Role of SUMOylation in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Annexin A1 in neurological disorders: Neuroprotection and glial modulation

Neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, have contributed significantly to global disability, even considering the rising life years expectations. Therefore, prevention, early diagnosis, and therapeutic alternatives have been essential to avoid the future collapse of health public systems. Annexin A1 (ANXA1), a Ca2 + -dependent protein, is a promising therapeutic candidate for neurological disorders. ANXA1, found in neurons and glia, displays roles in physiological and pathological processes. Despite ANXA1 undoubtedly maintains the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, this review will focus on ANXA1 roles in neurons and glial cells. In neurons, the cytoplasmic expression of ANXA1 is associated with apoptosis, while its nuclear translocation is linked to ischemic neuronal death. Interactions with S100A11, the Tat-NTS peptide, and other molecules, modulate this translocation, suggesting potential therapeutic interventions. ANXA1 expressed on microglia modulates inflammation and efferocytosis. Post-translational modifications, such as SUMOylation, guide the role of ANXA1 in microglia polarization and neuroprotection. In addition, ANXA1 in astrocytes responds to inflammatory stimuli by influencing cytokine release. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms of ANXA1 in neurons and glial cells reveals promising therapeutic strategies to alleviate neuronal damage in neurological diseases.

Site-specific in vivo protein SUMOylation via translational incorporation of a proximity-reactive pyrrolysine analogue

Here, we present a novel strategy that integrates genetic-code expansion and proximity-induced crosslinking to achieve site-specific in vivo SUMOylation. This approach involves incorporating the unnatural amino acid 2-chloroacetyl-Nε-lysine (ClAcK) into the target protein using MmFAcKRS1, a previously reported pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase mutant that we have repurposed for ClAcK incorporation. Once incorporated, ClAcK can be specifically targeted to react with a cysteine engineered at the C-terminus of SUMO variants leading to a chemically SUMOylated protein. This reaction is proximity-induced, and preferentially promoted when the two reactive groups are in close spatial proximity. We therefore leverage the natural affinity of SUMO for SUMO-interacting motifs (SIMs) on target proteins to generate the targeted SUMO conjugation. Using this approach, site-specific SUMO-conjugates have been produced for two distinct proteins in cells, thus demonstrating its potential as a strategy for helping to dissect the role of SUMOylation in its native cellular context.

Co-administration of Ceratonia siliqua extract nanoparticles promotes the oral bioavailability and neurotherapeutic efficacy of donepezil in a dementia model

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the herb-drug interactions between crude/silver nanoparticle (SNP)-loaded carob extract (Car, NCar, respectively) and donepezil-HCl (DPZ) and their impact on neurotherapeutic outcomes in a dementia model.

METHODS

Carob pods were subjected to ethanol extraction, and their phytoconstituents were chromatographically analysed. SNP-loaded extract was synthesized and characterized, and dementia-like symptoms were induced in Wistar rats by repeated dosing with 175 mg/kg AlCl3 for 60 days, after which the animals were treated with Car, NCar, DPZ, and combinations of Car/NCar-DPZ for 30 days. The effect of carob formulations on DPZ bioavailability was in-silico profiled and the herb-drug interactions were mathematically assessed as combination indices.

RESULTS

Different formulations significantly improved cognitive/spatial memory functions, restored dysregulated brain redox and cholinergic functions, and markedly inhibited cholinesterase, as reflected by the reduction/absence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In silico profiling of the major phytoconstituents revealed their non-P-glycoprotein substrate nature and CYP3A4, 2C19, and 2C9 inhibition, which might have improved the oral bioavailability of DPZ. The combination index calculations revealed strong synergy between DPZ and both carob formulations, with the strongest effect exhibited by the DPZ/NCar combination.

CONCLUSION

The co-administration of carob extract/SNPs represents a promising approach for enhancing the neurotherapeutic efficacy of DPZ.

