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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia characterized by cognitive dysfunctions. Pharmacological interventions to slow the progression of AD are intensively studied. A potential direction targets neuronal sigma-1 receptors (S1Rs). S1R ligands are recognized as promising therapeutic agents that may alleviate symptom severity of AD, possibly via preventing amyloid-β-(Aβ-) induced neurotoxicity on the endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated pathways. Furthermore, S1Rs may also modulate adult neurogenesis, and the impairment of this process is reported to be associated with AD. We aimed to investigate the effects of two S1R agonists, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and PRE084, in an Aβ-induced in vivo mouse model characterizing neurogenic and anti-neuroinflammatory symptoms of AD, and the modulatory effects of S1R agonists were analyzed by immunohistochemical methods and western blotting. DMT, binding moderately to S1R but with high affinity to 5-HT receptors, negatively influenced neurogenesis, possibly as a result of activating both receptors differently. In contrast, the highly selective S1R agonist PRE084 stimulated hippocampal cell proliferation and differentiation. Regarding neuroinflammation, DMT and PRE084 significantly reduced Aβ

In vertebrates, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptide is the central mediator of reproduction. Homologous peptides have previously also been identified in molluscan species. However, emerging evidence suggests that these molecules might serve diverse regulatory functions and proposes to consider them as corazonin (CRZ). We previously isolated the full-length cDNA of the invGnRH/CRZ peptide (termed ly-GnRH/CRZ) in the well-established invertebrate model species, the great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis; however, its predicted functions remain to be verified. In this study, we first confirmed the presence of the deduced active peptide from the central nervous system of L. stagnalis. Further, we performed in vivo and in vitro studies to explore the functions of ly-GnRH/CRZ. Injection of sexually mature specimens with synthetic active peptide had an inhibitory effect on locomotion and an acceleratory effect on egg-laying, but had no effect on feeding. The previously predicted modulatory effect of ly-GnRH/CRZ was supported by its identified co-localization with serotonin on the surface of the heart atria. Lastly, we demonstrated not only the presence of ly-GnRH/CRZ in the penial complex but also that ly-GnRH/CRZ-containing neurons project to the efferent penis nerve, suggesting ly-GnRH/CRZ may directly modulate the motor output of this peripheral tissue. Overall, our findings strongly support that ly-GnRH/CRZ is a multifunctional neuropeptide. These results contribute to the understanding of the GnRH superfamily and, more broadly, disciplines such as comparative endocrinology and neurobiology.

Kisspeptins (Kp) are RF-amide neuropeptide regulators of the reproductive axis that also influence anxiety, locomotion, and metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular Kp-8 (an N-terminally truncated octapeptide) treatment in Wistar rats. Elevated plus maze (EPM), computerized open field (OF), and marble burying (MB) tests were performed for the assessment of behavior. Serum LH and corticosterone levels were determined to assess kisspeptin1 receptor (Kiss1r) activation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) stimulation, respectively. GABA release from the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dopamine release from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and NAc were measured via ex vivo superfusion. Kp-8 decreased open arm time and entries in EPM, and also raised corticosterone concentration, pointing to an anxiogenic effect. Moreover, the decrease in arm entries in EPM, the delayed increase in immobility accompanied by reduced ambulatory activity in OF, and the reduction in interactions with marbles show that Kp-8 suppressed exploratory and spontaneous locomotion. The increase in GABA release from the NAc might be in the background of hypolocomotion by inhibiting the VTA-NAc dopaminergic circuitry. As Kp-8 raised LH concentration, it could activate Kiss1r and stimulate the reproductive axis. As Kiss1r is associated with hyperlocomotion, it is more likely that neuropeptide FF receptor activation is involved in the suppression of locomotor activity.

Highlights • Bdelloids are adaptive models for studying aggregate-metabolism interactions. • Starvation causes reversible organ shrinkage in bdelloids. • The organ shrinkage is in connection with autocatabolic processes. • Beta-amyloid attenuates the starvation-induced germovitellaria shrinkage. • Human-type amyloid-aggregates are metabolism-regulators in two bdelloid species., Investigation of human neurodegeneration-related aggregates of beta-amyloid 1–42 (Aβ42) on bdelloid rotifers is a novel interdisciplinary approach in life sciences. We reapplied an organ size-based in vivo monitoring system, exploring the autocatabolism-related alterations evoked by Aβ42, in a glucose-supplemented starvation model. The experientially easy-to-follow size reduction of the bilateral reproductive organ (germovitellaria) in fasted rotifers was rescued by Aβ42, serving as a nutrient source- and peptide sequence-specific attenuator of the organ shrinkage phase and enhancer of the regenerative one including egg reproduction. Recovery of the germovitellaria was significant in comparison with the greatly shrunken form. In contrast to the well-known neurotoxic Aβ42 (except the bdelloids) with specific regulatory roles, the artificially designed scrambled version (random order of amino acids) was inefficient in autocatabolism attenuation, behaving as negative control. This native Aβ42-related modulation of the ‘functionally reversible organ shrinkage’ can be a potential experiential and supramolecular marker of autocatabolism in vivo.

