101
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Banez-Coronel M, Ranum LPW. Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation: insights from pathology. J Transl Med 2019; 99:929-942. [PMID: 30918326 PMCID: PMC7219275 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0241-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 40 different neurological diseases are caused by microsatellite repeat expansions. Since the discovery of repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation by Zu et al. in 2011, nine expansion disorders have been identified as RAN-positive diseases. RAN proteins are translated from different types of nucleotide repeat expansions and can be produced from both sense and antisense transcripts. In some diseases, RAN proteins have been shown to accumulate in affected brain regions. Here we review the pathological and molecular aspects associated with RAN protein accumulation for each particular disorder, the correlation between disease pathology and the available in vivo models and the common aspects shared by some of the newly discovered RAN proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Banez-Coronel
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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102
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Yang SC, Liu JJ, Wang CK, Lin YT, Tsai SY, Chen WJ, Huang WK, Tu PWA, Lin YC, Chang CF, Cheng CL, Lin H, Lai CY, Lin CY, Lee YH, Chiu YC, Hsu CC, Hsu SC, Hsiao M, Schuyler SC, Lu FL, Lu J. Down-regulation of ATF1 leads to early neuroectoderm differentiation of human embryonic stem cells by increasing the expression level of SOX2. FASEB J 2019; 33:10577-10592. [PMID: 31242772 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800220rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We reveal by high-throughput screening that activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1) is a novel pluripotent regulator in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The knockdown of ATF1 expression significantly up-regulated neuroectoderm (NE) genes but not mesoderm, endoderm, and trophectoderm genes. Of note, down-regulation or knockout of ATF1 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) was sufficient to up-regulate sex-determining region Y-box (SOX)2 and paired box 6 (PAX6) expression under the undifferentiated or differentiated conditions, whereas overexpression of ATF1 suppressed NE differentiation. Endogenous ATF1 was spontaneously down-regulated after d 1-3 of neural induction. By double-knockdown experiments, up-regulation of SOX2 was critical for the increase of PAX6 and SOX1 expression in shRNA targeting Atf1 hESCs. Using the luciferase reporter assay, we identified ATF1 as a negative transcriptional regulator of Sox2 gene expression. A novel function of ATF1 was discovered, and these findings contribute to a broader understanding of the very first steps in regulating NE differentiation in hESCs.-Yang, S.-C., Liu, J.-J., Wang, C.-K., Lin, Y.-T., Tsai, S.-Y., Chen, W.-J., Huang, W.-K., Tu, P.-W. A., Lin, Y.-C., Chang, C.-F., Cheng, C.-L., Lin, H., Lai, C.-Y., Lin, C.-Y., Lee, Y.-H., Chiu, Y.-C., Hsu, C.-C., Hsu, S.-C., Hsiao, M., Schuyler, S. C., Lu, F. L., Lu, J. Down-regulation of ATF1 leads to early neuroectoderm differentiation of human embryonic stem cells by increasing the expression level of SOX2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Chih Yang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Jan Liu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Kai Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tsen Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Su-Yi Tsai
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ju Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Kai Huang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wen A Tu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Lun Cheng
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ying Lai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Lee
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chun Chiu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Shu-Ching Hsu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Scott C Schuyler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Frank Leigh Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jean Lu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,RNAi Core, National Core Facility, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Life Science, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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103
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Martier R, Liefhebber JM, García-Osta A, Miniarikova J, Cuadrado-Tejedor M, Espelosin M, Ursua S, Petry H, van Deventer SJ, Evers MM, Konstantinova P. Targeting RNA-Mediated Toxicity in C9orf72 ALS and/or FTD by RNAi-Based Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:26-37. [PMID: 30825670 PMCID: PMC6393708 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A hexanucleotide GGGGCC expansion in intron 1 of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene is the most frequent cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The corresponding repeat-containing sense and antisense transcripts cause a gain of toxicity through the accumulation of RNA foci in the nucleus and deposition of dipeptide-repeat (DPR) proteins in the cytoplasm of the affected cells. We have previously reported on the potential of engineered artificial anti-C9orf72-targeting miRNAs (miC) targeting C9orf72 to reduce the gain of toxicity caused by the repeat-containing transcripts. In the current study, we tested the silencing efficacy of adeno-associated virus (AAV)5-miC in human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) neurons and in an ALS mouse model. We demonstrated that AAV5-miC transduces different types of neuronal cells and can reduce the accumulation of repeat-containing C9orf72 transcripts. Additionally, we demonstrated silencing of C9orf72 in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, which has an added value for the treatment of ALS and/or FTD patients. A proof of concept in an ALS mouse model demonstrated the significant reduction in repeat-containing C9orf72 transcripts and RNA foci after treatment. Taken together, these findings support the feasibility of a gene therapy for ALS and FTD based on the reduction in toxicity caused by the repeat-containing C9orf72 transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raygene Martier
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Jolanda M Liefhebber
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ana García-Osta
- Neurosciences Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jana Miniarikova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mar Cuadrado-Tejedor
- Neurosciences Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Espelosin
- Neurosciences Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Susana Ursua
- Neurosciences Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Harald Petry
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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104
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Ferreira PA. The coming-of-age of nucleocytoplasmic transport in motor neuron disease and neurodegeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2247-2273. [PMID: 30742233 PMCID: PMC6531325 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear pore is the gatekeeper of nucleocytoplasmic transport and signaling through which a vast flux of information is continuously exchanged between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments to maintain cellular homeostasis. A unifying and organizing principle has recently emerged that cements the notion that several forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and growing number of other neurodegenerative diseases, co-opt the dysregulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport and that this impairment is a pathogenic driver of neurodegeneration. The understanding of shared pathomechanisms that underpin neurodegenerative diseases with impairments in nucleocytoplasmic transport and how these interface with current concepts of nucleocytoplasmic transport is bound to illuminate this fundamental biological process in a yet more physiological context. Here, I summarize unresolved questions and evidence and extend basic and critical concepts and challenges of nucleocytoplasmic transport and its role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS. These principles will help to appreciate the roles of nucleocytoplasmic transport in the pathogenesis of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, and generate a framework for new ideas of the susceptibility of motoneurons, and possibly other neurons, to degeneration by dysregulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A Ferreira
- Duke University Medical Center, DUEC 3802, 2351 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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105
