Biology subjects

Ni, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Ni, R..

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Visualizing alpha-synuclein and iron deposition in M83 mouse model of Parkinson's disease in vivo

BackgroundAbnormal alpha-synuclein and iron accumulation in the brain play an important role in Parkinsons disease (PD). Herein, we aim at visualizing alpha-synuclein inclusions and iron deposition in the brains of M83 (A53T) mouse models of PD in vivo. MethodsFluorescently labelled pyrimidoindole-derivative THK-565 was characterized by using recombinant fibrils and brains from 10-11 months old M83 mice, which subsequently underwent in vivo concurrent wide-field fluorescence and volumetric multispectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT) imaging. The in vivo results were verified against structural and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 9.4 Tesla and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) of perfused brains. Brain slice immunofluorescence and Prussian blue staining were further performed to validate the detection of alpha-synuclein inclusions and iron deposition in the brain, respectively. ResultsTHK-565 showed increased fluorescence upon binding to recombinant alpha-synuclein fibrils and alpha-synuclein inclusions in post-mortem brain slices from patients with Parkinsons disease and M83 mice. i.v. administration of THK-565 in M83 mice showed higher cerebral retention at 20 and 40 minutes post-injection by wide-field fluorescence compared to non-transgenic littermate mice, in congruence with the vMSOT findings. SWI/phase images and Prussian blue indicated the accumulation of iron deposits in the brains of M83 mice, presumably in the Fe3+ form, as evinced by the STXM results. ConclusionWe demonstrated in vivo mapping of alpha-synuclein by means of non-invasive epifluorescence and vMSOT imaging assisted with a targeted THK-565 label and SWI/STXM identification of iron deposits in M83 mouse brains ex vivo.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Efficient characterization of multiple binding sites of small molecule imaging ligands on amyloid-beta, 4-repeat/full-length tau and alpha-synuclein

AimThere is an unmet need for compounds that detect alpha-synuclein (Syn) and 4-repeat tau, which are critical in many neurodegenerative diseases for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Here, we aim to develop an efficient surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based method to facilitate the characterization of small molecule ligands/compounds to these fibrils. MethodsSPR measurements were conducted to characterize the binding properties of fluorescent ligands/compounds towards recombinant A{beta}42, K18 4-repeat/full-length tau and Syn fibrils. In silico modelling was performed to examine the binding pockets of ligands on Syn fibrils. Immunofluorescence staining with fluorescence ligands and specific antibodies on postmortem brain tissue slices from patients with Parkinsons disease and disease mouse models was performed. ResultsWe optimized the protocol for immobilizing A{beta}42, K18 tau, full-length tau and Syn fibrils in a controlled aggregation state on SPR sensor chips. The results from the analysis of binding kinetics suggested the presence of at least two binding sites for all fibrils, including luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (HS-169, HS-84, h-FTAA and q-FTAA), pyridine derivative PBB5, nonfluorescent methylene blue and lansoprazole. In silico modelling studies for Syn (6H6B) showed four binding sites with preference to S4. Immunofluorescence staining validated the detection of pS129-positive Syn in brain tissue from Parkinsons disease patients, Syn PFF-injected mice, 6E10-positive A{beta} in arcA{beta} mice, and AT-8/AT-100-positive in tau pR5 tau mice, respectively. ConclusionsSPR measurements of ligands and small molecules binding to A{beta}42, 4R and full-length tau and Syn fibrils suggest the existence of multiple binding sites. This approach may provide efficient characterization of compound binding properties towards these fibrils important in neurodegenerative diseases.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2023