Neurodegenerative diseases are linked to a systemic enzyme resistance of toxic aggregated molecules and their pathological consequences. This paper presents a unique phenomenon that Philodina acuticornis, a bdelloid rotifer, is able to catabolize different types of neurotoxic peptide and protein aggregates (such as beta-amyloids /Aβ/, alpha-synuclein, and prion) without suffering any damage. P. acuticornis is capable of using these aggregates as an exclusive energy source (i.e., as ‘food’, identified in the digestive system and body) in a hermetically isolated microdrop environment, increasing their survival. As regards Aβ1–42, five other bdelloid rotifer species were also found to be able to perform this phenomenon. Based on our experiments, the Aβ1–42-treated bdelloid rotifers demonstrate significantly increased survival (e.g. mean lifespan = 51 ± 2.71 days) compared to their untreated controls (e.g. mean lifespan = 14 ± 2.29 days), with similar improvements in a variety of phenotypic characteristics. To our knowledge, no other animal species have so far been reported to have a similar capability. For all other microscopic species tested, including monogonant rotifers and non-rotifers, the treatment with Aβ1–42 aggregates proved to be either toxic or simply ineffective. This paper describes and proves the existence of an unprecedented in vivo catabolic capability of neurotoxic aggregates by bdelloid rotifers, with special focus on P. acuticornis. Our results may provide the basis for a new preclinical perspective on therapeutic research in human neurodegenerative diseases.

International audience; Current evidence suggests dementia and pathology in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are both dependent and independent of amyloid processing and can be induced by multiple 'hits' on vital neuronal functions. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) poses the most important risk factor for developing AD after ageing and dysfunctional IR/PI3K/Akt signalling is a major contributor in both diseases. We developed a model of T2D, coupling subdiabetogenic doses of streptozotocin (STZ) with a human junk food (HJF) diet to more closely mimic the human condition. Over 35 weeks, this induced classic signs of T2D (hyperglycemia and insulin dysfunction) and a modest, but stable deficit in spatial recognition memory, with very little long-term modification of proteins in or associated with IR/PI3K/Akt signalling in CA1 of the hippocampus. Intracerebroventricular infusion of soluble amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) to mimic the early preclinical rise in Aβ alone induced a more severe, but short-lasting deficits in memory and deregulation of proteins. Infusion of Aβ on the T2D phenotype exacerbated and prolonged the memory deficits over approximately 4 months, and induced more severe aberrant regulation of proteins associated with autophagy, inflammation and glucose uptake from the periphery. A mild form of environmental enrichment transiently rescued memory deficits and could reverse the regulation of some, but not all protein changes. Together, these data identify mechanisms by which T2D could create a modest dysfunctional neuronal milieu via multiple and parallel inputs that permits the development of pathological events identified in AD and memory deficits when Aβ levels are transiently effective in the brain.

A series of novel mimetic peptides were designed, synthesised and biologically evaluated as inhibitors of Aβ 42 aggregation. One of the synthesised peptidic compounds, termed compound 7 modulated Aβ 42 aggregation as demonstrated by thioflavin T fluorescence, acting also as an inhibitor of the cytotoxicity exerted by Aβ 42 aggregates. The early stage interaction between compound 7 and the Aβ 42 monomer was investigated by replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations and docking studies. Our theoretical results revealed that compound 7 can elongate the helical conformation state of an early stage Aβ 42 monomer and it helps preventing the formation of β-sheet structures by interacting with key residues in the central hydrophobic cluster (CHC). This strategy where early “on-pathway” events are monitored by small molecules will help the development of new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease. Fil: Gera, János. University of Szeged; Hungría Fil: Szögi, Titanilla. University of Szeged; Hungría Fil: Bozsó, Zsolt. University of Szeged; Hungría Fil: Fülöp, Livia. University of Szeged; Hungría Fil: Barrera Guisasola, Exequiel Ernesto. Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo; Uruguay. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Rodriguez, Ana M.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; Argentina Fil: Mendez, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Química Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Química Rosario; Argentina Fil: Delpiccolo, Carina Maria Lujan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Química Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Química Rosario; Argentina Fil: Mata, Ernesto Gabino. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Química Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Química Rosario; Argentina Fil: Cioffi, Federica. University of Twente; Países Bajos Fil: Broersen, Kerensa. University of Twente; Países Bajos Fil: Paragi, Gabor. University of Szeged; Hungría Fil: Enriz, Ricardo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; Argentina

A series of novel mimetic peptides were designed, synthesised and biologically evaluated as inhibitors of Aβ