SENP3 knockdown improves motor and cognitive impairments in the intranasal MPTP rodent model of Parkinson's disease

Several mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease (PD) remain unclear, and effective treatments are still lacking. The conjugation of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), known as SUMOylation, to key proteins in PD has shown potential beneficial effects. Considering that this process is reversed by SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs), this study addressed the effects of increased SUMO-2/3 conjugation, mediated by SENP3 knockdown, in the intranasal 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) rodent model of PD. Two weeks after infusion of the shRNA-containing lentiviral vector into the dorsolateral striatum and one week following intranasal MPTP administration, male Wistar rats were evaluated using cognitive and motor behavioural tests. Infection efficiency was confirmed by detecting GFP expression in the dorsolateral striatum. SENP3 knockdown, verified by Western blotting, resulted in increased SUMO-2/3 conjugation. MPTP-administered rats displayed impairments in both recognition and spatial memories, while SENP3 knockdown prevented these deficits. Rats exposed to MPTP also exhibited motor dysfunction, which was ameliorated by SENP3 knockdown. These findings underscore the involvement of SUMO-2/3 conjugation in PD and its potential as a novel therapeutic target to counteract cognitive and motor impairments induced by neurodegeneration.

Post-translational modifications of proteins in cardiovascular diseases examined by proteomic approaches

Over 400 different types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been reported and over 200 various types of PTMs have been discovered using mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. MS-based proteomics has proven to be a powerful method capable of global PTM mapping with the identification of modified proteins/peptides, the localization of PTM sites and PTM quantitation. PTMs play regulatory roles in protein functions, activities and interactions in various heart related diseases, such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The recognition of PTMs that are specific to cardiovascular pathology and the clarification of the mechanisms underlying these PTMs at molecular levels are crucial for discovery of novel biomarkers and application in a clinical setting. With sensitive MS instrumentation and novel biostatistical methods for precise processing of the data, low-abundance PTMs can be successfully detected and the beneficial or unfavorable effects of specific PTMs on cardiac function can be determined. Moreover, computational proteomic strategies that can predict PTM sites based on MS data have gained an increasing interest and can contribute to characterization of PTM profiles in cardiovascular disorders. More recently, machine learning- and deep learning-based methods have been employed to predict the locations of PTMs and explore PTM crosstalk. In this review article, the types of PTMs are briefly overviewed, approaches for PTM identification/quantitation in MS-based proteomics are discussed and recently published proteomic studies on PTMs associated with cardiovascular diseases are included.

Interpretable multimodal machine learning (IMML) framework reveals pathological signatures of distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy

BACKGROUND

Distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a common neurological disorder in elderly adults and people with obesity, prediabetes and diabetes and is associated with high morbidity and premature mortality. DSPN is a multifactorial disease and not fully understood yet.

METHODS

Here, we developed the Interpretable Multimodal Machine Learning (IMML) framework for predicting DSPN prevalence and incidence based on sparse multimodal data. Exploiting IMMLs interpretability further empowered biomarker identification. We leveraged the population-based KORA F4/FF4 cohort including 1091 participants and their deep multimodal characterisation, i.e. clinical data, genomics, methylomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, inflammatory proteins and metabolomics.

RESULTS

Clinical data alone is sufficient to stratify individuals with and without DSPN (AUROC = 0.752), whilst predicting DSPN incidence 6.5 ± 0.2 years later strongly benefits from clinical data complemented with two or more molecular modalities (improved ΔAUROC > 0.1, achieved AUROC of 0.714). Important and interpretable features of incident DSPN prediction include up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, down-regulation of SUMOylation pathway and essential fatty acids, thus yielding novel insights in the disease pathophysiology.

CONCLUSIONS

These may become biomarkers for incident DSPN, guide prevention strategies and serve as proof of concept for the utility of IMML in studying complex diseases.

