Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual synapse and memory loss. While significant progress has been made in understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, treatment options for AD remain limited. Therefore, further characterization of signaling pathways involved in the pathology of AD is important in facilitating the identification of new therapeutic targets. Emerging evidence postulates that epigenetic changes play critical roles in dementia. Consistent with this, inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACIs), such as SAHA (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid;vorinostat), enhance neuroplasticity and memory-associated gene expression in the brain. These findings suggest that HDACIs may be novel agents in treating AD. Recently, a drug discovery team at Georgetown University has developed new Class II-specific HDAC inhibitors (mercaptoacetamide-based 6MAQH (W2), and hydroxamide-based H6CAHA (I2)), which have improved solubility and pharmacokinetic properties compared to HDACI SAHA. We have exciting preliminary data suggesting that 1) W2 decreases Ab levels in stably overexpressed APP N2A cells, 2) W2-injected hAPP 3xTg AD mice (9-10 month old, moderate Ab production) decreases Ab levels compared to control treatment, 3) W2 treatment decreases mRNA levels of A? synthesis enzymes and increases mRNA levels of A? degradation enzymes (MMP2), and 4) W2-injected hAPP 3xTg AD mice (9-10 month old, moderate memory impairment) rescued memory deficits compared to control treatment as measured by Morris Water Maze. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that Class II HDACIs (W2, I2) regulate AD pathological processes and cognitive functions by modulating the gene transcription of A? synthesis and degradation enzymes. To test this hypothesis, we will examine the molecular mechanisms by which W2 and I2 regulate AD pathological processes (Aim 1). We will examine the role of Class II HDACIs W2 and I2 on rescuing cognitive deficits in 3xTg AD mice (Aim 2). Results from our study will provide the molecular mechanisms of action of Class II HDACIs on Ab production, Ab plaque formation, and cognitive function for future development of AD therapeutics.

Public Health Relevance

Inhibitors of HDACs (HDACIs) alter epigenetic pathways and shift gene expression. Recently, Georgetown University developed and synthesized Class II-specific HDAC inhibitor analogs, mercaptoacetamide-based HDACIs 6MAQH (W2) and hydroxamide-based H6CAHA (I2). This proposal will address whether these novel Class II HDAC inhibitors affect AD pathological processes and cognitive performance, and if so, molecular mechanisms by which this occurs. PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 06/09) Page Continuation Format Page

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03AG044339-01
Application #
8477342
Study Section
Cell Death in Neurodegeneration Study Section (CDIN)
Program Officer
Petanceska, Suzana
Project Start
2013-06-01
Project End
2015-05-31
Budget Start
2013-06-01
Budget End
2014-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$77,729
Indirect Cost
$27,729
Name
Georgetown University
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
049515844
City
Washington
State
DC
Country
United States
Zip Code
20057