The function, regulation and cellular distribution of GABAA receptor subunits have been extensively documented in the adult rodent brain and are linked to numerous neurological disorders. However, there is a surprising lack of knowledge on the cellular (sub-) distribution of GABAA receptor subunits and of their expressional regulation in developing healthy and diseased foetal human brains. To propose a role for GABAA receptor subunits in neurodevelopmental disorders, we studied the developing hippocampus of normal and Down syndrome foetuses. Among the α1–3 and γ2 subunits probed, we find significantly altered expression profiles of the α1, α3 and γ2 subunits in developing Down syndrome hippocampi, with the α3 subunit being most affected. α3 subunits were selectively down-regulated in all hippocampal subfields and developmental periods tested in Down syndrome foetuses, presenting a developmental mismatch by their adult-like distribution in early foetal development. We hypothesized that increased levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), and particularly its neurotoxic β-amyloid (1–42) fragment, could disrupt α3 gene expression, likely by facilitating premature neuronal differentiation. Indeed, we find increased APP content in the hippocampi of the Down foetuses. In a corresponding cellular model, soluble β-amyloid (1–42) administered to cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, augmented by retinoic acid-induced differentiation towards a neuronal phenotype, displayed a reduction in α3 subunit levels. In sum, this study charts a comprehensive regional and subcellular map of key GABAA receptor subunits in identified neuronal populations in the hippocampus of healthy and Down syndrome foetuses and associates increased β-amyloid load with discordant down-regulation of α3 subunits.

Work with the Alzheimer’s disease-related synthetic peptide beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a challenging task because of its disadvantageous dissolution properties and high propensity for aggregation. Recently, a new synthetic derivative, iso-Aβ42, has been introduced, which is a precursor of Aβ42, and it offers advantages as concerns its synthesis and use for sample preparation. These two Aβ forms showed high similarity in their biological effects, as well as in their main structural characteristics under well-chosen experimental circumstances. When we changed these conditions, considerable dissimilarities appeared in the aggregation properties of the two peptides. In the present study, the aggregation pathways of native and precursor-derived Aβ42 oligomers were compared in a physiological buffer with and without divalent metal ions (Ca2+/Mg2+). The presence of these ions influenced the Aβ conformations, the morphology as well as formation dynamics of aggregates in a different manner, as it was demonstrated by thioflavin-T-binding experiments, transmission electron microscopy and electronic circular dichroism measurements. Namely, the aggregation of native Aβ42 to fibrils was facilitated, while the aggregation of precursor-derived Aβ42 was hindered by these divalent metal ions. The observed differences in the aggregation had an impact also on the biological efficiency of native and precursor-derived Aβ42 as it was elucidated by viability assays with enhanced sensitivity on primary endothelial cell cultures. Using replica exchange molecular dynamics, we modeled the conformational ensembles of the two investigated Aβ variants evolving during preparation process. We found considerable differences in the probability distribution of the conformers that can explain the observed dissimilarities in their aggregation properties.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like actions of Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) and its two fragments, Ucn2 (1–21) and Ucn2 (22–38), in mice, in an attempt to identify the biologically active sequence of this 38 amino acid neuropeptide. In this purpose, male C57BL/6 mice were treated intracerebroventricularly (icv) with 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 µg/2 µl of Ucn2, Ucn2 (1–21) or Ucn2 (22–38). After 30 min, the mice were evaluated in an elevated plus-maze test and a forced swim test for anxiety- and depression-like behavior, respectively. Each test lasted 5 min. Ucn2 at dose of 0.25 µg/2 µl and Ucn2 (1–21) at dose of 0.125 µg/2 µl, but not Ucn2 (22–38), increased significantly the number of entries into and the time spent in the open-arms, without influencing the total number of entries. In parallel, the same doses of Ucn2 and Ucn2 (1–21), but not Ucn2 (22–38), increased significantly the climbing and the swimming activity, while decreasing significantly the time of immobility. In addition, Ucn2 at doses of 0.125 µg/2 µl and 0.5 µg/2 µl decreased significantly the time of immobility, but they did not change the other parameters. The present study demonstrates that Ucn2 exerts anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in C57BL/6 mice, which are mediated by the N-terminal, but not the C-terminal fragment of the peptide. The establishment of the smallest active sequence by further fragmentation of Ucn2 (1–21) may allow the synthesis of new anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs.

