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Synaptic Paths to Neurodegeneration: The Emerging Role of TDP-43 and FUS in Synaptic Functions. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:8413496. [PMID: 29755516 PMCID: PMC5925147 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8413496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein-43 KDa (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) as the defining pathological hallmarks for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), coupled with ALS-FTD-causing mutations in both genes, indicate that their dysfunctions damage the motor system and cognition. On the molecular level, TDP-43 and FUS participate in the biogenesis and metabolism of coding and noncoding RNAs as well as in the transport and translation of mRNAs as part of cytoplasmic mRNA-ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) granules. Intriguingly, many of the RNA targets of TDP-43 and FUS are involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity, indicating that synaptic dysfunction could be an early event contributing to motor and cognitive deficits in ALS and FTD. Furthermore, the ability of the low-complexity prion-like domains of TDP-43 and FUS to form liquid droplets suggests a potential mechanism for mRNP assembly and conversion. This review will discuss the role of TDP-43 and FUS in RNA metabolism, with an emphasis on the involvement of this process in synaptic function and neuroprotection. This will be followed by a discussion of the potential phase separation mechanism for forming RNP granules and pathological inclusions.
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ATXN1 intermediate-length polyglutamine expansions are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 64:157.e1-157.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Nguyen HP, Van Broeckhoven C, van der Zee J. ALS Genes in the Genomic Era and their Implications for FTD. Trends Genet 2018; 34:404-423. [PMID: 29605155 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease, characterized genetically by a disproportionately large contribution of rare genetic variation. Driven by advances in massive parallel sequencing and applied on large patient-control cohorts, systematic identification of these rare variants that make up the genetic architecture of ALS became feasible. In this review paper, we present a comprehensive overview of recently proposed ALS genes that were identified based on rare genetic variants (TBK1, CHCHD10, TUBA4A, CCNF, MATR3, NEK1, C21orf2, ANXA11, TIA1) and their potential relevance to frontotemporal dementia genetic etiology. As more causal and risk genes are identified, it has become apparent that affected individuals can carry multiple disease-associated variants. In light of this observation, we discuss the oligogenic architecture of ALS. To end, we highlight emerging key molecular processes and opportunities for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Phuoc Nguyen
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie van der Zee
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Briones MRS, Snyder AM, Ferreira RC, Neely EB, Connor JR, Broach JR. A Possible Role for Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment. Front Neurol 2018; 9:39. [PMID: 29472887 PMCID: PMC5810282 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most prevalent neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons. An important pathway that may lead to motor neuron degeneration is neuroinflammation. Cerebrospinal Fluids of ALS patients have increased levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-18. Because IL-18 is produced by dendritic cells stimulated by the platelet-activating factor (PAF), a major neuroinflammatory mediator, it is expected that PAF is involved in ALS. Here we show pilot experimental data on amplification of PAF receptor (PAFR) mRNA by RT-PCR. PAFR is overexpressed, as compared to age matched controls, in the spinal cords of transgenic ALS SOD1-G93A mice, suggesting PAF mediation. Although anti-inflammatory drugs have been tested for ALS before, no clinical trial has been conducted using PAFR specific inhibitors. Therefore, we hypothesize that administration of PAFR inhibitors, such as Ginkgolide B, PCA 4248 and WEB 2086, have potential to function as a novel therapy for ALS, particularly in SOD1 familial ALS forms. Because currently there are only two approved drugs with modest effectiveness for ALS therapy, a search for novel drugs and targets is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo R S Briones
- Department of Health Informatics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, UNIFESP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Amanda M Snyder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Renata C Ferreira
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, UNIFESP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth B Neely
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - James R Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - James R Broach
- Department of Biochemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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55
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Crespi C, Dodich A, Cappa SF, Canessa N, Iannaccone S, Corbo M, Lunetta C, Falini A, Cerami C. Multimodal MRI quantification of the common neurostructural bases within the FTD-ALS continuum. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 62:95-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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56
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Pihlstrøm L, Wiethoff S, Houlden H. Genetics of neurodegenerative diseases: an overview. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 145:309-323. [PMID: 28987179 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-802395-2.00022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors are central to the etiology of neurodegeneration, both as monogenic causes of heritable disease and as modifiers of susceptibility to complex, sporadic disorders. Over the last two decades, the identification of disease genes and risk loci has led to some of the greatest advances in medicine and invaluable insights into pathogenic mechanisms and disease pathways. Large-scale research efforts, novel study designs, and advances in methodology are rapidly expanding our understanding of the genome and the genetic architecture of neurodegenerative disease. Here, we review major developments in the field to date, highlighting overarching historic trends and general insights. Monogenic neurodegenerative diseases are discussed from the perspectives of both rare Mendelian forms of common disorders, such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease, and heterogeneous heritable conditions, including ataxias and spastic paraplegias. Next, we summarize the experiences from investigations of complex neurodegenerative disorders, including genomewide association studies. In the final section, we reflect upon the limitations of current findings and outline important future directions. Genetics plays an essential role in translational research, ultimately aiming to develop novel disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. We anticipate that individual genetic profiling will also be increasingly relevant in a clinical context, with implications for patient care in line with the proposed ideal of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Pihlstrøm
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; UCL Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Wiethoff
- UCL Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom; Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Henry Houlden
- UCL Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom.
