U.S. patent application number 17/033047 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for tau kinetic measurements.
The applicant listed for this patent is Washington University. Invention is credited to Randall Bateman, David Holtzman, Kwasi Mawuenyega, Tim Miller, Chihiro Sato.
Application Number | 20210096139 17/033047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005276301 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20210096139/US20210096139A1-20210401-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210096139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bateman; Randall ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
TAU KINETIC MEASUREMENTS
Abstract
The invention relates to in vitro methods for measuring the in
vivo metabolism of tau in a subject.
Inventors: |
Bateman; Randall; (St.
Louis, MO) ; Sato; Chihiro; (St. Louis, MO) ;
Mawuenyega; Kwasi; (St. Louis, MO) ; Miller; Tim;
(St. Louis, MO) ; Holtzman; David; (St. Louis,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Washington University |
St.louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005276301 |
Appl. No.: |
17/033047 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15515909 |
Mar 30, 2017 |
10830775 |
|
|
PCT/US2015/053283 |
Sep 30, 2015 |
|
|
|
17033047 |
|
|
|
|
62057853 |
Sep 30, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 33/6896 20130101;
G01N 33/58 20130101; A61K 2039/505 20130101; A61K 51/08
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/68 20060101
G01N033/68; G01N 33/58 20060101 G01N033/58; A61K 51/08 20060101
A61K051/08 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENTAL RIGHTS
[0002] This invention was made with government support under
R-01-NS065667 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The
government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of soluble
cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) administering at least one labeled amino acid to
the subject on one or more days; (b) collecting at least one blood
sample from the subject between day 5 and about day 20, about day
20 and about day 40, about day 40 and about day 100, or a
combination thereof; (c) separating a tau fragment from at least
one blood sample collected in step (b) using an antibody that has
affinity within tau's N-terminus or mid-domain; (d) detecting and
measuring by mass spectrometry the amount of labeled tau fragment,
or the amount of labeled and unlabeled tau fragment, in at least
one sample from step (c); and (e) calculating the metabolism of
soluble CSF tau using the measurements from step (d), wherein the
amount of labeled tau fragment in the sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of soluble CSF tau.
2. An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of soluble
cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) separating a tau fragment from at least one blood
sample obtained from a subject, using an antibody that has affinity
within tau's N-terminus or mid-domain; (b) detecting and measuring
by mass spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of
labeled and unlabeled tau, in at least blood sample from step (a);
and (b) calculating the metabolism of soluble CSF tau using the
measurements from step (b), wherein the amount of labeled tau in
the sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of soluble CSF
tau; and wherein (i) the label was administered on one or more days
to the subject as one or more labeled amino acids, and (ii) at
least one blood sample was collected from the subject between day 5
and about day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100, or a
combination thereof.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the labeled amino acid was
administered on two or more days between day 0 and about day 3.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the labeled amino acid was
administered on two or more days between day 0 and about day 5.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the labeled amino acid was
administered on two or more days between day 0 and about day
10.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the labeled amino acid was
administered daily.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the labeled amino acid is labeled
with a non-radioactive isotope.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the non-radioactive isotope is
selected from the group consisting of .sup.2H, .sup.13C, .sup.15N,
.sup.17O, .sup.18O, .sup.33S, .sup.34S, and .sup.36S.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the labeled amino acid is
.sup.13C.sub.6 leucine.
10. The method of claim 2, wherein the labeled amino acid was
administered to the subject intravenously or orally.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the labeled amino acid was
administered to the subject orally, at a total daily dose of about
0.1 g to about 10 g, on two or more days between day 0 and about
day 10.
12. The method of claim 2, wherein the label is administered to
produce an amount of labeled amino acid in the CSF sample selected
from the group consisting of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.5%,
about 1%, about 2%, about 5%, about 0.1 to about 20%, and about 0.1
to about 10%.
13. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject is a rodent.
14. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject is a human.
15. The method of claim 2, wherein the tau fragment is separated by
immunoprecipitation.
16. The method of claim 2, the method further comprising
calculating a metabolic parameter of soluble tau metabolism using
the amounts of labeled and/or unlabeled tau determined in step (b),
the metabolic parameter selected from the group consisting of
relative labeling, fractional synthesis rate, fractional clearance
rate, absolute synthesis rate, absolute clearance rate, fractional
turnover rate, lag time, half-life, peak time, and peak height.
17. The method of claim 2, wherein tau is a phosphorylated tau
isoform.
18. The method of claim 2, wherein at least one blood sample is
collected from the subject between about day 20 and about day 40,
about day 40 and about day 100, or a combination thereof.
19. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising
calculating a metabolic parameter of tau metabolism using the
amounts of labeled and/or unlabeled tau determined in claim 1 step
(c), the metabolic parameter selected from the group consisting of
relative labeling, fractional synthesis rate, fractional clearance
rate, absolute synthesis rate, absolute clearance rate, fractional
turnover rate, lag time, half-life, peak time, and peak height.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No.
15/515,909, filed Mar. 30, 2017, which claim priority to PCT
application number PCT/US2015/053283, filed Sep. 30, 2015, which
claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/057,853,
filed Sep. 30, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to in vitro methods for measuring the
in vivo metabolism of tau in a subject.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
[0004] A paper copy of the sequence listing and a computer readable
form of the same sequence listing are appended below and herein
incorporated by reference. The information recorded in computer
readable form is identical to the written sequence listing,
according to 37 C.F.R. 1.821(f).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in Alzheimer disease and
other tauopathies are composed of insoluble hyperphosphorylated tau
protein, but the mechanisms underlying the conversion of highly
soluble tau into insoluble NFTs remain elusive. A need exists,
therefore, for sensitive, accurate, and reproducible methods for
measuring the in vivo metabolism of tau in the CNS.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the invention provides methods for measuring
the in vivo metabolism of tau by detecting the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau in one or more biological samples obtained
from a subject who has received a labeled moiety, and determining
the ratio of labeled tau to unlabeled tau in the biological
sample.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for
measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) administering at least one labeled amino acid to
the subject on one or more days; (b) collecting at least one
biological sample from the subject between about day 1 and about
day 20, about day 20 and about day 40, about day 40 and about day
100, or a combination thereof; (c) detecting and measuring the
amount of labeled tau and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each
biological sample; and (d) calculating the metabolism of tau using
the measurements from step (c), wherein the amount of labeled tau
in the biological sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of
tau.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for
measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) administering at least one labeled amino acid to
the subject on one or more days; (b) collecting at least one
biological sample from the subject between about day 2 and about
day 20, about day 20 and about day 40, about day 40 and about day
100, or a combination thereof; (c) detecting and measuring the
amount of labeled tau and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each
biological sample; and (d) calculating the metabolism of tau using
the measurements from step (c), wherein the amount of labeled tau
in the biological sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of
tau.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for
measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) administering at least one labeled amino acid to
the subject on two or more days; (b) collecting at least one
biological sample from the subject between about day 1 and about
day 20, about day 20 and about day 40, about day 40 and about day
100, or a combination thereof; (c) detecting and measuring the
amount of labeled tau and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each
biological sample; and (d) calculating the metabolism of tau using
the measurements from step (c), wherein the amount of labeled tau
in the biological sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of
tau.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for
measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) administering at least one labeled amino acid to
the subject on two or more days; (b) collecting at least one
biological sample from the subject between about day 2 and about
day 20, about day 20 and about day 40, about day 40 and about day
100, or a combination thereof; (c) detecting and measuring the
amount of labeled tau and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each
biological sample; and (d) calculating the metabolism of tau using
the measurements from step (c), wherein the amount of labeled tau
in the biological sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of
tau.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides an in vitro method
for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) detecting and measuring the amount of labeled tau
and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each biological sample
obtained from the subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of
tau using the amount of labeled and/or unlabeled tau determine in
step (a), wherein the amount of labeled tau in the biological
sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein
(i) the label was administered to the subject on one or more days,
and (ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject
between day 1 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100, or
a combination thereof.
[0012] Another aspect of the invention provides an in vitro method
for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) detecting and measuring the amount of labeled tau
and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each biological sample
obtained from the subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of
tau using the amount of labeled and/or unlabeled tau determine in
step (a), wherein the amount of labeled tau in the biological
sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein
(i) the label was administered to the subject on one or more days,
and (ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject
between day 2 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100, or
a combination thereof.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides an in vitro method
for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) detecting and measuring the amount of labeled tau
and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each biological sample
obtained from the subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of
tau using the amount of labeled and/or unlabeled tau determine in
step (a), wherein the amount of labeled tau in the biological
sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein
(i) the label was administered to the subject on two or more days,
and (ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject
between day 1 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100, or
a combination thereof.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention provides an in vitro method
for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) detecting and measuring the amount of labeled tau
and/or the amount of unlabeled tau in each biological sample
obtained from the subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of
tau using the amount of labeled and/or unlabeled tau determine in
step (a), wherein the amount of labeled tau in the biological
sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein
(i) the label was administered to the subject on two or more days,
and (ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject
between day 1 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100, or
a combination thereof.
[0015] An additional aspect of the invention encompasses kits for
measuring the in vivo metabolism of neurally derived proteins in a
subject, whereby the metabolism of the protein may be used as a
predictor of a neurological or neurodegenerative disease, a monitor
of the progression of the disease, or an indicator of the
effectiveness of a treatment for the disease.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] The application file contains at least one photograph
executed in color. Copies of this patent application publication
with color photographs will be provided by the Office upon request
and payment of the necessary fee.
[0017] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C depict images and graphs
showing successful labeling of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells or
neurons derived from induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) obtained
from a subject with a Presenilin mutation (PSmt)) and a control.
(FIG. 1A) Schematic diagram illustrating the work flow of an in
vitro tau SILK experiment. SH-SY5Y cells and iPSC neurons (far
left: micrograph and illustration, respectively) are labeled with
50% .sup.13C.sub.6 leucine labeled media for 6 days (middle panel,
top). Media and cell lysate were sampled daily for twelve days
(middle panel, bottom). Finally, labeled and unlabeled tau was
immunoprecipitated from each sample using a tau specific antibody,
enzymatically digested, and the amount of labeled and unlabeled tau
fragment was detected by mass spectrometry. (FIG. 1B) Tau labeling
kinetic curve of SH-SY5Y cell lysate and medium. TTR=tracer to
trace ratio. (FIG. 1C) Tau labeling kinetic curve of iPSC control
(Ctrl) and Presenilin mutation (PSmt) cells. TTR=tracer to trace
ratio.