An Atypical Mechanism of SUMOylation of Neurofibromin SecPH Domain Provides New Insights into SUMOylation Site Selection

Neurofibromin (Nf1) is a giant multidomain protein encoded by the tumour-suppressor gene NF1. NF1 is mutated in a common genetic disease, neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), and in various cancers. The protein has a Ras-GAP (GTPase activating protein) activity but is also connected to diverse signalling pathways through its SecPH domain, which interacts with lipids and different protein partners. We previously showed that Nf1 partially colocalized with the ProMyelocytic Leukemia (PML) protein in PML nuclear bodies, hotspots of SUMOylation, thereby suggesting the potential SUMOylation of Nf1. Here, we demonstrate that the full-length isoform 2 and a SecPH fragment of Nf1 are substrates of the SUMO pathway and identify a well-defined SUMOylation profile of SecPH with two main modified lysines. One of these sites, K1731, is highly conserved and surface-exposed. Despite the presence of an inverted SUMO consensus motif surrounding K1731, and a potential SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) within SecPH, we show that neither of these elements is necessary for K1731 SUMOylation, which is also independent of Ubc9 SUMOylation on K14. A 3D model of an interaction between SecPH and Ubc9 centred on K1731, combined with site-directed mutagenesis, identifies specific structural elements of SecPH required for K1731 SUMOylation, some of which are affected in reported NF1 pathogenic variants. This work provides a new example of SUMOylation dependent on the tertiary rather than primary protein structure surrounding the modified site, expanding our knowledge of mechanisms governing SUMOylation site selection.

SENP7 inhibits glioblastoma metastasis and invasion by dissociating SUMO2/3 binding to specific target proteins

Background

The poor surgical efficacy and recurrence of glioblastoma (GBM) are due to its lack of visible infiltrative features. Our bioinformatics study suggests that low expression of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific protease 7 (SENP7) indicates poor prognosis in GBM.

Objectives

This study investigated the effect of SENP7 expression on the invasion, migration, and proliferation of GBM cells and aims to identify the SUMO target proteins affected by SENP7.

Methods

SENP7 expression was analyzed in eight GBM tumor samples and four GBM cell lines, comparing them to normal brain tissue. The effect of SENP7 overexpression on GBM LN229 cell migration, invasion, and proliferation was examined through in vitro assays. Furthermore, four SUMO target proteins involved in tumor invasion and proliferation (CDK6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP9], AKT, and HIF-1α) were studied to explore SENP7's molecular mechanism.

Results

SENP7 expression was significantly lower in GBM tumors compared to normal tissue. SENP7 overexpression in LN229 cells inhibited migration and invasion without affecting proliferation. Overexpression reduced the levels of MMP9, AKT, and HIF-1α, but not CDK6. Immunohistochemical analysis showed decreased MMP9 and CD31 levels, suggesting reduced tumor invasion and angiogenesis. However, SENP7 overexpression did not affect tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

SENP7 inhibits GBM invasion by dissociating proteins associated with tumor invasion from SUMO2/3, providing a potential target for future GBM therapies.

Comprehensive review on Alzheimer's disease: From the posttranslational modifications of Tau to corresponding treatments

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, which is mainly characterized by the abnormal deposition of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and Tau. Since Tau aggregation is more closely associated with synaptic loss, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline than Aβ, the correlation between Tau and cognitive function in AD has gradually gained attention. The posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of Tau are key factors contributing to its pathological changes, which include phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, glycation, small ubiquitin-like modifier mediated modification (SUMOylation), methylation, succinylation, etc. These modifications change the structure of Tau, regulating Tau microtubule interactions, localization, degradation, and aggregation, thereby affecting its propensity to aggregate and leading to neuronal injury and cognitive impairments. Among numerous PTMs, drug development based on phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation primarily involves enzymatic reactions, affecting either the phosphorylation or degradation processes of Tau. Meanwhile, methylation, glycosylation, and succinylation are associated with maintaining the structural stability of Tau. Current research is more extensive on phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and methylation, with related drugs already developed, particularly focusing on phosphorylation and ubiquitination. In contrast, there is less research on SUMOylation, glycosylation, and succinylation, requiring further basic research, with the potential to become novel drug targets. In conclusion, this review summarized the latest research on PTMs of Tau and related drugs, highlighting the potential of targeting specific PTMs for developing novel therapeutic strategies in AD.