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Rostalski H, Leskelä S, Huber N, Katisko K, Cajanus A, Solje E, Marttinen M, Natunen T, Remes AM, Hiltunen M, Haapasalo A. Astrocytes and Microglia as Potential Contributors to the Pathogenesis of C9orf72 Repeat Expansion-Associated FTLD and ALS. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:486. [PMID: 31156371 PMCID: PMC6529740 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative diseases with a complex, but often overlapping, genetic and pathobiological background and thus they are considered to form a disease spectrum. Although neurons are the principal cells affected in FTLD and ALS, increasing amount of evidence has recently proposed that other central nervous system-resident cells, including microglia and astrocytes, may also play roles in neurodegeneration in these diseases. Therefore, deciphering the mechanisms underlying the disease pathogenesis in different types of brain cells is fundamental in order to understand the etiology of these disorders. The major genetic cause of FTLD and ALS is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the intronic region of the C9orf72 gene. In neurons, specific pathological hallmarks, including decreased expression of the C9orf72 RNA and proteins and generation of toxic RNA and protein species, and their downstream effects have been linked to C9orf72 HRE-associated FTLD and ALS. In contrast, it is still poorly known to which extent these pathological changes are presented in other brain cells. Here, we summarize the current literature on the potential role of astrocytes and microglia in C9orf72 HRE-linked FTLD and ALS and discuss their possible phenotypic alterations and neurotoxic mechanisms that may contribute to neurodegeneration in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stina Leskelä
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nadine Huber
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kasper Katisko
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Cajanus
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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106
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Emerging antisense oligonucleotide and viral therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2019; 31:648-654. [PMID: 30028737 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly fatal disease for which there is currently no effective therapy. The present review describes the current progress of existing molecular therapies in the clinical trial pipeline and highlights promising future antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and viral therapeutic strategies for treating ALS. RECENT FINDINGS The immense progress in the design of clinical trials and generation of ASO therapies directed towards superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) repeat expansion related disease have been propelled by fundamental work to identify the genetic underpinnings of familial ALS and develop relevant disease models. Preclinical studies have also identified promising targets for sporadic ALS (sALS). Moreover, encouraging results in adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) provide a roadmap for continued improvement in delivery and design of molecular therapies for ALS. SUMMARY Advances in preclinical and clinical studies of ASO and viral directed approaches to neuromuscular disease, particularly ALS, indicate that these approaches have high specificity and are relatively well tolerated.
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107
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Sbodio JI, Snyder SH, Paul BD. Redox Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration: From Disease Outcomes to Therapeutic Opportunities. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 30:1450-1499. [PMID: 29634350 PMCID: PMC6393771 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Once considered to be mere by-products of metabolism, reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species are now recognized to play important roles in diverse cellular processes such as response to pathogens and regulation of cellular differentiation. It is becoming increasingly evident that redox imbalance can impact several signaling pathways. For instance, disturbances of redox regulation in the brain mediate neurodegeneration and alter normal cytoprotective responses to stress. Very often small disturbances in redox signaling processes, which are reversible, precede damage in neurodegeneration. Recent Advances: The identification of redox-regulated processes, such as regulation of biochemical pathways involved in the maintenance of redox homeostasis in the brain has provided deeper insights into mechanisms of neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have also identified several post-translational modifications involving reactive cysteine residues, such as nitrosylation and sulfhydration, which fine-tune redox regulation. Thus, the study of mechanisms via which cell death occurs in several neurodegenerative disorders, reveal several similarities and dissimilarities. Here, we review redox regulated events that are disrupted in neurodegenerative disorders and whose modulation affords therapeutic opportunities. CRITICAL ISSUES Although accumulating evidence suggests that redox imbalance plays a significant role in progression of several neurodegenerative diseases, precise understanding of redox regulated events is lacking. Probes and methodologies that can precisely detect and quantify in vivo levels of reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species are not available. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Due to the importance of redox control in physiologic processes, organisms have evolved multiple pathways to counteract redox imbalance and maintain homeostasis. Cells and tissues address stress by harnessing an array of both endogenous and exogenous redox active substances. Targeting these pathways can help mitigate symptoms associated with neurodegeneration and may provide avenues for novel therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 30, 1450-1499.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I. Sbodio
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Solomon H. Snyder
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bindu D. Paul
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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108
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Shao Q, Liang C, Chang Q, Zhang W, Yang M, Chen JF. C9orf72 deficiency promotes motor deficits of a C9ALS/FTD mouse model in a dose-dependent manner. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:32. [PMID: 30832726 PMCID: PMC6398253 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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109
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Martier R, Liefhebber JM, Miniarikova J, van der Zon T, Snapper J, Kolder I, Petry H, van Deventer SJ, Evers MM, Konstantinova P. Artificial MicroRNAs Targeting C9orf72 Can Reduce Accumulation of Intra-nuclear Transcripts in ALS and FTD Patients. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 14:593-608. [PMID: 30776581 PMCID: PMC6378669 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The most common pathogenic mutation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an intronic GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat in the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene. Cellular toxicity due to RNA foci and dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins produced by the sense and antisense repeat-containing transcripts is thought to underlie the pathogenesis of both diseases. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of C9orf72-ALS patients and controls were analyzed to better understand the sequence conservation of C9orf72 in patients. MicroRNAs were developed in conserved regions to silence C9orf72 (miC), and the feasibility of different silencing approaches was demonstrated in reporter overexpression systems. In addition, we demonstrated the feasibility of a bidirectional targeting approach by expressing two concatenated miC hairpins. The efficacy of miC was confirmed by the reduction of endogenously expressed C9orf72 mRNA, in both nucleus and cytoplasm, and an ∼50% reduction of nuclear RNA foci in (G4C2)44-expressing cells. Ultimately, two miC candidates were incorporated in adeno-associated virus vector serotype 5 (AAV5), and silencing of C9orf72 was demonstrated in HEK293T cells and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons. These data support the feasibility of microRNA (miRNA)-based and AAV-delivered gene therapy that could alleviate the gain of toxicity seen in ALS and FTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raygene Martier
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M Liefhebber
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jana Miniarikova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van der Zon
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Snapper