[0018] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C depict tau digestion by
trypsin. (FIG. 2A) Amino acid sequence of human full length tau
(2N4R; SEQ ID NO: 1). Leucines are labeled in red. Amino acid
sequences underlined and in blue identify leucine-containing
fragments of tau that are produced by enzymatic cleavage with
trypsin. The tryptic peptide fragment used for quantitation is
TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO:2). The epitope recognized by the anti-tau
antibody used in these experiments is RSGYS (SEQ ID NO: 3). (FIG.
2B) Chromatograms of the tau tryptic peptides identified in (A).
The peptides were eluted according to their hydrophobicity. From
top to bottom: IGSTENLK (SEQ ID NO: 4), TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO: 2),
(HVPGGGSVQIVYKPVDLSK (SEQ ID NO: 5), STPTAEDVTAPLVDEGAPGK (SEQ ID
NO: 6), and LQTAPVPMPDLK (SEQ ID NO: 7). (FIG. 2C) Standard curve
of TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO: 2).
[0019] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D is an illustration
providing an overview of one embodiment of the method of the
invention. (FIG. 3A) Subjects are orally labeled with a stable
isotope labeled amino acid (.sup.13C.sub.6 leucine). (FIG. 3B)
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples are collected after the
start of labeling. (FIG. 3C) Tau is immunoprecipitated from the CSF
sample and processed for mass spectrometry analysis. The amount of
unlabeled and labeled tau in the sample is determined mass
spectrometry. (FIG. 3D) Schematic diagram of isotopic enrichment of
tau in CNS (top) and an example of a labeling and sampling timeline
(bottom). The increase in labeled tau during the production phase
and the removal of labeled tau during the clearance phase reflects
the relative production and clearance, respectively, of tau in the
central nervous system (CNS).
[0020] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 4D, FIG. 4E, and FIG. 4F
depicts graphs showing successful labeling of tau in vivo and
analysis of labeled tau kinetics in vitro. Five young, normal
control (NC) subjects were orally administered .sup.13C.sub.6
leucine for 5 days (NC01) or 10 days (NC02, NC03, NC05, NC06). CSF
samples were obtained on days 14 days, 28 days, 42 days, and 67-84.
% free leucine and total protein in each CSF sample was measured by
GC-MS. Following immunoprecipitation with an anti-tau antibody and
tryptic digestion, .sup.13C.sub.6 leucine-labeled tau and unlabeled
tau in each CSF sample were measured using LC-MS. TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ
ID NO:2) was used for quantitation of labeled tau. (FIG. 4A) NC01,
(FIG. 4B) NC02, (FIG. 4C) NC03, (FIG. 4D) NC05, (FIG. 4E) NC06. In
each panel % free leucine (square), total protein (diamond) and tau
tryptic peptide TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO: 2; triangle).
[0021] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B depicts graphs showing tau SILK analyses
for six participants (i.e. NC02, NC03, NC05, NC06, NC07, and NC08)
who were orally labeled for 10 days with .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine,
and from whom CSF samples were obtained. (FIG. 5A) free leucine in
the plasma measured by gas chromatography (GC)-MS, and (FIG. 5B)
.sup.13C.sub.6 Leucine labeled tau in CSF measured in triplicates
using liquid chromatography LC/MS.
[0022] FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C, and FIG. 6D depicts an
illustration and graphs showing one embodiment of a compartmental
model of tau SILK for one subject. (FIG. 6A) Schematic diagram
illustrating a compartmental model that accounts for plasma
leucine, CSF tau, CSF total protein, and plasma total protein
tracer labeling kinetics. SOD1, another slow turnover protein whose
kinetics were measured in the samples were also included in the
model for a comparison. The model comprises a series of
compartments connected by first order rate constants, k, which
reflect the fraction of compartment j transported to compartment i
per day. (FIG. 6B) Plasma leucine tracer labeling kinetics. The
model begins with a 3.times./day appearance of oral tracer into
plasma over 10 days, and a whole-body plasma protein pool that
accounts for the shape of the plasma leucine time course out to 84
days following tracer ingestion. Brain (including CSF) and plasma
proteins derive tracer leucine from plasma. Therefore, the shape of
the plasma leucine time course defines the time course for tracer
availability for the formation of these proteins. (FIG. 6C) CSF Tau
and SOD1 tracer labeling kinetics. The shape of the SILK curve for
each protein is uniquely determined by its fractional turnover rate
(FTR). The FTRs for tau and SOD1 are 0.049 and 0.039 pools/day,
respectively. (FIG. 6D) CSF total protein and plasma total protein
tracer labeling kinetics.
[0023] FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, FIG. 7D, FIG. 7E, FIG. 7F, FIG.
7G depicts an illustration and graphs showing one embodiment of a
compartment modeling of .sup.13C.sup.6 oral labeling of tau. (FIG.
7A) The model consists of a series of compartments (q1-q3)
connected by first order rate constants k(i,j), which reflect the
fraction of compartment j transported to compartment i per day. The
model fits to the labeling of plasma free leucine (green) and CNS
tau (red) of all the participants. Y axis: Free .sup.13C-Leucine
and .sup.13C-Leucine labeled CSF tau. X axis: Time (Days). Models
of NC02 (FIG. 7B), NC03 (FIG. 7C), NC05 (FIG. 7D), NC06 (FIG. 7E),
NC07 (FIG. 7F), and NC08 (FIG. 7G) are shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention encompasses methods for determining
the kinetics of tau metabolism in the central nervous system (CNS).
By using a method of the invention, one skilled in the art may be
able to study possible changes in the metabolism of tau. The
usefulness of this invention will be evident to those of skill in
the art, in that one may determine if a treatment regimen alters
the metabolism of tau in a subject in need thereof.
I. Tau Proteins
[0025] Tau proteins are the product of alternative splicing from a
single gene. In many animals, including but not limited to humans,
non-human primates, rodents, fish, cattle, frogs, goats, and
chicken, the gene is designated MAPT. In animals wherein the gene
is not identified as MAPT, a homolog may be identified by methods
well known in the art. The terms "tau protein", "tau" and "tau
isoform" may be used interchangeably. Tau proteins may or may not
be post-translationally modified. For example, it is known in the
art that tau may be phosphorylated, ubiquinated, glycosylated, and
glycated.
[0026] In humans, there are six isoforms of tau that are generated
by alternative splicing of exons 2, 3, and 10 of MAPT. The isoforms
range in length from 352 to 441 amino acids. Exons 2 and 3 encode
29-amino acid inserts each in the N-terminus (called N), and hence,
tau isoforms may be 2N (both inserts), 1N (exon 2 only), or 0N
(neither). All human tau isoforms have three repeats of the
microtubule binding domain (called R). Inclusion of exon 10 at the
C-terminus leads to inclusion of a fourth microtubule binding
domain encoded by exon 10. Hence, human tau isoforms may be
comprised of four repeats of the microtubule binding domain (exon
10 included) or three repeats of the microtubule binding domain
(exon 10 excluded). Accordingly, a tau isoform may be (2N, 3R),
(2N, 4R), (1N, 3R), (1N, 4R), (0N, 3R), or (0N, 4R). Alternative
splicing of the gene encoding tau similarly occurs in other
animals.
[0027] Tau can be found in soluble and insoluble compartments, in
monomeric and aggregated forms, in ordered or disordered
structures, intracellularly and extracellularly, and may be
complexed with other proteins or molecules. One aggregated form of
tau is an amyloid. An amyloid is a paracrystalline, ordered protein
assembly. An amyloid generally has a cross-beta structure, in vivo
or in vitro. Most, but not all, cross-beta structures may be
identified by apple-green birefringence when stained with Congo Red
and seen under polarized light, or by X-ray fiber diffraction
patterns. Amyloid may be located in the periphery or in the central
nervous system, or both. Amyloids are well known in the art. See,
for example, Eisenberg et al. Cell. 2012 Mar. 16;
148(6):1188-203.
[0028] An amyloid may or may not be disease associated. An amyloid
may also be associated with more than one disease. The term
"amyloidosis" refers to the deposition of amyloid in a subject. The
term "tau amyloidosis", therefore, refers to the deposition of tau
amyloid in a subject. Tau amyloidosis may be clinically defined by
methods known in the art. For example, evidence of tau deposition
in the brain may be assessed by using an imaging agent that
selectively targets tau aggregates (e.g. a PET, SPECT or MRI
imaging agent). See for example, Zhang et al. J Alzheimer's Disease
31(3): 601-612, 2012. Another example includes the T-807 tracer
commercially available from Avid.
[0029] Subjects with tau amyloidosis are also at an increased risk
of developing a disease associated with tau amyloidosis. A disease
associated with tau amyloidosis may be referred to as a
"tauopathy". Tauopathies known in the art include, but are not
limited to, progressive supranuclear palsy, dementia pugilistica,
chronic traumatic encephalopathy, frontotemporal dementia and
parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, Lytico-Bodig disease,
Parkinson-dementia complex of Guam, tangle-predominant dementia,
ganglioglioma and gangliocytoma, meningioangiomatosis, subacute
sclerosing panencephalitis, lead encephalopathy, tuberous
sclerosis, Hallervorden-Spatz disease, lipofuscinosis, Pick's
disease, corticobasal degeneration, argyrophilic grain disease
(AGD), Frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Alzheimer's Disease, and
frontotemporal dementia.
II. Methods for Measuring the In Vivo Metabolism of Neurally
Derived Biomolecules
[0030] The present invention provides in vitro methods for
measuring the in vivo metabolism of tau in a subject. "Tau
metabolism" refers to any combination of the synthesis, transport,
breakdown, modification, or clearance rate of tau. Tau metabolism
may be measured by detecting the amount of labeled tau and
unlabeled tau in one or more biological samples obtained from a
subject who has received a labeled moiety, and determining the
ratio of labeled tau to unlabeled tau in the biological sample.
