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Jain SK, Stevens CM, Margret JJ, Levine SN. Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of Pathology, Current Treatments, and the Potential Therapeutic Effect of Decreasing Oxidative Stress by Combined Vitamin D and l-Cysteine Supplementation. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:663-678. [PMID: 37756366 PMCID: PMC11001507 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Excess oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are risk factors in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its association with amyloid-β plaque accumulation. Oxidative stress impairs acetylcholine (ACH) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor signaling in brain areas that function in memory and learning. Glutathione (GSH) antioxidant depletion positively correlates with the cognitive decline in AD subjects. Treatments that upregulate GSH and ACH levels, which simultaneously decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, may be beneficial for AD. Recent Advances: Some clinical trials have shown a benefit of monotherapy with vitamin D (VD), whose deficiency is linked to AD or with l-cysteine (LC), a precursor of GSH biosynthesis, in reducing mild cognitive impairment. Animal studies have shown a simultaneous decrease in ACH esterase (AChE) and increase in GSH; combined supplementation with VD and LC results in a greater decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation, and increase in GSH levels compared with monotherapy with VD or LC. Therefore, cosupplementation with VD and LC has the potential of increasing GSH, downregulation of oxidative stress, and decreased inflammation and AChE levels. Future Directions: Clinical trials are needed to determine whether safe low-cost dietary supplements, using combined VD+LC, have the potential to alleviate elevated AChE, oxidative stress, and inflammation levels, thereby halting the onset of AD. Goal of Review: The goal of this review is to highlight the pathological hallmarks and current Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for AD, and discuss the potential therapeutic effect that cosupplementation with VD+LC could manifest by increasing GSH levels in patients. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 663-678.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushil K. Jain
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christopher M. Stevens
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jeffrey Justin Margret
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Steven N. Levine
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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2
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Karimi Tari P, Parsons CG, Collingridge GL, Rammes G. Memantine: Updating a rare success story in pro-cognitive therapeutics. Neuropharmacology 2024; 244:109737. [PMID: 37832633 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The great potential for NMDA receptor modulators as druggable targets in neurodegenerative disorders has been met with limited success. Considered one of the rare exceptions, memantine has consistently demonstrated restorative and prophylactic properties in many AD models. In clinical trials memantine slows the decline in cognitive performance associated with AD. Here, we provide an overview of the basic properties including pharmacological targets, toxicology and cellular effects of memantine. Evidence demonstrating reductions in molecular, physiological and behavioural indices of AD-like impairments associated with memantine treatment are also discussed. This represents both an extension and homage to Dr. Chris Parson's considerable contributions to our fundamental understanding of a success story in the AD treatment landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Karimi Tari
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Chris G Parsons
- Galimedix Therapeutics, Inc., 2704 Calvend Lane, Kensington, 20895, MD, USA
| | - Graham L Collingridge
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada; TANZ Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine of the Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Ladagu AD, Olopade FE, Adejare A, Olopade JO. GluN2A and GluN2B N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDARs) Subunits: Their Roles and Therapeutic Antagonists in Neurological Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1535. [PMID: 38004401 PMCID: PMC10674917 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111535] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ion channels that respond to the neurotransmitter glutamate, playing a crucial role in the permeability of calcium ions and excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Composed of various subunits, NMDARs are predominantly formed by two obligatory GluN1 subunits (with eight splice variants) along with regulatory subunits GluN2 (GluN2A-2D) and GluN3 (GluN3A-B). They are widely distributed throughout the CNS and are involved in essential functions such as synaptic transmission, learning, memory, plasticity, and excitotoxicity. The presence of GluN2A and GluN2B subunits is particularly important for cognitive processes and has been strongly implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the roles of GluN2A and GluN2B NMDARs in neuropathologies provides valuable insights into the underlying causes and complexities of major nervous system disorders. This knowledge is vital for the development of selective antagonists targeting GluN2A and GluN2B subunits using pharmacological and molecular methods. Such antagonists represent a promising class of NMDA receptor inhibitors that have the potential to be developed into neuroprotective drugs with optimal therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Digal Ladagu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria; (A.D.L.); (J.O.O.)
| | - Funmilayo Eniola Olopade
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
| | - Adeboye Adejare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
| | - James Olukayode Olopade
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria; (A.D.L.); (J.O.O.)