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Iris Kolder
- BaseClear B.V., Sylviusweg 74, 2333 BE, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Harald Petry
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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110
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Chew J, Cook C, Gendron TF, Jansen-West K, Del Rosso G, Daughrity LM, Castanedes-Casey M, Kurti A, Stankowski JN, Disney MD, Rothstein JD, Dickson DW, Fryer JD, Zhang YJ, Petrucelli L. Aberrant deposition of stress granule-resident proteins linked to C9orf72-associated TDP-43 proteinopathy. Mol Neurodegener 2019; 14:9. [PMID: 30767771 PMCID: PMC6377782 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-019-0310-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the noncoding region of C9orf72 is the major genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (c9FTD/ALS). Putative disease mechanisms underlying c9FTD/ALS include toxicity from sense G4C2 and antisense G2C4 repeat-containing RNA, and from dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins unconventionally translated from these RNA products. Methods Intracerebroventricular injections with adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding 2 or 149 G4C2 repeats were performed on postnatal day 0, followed by assessment of behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes. Results Relative to control mice, gliosis and neurodegeneration accompanied by cognitive and motor deficits were observed in (G4C2)149 mice by 6 months of age. Recapitulating key pathological hallmarks, we also demonstrate that sense and antisense RNA foci, inclusions of poly(GA), poly(GP), poly(GR), poly(PR), and poly(PA) DPR proteins, and inclusions of endogenous phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) developed in (G4C2)149 mice but not control (G4C2)2 mice. Notably, proteins that play a role in the regulation of stress granules – RNA-protein assemblies that form in response to translational inhibition and that have been implicated in c9FTD/ALS pathogenesis – were mislocalized in (G4C2)149 mice as early as 3 months of age. Specifically, we observed the abnormal deposition of stress granule components within inclusions immunopositive for poly(GR) and pTDP-43, as well as evidence of nucleocytoplasmic transport defects. Conclusions Our in vivo model of c9FTD/ALS is the first to robustly recapitulate hallmark features derived from both sense and antisense C9orf72 repeat-associated transcripts complete with neurodegeneration and behavioral impairments. More importantly, the early appearance of persistent pathological stress granules prior to significant pTDP-43 deposition implicates an aberrant stress granule response as a key disease mechanism driving TDP-43 proteinopathy in c9FTD/ALS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13024-019-0310-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannie Chew
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Casey Cook
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.,Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.,Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Giulia Del Rosso
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Lillian M Daughrity
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Monica Castanedes-Casey
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Aishe Kurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Jeannette N Stankowski
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps Way #3A1, Jupiter, Florida, 33458, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology, Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 855 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.,Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - John D Fryer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.,Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - Yong-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA. .,Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA.
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA. .,Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA.
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Fourier A, Formaglio M, Sauvée M, Perret-Liaudet A, Latour P, Bost M, Quadrio I. C9orf72 Protein Plasmatic Concentrations Are Similar between C9ORF72 Expansion Carriers and Noncarriers in Frontotemporal Dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2019; 46:180-185. [PMID: 30261505 DOI: 10.1159/000492963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The aim of the study was to assess the theory of haploinsufficiency in C9ORF72 expansion carriers, the most frequent causative gene of frontotemporal dementia. METHODS Plasmatic concentrations of C9orf72 protein were measured in 33 patients suspected of familial frontotemporal dementia using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS No difference was observed between C9ORF72 expansion carriers (21.2% of patients) and noncarriers (78.8% of patients). C9orf72 protein determination is not a suitable biomarker for screening C9ORF72 expansion carriers. CONCLUSION Our results provide new evidence against the hypothesis of haploinsufficiency leading to frontotemporal dementia in C9ORF72 expansion carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Fourier
- Neurochemistry and Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, .,BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron,
| | - Maité Formaglio
- Department of Neurology, Lyon University Hospital, Lyon, France.,Center for Memory Resources and Research, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Charpennes Hospital, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Mathilde Sauvée
- Department of Neurology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Armand Perret-Liaudet
- Neurochemistry and Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France.,BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France.,Center for Memory Resources and Research, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Charpennes Hospital, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Philippe Latour
- Neurochemistry and Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France
| | - Muriel Bost
- Neurochemistry and Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France
| | - Isabelle Quadrio
- Neurochemistry and Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Lyon University Hospital, Bron, France.,BIORAN Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS UMR 5292, INSERM U1028, Lyon 1 University, Bron, France.,Center for Memory Resources and Research, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Charpennes Hospital, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
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112
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Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration Related to C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion. Behav Neurol 2019; 2019:2909168. [PMID: 30774737 PMCID: PMC6350563 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2909168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Two clinically distinct diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), have recently been classified as two extremes of the FTD/ALS spectrum. The neuropathological correlate of FTD is frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), characterized by tau-, TDP-43-, and FUS-immunoreactive neuronal inclusions. An earlier discovery that a hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene causes ALS and FTD established a special subtype of ALS and FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (C9FTD/ALS). Normal individuals carry 2–10 hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeats in the C9orf72 gene, while more than a few hundred repeats represent a risk for ALS and FTD. The proposed molecular mechanisms by which C9orf72 repeat expansions induce neurodegenerative changes are C9orf72 loss-of-function through haploinsufficiency, RNA toxic gain-of-function, and gain-of-function through the accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeat proteins. However, many more cellular processes are affected by pathological processes in C9FTD/ALS, including nucleocytoplasmic transport, RNA processing, normal function of nucleolus, formation of membraneless organelles, translation, ubiquitin proteasome system, Notch signalling pathway, granule transport, and normal function of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Although the exact molecular mechanisms through which C9orf72 repeat expansions account for neurodegeneration have not been elucidated, some potential therapeutics, such as antisense oligonucleotides targeting hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeats in mRNA, were successful in preclinical trials and are awaiting phase 1 clinical trials. In this review, we critically discuss each proposed mechanism and provide insight into the most recent studies aiming to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of C9FTD/ALS.