Generally, the ratio of labeled tau to unlabeled tau in the
biological sample is directly proportional to the metabolism of tau
in the CNS. These measurements may also be used to calculate one or
more parameters of tau metabolism. In particular, the present
invention provides the critical timeframes at which to obtain one
or more biological sample in order to measure the kinetics of tau
labeling.
(a) Subject
[0031] The present invention provides methods for measuring the in
vivo metabolism of tau, i.e. the metabolism of tau in a subject. As
used herein, the term "subject" refers to a mammal. Suitable
subjects include, but are not limited to a human, a companion
animal, a livestock animal, a zoo animal, or a research animal.
Non-limiting examples of companion animals include a dog or a cat.
Non-limiting example of a livestock animal include a cow, a pig, a
horse, a sheep or a goat. Non-limiting examples of a research
animal include a non-human primate or a rodent. In preferred
embodiments, a subject is a human.
[0032] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that while the
method of the invention may be used to characterize tau metabolism
in a subject with tau amyloidosis, the invention is not limited to
subjects with tau amyloidosis. It is envisioned that the method of
the invention may be used to characterize tau metabolism in a
subject with any disease, disorder, or process, including any
disease, disorder or process where altered tau metabolism is known
or believed to contribute to the clinical signs or symptoms of the
disease, disorder or process. In addition, it is envisioned that
the method of the invention may be used to characterize normal tau
metabolism in healthy subjects. In some embodiments, a subject is a
subject without tau amyloidosis, wherein the subject has no
dementia, mild dementia, moderate dementia or severe dementia. In
some embodiments, a subject is a subject with tau amyloidosis,
wherein the subject has no dementia, mild dementia, moderate
dementia or severe dementia. In certain embodiments, the dementia
is of a type selected from the group consisting of dementia of the
Alzheimer's type, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies,
mixed dementia, dementia of Parkinson's disease type, and
frontotemporal dementia. In some embodiments, a subject is a
subject without tau amyloidosis, wherein the subject has no
dementia, mild dementia, moderate dementia or severe dementia. In
certain embodiments, the dementia is of a type selected from the
group consisting of dementia of the Alzheimer's type, vascular
dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, mixed dementia, dementia of
Parkinson's disease type, and frontotemporal dementia. Any suitable
assessment scale for making a diagnosis of dementia may be
used.
(b) Labeled Moiety
[0033] Tau metabolism is measured in a subject who has received a
labeled moiety, preferably a labeled amino acid. Several different
moieties may be used to label tau. Generally speaking, the two
types of labeling moieties typically utilized in the method of the
invention are radioactive isotopes and non-radioactive (stable)
isotopes. In a preferred embodiment, non-radioactive isotopes may
be used and measured by mass spectrometry. Preferred stable
isotopes include deuterium .sup.2H, .sup.13C, .sup.15N, .sup.17 or
18O, .sup.33, 34, or 36S, but it is recognized that a number of
other stable isotope that change the mass of an atom by more or
less neutrons than is seen in the prevalent native form would also
be effective. A suitable label generally will change the mass of
tau under study such that it can be detected in a mass
spectrometer. In one embodiment, the labeled moiety is an amino
acid comprising a non-radioactive isotope and the amount of labeled
tau is measured by mass spectrometry. In preferred embodiments, the
non-radioactive isotope is .sup.13C. In another embodiment, a
radioactive isotope may be used, and the amount of labeled tau may
be measured with a scintillation counter. One or more labeled
moieties may be used simultaneously or in sequence.
[0034] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that several
labeled amino acids may be used to label tau. Generally, the choice
of amino acid is based on a variety of factors such as: (1) The
amino acid generally is present in at least one residue of the
protein or peptide of interest; (2) The amino acid is generally
able to quickly reach the site of protein synthesis and, for
proteins synthesized in the CNS, rapidly equilibrate across the
blood-brain barrier; (3) The amino acid ideally may be an essential
amino acid (not produced by the body), so that a higher percent of
labeling may be achieved (Non-essential amino acids may also be
used; however, measurements will likely be less accurate); (4) The
amino acid label at the selected dose generally does not influence
the metabolism of the protein of interest; and (5) availability of
the desired amino acid (i.e., some amino acids are much more
expensive or harder to manufacture than others). Leucine and
phenylalanine are preferred amino acids to label proteins that are
synthesized in the CNS. In one embodiment,
.sup.13C.sub.6-phenylalanine is used to label tau. In another
embodiment, .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine is used to label tau.
[0035] There are numerous commercial sources of labeled amino
acids, both non-radioactive isotopes and radioactive isotopes.
Generally, the labeled amino acids may be produced either
biologically or synthetically. Biologically produced amino acids
may be obtained from an organism (e.g., kelp/seaweed) grown in an
enriched mixture of .sup.13C, .sup.15N, or another isotope that is
incorporated into amino acids as the organism produces proteins.
The amino acids are then separated and purified. Alternatively,
amino acids may be made with known synthetic chemical
processes.
(c) Administration of the Labeled Moiety
[0036] A labeled moiety may be administered to a subject by several
methods. Suitable methods of administration include intravenously,
intra-arterially, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally,
intramuscularly, or orally. In a preferred embodiment, a labeled
moiety is a labeled amino acid, and the labeled amino acid is
administered by intravenous infusion. In another embodiment, a
labeled moiety is a labeled amino acid, and the labeled amino acid
is administered orally.
[0037] The amount (or dose) of labeled moiety can and will vary, as
can the duration and frequency of administration. A labeled moiety
may be administered to a subject one or more times a day (e.g. 1,
2, 3, 4, 5 or more times a day) on one or more days (e.g. 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more days). In each instance, a labeled
moiety may be administered slowly over a period of time or as a
large single dose. A labeled moiety should be administered in a
sufficient amount and for a sufficient duration so that labeled tau
is present in the biological sample in an amount that may be
reliably quantified. In all instances, "day 0" refers to the first
day of labeling, "day 1" refers to
[0038] The amount of labeled tau is dependent upon (and estimated
by) the percentage of label administered and the duration of
labeling. Generally speaking, the amount of labeled tau will
approximately equal the percentage of label administered multiplied
by the duration of labeling. Stated another way, the amount of time
of labeling is inversely related to the percent of the label amino
acid compared to unlabeled amino acid (e.g. 10%, 50% or 100%). With
less time labeling, more amount of labeled amino acid is required
to achieve the same amount of tau labeling. Due to the slow
turnover rate of tau, a highly sensitive quantification method of
labeled tau (e.g. <5%) and/or a long duration of labeling (e.g.
>9 hours) are typically required.
[0039] The labeling time sufficient for reliable quantification of
labeled tau may vary depending upon the biological sample. For
example, the labeling time needed when using a blood sample may be
less than the required time for reliable quantification of the same
tau isoform in a CSF sample.
[0040] The amount of labeled tau needed for reliable quantification
is a function of the sensitivity of the quantitation method.
Current mass spectrometry methods can measure as low as
approximately 0.01-0.2% labeled tau, though about 1% to about 2%
labeled tau is preferred. However, these measurements are likely to
improve (i.e. lower levels of labeled tau may be measured) with
advances in technology. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
the percent labeled tau needed for reliable quantification via
other detection methods can readily be determined by routine
experimentation, and labeling protocols can be modified based on
the teachings herein.
[0041] In some embodiments, labeled amino acid may be intravenously
or orally administered to a subject on one or more days. For
example, labeled amino acid may be administered on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more days. The total daily dose of labeled amino
acid may be divided into multiple smaller doses that are
administered sequentially with little time elapsing between each
dose, or the multiple doses may be administered at regular or
irregular intervals throughout the day. The amount of time that
elapses between each dose may be a few seconds, a few minutes, or a
few hours. When administered intravenously, a dose of labeled amino
acid may be administered over a duration of minutes to hours,
including, but not limited to, for at least 10 minutes, at least 20
minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1.0 hour, at least 1.5
hours, at least 2.0 hours, at least 2.5 hours, at least 3.0 hours,
at least 3.5 hours, at least 4.0 hours, at least 4.5 hours, at
least 5.0 hours, at least 5.5 hours, at least 6.0 hours, at least
6.5 hours, at least 7.0 hours, at least 7.5 hours, at least 8.0
hours, at least 8.5 hours, at least 9.0 hours, at least 9.5 hours,
at least 10.0 hours, at least 10.5 hours, at least 11.0 hours, at
least 11.5 hours, or at least 12 hours. In another aspect, a dose
of the labeled amino acid may be intravenously administered over a
duration of about 1 hour to about 12 hours, or about 3 hours to
about 15 hours. In another aspect, a dose of labeled amino acid may
be intravenously administered over a duration of about 1 hours to
about 6 hours, about 6 hours to about 12 hours, or about 9 hours to
about 15 hours. In another aspect, a dose of intravenously labeled
amino acid may be administered over a duration of about 10 minutes
to about 30 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 1 hour, or about 30
minute to about 3 hours. In another aspect, a dose of labeled amino
acid may be intravenously administered over a duration of about 1
hour to about 3 hours, about 3 hours to about 6 hours, about 6
hours to about 9 hours. In another aspect, a dose of labeled amino
acid may be intravenously administered for about 9 hours to about
12 hours, about 10 hours to about 13 hours, or about 12 hours to
about 15 hours. When administered orally, each dose of labeled
amino acid may be administered as a single dose or multiple doses
on one or more day. The multiple oral doses may be administered
sequentially or an amount of time may elapse between each dose. The
amount of time that elapses between each oral dose may be a few
seconds, a few minutes, or a few hours. In a preferred embodiment,
when labeled amino acid is administered orally, it is provided to a
subject as a drink. In an exemplary embodiment, labeled amino acid
may be administered for at least 9 hours, at least 10 hours, at
least 11 hours, at least 12 hours or more at 20% to detect labeled
tau. In another exemplary embodiment, labeled amino acid may be
administered at a daily for 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 days at about 3% to
about 4% labeled amino acid per day.
[0042] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that more than one
label may be used in a single subject. This would allow multiple
labeling of the same biomolecule and may provide information on the
production or clearance of that biomolecule at different times. For
example, a first label may be given to subject over an initial time
period, followed by a pharmacologic agent (drug), and then a second
label may be administered. In general, analysis of the samples
obtained from this subject would provide a measurement of
metabolism before AND after drug administration, directly measuring
the pharmacodynamic effect of the drug in the same subject.
