Targeting CREB-binding protein (CBP) loss of function as a therapeutic strategy in neurological disorders.
Histone acetylation/deacetylation is a master regulation of gene expression. Among the enzymes involved in this process, the CREB-binding protein (CBP) displays important functions during central nervous system development. Increasing evidence shows that CBP function is altered during neurodegenerative processes. CBP loss of function has now been reported in several diseases characterized by neurological disorders such as the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome or polyglutamine-related pathologies (Huntington's disease). Our recent work suggests that CBP loss of function could also be involved in Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In a simplified apoptotic model of primary neurons, we described CBP as a substrate of apoptotic caspases, an alternative to its classical proteasomal degradation. In these neuronal death contexts, histone acetylation levels were decreased as well. Altogether, these data point to a central role of CBP loss of function during neurodegeneration. In order to restore proper acetylation levels, a proposed therapeutic strategy relies on HDAC inhibition. Nevertheless, this approach lacks of specificity. Therefore new drugs targeted at counteracting CBP loss of function could stand as a valid therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative disorders. The challenge will be to respect the fine-tuning between cellular HAT/HDAC activities.
Laboratoire de Signalisation Moléculaire et Neurodégénérescence-EA#3433 11, rue Humann, 67085 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
Caroline
C
Rouaux
Jean-Philippe
JP
Loeffler
Anne-Laurence
AL
Boutillier
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D050882:CREB-Binding Protein; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006877:Hydroxamic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D000077337:Vorinostat
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006657:Histones; D006877:Hydroxamic Acids; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D000077337:Vorinostat; D050882:CREB-Binding Protein; C494363:CREBBP protein, human