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113
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Alrafiah AR. From Mouse Models to Human Disease: An Approach for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In Vivo 2018; 32:983-998. [PMID: 30150420 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder. There are several genetic mutations that lead to ALS development, such as chromosome 9 hexanucleotide repeat 72 (C9ORF72), transactive response DNA-binding protein (TARDBP), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and fused in sarcoma (FUS). ALS is associated with disrupted gene homeostasis causing aberrant RNA processing or toxic pathology. Several animal models of ALS disease have been developed to understand whether TARDBP-mediated neurodegeneration results from a gain or a loss of function of the protein, however, none exactly mimic the pathophysiology and the phenotype of human ALS. Here, the pathophysiology of specific ALS-linked gene mutations is discussed. Furthermore, some of the generated mouse models, as well as the similarities and differences between these models, are comprehensively reviewed. Further refinement of mouse models will likely aid the development of a better form of model that mimics human ALS. However, disrupted gene homeostasis that causes mutation can result in an ALS-like syndrome, increasing concerns about whether neurodegeneration and other effects in these models are due to the mutation or to gene overexpression. Research on the pleiotropic role of different proteins present in motor neurons is also summarized. The development of better mouse models that closely mimic human ALS will help identify potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziza Rashed Alrafiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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114
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Repeat-Associated Non-ATG Translation in Neurological Diseases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a033019. [PMID: 29891563 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a033019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
More than 40 different neurological diseases are caused by microsatellite repeat expansions that locate within translated or untranslated gene regions, including 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), introns, and protein-coding regions. Expansion mutations are transcribed bidirectionally and have been shown to give rise to proteins, which are synthesized from three reading frames in the absence of an AUG initiation codon through a novel process called repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation. RAN proteins, which were first described in spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), have now been reported in a growing list of microsatellite expansion diseases. This article reviews what is currently known about RAN proteins in microsatellite expansion diseases and experiments that provide clues on how RAN translation is regulated.
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115
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Shaw MP, Higginbottom A, McGown A, Castelli LM, James E, Hautbergue GM, Shaw PJ, Ramesh TM. Stable transgenic C9orf72 zebrafish model key aspects of the ALS/FTD phenotype and reveal novel pathological features. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:125. [PMID: 30454072 PMCID: PMC6240957 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) within the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene is the most prevalent cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/fronto-temporal dementia (ALS/FTD). Current evidence suggests HREs induce neurodegeneration through accumulation of RNA foci and/or dipeptide repeat proteins (DPR). C9orf72 patients are known to have transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) proteinopathy, but whether there is further cross over between C9orf72 pathology and the pathology of other ALS sub-types has yet to be revealed. To address this, we generated and characterised two zebrafish lines expressing C9orf72 HREs. We also characterised pathology in human C9orf72-ALS cases. In addition, we utilised a reporter construct that expresses DsRed under the control of a heat shock promoter, to screen for potential therapeutic compounds. Both zebrafish lines showed accumulation of RNA foci and DPR. Our C9-ALS/FTD zebrafish model is the first to recapitulate the motor deficits, cognitive impairment, muscle atrophy, motor neuron loss and mortality in early adulthood observed in human C9orf72-ALS/FTD. Furthermore, we identified that in zebrafish, human cell lines and human post-mortem tissue, C9orf72 expansions activate the heat shock response (HSR). Additionally, HSR activation correlated with disease progression in our C9-ALS/FTD zebrafish model. Lastly, we identified that the compound ivermectin, as well as riluzole, reduced HSR activation in both C9-ALS/FTD and SOD1 zebrafish models. Thus, our C9-ALS/FTD zebrafish model is a stable transgenic model which recapitulates key features of human C9orf72-ALS/FTD, and represents a powerful drug-discovery tool.
