{"title":"Neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic icebergs, and mitohormesis.","authors":"Matthew C L Phillips, Martin Picard","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00435-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00435-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurodegenerative disorders are typically \"split\" based on their hallmark clinical, anatomical, and pathological features, but they can also be \"lumped\" by a shared feature of impaired mitochondrial biology. This leads us to present a scientific framework that conceptualizes Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD) as \"metabolic icebergs\" comprised of a tip, a bulk, and a base. The visible tip conveys the hallmark neurological symptoms, neurodegenerative regions, and neuronal protein aggregates for each disorder. The hidden bulk depicts impaired mitochondrial biology throughout the body, which is multifaceted and may be subdivided into impaired cellular metabolism, cell-specific mitotypes, and mitochondrial behaviours, functions, activities, and features. The underlying base encompasses environmental factors, especially modern industrial toxins, dietary lifestyles, and cognitive, physical, and psychosocial behaviours, but also accommodates genetic factors specific to familial forms of AD, PD, and ALS, as well as HD. Over years or decades, chronic exposure to a particular suite of environmental and genetic factors at the base elicits a trajectory of impaired mitochondrial biology that maximally impacts particular subsets of mitotypes in the bulk, which eventually surfaces as the hallmark features of a particular neurodegenerative disorder at the tip. We propose that impaired mitochondrial biology can be repaired and recalibrated by activating \"mitohormesis\", which is optimally achieved using strategies that facilitate a balanced oscillation between mitochondrial stressor and recovery phases. Sustainably harnessing mitohormesis may constitute a potent preventative and therapeutic measure for people at risk of, or suffering with, neurodegenerative disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142146305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Updates in Alzheimer's disease: from basic research to diagnosis and therapies.","authors":"Enjie Liu, Yao Zhang, Jian-Zhi Wang","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00432-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00432-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized pathologically by extracellular deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) into senile plaques and intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) as neurofibrillary tangles. Clinically, AD patients show memory deterioration with varying cognitive dysfunctions. The exact molecular mechanisms underlying AD are still not fully understood, and there are no efficient drugs to stop or reverse the disease progression. In this review, we first provide an update on how the risk factors, including APOE variants, infections and inflammation, contribute to AD; how Aβ and tau become abnormally accumulated and how this accumulation plays a role in AD neurodegeneration. Then we summarize the commonly used experimental models, diagnostic and prediction strategies, and advances in periphery biomarkers from high-risk populations for AD. Finally, we introduce current status of development of disease-modifying drugs, including the newly officially approved Aβ vaccines, as well as novel and promising strategies to target the abnormal pTau. Together, this paper was aimed to update AD research progress from fundamental mechanisms to the clinical diagnosis and therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11373277/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142133856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chao Gao, Ran Xiong, Zhi-Yu Zhang, Hua Peng, Yuan-Kai Gu, Wei Xu, Wei-Ting Yang, Yan Liu, Jie Gao, You Yin
{"title":"Hybrid nanostructures for neurodegenerative disease theranostics: the art in the combination of biomembrane and non-biomembrane nanostructures.","authors":"Chao Gao, Ran Xiong, Zhi-Yu Zhang, Hua Peng, Yuan-Kai Gu, Wei Xu, Wei-Ting Yang, Yan Liu, Jie Gao, You Yin","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00436-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00436-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) remains challenging, and existing therapeutic approaches demonstrate little efficacy. NDD drug delivery can be achieved through the utilization of nanostructures, hence enabling multimodal NDD theranostics. Nevertheless, both biomembrane and non-biomembrane nanostructures possess intrinsic shortcomings that must be addressed by hybridization to create novel nanostructures with versatile applications in NDD theranostics. Hybrid nanostructures display improved biocompatibility, inherent targeting capabilities, intelligent responsiveness, and controlled drug release. This paper provides a concise overview of the latest developments in hybrid nanostructures for NDD theranostics and emphasizes various engineering methodologies for the integration of diverse nanostructures, including liposomes, exosomes, cell membranes, and non-biomembrane nanostructures such as polymers, metals, and hydrogels. The use of a combination technique can significantly augment the precision, intelligence, and efficacy of hybrid nanostructures, therefore functioning as a more robust theranostic approach for NDDs. This paper also addresses the issues that arise in the therapeutic translation of hybrid nanostructures and explores potential future prospects in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11348682/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142081707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ni Liu, Anaer Haziyihan, Wei Zhao, Yu Chen, Hongbo Chao
