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Tomasello B, Bellia F, Naletova I, Magrì A, Tabbì G, Attanasio F, Tomasello MF, Cairns WRL, Fortino M, Pietropaolo A, Greco V, La Mendola D, Sciuto S, Arena G, Rizzarelli E. BDNF- and VEGF-Responsive Stimulus to an NGF Mimic Cyclic Peptide with Copper Ionophore Capability and Ctr1/CCS-Driven Signaling. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1755-1769. [PMID: 38602894 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that play a key role in the development and regulation of the functioning of the central nervous system. Their use as drugs is made difficult by their poor stability, cellular permeability, and side effects. Continuing our effort to use peptides that mimic the neurotrophic growth factor (NGF), the family model protein, and specifically the N-terminus of the protein, here we report on the spectroscopic characterization and resistance to hydrolysis of the 14-membered cyclic peptide reproducing the N-terminus sequence (SSSHPIFHRGEFSV (c-NGF(1-14)). Far-UV CD spectra and a computational study show that this peptide has a rigid conformation and left-handed chirality typical of polyproline II that favors its interaction with the D5 domain of the NGF receptor TrkA. c-NGF(1-14) is able to bind Cu2+ with good affinity; the resulting complexes have been characterized by potentiometric and spectroscopic measurements. Experiments on PC12 cells show that c-NGF(1-14) acts as an ionophore, influencing the degree and the localization of both the membrane transporter (Ctr1) and the copper intracellular transporter (CCS). c-NGF(1-14) induces PC12 differentiation, mimics the protein in TrkA phosphorylation, and activates the kinase cascade, inducing Erk1/2 phosphorylation. c-NGF(1-14) biological activities are enhanced when the peptide interacts with Cu2+ even with the submicromolar quantities present in the culture media as demonstrated by ICP-OES measurements. Finally, c-NGF(1-14) and Cu2+ concur to activate the cAMP response element-binding protein CREB that, in turn, induces the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Antonio Magrì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tabbì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | | | | | - Warren R L Cairns
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP), c/o Campus Scientifico, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia Via Torino, Venezia Mestre 155-30170, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Fortino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Adriana Pietropaolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pisa, Bonanno Pisano 12, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arena
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
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Johnston K, Berackey BB, Tran KM, Gelber A, Yu Z, MacGregor G, Mukamel EA, Tan Z, Green K, Xu X. Single cell spatial transcriptomics reveals distinct patterns of dysregulation in non-neuronal and neuronal cells induced by the Trem2R47H Alzheimer's risk gene mutation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3656139. [PMID: 38106071 PMCID: PMC10723554 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3656139/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The R47H missense mutation of the TREM2 gene is a strong risk factor for development of Alzheimer's Disease. We investigate cell-type-specific spatial transcriptomic changes induced by the Trem2R47H mutation to determine the impacts of this mutation on transcriptional dysregulation. METHODS We profiled 15 mouse brain sections consisting of wild-type, Trem2R47H, 5xFAD and Trem2R47H; 5xFAD genotypes using MERFISH spatial transcriptomics. Single-cell spatial transcriptomics and neuropathology data were analyzed using our custom pipeline to identify plaque and Trem2R47H induced transcriptomic dysregulation. RESULTS The Trem2R47H mutation induced consistent upregulation of Bdnf and Ntrk2 across many cortical excitatory neuron types, independent of amyloid pathology. Spatial investigation of genotype enriched subclusters identified spatially localized neuronal subpopulations reduced in 5xFAD and Trem2R47H; 5xFAD mice. CONCLUSION Spatial transcriptomics analysis identifies glial and neuronal transcriptomic alterations induced independently by 5xFAD and Trem2R47H mutations, impacting inflammatory responses in microglia and astrocytes, and activity and BDNF signaling in neurons.
