Li Xin, Ba Zhisheng, Huang Juan, Chen Jianhua, Jiang Jinyu, Huang Nanqu, Luo Yong
Department of Neurology The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi) Zunyi China.
National Drug Clinical Trial Institution The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi) Zunyi China.
Ibrain. 2024 Sep 16;10(4):427-438. doi: 10.1002/ibra.12176. eCollection 2024 Winter.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, which is mainly characterized by the abnormal deposition of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and Tau. Since Tau aggregation is more closely associated with synaptic loss, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline than Aβ, the correlation between Tau and cognitive function in AD has gradually gained attention. The posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of Tau are key factors contributing to its pathological changes, which include phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, glycation, small ubiquitin-like modifier mediated modification (SUMOylation), methylation, succinylation, etc. These modifications change the structure of Tau, regulating Tau microtubule interactions, localization, degradation, and aggregation, thereby affecting its propensity to aggregate and leading to neuronal injury and cognitive impairments. Among numerous PTMs, drug development based on phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation primarily involves enzymatic reactions, affecting either the phosphorylation or degradation processes of Tau. Meanwhile, methylation, glycosylation, and succinylation are associated with maintaining the structural stability of Tau. Current research is more extensive on phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and methylation, with related drugs already developed, particularly focusing on phosphorylation and ubiquitination. In contrast, there is less research on SUMOylation, glycosylation, and succinylation, requiring further basic research, with the potential to become novel drug targets. In conclusion, this review summarized the latest research on PTMs of Tau and related drugs, highlighting the potential of targeting specific PTMs for developing novel therapeutic strategies in AD.
阿尔茨海默病(AD)是一种神经退行性疾病,主要特征为β淀粉样肽(Aβ)和Tau的异常沉积。由于Tau聚集比Aβ更紧密地与突触丧失、神经退行性变和认知衰退相关,AD中Tau与认知功能之间的相关性逐渐受到关注。Tau的翻译后修饰(PTM)是导致其病理变化的关键因素,包括磷酸化、乙酰化、泛素化、糖基化、糖化、小泛素样修饰物介导的修饰(SUMO化)、甲基化、琥珀酰化等。这些修饰改变Tau的结构,调节Tau与微管的相互作用、定位、降解和聚集,从而影响其聚集倾向并导致神经元损伤和认知障碍。在众多PTM中,基于磷酸化、乙酰化、泛素化和SUMO化的药物开发主要涉及酶促反应,影响Tau的磷酸化或降解过程。同时,甲基化、糖基化和琥珀酰化与维持Tau的结构稳定性有关。目前关于磷酸化、乙酰化、泛素化和甲基化的研究更为广泛,相关药物已经开发出来,尤其侧重于磷酸化和泛素化。相比之下,关于SUMO化、糖基化和琥珀酰化的研究较少,需要进一步的基础研究,它们有可能成为新的药物靶点。总之,本综述总结了Tau的PTM及相关药物的最新研究,强调了针对特定PTM开发AD新型治疗策略的潜力。