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Vercruysse P, Vieau D, Blum D, Petersén Å, Dupuis L. Hypothalamic Alterations in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Their Relation to Abnormal Energy Metabolism. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:2. [PMID: 29403354 PMCID: PMC5780436 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are disorders characterized by progressive deterioration of brain structure and function. Selective neuronal populations are affected leading to symptoms which are prominently motor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Huntington’s disease (HD), or cognitive in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD). Besides the common existence of neuronal loss, NDDs are also associated with metabolic changes such as weight gain, weight loss, loss of fat mass, as well as with altered feeding behavior. Importantly, preclinical research as well as clinical studies have demonstrated that altered energy homeostasis influences disease progression in ALS, AD and HD, suggesting that identification of the pathways leading to perturbed energy balance might provide valuable therapeutic targets Signals from both the periphery and central inputs are integrated in the hypothalamus, a major hub for the control of energy balance. Recent research identified major hypothalamic changes in multiple NDDs. Here, we review these hypothalamic alterations and seek to identify commonalities and differences in hypothalamic involvement between the different NDDs. These hypothalamic defects could be key in the development of perturbations in energy homeostasis in NDDs and further understanding of the underlying mechanisms might open up new avenues to not only treat weight loss but also to ameliorate overall neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Vercruysse
- UMR-S 1118, Faculté de Médecine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Strasbourg, France.,UMR-S1118, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Didier Vieau
- UMR-S 1172-JPArc, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille (CHRU de Lille), Alzheimer and Tauopathies, Lille, France
| | - David Blum
- UMR-S 1172-JPArc, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille (CHRU de Lille), Alzheimer and Tauopathies, Lille, France
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit (TNU), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Luc Dupuis
- UMR-S 1118, Faculté de Médecine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Strasbourg, France.,UMR-S1118, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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58
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Su WH, Shi ZH, Liu SL, Wang XD, Liu S, Ji Y. The rs75932628 and rs2234253 polymorphisms of the TREM2 gene were associated with susceptibility to frontotemporal lobar degeneration in Caucasian populations. Ann Hum Genet 2018; 82:177-185. [PMID: 29322490 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) gene have been reported to be potentially associated with the risks of developing frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), with inconsistent conclusions. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the potential role of TREM2 variants in FTLD risks via a meta-analysis. We included a total of eight eligible articles. For TREM2 rs75932628, we observed a significantly increased FTLD risk in the models of T vs. C [Association Test, odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43∼4.14, P = 0.001], CT vs. CC (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.39∼3.71, P = 0.001), CT + TT vs. CC (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.38∼3.71, P = 0.001), and Carrier T vs. C (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.38∼3.69, P = 0.001). Similarly, we observed positive results for TREM2 rs2234253 in all of the genetic models (all OR > 1, P = 0.030). Nevertheless, we did not observe any statistical difference between the case and control groups in the pooled analyses of TREM2 rs142232675 and rs143332484 (all P > 0.05). Our findings identified the rs75932628 and rs2234253 polymorphisms of the TREM2 gene as risk factors for FTLD in Caucasian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hua Su
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shu-Ling Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong Ji
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
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60
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Farhan SMK, Gendron TF, Petrucelli L, Hegele RA, Strong MJ. OPTN p.Met468Arg and ATXN2 intermediate length polyQ extension in families with C9orf72 mediated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:75-85. [PMID: 29080331 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have ascertained two families affected with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in which they both carry a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, specifically in individuals who also presented with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). While some reports attribute this phenotypic heterogeneity to the C9orf72 expansion alone, we screened for additional genetic variation in known ALS-FTD genes that may also contribute to or modify the phenotypes. We performed genetic testing consisting of C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion, ATXN2 polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion, and targeted next generation sequencing using the ONDRISeq, a gene panel consisting of 80 genes known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, FTD, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and vascular cognitive impairment. In addition to the C9orf72 expansion, we observed an ATXN2 polyQ intermediate length expansion, and OPTN p.Met468Arg in patients who exhibited ALS and FTD or bvFTD. We conclude that the C9orf72 expansion likely explains much of the ALS-FTD phenotype; however, inheritance of these additional variants likely modifies the disease course and may provide further evidence for biologically relevant oligogenic inheritance in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sali M K Farhan
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | - Robert A Hegele
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Strong
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Serpente M, Galimberti D. Autosomal Dominant Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: From Genotype to Phenotype. NEURODEGENER DIS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72938-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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62
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High frequency of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from two founder populations sharing the same risk haplotype. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 64:160.e1-160.e7. [PMID: 29352617 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We characterized the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (RE) mutation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients of 2 distinct origins, Ashkenazi and North Africa Jews (AJ, NAJ), its frequency, and genotype-phenotype correlations. In AJ, 80% of familial ALS (fALS) and 11% of sporadic ALS carried the RE, a total of 12.9% of all AJ-ALS compared to 0.3% in AJ controls (odds ratio [OR] = 44.3, p < 0.0001). In NAJ, 10% of fALS and 9% of sporadic ALS carried the RE, a total of 9.1% of all NAJ-ALS compared to 1% in controls (OR = 9.9, p = 0.0006). We identified a risk haplotype shared among all ALS patients, although an association with age at disease onset, fALS, and dementia were observed only in AJ. Variations were identified downstream the repeats. The risk haplotype and these polymorphisms were at high frequencies in alleles with 8 repeats or more, suggesting sequence instability. The different genotype-phenotype correlations and OR, together with the large range in age at onset, suggest that other modifiers and risk factors may affect penetrance and phenotype in ALS.
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Mitropoulos K, Merkouri Papadima E, Xiromerisiou G, Balasopoulou A, Charalampidou K, Galani V, Zafeiri KV, Dardiotis E, Ralli S, Deretzi G, John A, Kydonopoulou K, Papadopoulou E, di Pardo A, Akcimen F, Loizedda A, Dobričić V, Novaković I, Kostić VS, Mizzi C, Peters BA, Basak N, Orrù S, Kiskinis E, Cooper DN, Gerou S, Drmanac R, Bartsakoulia M, Tsermpini EE, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Ali BR, Katsila T, Patrinos GP. Genomic variants in the FTO gene are associated with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Greek patients. Hum Genomics 2017; 11:30. [PMID: 29216901 PMCID: PMC5721583 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-017-0126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease whose complex pathology has been associated with a strong genetic component in the context of both familial and sporadic disease. Herein, we adopted a next-generation sequencing approach to Greek patients suffering from sporadic ALS (together with their healthy counterparts) in order to explore further the genetic basis of sporadic ALS (sALS). RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Greek sALS patients revealed a positive association between FTO and TBC1D1 gene variants and sALS. Further, linkage disequilibrium analyses were suggestive of a specific disease-associated haplotype for FTO gene variants. Genotyping for these variants was performed in Greek, Sardinian, and Turkish sALS patients. A lack of association between FTO and TBC1D1 variants and sALS in patients of Sardinian and Turkish descent may suggest a founder effect in the Greek population. FTO was found to be highly expressed in motor neurons, while in silico analyses predicted an impact on FTO and TBC1D1 mRNA splicing for the genomic variants in question. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to present a possible association between FTO gene variants and the genetic etiology of sALS. In addition, the next-generation sequencing-based genomics approach coupled with the two-step validation strategy described herein has the potential to be applied to other types of human complex genetic disorders in order to identify variants of clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni Merkouri Papadima
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Angeliki Balasopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Charalampidou
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Galani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Styliani Ralli
- School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | | | - Anne John
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | | | | | - Alba di Pardo
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fulya Akcimen
- Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, NDAL, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Annalisa Loizedda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,CNR IRGB, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valerija Dobričić
- Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Novaković
- Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir S Kostić
- Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Clint Mizzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Brock A Peters
- Complete Genomics Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA.,BGI Shenzhen, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Nazli Basak
- Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, NDAL, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sandro Orrù
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Spyridon Gerou
- ANALYSI Diagnostic Laboratories S.A, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Marina Bartsakoulia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Evangelia-Eirini Tsermpini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Bassam R Ali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Theodora Katsila
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - George P Patrinos
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece. .,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE.