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Gholami A. Alzheimer's disease: The role of proteins in formation, mechanisms, and new therapeutic approaches. Neurosci Lett 2023; 817:137532. [PMID: 37866702 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to memory and cognitive decline. In AD, the brain experiences three main structural changes: a significant decrease in the quantity of neurons, the development of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) or senile plaques, which are protein deposits found outside cells and surrounded by dystrophic neurites. Genetic studies have identified four genes associated with autosomal dominant or familial early-onset AD (FAD): amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PS1), presenilin 2 (PS2), and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). The formation of plaques primarily involves the accumulation of Aβ, which can be influenced by mutations in APP, PS1, PS2, or ApoE genes. Mutations in the APP and presenilin (PS) proteins can cause an increased amyloid β peptides production, especially the further form of amyloidogenic known as Aβ42. Apart from genetic factors, environmental factors such as cytokines and neurotoxins may also have a significant impact on the development and progression of AD by influencing the formation of amyloid plaques and intracellular tangles. Exploring the causes and implications of protein aggregation in the brain could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches. Some promising therapy strategies that have reached the clinical stage include using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, estrogen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antioxidants, and antiapoptotic agents. The most hopeful therapeutic strategies involve inhibiting activity of secretase and preventing the β-amyloid oligomers and fibrils formation, which are associated with the β-amyloid fibrils accumulation in AD. Additionally, immunotherapy development holds promise as a progressive therapeutic approach for treatment of AD. Recently, the two primary categories of brain stimulation techniques that have been studied for the treatment of AD are invasive brain stimulation (IBS) and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). In this article, the amyloid proteins that play a significant role in the AD formation, the mechanism of disease formation as well as new drugs utilized to treat of AD will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirreza Gholami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
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Amato R, Canovai A, Melecchi A, Maci S, Quintela F, Fonseca BA, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M. Efficacy of a Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) Extract as Nutritional Support in a Rat Model of Hypertensive Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:6. [PMID: 37917085 PMCID: PMC10627303 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.11.6] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glaucoma is an eye-brain axis disorder characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Although the role of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in glaucoma has been established, the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation has emerged as a promising target for neuronal tissue-supporting glaucoma management. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a proprietary spearmint extract (SPE) on RGC density, activity, and neuronal health markers in a rat model of hypertensive glaucoma. Methods Animals were divided in four groups: untreated healthy control and three glaucomatous groups receiving orally administered vehicle, SPE-low dose, or SPE-high dose for 28 days. Ocular hypertension was induced through intracameral injection of methylcellulose at day 15. At day 29, rats underwent electroretinogram (ERG) recordings, and retinas were analyzed for RGC density and markers of neural trophism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Results SPE exerted dose-dependent response benefits on all markers except for IOP elevation. SPE significantly improved RGC-related ERG responses, cell density, neurotrophins, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers. Also, in SPE-high rats, most of the parameters were not statistically different from those of healthy controls. Conclusions SPE, a plant-based, polyphenolic extract, could be an effective nutritional support for neuronal tissues. Translational Relevance These results suggest that SPE not only may be a complementary approach in support to hypotensive treatments for the management of glaucoma but may also serve as nutritional support in other ocular conditions where antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanism are often disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Samanta Maci
- Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, a Division of Kemin Foods L.C., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Quintela
- Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, a Division of Kemin Foods L.C., Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health,” University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health,” University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Yoon EJ, Ahn JW, Kim HS, Choi Y, Jeong J, Joo SS, Park D. Improvement of Cognitive Function by Fermented Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer Berries Extracts in an AF64A-Induced Memory Deficit Model. Nutrients 2023; 15:3389. [PMID: 37571326 PMCID: PMC10421307 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153389] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the potential therapeutic properties of fermented ginseng berry extract (GBE) for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fermented GBE was examined for its ginsenoside content and physiological properties, which have been suggested to have neuroprotective effects and improve cognitive function. The results showed that fermented GBE contains high levels of major active ginsenosides and exhibits antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Post-fermented GBE demonstrated therapeutic potential in AF64A-induced damaged neural stem cells and an animal model of AD. These findings suggest that fermented GBE may hold promise as a candidate for developing new therapeutic interventions for memory deficits and cognitive disorders associated with AD and other neurodegenerative conditions. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of fermented GBE in human subjects and to determine its clinical applications. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that fermented GBE has potential as a natural product for the prevention and treatment of AD. The high levels of active ginsenosides and antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of fermented GBE suggest that it may be a promising therapeutic agent for improving cognitive function and reducing neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jung Yoon
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Medicine, Department of Biology Education, Republic of Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.Y.); (J.J.)
| | - Jeong-Won Ahn
- College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, 7 Jukheon-gil, Gangneung 25457, Gangwon, Republic of Korea; (J.-W.A.); (H.-S.K.)