The function, regulation and cellular distribution of GABAA receptor subunits have been extensively documented in the adult rodent brain and are linked to numerous neurological disorders. However, there is a surprising lack of knowledge on the cellular (sub-) distribution of GABAA receptor subunits and of their expressional regulation in developing healthy and diseased foetal human brains. To propose a role for GABAA receptor subunits in neurodevelopmental disorders, we studied the developing hippocampus of normal and Down syndrome foetuses. Among the α1–3 and γ2 subunits probed, we find significantly altered expression profiles of the α1, α3 and γ2 subunits in developing Down syndrome hippocampi, with the α3 subunit being most affected. α3 subunits were selectively down-regulated in all hippocampal subfields and developmental periods tested in Down syndrome foetuses, presenting a developmental mismatch by their adult-like distribution in early foetal development. We hypothesized that increased levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), and particularly its neurotoxic β-amyloid (1–42) fragment, could disrupt α3 gene expression, likely by facilitating premature neuronal differentiation. Indeed, we find increased APP content in the hippocampi of the Down foetuses. In a corresponding cellular model, soluble β-amyloid (1–42) administered to cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, augmented by retinoic acid-induced differentiation towards a neuronal phenotype, displayed a reduction in α3 subunit levels. In sum, this study charts a comprehensive regional and subcellular map of key GABAA receptor subunits in identified neuronal populations in the hippocampus of healthy and Down syndrome foetuses and associates increased β-amyloid load with discordant down-regulation of α3 subunits. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00429-017-1563-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BACKGROUND The blood-brain barrier restricts drug penetration to the central nervous system. Targeted nanocarriers are new potential tools to increase the brain entry of drugs. Ligands of endogenous transporters of the blood-brain barrier can be used as targeting vectors for brain delivery of nanoparticles. OBJECTIVE We tested biotin-labeled solid nanoparticles for the first time and compared to biotinylated glutathione- labeled nanoparticles in brain endothelial cells. METHOD Neutravidin coated fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles were derivatized with biotin and biotinylated glutathione. As a human in vitro blood-brain barrier model hCMEC/D3 brain endothelial cells were used. Cell viability by MTT test, uptake and transfer of the nanoparticles across the endothelial monolayers were measured. The uptake of the nanoparticles was visualized by confocal microscopy. RESULTS The tested nanoparticles caused no change in cell viability. The uptake of biotin- and glutathione-labeled nanoparticles by brain endothelial cells was time-dependent and significantly higher compared to non-labeled nanoparticles. The penetration of the glutathione-labeled nanoparticles across the endothelial monolayer was higher than the biotin-targeted ones. Biotin- and glutathione-targeted nanoparticles were visualized in hCMEC/D3 cells. We verified that hCMEC/D3 express mRNA for sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT/SLC5A6) responsible for the blood-brain barrier transport of biotin. CONCLUSION Biotin as a ligand increased the uptake and the transfer of nanoparticles across brain endothelial cells. Biotinylated glutathione could further increase nanoparticle permeability through endothelial monolayers supporting its use as a brain targeting vector.

Neuronal hyperexcitability is a phenomenon associated with early Alzheimer’s disease. The underlying mechanism is considered to involve excessive activation of glutamate receptors; however, the exact molecular pathway remains to be determined. Extracellular recording from the CA1 of hippocampal slices is a long-standing standard for a range of studies both in basic research and in neuropharmacology. Evoked field potentials (fEPSPs) are regarded as the input, while spiking rate is regarded as the output of the neuronal network; however, the relationship between these two phenomena is not fully clear. We investigated the relationship between spontaneous spiking and evoked fEPSPs using mouse hippocampal slices. Blocking AMPA receptors (AMPARs) with CNQX abolished fEPSPs, but left firing rate unchanged. NMDA receptor (NMDAR) blockade with MK801 decreased neuronal spiking dose dependently without altering fEPSPs. Activating NMDARs by small concentration of NMDA induced a trend of increased firing. These results suggest that fEPSPs are mediated by synaptic activation of AMPARs, while spontaneous firing is regulated by the activation of extrasynaptic NMDARs. Synaptotoxic Abeta(1-42) increased firing activity without modifying evoked fEPSPs. This hyperexcitation was prevented by ifenprodil, an antagonist of the NR2B NMDARs. Overall, these results suggest that Abeta(1-42) induced neuronal overactivity is not dependent on AMPARs but requires NR2B.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) as perivascular deposits and senile plaques in the brain. The intake of the polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been associated with decreased amyloid deposition and reduced risk in AD in several epidemiological trials; however the exact underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. The aim of the study was to test whether DHA can exert a direct protective effect on the elements of the neurovascular unit, such as neurons, glial cells, brain endothelial cells, and pericytes, treated with Aβ42 (15 μM). A dose-dependent high cellular toxicity was found in viability assays in all cell types and on acute hippocampal slices after treatment with Aβ42 small oligomers prepared in situ from an isopeptide precursor. The cell morphology also changed dramatically in all cell types. In brain endothelial cells, damaged barrier function and increased para- and transcellular permeability were observed after peptide treatment. The production of reactive oxygen species was elevated in pericytes and endothelial and glial cells. DHA (30 μM) significantly decreased the Aβ42-induced toxic effects in all cell types measured by viability assays, and protected the barrier integrity and functions of brain endothelial cells. DHA also decreased the elevated rhodamine 123 accumulation in brain endothelial cells pre-treated with Aβ42 indicating an effect on efflux pump activity. These results indicate for the first time that DHA can protect not only neurons but also the other elements of the neurovascular unit from the toxic effects of Aβ42 and this effect may be beneficial in AD.

