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Prikas E, Paric E, Asih PR, Stefanoska K, Stefen H, Fath T, Poljak A, Ittner A. Tau target identification reveals NSF-dependent effects on AMPA receptor trafficking and memory formation. EMBO J 2022; 41:e10242. [PMID: 35993331 PMCID: PMC9475529 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein tau is a central factor in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. However, the physiological functions of tau are unclear. Here, we used proximity-labelling proteomics to chart tau interactomes in primary neurons and mouse brains in vivo. Tau interactors map onto pathways of cytoskeletal, synaptic vesicle and postsynaptic receptor regulation and show significant enrichment for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and prion disease. We find that tau interacts with and dose-dependently reduces the activity of N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein (NSF), a vesicular ATPase essential for AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) trafficking. Tau-deficient (tau-/- ) neurons showed mislocalised expression of NSF and enhanced synaptic AMPAR surface levels, reversible through the expression of human tau or inhibition of NSF. Consequently, enhanced AMPAR-mediated associative and object recognition memory in tau-/- mice is suppressed by both hippocampal tau and infusion with an NSF-inhibiting peptide. Pathologic mutant tau from mouse models or Alzheimer's disease significantly enhances NSF inhibition. Our results map neuronal tau interactomes and delineate a functional link of tau with NSF in plasticity-associated AMPAR-trafficking and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Prikas
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Esmeralda Paric
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Prita R Asih
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Holly Stefen
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Thomas Fath
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Anne Poljak
- Mark Wainwright Analytical CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
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2
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Stefanoska K, Gajwani M, Tan ARP, Ahel HI, Asih PR, Volkerling A, Poljak A, Ittner A. Alzheimer's disease: Ablating single master site abolishes tau hyperphosphorylation. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabl8809. [PMID: 35857446 PMCID: PMC9258953 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl8809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation of the neuronal tau protein is a hallmark of neurodegenerative tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease. A central unanswered question is why tau becomes progressively hyperphosphorylated. Here, we show that tau phosphorylation is governed by interdependence- a mechanistic link between initial site-specific and subsequent multi-site phosphorylation. Systematic assessment of site interdependence identified distinct residues (threonine-50, threonine-69, and threonine-181) as master sites that determine propagation of phosphorylation at multiple epitopes. CRISPR point mutation and expression of human tau in Alzheimer's mice showed that site interdependence governs physiologic and amyloid-associated multi-site phosphorylation and cognitive deficits, respectively. Combined targeting of master sites and p38α, the most central tau kinase linked to interdependence, synergistically ablated hyperphosphorylation. In summary, our work delineates how complex tau phosphorylation arises to inform therapeutic and biomarker design for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Stefanoska
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Corresponding author. (A.I.); (K.S.)
| | - Mehul Gajwani
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Health, Human and Medical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton,Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda R. P. Tan
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Holly I. Ahel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Human and Medical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Prita R. Asih
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alexander Volkerling
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anne Poljak
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Corresponding author. (A.I.); (K.S.)
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3
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Cespedes M, Jacobs KR, Maruff P, Rembach A, Fowler CJ, Trounson B, Pertile KK, Rumble RL, Rainey-Smithe SR, Rowe CC, Villemagne VL, Bourgeat P, Lim CK, Chatterjee P, Martins RN, Ittner A, Masters CL, Doecke JD, Guillemin GJ, Lovejoy DB. Systemic perturbations of the kynurenine pathway precede progression to dementia independently of amyloid-β. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Asih PR, Stefanoska K, Prikas E, Ittner A. High Level Forebrain Expression of Active Tau Kinase p38γ Exacerbates Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged APP-transgenic Alzheimer's Mice. Neuroscience 2022; 484:53-65. [PMID: 35031398 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Persistent improvement of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common form of dementia, is an unattained therapeutic objective. Gene therapy holds promise for treatment of familial and sporadic forms of AD. p38γ, a member of the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, inhibits amyloid-β toxicity through regulation of tau phosphorylation. We recently showed that a gene delivery approach increasing p38γ resulted in markedly better learning and memory performance in mouse models of AD at advanced stages of amyloid-β- and tau-mediated cognitive impairment. Notably, low-to-moderate expression of p38γ had beneficial outcomes on cognition. The impact of high levels of p38γ on neuronal function remain unclear. Therefore, we addressed the outcomes of high levels of active p38γ on brain function, by direct injection of p38γ-encoding adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the forebrain of aged mice of an APP transgenic AD mouse model. While motor function in p38γ-expressing APP transgenic mice 2 months post-injection was comparable to control treated APP mice, their activity was markedly reduced in the open field test and included frequent bouts of immobility. Moreover, their learning and memory function was markedly impaired compared to control-treated aged APP mice. These results suggest that high neuronal levels of active p38γ emphasize a stress kinase role of p38γ, perturbing circuit function in motivation, navigation, and spatial learning. Overall, this work shows excessive neuronal p38γ levels can aggravate circuit dysfunction and advises adjustable expression systems will be required for sustainable AD gene therapy based on p38γ activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prita R Asih
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Prikas