NRF2 deficiency promotes ferroptosis of astrocytes mediated by oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease (AD), which is linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and neurotoxicity. Emerging evidence suggests a role of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), a major source of antioxidant response elements in AD. The molecular mechanism of oxidative stress and ferroptosis in astrocytes in AD is not yet fully understood. Here, we aim to investigate the mechanism by which Nrf2 regulates the ferroptosis of astrocytes in AD. Postmortem frontal cortex tissues from patients with AD and nondemented controls and brain tissue from the 3xTg AD mouse model and wild-type mice (10 months old) were used. Immunofluorescence staining for Nrf2, the ROS marker NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and GFAP was performed. We further induced Nrf2 deficiency in mouse astrocytes by using RNAi and assessed the changes in ROS, ferroptosis, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction by using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. We found decreased expression of Nrf2 and upregulated expression of NOX4 in the frontal cortex from patients with AD and in the cortex of 3xTg mice compared to control mice. We demonstrated that Nrf2 deficiency led to ferroptosis-dependent oxidative stress-induced ROS with downregulated heme oxygenase-1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 and upregulated cystine glutamate expression. Moreover, Nrf2 deficiency increased lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation, and mitochondrial fragmentation in mouse astrocytes. In conclusion, these results suggest that Nrf2 promotes ferroptosis of astrocytes involving oxidative stress in AD.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Reconstructing the pressure field around a swimming fish using a physics-informed neural network

Hydrodynamic pressure is a physical quantity that is utilized by fish and many other aquatic animals to generate thrust and sense the surrounding environment. To advance our understanding of how fish react to unsteady flows, it is necessary to intercept the pressure signals sensed by their lateral line system. In this study, the authors propose a new, non-invasive method for reconstructing the instantaneous pressure field around a swimming fish from 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The method uses a physics-informed neural network (PINN) to predict an optimized solution for the velocity and pressure fields that satisfy in an [L]2 sense both the Navier Stokes equations and the constraints put forward by the measurements. The method was validated using a direct numerical simulation of a swimming mackerel, Scomber scombrus, and was applied to empirically obtained data of a turning zebrafish, Danio rerio. The results demonstrate that when compared to traditional methods that rely on directly integrating the pressure gradient field, the PINN is less sensitive to the spatio-temporal resolution of the velocity field measurements and provides a more accurate pressure reconstruction, particularly on the surface of the body.

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2023

Analysis of skull thickness, scalp-to-cortex distance and association with age and sex in cognitively normal elderly

Personalized neurostimulation has been a potential treatment for many brain diseases, which requires insights into brain/skull geometry. Here, we developed an open source efficient pipeline BrainCalculator for automatically computing the skull thickness map, scalp-to-cortex distance (SCD), and brain volume based on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. We examined the influence of age and sex cross-sectionally in 407 cognitively normal older adults (71.9{+/-}8.0 years, 60.2% female) from the ADNI. We demonstrated the compatibility of our pipeline with commonly used preprocessing packages and found that BrainSuite Skullfinder was better suited for such automatic analysis compared to FSL Brain Extraction Tool 2 and SPM12- based unified segmentation using ground truth. We found that the sphenoid bone and temporal bone were thinnest among the skull regions in both females and males. There was no increase in regional minimum skull thickness with age except in the female sphenoid bone. No sex difference in minimum skull thickness or SCD was observed. Positive correlations between age and SCD were observed, faster in females (0.307%/y) than males (0.216%/y) in temporal SCD. A negative correlation was observed between age and whole brain volume computed based on brain surface (females -1.031%/y, males -0.998%/y). In conclusion, we developed an automatic pipeline for MR-based skull thickness map, SCD, and brain volume analysis and demonstrated the sex-dependent association between minimum regional skull thickness, SCD and brain volume with age. This pipeline might be useful for personalized neurostimulation planning.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Gastrodin ameliorates synaptic impairment, reestablishes mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces oxidative stress in N2a/APP cells through the ERK1/2 and GSK-3beta pathways