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Lo Bello M, Di Fini F, Notaro A, Spataro R, Conforti FL, La Bella V. ALS-Related Mutant FUS Protein Is Mislocalized to Cytoplasm and Is Recruited into Stress Granules of Fibroblasts from Asymptomatic FUS P525L Mutation Carriers. NEURODEGENER DIS 2017; 17:292-303. [PMID: 29035885 DOI: 10.1159/000480085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) shows a strong genetic basis, with SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, and C9ORF72 being the genes most frequently involved. This has allowed identification of asymptomatic mutation carriers, which may be of help in understanding the molecular changes preceding disease onset. OBJECTIVES We studied the cellular expression of FUS protein and the effect of heat-shock- and dithiothreitol-induced stress in fibroblasts from FUS P525L mutation carriers, healthy controls, and patients with sporadic ALS. METHODS Western blots and immunocytochemistry were performed to study the subcellular localization of FUS protein. Control and stressed cells were double stained with FUS and the stress marker TIA-R. RESULTS Fibroblasts from healthy controls and sporadic ALS cases showed a prominent nuclear FUS expression. In the 2 FUS P525L mutation carriers, instead, most cells showed a protein localization in both nucleus and cytoplasm, or exclusively in the cytoplasm. Stress prompted the formation of cytoplasmic granules in all subjects and in sporadic ALS FUS mislocalization to the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic FUS was recruited into stress granules, which showed a time-dependent decrease in all subjects. However, in the FUS P525L fibroblasts, the granules persisted longer, and they were more numerous than those detected in the cells from controls and sporadic ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS We show that in fibroblasts of FUS P525L mutation carriers, FUS mislocalized to the cytoplasm where it redistributed into stress granules with likely a dose effect, i.e. a higher number of cells with granules, which persist longer, than in controls and ALS cases. These data represent an early molecular change occurring before ALS onset, suggesting a transient preaggregative state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Lo Bello
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Henriques A, Huebecker M, Blasco H, Keime C, Andres CR, Corcia P, Priestman DA, Platt FM, Spedding M, Loeffler JP. Inhibition of β-Glucocerebrosidase Activity Preserves Motor Unit Integrity in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5235. [PMID: 28701774 PMCID: PMC5507914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05313-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent metabolomic reports connect dysregulation of glycosphingolipids, particularly ceramide and glucosylceramide, to neurodegeneration and to motor unit dismantling in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at late disease stage. We report here altered levels of gangliosides in the cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients in early disease stage. Conduritol B epoxide is an inhibitor of acid beta-glucosidase, and lowers glucosylceramide degradation. Glucosylceramide is the precursor for all of the more complex glycosphingolipids. In SOD1G86R mice, an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, conduritol B epoxide preserved ganglioside distribution at the neuromuscular junction, delayed disease onset, improved motor function and preserved motor neurons as well as neuromuscular junctions from degeneration. Conduritol B epoxide mitigated gene dysregulation in the spinal cord and restored the expression of genes involved in signal transduction and axonal elongation. Inhibition of acid beta-glucosidase promoted faster axonal elongation in an in vitro model of neuromuscular junctions and hastened recovery after peripheral nerve injury in wild type mice. Here, we provide evidence that glycosphingolipids play an important role in muscle innervation, which degenerates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from the early disease stage. This is a first proof of concept study showing that modulating the catabolism of glucosylceramide may be a therapeutic target for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Henriques
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, France
- Spedding Research Solutions SAS, Le Vesinet, France
| | | | - Hélène Blasco
- INSERM, Université François-Rabelais, U930, Neurogénétique et Neurométabolomique, Tours, France
- CHRU de Tours, Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - Céline Keime
- IGBMC (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), INSERM, U964, CNRS, UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Christian R Andres
- INSERM, Université François-Rabelais, U930, Neurogénétique et Neurométabolomique, Tours, France
- CHRU de Tours, Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- INSERM, Université François-Rabelais, U930, Neurogénétique et Neurométabolomique, Tours, France
- CHRU de Tours, Centre SLA, Tours, France
| | | | - Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jean-Philippe Loeffler
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR_S 1118, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Strasbourg, France.
- INSERM, U1118, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, France.
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Giannoccaro MP, Bartoletti-Stella A, Piras S, Pession A, De Massis P, Oppi F, Stanzani-Maserati M, Pasini E, Baiardi S, Avoni P, Parchi P, Liguori R, Capellari S. Multiple variants in families with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia related to C9orf72 repeat expansion: further observations on their oligogenic nature. J Neurol 2017. [PMID: 28620717 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The C9orf72 repeat expansion (RE) is one of the most frequent causative mutations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, it is still unclear how the C9orf72 RE can lead to a heterogeneous phenotype. Several reports have shown the coexistence of mutations in multiple ALS/FTD causative genes in the same family, suggesting an oligogenic etiology for ALS and FTD. Our aim was to investigate this phenomenon in an Italian group of ALS/FTD pedigrees carrying the C9orf72 RE. We included 11 subjects from 11 pedigrees with ALS/FTD and the C9orf72 RE. Mutation screening of FUS, SOD1 and TARDBP genes was performed by direct sequencing. A dementia-specific custom-designed targeted next-generation sequencing panel was used for screening dementia-associated genes mutations. We found genetic variants in additional ALS or dementia-related genes in four pedigrees, including the p.V47A variant in the TYROBP gene. As a group, double mutation carriers displayed a tendency toward a younger age at onset and a higher frequency of positive familiar history and of parkinsonism. Our observation supports the hypothesis that the co-presence of mutations in different genes may be relevant for the clinical expression of ALS/FTD and of their oligogenic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Giannoccaro
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anna Bartoletti-Stella
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento Neuroscienze, psicologia, area del farmaco e salute del bambino, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Piras
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pession
- UOC Anatomia patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Oncologiche, via Altura, 3, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Federico Oppi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Elena Pasini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Baiardi
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Avoni
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabina Capellari
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura, 3, Bologna, Italy.