The disordered tubulin polymerization promoting protein (TPPP/p25) was found to be co-enriched in neuronal and glial inclusions with α-synuclein in Parkinson disease and multiple system atrophy, respectively; however, co-occurrence of α-synuclein with β-amyloid (Aβ) in human brain inclusions has been recently reported, suggesting the existence of mixed type pathologies that could result in obstacles in the correct diagnosis and treatment. Here we identified TPPP/p25 as an interacting partner of the soluble Aβ oligomers as major risk factors for Alzheimer disease using ProtoArray human protein microarray. The interactions of oligomeric Aβ with proteins involved in the etiology of neurological disorders were characterized by ELISA, surface plasmon resonance, pelleting experiments, and tubulin polymerization assay. We showed that the Aβ42 tightly bound to TPPP/p25 (Kd = 85 nm) and caused aberrant protein aggregation by inhibiting the physiologically relevant TPPP/p25-derived microtubule assembly. The pair-wise interactions of Aβ42, α-synuclein, and tubulin were found to be relatively weak; however, these three components formed soluble ternary complex exclusively in the absence of TPPP/p25. The aggregation-facilitating activity of TPPP/p25 and its interaction with Aβ was monitored by electron microscopy with purified proteins by pelleting experiments with cell-free extracts as well as by confocal microscopy with CHO cells expressing TPPP/p25 or amyloid. The finding that the interaction of TPPP/p25 with Aβ can produce pathological-like aggregates is tightly coupled with unusual pathology of the Alzheimer disease revealed previously; that is, partial co-localization of Aβ and TPPP/p25 in the case of diffuse Lewy body disease with Alzheimer disease.

Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Despite several in vivo and clinical studies, the cause of the disease is poorly understood. Currently, amyloid &beta, (A&beta, ) peptide and its tendency to assemble into soluble oligomers are known as a main pathogenic event leading to the interruption of synapses and brain degeneration. Targeting neurotoxic A&beta, oligomers can help recognize the disease at an early stage or it can be a potential therapeutic approach. Unnatural &beta, peptidic foldamers are successfully used against many different protein targets due to their favorable structural and pharmacokinetic properties compared to small molecule or protein-like drug candidates. We have previously reported a tetravalent foldamer-dendrimer conjugate which can selectively bind A&beta, oligomers. Taking advantage of multivalency and foldamers, we synthesized different multivalent foldamer-based conjugates to optimize the geometry of the ligand. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to measure binding affinity to A&beta, thereafter 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) based tissue viability assay and impedance-based viability assay on SH-SY5Y cells were applied to monitor A&beta, toxicity and protective effects of the compounds. Important factors for high binding affinity were determined and a good correlation was found between influencing the valence and the capability of the conjugates for A&beta, binding.

beta-Amyloid (A beta) peptides play a crucial role in the pathology of the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Biological experiments (both in vitro and animal model studies of AD) require synthetic A beta peptides of standard quality, aggregation grade, neurotoxicity and water solubility. The synthesis of A beta peptides has been difficult, owing to their hydrophobic character, poor solubility and high tendency for aggregation. Recently an isopeptide precursor (iso-A beta(1-42)) was synthesized by Fmoc-chemistry and transformed at neutral pH to A beta(1-42) by O -> N acyl migration in a short period of time. We prepared the same precursor peptide using Boc-chemistry and studied the transformation to A beta(1-42) by acyl migration. The peptide conformation and aggregation processes were studied by several methods (circular dichroism, atomic force and transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering). The biological activity of the synthetic A beta(1-42) was measured by ex vivo (long-term potentiation studies in rat hippocampal slices) and in vivo experiments (spatial learning of rats). It was proven that O -> N acyl migration of the precursor isopeptide results in a water soluble oligomeric mixture of neurotoxic A beta(1-42). These oligomers; are formed in situ just before the biological experiments and their aggregation grade could be standardized. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

It has been proved that the principal component of senile plaques is aggregates of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in cases of one of the most common forms of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the synthetic methods for the synthesis of Abeta peptides have been developed since their first syntheses, Abeta[1-42] is still problematic to prepare. The highly hydrophobic composition of Abeta[1-42] results in aggregation between resin-bound peptide chains or intrachain aggregation which leads to a decrease in the rates of deprotection and repetitive incomplete coupling reactions during 9-flurenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) synthesis. In order to avoid aggregation and/or disrupt internal aggregation during stepwise Fmoc solid phase synthesis and to improve the quality of crude products, several attempts have been made. Since highly pure Abeta peptides in large quantities are used in biological experiments, we wanted to develop a method for a rational synthesis of human Abeta[1-42] with high purity and adequate yield. This paper reports a convenient methodology with a novel solvent system for the synthesis of Abeta[1-42], its N-terminally truncated derivatives Abeta[4-42] and Abeta[5-42], and Abeta[1-42] labeled with 7-amino-4-methyl-3-coumarinylacetic acid (AMCA) at the N-terminus using Fmoc strategy. The use of 10% anisole in Dimethylformamide/Dichloromethane (DMF/DCM) can substantially improve the purity and yield of crude Abeta[1-42] and has been shown to be an optimal coupling condition for the synthesis of Abeta[1-42]. Anisole is a cheap and simple aid in the synthesis of 'difficult sequences' where other solvents are less successful in the prevention of aggregation during the synthesis.