Alzheimers disease (AD) is featured by abnormal {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) deposition, neurofibrillary tangle formation, downstream mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and synaptic loss. Gastrodin, a phenolic glycoside, has shown neuroprotective effect and used in the treatment of a range of brain diseases. Here we aim to assess the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the neuroprotective effect of gastrodin in murine neuroblastoma N2a cells expressing human Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (N2a/APP). The levels of pre- and postsynaptic proteins, amyloid precursor protein C-terminal fragments (APP-CTFs), levels of tau, glycogen synthase kinase-3 {beta} (GSK-3{beta}), extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) were assessed by Western blotting. Flow cytometry assays for mitochondrial membrane potential (JC1) and reactive oxidative stress, as well as immunofluorescence staining for lipid peroxidation (4{square}hydroxynonenal) and DNA oxidation (8{square}hydroxy{square}2{square}deoxyguanosine), were performed. We found that gastrodin treatment increased the levels of presynaptic SNAP25, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic PSD95, reduced phosphorylated tau protein Ser396, and APP-CTFs in N2a/APP cells. In addition, gastrodin reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA oxidation, reestablished mitochondrial membrane potential. Upregulated levels of phosphorylated-GSK-3{beta}, reduced levels of phosphorylated-ERK, and phosphorylated-JNK were involved the protective effect of gastrodin. In conclusion, we demonstrated a neuroprotective effect of gastrodin in N2a/APP cell line.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Myricetin protected against Aβ oligomer-induced synaptic impairment, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells via ERK1/2/GSK-3β pathways

Alzheimers disease is characterized by abnormal {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) plaque accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, reactive oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic loss. Myricetin, a dietary flavonoid, has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism and pathways involved in myricetins protective effect on the toxicity induced by the A{beta}42 oligomer. Neuronal SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with myricetin before incubation with A{beta}42 oligomer. The levels of pre- and postsynaptic proteins, mitochondrial division and fusion proteins, glycogen synthase kinase-3 {beta} (GSK-3{beta}) and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 were assessed by Western blotting. Flow cytometry assays for mitochondrial membrane potential (JC1) and reactive oxidative stress, as well immunofluorescence staining for lipid peroxidation (4-HNE) and DNA oxidation (8-OHdG), were performed. We found that myricetin prevented A{beta}42 oligomer-induced tau phosphorylation and the reduction in pre/postsynaptic proteins. In addition, myricetin reduced reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA oxidation induced by the A{beta}42 oligomer. Moreover, myricetin prevented the A{beta}42 oligomer-induced reduction in mitochondrial fusion proteins (mitofusin-1, mitofusin-2), fission protein (dynamin-related protein 1) phosphorylation, and mitochondrial membrane potential via the associated GSK-3{beta} and ERK 1/2 signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study provides new insight into the neuroprotective mechanism of myricetin against A{beta}42 oligomer-induced toxicity.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Junctophilin-2 promotes cardiomyocyte survival by blocking MURF1-mediated Junctin ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation

AimsJunctophilin-2 is required for the development, maturation and integrity of the t-tubule system and the gating stability of RyR2 in cardiomyocytes. This study investigated whether and how junctophilin-2 maintained junctin, a scaffold protein stabilizing RyR2, to prevent cardiomyocyte death under stress. MethodsCardiomyocytes were exposed to conditions of stress including palmitate, doxorubicin, or hypoxia/re-oxygenation. Adenoviral vectors were employed to manipulate expression of junctophilin-2 and junctin in cardiomyocytes. Molecular/cellular/biochemical analyses were conducted. ResultsDifferent conditions of stress decreased junctophilin-2 expression through aberrant autophagy and concomitantly induced a reduction of junctin protein in cardiomyocytes. Over-expression of junctophilin-2 preserved the protein levels of junctin and attenuated cytosolic Ca2+ and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under stress. Knockdown of junctophilin-2 reproduced the detrimental phenotypes of stress in cardiomyocytes. Notably, over-expression of junctin prevented cardiomyocyte death under stress whereas knockdown of junctin offset the protective effects conferred by junctophilin-2 over-expression. Mechanistically, junctophilin-2 blocked MURF1-junctin interaction thereby preventing junctin ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation. Mass spectrometry analysis identified multiple ubiquitination sites on the junctin protein and the non-ubiquitinated junctin mutant (K8A/K102A/K107A/K140A) was resistant to degradation. ConclusionsThis study uncovers an unrecognized role of junctophilin-2 in preventing junctin ubiquitination and degradation in maintaining cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis. Both junctophilin-2 and junctin represent two new survival factors of cardiomyocytes and thus, may be new therapeutic targets for cardiac protection.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Quercetin reduces APP expression, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the N2a/APPswe cells via ERK1/2 and AKT pathways