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67
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Pottier C, Ravenscroft TA, Sanchez-Contreras M, Rademakers R. Genetics of FTLD: overview and what else we can expect from genetic studies. J Neurochem 2017; 138 Suppl 1:32-53. [PMID: 27009575 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a highly heterogeneous group of disorders clinically associated with behavioral and personality changes, language impairment, and deficits in executive functioning, and pathologically associated with degeneration of frontal and temporal lobes. Some patients present with motor symptoms including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Genetic research over the past two decades in FTLD families led to the identification of three common FTLD genes (microtubule-associated protein tau, progranulin, and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72) and a small number of rare FTLD genes, explaining the disease in almost all autosomal dominant FTLD families but only a minority of apparently sporadic patients or patients in whom the family history is less clear. Identification of additional FTLD (risk) genes is therefore highly anticipated, especially with the emerging use of next-generation sequencing. Common variants in the transmembrane protein 106 B were identified as a genetic risk factor of FTLD and disease modifier in patients with known mutations. This review summarizes for each FTLD gene what we know about the type and frequency of mutations, their associated clinical and pathological features, and potential disease mechanisms. We also provide an overview of emerging disease pathways encompassing multiple FTLD genes. We further discuss how FTLD specific issues, such as disease heterogeneity, the presence of an unclear family history and the possible role of an oligogenic basis of FTLD, can pose challenges for future FTLD gene identification and risk assessment of specific variants. Finally, we highlight emerging clinical, genetic, and translational research opportunities that lie ahead. Genetic research led to the identification of three common FTLD genes with rare variants (MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72) and a small number of rare genes. Efforts are now ongoing, which aimed at the identification of rare variants with high risk and/or low frequency variants with intermediate effect. Common risk variants have also been identified, such as TMEM106B. This review discusses the current knowledge on FTLD genes and the emerging disease pathways encompassing multiple FTLD genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Pottier
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Department of Neuroscience, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Rosa Rademakers
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Department of Neuroscience, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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68
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Crook A, Williams K, Adams L, Blair I, Rowe DB. Predictive genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia: genetic counselling considerations. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 18:475-485. [PMID: 28585888 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1332079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Once a gene mutation that is causal of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and/or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is identified in a family, relatives may decide to undergo predictive genetic testing to determine whether they are at risk of developing disease. Recent advances in gene discovery have led to a pressing need to better understand the implications of predictive genetic testing. Here we review the uptake of genetic counselling, predictive and reproductive testing, and the factors that impact the decision to undergo testing, for consideration in clinical practice. The literature suggests that the factors impacting the decision to undergo testing are complex due to the nature of these diseases, absence of available preventative medical treatment and variable age of onset in mutation carriers. Gaining further insight into the decision-making process and the impact of testing is critical as we seek to develop best-practice guidelines for predictive testing for familial ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Crook
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
| | - Kelly Williams
- b Centre for MND Research , Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Lorel Adams
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
| | - Ian Blair
- b Centre for MND Research , Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Dominic B Rowe
- a Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Macquarie University , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia and
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69
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Budini M, Buratti E, Morselli E, Criollo A. Autophagy and Its Impact on Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Roles for TDP-43 and C9orf72. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:170. [PMID: 28611593 PMCID: PMC5447761 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic mechanism where intracellular material is degraded by vesicular structures called autophagolysosomes. Autophagy is necessary to maintain the normal function of the central nervous system (CNS), avoiding the accumulation of misfolded and aggregated proteins. Consistently, impaired autophagy has been associated with the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. The proteins TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), which regulates RNA processing at different levels, and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), probably involved in membrane trafficking, are crucial in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD). Additionally, recent studies have identified a role for these proteins in the control of autophagy. In this manuscript, we review what is known regarding the autophagic mechanism and discuss the involvement of TDP-43 and C9orf72 in autophagy and their impact on neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Budini
- Dentistry Faculty, Institute in Dentistry Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyTrieste, Italy
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Alfredo Criollo
- Dentistry Faculty, Institute in Dentistry Sciences, University of ChileSantiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic DiseasesSantiago, Chile
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70
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Corcia P, Couratier P, Blasco H, Andres C, Beltran S, Meininger V, Vourc’h P. Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2017; 173:254-262. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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71
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Hensel N, Claus P. The Actin Cytoskeleton in SMA and ALS: How Does It Contribute to Motoneuron Degeneration? Neuroscientist 2017; 24:54-72. [PMID: 28459188 DOI: 10.1177/1073858417705059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping clinical phenotypes based on impaired motoneuron function. However, the pathomechanisms of both diseases are largely unknown, and it is still unclear whether they converge on the molecular level. SMA is a monogenic disease caused by low levels of functional Survival of Motoneuron (SMN) protein, whereas ALS involves multiple genes as well as environmental factors. Recent evidence argues for involvement of actin regulation as a causative and dysregulated process in both diseases. ALS-causing mutations in the actin-binding protein profilin-1 as well as the ability of the SMN protein to directly bind to profilins argue in favor of a common molecular mechanism involving the actin cytoskeleton. Profilins are major regulat ors of actin-dynamics being involved in multiple neuronal motility and transport processes as well as modulation of synaptic functions that are impaired in models of both motoneuron diseases. In this article, we review the current literature in SMA and ALS research with a focus on the actin cytoskeleton. We propose a common molecular mechanism that explains the degeneration of motoneurons for SMA and some cases of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- 1 Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,2 Niedersachsen Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- 1 Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,2 Niedersachsen Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Hannover, Germany.,3 Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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72
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Ji AL, Zhang X, Chen WW, Huang WJ. Genetics insight into the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia spectrum. J Med Genet 2017; 54:145-154. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-104271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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73
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Campanari ML, García-Ayllón MS, Ciura S, Sáez-Valero J, Kabashi E. Neuromuscular Junction Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Reassessing the Role of Acetylcholinesterase. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:160. [PMID: 28082868 PMCID: PMC5187284 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a highly debilitating disease caused by progressive degeneration of motorneurons (MNs). Due to the wide variety of genes and mutations identified in ALS, a highly varied etiology could ultimately converge to produce similar clinical symptoms. A major hypothesis in ALS research is the “distal axonopathy” with pathological changes occurring at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), at very early stages of the disease, prior to MNs degeneration and onset of clinical symptoms. The NMJ is a highly specialized cholinergic synapse, allowing signaling between muscle and nerve necessary for skeletal muscle function. This nerve-muscle contact is characterized by the clustering of the collagen-tailed form of acetylcholinesterase (ColQ-AChE), together with other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and specific key molecules in the NMJ formation. Interestingly, in addition to their cholinergic role AChE is thought to play several “non-classical” roles that do not require catalytic function, most prominent among these is the facilitation of neurite growth, NMJ formation and survival. In all this context, abnormalities of AChE content have been found in plasma of ALS patients, in which AChE changes may reflect the neuromuscular disruption. We review these findings and particularly the evidences of changes of AChE at neuromuscular synapse in the pre-symptomatic stages of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Letizia Campanari
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM) Paris, France
| | - María-Salud García-Ayllón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'AlacantSpain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, FISABIOElche, Spain
| | - Sorana Ciura
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM) Paris, France
| | - Javier Sáez-Valero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'AlacantSpain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM) Paris, France
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74
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Sabatelli M, Marangi G, Conte A, Tasca G, Zollino M, Lattante S. New ALS-Related Genes Expand the Spectrum Paradigm of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Pathol 2016; 26:266-75. [PMID: 26780671 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Clinical heterogeneity is a well-recognized feature of the disease as age of onset, site of onset and the duration of the disease can vary greatly among patients. A number of genes have been identified and associated to familial and sporadic forms of ALS but the majority of cases remains still unexplained. Recent breakthrough discoveries have demonstrated that clinical manifestations associated with ALS-related genes are not circumscribed to motor neurons involvement. In this view, ALS appears to be linked to different conditions over a continuum or spectrum in which overlapping phenotypes may be identified. In this review, we aim to examine the increasing number of spectra, including ALS/Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS/Myopathies spectra. Considering all these neurodegenerative disorders as different phenotypes of the same spectrum can help to identify common pathological pathways and consequently new therapeutic targets in these incurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sabatelli
- Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Clinic Center NEMO-Roma. Institute of Neurology
| | - Giuseppe Marangi
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Conte
- Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Clinic Center NEMO-Roma. Institute of Neurology
| | | | - Marcella Zollino
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Lattante
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
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75
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Bendotti C, Bonetto V, Migheli A. Introduction. Brain Pathol 2016; 26:224-6. [PMID: 26780164 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bendotti
- Laboratory Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience-IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Laboratory of Translational Proteomics, Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Migheli
- Centro Regionale Diagnosi ed Osservazione delle Malattie Prioniche DOMP-ASL TO2, Turin, Italy
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder that is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons. Most cases appear to be sporadic, but 5-10 % of cases have a family history of the disease. High-throughput DNA sequencing and related genomic capture tools are methodological advances which have rapidly contributed to an acceleration in the discovery of genetic risk factors for both familial and sporadic ALS. It is interesting to note that as the number of ALS genes grows, many of the proteins they encode are in shared intracellular processes. This review will summarize some of the recent advances and gene discovery made in ALS.