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, 7 Jukheon-gil, Gangneung 25457, Gangwon, Republic of Korea; (J.-W.A.); (H.-S.K.)
| | - Yunseo Choi
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Medicine, Department of Biology Education, Republic of Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.Y.); (J.J.)
| | - Jiwon Jeong
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Medicine, Department of Biology Education, Republic of Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.Y.); (J.J.)
| | - Seong-Soo Joo
- College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, 7 Jukheon-gil, Gangneung 25457, Gangwon, Republic of Korea; (J.-W.A.); (H.-S.K.)
- Huscion MAJIC R&D Center, 331 Pangyo-ro, Seongnam 13488, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongsun Park
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Medicine, Department of Biology Education, Republic of Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; (E.-J.Y.); (J.J.)
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Jeyaraman M, Rajendran RL, Muthu S, Jeyaraman N, Sharma S, Jha SK, Muthukanagaraj P, Hong CM, Furtado da Fonseca L, Santos Duarte Lana JF, Ahn BC, Gangadaran P. An update on stem cell and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle-based therapy in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17808. [PMID: 37449130 PMCID: PMC10336689 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, neurological diseases pose a major burden to healthcare professionals in terms of the management and prevention of the disorder. Among neurological diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for 50%-70% of dementia and is the fifth leading cause of mortality worldwide. AD is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease, with the loss of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex and subcortical regions. The management of AD remains a debate among physicians as no standard and specific "disease-modifying" modality is available. The concept of 'Regenerative Medicine' is aimed at regenerating the degenerated neural tissues to reverse the pathology in AD. Genetically modified engineered stem cells modify the course of AD after transplantation into the brain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an emerging new approach in cell communication that involves the transfer of cellular materials from parental cells to recipient cells, resulting in changes at the molecular and signaling levels in the recipient cells. EVs are a type of vesicle that can be transported between cells. Many have proposed that EVs produced from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may have therapeutic promise in the treatment of AD. The biology of AD, as well as the potential applications of stem cells and their derived EVs-based therapy, were explored in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhan Jeyaraman
- Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600056, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
| | - Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathish Muthu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Orthopedics, Government Dindigul Medical College and Hospital, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, 624001, India
| | - Naveen Jeyaraman
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Orthopedics, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu, 603108, India
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Purushothaman Muthukanagaraj
- Department of Internal Medicine & Psychiatry, SUNY-Upstate Binghamton Clinical Campus, Binghamton, NY, 13904, USA
| | - Chae Moon Hong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucas Furtado da Fonseca
- Department of Orthopedics, The Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Byeong-Cheol Ahn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
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Canepa P, Canale C, Cavalleri O, Marletta G, Messina GML, Messori M, Novelli R, Mattioli SL, Apparente L, Detta N, Romeo T, Allegretti M. Adsorption of the rhNGF Protein on Polypropylene with Different Grades of Copolymerization. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2076. [PMID: 36903190 PMCID: PMC10004483 DOI: 10.3390/ma16052076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The surface properties of drug containers should reduce the adsorption of the drug and avoid packaging surface/drug interactions, especially in the case of biologically-derived products. Here, we developed a multi-technique approach that combined Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Contact Angle (CA), Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the interactions of rhNGF on different pharma grade polymeric materials. Polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene (PE) copolymers and PP homopolymers, both as spin-coated films and injected molded samples, were evaluated for their degree of crystallinity and adsorption of protein. Our analyses showed that copolymers are characterized by a lower degree of crystallinity and lower roughness compared to PP homopolymers. In line with this, PP/PE copolymers also show higher contact angle values, indicating a lower surface wettability for the rhNGF solution on copolymers than PP homopolymers. Thus, we demonstrated that the chemical composition of the polymeric material and, in turn, its surface roughness determine the interaction with the protein and identified that copolymers may offer an advantage in terms of protein interaction/adsorption. The combined QCM-D and XPS data indicated that protein adsorption is a self-limiting process that passivates the surface after the deposition of roughly one molecular layer, preventing any further protein adsorption in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Canepa