Abnormal amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) abnormal accumulation and oxidative stress play important roles in Alzheimers disease (AD). Quercetin has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and thus of therapeutic interests for neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the mechanisms by which quercetin exerts neuroprotective effects in murine neuroblastoma N2a cells stably expressing human Swedishh mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP). Quercetin treatment exhibited low cytoxicity, attenuated APP expression and APP-induced oxidative neurotoxicity in N2a/APP cells. We found that quercetin effected via the down-regulation of phospho-extracellular signal{square}regulated protein kinase (p-ERK1/2) pathway and up-regulation of phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) pathway in N2a/APP cells. In addition, quercetin ameliorated the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species using DCFH-DA flow-cytometry in N2a/APP cells, lipid peroxidation using (4-HNE), and DNA oxidation (8-OHdG assays). Quercetin ameliorated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential using JC-1 fluorescence assay in N2a/APP cells in a dose-dependent mannor. In conclusion, we domenstrated the neuroprotective effects of quercetin against the APP expression induced oxidative neurotoxicity, impairment of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress through inactivation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and activation of AKT signaling pathways.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Imaging increased metabolism in the spinal cord in mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion

Emerging evidence indicates crosstalk between the brain and the hematopoietic system following cerebral ischemia. Here, we investigated metabolism and oxygenation in the spleen and spinal cord in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model that is widely used in focal cerebral ischemia research. Naive, sham and tMCAO mice underwent positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for assessing glucose metabolism and multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) assisted with quantitative model-based reconstruction and unmixing algorithms for accurate mapping of oxygenation patterns in the peripheral tissues at 24 h after reperfusion. We found increased levels of [18F]FDG uptake and reduced MSOT oxygen saturation, indicating hypoxia in the thoracic spinal cord of tMCAO mice compared with sham-operated mice but not in the spleen. A positive correlation was observed between splenic and ipsilateral striatal [18F]FDG uptake. Reduced spleen size was observed in tMCAO mice compared with sham-operated mice ex vivo. tMCAO led to a significant increase in the numbers of mature T cells (CD4 and CD8) in femoral bone marrow tissues, concomitant with a stark reduction in these cell subsets in the spleen and their decrease in peripheral blood. The numbers of mature granulocytes (determined as CD11b+Gr1hi cells) decreased in bone marrow tissues and blood but increased in the spleen. The combination of quantitative PET and MSOT thus enabled the observation of hypoxia and increased metabolic activity in the spinal cord of tMCAO mice at 24 h after occlusion compared to sham-operated mice.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Evaluation of CB2R expression and pyridine-based radiotracers in brains from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimers disease. The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) is an emerging target for neuroinflammation and therapeutics of Alzheimers disease. Here, we aimed to assess the alterations in brain CB2R levels and evaluate novel CB2R imaging tracers in the arcA{beta} mouse model of Alzheimers disease amyloidosis. Immunohistochemical staining for A{beta} deposits (6E10), microgliosis (anti-Iba1 and anti-CD68 antibodies), astrocytes (GFAP) and the anti-CB2R antibody was performed on brain slices from arcA{beta} mice 17 months of age. Autoradiography using the CB2R imaging probes [18F]RoSMA-18-d6, [11C]RSR-056 and [11C]RS-028 and mRNA analysis were performed in brain tissue from arcA{beta} and nontransgenic littermate (NTL) mice at 6, 17, and 24 months of age. Specific increased CB2R immunofluorescence intensities on the increased number of GFAP-positive astrocytes and Iba1-positive microglia were detected in the hippocampus and cortex of 17-month-old arcA{beta} mice compared to NTL mice. CB2R immunofluorescence was higher in the glial cells inside 6E10-positive amyloid-{beta} deposits than peri-plaque with a low background. Ex vivo autoradiography showed that the binding of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 and [11C]RSR-056 was comparable in arcA{beta} and NTL mice at 6, 17 and 24 months. The level of Cnr2 mRNA expression in the brain was not significantly different between arcA{beta} and NTL mice at 6, 17 or 24 months. In conclusion, we demonstrated pronounced specific increases in microglial and astroglial CB2R expression levels in a model of AD-related cerebral amyloidosis/AD mouse model, emphasizing CB2R as a suitable target for imaging neuroinflammation.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Coregistered transcranial optoacoustic and magnetic resonance angiography of the human brain