[0043] Alternatively, multiple labels may be used at the same time
to increase labeling of the biomolecule, as well as obtain labeling
of a broader range of biomolecules.
(d) Biological Sample
[0044] The labeled tau to be measured is in a biological sample
obtained from a subject. Suitable biological samples include, but
are not limited to, bodily fluids or tissues in which labeled tau
may be detected. For instance, in some embodiments, the biological
sample is cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). In other embodiments, the
biological sample is interstitial fluid (ISF). In still other
embodiments, the biological sample is a blood sample. As used
herein, "blood" refers to whole blood, blood plasma or blood serum.
In another embodiment, the biological sample is a tissue sample.
Suitable tissue sample include, but are not limited to, brain
tissue and spinal cord tissue.
[0045] Cerebrospinal fluid may be obtained by lumbar puncture with
or without an indwelling CSF catheter. Blood may be collected by
veni-puncture with or without an intravenous catheter, or by a
finger stick (or the equivalent thereof), and processed according
to methods known in the art. Other types of samples may be
collected by direct collection using standard good manufacturing
practice (GMP) methods. Biological samples may be used immediately
or may be frozen and stored indefinitely.
[0046] A first biological sample may be taken from the subject
prior to administration of the label to provide a baseline for the
subject. Alternatively, when a first biological sample is not taken
from the subject prior to administration of the label, an
assumption can be made that the baseline sample has a normal
isotopic distribution. After administration of the label, one or
more samples may be obtained from the subject. Biological samples
may be taken over the course of more than two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, or ten days. Alternatively, biological
samples may be collected over the course of at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 weeks. In all instances, "day 0" refers to
the first day of labeling, which may or not be the first day of
sample collection. In general, biological samples obtained during
the labeling phase may be used to determine the rate of synthesis
of tau, and blood samples taken during the clearance phase may be
used to determine the clearance rate of tau. In addition,
biological samples obtained at various times throughout the tau
labeling curve may be used to determine other aspects of tau
metabolism (e.g. labeled tau peak time, labeled tau peak amount,
absolute quantitation, relative labeling, fractional turnover
rate). As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the
number and timing of samples generally may depend upon a number of
factors such as: the type of analysis, length of labeling phase,
the tau protein of interest, the biological sample, the type of
detection, the subject, etc.
[0047] The kinetic curve of tau labeling may be affected by the
length of the labeling phase, although the kinetics of tau (e.g.
production, clearance, turnover rates) will not substantially
change. As shown in the Examples, labeled tau peaks earlier and
lower following 5 days of labeling compared to 10 days of labeling.
Similarly, labeled tau would peak later and higher following
labeling for greater than 10 days compared to 10 days of labeling.
However, among a similar group of subjects (e.g. matched by age
and/or disease status), the shape of the curve will generally be
the same. Accordingly, one skilled in the art would be able to use
the data provided herein to select a suitable sampling timeframe
based on the labeling protocol.
[0048] The kinetics of tau metabolism may also differ between types
of biological samples. For example, the kinetics of tau metabolism
measured in blood samples are expected to be faster than the
kinetics measured in CSF samples. For example, the kinetics of tau
metabolism measured in bloods samples as compared to CSF samples
may be about 2 to about 15 times faster, or about 5 to about 10
times faster.
[0049] In some embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample or
a blood sample and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10
samples are collected between day 0 and day 20, between day 1 and
day 20, or between day 2 and day 20. For example, at least 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 CSF samples may be collected on day 0, 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or
day 20, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, a
biological sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day 0 and day 20, between
day 1 and day 20, or between day 2 and day 20. In other
embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day 0 and
day 15, between day 1 and day 15, between day 2 and day 15. In
other embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day
0 and day 10, between day 1 and day 10, or between day 2 and day
10. In other embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and
at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected
between day 5 and day 20, or between day 5 and day 15. In
embodiments where the biological sample is a CSF sample, sample
collection between day 0 and day 20 may be used to determine the
rate of labeled tau production or metabolic parameters associated
with tau production. In embodiments where the biological sample is
a blood sample, labeled tau production will likely occur in a
shorter timeframe compared to labeled tau production in the
CSF.
[0050] In some embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample or
a blood sample and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10
samples are collected between day 20 and day 40. For example, at
least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 CSF samples may be collected
on day 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,
35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or day 40, or any combination thereof. In other
embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day 20 and
day 35, between day 20 and day 30, or between day 20 and day 25. In
other embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day
25 and day 40, between day 25 and day 35, or between day 25 and day
30. In embodiments where the biological sample is a CSF sample,
sample collection between day 20 and day 40 may be used to
determine the peak of labeled tau production or metabolic
parameters associated labeled tau peak production (e.g. time to
peak, peak height, etc.). In embodiments where the biological
sample is a blood sample, the peak of labeled tau production will
likely occur earlier than in the CSF. When the peak of labeled tau
production is reasonably known, sample collection between day 20
and day 40 may be also used to determine metabolic parameters
associated with labeled tau production and labeled tau clearance
(e.g. samples collected before the peak of labeled tau production
may be used to calculate metabolic parameters associated with
labeled tau production and samples collected after the peak of
labeled tau production may be used to calculate metabolic
parameters associated with labeled tau clearance.)
[0051] In some embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample or
a blood sample and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10
samples are collected between day 25 and day 45. For example, at
least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 CSF samples may be collected
on day 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,
40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or day 45, or any combination thereof. In other
embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day 25 and
day 40, between day 25 and day 35, or between day 25 and day 30. In
other embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day
30 and day 45, between day 30 and day 40, or between day 30 and day
35. In embodiments where the biological sample is a CSF sample,
sample collection between day 20 and day 40 may be used to
determine the peak of labeled tau production or metabolic
parameters associated labeled tau peak production (e.g. time to
peak, peak height, etc.). In embodiments where the biological
sample is a blood sample, the peak of labeled tau production will
likely occur earlier than in the CSF. When the peak of labeled tau
production is reasonably known, sample collection between day 25
and day 45 may be also used to determine metabolic parameters
associated with labeled tau production and labeled tau clearance
(e.g. samples collected before the peak of labeled tau production
may be used to calculate metabolic parameters associated with
labeled tau production and samples collected after the peak of
labeled tau production may be used to calculate metabolic
parameters associated with labeled tau clearance.)
[0052] In some embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample or
a blood sample and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10
samples are collected between day 40 and day 100. For example, at
least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 CSF samples may be collected
on day 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,
55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71,
72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88,
89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or day 100. In some
embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day 40 and
day 90, between day 40 and day 80, between day 40 and day 70, or
between day 40 and day 60. In other embodiments, a biological
sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or
10 samples are collected between day 50 and day 100, between day 50
and day 90, between day 50 and day 80, between day 50 and day 70,
or between day 50 and day 60. In yet other embodiments, a
biological sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day 60 and day 100,
between day 60 and day 90, between day 60 and day 85, between day
60 and day 80, or between day 60 and day 70. In still other
embodiments, a biological sample is a CSF sample and at least 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 samples are collected between day 70 and
day 100, between day 70 and day 95, between day 70 and day 90,
between day 70 and day 85, or between day 70 and day 80. In
embodiments where the biological sample is a CSF sample, sample
collection between day 40 and day 100 may be used to determine the
rate of labeled tau production or metabolic parameters associated
with tau production. In embodiments where the biological sample is
a blood sample, labeled tau clearance will likely begin earlier and
complete sooner than in the CSF.
(e) Detecting the Amount of Labeled Tau and Unlabeled Tau
[0053] Suitable methods for the detection of labeled and unlabeled
tau can and will vary according to the form of tau under study
and/or the type of labeled moiety used to label tau. If the labeled
moiety is a radioactively labeled amino acid, then method of
detection may be a scintillation counter. If the labeled moiety is
a non-radioactively labeled amino acid, then the method of
detection typically should be sensitive enough to detect changes in
mass of the labeled protein with respect to the unlabeled protein.
In a preferred embodiment, mass spectrometry is used to detect
differences in mass between the labeled and unlabeled tau. In
certain embodiments, gas chromatography mass spectrometry is used.
In alternate embodiments, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is used. In a
preferred embodiment, high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry is
used.
[0054] Additional techniques may be utilized to separate labeled
and unlabeled tau from other proteins and biomolecules in the
biological sample prior to detection. As an example,
immunoprecipitation may be used to isolate and partially or
completely purify tau (including fragments thereof) before it is
analyzed by mass spectrometry. Other methods of separating or
concentrating tau protein may be used alone or in combination with
immunoprecipitation. For example, chromatography techniques may be
used to separate tau protein (or fragments thereof) by size,
hydrophobicity or affinity. In particular, techniques linking a
chromatographic step with mass spectrometry may be used. In an
exemplary embodiment, tau is immunoprecipitated and then analyzed
by a liquid chromatography system interfaced with a high-resolution
tandem MS unit. In another exemplary embodiment, tau is
immunoprecipitated and then analyzed by a liquid chromatography
system interfaced with a high-resolution tandem MS unit equipped
with an electrospray ionization source (LC-ESI-tandem MS).
[0055] Labeled and unlabeled tau may also be cleaved into smaller
peptides prior to detection. For instance, tau may be enzymatically
cleaved with a protease to create several small peptides. Suitable
proteases include, but are not limited to, trypsin, Lys-N, Lys-C,
and Arg-N. In an exemplary embodiment, labeled and unlabeled tau is
completely or partially purified from a biological sample,
enzymatically cleaved with a protease, and then analyzed by a
liquid chromatography system interfaced with a high-resolution
tandem MS unit. In another exemplary embodiment, labeled and
unlabeled tau is enzymatically cleaved with a protease and
completely or partially purified, and then analyzed by a liquid
chromatography system interfaced with a high-resolution tandem MS
unit. In certain exemplary embodiments, tau is completely or
partially purified by immunoprecipitation.
[0056] The invention also provides that multiple isoforms of tau in
the same biological sample may be measured simultaneously in the
same mass spectrometer sample. That is, both the amount of
unlabeled and labeled tau may be detected and measured separately
or at the same time for multiple tau isoforms. As such, the
invention provides a useful method for screening changes in
synthesis and clearance of different isoforms on a large scale and
provides a sensitive means to detect and measure proteins involved
in the underlying pathophysiology.
