Histone deacetylase inhibition mitigates cognitive deficits and astrocyte dysfunction induced by Aβ oligomers

ABSTRACT Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (iHDACs) are promising drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. We have evaluated the therapeutic potential of the new iHDAC6 LASSBio-1911 in Aβ oligomer (AβO) toxicity models and astrocytes, key players in neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Astrocyte phenotype and synapse density were evaluated by flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and qPCR, in vitro and in mice. Cognitive function was evaluated by behavioural assays using a mouse model of intracerebroventricular infusion of AβO. LASSBio-1911 modulates reactivity and synaptogenic potential of cultured astrocytes and improves synaptic markers in cultured neurons and in mice. It prevents AβO-triggered astrocytic reactivity in mice and enhances the neuroprotective potential of astrocytes. LASSBio-1911 improves behavioural performance and rescues synaptic and memory function in AβO-infused mice. These results contribute to unveiling the mechanisms underlying astrocyte role in AD and provide the rationale for using astrocytes as targets to new drugs for AD.