SUMOylation at the crossroads of gut health: insights into physiology and pathology

SUMOylation, a post-translational modification involving the covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins to target substrates, plays a pivotal role at the intersection of gut health and disease, influencing various aspects of intestinal physiology and pathology. This review provides a comprehensive examination of SUMOylation's diverse roles within the gut microenvironment. We examine its critical roles in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity, regulating immune responses, and mediating host-microbe interactions, thereby highlighting the complex molecular mechanisms that underpin gut homeostasis. Furthermore, we explore the impact of SUMOylation dysregulation in various intestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer, highlighting its implications as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. By integrating current research findings, this review offers valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between SUMOylation and gut health, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring intestinal equilibrium and combating associated pathologies.

Protein modification in neurodegenerative diseases

Posttranslational modifications play a crucial role in governing cellular functions and protein behavior. Researchers have implicated dysregulated posttranslational modifications in protein misfolding, which results in cytotoxicity, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and Huntington disease. These aberrant posttranslational modifications cause proteins to gather in certain parts of the brain that are linked to the development of the diseases. This leads to neuronal dysfunction and the start of neurodegenerative disease symptoms. Cognitive decline and neurological impairments commonly manifest in neurodegenerative disease patients, underscoring the urgency of comprehending the posttranslational modifications' impact on protein function for targeted therapeutic interventions. This review elucidates the critical link between neurodegenerative diseases and specific posttranslational modifications, focusing on Tau, APP, α-synuclein, Huntingtin protein, Parkin, DJ-1, and Drp1. By delineating the prominent aberrant posttranslational modifications within Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and Huntington disease, the review underscores the significance of understanding the interplay among these modifications. Emphasizing 10 key abnormal posttranslational modifications, this study aims to provide a comprehensive framework for investigating neurodegenerative diseases holistically. The insights presented herein shed light on potential therapeutic avenues aimed at modulating posttranslational modifications to mitigate protein aggregation and retard neurodegenerative disease progression.

Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in the Different Stages of Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Disease

This study explored the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease (DIAD) by examining changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of UPS proteins along with disease progression, AD imaging biomarkers (PiB PET, tau PET), neurodegeneration imaging measures (MRI, FDG PET), and Clinical Dementia Rating® (CDR®). Using the SOMAscan assay, we detected subtle increases in specific ubiquitin enzymes associated with proteostasis in mutation carriers (MCs) up to two decades before the estimated symptom onset. This was followed by more pronounced elevations of UPS-activating enzymes, including E2 and E3 proteins, and ubiquitin-related modifiers. Our findings also demonstrated consistent correlations between UPS proteins and CSF biomarkers such as Aβ42/40 ratio, total tau, various phosphorylated tau species to total tau ratios (ptau181/T181, ptauT205/T205, ptauS202/S202, ptauT217/T217), and MTBR-tau243, alongside Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and the CDR®. Notably, a positive association was observed with imaging markers (PiB PET, tau PET) and a negative correlation with markers of neurodegeneration (FDG PET, MRI), highlighting a significant link between UPS dysregulation and neurodegenerative processes. The correlations suggest that the increase in multiple UPS proteins with rising tau levels and tau-tangle associated markers, indicating a potential role for the UPS in relation to misfolded tau/neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and symptom onset. These findings indicate that elevated CSF UPS proteins in DIAD MCs could serve as early indicators of disease progression and suggest a link between UPS dysregulation and amyloid plaque, tau tangles formation, implicating the UPS as a potential therapeutic target in AD pathogenesis.

SENP1 regulates intermittent hypoxia-induced microglia mediated inflammation and cognitive dysfunction via wnt/β-catenin pathway

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), characterized by repeated narrow or collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in periodic reductions or cessations in ventilation, consequent hypoxia, hypercapnia, increased sympathetic activity and sleep fragmentation, places a serious burden on society and health care. Intermittent hypoxia (IH), which cause central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, and ultimately lead to neuropathy, is thought to be a crucial contributor to cognitive impairment in OSAS. Wnt signaling pathway exerts an important role in the regulation of CNS disorders. Particularly, it may be involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction. However, its underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that Wnt signaling pathway may inhibited in a variety of neurological disorders. Recently studies revealed that SUMOylation was participated in the regulation of neuroinflammation. Members of Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be targets of SUMOylation. In vitro and in vivo molecular biology experiments explored the regulatory mechanism of SUMOylation on Wnt/β-catenin in IH-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal injury, which demonstrated that IH induced the SUMOylation of β-catenin, microglia mediated inflammation and neuronal damage. Moreover, SENP1 regulated the de-SUMOylation of β-catenin, triggered Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and alleviated neuroinflammation and neuronal injury, thus improving IH-related mice cognitive dysfunction.

