scholarly journals The role of the Amyloid Precursor Protein mutations and PERKdependent signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 48-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wioletta Rozpędek ◽  
Alicja Nowak ◽  
Dariusz Pytel ◽  
Dawid Lewko ◽  
J. Alan Diehl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Stress Conditions ◽  
Chromosome 21 ◽  
Age Related

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a highly complex, progressive, age-related neurodegenerative human disease entity. The genetic basis of AD is strictly connected with occurrence of mutations in Amyloid Precursor (APP) gene on chromosome 21. Molecular mechanism that leads to AD development still remains unclear. Recent data reported that it is closely correlated with Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress conditions, which subsequently activate Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) signaling pathways, via the induction of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), as a self-protective, adaptive response to adverse stress conditions. That results in the attenuation of global protein synthesis and, on the contrary, selective translation of Activating Transcriptor Factor 4 (ATF4) and secretase β. Interestingly, under prolonged, severe ER stress UPR may switch its signal into apoptotic cell death. That ensues by ATF4-CHOP-mediated activation of a range of pro-apoptotic genes and, on the other hand, downregulation of the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) genes. Current investigations suggest that inhibitions of PERK activity may contribute to the attenuation of the deposition of toxic senile plaques in the brain tissue and, as a result, prevent degeneration of neurons and decline in cognitive abilities.

scholarly journals Neuroprotective effects of verbascoside against Alzheimer’s disease via the relief of endoplasmic reticulum stress in Aβ-exposed U251 cells and APP/PS1 mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyue Wang ◽  
Xueying Cai ◽  
Ruochen Wang ◽  
Siyu Zhai ◽  
Yongfeng Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Morris Water Maze Test ◽  
Proteomics Analysis ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
U251 Cells

Abstract Background Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Verbascoside (VB), an active phenylethanoid glycoside that was first isolated from Verbascum sinuatum (the wavyleaf mullein), possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the beneficial effects of VB in amyloid β (Aβ)1–42-damaged human glioma (U251) cells and in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic (APP/PS1) mice. Methods U251 cells were co-incubated with 10 μM of Aβ1-42 and treated with VB. The protective effects of VB were investigated by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, fluorescence staining, and transmission electron microscopy. APP/PS1 transgenic mice were treated for 6 weeks with VB. Learning and memory were evaluated using a Morris water maze test. Immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling, thioflavin-S staining, and proteomics analysis were performed to study the potential neuroprotective mechanism. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blot were performed to analyze altered protein levels of brain lysates in APP/PS1 mice and/or Aβ1-42-damaged U251 cells. Results In Aβ1-42-damaged U251 cells, VB significantly improved cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, reduced calcium accumulation and the intracellular concentrations of reactive oxygen species, and improved the morphology of mitochondria and ER. In APP/PS1 mice, 6-week administration of VB significantly improved memory and cognition. VB inhibited apoptosis, reduced the deposition of Aβ, reduced the formation of neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and downregulated the expression levels of 4-hydroxynonenal and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Proteomics analysis of mouse hippocampus suggested that the neuroprotective effect of VB may be related to the reduction of ER stress. This was indicated by the fact that VB inhibited the three branches of the unfolded protein response, thereby attenuating ER stress and preventing apoptosis. Conclusions The results confirmed that VB possesses significant neuroprotective effects, which are related to the reduction of ER stress. These findings support the status of VB as a potentially effective treatment for AD and warrant further research.

scholarly journals The PERK-Dependent Molecular Mechanisms as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wioletta Rozpędek-Kamińska ◽  
Natalia Siwecka ◽  
Adam Wawrzynkiewicz ◽  
Radosław Wojtczak ◽  
Dariusz Pytel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Stress Conditions ◽  
World Population ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response

Higher prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is strictly connected with progressive aging of the world population. Interestingly, a broad range of age-related, neurodegenerative diseases is characterized by a common pathological mechanism—accumulation of misfolded and unfolded proteins within the cells. Under certain circumstances, such protein aggregates may evoke endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions and subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathways via the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-dependent manner. Under mild to moderate ER stress, UPR has a pro-adaptive role. However, severe or long-termed ER stress conditions directly evoke shift of the UPR toward its pro-apoptotic branch, which is considered to be a possible cause of neurodegeneration. To this day, there is no effective cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), or prion disease. Currently available treatment approaches for these diseases are only symptomatic and cannot affect the disease progression. Treatment strategies, currently under detailed research, include inhibition of the PERK-dependent UPR signaling branches. The newest data have reported that the use of small-molecule inhibitors of the PERK-mediated signaling branches may contribute to the development of a novel, ground-breaking therapeutic approach for neurodegeneration. In this review, we critically describe all the aspects associated with such targeted therapy against neurodegenerative proteopathies.