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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Prikas E, Ahel H, Stefanoska K, Asih PR, Volkerling A, Ittner LM, Ittner A. Interaction between the guanylate kinase domain of PSD-95 and the proline-rich region and microtubule binding repeats 2 and 3 of tau. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 99:606-616. [PMID: 33794133 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is a key factor in neurodegenerative proteinopathies and is predominantly found in the neuronal axon. However, somatodendritic localization of tau occurs for a subset of pathological and physiologic tau. Dendritic tau can localize to post-synapses where it interacts with proteins of the post-synaptic density (PSD) protein PSD-95, a membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) scaffold factor for organization of protein complexes within the PSD, to mediate downstream signals. The sub-molecular details of this interaction, however, remain unclear. Here, we use interaction mapping in cultured cells to demonstrate that tau interacts with the guanylate kinase (GUK) domain in the C-terminal region of PSD-95. The PSD-95 GUK domain is required and sufficient for a complex with full-length human tau. Mapping the interaction of the MAGUK core on tau revealed the microtubule binding repeats 2 and 3 and the proline-rich region contribute to this interaction, while the N- and C-terminal regions of tau inhibit interaction. These results reveal intramolecular determinants of the protein complex of tau and PSD-95 and increase our understanding of tau interactions regulating neurotoxic signaling at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Prikas
- Macquarie University, 7788, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Holly Ahel
- Macquarie University, 7788, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
| | | | | | | | - Lars M Ittner
- Macquarie University, 7788, Biomedical Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Arne Ittner
- Macquarie University, 7788, Biomedical Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
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6
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Przybyla M, van Eersel J, van Hummel A, van der Hoven J, Sabale M, Harasta A, Müller J, Gajwani M, Prikas E, Mueller T, Stevens CH, Power J, Housley GD, Karl T, Kassiou M, Ke YD, Ittner A, Ittner LM. Onset of hippocampal network aberration and memory deficits in P301S tau mice are associated with an early gene signature. Brain 2021; 143:1889-1904. [PMID: 32375177 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation and deposition of tau in the brain characterizes frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Disease-associated mutations in the tau-encoding MAPT gene have enabled the generation of transgenic mouse models that recapitulate aspects of human neurodegenerative diseases, including tau hyperphosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangle formation. Here, we characterized the effects of transgenic P301S mutant human tau expression on neuronal network function in the murine hippocampus. Onset of progressive spatial learning deficits in P301S tau transgenic TAU58/2 mice were paralleled by long-term potentiation deficits and neuronal network aberrations during electrophysiological and EEG recordings. Gene-expression profiling just prior to onset of apparent deficits in TAU58/2 mice revealed a signature of immediate early genes that is consistent with neuronal network hypersynchronicity. We found that the increased immediate early gene activity was confined to neurons harbouring tau pathology, providing a cellular link between aberrant tau and network dysfunction. Taken together, our data suggest that tau pathology drives neuronal network dysfunction through hyperexcitation of individual, pathology-harbouring neurons, thereby contributing to memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Janet van Eersel
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Annika van Hummel
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia van der Hoven
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Miheer Sabale
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Harasta
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Julius Müller
- Genome Informatics at Molecular Health GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mehul Gajwani
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Prikas
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire H Stevens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong and the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - John Power
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yazi D Ke
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia
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7
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Kreilaus F, Masanetz R, Watt G, Przybyla M, Ittner A, Ittner L, Karl T. The behavioural phenotype of 14-month-old female TAU58/2 transgenic mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 397:112943. [PMID: 33017638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit intracellular inclusions [neurofibrillary tangles (NFT's)] of microtubule-associated protein tau that contributes to neuronal dysfunction and death. Mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene leads to tau hyperphosphorylation and promotes NFT formation. The TAU58/2 transgenic mouse model expresses mutant human tau (P301S mutation) and exhibits behavioural abnormalities relevant to dementia in early adulthood. Here we comprehensively determined the behavioural phenotype of TAU58/2 transgenic female mice at 14 months of age using test paradigms relevant to FTD and AD. TAU58/2 females showed a significant motor deficit and lower bodyweight compared to WT littermates. Transgenic females failed to habituate to the test arena in the light-dark test. Interestingly, transgenics did not exhibit an anxiolytic-like phenotype and intermediate-term spatial learning in the cheeseboard test was intact. However, a significant learning deficit was detected in the 1st trial across test days indicating impaired long-term spatial memory. In addition, the preference for a previously rewarded location was absent in transgenic females during probe trial testing. Finally, TAU58/2 mice had a defective acoustic startle response and impaired sensorimotor gating. In conclusion TAU58/2 mice exhibit several behavioural deficits that resemble those observed in human FTD and AD. Additionally, we observed a novel startle response deficit in these mice. At 14 months of age, TAU58/2 females represent a later disease stage and are therefore a potentially useful model to test efficacy of therapeutics to reverse or ameliorate behavioural deficits in post-onset tauopapthy-related neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kreilaus
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Rebecca Masanetz
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, Hochschule Furtwangen University, 78054 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Georgia Watt
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Lars Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), NSW 2031, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia.