Imaging modalities capable of visualizing the human brain have led to major advances in neurology and brain research. Multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) has gained importance for studying cerebral function in rodent models due to its unique capability to map changes in multiple hemodynamic parameters and to directly visualize neural activity within the brain. The technique further provides molecular imaging capabilities that can facilitate early disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. However, transcranial imaging of the human brain is hampered by acoustic attenuation and other distortions introduced by the skull. Here, we demonstrate noninvasive transcranial MSOT angiography through the temporal bone of an adult healthy volunteer. Time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and T1-weighted structural MRI were further acquired to facilitate anatomical registration and interpretation. The superior middle cerebral vein in the temporal cortex was identified in the MSOT images, matching its location observed in the TOF-MRA images. These initial results pave the way toward the application of MSOT in clinical brain imaging.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Aquaporin 4 is differentially increased and depolarized in association with tau and amyloid-beta

Neurovascular-glymphatic dysfunction plays an important role in Alzheimers disease and has been analyzed mainly in association with amyloid-beta (A{beta}) pathology. The neurovascular-glymphatic link with tauopathies has not been well elucidated. Here, we aimed to investigate the alterations in the neurovasculature and map the aquaporin 4 (AQP4) distribution and depolarization associated with tau and A{beta}. Perfusion, susceptibility weighted imaging and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in the pR5 P301L mouse model of 4-repeat tau and the arcA{beta} mouse model of amyloidosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed using antibodies against AQP4, CD31, astroglia (GFAP, s100{beta}), phospho-tau (AT-8) and A{beta} (6E10) in brain tissue slices from P301L, arcA{beta} and nontransgenic mice. P301L mice showed regional atrophy, preserved cerebral blood flow and reduced cerebral vessel density compared to nontransgenic mice, while arcA{beta} mice showed cerebral microbleeds and reduced cerebral vessel density. AQP4 depolarization and peri-tau enrichment in the hippocampus and increased AQP4 levels in the forebrain and hippocampus were detected in P301L mice compared to nontransgenic mice. In comparison, cortical AQP4 depolarization and cortical/hippocampal peri-plaque increases were observed in arcA{beta} mice. Increased s100{beta}-GFAP fluorescence intensities indicative of reactive astrocytes were detected surrounding tau inclusions in P301L mice and A{beta} plaques in arcA{beta} mice. In conclusion, we observed a divergent region-specific AQP4 increase and association with phospho-tau and A{beta} pathologies.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Non-invasive visualization of amyloid-beta deposits in Alzheimer amyloidosis mice using magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence molecular tomography