Accumulation of amyloid plaques comprises one of the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In rodents, acute treatment with amyloid-beta (A\(\beta\); 1–42) elicits immediate debilitating effects on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Whereas LTP contributes to synaptic information storage, information is transferred across neurons by means of neuronal oscillations. Furthermore, changes in theta-gamma oscillations, that appear during high-frequency stimulation (HFS) to induce LTP, predict whether successful LTP will occur. Here, we explored if intra-cerebral treatment with A\(\beta\)(1–42), that prevents LTP, also results in alterations of hippocampal oscillations that occur during HFS of the perforant path-dentate gyrus synapse in 6-month-old behaving rats. HFS resulted in LTP that lasted for over 24 h. In A\(\beta\)-treated animals, LTP was significantly prevented. During HFS, spectral power for oscillations below 100 Hz (\(\delta\), \(\theta\), \(\alpha\), \(\beta\) and \(\gamma\)) was significantly higher in A\(\beta\)-treated animals compared to controls. In addition, the trough-to-peak amplitudes of theta and gamma cycles were higher during HFS in A\(\beta\)-treated animals. We also observed a lower amount of envelope-to-signal correlations during HFS in A\(\beta\)-treated animals. Overall, the characteristic profile of theta-gamma oscillations that accompany successful LTP induction was disrupted. These data indicate that alterations in network oscillations accompany A\(\beta\)-effects on hippocampal LTP. This may comprise an underlying mechanism through which disturbances in synaptic information storage and hippocampus-dependent memory occurs in AD.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by neuritic plaques containing amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles. Evidence has been reported that Aβ(1-42) plays an essential pathogenic role in decreased spine density, impairment of synaptic plasticity, and neuronal loss with disruption of memory-related synapse function, all associated with AD. Experimentally, Aβ(1-42) oligomers perturb hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), an electrophysiological correlate of learning and memory. Aβ was also reported to perturb synaptic glutamate (Glu)-recycling by inhibiting excitatory-amino-acid-transporters. Elevated level of extracellular Glu leads to activation of perisynaptic receptors, including NR2B subunit containing NMDARs. These receptors were shown to induce impaired LTP and enhanced long-term depression and proapoptotic pathways, all central features of AD. In the present study, we investigated the role of Glu-recycling on Aβ(1-42)-induced LTP deficit in the CA1. We found that Aβ-induced LTP damage, which was mimicked by the Glu-reuptake inhibitor TBOA, could be rescued by blocking the NR2B subunit of NMDA receptors. Furthermore, decreasing the level of extracellular Glu using a Glu scavenger also restores TBOA or Aβ induces LTP damage. Overall, these results suggest that reducing ambient Glu in the brain can be protective against Aβ-induced synaptic disruption.

Fragments of the B-loop of the epidermal growth factor family of peptides are reported to have mitogenic and angiogenic properties but appear to fail to compete with radioiodinated EGF in receptor binding. In this study, 11 analogs of a fragment of the B-loop of EGF-related peptides from several species were synthesized to study binding to A431 human epidermoid carcinoma using both 125 I-EGF and [3′4′- 3 H-Tyr 22,29 , Abu 20,31 ]EGF(20–31)-NH 2 . Specific binding sites were found for the human fragment and 8 analogs at a density five times higher than that of the EGF receptors. Analogs did not compete with 125 I-EGF for binding to the EGF receptor. The novel binding site may mediate the biological effects of the fragments. The primary rather than secondary structure of the fragments appears to determine affinity.

Several animal models of Alzheimer’s disease have been used in laboratory experiments. Intrahippocampal injection of fibrillar amyloid-beta (fAβ) peptide represents one of the most frequently used models, mimicking Aβdeposits in the brain. In our experiment synthetic fAβ1–42peptide was administered to rat hippocampus. The effect of the Aβpeptide on spatial memory and dendritic spine density was studied. The fAβ1–42-treated rats showed decreased spatial learning ability measured in Morris water maze (MWM). Simultaneously, fAβ1–42caused a significant reduction of the dendritic spine density in the rat hippocampus CA1 region. The decrease of learning ability and the loss of spine density were in good correlation. Our results prove that both methods (MWM and dendritic spine density measurement) are suitable for studying Aβ-triggered neurodegeneration processes.