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116
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Robinson KJ, Yuan KC, Don EK, Hogan AL, Winnick CG, Tym MC, Lucas CW, Shahheydari H, Watchon M, Blair IP, Atkin JD, Nicholson GA, Cole NJ, Laird AS. Motor Neuron Abnormalities Correlate with Impaired Movement in Zebrafish that Express Mutant Superoxide Dismutase 1. Zebrafish 2018; 16:8-14. [PMID: 30300572 PMCID: PMC6357263 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2018.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. ALS can be modeled in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through the expression of human ALS-causing genes, such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Overexpression of mutated human SOD1 protein causes aberrant branching and shortening of spinal motor axons. Despite this, the functional relevance of this axon morphology remains elusive. Our aim was to determine whether this motor axonopathy is correlated with impaired movement in mutant (MT) SOD1-expressing zebrafish. Transgenic zebrafish embryos that express blue fluorescent protein (mTagBFP) in motor neurons were injected with either wild-type (WT) or MT (A4V) human SOD1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). At 48 hours post-fertilization, larvae movement (distance traveled during behavioral testing) was examined, followed by quantification of motor axon length. Larvae injected with MT SOD1 mRNA had significantly shorter and more aberrantly branched motor axons (p < 0.002) and traveled a significantly shorter distance during behavioral testing (p < 0.001) when compared with WT SOD1 and noninjected larvae. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between distance traveled and motor axon length (R2 = 0.357, p < 0.001). These data represent the first correlative investigation of motor axonopathies and impaired movement in SOD1-expressing zebrafish, confirming functional relevance and validating movement as a disease phenotype for the testing of disease treatments for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Robinson
- 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristy C Yuan
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily K Don
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alison L Hogan
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire G Winnick
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Madelaine C Tym
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caitlin W Lucas
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hamideh Shahheydari
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maxinne Watchon
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,3 Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian P Blair
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Garth A Nicholson
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,4 Concord Clinical School and ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Repatriation Hospital, Concord, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Cole
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela S Laird
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Hofmann JW, Seeley WW, Huang EJ. RNA Binding Proteins and the Pathogenesis of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2018; 14:469-495. [PMID: 30355151 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-012418-012955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia is a group of early onset dementia syndromes linked to underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) pathology that can be classified based on the formation of abnormal protein aggregates involving tau and two RNA binding proteins, TDP-43 and FUS. Although elucidation of the mechanisms leading to FTLD pathology is in progress, recent advances in genetics and neuropathology indicate that a majority of FTLD cases with proteinopathy involving RNA binding proteins show highly congruent genotype-phenotype correlations. Specifically, recent studies have uncovered the unique properties of the low-complexity domains in RNA binding proteins that can facilitate liquid-liquid phase separation in the formation of membraneless organelles. Furthermore, there is compelling evidence that mutations in FTLD genes lead to dysfunction in diverse cellular pathways that converge on the endolysosomal pathway, autophagy, and neuroinflammation. Together, these results provide key mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Hofmann
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA;
| | - William W Seeley
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; .,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94148, USA
| | - Eric J Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA; .,Pathology Service 113B, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California 94121, USA
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118
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Abstract
Microsatellite expansions cause more than 40 neurological disorders, including Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy, and C9ORF72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). These repeat expansion mutations can produce repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) proteins in all three reading frames, which accumulate in disease-relevant tissues. There has been considerable interest in RAN protein products and their downstream consequences, particularly for the dipeptide proteins found in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD. Understanding how RAN translation occurs, what cellular factors contribute to RAN protein accumulation, and how these proteins contribute to disease should lead to a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of gene expression and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Douglas Cleary
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
| | - Amrutha Pattamatta
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics,
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
- Neurology, College of Medicine
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
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119
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Dawson TM, Golde TE, Lagier-Tourenne C. Animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:1370-1379. [PMID: 30250265 PMCID: PMC6615039 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases have enhanced the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nevertheless, our understanding of these disorders and the development of mechanistically designed therapeutics can still benefit from more rigorous use of the models and from generation of animals that more faithfully recapitulate human disease. Here we review the current state of rodent models for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We discuss the limitations and utility of current models, issues regarding translatability, and future directions for developing animal models of these human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Department of Neurology; and Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Todd E Golde
- McKnight Brain Institute Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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120
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Olesnicky EC, Wright EG. Drosophila as a Model for Assessing the Function of RNA-Binding Proteins during Neurogenesis and Neurological Disease. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:E21. [PMID: 30126171 PMCID: PMC6162566 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6030021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An outstanding question in developmental neurobiology is how RNA processing events contribute to the regulation of neurogenesis. RNA processing events are increasingly recognized as playing fundamental roles in regulating multiple developmental events during neurogenesis, from the asymmetric divisions of neural stem cells, to the generation of complex and diverse neurite morphologies. Indeed, both asymmetric cell division and neurite morphogenesis are often achieved by mechanisms that generate asymmetric protein distributions, including post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanisms such as the transport of translationally silent messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and local translation of mRNAs within neurites. Additionally, defects in RNA splicing have emerged as a common theme in many neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the importance of RNA processing in maintaining neuronal circuitry. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an integral role in splicing and post-transcriptional gene regulation, and mutations in RBPs have been linked with multiple neurological disorders including autism, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Fragile X syndrome (FXS), and X-linked intellectual disability disorder. Despite their widespread nature and roles in neurological disease, the molecular mechanisms and networks of regulated target RNAs have been defined for only a small number of specific RBPs. This review aims to highlight recent studies in Drosophila that have advanced our knowledge of how RBP dysfunction contributes to neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia C Olesnicky
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
| | - Ethan G Wright
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
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121
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C9orf72 Dipeptide Repeats Cause Selective Neurodegeneration and Cell-Autonomous Excitotoxicity in Drosophila Glutamatergic Neurons. J Neurosci 2018; 38:7741-7752. [PMID: 30037833 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0908-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The arginine-rich dipeptide repeats (DPRs) are highly toxic products from the C9orf72 repeat expansion mutations, which are the most common causes of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, the effects of DPRs in the synaptic regulation and excitotoxicity remain elusive, and how they contribute to the development of FTD is primarily unknown. By expressing DPRs with different toxicity strength in various neuronal populations in a Drosophila model, we unexpectedly found that Glycine-Arginine/Proline-Arginine (GR/PR) with 36 repeats could lead to neurodegenerative phenotypes only when they were expressed in glutamatergic neurons, including motor neurons. We detected increased extracellular glutamate and intracellular calcium levels in GR/PR-expressing larval ventral nerve cord and/or adult brain, accompanied by significant increase of synaptic boutons and active zones in larval neuromuscular junctions. Inhibiting the vesicular glutamate transporter expression or blocking the NMDA receptor in presynaptic glutamatergic motor neurons could effectively rescue the motor deficits and shortened life span caused by poly GR/PR, thus indicating a cell-autonomous excitotoxicity mechanism. Therefore, our results have revealed a novel mode of synaptic regulation by arginine-rich C9 DPRs expressed at more physiologically relevant toxicity levels and provided a mechanism that could contribute to the development of C9-related ALS and FTD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT C9orf72 dipeptide repeats (DPRs) are key toxic species causing ALS/FTD, but their roles in synaptic regulation and excitotoxicity are unclear. Using C9orf72 DPRs with various toxicity strength, we have found that the arginine-rich DPRs cause selective degeneration in Drosophila glutamatergic neurons and revealed an NMDA receptor-dependent cell-autonomous excitotoxicity mechanism. Therefore, this study has advanced our understanding of C9orf72 DPR functions in synaptic regulation and excitotoxicity and provided a new mechanism that could contribute to the development of C9-related ALS and FTD.
