Diaminothiazoles modify Tau phosphorylation and improve the tauopathy in mouse models

J Biol Chem. 2013 Jul 26;288(30):22042-56. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.436402. Epub 2013 Jun 4.

Abstract

Although Tau accumulation is a feature of several neurodegenerative conditions, treatment options for these conditions are nonexistent. Targeting Tau kinases represents a potential therapeutic approach. Small molecules in the diaminothiazole class are potent Tau kinase inhibitors that target CDK5 and GSK3β. Lead compounds from the series have IC50 values toward CDK5/p25 and GSK3β in the low nanomolar range and no observed toxicity in the therapeutic dose range. Neuronal protective effects and decreased PHF-1 immunoreactivity were observed in two animal models, 3×Tg-AD and CK-p25. Treatment nearly eliminated Sarkosyl-insoluble Tau with the most prominent effect on the phosphorylation at Ser-404. Treatment also induced the recovery of memory in a fear conditioning assay. Given the contribution of both CDK5/p25 and GSK3β to Tau phosphorylation, effective treatment of tauopathies may require dual kinase targeting.

Keywords: Alzheimer Disease; CDK (Cyclin-dependent Kinase); Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3; Kinase Inhibitor; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Protein Phosphorylation; Tauopathy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / prevention & control
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 / genetics
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 / metabolism
  • Diamines / chemistry
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intraperitoneal
  • Injections, Intraventricular
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Learning / drug effects
  • Male
  • Memory / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemistry
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects*
  • Presenilin-1 / genetics
  • Presenilin-1 / metabolism
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Tauopathies / genetics
  • Tauopathies / metabolism
  • Tauopathies / prevention & control*
  • Thiazoles / administration & dosage
  • Thiazoles / chemistry
  • Thiazoles / pharmacokinetics
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • tau Proteins / genetics
  • tau Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Diamines
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Presenilin-1
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Thiazoles
  • tau Proteins
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5
  • GSK3B protein, human
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Gsk3b protein, mouse
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3