Search

Ageing is the main risk factor common to most primary neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, age-related brain alterations have been long considered to predispose to neurodegeneration. Although protein misfolding and the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates have been contemplated as causative events in neurodegeneration, several biological pathways affected by brain ageing are also contributing to pathogenesis. Here, we discuss the evidence showing the involvement of the mechanisms controlling neuronal structure, gene expression, autophagy, cell metabolism, and neuroinflammation in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, we review the therapeutic strategies currently under development or as future approaches designed to normalize these pathways, which may then boost brain resilience to cope with toxic protein species. Therefore, in addition to therapies targeting the insoluble protein aggregates specifically associated with each neurodegenerative disorder, these novel pharmacological approaches may be part of combined therapies designed to rescue brain function.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a mental illness characterized by aberrant synaptic plasticity and connectivity. A large bulk of evidence suggests genetic and functional links between postsynaptic abnormalities and SCZ. Here, we performed quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and hippocampus of SCZ patients to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of three key spine shapers: the actin-binding protein cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2), the sheddase a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10), and the synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97). Our analysis of the SCZ post-mortem brain indicated increased DLG1 mRNA in DLPFC and decreased CAP2 mRNA in the hippocampus of SCZ patients, compared to non-psychiatric control subjects, while the ADAM10 transcript was unaffected. Conversely, no differences in CAP2, SAP97, and ADAM10 protein levels were detected between SCZ and control individuals in both brain regions. To assess whether DLG1 and CAP2 transcript alterations were selective for SCZ, we also measured their expression in the superior frontal gyrus of patients affected by neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, also in Parkinson’s disease patients, we found a selective reduction of CAP2 mRNA levels relative to controls but unaltered protein levels. Taken together, we reported for the first time altered CAP2 expression in the brain of patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders, thus suggesting that aberrant expression of this gene may contribute to synaptic dysfunction in these neuropathologies.

Protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) is a synaptic cell-adhesion molecule encoded by X-linked PCDH19, a gene linked with epilepsy. Here, we report a synapse-to-nucleus signaling pathway through which PCDH19 bridges neuronal activity with gene expression. In particular, we describe the NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent proteolytic cleavage of PCDH19, which leads to the generation of a PCDH19 C-terminal fragment (CTF) able to enter the nucleus. We demonstrate that PCDH19 CTF associates with chromatin and with the chromatin remodeler lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and regulates expression of immediate-early genes (IEGs). Our results are consistent with a model whereby PCDH19 favors maintenance of neuronal homeostasis via negative feedback regulation of IEG expression and provide a key to interpreting PCDH19-related hyperexcitability.

PCDH19 encodes for protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), a cell-adhesion molecule of the cadherin superfamily preferentially expressed in the brain. PCDH19 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome named epileptic encephalopathy, early infantile, 9 (EIEE9) characterized by seizures associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. We recently reported that PCDH19 binds the alpha subunits of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), modulating their surface availability and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Here, we investigated whether PCDH19 regulatory function on GABAARs extends to the extrasynaptic receptor pool that mediates tonic current. In fact, the latter shapes neuronal excitability and network properties at the base of information processing. By combining patch-clamp recordings in whole-cell and cell-attached configurations, we provided a functional characterization of primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic rats of either sex expressing a specific PCDH19 short hairpin (sh)RNA. We first demonstrated that PCDH19 downregulation reduces GABAAR-mediated tonic current, evaluated by current shift and baseline noise analysis. Next, by single-channel recordings, we showed that PCDH19 regulates GABAARs kinetics without altering their conductance. In particular, GABAARs of shRNA-expressing neurons preferentially exhibit brief openings at the expense of long ones, thus displaying a flickering behavior. Finally, we showed that PCDH19 downregulation reduces the rheobase and increases the frequency of action potential firing, thus indicating neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings establish PCDH19 as a critical determinant of GABAAR-mediated tonic transmission and GABAARs gating, and provide the first mechanistic insights into PCDH19-related hyperexcitability and comorbidities.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a mental illness characterized by aberrant synaptic plasticity and connectivity. A large bulk of evidence suggests genetic and functional links between postsynaptic abnormalities and SCZ. Here, we performed quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and hippocampus of SCZ patients to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of three key spine shapers: the actin-binding protein cyclase-associated protein 2 (