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Claudio Canale
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Ornella Cavalleri
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marletta
- Laboratory for Molecular Surface and Nanotechnology (LAMSUN), Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Catania and CSGI, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia M. L. Messina
- Laboratory for Molecular Surface and Nanotechnology (LAMSUN), Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Catania and CSGI, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Messori
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia 6, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Luca Mattioli
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Apparente
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Detta
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Tiziana Romeo
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Loc. Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Loc. Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Mody S, Joshi A. Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Its Association With Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cureus 2023; 15:e34920. [PMID: 36938233 PMCID: PMC10015745 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent macular condition that primarily affects the older population. It is the primary cause of blindness amongst the elderly population. It is an inflammatory disease that characteristically shows choroidal neovascularization and geographic atrophy. The exact pathomechanism of developing AMD is not known. However, certain factors such as increased age, smoking, genetic factors and certain environmental factors are usually associated with the development of the disease. AMD also involves oxidative stress-mediated destruction of retinal pigment epithelial cells and, consequently, that of retinal photoreceptors. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder involving the nervous system that usually affects people aged 65 and over. Both AMD and AD are age-related, degenerative conditions that have several similarities and share many of the same risk factors such as vascular conditions like arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and obesity. It is believed that the early emergence of the clinical manifestations of AMD and AD may also be significantly influenced by oxidative stress and genetic polymorphism in complement factor H. A common pathogenic pathway between AD and AMD is quite likely. Amyloid-β is an aberrant protein that accumulates within the brains of Alzheimer's patients and appears as plaques on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These plaques are a pathognomonic sign of Alzheimer's disease. Similar to this, amyloid-β deposits are reported to build up beneath the retina of AMD patients, which appear as tiny clusters of protein-lipid substances known as drusen. It has also been found that individuals suffering from AMD exhibit an increased chance of developing AD than those with no AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankalp Mody
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhishek Joshi
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
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Balzamino BO, Esposito G, Marino R, Calissano P, Latina V, Amadoro G, Keller F, Cacciamani A, Micera A. Morphological and biomolecular targets in retina and vitreous from Reelin-deficient mice (Reeler): Potential implications for age-related macular degeneration in Alzheimer’s dementia. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1015359. [DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1015359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurosensory retina is an outgrowth of the Central Nervous System (CNS), and the eye is considered “a window to the brain.” Reelin glycoprotein is directly involved in neurodevelopment, in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Consequently, abnormal Reelin signaling has been associated with brain neurodegeneration but its contributing role in ocular degeneration is still poorly explored. To this aim, experimental procedures were assayed on vitreous or retinas obtained from Reeler mice (knockout for Reelin protein) at different postnatal days (p) p14, p21 and p28. At p28, a significant increase in the expression of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and its amyloidogenic peptide (Aβ1-42 along with truncated tau fragment (i.e., NH2htau)- three pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-were found in Reeler mice when compared to their age-matched wild-type controls. Likewise, several inflammatory mediators, such as Interleukins, or crucial biomarkers of oxidative stress were also found to be upregulated in Reeler mice by using different techniques such as ELLA assay, microchip array or real-time PCR. Taken together, these findings suggest that a dysfunctional Reelin signaling enables the expression of key pathological features which are classically associated with AD neurodegenerative processes. Thus, this work suggests that Reeler mouse might be a suitable animal model to study not only the pathophysiology of developmental processes but also several neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), characterized by accumulation of APP and/or Aβ1-42, NH2htau and inflammatory markers.