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8
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Asih PR, Prikas E, Stefanoska K, Tan ARP, Ahel HI, Ittner A. Functions of p38 MAP Kinases in the Central Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:570586. [PMID: 33013322 PMCID: PMC7509416 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.570586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are a central component in signaling networks in a multitude of mammalian cell types. This review covers recent advances on specific functions of p38 MAP kinases in cells of the central nervous system. Unique and specific functions of the four mammalian p38 kinases are found in all major cell types in the brain. Mechanisms of p38 activation and downstream phosphorylation substrates in these different contexts are outlined and how they contribute to functions of p38 in physiological and under disease conditions. Results in different model organisms demonstrated that p38 kinases are involved in cognitive functions, including functions related to anxiety, addiction behavior, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration, and decision making. Finally, the role of p38 kinases in psychiatric and neurological conditions and the current progress on therapeutic inhibitors targeting p38 kinases are covered and implicate p38 kinases in a multitude of CNS-related physiological and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prita R Asih
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Prikas
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda R P Tan
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Holly I Ahel
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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9
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Ittner A, Asih PR, Tan ARP, Prikas E, Bertz J, Stefanoska K, Lin Y, Volkerling AM, Ke YD, Delerue F, Ittner LM. Reduction of advanced tau-mediated memory deficits by the MAP kinase p38γ. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 140:279-294. [PMID: 32725265 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02191-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation of the neuronal tau protein contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by promoting tau pathology and neuronal and cognitive deficits. In contrast, we have previously shown that site-specific tau phosphorylation can inhibit toxic signals induced by amyloid-β (Aβ) in mouse models. The post-synaptic mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase p38γ mediates this site-specific phosphorylation on tau at Threonine-205 (T205). Using a gene therapeutic approach, we draw on this neuroprotective mechanism to improve memory in two Aβ-dependent mouse models of AD at stages when advanced memory deficits are present. Increasing activity of post-synaptic kinase p38γ that targets T205 in tau reduced memory deficits in symptomatic Aβ-induced AD models. Reconstitution experiments with wildtype human tau or phosphorylation-deficient tauT205A showed that T205 modification is critical for downstream effects of p38γ that prevent memory impairment in APP-transgenic mice. Furthermore, genome editing of the T205 codon in the murine Mapt gene showed that this single side chain in endogenous tau critically modulates memory deficits in APP-transgenic Alzheimer's mice. Ablating the protective effect of p38γ activity by genetic p38γ deletion in a tau transgenic mouse model that expresses non-pathogenic tau rendered tau toxic and resulted in impaired memory function in the absence of human Aβ. Thus, we propose that modulating neuronal p38γ activity serves as an intrinsic tau-dependent therapeutic approach to augment compromised cognition in advanced dementia.
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10
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van der Hoven J, van Hummel A, Przybyla M, Asih PR, Gajwani M, Feiten AF, Ke YD, Ittner A, van Eersel J, Ittner LM. Contribution of endogenous antibodies to learning deficits and astrocytosis in human P301S mutant tau transgenic mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13845. [PMID: 32796905 PMCID: PMC7428012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70845-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have been explored extensively as a potential therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease, where amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and the tau protein deposit in patient brains. While the major focus of antibody-based therapy development was on Aβ, arguably with limited success in clinical trials, targeting tau has become an emerging strategy, possibly extending therapies to dementias with isolated tau pathology. Interestingly, low titres of autoantibodies to pathological tau have been described in humans and transgenic mouse models, but their pathophysiological relevance remained elusive. Here, we used two independent approaches to deplete the B-cell lineage and hence antibody formation in human P301S mutant tau transgenic mice, TAU58/2. TAU58/2 mice were either crossed with the B-cell-deficient Ighm knockout line (muMT−/−) or treated with anti-CD20 antibodies that target B-cell precursors. In both models, B-cell depletion significantly reduced astrocytosis in TAU58/2 mice. Only when B-cells were absent throughout life, in TAU58/2.muMT−/− mice, were spatial learning deficits moderately aggravated while motor performance improved as compared to B-cell-competent TAU58/2 mice. This was associated with changes in brain region-specific tau solubility. No other relevant behavioural or neuropathological changes were observed in TAU58/2 mice in the absence of B-cells/antibodies. Taken together, our data suggests that the presence of antibodies throughout life contributes to astrocytosis in TAU58/2 mice and limits learning deficits, while other deficits and neuropathological changes appear to be independent of the presence of B-cells/antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia van der Hoven
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Annika van Hummel
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Prita R Asih
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Mehul Gajwani
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Astrid F Feiten
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Yazi D Ke
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Janet van Eersel
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia. .,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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11
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Watt G, Chesworth R, Przybyla M, Ittner A, Garner B, Ittner LM, Karl T. Chronic cannabidiol (CBD) treatment did not exhibit beneficial effects in 4-month-old male TAU58/2 transgenic mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 196:172970. [PMID: 32562718 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline, motor impairments, and accumulation of hallmark proteins, amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau. Traditionally, transgenic mouse models for AD have focused on Aβ pathology, however, recently a number of tauopathy transgenic models have been developed, including the TAU58/2 transgenic model. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-toxic constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been shown to prevent and reverse cognitive deficits in Aβ transgenic mouse models of AD. Importantly, the therapeutic properties of CBD on the behavioural phenotype of tauopathy mouse models have not been investigated. We assessed the impact of chronic CBD treatment (i.e. 50 mg/kg CBD i.p. administration starting 3 weeks prior to behavioural assessments) on disease-relevant behaviours of 4-month-old TAU58/2 transgenic males in paradigms for anxiety, motor functions, and cognition. TAU58/2 transgenic males demonstrated reduced body weight, anxiety and impaired motor functions. Furthermore, they demonstrated increased freezing in fear conditioning compared to wild type-like animals. Interestingly, both sociability and social recognition memory were intact in AD transgenic mice. Chronic CBD treatment did not affect behavioural changes in transgenic males. In summary, 4-month-old TAU58/2 transgenic males exhibited no deficits in social recognition memory, suggesting that motor deficits and changes in anxiety at this age do not impact on social domains. The moderate increase in fear-associated memory needs further investigation but could be related to differences in fear extinction. Future investigations will need to clarify CBD's therapeutic potential for reversing motor deficits in TAU58/2 transgenic mice by considering alternative CBD treatment designs including changed CBD dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Watt
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Brett Garner
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, Australia.