{"title":"Trajectory of brain-derived amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease: where is it coming from and where is it going?","authors":"Ni Liu, Anaer Haziyihan, Wei Zhao, Yu Chen, Hongbo Chao","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00434-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00434-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily impacts cognitive function. Currently there are no disease-modifying treatments to stop or slow its progression. Recent studies have found that several peripheral and systemic abnormalities are associated with AD, and our understanding of how these alterations contribute to AD is becoming more apparent. In this review, we focuse on amyloid‑beta (Aβ), a major hallmark of AD, summarizing recent findings on the source of brain-derived Aβ and discussing where and how the brain-derived Aβ is cleared in vivo. Based on these findings, we propose future strategies for AD prevention and treatment, from a novel perspective on Aβ metabolism.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11331646/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142005386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"SGLT2 inhibitors: a novel therapy for cognitive impairment via multifaceted effects on the nervous system.","authors":"Jiaqi Mei, Yi Li, Liyan Niu, Ruikai Liang, Mingyue Tang, Qi Cai, Jingdong Xu, Deju Zhang, Xiaoping Yin, Xiao Liu, Yunfeng Shen, Jianping Liu, Minxuan Xu, Panpan Xia, Jitao Ling, Yuting Wu, Jianqi Liang, Jing Zhang, Peng Yu","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00431-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00431-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus has casted a spotlight on one of its significant sequelae: cognitive impairment. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally developed for diabetes management, are increasingly studied for their cognitive benefits. These benefits may include reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, decrease of amyloid burdens, enhancement of neuronal plasticity, and improved cerebral glucose utilization. The multifaceted effects and the relatively favorable side-effect profile of SGLT2 inhibitors render them a promising therapeutic candidate for cognitive disorders. Nonetheless, the application of SGLT2 inhibitors for cognitive impairment is not without its limitations, necessitating more comprehensive research to fully determine their therapeutic potential for cognitive treatment. In this review, we discuss the role of SGLT2 in neural function, elucidate the diabetes-cognition nexus, and synthesize current knowledge on the cognitive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors based on animal studies and clinical evidence. Research gaps are proposed to spur further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11312905/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141914083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xingyu Zhang, Jiangyu Wang, Zhentao Zhang, Keqiang Ye
{"title":"Tau in neurodegenerative diseases: molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies.","authors":"Xingyu Zhang, Jiangyu Wang, Zhentao Zhang, Keqiang Ye","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00429-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00429-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The deposition of abnormal tau protein is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a class of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies. Physiologically, tau maintains an intrinsically disordered structure and plays diverse roles in neurons. Pathologically, tau undergoes abnormal post-translational modifications and forms oligomers or fibrous aggregates in tauopathies. In this review, we briefly introduce several tauopathies and discuss the mechanisms mediating tau aggregation and propagation. We also describe the toxicity of tau pathology. Finally, we explore the early diagnostic biomarkers and treatments targeting tau. Although some encouraging results have been achieved in animal experiments and preclinical studies, there is still no cure for tauopathies. More in-depth basic and clinical research on the pathogenesis of tauopathies is necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11302116/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141898315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ling-Jie Li, Xiao-Ying Sun, Ya-Ru Huang, Shuai Lu, Yu-Ming Xu, Jing Yang, Xi-Xiu Xie, Jie Zhu, Xiao-Yun Niu, Dan Wang, Shi-Yu Liang, Xiao-Yu Du, Sheng-Jie Hou, Xiao-Lin Yu, Rui-Tian Liu