scholarly journals The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2: “TREM-ming” the Inflammatory Component Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Troy T. Rohn
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neurofibrillary Tangles ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
Myeloid Cells ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Age Related

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of memory and cognitive skills. Although much attention has been devoted concerning the contribution of the microscopic lesions, senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles to the disease process, inflammation has long been suspected to play a major role in the etiology of AD. Recently, a novel variant in the gene encoding the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) has been identified that has refocused the spotlight back onto inflammation as a major contributing factor in AD. Variants in TREM2 triple one's risk of developing late-onset AD. TREM2 is expressed on microglial cells, the resident macrophages in the CNS, and functions to stimulate phagocytosis on one hand and to suppress cytokine production and inflammation on the other hand. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these recent developments including the potential role that TREM2 normally plays and how loss of function may contribute to AD pathogenesis by enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation within the CNS. In this context, an overview of the pathways linking beta-amyloid, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), oxidative stress, and inflammation will be discussed.

scholarly journals Copper Toxicity Links to Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Therapeutics Approaches

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafza Wajeeha Ejaz ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Minglin Lang
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
Copper Toxicity ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cu Ions

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, age-related progressive neurological disorder, and the most common type of dementia in aged people. Neuropathological lesions of AD are neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and senile plaques comprise the accumulated amyloid-beta (Aβ), loaded with metal ions including Cu, Fe, or Zn. Some reports have identified metal dyshomeostasis as a neurotoxic factor of AD, among which Cu ions seem to be a central cationic metal in the formation of plaque and soluble oligomers, and have an essential role in the AD pathology. Cu-Aβ complex catalyzes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and results in oxidative damage. Several studies have indicated that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD. The connection of copper levels in AD is still ambiguous, as some researches indicate a Cu deficiency, while others show its higher content in AD, and therefore there is a need to increase and decrease its levels in animal models, respectively, to study which one is the cause. For more than twenty years, many in vitro studies have been devoted to identifying metals’ roles in Aβ accumulation, oxidative damage, and neurotoxicity. Towards the end, a short review of the modern therapeutic approach in chelation therapy, with the main focus on Cu ions, is discussed. Despite the lack of strong proofs of clinical advantage so far, the conjecture that using a therapeutic metal chelator is an effective strategy for AD remains popular. However, some recent reports of genetic-regulating copper transporters in AD models have shed light on treating this refractory disease. This review aims to succinctly present a better understanding of Cu ions’ current status in several AD features, and some conflicting reports are present herein.

scholarly journals Possible involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru Hosoi ◽  
Jun Nomura ◽  
Koichiro Ozawa ◽  
Akinori Nishi ◽  
Yasuyuki Nomura
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Unfolded Proteins ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

AbstractThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle that plays a crucial role in protein quality control such as protein folding. Evidence to indicate the involvement of ER in maintaining cellular homeostasis is increasing. However, when cells are exposed to stressful conditions, which perturb ER function, unfolded proteins accumulate leading to ER stress. Cells then activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) to cope with this stressful condition. In the present review, we will discuss and summarize recent advances in research on the basic mechanisms of the UPR. We also discuss the possible involvement of ER stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Potential therapeutic opportunities for diseases targeting ER stress is also described.

scholarly journals β-Secretases, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Down Syndrome

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin L. Webb ◽  
M. Paul Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Amyloid Precursor Protein ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Precursor Protein ◽  
Chromosome 21 ◽  
Rate Limiting Step ◽  
Age Related

Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology by approximately 40 years of age. Chromosome 21 harbors several genes implicated in AD, including the amyloid precursor protein and one homologue of theβ-site APP cleaving enzyme, BACE2. Processing of the amyloid precursor protein byβ-secretase (BACE) is the rate-limiting step in the production of the pathogenic Aβpeptide. Increased amounts of APP in the DS brain result in increased amounts of Aβand extracellular plaque formation beginning early in life. BACE dysregulation potentially represents an overlapping biological mechanism with sporadic AD and a common therapeutic target. As the lifespan for those with DS continues to increase, age-related concerns such as obesity, depression, and AD are of growing concern. The ability to prevent or delay the progression of neurodegenerative diseases will promote healthy aging and improve quality of life for those with DS.

ER Stress Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 180-211
Author(s):  
Md. Motiar Rahman ◽  
Looniva Shrestha ◽  
Mst Ara Gulshan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Stress Signaling ◽  
Novel Therapies ◽  
Er Stress Response ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Common Etiology

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common etiology of dementia amongst aged individuals and a principal public health-related abnormality. It is considered as a multifactorial disorder, with no particular origin identified, and also some modifiable, as well as non-modifiable threats are correlated with its progression and development. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is considered as a key process in the pathogenesis of AD. In this chapter, the authors present a summary of related transmembrane kinase proteins responsible for the onset of AD as well as show the interrelationship between ER stress and AD. Finally, the authors demonstrate the therapeutics intervention for AD diagnosis by highlighting the current practices to advance novel therapies.