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12
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Prikas E, Poljak A, Ittner A. Mapping p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling by proximity-dependent labeling. Protein Sci 2020; 29:1196-1210. [PMID: 32189389 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling is central to multiple cellular responses and processes. MAP kinase p38α is the best characterized member of the p38 MAP kinase family. Upstream factors and downstream targets of p38α have been identified in the past by conventional methods such as coimmunoprecipitation. However, a complete picture of its interaction partners and substrates in cells is lacking. Here, we employ a proximity-dependent labeling approach using biotinylation tagging to map the interactome of p38α in cultured 293T cells. Fusing the advanced biotin ligase BioID2 to the N-terminus of p38α, we used mass spectrometry to identify 37 biotin-labeled proteins that putatively interact with p38α. Gene ontology analysis confirms known upstream and downstream factors in the p38 MAP kinase cascade (e.g., MKK3, MAPKAPK2, TAB2, and c-jun). We furthermore identify a cluster of zinc finger (ZnF) domain-containing proteins that is significantly enriched among proximity-labeled interactors and is involved in gene transcription and DNA damage response. Fluorescence imaging and coimmunoprecipitation with overexpressed p38α in cells supports an interaction of p38α with ZnF protein XPA, a key factor in the DNA damage response, that is promoted by UV irradiation. These results define an extensive network of interactions of p38α in cells and new direct molecular targets of MAP kinase p38α in gene regulation and the DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Prikas
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anne Poljak
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Watt G, Przybyla M, Zak V, van Eersel J, Ittner A, Ittner LM, Karl T. Novel Behavioural Characteristics of Male Human P301S Mutant Tau Transgenic Mice - A Model for Tauopathy. Neuroscience 2020; 431:166-175. [PMID: 32058066 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive cognitive decline and the accumulation of two hallmark proteins, amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau. Traditionally, transgenic mouse models for AD have generally focused on Aβ pathology, however, in recent years a number of tauopathy transgenic mouse models have been developed, including the TAU58/2 mouse model. These mice develop tau pathology and neurofibrillary tangles from 2 months of age and show motor impairments and alterations in the behavioural response to elevated plus maze (EPM) testing. The cognitive and social phenotype of this model has not yet been assessed comprehensively. Furthermore, the behavioural changes seen in the EPM have previously been linked to both anxiety and disinhibitory phenotypes. Thus, this study assessed 4-month-old TAU58/2 males comprehensively for disinhibitory and social behaviours, social recognition memory, and sensorimotor gating. TAU58/2 males demonstrated reduced exploration and anxiety-like behaviours but no changes to disinhibitory behaviours, reduced sociability in the social preference test and impaired acoustic startle and prepulse inhibition. Aggressive and socio-positive behaviours were not affected except a reduction in the occurrence of nosing and anogenital sniffing. Our study identified new phenotypic characteristics of young adult male TAU58/2 transgenic mice and clarified the nature of changes detected in the behavioural response of these mice to EPM testing. Social withdrawal and inappropriate social behaviours are common symptoms in both AD and FTD patients and impaired sensorimotor gating is seen in moderate-late stage AD, emphasising the relevance of the TAU58/2 model to these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Watt
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Valeria Zak
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Janet van Eersel
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, Australia.
