented with the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors. Compared to WT, the APPNL-F/NL-F group exhibited both vascular and structural changes as early as 6 months persisting and evolving at 15, 17, and 20 months. Significant vascular alterations, principally in the superficial vascular complex (SVC), were observed. There was a significant decrease in the vessel area and the total vessel length in SVC, intermediate, and deep capillary plexus. The inner retina in the APPNL-F/NL-F group predominantly decreased in thickness while the outer retina showed increased thickness in most analyzed time points compared to the control group. There are early vascular and structural retinal changes that precede the cognitive changes, which appear at later stages. Therefore, the natural history of the APPNL-F/NL-F model may be more similar to human AD than other transgenic models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María González-Jiménez
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Alberto Arias-Vázquez
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
| | - José A. Matamoros
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Fernández-Albarral
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Elvira-Hurtado
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, Wako 351-0198, Japan;
| | - Takashi Saito
- Institute of Brain Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan;
| | - Carmen Nieto-Vaquero
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Neurovascular Pathophysiology, Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (C.N.-V.); (M.A.M.)
- Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (i + 12), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- University Institute for Research in Neurochemistry, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María I. Cuartero
- Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (i + 12), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- University Institute for Research in Neurochemistry, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María A. Moro
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Neurovascular Pathophysiology, Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (C.N.-V.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Juan J. Salazar
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-P.); (I.L.-C.); (E.S.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (A.A.-V.); (J.A.M.); (A.I.R.); (J.A.F.-A.); (L.E.-H.); (J.J.S.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|