The development of new therapeutic avenues that target the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is urgently necessary. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 10 (ADAM10) is a sheddase that is involved in dendritic spine shaping and limits the generation of amyloid-β. ADAM10 endocytosis increases in the hippocampus of AD patients, resulting in the decreased postsynaptic localization of the enzyme. To restore this altered pathway, we developed a cell-permeable peptide (PEP3) with a strong safety profile that is able to interfere with ADAM10 endocytosis, upregulating the postsynaptic localization and activity of ADAM10. After extensive validation, experiments in a relevant animal model clarified the optimal timing of the treatment window. PEP3 administration was effective for the rescue of cognitive defects in APP/PS1 mice only if administered at an early disease stage. Increased ADAM10 activity promoted synaptic plasticity, as revealed by changes in the molecular compositions of synapses and the spine morphology. Even though further studies are required to evaluate efficacy and safety issues of long-term administration of PEP3, these results provide preclinical evidence to support the therapeutic potential of PEP3 in AD.

The drivers of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain incompletely understood. Utilizing directly converted induced neurons (iNs) from AD-patient-derived fibroblasts, we identified a metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis in AD iNs. Pathological isoform switching of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M (PKM) toward the cancer-associated PKM2 isoform conferred metabolic and transcriptional changes in AD iNs. These alterations occurred via PKM2's lack of metabolic activity and via nuclear translocation and association with STAT3 and HIF1α to promote neuronal fate loss and vulnerability. Chemical modulation of PKM2 prevented nuclear translocation, restored a mature neuronal metabolism, reversed AD-specific gene expression changes, and re-activated neuronal resilience against cell death.