The misfolding mystery: α-synuclein and the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterized by the death of neurons in specific areas of the brain. One of the proteins that is involved in the pathogenesis of PD is α-synuclein (α-syn). α-Syn is a normal protein that is found in all neurons, but in PD, it misfolds and aggregates into toxic fibrils. These fibrils can then coalesce into pathological inclusions, such as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The pathogenic pathway of PD is thought to involve a number of steps, including misfolding and aggregation of α-syn, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein clearance impairment, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. A deeper insight into the structure of α-syn and its fibrils could aid in understanding the disease's etiology. The prion-like nature of α-syn is also an important area of research. Prions are misfolded proteins that can spread from cell to cell, causing other proteins to misfold as well. It is possible that α-syn may behave in a similar way, spreading from cell to cell and causing a cascade of misfolding and aggregation. Various post-translational alterations have also been observed to play a role in the pathogenesis of PD. These alterations can involve a variety of nuclear and extranuclear activities, and they can lead to the misfolding and aggregation of α-syn. A better understanding of the pathogenic pathway of PD could lead to the development of new therapies for the treatment of this disease.

Targeting epigenetic and post-translational modifications regulating pyroptosis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

Inflammatory diseases, including infectious diseases, diabetes-related diseases, arthritis-related diseases, neurological diseases, digestive diseases, and tumor, continue to threaten human health and impose a significant financial burden despite advancements in clinical treatment. Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory programmed cell death pathway, plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation. Moderate pyroptosis contributes to the activation of native immunity, whereas excessive pyroptosis is associated with the occurrence and progression of inflammation. Pyroptosis is complicated and tightly controlled by various factors. Accumulating evidence has confirmed that epigenetic modifications and post-translational modifications (PTMs) play vital roles in the regulation of pyroptosis. Epigenetic modifications, which include DNA methylation and histone modifications (such as methylation and acetylation), and post-translational modifications (such as ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and acetylation) precisely manipulate gene expression and protein functions at the transcriptional and post-translational levels, respectively. In this review, we summarize the major pathways of pyroptosis and focus on the regulatory roles and mechanisms of epigenetic and post-translational modifications of pyroptotic components. We also illustrate these within pyroptosis-associated inflammatory diseases. In addition, we discuss the effects of novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic and post-translational modifications on pyroptosis, and provide prospective insight into the regulation of pyroptosis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Molecular Organization and Regulation of the Mammalian Synapse by the Post-Translational Modification SUMOylation

Neurotransmission occurs within highly specialized compartments forming the active synapse where the complex organization and dynamics of the interactions are tightly orchestrated both in time and space. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are central to these spatiotemporal regulations to ensure an efficient synaptic transmission. SUMOylation is a dynamic PTM that modulates the interactions between proteins and consequently regulates the conformation, the distribution and the trafficking of the SUMO-target proteins. SUMOylation plays a crucial role in synapse formation and stabilization, as well as in the regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. In this review, we summarize the molecular consequences of this protein modification in the structural organization and function of the mammalian synapse. We also outline novel activity-dependent regulation and consequences of the SUMO process and explore how this protein modification can functionally participate in the compartmentalization of both pre- and post-synaptic sites.