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14
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Ke YD, Chan G, Stefanoska K, Au C, Bi M, Müller J, Przybyla M, Feiten A, Prikas E, Halliday GM, Piguet O, Kiernan MC, Kassiou M, Hodges JR, Loy CT, Mattick JS, Ittner A, Kril JJ, Sutherland GT, Ittner LM. CNS cell type-specific gene profiling of P301S tau transgenic mice identifies genes dysregulated by progressive tau accumulation. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:14149-14162. [PMID: 31366728 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau undergoes aberrant modification resulting in insoluble brain deposits in various neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. Tau aggregates can form in different cell types of the central nervous system (CNS) but are most prevalent in neurons. We have previously recapitulated aspects of human FTD in mouse models by overexpressing mutant human tau in CNS neurons, including a P301S tau variant in TAU58/2 mice, characterized by early-onset and progressive behavioral deficits and FTD-like neuropathology. The molecular mechanisms underlying the functional deficits of TAU58/2 mice remain mostly elusive. Here, we employed functional genomics (i.e. RNAseq) to determine differentially expressed genes in young and aged TAU58/2 mice to identify alterations in cellular processes that may contribute to neuropathy. We identified genes in cortical brain samples differentially regulated between young and old TAU58/2 mice relative to nontransgenic littermates and by comparative analysis with a dataset of CNS cell type-specific genes expressed in nontransgenic mice. Most differentially-regulated genes had known or putative roles in neurons and included presynaptic and excitatory genes. Specifically, we observed changes in presynaptic factors, glutamatergic signaling, and protein scaffolding. Moreover, in the aged mice, expression levels of several genes whose expression was annotated to occur in other brain cell types were altered. Immunoblotting and immunostaining of brain samples from the TAU58/2 mice confirmed altered expression and localization of identified and network-linked proteins. Our results have revealed genes dysregulated by progressive tau accumulation in an FTD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazi D Ke
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Gabriella Chan
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Carol Au
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Mian Bi
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Julius Müller
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Astrid Feiten
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Prikas
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and Its Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia.,Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia
| | - John R Hodges
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia
| | - Clement T Loy
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - John S Mattick
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Jillian J Kril
- Charles Perkins Centre and Discipline of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia
| | - Greg T Sutherland
- Charles Perkins Centre and Discipline of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2005, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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15
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Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) are key players in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ and tau are linked in a molecular pathway at the post-synapse with tau-dependent synaptic dysfunction being a major pathomechanism in AD. Recent work on site-specific modification of dendritic and more specifically post-synaptic tau has revealed new endogenous functions of tau that limits synaptic Aβ toxicity. Thus, molecular studies opened a new perspective on tau, placing it at the center of neurotoxic and neuroprotective signaling at the post-synapse. Here, we review recent advances on tau in the dendritic compartments, with implications for understanding and treatment of AD and related neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia; Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
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16
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Tan DCS, Yao S, Ittner A, Bertz J, Ke YD, Ittner LM, Delerue F. Generation of a New Tau Knockout (tauΔex1) Line Using CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing in Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 62:571-578. [PMID: 29480201 DOI: 10.3233/jad-171058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias present with tau pathology. Several mouse lines with knockout of the tau-encoding Mapt gene have been reported, yet findings often differed between lines and sites. Here, we report a new tau knockout strain (tauΔex1), generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing of intron -1/exon 1 of Mapt in C57Bl/6J mice. TauΔex1 mice had no overt phenotype, but, in line with previous models, they showed a significantly reduced susceptibility to excitotoxic seizures, with normal memory formation in young mice. This new in vivo resource will be made freely available to the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C S Tan
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Transgenic Animal Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sherilyn Yao
- Transgenic Animal Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Josefine Bertz
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yazi D Ke
- Motor Neuron Disease Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Transgenic Animal Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Transgenic Animal Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Stefanoska K, Bertz J, Volkerling AM, van der Hoven J, Ittner LM, Ittner A. Neuronal MAP kinase p38α inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase to modulate anxiety-related behaviour. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14296. [PMID: 30250211 PMCID: PMC6155170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of behavioural responses by neuronal signalling pathways remains incompletely understood. Signalling via mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades regulates multiple neuronal functions. Here, we show that neuronal p38α, a MAP kinase of the p38 kinase family, has a critical and specific role in modulating anxiety-related behaviour in mice. Neuron-specific p38α-knockout mice show increased levels of anxiety in behaviour tests, yet no other behavioural, cognitive or motor deficits. Using CRISPR-mediated deletion of p38α in cells, we show that p38α inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, a function that is specific to p38α over other p38 kinases. Consistently, brains of neuron-specific p38α-knockout mice show increased JNK activity. Inhibiting JNK using a specific blood-brain barrier-permeable inhibitor reduces JNK activity in brains of p38α-knockout mice to physiological levels and reverts anxiety behaviour. Thus, our results suggest that neuronal p38α negatively regulates JNK activity that is required for specific modulation of anxiety-related behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Stefanoska
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Josefine Bertz
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Alexander M Volkerling
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Julia van der Hoven
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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18