Abnormal cerebral accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (A{beta}) is a major hallmark of Alzheimers disease. Non-invasive monitoring of A{beta} deposits enables assessing the disease burden in patients and animal models mimicking aspects of the human disease as well as evaluating the efficacy of A{beta}-modulating therapies. Previous in vivo assessments of plaque load in mouse models of cerebral amyloidosis have been predominantly based on two-dimensional diffuse fluorescence reflectance imaging (2D-FRI) and two-photon microscopy (2PM) using A{beta}-specific imaging agents. However, 2D-FRI lacks depth resolution, whereas 2PM is restricted by the limited field of view preventing coverage of large brain regions. Here, we utilized a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) pipeline with the curcumin derivative fluorescent probe CRANAD-2 to achieve full 3D brain coverage for detecting A{beta} accumulation in the arcA{beta} mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis. A homebuilt FMT system was used for data acquisition in combination with a customized software platform enabling the integration of anatomical information derived from MRI as prior information for FMT image reconstruction. The results obtained from the FMT-MRI study were compared to data obtained from conventional 2D-FRI recorded under similar physiological conditions. The two methods yielded comparable time courses of the fluorescence intensity following intravenous injection of CRANAD-2 in a region of interest comprising the mouse brain. The depth resolution inherent to FMT allowed separation of signal contributions from the scalp and different brain regions, indicating preferential accumulation of the fluorescent tracer in the cerebral cortex, a region characterized by significant plaque deposition in arc A{beta} mice. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the feasibility of visualizing A{beta} deposition in 3D using a multimodal FMT-MRI method. This hybrid imaging method provides complementary anatomical, physiological and molecular information, thereby enabling the detailed characterization of the disease status in mouse models of cerebral amyloidosis, which is also important for monitoring the efficacy of putative treatments targeting A{beta}.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Multi-parametric characterization of brain-wide hemodynamic and calcium responses to sensory stimulation in mice

Modern optical neuroimaging approaches are expanding our ability to elucidate complex brain function. Diverse imaging contrasts enable direct observation of neural activity with functional sensors along with the induced hemodynamic responses. To date, decoupling the complex interplay of neurovascular coupling and dynamical physiological states has remained challenging when employing single-modality functional neuroimaging tools. We devised a hybrid fluorescence optoacoustic tomography (FLOT) platform combined with a custom data processing pipeline based on statistical parametric mapping, accomplishing the first simultaneous noninvasive observation of both direct and indirect brain-wide activation patterns with optical contrast. Correlated changes in the oxy- and deoxygenated hemoglobin, total hemoglobin, oxygen saturation and rapid GCaMP6f fluorescence signals were observed in response to peripheral sensory stimulation. While the concurrent epifluorescence served to corroborate and complement the functional optoacoustic observations, the latter further aided in decoupling the rapid calcium responses from the slowly varying background in the fluorescence recordings mediated by hemodynamic changes. The hybrid imaging platform expands the capabilities of conventional neuroimaging methods to provide more comprehensive functional readings for studying neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling mechanisms and related diseases.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Rapamycin attenuated zinc-induced tau phosphorylation and oxidative stress in animal model: Involvement of dual mTOR/p70S6K and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways

Alzheimers disease is pathologically featured by abnormal accumulation of amyloid-beta plaque, neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Metal dysregulation including excessive zinc released by presynaptic neurons plays an important role in tau pathology and oxidase activation. The activities of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/ ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) are elevated in the brains of patients with Alzheimers disease. Zinc induces tau hyperphosphorylation via mTOR/P70S6K activation in vitro. However, the involvement of mTOR/P70S6K pathway in zinc-induced oxidative stress, tau degeneration, synaptic and cognitive impairment, has not been fully elucidated in vivo. Here we assessed in the effect of pathological concentration of zinc in SH-SY5Y cells by using biochemical assays and immunofluorescence staining. Rats (n = 18, male) were lateral ventricularly-injected with zinc and treated with rapamycin (intraperitoneal injection) for one week and assessed using Morris water maze. Evaluation of the oxidative stress, tau phorsphylation and synaptic impairment were performed using the hippocampus tissue of the rats by biochemical assays and immunofluorescence staining. Results from Morris water maze showed that the capacity of spatial memory is impaired in zinc-treated rats. Zinc sulfate significantly increased the levels of P-mTOR Ser2448, P-p70S6K Thr389, and P-tau Ser356, and decreased levels of Nrf2 and HO{square}1 in SH-SY5Y cells and in zinc-treated rats compared with control groups. Increased expressions of reactive oxygen species were observed in zinc sulfate-induced SH-SY5Y cells as well as in the hippocampus of zinc-injected rats. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, rescued the zinc-induced increases in mTOR/p70S6K activations, tau phosphorylation and oxidative stress, as well as Nrf2/HO{square}1 inactivation, cognitive impairment and synaptic impairment reduced the expression of synapse-related proteins in zinc-injected rats. In conclusion, our findings imply that rapamycin prevents zinc-induced cognitive impairment and protects neurons from tau pathology, oxidative stress and synaptic impairment, by decreasing mTOR/p70S6K hyperactivity and increasing Nrf2/HO {square} 1 activity.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Non-invasive imaging of tau-targeted probe uptake by whole brain multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography

AimAbnormal tau accumulation plays an important role in tauopathy diseases such as Alzheimers disease and Frontotemporal dementia. There is a need for high-resolution imaging of tau deposits at the whole brain scale in animal models. Here, we demonstrate non-invasive whole brain imaging of tau-targeted PBB5 probe in P301L model of 4-repeat tau at 130 m resolution using volumetric multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT). MethodsThe binding properties of PBB5 to 4-repeat K18 tau and A{beta}42 fibrils were assessed by using Thioflavin T assay and surface plasmon resonance assay. We identified the probe PBB5 suitable for vMSOT tau imaging. The imaging performance was first evaluated using postmortem human brain tissues from patients with Alzheimers disease, corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy. Concurrent vMSOT and epi-fluorescence imaging of in vivo PBB5 targeting (i.v.) was performed in P301L and wild-type mice. Ex vivo measurements on excised brains along with multiphoton microscopy and immunofluorescence staining of tissue sections were performed for validation. The spectrally-unmixed vMSOT data was registered with MRI atlas for volume-of-interest analysis. ResultsPBB5 showed specific binding to recombinant K18 tau fibrils, Alzheimers disease brain tissue homogenate by competitive binding against [11C]PBB3 and to tau deposits (AT-8 positive) in post-mortem corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy brain. i.v. administration of PBB5 in P301L mice led to retention of the probe in tau-laden cortex and hippocampus in contrast to wild-type animals, as also confirmed by ex vivo vMSOT, epi-fluorescence and multiphoton microscopy results. ConclusionvMSOT with PBB5 facilitates novel 3D whole brain imaging of tau in P301L animal model with high-resolution for future mechanistic studies and monitoring of putative treatments targeting tau.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

In vivo imaging of cannabinoid type 2 receptors, functional and structural alterations in mouse model of cerebral ischemia by PET and MRI

Background and purposeBrain ischemia is one of the most important pathologies of the central nervous system. Non-invasive molecular imaging methods have the potential to provide critical insights into the temporal dynamics and follow alterations of receptor expression and metabolism in ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to assess the cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R) levels in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse models at subacute stage using positron emission tomography (PET) with our novel tracer [18F]RoSMA-18-d6, and structural imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MethodsOur recently developed CB2R PET tracer [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 was used for imaging the neuroinflammation at 24 h after reperfusion in tMCAO mice. The RNA expression levels of CB2R and other inflammatory markers were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using brain tissues from tMCAO (1 h occlusion) and sham-operated mice. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was included for evaluation of the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc). In addition, diffusion-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging were performed for anatomical reference and delineating the lesion in tMCAO mice. ResultsmRNA expressions of inflammatory markers TNF-, Iba1, MMP9 and GFAP, CNR2 were increased at 24 h after reperfusion in the ipsilateral compared to contralateral hemisphere of tMCAO mice, while mRNA expression of the neuronal marker MAP-2 was markedly reduced. Reduced [18F]FDG uptake was observed in the ischemic striatum of tMCAO mouse brain at 24 h after reperfusion. Although higher activity of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in ex-vivo biodistribution studies and higher standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) were detected in the ischemic ipsilateral compared to contralateral striatum in tMCAO mice, the in-vivo specificity of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 was confirmed only in the CB2R-rich spleen. ConclusionsThis study revealed an increased [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 measure of CB2R and a reduced [18F]FDG measure of CMRglc in ischemic striatum of tMCAO mice at subacute stage. [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 might be a promising PET tracer for detecting CB2R alterations in animal models of neuroinflammation without neuronal loss.

neuroscience↗