(f) Metabolism Analysis
[0057] Once the amount of labeled and unlabeled tau has been
detected, the relative labeling of tau may be calculated. As used
herein, "relative labeling" may refer to a ratio of labeled to
unlabeled tau or the percent of labeled tau. The amount of labeled
tau, unlabeled tau, or the relative labeling of tau may also be
used to calculate one or more additional parameters of tau
metabolism. Non-limiting examples of suitable metabolic parameters
for tau include a fractional synthesis rate, a fractional clearance
rate, an absolute synthesis rate, an absolute clearance rate, a
fractional turnover rate, a lag time, a half-life, a time to peak
height, a peak height, etc. Methods for calculating these
parameters are well known in the art, and those of skill in the art
will be familiar with the first order kinetic models of labeling
that may be used with the method of the invention. In addition,
other parameters, such as lag time and isotopic tracer steady
state, may be determined and used as measurements of the tau's
metabolism and physiology. Also, modeling may be performed on the
data to fit a multiple compartment model to estimate transfer
between compartments. Of course, the type of mathematical modeling
chosen will depend on the individual protein synthetic and
clearance parameters (e.g., one-pool, multiple pools, steady state,
non-steady-state, compartmental modeling, etc.). Generally, the
relative labeling of tau in a biological sample is directly
proportional to the metabolism of tau in the CNS. For example, the
increase in labeled tau during the production phase and the removal
of labeled tau during the clearance phase reflects the relative
production and clearance of tau in the CNS. Accordingly, parameters
of tau metabolism calculated using measurements of labeled and/or
unlabeled tau also reflect the metabolism of tau in the CNS.
[0058] The amount of labeled tau in a biological sample at a given
time reflects the metabolism of tau, including the synthesis rate
(i.e., production) or the clearance rate (i.e., removal or
destruction). The invention provides that the synthesis of tau is
typically based upon the rate of increase of the labeled/unlabeled
protein ratio over time (i.e., the slope, the exponential fit
curve, or a compartmental model fit defines the rate of tau
synthesis). For these calculations, a minimum of one sample is
typically required (one could estimate the baseline label), and two
or more samples are preferred to calculate the rate of increase of
the label over time. Conversely, after the administration of
labeled amino acid is terminated, the rate of decrease of the ratio
of labeled to unlabeled protein typically reflects the clearance
rate of that protein. For these calculations, a minimum of one
sample is typically required (one could estimate the baseline
label), and two or more samples are preferred to calculate the rate
of decrease of the label from tau over time.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in the examples,
the in vivo metabolism of tau is measured by orally administering
.sup.13C.sub.6-leucine to a subject for 5 or 10 days and collecting
at least one biological sample at a time point greater than 2 days
after the first administration of the label. The biological sample
may be collected from CSF. The amount of labeled and unlabeled tau
in the biological samples is typically determined by
immunoprecipitation followed by LC-ESI-tandem MS. From these
measurements, the amount of labeled tau and unlabeled tau may be
determined, and these measurements permits the determination of
metabolism parameters of tau kinetics, such as relative labeling,
rate of synthesis, rate of clearance of tau.
(g) Preferred Embodiments
[0060] A method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject,
the method comprising: (a) administering, in the form of at least
one bolus or at least one infusion, a total daily dose of about 0.1
g to about 10 g of at least one labeled amino acid to the subject
for at least three days, at least five days, or least 10 days; (b)
collecting at least one biological sample from the subject between
day 1 or day 2 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100,
or a combination thereof; (c) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample; and (d)
calculating the metabolism of tau using the measurements from step
(c), wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau. Alternatively, the daily dose can
be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about
1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled
amino acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be divided into
multiple smaller doses that are administered in a single sitting,
or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the day. Preferred
biological samples include CSF samples, blood samples or
combinations thereof. The method may further comprise enzymatically
cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or partially
purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (b) and (c).
[0061] A method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject,
the method comprising: (a) administering, in the form of at least
one bolus or at least one infusion, at least one labeled amino acid
to the subject, wherein the label is administered to the subject on
two or more days between day 0 and about day 3, preferably between
day 0 and about day 5, more preferably between day 0 and about day
10, as a total daily dose of about 0.1 g to about 10 g; (b)
collecting at least one biological sample from the subject between
day 1 or day 2 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100,
or a combination thereof; (c) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample; and (d)
calculating the metabolism of tau using the measurements from step
(c), wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau. Alternatively, the daily dose can
be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about
1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled
amino acid. Preferred biological samples include CSF samples, blood
samples or combinations thereof. The method may further comprise
enzymatically cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or
partially purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (b) and
(c).
[0062] A method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject,
the method comprising: (a) administering, in the form of at least
one bolus or at least one infusion, at least one labeled amino acid
to the subject, wherein the label is administered to the subject on
2, 3, 4 or more days between day 0 and about day 5, preferably
between day 0 and about day 10, as a total daily dose of about 0.1
g to about 10 g; (b) collecting at least one biological sample from
the subject between day 1 or day 2 and day 20, day 20 and day 40,
day 40 and day 100, or a combination thereof; (c) detecting and
measuring by mass spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the
amount of labeled tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample;
and (d) calculating the metabolism of tau using the measurements
from step (c), wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally
expressed as the relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample
at a given time reflects the metabolism of tau. Alternatively, the
daily dose can be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid,
0.5 g to about 1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5
g of labelled amino acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be
divided into multiple smaller doses that are administered in a
single sitting, or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the
day. Preferred biological samples include CSF samples, blood
samples or combinations thereof. The method may further comprise
enzymatically cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or
partially purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (b) and
(c).
[0063] A method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject,
the method comprising: (a) administering, in the form of at least
one bolus or at least one infusion, at least one labeled amino acid
to the subject, wherein the label is administered to the subject on
2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, or 9 days between day 0 and about day 10, as a
total daily dose of about 0.1 g to about 10 g; (b) collecting at
least one biological sample from the subject between day 1 or day 2
and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100, or a combination
thereof; (c) detecting and measuring by mass spectrometry the
amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled tau and unlabeled
tau, in each biological sample; and (d) calculating the metabolism
of tau using the measurements from step (c), wherein the amount of
labeled tau, optionally expressed as the relative labeling of tau,
in the biological sample at a given time reflects the metabolism of
tau. Alternatively, the daily dose can be about 0.5 g to about 5 g
of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about 1 g of labelled amino acid,
or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid. In each
embodiment, the daily dose may be divided into multiple smaller
doses that are administered in a single sitting, or at regular or
irregular intervals throughout the day. Preferred biological
samples include CSF samples, blood samples or combinations thereof.
The method may further comprise enzymatically cleaving tau with a
protease and/or completely or partially purifying tau or fragments
thereof between step (b) and (c).
[0064] A method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject,
the method comprising: (a) administering, in the form of at least
one bolus or at least one infusion, a total daily dose of about 0.1
g to about 10 g of at least one labeled amino acid to the subject
for at least three days, at least five days, or least 10 days; (b)
collecting at least one biological sample from the subject based on
the calculation: half-life of tau.+-.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or
10 days from the half-life of tau; (c) detecting and measuring by
mass spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of
labeled tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample; and (d)
calculating the metabolism of tau using the measurements from step
(c), wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau. Alternatively, the daily dose can
be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about
1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled
amino acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be divided into
multiple smaller doses that are administered in a single sitting,
or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the day. Preferred
biological samples include CSF samples, blood samples or
combinations thereof. The method may further comprise enzymatically
cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or partially
purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (b) and (c).
[0065] A method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a subject,
the method comprising: (a) administering, in the form of at least
one bolus or at least one infusion, a total daily dose of about 0.1
g to about 10 g of at least one labeled amino acid to the subject
for at least three days, at least five days, or least 10 days; (b)
only collecting one or more biological sample from the subject
based on the calculation: half-life of tau.+-.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, or 10 days from the half-life of tau (i.e. no samples are
collected outside this timeframe); (c) detecting and measuring by
mass spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of
labeled tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample; and (d)
calculating the metabolism of tau using the measurements from step
(c), wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau. Alternatively, the daily dose can
be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about
1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled
amino acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be divided into
multiple smaller doses that are administered in a single sitting,
or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the day. Preferred
biological samples include CSF samples, blood samples or
combinations thereof. The method may further comprise enzymatically
cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or partially
purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (b) and (c).
[0066] An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a
subject, the method comprising (a) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample obtained from the
subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of tau using the amount
of labeled, or labeled and unlabeled tau, determined in step (a),
wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein (i) the label was
administered daily as at least one bolus or at least one infusion
on day 0 to at least about day 3, preferably day 0 to at least
about day 5, more preferably day 0 to at least about day 10, and
(ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject between
day 1 or day 2 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100,
or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the daily dose can be
about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about 1 g
of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled amino
acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be divided into
multiple smaller doses that are administered in a single sitting,
or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the day. Preferred
biological samples include CSF samples, blood samples or
combinations thereof. The method may further comprise enzymatically
cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or partially
purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (a) and (b).
[0067] An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a
subject, the method comprising (a) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample obtained from the
subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of tau using the amount
of labeled, or labeled and unlabeled tau, determined in step (a),
wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein (i) the label was
administered as at least one bolus or at least one infusion on two
or more days between day 0 and about day 3, preferably between day
0 and about day 5, more preferably between day 0 and about day 10,
and (ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject
between day 1 or day 2 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and
day 100, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the daily dose
can be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to
about 1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of
labelled amino acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be
divided into multiple smaller doses that are administered in a
single sitting, or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the
day. Preferred biological samples include CSF samples, blood
samples or combinations thereof. The method may further comprise
enzymatically cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or
partially purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (a) and
(b).
[0068] An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a
subject, the method comprising (a) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample obtained from the
subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of tau using the amount
of labeled, or labeled and unlabeled tau, determined in step (a),
wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein (i) the label is
administered as at least one bolus or at least one infusion to the
subject on 2, 3, 4 or more days between day 0 and about day 5,
preferably between day 0 and about day 10, and (ii) each biological
sample was collected from the subject between day 1 or day 2 and
day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and day 100, or a combination
thereof. Alternatively, the daily dose can be about 0.5 g to about
5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about 1 g of labelled amino
acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid. In each
embodiment, the daily dose may be divided into multiple smaller
doses that are administered in a single sitting, or at regular or
irregular intervals throughout the day. Preferred biological
samples include CSF samples, blood samples or combinations thereof.