{"title":"Neuronal double-stranded DNA accumulation induced by DNase II deficiency drives tau phosphorylation and neurodegeneration.","authors":"Ling-Jie Li, Xiao-Ying Sun, Ya-Ru Huang, Shuai Lu, Yu-Ming Xu, Jing Yang, Xi-Xiu Xie, Jie Zhu, Xiao-Yun Niu, Dan Wang, Shi-Yu Liang, Xiao-Yu Du, Sheng-Jie Hou, Xiao-Lin Yu, Rui-Tian Liu","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00427-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00427-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Deoxyribonuclease 2 (DNase II) plays a key role in clearing cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Deficiency of DNase II leads to DNA accumulation in the cytoplasm. Persistent dsDNA in neurons is an early pathological hallmark of senescence and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is not clear how DNase II and neuronal cytoplasmic dsDNA influence neuropathogenesis. Tau hyperphosphorylation is a key factor for the pathogenesis of AD. The effect of DNase II and neuronal cytoplasmic dsDNA on neuronal tau hyperphosphorylation remains unclarified.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The levels of neuronal DNase II and dsDNA in WT and Tau-P301S mice of different ages were measured by immunohistochemistry and immunolabeling, and the levels of DNase II in the plasma of AD patients were measured by ELISA. To investigate the impact of DNase II on tauopathy, the levels of phosphorylated tau, phosphokinase, phosphatase, synaptic proteins, gliosis and proinflammatory cytokines in the brains of neuronal DNase II-deficient WT mice, neuronal DNase II-deficient Tau-P301S mice and neuronal DNase II-overexpressing Tau-P301S mice were evaluated by immunolabeling, immunoblotting or ELISA. Cognitive performance was determined using the Morris water maze test, Y-maze test, novel object recognition test and open field test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The levels of DNase II were significantly decreased in the brains and the plasma of AD patients. DNase II also decreased age-dependently in the neurons of WT and Tau-P301S mice, along with increased dsDNA accumulation in the cytoplasm. The DNA accumulation induced by neuronal DNase II deficiency drove tau phosphorylation by upregulating cyclin-dependent-like kinase-5 (CDK5) and calcium/calmodulin activated protein kinase II (CaMKII) and downregulating phosphatase protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Moreover, DNase II knockdown induced and significantly exacerbated neuron loss, neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits in WT and Tau-P301S mice, respectively, while overexpression of neuronal DNase II exhibited therapeutic benefits.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DNase II deficiency and cytoplasmic dsDNA accumulation can initiate tau phosphorylation, suggesting DNase II as a potential therapeutic target for tau-associated disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11295666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141879512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Linking APOE4/4 genotype to microglial lipid droplets and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.","authors":"Hao Huang, Rong Xiang, Riqiang Yan","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00433-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00433-w","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11290272/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141856574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Blood-brain barrier alterations and their impact on Parkinson's disease pathogenesis and therapy.","authors":"Kristina Lau, Rebecca Kotzur, Franziska Richter","doi":"10.1186/s40035-024-00430-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40035-024-00430-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There is increasing evidence for blood-brain barrier (BBB) alterations in Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with rapidly rising prevalence. Altered tight junction and transporter protein levels, accumulation of α-synuclein and increase in inflammatory processes lead to extravasation of blood molecules and vessel degeneration. This could result in a self-perpetuating pathophysiology of inflammation and BBB alteration, which contribute to neurodegeneration. Toxin exposure or α-synuclein over-expression in animal models has been shown to initiate similar pathologies, providing a platform to study underlying mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on BBB alterations in PD patients and how rodent models that replicate some of these changes can be used to study disease mechanisms. Specific challenges in assessing the BBB in patients and in healthy controls are discussed. Finally, a potential role of BBB alterations in disease pathogenesis and possible implications for therapy are explored. The interference of BBB alterations with current and novel therapeutic strategies requires more attention. Brain region-specific BBB alterations could also open up novel opportunities to target specifically vulnerable neuronal subpopulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":23269,"journal":{"name":"Translational Neurodegeneration","volume":"13 1","pages":"37"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11285262/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141793489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}