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Stefanoska K, Volkerling A, Bertz J, Poljak A, Ke YD, Ittner LM, Ittner A. An N-terminal motif unique to primate tau enables differential protein-protein interactions. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:3710-3719. [PMID: 29382714 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.001784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared with other mammalian species, humans are particularly susceptible to tau-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. Differential interactions of the tau protein with other proteins are critical for mediating tau's physiological functions as well as tau-associated pathological processes. Primate tau harbors an 11-amino acid-long motif in its N-terminal region (residues 18-28), which is not present in non-primate species and whose function is unknown. Here, we used deletion mutagenesis to remove this sequence region from the longest human tau isoform, followed by glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays paired with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) multiplex labeling, a quantitative method to measure protein abundance by mass spectrometry. Using this method, we found that the primate-specific N-terminal tau motif differentially mediates interactions with neuronal proteins. Among these binding partners are proteins involved in synaptic transmission (synapsin-1 and synaptotagmin-1) and signaling proteins of the 14-3-3 family. Furthermore, we identified an interaction of tau with a member of the annexin family (annexin A5) that was linked to the 11-residue motif. These results suggest that primate Tau has evolved specific residues that differentially regulate protein-protein interactions compared with tau proteins from other non-primate mammalian species. Our findings provide in vitro insights into tau's interactions with other proteins that may be relevant to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josefine Bertz
- From the Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences
| | - Anne Poljak
- the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, and
| | - Yazi D Ke
- the Motor Neuron Disease Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052 and
| | - Lars M Ittner
- From the Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, .,Neuroscience Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- From the Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences
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19
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Ittner A. [P4–093]: SITE‐SPECIFIC PHOSPHORYLATION OF TAU INHIBITS AMYLOID‐β TOXICITY IN ALZHEIMER's MICE. Alzheimers Dement 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.06.1958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
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20
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Ittner A, Chua SW, Bertz J, Volkerling A, van der Hoven J, Gladbach A, Przybyla M, Bi M, van Hummel A, Stevens CH, Ippati S, Suh LS, Macmillan A, Sutherland G, Kril JJ, Silva APG, Mackay JP, Poljak A, Delerue F, Ke YD, Ittner LM. Site-specific phosphorylation of tau inhibits amyloid-β toxicity in Alzheimer's mice. Science 2017; 354:904-908. [PMID: 27856911 DOI: 10.1126/science.aah6205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered to be mediated by phosphorylated tau protein. In contrast, we found that, at least in early disease, site-specific phosphorylation of tau inhibited Aβ toxicity. This specific tau phosphorylation was mediated by the neuronal p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase p38γ and interfered with postsynaptic excitotoxic signaling complexes engaged by Aβ. Accordingly, depletion of p38γ exacerbated neuronal circuit aberrations, cognitive deficits, and premature lethality in a mouse model of AD, whereas increasing the activity of p38γ abolished these deficits. Furthermore, mimicking site-specific tau phosphorylation alleviated Aβ-induced neuronal death and offered protection from excitotoxicity. Our work provides insights into postsynaptic processes in AD pathogenesis and challenges a purely pathogenic role of tau phosphorylation in neuronal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Sook Wern Chua
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Josefine Bertz
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Alexander Volkerling
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Julia van der Hoven
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Amadeus Gladbach
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Mian Bi
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Annika van Hummel
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,Motor Neuron Disease Unit, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Claire H Stevens
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Stefania Ippati
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Lisa S Suh
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Alexander Macmillan
- Biomedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Greg Sutherland
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Jillian J Kril
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Ana P G Silva
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Joel P Mackay
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Anne Poljak
- Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,Transgenic Animal Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Yazi D Ke
- Motor Neuron Disease Unit, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia. .,Transgenic Animal Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
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21
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Moir M, Chua SW, Reekie T, Martin AD, Ittner A, Ittner LM, Kassiou M. Ring-opened aminothienopyridazines as novel tau aggregation inhibitors. Medchemcomm 2017; 8:1275-1282. [PMID: 30108838 PMCID: PMC6072427 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00306k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aminothienopyridazines (ATPZs) have demonstrated efficacy, in vitro, as tau protein aggregation inhibitors. Modifications were made to the ATPZ scaffold to determine the importance of certain structural features for activity. More specifically, ring-opened analogues detached at the nitrogen-nitrogen bond of the pyridazine, were synthesized and their inhibitory activity evaluated. Preliminary data suggests that the ring-opened structures retain inhibitory activity, independent of tau oxidation. The structures detailed represent the beginnings of a deconstruction-reconstruction-elaboration study, with the aim of identifying simpler scaffolds, which retain activity and can be optimized in terms of physiochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moir
- School of Chemistry , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia .
| | - S W Chua
- Dementia Research Unit , School of Medical Sciences , Faculty of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - T Reekie
- School of Chemistry , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia .
| | - A D Martin
- Dementia Research Unit , School of Medical Sciences , Faculty of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
- School of Chemistry , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - A Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit , School of Medical Sciences , Faculty of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - L M Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit , School of Medical Sciences , Faculty of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Sydney , NSW 2052 , Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia , Sydney , NSW 2031 , Australia
| | - M Kassiou
- School of Chemistry , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia .
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22
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Ahmed RM, Devenney EM, Irish M, Ittner A, Naismith S, Ittner LM, Rohrer JD, Halliday GM, Eisen A, Hodges JR, Kiernan MC. Neuronal network disintegration: common pathways linking neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:1234-1241. [PMID: 27172939 PMCID: PMC5099318 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-308350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration refers to a heterogeneous group of brain disorders that progressively evolve. It has been increasingly appreciated that many neurodegenerative conditions overlap at multiple levels and therefore traditional clinicopathological correlation approaches to better classify a disease have met with limited success. Neuronal network disintegration is fundamental to neurodegeneration, and concepts based around such a concept may better explain the overlap between their clinical and pathological phenotypes. In this Review, promoters of overlap in neurodegeneration incorporating behavioural, cognitive, metabolic, motor, and extrapyramidal presentations will be critically appraised. In addition, evidence that may support the existence of large-scale networks that might be contributing to phenotypic differentiation will be considered across a neurodegenerative spectrum. Disintegration of neuronal networks through different pathological processes, such as prion-like spread, may provide a better paradigm of disease and thereby facilitate the identification of novel therapies for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah M Ahmed
- Sydney Medical School Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Neuroscience Research Australia, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma M Devenney
- Sydney Medical School Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Neuroscience Research Australia, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Muireann Irish
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia School of Psychology, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Faculty of Medicine, Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharon Naismith
- School of Psychology, Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Faculty of Medicine, Dementia Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Eisen
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John R Hodges
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Sydney Medical School Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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van Hummel A, Bi M, Ippati S, van der Hoven J, Volkerling A, Lee WS, Tan DCS, Bongers A, Ittner A, Ke YD, Ittner LM. No Overt Deficits in Aged Tau-Deficient C57Bl/6.Mapttm1(EGFP)Kit GFP Knockin Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163236. [PMID: 27736877 PMCID: PMC5063411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mouse lines with knockout of the tau-encoding MAPT gene have been reported in the past; they received recent attention due to reports that tau reduction prevented Aβ-induced deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the effects of long-term depletion of tau in vivo remained controversial. Here, we used the tau-deficient GFP knockin line Mapttm1(EGFP)kit on a pure C57Bl/6 background and subjected a large cohort of males and females to a range of motor, memory and behavior tests and imaging analysis, at the advanced age of over 16 months. Neither heterozygous nor homozygous Mapttm1(EGFP)kit mice presented with deficits or abnormalities compared to wild-type littermates. Differences to reports using other tau knockout models may be due to different genetic backgrounds, respective gene targeting strategies or other confounding factors, such as nutrition. To this end, we report no functional or morphological deficits upon tau reduction or depletion in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika van Hummel
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mian Bi
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stefania Ippati
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia van der Hoven
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Volkerling
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wei S. Lee
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel C. S. Tan
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Bongers
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, Mark Wainright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yazi D. Ke
- Motor Neuron Disease Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
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24
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Przybyla M, Stevens CH, van der Hoven J, Harasta A, Bi M, Ittner A, van Hummel A, Hodges JR, Piguet O, Karl T, Kassiou M, Housley GD, Ke YD, Ittner LM, van Eersel J. Disinhibition-like behavior in a P301S mutant tau transgenic mouse model of frontotemporal dementia. Neurosci Lett 2016; 631:24-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Ittner A, Bertz J, Suh LS, Stevens CH, Götz J, Ittner LM. Tau-targeting passive immunization modulates aspects of pathology in tau transgenic mice. J Neurochem 2014; 132:135-45. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit; School of Medical Sciences; The University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
- Brain & Mind Research Institute; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Josefine Bertz
- Dementia Research Unit; School of Medical Sciences; The University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
- Brain & Mind Research Institute; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Lisa S. Suh
- Dementia Research Unit; School of Medical Sciences; The University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Claire H. Stevens
- Dementia Research Unit; School of Medical Sciences; The University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Brain & Mind Research Institute; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research; Queensland Brain Institute; University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld. Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit; School of Medical Sciences; The University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
- Brain & Mind Research Institute; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia; Sydney NSW Australia
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26
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Ittner A, Block H, Reichel CA, Varjosalo M, Gehart H, Sumara G, Gstaiger M, Krombach F, Zarbock A, Ricci R. Regulation of PTEN activity by p38d-PKD1 signaling in neutrophils confers inflammatory responses in the lung. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 2012. [DOI: 10.1083/jcb1994oia6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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27
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Ittner A, Block H, Reichel CA, Varjosalo M, Gehart H, Sumara G, Gstaiger M, Krombach F, Zarbock A, Ricci R. Regulation of PTEN activity by p38δ-PKD1 signaling in neutrophils confers inflammatory responses in the lung. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 209:2229-46. [PMID: 23129748 PMCID: PMC3501357 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20120677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Deletion of p38 MAP kinase p38 d results in decreased alveolar neutrophil accumulation and attenuation of acute lung injury through activation of protein kinase D1 and PTEN. Despite their role in resolving inflammatory insults, neutrophils trigger inflammation-induced acute lung injury (ALI), culminating in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a frequent complication with high mortality in humans. Molecular mechanisms underlying recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation remain poorly understood. Here, we show that p38 MAP kinase p38δ is required for recruitment of neutrophils into inflammatory sites. Global and myeloid-restricted deletion of p38δ in mice results in decreased alveolar neutrophil accumulation and attenuation of ALI. p38δ counteracts the activity of its downstream target protein kinase D1 (PKD1) in neutrophils and myeloid-restricted inactivation of PKD1 leads to exacerbated lung inflammation. Importantly, p38δ and PKD1 conversely regulate PTEN activity in neutrophils, thereby controlling their extravasation and chemotaxis. PKD1 phosphorylates p85α to enhance its interaction with PTEN, leading to polarized PTEN activity, thereby regulating neutrophil migration. Thus, aberrant p38δ–PKD1 signaling in neutrophils may underlie development of ALI and life-threatening ARDS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Ittner
