Cognitive enhancement, TAU phosphorylation reduction, and neuronal protection by the treatment of an LRRK2 inhibitor in a tauopathy mouse model

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a protein kinase whose activity plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. Although mutations in LRRK2 gene are the most common cause of monogenic Parkinson's disease, it has been reported that LRRK2 may promote Tau phosphorylation, increasing its aggregation. Thus, the modulation of LRRK2 activity by small molecules able to inhibit this kinase activity could be an innovative therapeutic strategy for different tauopathies. We examined the therapeutic effects of a new benzothiazole-based LRRK2 inhibitor, known as JZ1.40, in a mouse model of tauopathy. Mice were injected in the right hippocampus with an adeno-associated vector expressing human-TAUP301L and treated daily with JZ1.40 (10 mg/kg, i.p) or vehicle for three weeks. JZ1.40 reaches the brain and modulates RAB10 and Tau phosphorylation at the epitopes modified by LRRK2. Moreover, JZ1.40 treatment ameliorates the cognitive impairment induced by TAUP301L overexpression, which correlates with prevention of granular cell layer degeneration by improving synaptic plasticity. These data show that JZ1.40 is neuroprotective in vivo, which is translated into cognition enhancement.

Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibitors based on indolinone scaffold: Potential pro-neurogenic agents

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is one of the most pursued targets for Parkinson's disease (PD) therapy. Moreover, it has recently described its role in regulating Wnt signaling and thus, it may be involved in adult neurogenesis. This new hypothesis could give rise to double disease-modifying agents firstly by the benefits of inhibiting LRRK2 and secondly by promoting adult neurogenesis. Herein we report, the design, synthesis, biological evaluation, SAR and potential binding mode of indoline-like LRRK2 inhibitors and their preliminary neurogenic effect in neural precursor cells isolated from adult mice ventricular-subventricular zone. These results open new therapeutic horizons for the use of LRRK2 inhibitors as neuroregenerative agents. Moreover, the indolinone derivatives here prepared, inhibitors of the kinase activity of LRRK2, may be considered as pharmacological probes to study the potential neuroregeneration of the damaged brain.

Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Haloperidol

The discovery of haloperidol catalyzed a breakthrough in our understanding of the biochemical basis of schizophrenia, improved the treatment of psychosis, and facilitated deinstitutionalization. In doing so, it solidified the role for chemical neuroscience as a means to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of complex neuropsychiatric disorders. In this Review, we will cover aspects of haloperidol's synthesis, manufacturing, metabolism, pharmacology, approved and off-label indications, and adverse effects. We will also convey the fascinating history of this classic molecule and the influence that it has had on the evolution of neuropsychopharmacology and neuroscience.

Small molecules targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3 as potential drug candidates for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy that courses with progressive degeneration of retinal tissue and loss of vision. Currently, RP is an unpreventable, incurable condition. We propose glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) inhibitors as potential leads for retinal cell neuroprotection, since the retina is also a part of the central nervous system and GSK-3 inhibitors are potent neuroprotectant agents. Using a chemical genetic approach, diverse small molecules with different potency and binding mode to GSK-3 have been used to validate and confirm GSK-3 as a pharmacological target for RP. Moreover, this medicinal chemistry approach has provided new leads for the future disease-modifying treatment of RP.