The method may further comprise enzymatically cleaving tau with a
protease and/or completely or partially purifying tau or fragments
thereof between step (a) and (b).
[0069] An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a
subject, the method comprising (a) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample obtained from the
subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of tau using the amount
of labeled, or labeled and unlabeled tau, determined in step (a),
wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein (i) the label is
administered as at least one bolus or at least one infusion to the
subject on 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, or 9 days between day 0 and about day
10, and (ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject
between day 1 or day 2 and day 20, day 20 and day 40, day 40 and
day 100, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the daily dose
can be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to
about 1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of
labelled amino acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be
divided into multiple smaller doses that are administered in a
single sitting, or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the
day. Preferred biological samples include CSF samples, blood
samples or combinations thereof. The method may further comprise
enzymatically cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or
partially purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (a) and
(b).
[0070] An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a
subject, the method comprising (a) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample obtained from the
subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of tau using the amount
of labeled, or labeled and unlabeled tau, determined in step (a),
wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein (i) the label was
administered daily as at least one bolus or at least one infusion
on day 0 to at least about day 3, preferably day 0 to at least
about day 5, more preferably day 0 to at least about day 10, and
(ii) each biological sample was collected from the subject based on
the calculation: half-life of tau.+-.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or
10 days from the half-life of tau. Alternatively, the daily dose
can be about 0.5 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to
about 1 g of labelled amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of
labelled amino acid. In each embodiment, the daily dose may be
divided into multiple smaller doses that are administered in a
single sitting, or at regular or irregular intervals throughout the
day. Preferred biological samples include CSF samples, blood
samples or combinations thereof. The method may further comprise
enzymatically cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or
partially purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (a) and
(b).
[0071] An in vitro method for measuring the metabolism of tau in a
subject, the method comprising (a) detecting and measuring by mass
spectrometry the amount of labeled tau, or the amount of labeled
tau and unlabeled tau, in each biological sample obtained from the
subject; and (b) calculating the metabolism of tau using the amount
of labeled, or labeled and unlabeled tau, determined in step (a),
wherein the amount of labeled tau, optionally expressed as the
relative labeling of tau, in the biological sample at a given time
reflects the metabolism of tau; and wherein (i) the label was
administered daily as at least one bolus or at least one infusion
on day 0 to at least about day 3, preferably day 0 to at least
about day 5, more preferably day 0 to at least about day 10, and
(ii) each biological sample was only collected from the subject
based on the calculation: half-life of tau.+-.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, or 10 days (i.e. no samples are collected outside this
timeframe). Alternatively, the daily dose can be about 0.5 g to
about 5 g of labelled amino acid, 0.5 g to about 1 g of labelled
amino acid, or about 1 g to about 5 g of labelled amino acid. In
each embodiment, the daily dose may be divided into multiple
smaller doses that are administered in a single sitting, or at
regular or irregular intervals throughout the day. Preferred
biological samples include CSF samples, blood samples or
combinations thereof. The method may further comprise enzymatically
cleaving tau with a protease and/or completely or partially
purifying tau or fragments thereof between step (a) and (b).
III. Kits for Diagnosing or Monitoring the Progression or Treatment
of Neurological and Neurodegenerative Diseases
[0072] The current invention provides kits for measuring tau or
monitoring the progression or treatment of a neurological or
neurodegenerative disease associated with tau by measuring the in
vivo metabolism of tau in a subject. Generally, a kit comprises a
labeled amino acid, means for administering the labeled amino acid,
means for collecting biological samples over time, and instructions
for detecting and measuring the amount of labeled tau and/or
unlabeled tau so that a metabolic parameter may be calculated. The
metabolic parameter then may be compared to a metabolic parameter
of a normal, healthy individual or compared to a metabolic
parameter from the same subject generated at an earlier time.
Suitable metabolic parameters are described above. In a preferred
embodiment, the kit comprises .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine or
.sup.13C.sub.6-phenylalanine, the protein to be labeled is tau, and
the disease to be assessed is tau amyloidosis.
Definitions
[0073] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the meaning commonly understood by a person
skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The following
references provide one of skill with a general definition of many
of the terms used in this invention: Singleton et al., Dictionary
of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (2nd ed. 1994); The Cambridge
Dictionary of Science and Technology (Walker ed., 1988); The
Glossary of Genetics, 5th Ed., R. Rieger et al. (eds.), Springer
Verlag (1991); and Hale & Marham, The Harper Collins Dictionary
of Biology (1991). As used herein, the following terms have the
meanings ascribed to them unless specified otherwise.
[0074] "Clearance rate" refers to the rate at which the biomolecule
of interest, such as tau, is removed.
[0075] "Fractional clearance rate" or FCR is calculated as the
natural log of the ratio of labeled biomolecule, such as tau, over
a specified period of time.
[0076] "Fractional synthesis rate" or FSR is calculated as the
slope of the increasing ratio of labeled biomolecule, such as tau,
over a specified period of time divided by the predicted value of
the labeled precursor.
[0077] "Fractional turnover rate" or FTR is that rate of
irreversible loss of a biomolecule, such as tau, from the CNS, and
is the sum of losses to CSF and other loss pathways (e.g. local
tissue uptake, proteolysis, deposition into amyloid).
[0078] "Isotope" refers to all forms of a given element whose
nuclei have the same atomic number but have different mass numbers
because they contain different numbers of neutrons. By way of a
non-limiting example, .sup.12C and .sup.13C are both stable
isotopes of carbon.
[0079] "Lag time" generally refers to the delay of time from when
the biomolecule, such as tau, is first labeled until the labeled
biomolecule is detected.
[0080] "Metabolism" refers to any combination of the synthesis,
transport, breakdown, modification, or clearance rate of a
biomolecule, such as tau.
[0081] "Neurally derived cells" includes all cells within the
blood-brain-barrier including neurons, astrocytes, microglia,
choroid plexus cells, ependymal cells, other glial cells, etc.
[0082] "Relative labeling" refers to the ratio of labeled tau to
unlabeled tau or the percent labeled tau. Relative labeling may be
expressed using any suitable unit. As a non-limiting example, the
ratio of labeled tau to unlabeled tau may be expressed as a tracer
to trace relationship (TTR) obtained from a mass spectrometric
analysis. As another non-limiting example, TTR ratios may be
converted to mole fraction labeled.
[0083] "Start of labeling" refers to the time at which labeling
begins, i.e. time=0. For tau labeling protocols that require
administration of a label on multiple days, the "start of labeling"
refers to the first time label is administered. After the start of
labeling, sample collection may begin as soon as labeled tau is
reliably detected, which may occur within one or more hour from the
start of labeling.
[0084] "Steady state" refers to a state during which there is
insignificant change in the measured parameter over a specified
period of time.
[0085] "Synthesis rate" refers to the rate at which the biomolecule
of interest is synthesized.
[0086] In metabolic tracer studies, a "stable isotope" is a
nonradioactive isotope that is less abundant than the most abundant
naturally occurring isotope.
[0087] "Subject" as used herein means a living organism having a
central nervous system. In particular, the subject is a mammal.
Suitable subjects include research animals, companion animals, farm
animals, and zoo animals. The preferred subject is a human.
EXAMPLES
[0088] The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred
embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of
skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples that
follow represent techniques discovered by the inventors to function
well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered
to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of
skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure,
appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific
embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar
result without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
Example 1
Development of Tau Immunoprecipitation (IP) and Mass Spectrometry
Methods.
[0089] CSF tau is estimated to be a heterogeneous pool of truncated
fragments and is low in abundance. For example, total tau in young
normal control is estimated to be approximately 200 pg/mL=4.4
fmol/mL. To achieve high recovery of tau from human CSF, various
tau antibodies with epitopes ranging from N-terminus to C-terminus
of full length tau were tested for IP efficiencies (Table 1, FIG.
2). Human CSF containing a range of tau (pg to ng) and cell culture
media containing picogram to nanogram of tau (SH-SY5Y human
neuroblastoma and HEK293T cells transiently overexpressing full
length tau) were used for the validation assay. Recovery rate was
assessed by N-terminus tau ELISA (HJ8.5 capture, HJ8.7-biotin
detection) and the three antibodies that recognize the N-terminus
of tau (Tau12, HJ8.5, and HJ8.7) had the highest
immunoprecipitation efficiencies (on average 99.3%) for CSF tau.
This data suggests that full length tau is not present in human
CSF, which is consistent with the literature. N-terminal antibody
HJ8.5 and mid-domain antibody Tau1 were identified as optimal
antibodies for immunoprecipitation of multiple tau species in
CSF.
[0090] To quantitate tau peptide using mass spectrometry (MS)
analyses, immunoprecipitated tau was subsequently digested with 400
ng trypsin for 16 hrs at 37.degree. C. Alternative enzymes and
duration of digestion may also be used. Digested samples were
desalted or cleaned up using Toptip C18 columns (glygen). Following
clean up, samples were dried and resuspended in 2% acetonitrile and
0.1% formic acid and injected for nano LC-MS analyses
(Thermoscientific TSQ, or Thermoscientific Orbitrap Fusion). By
peptide fingerprinting, we detected multiple fragments from tau in
human CSF, SH-SY5Y media (see Example 2), and the media from
HEK293T overexpressing human tau, which included peptides that have
a single or double leucines such as TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO: 2) and
LQTAPVPMPDLK (SEQ ID NO: 7). TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO: 2) had the
largest and most consistent signal in all the samples and thus used
for further analyses of the quantitation of .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine
labeled tau.