- Institute of Cell Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Abstract
With populations ageing worldwide, the need for treating and preventing diseases associated with high age is pertinent. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is reaching epidemic proportions, yet the currently available therapies are limited to a symptomatic relief, without halting the degenerative process that characterizes the AD brain. As in AD cholinergic neurons are lost at high numbers, the initial strategies were limited to the development of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and more recently the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine, in counteracting excitotoxicity. With the identification of the protein tau in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and of the peptide amyloid-β (Aβ) in extracellular amyloid plaques in the AD brain, and a better understanding of their role in disease, newer strategies are emerging, which aim at either preventing their formation and deposition or at accelerating their clearance. Interestingly, what is well established to combat viral diseases in peripheral organs - vaccination - seems to work for the brain as well. Accordingly, immunization strategies targeting Aβ show efficacy in mice and to some degree also in humans. Even more surprising is the finding in mice that immunization strategies targeting tau, a protein that forms aggregates in nerve cells, ameliorates the tau-associated pathology. We are reviewing the literature and discuss what can be expected regarding the translation into clinical practice and how the findings can be extended to other neurodegenerative diseases with protein aggregation in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Götz
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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29
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Ittner A, Bi M, Götz J, Ittner L. P3‐325: Vaccination against tau impedes progression of neurofibrillary histopathology in aged P301L tau transgenic mice. Alzheimers Dement 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2012.05.1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mian Bi
- University of SydneySydneyAustralia
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30
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Gladbach A, Ke Y, Ittner A, Ittner L. P3‐015: Tau‐dependent immediate early genes. Alzheimers Dement 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2012.05.1233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yazi Ke
- The University of SydneyCamperdownAustralia
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31
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Bi M, Ittner A, Ke YD, Götz J, Ittner LM. Tau-targeted immunization impedes progression of neurofibrillary histopathology in aged P301L tau transgenic mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26860. [PMID: 22174735 PMCID: PMC3234245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains, the microtubule-associated protein tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) deposit as intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and extracellular plaques, respectively. Tau deposits are furthermore found in a significant number of frontotemporal dementia cases. These diseases are characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, the loss of intellectual capabilities and behavioral changes. Unfortunately, the currently available therapies are limited to symptomatic relief. While active immunization against Aβ has shown efficacy in both various AD mouse models and patients with AD, immunization against pathogenic tau has only recently been shown to prevent pathology in young tau transgenic mice. However, if translated to humans, diagnosis and treatment would be routinely done when symptoms are overt, meaning that the histopathological changes have already progressed. Therefore, we used active immunization to target pathogenic tau in 4, 8, and 18 months-old P301L tau transgenic pR5 mice that have an onset of NFT pathology at 6 months of age. In all age groups, NFT pathology was significantly reduced in treated compared to control pR5 mice. Similarly, phosphorylation of tau at pathological sites was reduced. In addition, increased astrocytosis was found in the oldest treated group. Taken together, our data suggests that tau-targeted immunization slows the progression of NFT pathology in mice, with practical implications for human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Bi
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yazi D. Ke
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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32
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Ittner A, Ke YD, Eersel JV, Gladbach A, Götz J, Ittner LM. Brief update on different roles of tau in neurodegeneration. IUBMB Life 2011; 63:495-502. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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33
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Attems J, Ittner A, Jellinger K, Nitsch RM, Maj M, Wagner L, Götz J, Heikenwalder M. Reduced secretagogin expression in the hippocampus of P301L tau transgenic mice. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2011; 118:737-45. [PMID: 21442354 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathological features in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) include the presence of hyperphosphorylated forms of the microtubule-associated tau protein (tau) in hippocampal neurones. Numerous studies indicate a neuroprotective effect of calcium-binding proteins (Ca2+ binding proteins) in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., AD). Secretagogin is a newly described Ca2+ binding protein that is produced by pyramidal neurones of the human hippocampus. Recently, secretagogin expressing hippocampal neurones were demonstrated to resist tau-induced pathology in AD in contrast to the majority of neighbouring neurones. This suggested a neuroprotective effect of secretagogin in hippocampal neurones. Here, we investigated secretagogin expression in wild type (wt) mice as well as in hemizygous and homozygous P301L tau transgenic (tg) mice, which show pronounced and widespread tau pathology in hippocampal neurones. Secretagogin expression was analyzed at the immunohistochemical and biochemical levels in brains of age-matched wt and hemi- and homozygous tau tg mice. In wt mice hippocampal secretagogin-immunoreactive neurones were invariably detected, while immunoreactivity was much lower (P < 0.001) in tau tg mice. Of note, hippocampal secretagogin immunoreactivity was absent in 62.5% of homozygous tau tg mice. In line with this finding, Western blot analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in protein expression levels of secretagogin in homozygous tau tg compared to wt mice. Our results suggest that increased levels of tau negatively influence secretagogin expression in the hippocampus of tau tg mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Attems
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Wolfson Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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34
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Gehart H, Kumpf S, Ittner A, Ricci R. MAPK signalling in cellular metabolism: stress or wellness? EMBO Rep 2010; 11:834-40. [PMID: 20930846 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2010.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling occurs in response to almost any change in the extracellular or intracellular milieu that affects the metabolism of the cell, organ or the entire organism. MAPK-dependent signal transduction is required for physiological metabolic adaptation, but inappropriate MAPK signalling contributes to the development of several interdependent pathological traits, collectively known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome leads to life-threatening clinical consequences, such as type 2 diabetes. This Review provides an overview of the MAPK-signalling mechanisms that underly basic cellular metabolism, discussing their link to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmuth Gehart
- Department of Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, ETH Zurich, Hönggerberg Campus, Switzerland
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