Synaptic Mitochondria: An Early Target of Amyloid-β and Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Angie K. Torres ◽  
Claudia Jara ◽  
Han S. Park-Kang ◽  
Catalina M. Polanco ◽  
Diego Tapia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Neurofibrillary Tangles ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Aβ Peptide ◽  
Predisposing Factor ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Synaptic Mitochondria

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairment and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in the brain. Neurofibrillary tangles are composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, while senile plaques are formed by amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide. The amyloid hypothesis proposes that Aβ accumulation is primarily responsible for the neurotoxicity in AD. Multiple Aβ-mediated toxicity mechanisms have been proposed including mitochondrial dysfunction. However, it is unclear if it precedes Aβ accumulation or if is a consequence of it. Aβ promotes mitochondrial failure. However, AβPP could be cleaved in the mitochondria producing Aβ peptide. Mitochondrial-produced Aβ could interact with newly formed ones or with Aβ that enter the mitochondria, which may induce its oligomerization and contribute to further mitochondrial alterations, resulting in a vicious cycle. Another explanation for AD is the tau hypothesis, in which modified tau trigger toxic effects in neurons. Tau induces mitochondrial dysfunction by indirect and apparently by direct mechanisms. In neurons mitochondria are classified as non-synaptic or synaptic according to their localization, where synaptic mitochondrial function is fundamental supporting neurotransmission and hippocampal memory formation. Here, we focus on synaptic mitochondria as a primary target for Aβ toxicity and/or formation, generating toxicity at the synapse and contributing to synaptic and memory impairment in AD. We also hypothesize that phospho-tau accumulates in mitochondria and triggers dysfunction. Finally, we discuss that synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction occur in aging and correlates with age-related memory loss. Therefore, synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction could be a predisposing factor for AD or an early marker of its onset.

scholarly journals Involvement of caspase-4 in endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and Aβ-induced cell death

2004 ◽  
Vol 165 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junichi Hitomi ◽  
Taiichi Katayama ◽  
Yutaka Eguchi ◽  
Takashi Kudo ◽  
Manabu Taniguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Caspase 12 ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Interfering Rna ◽  
Human Caspase

Recent studies have suggested that neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease or ischemia could arise from dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although caspase-12 has been implicated in ER stress-induced apoptosis and amyloid-β (Aβ)–induced apoptosis in rodents, it is controversial whether similar mechanisms operate in humans. We found that human caspase-4, a member of caspase-1 subfamily that includes caspase-12, is localized to the ER membrane, and is cleaved when cells are treated with ER stress-inducing reagents, but not with other apoptotic reagents. Cleavage of caspase-4 is not affected by overexpression of Bcl-2, which prevents signal transduction on the mitochondria, suggesting that caspase-4 is primarily activated in ER stress-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, a reduction of caspase-4 expression by small interfering RNA decreases ER stress-induced apoptosis in some cell lines, but not other ER stress-independent apoptosis. Caspase-4 is also cleaved by administration of Aβ, and Aβ-induced apoptosis is reduced by small interfering RNAs to caspase-4. Thus, caspase-4 can function as an ER stress-specific caspase in humans, and may be involved in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

scholarly journals Changes in the ageing brain in health and disease

1997 ◽  
Vol 352 (1363) ◽  
pp. 1781-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian H. Anderton
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neurofibrillary Tangles ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Granulovacuolar Degeneration ◽  
Hirano Bodies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Brain Ageing ◽  
Ageing Brain

The brains of individuals, who are cognitively normal, show age–related changes that include an overall reduction in brain volume and weight, which are associated with gyral atrophy and widening of the sulci of the cerebral cortex, and enlargement of the brain ventricles. These changes are partly the result of nerve cell loss but accurate estimates of neuronal loss are notoriously difficult to make. Microscopically, there are increasing amounts of the age–related pigment, lipofuscin, granulovacuolar degeneration in neurons, Hirano bodies, variable amounts of diffuse deposits of β–amyloid in the parenchyma, the presence of neurofibrillary tangles mainly confined to the hippocampus and amygdala, and sparse numbers of senile plaques in these brain regions and also in other cortical areas. Of these changes, neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques are the neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease in which they are more abundant and widespread. Alzheimer's disease has therefore been regarded as accelerated brain ageing; however, the realization that there is a strong genetic contribution to developing the disease at least implies that it may not be the inevitable, even if frequent, consequence of old age. Understanding the molecular basis of plaque and tangle formation is advancing greatly and is the main focus of research into the cellular and molecular changes observed in the ageing brain.

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