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122
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Chitiprolu M, Jagow C, Tremblay V, Bondy-Chorney E, Paris G, Savard A, Palidwor G, Barry FA, Zinman L, Keith J, Rogaeva E, Robertson J, Lavallée-Adam M, Woulfe J, Couture JF, Côté J, Gibbings D. A complex of C9ORF72 and p62 uses arginine methylation to eliminate stress granules by autophagy. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2794. [PMID: 30022074 PMCID: PMC6052026 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in proteins like FUS which cause Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) result in the aberrant formation of stress granules while ALS-linked mutations in other proteins impede elimination of stress granules. Repeat expansions in C9ORF72, the major cause of ALS, reduce C9ORF72 levels but how this impacts stress granules is uncertain. Here, we demonstrate that C9ORF72 associates with the autophagy receptor p62 and controls elimination of stress granules by autophagy. This requires p62 to associate via the Tudor protein SMN with proteins, including FUS, that are symmetrically methylated on arginines. Mice lacking p62 accumulate arginine-methylated proteins and alterations in FUS-dependent splicing. Patients with C9ORF72 repeat expansions accumulate symmetric arginine dimethylated proteins which co-localize with p62. This suggests that C9ORF72 initiates a cascade of ALS-linked proteins (C9ORF72, p62, SMN, FUS) to recognize stress granules for degradation by autophagy and hallmarks of a defect in this process are observable in ALS patients. Many Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)-linked mutations cause accumulation of stress granules, and most ALS cases are caused by repeat expansions in C9ORF72. Here the authors show that C9ORF72 and the autophagy receptor p62 interact to associate with proteins symmetrically dimethylated on arginines such as FUS, to eliminate stress granules by autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maneka Chitiprolu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Chantal Jagow
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Veronique Tremblay
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Emma Bondy-Chorney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Geneviève Paris
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Alexandre Savard
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Gareth Palidwor
- Ottawa Bioinformatics Core Facility, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Francesca A Barry
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Julia Keith
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Rogaeva
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Janice Robertson
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lavallée-Adam
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jean-François Couture
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Côté
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Derrick Gibbings
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada. .,Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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Mordes DA, Prudencio M, Goodman LD, Klim JR, Moccia R, Limone F, Pietilainen O, Chowdhary K, Dickson DW, Rademakers R, Bonini NM, Petrucelli L, Eggan K. Dipeptide repeat proteins activate a heat shock response found in C9ORF72-ALS/FTLD patients. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:55. [PMID: 29973287 PMCID: PMC6031111 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0555-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic contributor to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Reduced expression of the C9ORF72 gene product has been proposed as a potential contributor to disease pathogenesis. Additionally, repetitive RNAs and dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), such as poly-GR, can be produced by this hexanucleotide expansion that disrupt a number of cellular processes, potentially contributing to neural degeneration. To better discern which of these mechanisms leads to disease-associated changes in patient brains, we analyzed gene expression data generated from the cortex and cerebellum. We found that transcripts encoding heat shock proteins (HSPs) regulated by the HSF1 transcription factor were significantly induced in C9ORF72-ALS/FTLD patients relative to both sporadic ALS/FTLD cases and controls. Treatment of human neurons with chemically synthesized DPRs was sufficient to activate a similar transcriptional response. Expression of GGGGCC repeats and also poly-GR in the brains of Drosophila lead to the upregulation of HSF1 and the same highly-conserved HSPs. Additionally, HSF1 was a modifier of poly-GR toxicity in Drosophila. Our results suggest that the expression of DPRs are associated with upregulation of HSF1 and activation of a heat shock response in C9ORF72-ALS/FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Mordes
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA ,0000 0004 0386 9924grid.32224.35Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | | | - Lindsey D. Goodman
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Joseph R. Klim
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Rob Moccia
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA ,Present address: Pfizer, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Francesco Limone
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Olli Pietilainen
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Kaitavjeet Chowdhary
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | | | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Nancy M. Bonini
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | | | - Kevin Eggan
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
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124
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Yuva-Aydemir Y, Almeida S, Gao FB. Insights into C9ORF72-Related ALS/FTD from Drosophila and iPSC Models. Trends Neurosci 2018; 41:457-469. [PMID: 29729808 PMCID: PMC6015541 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTD. An important issue is how repeat RNAs and their translation products, various dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, cause neurodegeneration. Drosophila has been widely used to model G4C2 repeat RNA and DPR protein toxicity. Overexpression of disease molecules in flies has revealed important molecular insights. These have been validated and further explored in human neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a disease-relevant model in which expanded G4C2 repeats are expressed in their native molecular context. Approaches that combine the genetic power of Drosophila and the disease relevance of iPSC-derived patient neurons will continue to unravel the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and help identify potential therapeutic targets in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeliz Yuva-Aydemir
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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125