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77
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Kim HJ, Oh SI, de Leon M, Wang X, Oh KW, Park JS, Deshpande A, Buj M, Kim SH. Structural explanation of poor prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the non-demented state. Eur J Neurol 2016; 24:122-129. [PMID: 27753163 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease, is associated with various cortical symptoms including mild cognitive decline with behavior changes, suggesting the involvement of extra-motor areas in ALS. Our aim was to investigate the specific patterns of brain atrophy in sporadic, impaired ALS patients without commonly known genetic mutations using voxel-based morphometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-seven patients with sporadic ALS and 28 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. ALS participants were divided into three groups according to comprehensive neuropsychological testing: pure (ALS-pure), cognitive impairment (ALSci) and behavioral impairment (ALSbi). Quantitative comparison of brain atrophy patterns was performed amongst these three groups using voxel-based analysis. All analyses were adjusted for total intracranial volume, age, sex, disease duration and functional disability score. RESULTS The ALSci group exhibited decreased volume in the left cerebellum, fusiform gyrus, optic radiations and corticospinal tracts compared to healthy controls. ALSci patient imaging showed decreased brain volume in the bilateral cerebellum, right putamen gray matter and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculi white matter compared to pure ALS patients (P < 0.001 uncorrected, corrected for the entire volume). Compared to healthy controls, ALS-pure and ALSbi groups did not show any significant volume changes in gray and white matter. CONCLUSIONS These findings also support the hypothesis that ALS pathogenesis has a dual focality of onset (cortex and anterior horn) with contiguous spread outwards. Additionally, neuropsychological features may be an important predictor of progression and survival rates in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-J Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - S-I Oh
- Department of Neurology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - M de Leon
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Brain Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - X Wang
- Department of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - K-W Oh
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - J-S Park
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - A Deshpande
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Brain Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Buj
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Brain Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S H Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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Wen X, Westergard T, Pasinelli P, Trotti D. Pathogenic determinants and mechanisms of ALS/FTD linked to hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene. Neurosci Lett 2016; 636:16-26. [PMID: 27619540 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two apparently distinct neurodegenerative diseases, the former characterized by selective loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord and the latter characterized by selective atrophy of frontal and temporal lobes. Over the years, however, growing evidence from clinical, pathological and genetic findings has suggested that ALS and FTD belong to the same clinic-pathological spectrum disorder. This concept has been further supported by the identification of the most common genetic cause for both diseases, an aberrantly expanded hexanucleotide repeat GGGGCC/ CCCCGG sequence located in a non-coding region of the gene C9orf72. Three hypotheses have been proposed to explain how this repeats expansion causes diseases: 1) C9orf72 haploinsufficiency-expanded repeats interfere with transcription or translation of the gene, leading to decreased expression of the C9orf72 protein; 2) RNA gain of function-RNA foci formed by sense and antisense transcripts of expanded repeats interact and sequester essential RNA binding proteins, causing neurotoxicity; 3) Repeat associated non-ATG initiated (RAN) translation of expanded sense GGGGCC and antisense CCCCGG repeats produces potential toxic dipeptide repeat protein (DPR). In this review, we assess current evidence supporting or arguing against each proposed mechanism in C9 ALS/FTD disease pathogenesis. Additionally, controversial findings are also discussed. Lastly, we discuss the possibility that the three pathogenic mechanisms are not mutually exclusive and all three might be involved in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Wen
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| | - Thomas Westergard
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Piera Pasinelli
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Davide Trotti
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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The C9orf72 repeat size correlates with onset age of disease, DNA methylation and transcriptional downregulation of the promoter. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1112-24. [PMID: 26481318 PMCID: PMC4960451 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pathological expansion of a G4C2 repeat, located in the 5' regulatory region of C9orf72, is the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). C9orf72 patients have highly variable onset ages suggesting the presence of modifying factors and/or anticipation. We studied 72 Belgian index patients with FTLD, FTLD-ALS or ALS and 61 relatives with a C9orf72 repeat expansion. We assessed the effect of G4C2 expansion size on onset age, the role of anticipation and the effect of repeat size on methylation and C9orf72 promoter activity. G4C2 expansion sizes varied in blood between 45 and over 2100 repeat units with short expansions (45-78 units) present in 5.6% of 72 index patients with an expansion. Short expansions co-segregated with disease in two families. The subject with a short expansion in blood but an indication of mosaicism in brain showed the same pathology as those with a long expansion. Further, we provided evidence for an association of G4C2 expansion size with onset age (P<0.05) most likely explained by an association of methylation state of the 5' flanking CpG island and expansion size in blood (P<0.0001) and brain (P<0.05). In several informative C9orf72 parent-child transmissions, we identified earlier onset ages, increasing expansion sizes and/or increasing methylation states (P=0.0034) of the 5' CpG island, reminiscent of disease anticipation. Also, intermediate repeats (7-24 units) showed a slightly higher methylation degree (P<0.0001) and a decrease of C9orf72 promoter activity (P<0.0001) compared with normal short repeats (2-6 units). Decrease of transcriptional activity was even more prominent in the presence of small deletions flanking G4C2 (P<0.0001). Here we showed that increased methylation of CpGs in the C9orf72 promoter may explain how an increasing G4C2 size lead to loss-of-function without excluding repeat length-dependent toxic gain-of-function. These data provide insights into disease mechanisms and have important implications for diagnostic counseling and potential therapeutic approaches.