SUMOylation effects on neural stem cells self-renewal, differentiation, and survival

SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) conjugation or SUMOylation, a post-translational modification, is a crucial regulator of protein function and cellular processes. In the context of neural stem cells (NSCs), SUMOylation has emerged as a key player, affecting their proliferation, differentiation, and survival. By modifying transcription factors, such as SOX1, SOX2, SOX3, SOX6, Bmi1, and Nanog, SUMOylation can either enhance or impair their transcriptional activity, thus impacting on NSCs self-renewal. Moreover, SUMOylation regulates neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation by modulating key proteins, such as Foxp1, Mecp2, MEF2A, and SOX10. SUMOylation is also crucial for the survival and proliferation of NSCs in both developing and adult brains. By regulating the activity of transcription factors, coactivators, and corepressors, SUMOylation acts as a molecular switch, inducing cofactor recruitment and function during development. Importantly, dysregulation of NSCs SUMOylation has been implicated in various disorders, including embryonic defects, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, glioma, and the harmful effects of benzophenone-3 exposure. Here we review the main findings on SUMOylation-mediated regulation of NSCs self-renewal, differentiation and survival. Better understanding NSCs SUMOylation mechanisms and its functional consequences might provide new strategies to promote neuronal differentiation that could contribute for the development of novel therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

Current Technologies Unraveling the Significance of Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs) as Crucial Players in Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease, are identified and characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and neuronal dysfunction, resulting in cognitive and motor impairment. Recent research has shown the importance of PTMs, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, nitration, truncation, O-GlcNAcylation, and hydroxylation, in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. PTMs can alter protein structure and function, affecting protein stability, localization, interactions, and enzymatic activity. Aberrant PTMs can lead to protein misfolding and aggregation, impaired degradation, and clearance, and ultimately, to neuronal dysfunction and death. The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the PTMs involved in neurodegeneration, their underlying mechanisms, methods to isolate PTMs, and the potential therapeutic targets for these disorders. The PTMs discussed in this article include tau phosphorylation, α-synuclein and Huntingtin ubiquitination, histone acetylation and methylation, and RNA modifications. Understanding the role of PTMs in neurodegenerative diseases may provide new therapeutic strategies for these devastating disorders.

In-silico Assessment of Polyherbal Oils as Anti-diabetic Therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels either due to insufficient insulin production, defective insulin action, or both. It affects nearly 537 million individuals worldwide. Pharmacological treatment involves the use of oral antidiabetic agents as mono or combination therapy that effectively aids in controlling hyperglycemia. Despite providing therapeutic benefits, these medications limit their use owing to adverse side effects. Certain natural products, including essential oils, have promising anti-diabetic properties.

OBJECTIVE

The present study explores the effectiveness of two polyherbal oils and their compound towards the treatment of DM based on an In-silico approach to drug investigations Methods: Compounds present in the polyherbal oil formulation were identified using GCMS/ MS analysis. Selected compounds undergo molecular docking with the receptor, and proteins play an important role in DM. The potential compounds showing higher interactions than the known inhibitors or inducers were evaluated using molecular dynamic simulations RMSD value.

RESULTS

The compounds identified through GC-MS analysis possess anti-diabetic and antiinflammatory properties. With the aid of in silico prediction methods, compounds such as geraniol, cinnamaldehyde, anethole, caryophyllene, terpinyl acetate, cymene, linalool, menthol, Phenol,2-methoxy-3-(2-propenyl), and 2,6- octadienal,3,7-dimethyl were identified as strong binders of GLUT4 and insulin receptor proteins. Geraniol and Phenol,2-methoxy-3-(2-propenyl) interaction with GLUT4 were of particular importance owing to their conformational stability.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest an agonistic effect of compounds on target proteins aiding in enhanced insulin activity and could serve as a potential anti-diabetic agent.

Post-Translational Modifications in Tau and Their Roles in Alzheimer's Pathology

Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau (also known as tau) has been shown to accumulate into paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, which are known hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Decades of research have shown that tau protein undergoes extensive post-translational modifications (PTMs), which can alter the protein's structure, function, and dynamics and impact the various properties such as solubility, aggregation, localization, and homeostasis. There is a vast amount of information describing the impact and role of different PTMs in AD pathology and neuroprotection. However, the complex interplay between these PTMs remains elusive. Therefore, in this review, we aim to comprehend the key post-translational modifications occurring in tau and summarize potential connections to clarify their impact on the physiology and pathophysiology of tau. Further, we describe how different computational modeling methods have helped in understanding the impact of PTMs on the structure and functions of the tau protein. Finally, we highlight the tau PTM-related therapeutics strategies that are explored for the development of AD therapy.