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Nicholson AM, Zhou X, Perkerson RB, Parsons TM, Chew J, Brooks M, DeJesus-Hernandez M, Finch NA, Matchett BJ, Kurti A, Jansen-West KR, Perkerson E, Daughrity L, Castanedes-Casey M, Rousseau L, Phillips V, Hu F, Gendron TF, Murray ME, Dickson DW, Fryer JD, Petrucelli L, Rademakers R. Loss of Tmem106b is unable to ameliorate frontotemporal dementia-like phenotypes in an AAV mouse model of C9ORF72-repeat induced toxicity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:42. [PMID: 29855382 PMCID: PMC5984311 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in progranulin (GRN) and a non-coding (GGGGCC)n hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9ORF72 are the two most common genetic causes of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with aggregates of TAR DNA binding protein 43 (FTLD-TDP). TMEM106B encodes a type II transmembrane protein with unknown function. Genetic variants in TMEM106B associated with reduced TMEM106B levels have been identified as disease modifiers in individuals with GRN mutations and C9ORF72 expansions. Recently, loss of Tmem106b has been reported to protect the FTLD-like phenotypes in Grn-/- mice. Here, we generated Tmem106b-/- mice and examined whether loss of Tmem106b could rescue FTLD-like phenotypes in an AAV mouse model of C9ORF72-repeat induced toxicity. Our results showed that neither partial nor complete loss of Tmem106b was able to rescue behavioral deficits induced by the expression of (GGGGCC)66 repeats (66R). Loss of Tmem106b also failed to ameliorate 66R-induced RNA foci, dipeptide repeat protein formation and pTDP-43 pathological burden. We further found that complete loss of Tmem106b increased astrogliosis, even in the absence of 66R, and failed to rescue 66R-induced neuronal cell loss, whereas partial loss of Tmem106b significantly rescued the neuronal cell loss but not neuroinflammation induced by 66R. Finally, we showed that overexpression of 66R did not alter expression of Tmem106b and other lysosomal genes in vivo, and subsequent analyses in vitro found that transiently knocking down C9ORF72, but not overexpression of 66R, significantly increased TMEM106B and other lysosomal proteins. In summary, reducing Tmem106b levels failed to rescue FTLD-like phenotypes in a mouse model mimicking the toxic gain-of-functions associated with overexpression of 66R. Combined with the observation that loss of C9ORF72 and not 66R overexpression was associated with increased levels of TMEM106B, this work suggests that the protective TMEM106B haplotype may exert its effect in expansion carriers by counteracting lysosomal dysfunction resulting from a loss of C9ORF72.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Nicholson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Xiaolai Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Ralph B. Perkerson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Tammee M. Parsons
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Jeannie Chew
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Mieu Brooks
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Mariely DeJesus-Hernandez
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - NiCole A. Finch
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Billie J. Matchett
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Aishe Kurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Karen R. Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Emilie Perkerson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Lillian Daughrity
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Monica Castanedes-Casey
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Linda Rousseau
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Virginia Phillips
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Fenghua Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, 345 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Tania F. Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Melissa E. Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - John D. Fryer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
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126
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Gonzalez D, Rebolledo DL, Correa LM, Court FA, Cerpa W, Lipson KE, van Zundert B, Brandan E. The inhibition of CTGF/CCN2 activity improves muscle and locomotor function in a murine ALS model. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:2913-2926. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Gonzalez
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela L Rebolledo
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lina M Correa
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe A Court
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Waldo Cerpa
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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127
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Zhang K, Coyne AN, Lloyd TE. Drosophila models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with defects in RNA metabolism. Brain Res 2018; 1693:109-120. [PMID: 29752901 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila Melanogaster has been widely used to study neurodegenerative diseases. The conservation of nervous system biology coupled with the rapid life cycle and powerful genetic tools in the fly have enabled the identification of novel therapeutic targets that have been validated in vertebrate model systems and human patients. A recent example is in the study of the devastating motor neuron degenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in genes that regulate RNA metabolism are a major cause of inherited ALS, and functional analysis of these genes in the fly nervous system has shed light on how mutations cause disease. Importantly, unbiased genetic screens have identified key pathways that contribute to ALS pathogenesis such as nucleocytoplasmic transport and stress granule assembly. In this review, we will discuss the utilization of Drosophila models of ALS with defects in RNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alyssa N Coyne
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas E Lloyd
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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128
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, uniformly lethal degenerative disorder of motor neurons that overlaps clinically with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Investigations of the 10% of ALS cases that are transmitted as dominant traits have revealed numerous gene mutations and variants that either cause these disorders or influence their clinical phenotype. The evolving understanding of the genetic architecture of ALS has illuminated broad themes in the molecular pathophysiology of both familial and sporadic ALS and FTD. These central themes encompass disturbances of protein homeostasis, alterations in the biology of RNA binding proteins, and defects in cytoskeletal dynamics, as well as numerous downstream pathophysiological events. Together, these findings from ALS genetics provide new insight into therapies that target genetically distinct subsets of ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
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129
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Lutz C. Mouse models of ALS: Past, present and future. Brain Res 2018; 1693:1-10. [PMID: 29577886 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genome sequencing of both sporadic and familial patients of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has led to the identification of new genes that are both contributing and causative in the disease. This gene discovery has come at an unprecedented rate, and much of it in recent years. Knowledge of these genetic mutations provides us with opportunities to uncover new and related mechanisms, increasing our understanding of the disease and bringing us closer to defined therapies for patients. Mouse models have played an important role in our current understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS and have served as important preclinical models in testing new therapeutics. With these new gene discoveries, new mouse models will follow. The information derived from these new models will depend on the careful construction and importantly, an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of each of the models. The genetic discovery in ALS comes at a time when genetic engineering technologies in mice are highly efficient through CRISPR/Cas9 and can be applied to a wide array of genetic backgrounds. New mouse resources in the forms of the Collaborative Cross and Diversity Outbred panels provide us with unique opportunities to study these mutations on diverse genetic backgrounds, and importantly in the context of a population. This review focuses on the mouse models of the past and present, and discusses exciting new opportunities for mouse models of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Lutz
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA.