[0091] To generate a standard curve for TPSLPTPPTR peptide (SEQ ID
NO: 2), HEK293T overexpressing tau were incubated with
.sup.13C.sub.6-leucine labeled media for collection of labeled
extracellular tau in the media. Briefly, HEK293T cells were labeled
with .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine at 0%, 0.078%, 0.156%, 0.312%, 0.625%,
1.250%, and 2.5%, and labeled cell media was subjected to IP/MS
methods described above. The standard curve demonstrates a linear
correlation of predicted and measured percent labels and suggests
that the limit of detection (LOQ) of TPSLPTPPTR peptide (SEQ ID NO:
2) is approximately 0.1% (FIG. 2C).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 2N4R full length tau epitope Tau12 Amino
acids 9-18 HJ8.5 Amino acids 27-35 HJ8.7 Amino acids 118-122 Tau1
Amino acids 194-198 Tau5 Amino acids 210-230 HJ9.3 Amino acids
306-321 HJ9.1 Amino acids 392-399 Tau7 Amino acids 430-441
Example 2
Stable Isotope Labeling Kinetics (SILK) of Tau In Vitro
[0092] To test the feasibility of the Tau SILK method in vitro, two
cell culture models were used for a proof of principle experiment.
In the first model, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were used, as
these cells were previously shown to produce extracellular tau in
the media. SH-SY5Y cells were cultured and labeled with 50%
.sup.13C.sub.6-Leucine labeled media for 6 days followed by 6 days
of unlabeling, and media and cell lysates were collected and
subjected to IP/MS analyses for tau (FIG. 1A). Using TPSLPTPPTR
(SEQ ID NO: 2) to quantify labeled tau, we observed a steady
increase in labeling towards the 40-50% .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine
precursor in the lysate and the media (FIG. 1B). A two to three day
delay was observed before the detection of labeled tau in the media
compared with the lysate, suggesting that it takes two to three
days to release labeled tau from the lysate to the media. A steady
decrease in labeling toward the baseline was also observed in the
media and lysate after switching back to the .sup.12C.sub.6-leucine
media. Based on 20-25% labeling (i.e. half of the labeled leucine
precursor of 50% label) at day 2-3 (lysate) or 5-6 (media) on the
production curve, we estimate that the half-life of extracellular
tau in the lysate and media is approximately 3 days.
[0093] In the second model, induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs)
obtained from skin fibroblasts of a Presenilin 1 mutant H163R
(PSmt) carrier and a non-carrier (Ctrl) were used. These iPSCs were
differentiated into neurons and subjected to Tau SILK method. iPSCs
from AD patients have been previously reported to secrete increased
tau in the media. In these experiments, iPSCs were subjected to 6
days of 50% .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine labeled media followed by 6 days
of unlabeling (FIG. 1A). Only media was collected. Using TPSLPTPPTR
(SEQ ID NO: 2) to quantify tau leucine labeling, we observed a
steady increase in labeling towards the 20% .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine
precursor in the media (FIG. 1C). 6 days were not sufficient to
reach 50% labeling and the labeling continued to increase after
switching back to regular media. The difference in the labeling
curve between SH-SY5Y cells and iPSC neurons may be due to the fact
that iPSCs are terminally differentiated cells while SH-SY5Y cells
are dividing cells. Interestingly, PSmt had a steeper production
curve, suggesting that the production of tau is increased in iPSC
neuron of PSmt.
[0094] These in vitro proof of principle experiments demonstrate
the quantitation of tau tryptic peptide, TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO: 2)
using two cell culture models. Together, these results strongly
suggest that a tau SILK study is feasible in humans.
Example 3
Stable Isotope Labeling Kinetics (SILK) of Tau in Humans
[0095] FIG. 3 shows an overview of one embodiment of the method.
Briefly, normal control (NC) subjects (ages 32-73) were placed on a
prepackaged low leucine diet and labeled with
.sup.13C.sub.6-leucine for 5 (NC01) or 10 (NC02, NC03, NC05, NC06,
NC07, NC08) days. .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine was administered to
participants by dissolving 330 mg of the powder into Kool-Aid and
drinking three times a day for a total soluble daily dose of 1 g.
During the labeling period, overnight fasting blood draws were
conducted on days 1 and 10 for the plasma leucine measurement.
After labeling, participants resumed a normal diet. Lumbar
punctures (LPs) and blood draws were performed approximately 14
days, 28 days, 42 days, and 67-84 days after labeling began (actual
time points slightly differed between participants). 1 mL of each
CSF sample is subjected to an immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry
(IP/MS) method to measure human tau. Briefly, tau is
immunoprecipitated from the biological sample using a tau specific
antibody and is then digested, resulting in multiple peptides that
include leucine (FIG. 2). In particular, trypsin may be used for
digestion and the peptide TPSLPTPPTR (SEQ ID NO: 2) used for
quantitation. Other enzymes and peptides may also be used.
[0096] To validate the tau SILK method in vivo, CSF samples were
initially obtained from 5 normal control (NC) participants who were
orally administered .sup.13C.sub.6 leucine for 5 (NC01) or 10 days
(NC02, NC03, NC05, NC06) days (FIG. 4). The half-life of tau in
human CNS, for these subjects, is approximately 15 days. The exact
measure of the half-life of tau has a range, i.e. about 10 to about
30 days. FIG. 5 includes data from two additional participants
(i.e. NC07 and NC08). After inclusion of these two additional
subjects, the half-life settled out to be approximately 19.6 days,
with a range similar to the initial calculation (13-30 days, CV
32.2%).
[0097] The tau kinetic curves in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 collectively
show that tau turnover is slower than the total protein. With 10
days of oral labeling, robust labeling of .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine
(free amino acid pool) could be achieved in plasma (2-3%),
indicating that the tracer concentrations reached sufficient levels
during a controlled leucine diet (FIG. 5A). The CNS tau labeling
curves displayed a slow rise (10-30 days) and fall (+80 days),
indicating a slow turnover rate of CNS tau (FIG. 5B).
Example 4
Tau Kinetic Model
[0098] To obtain a full kinetic curve from the limited number of
measured time points and to calculate the half-life of tau, a
compartmental model that that accounts for plasma leucine, CSF Tau,
CSF total protein, and plasma total protein tracer labeling
kinetics has been developed (10 d of 1 g/day oral
.sup.13C.sub.6-leucine). SOD1, another slow turnover protein whose
kinetics were measured in the same samples were also included in
the model for a comparison. A comprehensive model that accounts for
multiple sights of data collection is preferable to previously
utilized "model-independent" methods of assessing turnover
kinetics, because it takes the shape of the precursor (i.e. plasma
leucine) time course into account. For example, a monoexponential
slope analysis, assumes that no tracer incorporation occurs in the
product protein during the period of the slope analysis, i.e. the
precursor pool (plasma leucine) contains no label. In a protein
with a long half-life and long-term labeling, a compartmental model
is necessary to account for the enrichment of the precursor pool as
a function of time. The model begins with a 3.times./day appearance
of oral tracer into plasma over 10 days, and a whole-body plasma
protein pool that accounts for the shape of the plasma leucine time
course out to 84 days following tracer ingestion. Brain (including
CSF) and plasma proteins derive tracer leucine from plasma, so the
shape of the plasma leucine time course defines the time course for
tracer availability for the formation of these proteins. The model
consists of a series of compartments connected by first order rate
constants k(i,j), which reflect the fraction of compartment j
transported to compartment i per day.
[0099] With this tracer input time course defined, the shape of the
SILK curve for each protein is uniquely determined by its
fractional turnover rate (FTR) or irreversible loss. Results for
one subject are shown in FIG. 6. Results for subjects NC02, NC03,
NC04, NC05, NC06, NC07 and NC08 are shown in FIG. 7B-G,
respectively. A summary of the participants' fractional turnover
rate (FTR), half-life of CNS tau, and other information (age,
weight, height, BMI, gender and demographic) is shown in Table 2,
below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 FTR Half-life Weight Height Participant
(pools/day) (Days) Age (kg) (cm) BMI Gender Demographic NC02 0.0492
14.1 51 56.1 170.2 19.4 male AA NC03 0.0532 13.0 66 82.2 180.0 25.4
male Cauc NC05 0.0414 16.7 32 69.4 175.3 22.6 male Cauc NC06 0.0275
25.2 72 95.6 172.3 32.2 male Cauc NC07 0.0350 19.8 73 88.4 180.3
27.2 male AA NC08 0.0240 28.9 60 72.1 152.4 31.0 female Cauc
Average 0.0384 19.6 59.0 77.3 171.8 26.3 Std Dev 0.0117 6.3 15.5
14.3 10.3 4.9 CV (%) 30.4111 32.2 26.3 18.5 6.0 18.7
Methods for the Examples
[0100] Preparation of .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine labeled tau standard
curve: Labeled media standard was prepared by labeling full-length
(FL. 2N4R) tau transiently overexpressed in HEK293T cells. HEK293T
cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Media (DMEM, Sigma,
D5546) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Sigma, F6178), and
split into 6-well plates the day before transfection. On the day of
the transfection, the media was spiked with .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine
(Cambridge Isotopes, CLM-2262) into DMEM containing 1.05 g/L of
.sup.12C.sub.6-leucine to the final tracer to trace ratio (TTR) of
2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, 0.312%, 0.156%, 0.078% and 0%. HEK293T were
transiently transfected with FLtau-pcDNA3.1 using Fugene HD
(Promega, E2312). Media and cells were harvested after 6 days.
Media were spun at 15K g for 5 min and the supernatant was diluted
to match the signal obtained from human CSF tau, aliquoted, and
then frozen at -80.degree. C. Cells were washed once with PBS,
collected in cold PBS with protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche,
04693116001), spun at 15K g for 5 minutes, then the aliquots were
frozen at -80.degree. C.
[0101] Isolation and mass spectrometric analysis of
.sup.13C.sub.6-leucine labeled tau and plasma free
.sup.13C.sub.6-leucine: CNBr-activated Sepharose beads (GE
Healthcare 17-0430-01) were crosslinked to Tau12, Tau1, Tau5
antibody (mouse monoclonal, provided by Drs. Skip Binder and Nick
Kanaan at Michigan State University), HJ8.5, HJ8.7, HJ9.3, HJ9.1
(mouse monoclonal, provided by Dr. David Holtzman and Hong Jiang)
at a concentration of 3 mg antibody per g of beads. Soluble tau was
immunoprecipitated from 1 mL of human CSF from a participant, human
CSF collected from the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Neurology Critical
Care Unit (St. Louis, Mo.) and cell culture media (SH-SY5Y human
neuroblastoma and HEK293T cells transiently overexpressing
full-length tau) in detergent (1% NP-40), chaotropic reagent (5 mM
guanidine), and protease inhibitors (Roche Complete Protease
Inhibitor Cocktail). 30 uL of 50% slurry of the tau antibody beads
were rotated with the solution for 90 minutes at room temperature.