A novel cell-permeable peptide prevents protein SUMOylation and supports the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43

SUMOylation is a post-translational modification (PTM) that exerts a regulatory role in different cellular processes, including protein localization, aggregation, and biological activities. It consists of the dynamic formation of covalent isopeptide bonds between a family member of the Small Ubiquitin Like Modifiers (SUMOs) and the target proteins. Interestingly, it is a cellular mechanism implicated in several neurodegenerative pathologies and potentially it could become a new therapeutic target; however, there are very few pharmacological tools to modulate the SUMOylation process. In this study, we have designed and tested the activity of a novel small cell-permeable peptide, COV-1, in a neuroblastoma cell line that specifically prevents protein SUMOylation. COV-1 inhibits UBC9-protein target interaction and efficiently decreases global SUMO-1ylation. Moreover, it can perturb RanGAP-1 perinuclear localization by inducing the downregulation of UBC9. In parallel, we found that COV-1 causes an increase in the ubiquitin degradation system up to its engulfment while enhancing the autophagic flux. Surprisingly, COV-1 modifies protein aggregation, and specifically it mislocalizes TDP-43 within cells, inducing its aggregation and co-localization with SUMO-1. These data suggest that COV-1 could be taken into future consideration as an interesting pharmacological tool to study the cellular cascade effects of SUMOylation prevention.

SUMOylation Modulates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Levels and Acts as a Protective Mechanism in the Type 2 Model of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the prevalent type of peripheral neuropathy; it primarily impacts extremity nerves. Its multifaceted nature makes the molecular mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy intricate and incompletely elucidated. Several types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been implicated in the development and progression of DPN, including phosphorylation, glycation, acetylation and SUMOylation. SUMOylation involves the covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins to target proteins, and it plays a role in various cellular processes, including protein localization, stability, and function. While the specific relationship between high blood glucose and SUMOylation is not extensively studied, recent evidence implies its involvement in the development of DPN in type 1 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the impact of SUMOylation on the onset and progression of DPN in a type 2 diabetes model using genetically modified mutant mice lacking SUMOylation, specifically in peripheral sensory neurons (SNS-Ubc9-/-). Behavioural measurement for evoked pain, morphological analyses of nerve fibre loss in the epidermis, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and antioxidant molecules were analysed over several months in SUMOylation-deficient and control mice. Our longitudinal analysis at 30 weeks post-high-fat diet revealed that SNS-Ubc9-/- mice exhibited earlier and more pronounced thermal and mechanical sensation loss and accelerated intraepidermal nerve fibre loss compared to control mice. Mechanistically, these changes are associated with increased levels of ROS both in sensory neuronal soma and in peripheral axonal nerve endings in SNS-Ubc9-/- mice. In addition, we observed compromised detoxifying potential, impaired respiratory chain complexes, and reduced levels of protective lipids in sensory neurons upon deletion of SUMOylation in diabetic mice. Importantly, we also identified mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDH2) as a SUMOylation target, the activity of which is negatively regulated by SUMOylation. Our results indicate that SUMOylation is an essential neuroprotective mechanism in sensory neurons in type 2 diabetes, the deletion of which causes oxidative stress and an impaired respiratory chain, resulting in energy depletion and subsequent damage to sensory neurons.

Epigenetic modification in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Recent advance in genomics and epigenetics have revealed epigenetic mechanisms in PD. These epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and RNA-based mechanisms, which regulate cellular functions in almost all cells. Epigenetic alterations are involved in multiple aspects of neuronal development and neurodegeneration in PD. In this review, we discuss current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression and neural degeneration and then highlight emerging epigenetic targets and diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for treating or preventing PD.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Pain Chronicity

Chronic pain affects a significant amount of the population and is responsible for vast worldwide socio-economic costs [...].