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Costa BM, Kwapisz LC, Mehrkens B, Bledsoe DN, Vacca BN, Johnston TV, Razzaq R, Manickam D, Klein BG. A glutamate concentration-biased allosteric modulator potentiates NMDA-induced ion influx in neurons. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00859. [PMID: 34476911 PMCID: PMC8413904 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Precisely controlled synaptic glutamate concentration is essential for the normal function of the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Atypical fluctuations in synaptic glutamate homeostasis lead to aberrant NMDA receptor activity that results in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, glutamate concentration-dependent NMDA receptor modulators would be clinically useful agents with fewer on-target adverse effects. In the present study, we have characterized a novel compound (CNS4) that potentiates NMDA receptor currents based on glutamate concentration. This compound alters glutamate potency and exhibits no voltage-dependent effect. Patch-clamp electrophysiology recordings confirmed agonist concentration-dependent changes in maximum inducible currents. Dynamic Ca2+ and Na+ imaging assays using rat brain cortical, striatal and cerebellar neurons revealed CNS4 potentiated ion influx through native NMDA receptor activity. Overall, CNS4 is novel in chemical structure, mechanism of action and agonist concentration-biased allosteric modulatory effect. This compound or its future analogs will serve as useful candidates to develop drug-like compounds for the treatment of treatment-resistant schizophrenia and major depression disorders associated with hypoglutamatergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaise M. Costa
- Center for One Health ResearchVirginia Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOMBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- School of NeuroscienceVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Lina Cortés Kwapisz
- Center for One Health ResearchVirginia Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Brittney Mehrkens
- Center for One Health ResearchVirginia Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Douglas N. Bledsoe
- Center for One Health ResearchVirginia Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Present address:
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Bryanna N. Vacca
- Center for One Health ResearchVirginia Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Present address:
University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Tullia V. Johnston
- Center for One Health ResearchVirginia Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Rehan Razzaq
- Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOMBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | | | - Bradley G. Klein
- Center for One Health ResearchVirginia Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- School of NeuroscienceVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
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Perszyk RE, Kristensen AS, Lyuboslavsky P, Traynelis SF. Three-dimensional missense tolerance ratio analysis. Genome Res 2021; 31:1447-1461. [PMID: 34301626 PMCID: PMC8327912 DOI: 10.1101/gr.275528.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A wealth of genetic information is available describing single-nucleotide variants in the human population that appear to be well-tolerated and in and of themselves do not confer disease. These variant data sets contain signatures about the protein structure-function relationships and provide an unbiased view of various protein functions in the context of human health. This information can be used to determine regional intolerance to variation, defined as the missense tolerance ratio (MTR), which is an indicator of stretches of the polypeptide chain that can tolerate changes without compromising protein function in a manner that impacts human health. This approach circumvents the lack of comprehensive data by averaging the data from adjacent residues on the polypeptide chain. We reasoned that many motifs in proteins consist of nonadjacent residues, but together function as a unit. We therefore developed an approach to analyze nearest neighbors in three-dimensional space as determined by crystallography rather than on the polypeptide chain. We used members of the GRIN gene family that encode subunits of NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) to exemplify the differences between these methods. Our method, 3DMTR, provides new information about regions of intolerance within iGluRs, allows consideration of protein-protein interfaces in multimeric proteins, and moves this important research tool from one-dimensional analysis to a structurally relevant tool. We validate the improved 3DMTR score by showing that it more accurately classifies the functional consequences of a set of newly measured and published point mutations of Grin family genes than existing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley E Perszyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Anders S Kristensen
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Polina Lyuboslavsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Bledsoe D, Vacca B, Laube B, Klein BG, Costa B. Ligand binding domain interface: A tipping point for pharmacological agents binding with GluN1/2A subunit containing NMDA receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 844:216-224. [PMID: 30553788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a crucial role in normal brain function, pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Functional tetra-heteromeric NMDA receptor contains two obligatory GluN1 subunits and two identical or different non-GluN1 subunits that evolve from six different genes including four GluN2 (A-D) and two GluN3 (A-B) subunits. Since NMDA receptors confer varied physiological properties and spatiotemporal distributions in the brain, pharmacological agents that target NMDA receptors with specific GluN2 subunits have significant potential for therapeutic applications. In the present work, by using electrophysiology techniques, we have studied the role of ligand binding domain (LBD) interactions in determining the effect of well-characterized pharmacological agents including agonists, competitive antagonists, channel blockers and an allosteric modulator. Remarkably, point mutations at the distal end (site-II&III) of GluN1 LBD interface increased memantine potency up to sevenfold when co-expressed with wild type GluN2A receptors but exhibit no effect on Mg2+ activity. Conversely, mutations at the proximal end (site-I) of the LBD interface did not affect the memantine but altered Zn2+ and Mg2+ potency towards opposite directions. These results indicate that GluN1/2A LBD interface interactions play a key role in determining channel function. Further, subtle changes in LBD interaction can be readily translated to the downstream extracellular vestibule of channel pore to adopt a conformation that may affect memantine, Zn2+ and Mg2+ binding. Further studies on NMDA receptor LBD to transmembrane domain signal propagation mechanisms will help develop GluN2 subunit selective biomolecules that can be used for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Bledsoe
- Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Bryanna Vacca
- Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Bodo Laube
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neurosensory Systems, Technical University, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Bradley G Klein
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Blaise Costa
- Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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