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) is a synaptic enzyme that has been previously shown to limit amyloid-β1–42 (Aβ1–42) peptide formation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Furthermore, ADAM10 participates to spine shaping through the cleavage of adhesion molecules and its activity is under the control of synaptic plasticity events. In particular, long-term depression (LTD) promotes ADAM10 synaptic localization triggering its forward trafficking to the synapse, while long-term potentiation elicits ADAM10 internalization. Here, we show that a short-term in vitro exposure to Aβ1–42 oligomers, at a concentration capable of inducing synaptic depression and spine loss, triggers an increase in ADAM10 synaptic localization in hippocampal neuronal cultures. However, the Aβ1–42 oligomers-induced synaptic depression does not foster ADAM10 delivery to the synapse, as the physiological LTD, but impairs ADAM10 endocytosis. Moreover, Aβ1–42 oligomers-induced inhibition of ADAM10 internalization requires neuronal activity and the activation of the NMDA receptors. These data suggest that, at the synaptic level, Aβ1–42 oligomers trigger an aberrant plasticity mechanism according to which Aβ1–42 oligomers can downregulate Aβ generation through the modulation of ADAM10 synaptic availability. Moreover, the increased activity of ADAM10 towards its synaptic substrates could also affect the structural plasticity phenomena. Overall, these data shed new lights on the strict and complex relationship existing between synaptic activity and the primary mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12035-019-1583-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background In experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD), different degrees of degeneration to the nigrostriatal pathway produce distinct profiles of synaptic alterations that depend on progressive changes in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR)-mediated functions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) induces modifications in glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems, suggesting that it may have an impact on glutamatergic synapses modulated by dopamine neurotransmission. However, no studies have so far explored the mechanisms of rTMS effects at early stages of PD. Objectives We tested the hypothesis that in vivo application of rTMS with intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) pattern alleviates corticostriatal dysfunctions by modulating NMDAR-dependent plasticity in a rat model of early parkinsonism. Methods Dorsolateral striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) activity was studied through ex vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in corticostriatal slices obtained from 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, subjected to a single session (acute) of iTBS and tested for forelimb akinesia with the stepping test. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to analyze morphological correlates of plasticity in SPNs. Results Acute iTBS ameliorated limb akinesia and rescued corticostriatal long-term potentiation (LTP) in SPNs of partially lesioned rats. This effect was abolished by applying a selective inhibitor of GluN2B-subunit-containing NMDAR, suggesting that iTBS treatment could be associated with an enhanced activation of specific NMDAR subunits, which are major regulators of structural plasticity during synapse development. Morphological analyses of SPNs revealed that iTBS treatment reverted dendritic spine loss inducing a prevalence of thin-elongated spines in the biocytin-filled SPNs. Conclusions Taken together, our data identify that an acute iTBS treatment produces a series of plastic changes underlying striatal compensatory adaptation in the parkinsonian basal ganglia circuit. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PCDH19 encodes for protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), a cell-adhesion molecule of the cadherin superfamily preferentially expressed in the brain. PCDH19 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome named epileptic encephalopathy, early infantile, 9 (EIEE9) characterized by seizures associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. We recently reported that PCDH19 binds the alpha subunits of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), modulating their surface availability and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Here, we investigated whether PCDH19 regulatory function on GABAARs extends to the extrasynaptic receptor pool that mediates tonic current. In fact, the latter shapes neuronal excitability and network properties at the base of information processing. By combining patch-clamp recordings in whole-cell and cell-attached configurations, we provided a functional characterization of primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic rats of either sex expressing a specific PCDH19 short hairpin (sh)RNA. We first demonstrated that PCDH19 downregulation reduces GABAAR-mediated tonic current, evaluated by current shift and baseline noise analysis. Next, by single-channel recordings, we showed that PCDH19 regulates GABAARs kinetics without altering their conductance. In particular, GABAARs of shRNA-expressing neurons preferentially exhibit brief openings at the expense of long ones, thus displaying a flickering behavior. Finally, we showed that PCDH19 downregulation reduces the rheobase and increases the frequency of action potential firing, thus indicating neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings establish PCDH19 as a critical determinant of GABAAR-mediated tonic transmission and GABAARs gating, and provide the first mechanistic insights into PCDH19-related hyperexcitability and comorbidities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12035-020-02099-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by Aβ-driven synaptic dysfunction in the early phases of pathogenesis. In the synaptic context, the actin cytoskeleton is a crucial element to maintain the dendritic spine architecture and to orchestrate the spine’s morphology remodeling driven by synaptic activity. Indeed, spine shape and synaptic strength are strictly correlated and precisely governed during plasticity phenomena in order to convert short-term alterations of synaptic strength into long-lasting changes that are embedded in stable structural modification. These functional and structural modifications are considered the biological basis of learning and memory processes. In this review we discussed the existing evidence regarding the role of the spine actin cytoskeleton in AD synaptic failure. We revised the physiological function of the actin cytoskeleton in the spine shaping and the contribution of actin dynamics in the endocytosis mechanism. The internalization process is implicated in different aspects of AD since it controls both glutamate receptor membrane levels and amyloid generation. The detailed understanding of the mechanisms controlling the actin cytoskeleton in a unique biological context as the dendritic spine could pave the way to the development of innovative synapse-tailored therapeutic interventions and to the identification of novel biomarkers to monitor synaptic loss in AD.

Cofilin is one of the major regulators of actin dynamics in spines where it is required for structural synaptic plasticity. However, our knowledge of the mechanisms controlling Cofilin activity in spines remains still fragmented. Here, we describe the cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2) as a novel master regulator of Cofilin localization in spines. The formation of CAP2 dimers through its Cys32 is important for CAP2 binding to Cofilin and for normal spine actin turnover. The Cys32-dependent CAP2 homodimerization and association to Cofilin are triggered by long-term potentiation (LTP) and are required for LTP-induced Cofilin translocation into spines, spine remodeling and the potentiation of synaptic transmission. This mechanism is specifically affected in the hippocampus, but not in the superior frontal gyrus, of both Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients and APP/PS1 mice, where CAP2 is down-regulated and CAP2 dimer synaptic levels are reduced. In AD hippocampi, Cofilin preferentially associates with CAP2 monomer and is aberrantly localized in spines. Taken together, these results provide novel insights into structural plasticity mechanisms that are defective in AD.