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80
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Carrì MT, D'Ambrosi N, Cozzolino M. Pathways to mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS pathogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 483:1187-1193. [PMID: 27416757 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the structure and functions of mitochondria are a typical trait of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a prominent degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The known gene mutations that are responsible for a small fraction of ALS cases point to a complex interplay between different mechanisms in the disease pathogenesis. Here we will briefly overview the genetic and mechanistic evidence that make dysfunction of mitochondria a candidate major player in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Carrì
- Department of Biology, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nadia D'Ambrosi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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81
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Blasco H, Patin F, Andres CR, Corcia P, Gordon PH. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 2016: existing therapies and the ongoing search for neuroprotection. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1669-82. [PMID: 27356036 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1202919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), one in a family of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, is marked by predominantly cryptogenic causes, partially elucidated pathophysiology, and elusive treatments. The challenges of ALS are illustrated by two decades of negative drug trials. AREAS COVERED In this article, we lay out the current understanding of disease genesis and physiology in relation to drug development in ALS, stressing important accomplishments and gaps in knowledge. We briefly consider clinical ALS, the ongoing search for biomarkers, and the latest in trial design, highlighting major recent and ongoing clinical trials; and we discuss, in a concluding section on future directions, the prion-protein hypothesis of neurodegeneration and what steps can be taken to end the drought that has characterized drug discovery in ALS. EXPERT OPINION Age-related neurodegenerative disorders are fast becoming major public health problems for the world's aging populations. Several agents offer promise in the near-term, but drug development is hampered by an interrelated cycle of obstacles surrounding etiological, physiological, and biomarkers discovery. It is time for the type of government-funded, public-supported offensive on neurodegenerative disease that has been effective in other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Blasco
- a Inserm U930, Equipe "neurogénétique et neurométabolomique" , Tours , France.,b Université François-Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine , Tours , France.,c Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire , CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
| | - F Patin
- a Inserm U930, Equipe "neurogénétique et neurométabolomique" , Tours , France.,b Université François-Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine , Tours , France.,c Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire , CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
| | - C R Andres
- a Inserm U930, Equipe "neurogénétique et neurométabolomique" , Tours , France.,b Université François-Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine , Tours , France.,c Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire , CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
| | - P Corcia
- a Inserm U930, Equipe "neurogénétique et neurométabolomique" , Tours , France.,b Université François-Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine , Tours , France.,d Centre SLA, Service de Neurologie , CHRU Bretonneau , Tours , France
| | - P H Gordon
- e Northern Navajo Medical Center , Neurology Unit , Shiprock , NM , USA
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82
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Ishida M, E Oguchi M, Fukuda M. Multiple Types of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) for Rab Small GTPases. Cell Struct Funct 2016; 41:61-79. [PMID: 27246931 DOI: 10.1247/csf.16008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab small GTPases are highly conserved master regulators of membrane traffic in all eukaryotes. The same as the activation and inactivation of other small GTPases, the activation and inactivation of Rabs are tightly controlled by specific GEFs (guanine nucleotide exchange factors) and GAPs (GTPase-activating proteins), respectively. Although almost all Rab-GAPs reported thus far have a TBC (Tre-2/Bub2/Cdc16)/Rab-GAP domain in common, recent accumulating evidence has indicated the existence of a number of structurally unrelated types of Rab-GEFs, including DENN proteins, VPS9 proteins, Sec2 proteins, TRAPP complexes, heterodimer GEFs (Mon1-Ccz1, HPS1-HPS4 (BLOC-3 complex), Ric1-Rgp1 and Rab3GAP1/2), and other GEFs (e.g., REI-1 and RPGR). In this review article we provide an up-to-date overview of the structures and functions of all putative Rab-GEFs in mammals, with a special focus on their substrate Rabs, interacting proteins, associations with genetic diseases, and intracellular localizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morié Ishida
- Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms, Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University
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83
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Richards RI, Robertson SA, O'Keefe LV, Fornarino D, Scott A, Lardelli M, Baune BT. The Enemy within: Innate Surveillance-Mediated Cell Death, the Common Mechanism of Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:193. [PMID: 27242399 PMCID: PMC4862319 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases comprise an array of progressive neurological disorders all characterized by the selective death of neurons in the central nervous system. Although, rare (familial) and common (sporadic) forms can occur for the same disease, it is unclear whether this reflects several distinct pathogenic pathways or the convergence of different causes into a common form of nerve cell death. Remarkably, neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly found to be accompanied by activation of the innate immune surveillance system normally associated with pathogen recognition and response. Innate surveillance is the cell's quality control system for the purpose of detecting such danger signals and responding in an appropriate manner. Innate surveillance is an "intelligent system," in that the manner of response is relevant to the magnitude and duration of the threat. If possible, the threat is dealt with within the cell in which it is detected, by degrading the danger signal(s) and restoring homeostasis. If this is not successful then an inflammatory response is instigated that is aimed at restricting the spread of the threat by elevating degradative pathways, sensitizing neighboring cells, and recruiting specialized cell types to the site. If the danger signal persists, then the ultimate response can include not only the programmed cell death of the original cell, but the contents of this dead cell can also bring about the death of adjacent sensitized cells. These responses are clearly aimed at destroying the ability of the detected pathogen to propagate and spread. Innate surveillance comprises intracellular, extracellular, non-cell autonomous and systemic processes. Recent studies have revealed how multiple steps in these processes involve proteins that, through their mutation, have been linked to many familial forms of neurodegenerative disease. This suggests that individuals harboring these mutations may have an amplified response to innate-mediated damage in neural tissues, and renders innate surveillance mediated cell death a plausible common pathogenic pathway responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, in both familial and sporadic forms. Here we have assembled evidence in favor of the hypothesis that neurodegenerative disease is the cumulative result of chronic activation of the innate surveillance pathway, triggered by endogenous or environmental danger or damage associated molecular patterns in a progressively expanding cascade of inflammation, tissue damage and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Richards
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Louise V O'Keefe
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dani Fornarino
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew Scott
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Lardelli
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bernhard T Baune
- School of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
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84
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Alquezar C, Salado IG, de la Encarnación A, Pérez DI, Moreno F, Gil C, de Munain AL, Martínez A, Martín-Requero Á. Targeting TDP-43 phosphorylation by Casein Kinase-1δ inhibitors: a novel strategy for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia. Mol Neurodegener 2016; 11:36. [PMID: 27138926 PMCID: PMC4852436 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-016-0102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) are the most common cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions (FTLD-TDP). TDP-43 pathology is characterized by the hyperphosphorylation of the protein at Serine 409/410 residues. Casein kinase-1δ (CK-1δ) was reported to phosphorylate TDP-43 directly. Previous works from our laboratory described the presence of CDK6/pRb-dependent cell cycle alterations, and cytosolic accumulation of TDP-43 protein in lymphoblast from FTLD-TDP patients carriers of a loss-of function mutation in GRN gene (c.709-1G > A). In this work, we have investigated the effects of two brain penetrant CK-1δ inhibitors (IGS-2.7 and IGS-3.27) designed and synthetized in our laboratory on cell proliferation, TDP-43 phosphorylation and subcellular localization, as well as their effects on the known nuclear TDP-43 function repressing the expression of CDK6. Results We report here that both CK-1δ inhibitors (IGS-2.7 and IGS-3.27) normalized the proliferative activity of PGRN-deficient lymphoblasts by preventing the phosphorylation of TDP-43 fragments, its nucleo-cytosol translocation and the overactivation of the CDK6/pRb cascade. Moreover, ours results show neuroprotective effects of CK-1δ inhibitors in a neuronal cell model of induced TDP-43 phosphorylation. Conclusions Our results suggest that modulating CK-1δ activity could be considered a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of FTLD-TDP and other TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Alquezar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene G Salado
- Department of Chemical and Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana de la Encarnación
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel I Pérez
- Department of Chemical and Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fermín Moreno
- Neuroscience Area-Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Carmen Gil
- Department of Chemical and Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience Area-Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Spain.,Department of Neurology, Hospital Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Department of Chemical and Physical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ángeles Martín-Requero
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.
