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Photodynamic treatment modulates various GTPase and cellular signalling pathways in Tauopathy
Tushar Dubey1,2, Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi1,2
1Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India.
Abstract:
The application of photo-excited dyes for treatment is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is known to target GTPase proteins in cells, which are the key proteins of diverse signalling cascades which ultimately modulate cell proliferation and death. Cytoskeletal proteins play critical roles in maintaining cell integrity and cell division. Whereas, it was also observed that in neuronal cells PDT modulated actin and tubulin resulting in increased neurite growth and filopodia. Recent studies supported the role of PDT in dissolving the extracellular amyloid beta aggregates and intracellular Tau aggregates, which indicated the potential role of PDT in neurodegeneration. The advancement in the field of PDT led to its clinical approval in treatment of cancers, brain tumour, and dermatological acne. Although several question need to be answered for application of PDT in neuronal cells, but the primary studies gave a hint that it can emerge as potential therapy in neural cells.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise for neurodegenerative diseases by targeting cellular proteins and dissolving harmful aggregates. Further research is needed, but PDT may offer a novel therapeutic approach for neural cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical science
- Cell biology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes photo-excited dyes to target cellular GTPase proteins, influencing cell proliferation and death.
- Cytoskeletal proteins like actin and tubulin are crucial for cell integrity and division.
- PDT has demonstrated modulation of these proteins in neuronal cells, impacting neurite growth and filopodia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treating neurodegenerative conditions.
- To investigate PDT's effects on key cellular components and protein aggregates in neural cells.
Main Methods:
- Application of photo-excited dyes (PDT) in cellular models.
- Analysis of GTPase protein signaling pathways.
- Observation of cytoskeletal protein modulation (actin, tubulin).
- Assessment of extracellular amyloid beta and intracellular Tau aggregate dissolution.
Main Results:
- PDT targets GTPase proteins, affecting cell signaling cascades.
- In neuronal cells, PDT modulated actin and tubulin, promoting neurite growth and filopodia.
- PDT demonstrated efficacy in dissolving amyloid beta and Tau aggregates, suggesting a role in neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- PDT has shown potential in modulating neural cell components and dissolving neurotoxic aggregates.
- While clinical applications in cancer and dermatology are established, PDT's role in neurodegeneration warrants further investigation.
- PDT may emerge as a promising therapeutic strategy for neural cell applications and neurodegenerative diseases.
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