Background Recent studies support the therapeutic utility of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD), whose progression is correlated with loss of corticostriatal long-term potentiation and long-term depression. Glial cell activation is also a feature of PD that is gaining increasing attention in the field because astrocytes play a role in chronic neuroinflammatory responses but are also able to manage dopamine (DA) levels. Methods Intermittent theta-burst stimulation protocol was applied to study the effect of therapeutic neuromodulation on striatal DA levels measured by means of in vivo microdialysis in 6-hydroxydopamine-hemilesioned rats. Effects on corticostriatal synaptic plasticity were studied through in vitro intracellular and whole-cell patch clamp recordings while stepping test and CatWalk were used to test motor behavior. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to analyze morphological changes in neurons and glial cells. Results Acute theta-burst stimulation induced an increase in striatal DA levels in hemiparkinsonian rats, 80 minutes post-treatment, correlated with full recovery of plasticity and amelioration of motor performances. With the same timing, immediate early gene activation was restricted to striatal spiny neurons. Intense astrocytic and microglial responses were also significantly reduced 80 minutes following theta-burst stimulation. Conclusion Taken together, these results provide a first glimpse on physiological adaptations that occur in the parkinsonian striatum following intermittent theta-burst stimulation and may help to disclose the real potential of this technique in treating PD and preventing DA replacement therapy-associated disturbances. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a global burden in the economics of healthcare systems. Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are formed by amyloid-β precursor protein (AβPP) cleavage, which can be processed by two pathways. The cleavage by the α-secretase A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) releases the soluble portion (sAβPPα) and prevents senile plaques. This pathway remains largely unknown and ignored, mainly regarding pharmacological approaches that may act via different signaling cascades and thus stimulate non-amyloidogenic cleavage through ADAM10. This review emphasizes the effects of natural compounds on ADAM10 modulation, which eventuates in a neuroprotective mechanism. Moreover, ADAM10 as an AD biomarker is revised. New treatments and preventive interventions targeting ADAM10 regulation for AD are necessary, considering the wide variety of ADAM10 substrates.

Zinc (Zn(2+) ) is believed to play a relevant role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the brain. Hence, Zn(2+) homeostasis is critical and involves different classes of molecules, including Zn(2+) transporters. The ubiquitous Zn(2+) transporter-1 (ZNT-1) is a transmembrane protein that pumps cytosolic Zn(2+) to the extracellular space, but its function in the central nervous system is not fully understood. Here, we show that ZNT-1 interacts with GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors, suggesting a role for this transporter at the excitatory glutamatergic synapse. First, we found that ZNT-1 is highly expressed at the hippocampal postsynaptic density (PSD) where NMDA receptors are enriched. Two-hybrid screening, coimmunoprecipitation experiments and clustering assay in COS-7 cells demonstrated that ZNT-1 specifically binds the GluN2A subunit of the NMDA receptor. GluN2A deletion mutants and pull-down assays indicated GluN2A(1390-1464) domain as necessary for the binding to ZNT-1. Most importantly, ZNT-1/GluN2A complex was proved to be dynamic, since it was regulated by induction of synaptic plasticity. Finally, modulation of ZNT-1 expression in hippocampal neurons determined a significant change in dendritic spine morphology, PSD-95 clusters and GluN2A surface levels, supporting the involvement of ZNT-1 in the dynamics of excitatory PSD. Zn(2+) transporter-1 (ZNT-1) pumps cytosolic Zn(2+) to the extracellular space, but its function in the central nervous system is not fully understood. We show that ZNT-1 interacts with GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors at the glutamatergic synapse. Most importantly, ZNT-1/GluN2A complex is regulated by induction of synaptic plasticity. Modulation of ZNT-1 expression in hippocampal neurons determined a shrinkage of dendritic spines and a reduction of GluN2A surface levels supporting the involvement of ZNT-1 in the dynamics of the excitatory synapse.