The importance of the C-terminal Phe of gastrin and structural requirements at position 17 for binding to the human CCK2 receptor were assessed using analogs of [Leu15]G(11-17). The following peptides were synthesized, Ac[Leu15]G(11-17), Ac[Leu15]G(11-16)NH2, [Leu15]G(11-17), [Leu15,Ala17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Abu17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Val17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Leu17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Cha17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Trp17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Tic17]G(11-17), [Leu15, d-Phe17]G(11-17) and [Leu15,p-X-Phe17]G(11-17), where X = F, Cl, Br, I, OH, CH3, NH2 and NO2. Competition binding experiments with [3H]CCK-8 were performed using human CCK2 receptors stably expressed in CHO cells. Phe17 was shown to be important for binding. A hydrophobic side-chain larger than Leu is required at position 17 but aromaticity does not appear to be essential. Constraint of the aromatic side-chain either in the g+ or g- conformation, as in the case of Tic, results in a significant decrease in affinity. In addition, the peptide conformation induced by incorporation of d-Phe decreases binding. The size and electron withdrawing/donating properties of the para substituent are not important for interaction with the receptor. The current study shows that the use of des-Phe analogs of gastrin is not a viable strategy for development of antagonists for the human CCK2 receptor.

Coupling of amino acids to 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-hydroxyisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (HOTic) is difficult. In model experiments, use of 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (HOAt) in combination with eitherN,N-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) orO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium (HATU) for activation was effective in solving coupling difficulties. Based on this finding, HOTic was then incorporated into the 20–31 fragment of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF). [Abu20, 31,HOTic22]hEGF(20–31)-NH2 was shown to be a ‘difficult sequence’, but replacement of the Tyr at position 29 with HOTic facilitates the complete dodecapeptide synthesis.

Background and aimsUnnatural self-organizing biomimetic polymers (foldamers) emerged as promising materials for biomolecule recognition and inhibition. Our goal was to construct multivalent foldamer-dendrimer conjugates which wrap the synaptotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers with high affinity through their helical foldamer tentacles. Oligomeric Aβ species play pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease, therefore recognition and direct inhibition of this undruggable target is a great current challenge.Methods and resultsShort helical β-peptide foldamers with designed secondary structures and side chain chemistry patterns were applied as potential recognition segments and their binding to the target was tested with NMR methods (saturation transfer difference and transferred-nuclear Overhauser effect). Helices exhibiting binding in the µM region were coupled to a tetravalent G0-PAMAM dendrimer. In vitro biophysical (isothermal titration calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and size-exclusion chromatography) and biochemical tests (ELISA and dot blot) indicated the tight binding between the foldamer conjugates and the Aβ oligomers. Moreover, a selective low nM interaction with the low molecular weight fraction of the Aβ oligomers was found. Ex vivo electrophysiological experiments revealed that the new material rescues the long-term potentiation from the toxic Aβ oligomers in mouse hippocampal slices at submicromolar concentration.ConclusionsThe combination of the foldamer methodology, the fragment-based approach and the multivalent design offers a pathway to unnatural protein mimetics that are capable of specific molecular recognition, and has already resulted in an inhibitor for an extremely difficult target.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disorders even so the exact pathomechanism is still unclear. Recently, it is widely accepted that amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) toxicity is positively linked to Aβ oligomers, which may be responsible for the initiation of AD. For this reason, AD research requires well defined aggregation state and structure of Aβ. Precursor peptide 'iso-Aβ1-42' makes it possible to use Aβ1-42 with well- defined aggregation state for in vitro and in vivo experiments. The aim of this study was to identify protein expression changes from differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells after treatment with oligomeric Aβ1-42 prepared in situ from 'iso-Aβ1-42'. In our experiment, a cell viability assay revealed a strong and time-dependent toxic effect of oligomeric Aβ1-42 which was supported by dramatic morphological changes. Our proteomics study also revealed numerous significant protein expression changes (22 proteins down- and 25 proteins up-regulated) after comparison of the untreated and Aβ1-42-treated cell lysates by two-dimensional electrophoresis. From the functional classification of the identified proteins, we found deregulations of proteins involved in metabolic processes, cytoskeleton organisation and protein biosynthesis and a huge number of up-regulated stress proteins displayed oligomeric Aβ1-42-induced cell stress.