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Amyloidogenesis and Neurotrophic Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease: Do They have a Common Regulating Pathway? Cells 2022; 11:cells11203201. [PMID: 36291068 PMCID: PMC9600014 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis has predominately been used to describe the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for decades, as Aβ oligomers are thought to be the prime cause of AD. Meanwhile, the neurotrophic factor hypothesis has also been proposed for decades. Accumulating evidence states that the amyloidogenic process and neurotrophic dysfunction are mutually influenced and may coincidently cause the onset and progress of AD. Meanwhile, there are intracellular regulators participating both in the amyloidogenic process and neurotrophic pathways, which might be the common original causes of amyloidogenesis and neurotrophic dysfunction. In this review, the current understanding regarding the role of neurotrophic dysfunction and the amyloidogenic process in AD pathology is briefly summarized. The mutual influence of these two pathogenesis pathways and their potential common causal pathway are further discussed. Therapeutic strategies targeting the common pathways to simultaneously prevent amyloidogenesis and neurotrophic dysfunction might be anticipated for the disease-modifying treatment of AD.
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Microglia Impairs Proliferation and Induces Senescence In-Vitro in NGF Releasing Cells Used in Encapsulated Cell Biodelivery for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169011. [PMID: 36012296 PMCID: PMC9409429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no cure yet available for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We recently optimized encapsulated cell biodelivery (ECB) devices releasing human mature nerve growth factor (hmNGF), termed ECB-NGF, to the basal forebrain of AD patients. The ECB-NGF delivery resulted in increased CSF cholinergic markers, improved glucose metabolism, and positive effects on cognition in AD patients. However, some ECB-NGF implants showed altered hmNGF release post-explantation. To optimize the ECB-NGF platform for future therapeutic purposes, we initiated in-vitro optimization studies by exposing ECB-NGF devices to physiological factors present within the AD brain. We report here that microglia cells can impair hmNGF release from ECB-NGF devices in-vitro, which can be reversed by transferring the devices to fresh culture medium. Further, we exposed the hmNGF secreting human ARPE-19 cell line (NGC0211) to microglia (HMC3) conditioned medium (MCM; untreated or treated with IL-1β/IFNγ/Aβ40/Aβ42), and evaluated biochemical stress markers (ROS, GSH, ΔΨm, and Alamar Blue assay), cell death indicators (Annexin-V/PI), cell proliferation (CFSE retention and Ki67) and senescence markers (SA-β-gal) in NGC0211 cells. MCMs from activated microglia reduced cell proliferation and induced cell senescence in NGC0211 cells, which otherwise resist biochemical alterations and cell death. These data indicate a critical but reversible impact of activated microglia on NGC0211 cells.
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Santiago JA, Quinn JP, Potashkin JA. Physical Activity Rewires the Human Brain against Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6223. [PMID: 35682902 PMCID: PMC9181322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity may offset cognitive decline and dementia, but the molecular mechanisms by which it promotes neuroprotection remain elusive. In the absence of disease-modifying therapies, understanding the molecular effects of physical activity in the brain may be useful for identifying novel targets for disease management. Here we employed several bioinformatic methods to dissect the molecular underpinnings of physical activity in brain health. Network analysis identified 'switch genes' associated with drastic hippocampal transcriptional changes in aged cognitively intact individuals. Switch genes are key genes associated with dramatic transcriptional changes and thus may play a fundamental role in disease pathogenesis. Switch genes are associated with protein processing pathways and the metabolic control of glucose, lipids, and fatty acids. Correlation analysis showed that transcriptional patterns associated with physical activity significantly overlapped and negatively correlated with those of neurodegenerative diseases. Functional analysis revealed that physical activity might confer neuroprotection in Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's (HD) diseases via the upregulation of synaptic signaling pathways. In contrast, in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) its effects are mediated by restoring mitochondrial function and energy precursors. Additionally, physical activity is associated with the downregulation of genes involved in inflammation in AD, neurogenesis in FTD, regulation of growth and transcriptional repression in PD, and glial cell differentiation in HD. Collectively, these findings suggest that physical activity directs transcriptional changes in the brain through different pathways across the broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. These results provide new evidence on the unique and shared mechanisms between physical activity and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Judith A. Potashkin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Department, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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