Fingolimod, also known as FTY720, is an analogue of the sphingolipid sphingosine, which has been proved to be neuroprotective in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several cellular and molecular targets underlying the neuroprotective effects of FTY720 have been recently identified. However, whether the drug directly protects neurons from toxicity of amyloid-beta (Aβ) still remains poorly defined. Using a combination of biochemical assays, live imaging and electrophysiology we demonstrate that FTY720 induces a rapid increase in GLUN2A-containing neuroprotective NMDARs on the surface of dendritic spines in cultured hippocampal neurons. In addition, the drug mobilizes extrasynaptic GLUN2B-containing NMDARs, which are coupled to cell death, to the synapses. Altered ratio of synaptic/extrasynaptic NMDARs decreases calcium responsiveness of neurons to neurotoxic soluble Aβ 1–42 and renders neurons resistant to early alteration of calcium homeostasis. The fast defensive response of FTY720 occurs through a Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1P-R) -dependent mechanism, as it is lost in the presence of S1P-R1 and S1P-R3 antagonists. We propose that rapid synaptic relocation of NMDARs might have direct impact on amelioration of cognitive performance in transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 AD mice upon sub-chronic treatment with FTY720.

NMDA receptor (NMDAR) composition and synaptic retention represent pivotal features in the physiology and pathology of excitatory synapses. Here, we identify Rabphilin 3A (Rph3A) as a new GluN2A subunit-binding partner. Rph3A is known as a synaptic vesicle-associated protein involved in the regulation of exo- and endocytosis processes at presynaptic sites. We find that Rph3A is enriched at dendritic spines. Protein–protein interaction assays reveals that Rph3A N-terminal domain interacts with GluN2A(1349–1389) as well as with PSD-95(PDZ3) domains, creating a ternary complex. Rph3A silencing in neurons reduces the surface localization of synaptic GluN2A and NMDAR currents. Moreover, perturbing GluN2A/Rph3A interaction with interfering peptides in organotypic slices or in vivo induces a decrease of the amplitude of NMDAR-mediated currents and GluN2A density at dendritic spines. In conclusion, Rph3A interacts with GluN2A and PSD-95 forming a complex that regulates NMDARs stabilization at postsynaptic membranes., Rabphilin 3A is a synaptic vesicle-associated protein involved in membrane trafficking at presynaptic sites. Here Stanic et al. show that Rabphilin 3A binds to the NMDA receptor GluN2A and stabilises its surface localisation at postsynaptic sites in dendritic spines.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is emerging as the most prevalent and socially disruptive illness of aging populations, as more people live long enough to become affected. Although AD is placing a considerable and increasing burden on society, it represents the largest unmet medical need in neurology, because current drugs improve symptoms, but do not have profound disease-modifying effects. Although AD pathogenesis is multifaceted and difficult to pinpoint, genetic and cell biological studies led to the amyloid hypothesis, which posits that amyloid β (Aβ) plays a pivotal role in AD pathogenesis. Amyloid precursor protein (APP), as well as β- and γ-secretases are the principal players involved in Aβ production, while α-secretase cleavage on APP prevents Aβ deposition. The association of early onset familial AD with mutations in the APP and γ-secretase components provided a potential tool of generating animal models of the disease. However, a model that recapitulates all the aspects of AD has not yet been produced. Here, we face the problem of modeling AD pathology describing several models, which have played a major role in defining critical disease-related mechanisms and in exploring novel potential therapeutic approaches. In particular, we will provide an extensive overview on the distinct features and pros and contras of different AD models, ranging from invertebrate to rodent models and finally dealing with computational models and induced pluripotent stem cells.

International audience; A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase that resides in the postsynaptic densities (PSDs) of excitatory synapses, has previously been shown to limit β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). ADAM10 also plays a critical role in regulating functional membrane proteins at the synapse. Using human hippocampal homogenates, we found that ADAM10 removal from the plasma membrane was mediated by clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Additionally, we identified the clathrin adaptor AP2 as an interacting partner of a previously uncharacterized atypical binding motif in the ADAM10 C-terminal domain. This domain was required for ADAM10 endocytosis and modulation of its plasma membrane levels. We found that the ADAM10/AP2 association was increased in the hippocampi of AD patients compared with healthy controls. Long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal neuronal cultures induced ADAM10 endocytosis through AP2 association and decreased surface ADAM10 levels and activity. Conversely, long-term depression (LTD) promoted ADAM10 synaptic membrane insertion and stimulated its activity. ADAM10 interaction with the synapse-associated protein-97 (SAP97) was necessary for LTD-induced ADAM10 trafficking and required for LTD maintenance and LTD-induced changes in spine morphogenesis. These data identify and characterize a mechanism controlling ADAM10 localization and activity at excitatory synapses that is relevant to AD pathogenesis.