Synthesis and evaluation of esterified Hsp70 agonists in cellular models of protein aggregation and folding.

Over-expression of the Hsp70 molecular chaperone prevents protein aggregation and ameliorates neurodegenerative disease phenotypes in model systems. We identified an Hsp70 activator, MAL1-271, that reduces α-synuclein aggregation in a Parkinson's Disease model. We now report that MAL1-271 directly increases the ATPase activity of a eukaryotic Hsp70. Next, twelve MAL1-271 derivatives were synthesized and examined in a refined α-synuclein aggregation model as well as in an assay that monitors maturation of a disease-causing Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) mutant, which is also linked to Hsp70 function. Compared to the control, MAL1-271 significantly increased the number of cells lacking α-synuclein inclusions and increased the steady-state levels of the CFTR mutant. We also found that a nitrile-containing MAL1-271 analog exhibited similar effects in both assays. None of the derivatives exhibited cellular toxicity at concentrations up to 100 µm, nor were cellular stress response pathways induced. These data serve as a gateway for the continued development of a new class of Hsp70 agonists with efficacy in these and potentially other disease models.

Angiotensin type 1 receptor blockage reduces l-dopa-induced dyskinesia in the 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease. Involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-1ß.

Non-neuronal factors such as angiogenesis and neuroinflammation may play a role in l-dopa induced dyskinesias (LID). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) have been found to be involved in LID. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the inflammatory response and VEGF synthesis via type 1 (AT1) receptors. However, it is not known whether the RAS plays a role in LID and whether AT1 antagonists could constitute a useful therapy against LID. In this study, we investigated whether manipulation of brain RAS is effective in preventing LID. Blocking AT1 receptors with candesartan significantly reduces LID in the 6-OHDA rat model. Chronic dopaminergic denervation induces an increase in striatal levels of VEGF and IL-1ß. Dyskinetic animals showed significantly higher levels of VEGF and IL-1ß in the lateral striatum and the substantia nigra, as revealed by western blot and real time-PCR analyses. Interestingly, animals treated with both candesartan and l-dopa displayed significantly lower levels of VEGF, IL-1ß and dyskinesia than those treated with l-dopa alone. The stimulatory effect of angiotensin II (AII) on VEGF expression was confirmed by the addition of AII to primary mesencephalic cultures and intraventricular administration of AII in rats. The results of the present study reveal for the first time that blockage of AT-1 receptors reduces LID. A candesartan-induced decrease in VEGF and IL-1ß may be responsible for the beneficial effects, suggesting the brain RAS as a new target for LID treatment in PD patients.

Brain angiotensin regulates iron homeostasis in dopaminergic neurons and microglial cells.

Dysfunction of iron homeostasis has been shown to be involved in ageing, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Increased levels of labile iron result in increased reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Angiotensin II, via type-1 receptors, exacerbates oxidative stress, the microglial inflammatory response and progression of dopaminergic degeneration. Angiotensin activates the NADPH-oxidase complex, which produces superoxide. However, it is not known whether angiotensin affects iron homeostasis. In the present study, administration of angiotensin to primary mesencephalic cultures, the dopaminergic cell line MES23.5 and to young adult rats, significantly increased levels of transferrin receptors, divalent metal transporter-1 and ferroportin, which suggests an increase in iron uptake and export. In primary neuron-glia cultures and young rats, angiotensin did not induce significant changes in levels of ferritin or labile iron, both of which increased in neurons in the absence of glia (neuron-enriched cultures, dopaminergic cell line) and in the N9 microglial cell line. In aged rats, which are known to display high levels of angiotensin activity, ferritin levels and iron deposits in microglial cells were enhanced. Angiotensin-induced changes were inhibited by angiotensin type-1 receptor antagonists, NADPH-oxidase inhibitors, antioxidants and NF-kB inhibitors. The results demonstrate that angiotensin, via type-1 receptors, modulates iron homeostasis in dopaminergic neurons and microglial cells, and that glial cells play a major role in efficient regulation of iron homeostasis in dopaminergic neurons.

Inhibition of Rho kinase mediates the neuroprotective effects of estrogen in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease.

The mechanism by which estrogen protects dopaminergic neurons has not yet been clarified. It is not known if changes in RhoA/Rho kinase activity are involved in the enhanced vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons observed after estrogen depletion. The present study shows that the MPTP-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons is increased by estrogen depletion and inhibited by estrogen replacement, the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 and deletion of the angiotensin type-1 receptor. In ovariectomized mice, treatment with MPTP induced a marked increase in Rho kinase activity, and RhoA and RhocK II mRNA and protein expression, which were significantly higher than in ovariectomized mice treated with MPTP and estrogen replacement or type-1 receptor deletion. Estrogen depletion increased Rho kinase activity, via enhancement of the angiotensin type-1 receptor pathway, and Rho kinase activation increased type-1 receptor expression suggesting a vicious cycle in which Rho kinase and type-1 receptor activate each other and promote the degenerative process. The results suggest that type-1 receptor antagonists and Rho kinase inhibitors may provide a new neuroprotective strategy, which may circumvent the potential risks of estrogen replacement therapy and be particularly useful in elderly women or women affected by long-term lack of estrogen.