The beads were washed one time in 0.5M guanidine and two times in
25 mM triethyl ammonium bicarbonate buffer (TEABC, Fluka 17902).
The bound tau was digested on-beads with 400 ng mass spectrometry
grade trypsin (Promega, V5111) for 16 hours at 37.degree. C.
Tryptic digests were loaded on to TopTip C18 (Glygen, TT2C18.96),
desalted, cleaned up and eluted per manufacturer's instructions.
The eluted peptides solution was dried by vacuum centrifuge
(CentriVap Concentrator Labconco) and were resuspended in 25 uL of
a solution of 2% acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in MS grade
water. A 5 uL aliquot of the peptide resuspension was subjected to
nano-Acquity LC and MS analysis. The nano-Acquity LC (Waters
Corporation, Milford, Mass.) was fitted with HSS T3 130C18
100.quadrature.m.times.100 mm column and a flow rate of 0.5
.quadrature.l/min of a gradient of solution A and B was used to
separate the peptides. Solution A composed of 0.1% formic acid in
MS grade water and solution B was 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile.
Peptides were eluted from the column with a gradient of 2% to 20%
of solution B in 8 minutes, then 20% to 40% solution B for another
3 minutes before ramping up to 85% solution B in another 3 minutes
to clean up the column. The Orbitrap Fusion was equipped with a
nanoflex electrospray source (Thermo Scientific, San Jose, Calif.)
Peptide ions sprayed into the ion-source were targeted and isolated
in the quadrupole which were then fragmented by HCD and detected in
the Orbitrap at a resolution of 60,000. The labeled tau peptide
co-eluted with the unlabeled peptide and both were sequentially
fragmented. The area under their chromatographic peak profiles were
calculated and expressed as an area ratio.
[0102] To determine the percent enrichment of precursor
.sup.13C.sub.6-leucine in the plasma at each time point, plasma
proteins were precipitated with 10% trichloroacetic acid overnight
at 4.degree. C., then removed by spinning at 21,000.times.g for 10
minutes. The free amino acids in the supernatant were converted to
N-heptafluorobutyryl n-propyl ester derivatives and isotopic
enrichment for .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine [mass/charge ratio (m/z) 349
and 355] was analyzed via gas chromatography (GC)-negative chemical
ionization-MS (Agilent 6890N Gas Chromatograph and Agilent 5973N
Mass Selective Detector) as described previously.sup.23.
Measurements of .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine incorporation into total
protein was determined by subjecting 50 .mu.L of tissue lysate to
10% TCA precipitation overnight at 4.degree. C., centrifuging the
samples at 21,000.times.g for 10 minutes, removing the supernatant,
and sonicating the pellet in a cold 10% TCA solution, twice. The
pellets were then subjected to acid hydrolysis in 6 N HCl for 24
hours at 110.degree. C. Cation-exchange chromatography (50W-X8
resin) was then used to isolate the resultant amino acids with 6N
NH.sub.4OH as the elution buffer. The samples were then dried on a
speed-vacuum and processed for GC-MS. To account for the bias in
tracer:tracee ratios (TTRs) that occurred as tracer enrichment
increases, TTRs were converted to mole fraction labels (MFLs) by
using the equation: MFL=(TTR)/(1+TTR).
[0103] Human subjects: Studies involving human subjects were
approved by the Washington University Human Studies Committee and
the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC). Informed consent was
obtained from all participants. Participants underwent an initial
screening visit that consisted of a physical and neurological
examination. Exclusion criteria included evidence of neurologic
disorder by history or examination, inability to safely take food
and drink by mouth, lab values greater than twice normal, special
diets (e.g. gluten-free), pregnancy, allergy to lidocaine, history
of bleeding disorders, or contraindications for lumbar puncture.
Participants were then placed on a prepackaged low leucine diet and
labeled with .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine for 10 days. The low leucine
diet (about 2000 mg leucine/day) was prepared by dieticians in the
Washington University Research Kitchen, handed to the participants,
then consumed at home. Food intake was monitored by a self-reported
food journal. The .sup.13C.sub.6-labeled leucine, obtained from
Cambridge Isotope Laboratories (CLM-2262), was administered to
participants by dissolving 330 mg of the powder into 120 mL of
Kool-Aid. Participants drank this .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine three
times a day for a total soluble daily dose of 1 g. During the
labeling period, overnight fasting blood draws were conducted on
days 1 and 10. After labeling, participants resumed a normal diet.
Lumbar punctures and blood draws were performed approximately 14
days, 28 days, 42 days, and 67-84 days after labeling began (actual
time points differed slightly between participants).
[0104] Blood was centrifuged at 1800.times.g for 10 minutes and the
supernatant (serum), aliquoted into low-binding 1.5 mL tubes,
frozen on dry ice, and stored at -80.degree. C. CSF was spun at
1000.times.g for 10 minutes at 4.degree. C. and 1 mL aliquots were
placed into low-binding 1.5 mL tubes, frozen on dry ice, and stored
at -80.degree. C.
[0105] Compartmental modeling of kinetic data: Modeling was
conducted using the SAAM II software (Resource for Kinetic
Analysis, University of Washington, Seattle) as described
previously.sup.23. This model consists of a series of compartments
connected by first order rate constants k(i,j), which reflect the
fraction of compartment j transported to compartment i per day. The
kinetic data for plasma free .sup.13C.sub.6-leucine were
incorporated into a compartmental model as described in FIG. 4. The
TPSLPTPPTR peptide was used for modeling as it had the most robust
LC-MS signal.
Sequence CWU 1
1
71441PRTHomo sapiens 1Met Ala Glu Pro Arg Gln Glu Phe Glu Val Met
Glu Asp His Ala Gly1 5 10 15Thr Tyr Gly Leu Gly Asp Arg Lys Asp Gln
Gly Gly Tyr Thr Met Gly 20 25 30Gln Asp Gln Glu Gly Asp Thr Asp Ala
Gly Leu Lys Glu Ser Pro Leu 35 40 45Gln Thr Pro Thr Glu Asp Gly Ser
Glu Glu Pro Gly Ser Glu Thr Ser 50 55 60Asp Ala Lys Ser Thr Pro Thr
Ala Glu Asp Val Thr Ala Pro Leu Val65 70 75 80Asp Glu Gly Ala Pro
Gly Lys Gln Ala Ala Ala Gln Pro His Thr Glu 85 90 95Ile Pro Glu Gly
Thr Thr Ala Glu Glu Ala Gly Ile Gly Asp Thr Pro 100 105 110Ser Leu
Glu Asp Glu Ala Ala Gly His Val Thr Gln Ala Arg Met Val 115 120
125Ser Lys Ser Lys Asp Gly Thr Gly Ser Asp Asp Lys Lys Ala Lys Gly
130 135 140Ala Asp Gly Lys Thr Lys Ile Ala Thr Pro Arg Gly Ala Ala
Pro Pro145 150 155 160Gly Gln Lys Gly Gln Ala Asn Ala Thr Arg Ile
Pro Ala Lys Thr Pro 165 170 175Pro Ala Pro Lys Thr Pro Pro Ser Ser
Gly Glu Pro Pro Lys Ser Gly 180 185 190Asp Arg Ser Gly Tyr Ser Ser
Pro Gly Ser Pro Gly Thr Pro Gly Ser 195 200 205Arg Ser Arg Thr Pro
Ser Leu Pro Thr Pro Pro Thr Arg Glu Pro Lys 210 215 220Lys Val Ala
Val Val Arg Thr Pro Pro Lys Ser Pro Ser Ser Ala Lys225 230 235
240Ser Arg Leu Gln Thr Ala Pro Val Pro Met Pro Asp Leu Lys Asn Val
245 250 255Lys Ser Lys Ile Gly Ser Thr Glu Asn Leu Lys His Gln Pro
Gly Gly 260 265 270Gly Lys Val Gln Ile Ile Asn Lys Lys Leu Asp Leu
Ser Asn Val Gln 275 280 285Ser Lys Cys Gly Ser Lys Asp Asn Ile Lys
His Val Pro Gly Gly Gly 290 295 300Ser Val Gln Ile Val Tyr Lys Pro
Val Asp Leu Ser Lys Val Thr Ser305 310 315 320Lys Cys Gly Ser Leu
Gly Asn Ile His His Lys Pro Gly Gly Gly Gln 325 330 335Val Glu Val
Lys Ser Glu Lys Leu Asp Phe Lys Asp Arg Val Gln Ser 340 345 350Lys
Ile Gly Ser Leu Asp Asn Ile Thr His Val Pro Gly Gly Gly Asn 355 360
365Lys Lys Ile Glu Thr His Lys Leu Thr Phe Arg Glu Asn Ala Lys Ala
370 375 380Lys Thr Asp His Gly Ala Glu Ile Val Tyr Lys Ser Pro Val
Val Ser385 390 395 400Gly Asp Thr Ser Pro Arg His Leu Ser Asn Val
Ser Ser Thr Gly Ser 405 410 415Ile Asp Met Val Asp Ser Pro Gln Leu
Ala Thr Leu Ala Asp Glu Val 420 425 430Ser Ala Ser Leu Ala Lys Gln
Gly Leu 435 440210PRTHomo sapiens 2Thr Pro Ser Leu Pro Thr Pro Pro
Thr Arg1 5 1035PRTHomo sapiens 3Arg Ser Gly Tyr Ser1 548PRTHomo
sapiens 4Ile Gly Ser Thr Glu Asn Leu Lys1 5519PRTHomo sapiens 5His
Val Pro Gly Gly Gly Ser Val Gln Ile Val Tyr Lys Pro Val Asp1 5 10
15Leu Ser Lys620PRTHomo sapiens 6Ser Thr Pro Thr Ala Glu Asp Val
Thr Ala Pro Leu Val Asp Glu Gly1 5 10 15Ala Pro Gly Lys
20712PRTHomo sapiens 7Leu Gln Thr Ala Pro Val Pro Met Pro Asp Leu
Lys1 5 10
* * * * *