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 691–702. Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disorders even so the exact pathomechanism is still unclear. Recently, it is widely accepted that amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) toxicity is positively linked to Aβ oligomers, which may be responsible for the initiation of AD. For this reason, AD research requires well defined aggregation state and structure of Aβ. Precursor peptide ‘iso-Aβ1-42’ makes it possible to use Aβ1-42 with well- defined aggregation state for in vitro and in vivo experiments. The aim of this study was to identify protein expression changes from differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells after treatment with oligomeric Aβ1-42 prepared in situ from ‘iso-Aβ1-42’. In our experiment, a cell viability assay revealed a strong and time-dependent toxic effect of oligomeric Aβ1-42 which was supported by dramatic morphological changes. Our proteomics study also revealed numerous significant protein expression changes (22 proteins down- and 25 proteins up-regulated) after comparison of the untreated and Aβ1-42-treated cell lysates by two-dimensional electrophoresis. From the functional classification of the identified proteins, we found deregulations of proteins involved in metabolic processes, cytoskeleton organisation and protein biosynthesis and a huge number of up-regulated stress proteins displayed oligomeric Aβ1-42-induced cell stress.

Oligomeric amyloid-β is currently of interest in amyloid-β mediated toxicity and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Mapping the amyloid-β interaction partners could help to discover novel pathways in disease pathogenesis. To discover the amyloid-β interaction partners, we applied a protein array with more than 8100 unique recombinantly expressed human proteins. We identified 324 proteins as potential interactors of oligomeric amyloid-β. The Gene Ontology functional analysis of these proteins showed that oligomeric amyloid-β bound to multiple proteins with diverse functions both from extra and intracellular localizations. This undiscriminating binding phenotype indicates that multiple protein interactions mediate the toxicity of the oligomeric amyloid-β. The most highly impacted cellular system was the protein translation machinery. Oligomeric amyloid-β could bind to altogether 24 proteins involved in translation initiation and elongation. The binding of amyloid-β to purified rat hippocampal ribosomes validated the protein array results. More importantly, in vitro translation assays showed that the oligomeric amyloid-β had a concentration dependent inhibitory activity on translation. Our results indicate that the inhibited protein synthesis is one of the pathways that can be involved in the amyloid-beta induced neurotoxicity.

Two pyridine derivatives, DMAP and ENDIP, have been investigated as possible metal chelators in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease. Their complex formation with Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) were characterised in detail. In the case of ENDIP a high stability tetradentate ML complex is formed at physiological pH both with Cu(ii) and Zn(ii). DMAP was found to be a weaker metal binder. At physiological pH, it forms a bidentate ML complex with Zn(ii) and MLH(-1) and ML(2) complexes with Cu(ii), depending on the metal ion to ligand ratio. Fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements proved that ENDIP effectively competes with aggregated amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta) for both Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) and thus is able to prevent the metal ion-induced amyloid aggregation and to resolubilise amyloid precipitates.

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short peptides capable of translocating across the plasma membrane of live cells and transporting conjugated compounds intracellularly. Fifteen years after discovering the first model cationic CPPs, penetratin and TAT, CPP internalization is still challenging many questions. Particularly it has been unknown whether CPPs enter the cells with or without mediation of a specific surface receptor. Here we report that syndecan-4, the universally expressed isoform of the syndecan family of transmembrane proteoglycans. binds and mediates transport of the three most frequently utilized cationic CPPs (penetratin, octaarginine and TAT) into the cells. Quantitative uptake studies and mutational analyses demonstrate that attachment of the cationic CPPs is mediated by specific interactions between the heparan sulfate chains of syndecan-4 and the CPPs. Protein kinase C alpha is also heavily involved in the uptake mechanism. The collected data give the first direct evidence on the receptor-mediated uptake of cationic CPPs and may replace the long-thought, but already contradicted membrane penetration hypothesis. Thus our study might give an answer for a decade long debate and foster the development of rationalized, syndecan-4 targeted novel delivery technologies. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to be the beta-amyloid aggregates formed mainly by Abeta1-42 peptide. Protective pentapeptides [e.g., Leu-Pro-Phe-Phe-Asp (LPFFD)] have been shown to prevent neuronal toxicity of Abeta1-42 by arresting and reversing fibril formation. Here we report that an endogenous tetrapeptide, endomorphin-2 (End-2, amino acid sequence: YPFF), defends against Abeta1-42 induced neuromodulatory effects at the cellular level. Although End-2 does not interfere with the kinetics of Abeta fibrillogenesis according to transmission electron microscopic studies and quasielastic light scattering measurements, it binds to Abeta1-42 during aggregation, as revealed by tritium-labeled End-2 binding assay and circular dichroism measurements. The tetrapeptide attenuates the inhibitory effect on cellular redox activity of Abeta1-42 in a dose-dependent manner, as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In vitro and in vivo electrophysiological experiments show that End-2 also protects against the field excitatory postsynaptic potential attenuating and the NMDA-evoked response-enhancing effect of Abeta1-42. Studies using [D-Ala (2), N-Me-Phe (4), Gly (5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), a mu-opioid receptor agonist, show that the protective effects of the tetrapeptide are not mu-receptor modulated. The endogenous tetrapeptide End-2 may serve as a lead compound for the drug development in the treatment of AD.