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85
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Christodoulou G, Gennings C, Hupf J, Factor-Litvak P, Murphy J, Goetz RR, Mitsumoto H. Telephone based cognitive-behavioral screening for frontotemporal changes in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 17:482-488. [PMID: 27121545 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2016.1173703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to establish a valid and reliable battery of measures to evaluate frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in patients with ALS over the telephone. Thirty-one subjects were administered either in-person or by telephone-based screening followed by the opposite mode of testing two weeks later, using a modified version of the UCSF Cognitive Screening Battery. Equivalence testing was performed for in-person and telephone based tests. The standard ALS Cognitive Behavioral Screen (ALS-CBS) showed statistical equivalence at the 5% significance level compared to a revised phone version of the ALS-CBS. In addition, the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) and Center for Neurologic Study-Lability Scale (CNS-LS) were also found to be equivalent at the 5% and 10% significance level, respectively. Similarly, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the well-established Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) were also statistically equivalent. Equivalence could not be claimed for the ALS-Frontal Behavioral Inventory (ALS-FBI) caregiver interview and the Written Verbal Fluency Index (WVFI). In conclusion, our study suggests that telephone-based versions of the ALS-CBS, COWAT, and CNS-LS may offer clinicians valid tools to detect frontotemporal changes in the ALS population. Development of telephone based cognitive testing for ALS could become an integral resource for population based research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Christodoulou
- a Columbia MDA/ALS Research Center, Department of Neurology , Columbia University Medical Center
| | | | - Jonathan Hupf
- a Columbia MDA/ALS Research Center, Department of Neurology , Columbia University Medical Center
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- c Department of Epidemiology , Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Jennifer Murphy
- d Department of Neurology , University of California , San Francisco , and
| | - Raymond R Goetz
- e New York State Psychiatric Institute & Department of Psychiatry , Columbia University , New York , USA
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- a Columbia MDA/ALS Research Center, Department of Neurology , Columbia University Medical Center
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86
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Sellier C, Campanari ML, Julie Corbier C, Gaucherot A, Kolb-Cheynel I, Oulad-Abdelghani M, Ruffenach F, Page A, Ciura S, Kabashi E, Charlet-Berguerand N. Loss of C9ORF72 impairs autophagy and synergizes with polyQ Ataxin-2 to induce motor neuron dysfunction and cell death. EMBO J 2016; 35:1276-97. [PMID: 27103069 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201593350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An intronic expansion of GGGGCC repeats within the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). Ataxin-2 with intermediate length of polyglutamine expansions (Ataxin-2 Q30x) is a genetic modifier of the disease. Here, we found that C9ORF72 forms a complex with the WDR41 and SMCR8 proteins to act as a GDP/GTP exchange factor for RAB8a and RAB39b and to thereby control autophagic flux. Depletion of C9orf72 in neurons partly impairs autophagy and leads to accumulation of aggregates of TDP-43 and P62 proteins, which are histopathological hallmarks of ALS-FTD SMCR8 is phosphorylated by TBK1 and depletion of TBK1 can be rescued by phosphomimetic mutants of SMCR8 or by constitutively active RAB39b, suggesting that TBK1, SMCR8, C9ORF72, and RAB39b belong to a common pathway regulating autophagy. While depletion of C9ORF72 only has a partial deleterious effect on neuron survival, it synergizes with Ataxin-2 Q30x toxicity to induce motor neuron dysfunction and neuronal cell death. These results indicate that partial loss of function of C9ORF72 is not deleterious by itself but synergizes with Ataxin-2 toxicity, suggesting a double-hit pathological mechanism in ALS-FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Sellier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
| | - Maria-Letizia Campanari
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM), 75013, Paris, France
| | - Camille Julie Corbier
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
| | - Angeline Gaucherot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
| | - Isabelle Kolb-Cheynel
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
| | - Mustapha Oulad-Abdelghani
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
| | - Frank Ruffenach
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
| | - Adeline Page
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
| | - Sorana Ciura
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM), 75013, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM), 75013, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS UMR7104, Strasbourg University, Illkirch, France
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Vercruysse P, Sinniger J, El Oussini H, Scekic-Zahirovic J, Dieterlé S, Dengler R, Meyer T, Zierz S, Kassubek J, Fischer W, Dreyhaupt J, Grehl T, Hermann A, Grosskreutz J, Witting A, Van Den Bosch L, Spreux-Varoquaux O, Ludolph AC, Dupuis L. Alterations in the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2016; 139:1106-22. [PMID: 26984187 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aww004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease, leads to death within 3 to 5 years after onset. Beyond progressive motor impairment, patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis suffer from major defects in energy metabolism, such as weight loss, which are well correlated with survival. Indeed, nutritional intervention targeting weight loss might improve survival of patients. However, the neural mechanisms underlying metabolic impairment in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remain elusive, in particular due to the lack of longitudinal studies. Here we took advantage of samples collected during the clinical trial of pioglitazone (GERP-ALS), and characterized longitudinally energy metabolism of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in response to pioglitazone, a drug with well-characterized metabolic effects. As expected, pioglitazone decreased glycaemia, decreased liver enzymes and increased circulating adiponectin in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, showing its efficacy in the periphery. However, pioglitazone did not increase body weight of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis independently of bulbar involvement. As pioglitazone increases body weight through a direct inhibition of the hypothalamic melanocortin system, we studied hypothalamic neurons producing proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and the endogenous melanocortin inhibitor agouti-related peptide (AGRP), in mice expressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked mutant SOD1(G86R). We observed lower Pomc but higher Agrp mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of presymptomatic SOD1(G86R) mice. Consistently, numbers of POMC-positive neurons were decreased, whereas AGRP fibre density was elevated in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of SOD1(G86R) mice. Consistent with a defect in the hypothalamic melanocortin system, food intake after short term fasting was increased in SOD1(G86R) mice. Importantly, these findings were replicated in two other amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse models based on TDP-43 (Tardbp) and FUS mutations. Finally, we demonstrate that the melanocortin defect is primarily caused by serotonin loss in mutant SOD1(G86R) mice. Altogether, the current study combined clinical evidence and experimental studies in rodents to provide a mechanistic explanation for abnormalities in food intake and weight control observed in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Importantly, these results also show that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression impairs responsiveness to classical drugs leading to weight gain. This has important implications for pharmacological management of weight loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Vercruysse
- Inserm U1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphétiques de la neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, F-67085 France Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, UMRS1118, Strasbourg, F-67085 France Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Jérôme Sinniger
- Inserm U1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphétiques de la neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, F-67085 France Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, UMRS1118, Strasbourg, F-67085 France
| | - Hajer El Oussini
- Inserm U1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphétiques de la neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, F-67085 France Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, UMRS1118, Strasbourg, F-67085 France
| | - Jelena Scekic-Zahirovic
- Inserm U1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphétiques de la neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, F-67085 France Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, UMRS1118, Strasbourg, F-67085 France
| | - Stéphane Dieterlé
- Inserm U1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphétiques de la neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, F-67085 France Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, UMRS1118, Strasbourg, F-67085 France
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Zierz
- Department of Neurology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Torsten Grehl
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, and German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Anke Witting
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, KU Leuven and Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Odile Spreux-Varoquaux
- Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ile de France-Ouest, France Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France Centre Hospitalier Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | | | | | - Luc Dupuis
- Inserm U1118, Mécanismes centraux et périphétiques de la neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, F-67085 France Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, UMRS1118, Strasbourg, F-67085 France
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88
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Krasniak CS, Ahmad ST. The role of CHMP2B Intron5 in autophagy and frontotemporal dementia. Brain Res 2016; 1649:151-157. [PMID: 26972529 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Charged multivesicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B) - a component of the endosomal complex required for transport-III (ESCRT-III) - is responsible for the vital membrane deformation functions in autophagy and endolysosomal trafficking. A dominant mutation in CHMP2B (CHMP2BIntron5) is associated with a subset of heritable frontotemporal dementia - frontotemporal dementia linked to chromosome 3 (FTD-3). ESCRT-III recruits Vps4, an AAA-ATPase that abscises the membrane during various cellular processes including autophagy and intraluminal vesicle formation. CHMP2BIntron5 results in a C-terminus truncation removing an important Vps4 binding site as well as eliminating the normal autoinhibitory resting state of CHMP2B. CHMP2B is expressed in most cell types but seems to be especially vital for proper neuronal function. CHMP2BIntron5-mediated phenotypes include misregulation of transmembrane receptors, accumulation of multilamellar structures, abnormal lysosomal morphology, down regulation of a brain-specific micro RNA (miRNA-124), abnormal dendritic spine morphology, decrease in dendritic arborization, and cell death. Currently, transgenic-fly,-mouse, and -human cell lines are being used to better understand the diverse phenotypes and develop therapeutic approaches for the CHMP2BIntron5-induced FTD-3. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:Autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Tariq Ahmad
- Department of Biology, Colby College, 5720 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA.
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Herms J, Dorostkar MM. Dendritic Spine Pathology in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2016; 11:221-50. [PMID: 26907528 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012615-044216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Substantial progress has been made toward understanding the neuropathology, genetic origins, and epidemiology of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease; tauopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia; α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies; Huntington's disease; and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia, as well as prion diseases. Recent evidence has implicated dendritic spine dysfunction as an important substrate of the pathogenesis of dementia in these disorders. Dendritic spines are specialized structures, extending from the neuronal processes, on which excitatory synaptic contacts are formed, and the loss of dendritic spines correlates with the loss of synaptic function. We review the literature that has implicated direct or indirect structural alterations at dendritic spines in the pathogenesis of major neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on those that lead to dementias such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, as well as frontotemporal dementia and prion diseases. We stress the importance of in vivo studies in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Herms
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, 81377 Munich, Germany; .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University, 81377 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Mario M Dorostkar
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, 81377 Munich, Germany;
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90
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Walter J. The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2: A Molecular Link of Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:4334-41. [PMID: 26694609 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r115.704981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) 2 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of receptors and mediates signaling in immune cells via engagement of its co-receptor DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12). Homozygous mutations in TREM2 or DAP12 cause Nasu-Hakola disease, which is characterized by bone abnormalities and dementia. Recently, a variant of TREM2 has also been associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer disease. The selective expression of TREM2 on immune cells and its association with different forms of dementia indicate a contribution of this receptor in common pathways of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Walter
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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91
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The Function of Autophagy in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:26797-812. [PMID: 26569220 PMCID: PMC4661849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161125990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy, hereafter referred to as autophagy, is a bulk degradation process performed by lysosomes in which aggregated and altered proteins as well as dysfunctional organelles are decomposed. Autophagy is a basic cellular process that maintains homeostasis and is crucial for postmitotic neurons. Thus, impaired autophagic processes in neurons lead to improper homeostasis and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have suggested that impairments of the autophagic process are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and static encephalopathy of childhood with neurodegeneration in adulthood. In this review, we focus on the recent findings regarding the autophagic process and the involvement of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Hopkins SAA, Chan D. Key emerging issues in frontotemporal dementia. J Neurol 2015; 263:407-413. [PMID: 26338811 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-7880-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses the syndromes of behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and refers to those neurodegenerative diseases characterised by predominant pathological involvement of the frontal and temporal lobes. Recent years have witnessed major advances in the clinical characterisation of FTD, reflected in the publication of updated diagnostic criteria for bvFTD and PPA, and the discovery of new pathogenic mutations has added to the understanding of genotype-phenotype interactions and of disease mechanisms. Emerging results from longitudinal studies of familial FTD show that imaging and cognitive changes occur years before symptom onset and such studies may yield biomarkers of early disease that in turn will facilitate earlier diagnosis. The hope and (guarded) expectation is that these advances may together herald the beginning of the end of the chapter in which FTD is considered an inexorably progressive and untreatable condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A A Hopkins
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Dennis Chan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Herchel Smith Building for Brain and Mind Sciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK.
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Bernard-Marissal N, Médard JJ, Azzedine H, Chrast R. Reply: Is SIGMAR1 a confirmed FTD/MND gene? Brain 2015; 138:e394. [PMID: 26088963 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Bernard-Marissal
- 1 Neurodegenerative Studies Laboratory, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Jacques Médard
- 2 Department of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hamid Azzedine
- 3 Institute of Neuropathology, Uniklinik-RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman Chrast
- 4 Department of Neuroscience and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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