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130
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Kramer NJ, Haney MS, Morgens DW, Jovičić A, Couthouis J, Li A, Ousey J, Ma R, Bieri G, Tsui CK, Shi Y, Hertz NT, Tessier-Lavigne M, Ichida JK, Bassik MC, Gitler AD. CRISPR-Cas9 screens in human cells and primary neurons identify modifiers of C9ORF72 dipeptide-repeat-protein toxicity. Nat Genet 2018; 50:603-612. [PMID: 29507424 PMCID: PMC5893388 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (c9FTD/ALS). The nucleotide repeat expansions are translated into dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, which are aggregation-prone and may contribute to neurodegeneration. We used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to perform genome-wide gene knockout screens for suppressors and enhancers of C9orf72 DPR toxicity in human cells. We validated hits by performing secondary CRISPR-Cas9 screens in primary mouse neurons. We uncovered potent modifiers of DPR toxicity whose gene products function in nucleocytoplasmic transport, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), proteasome, RNA processing pathways, and in chromatin modification. One modifier, TMX2, modulated the ER-stress signature elicited by C9orf72 DPRs in neurons, and improved survival of human induced motor neurons from C9orf72 ALS patients. Together, this work demonstrates the promise of CRISPR-Cas9 screens to define mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Kramer
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Neurosciences Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Haney
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David W Morgens
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ana Jovičić
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julien Couthouis
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amy Li
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James Ousey
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rosanna Ma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gregor Bieri
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Neurosciences Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - C Kimberly Tsui
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yingxiao Shi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Justin K Ichida
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Bassik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Aaron D Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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131
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Dervishi I, Ozdinler PH. Incorporating upper motor neuron health in ALS drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:696-703. [PMID: 29331501 PMCID: PMC5849515 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex disease, that affects the motor neuron circuitry. After consecutive failures in clinical trials for the past 20 years, edaravone was recently approved as the second drug for ALS. This generated excitement in the field revealed the need to improve preclinical assays for continued success. Here, we focus on the importance and relevance of upper motor neuron (UMN) pathology in ALS, and discuss how incorporation of UMN survival in preclinical assays will improve inclusion criteria for clinical trials and expedite the drug discovery effort in ALS and related motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Dervishi
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - P Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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132
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Moens TG, Mizielinska S, Niccoli T, Mitchell JS, Thoeng A, Ridler CE, Grönke S, Esser J, Heslegrave A, Zetterberg H, Partridge L, Isaacs AM. Sense and antisense RNA are not toxic in Drosophila models of C9orf72-associated ALS/FTD. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:445-457. [PMID: 29380049 PMCID: PMC6385858 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1798-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Neurodegeneration may occur via transcription of the repeats into inherently toxic repetitive sense and antisense RNA species, or via repeat-associated non-ATG initiated translation (RANT) of sense and antisense RNA into toxic dipeptide repeat proteins. We have previously demonstrated that regular interspersion of repeat RNA with stop codons prevents RANT (RNA-only models), allowing us to study the role of repeat RNA in isolation. Here we have created novel RNA-only Drosophila models, including the first models of antisense repeat toxicity, and flies expressing extremely large repeats, within the range observed in patients. We generated flies expressing ~ 100 repeat sense or antisense RNA either as part of a processed polyadenylated transcript or intronic sequence. We additionally created Drosophila expressing > 1000 RNA-only repeats in the sense direction. When expressed in adult Drosophila neurons polyadenylated repeat RNA is largely cytoplasmic in localisation, whilst intronic repeat RNA forms intranuclear RNA foci, as does > 1000 repeat RNA, thus allowing us to investigate both nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA toxicity. We confirmed that these RNA foci are capable of sequestering endogenous Drosophila RNA-binding proteins, and that the production of dipeptide proteins (poly-glycine–proline, and poly-glycine–arginine) is suppressed in our models. We find that neither cytoplasmic nor nuclear sense or antisense RNA are toxic when expressed in adult Drosophila neurons, suggesting they have a limited role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Moens
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sarah Mizielinska
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Teresa Niccoli
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jamie S Mitchell
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Annora Thoeng
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Charlotte E Ridler
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sebastian Grönke
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Esser
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amanda Heslegrave
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 1PJ, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 1PJ, UK
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Linda Partridge
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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133
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Saberi S, Stauffer JE, Jiang J, Garcia SD, Taylor AE, Schulte D, Ohkubo T, Schloffman CL, Maldonado M, Baughn M, Rodriguez MJ, Pizzo D, Cleveland D, Ravits J. Sense-encoded poly-GR dipeptide repeat proteins correlate to neurodegeneration and uniquely co-localize with TDP-43 in dendrites of repeat-expanded C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:459-474. [PMID: 29196813 PMCID: PMC5935138 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1793-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9orf72 are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9 ALS). The main hypothesized pathogenic mechanisms are C9orf72 haploinsufficiency and/or toxicity from one or more of bi-directionally transcribed repeat RNAs and their dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) poly-GP, poly-GA, poly-GR, poly-PR and poly-PA. Recently, nuclear import and/or export defects especially caused by arginine-containing poly-GR or poly-PR have been proposed as significant contributors to pathogenesis based on disease models. We quantitatively studied and compared DPRs, nuclear pore proteins and C9orf72 protein in clinically related and clinically unrelated regions of the central nervous system, and compared them to phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43), the hallmark protein of ALS. Of the five DPRs, only poly-GR was significantly abundant in clinically related areas compared to unrelated areas (p < 0.001), and formed dendritic-like aggregates in the motor cortex that co-localized with pTDP-43 (p < 0.0001). While most poly-GR dendritic inclusions were pTDP-43 positive, only 4% of pTDP-43 dendritic inclusions were poly-GR positive. Staining for arginine-containing poly-GR and poly-PR in nuclei of neurons produced signals that were not specific to C9 ALS. We could not detect significant differences of nuclear markers RanGap, Lamin B1, and Importin β1 in C9 ALS, although we observed subtle nuclear changes in ALS, both C9 and non-C9, compared to control. The C9orf72 protein itself was diffusely expressed in cytoplasm of large neurons and glia, and nearly 50% reduced, in both clinically related frontal cortex and unrelated occipital cortex, but not in cerebellum. In summary, sense-encoded poly-GR DPR was unique, and localized to dendrites and pTDP43 in motor regions of C9 ALS CNS. This is consistent with new emerging ideas about TDP-43 functions in dendrites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Saberi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy, Place Box 1194, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jennifer E Stauffer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
- Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0670, USA
| | - Sandra Diaz Garcia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
| | - Amy E Taylor
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
| | - Derek Schulte
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
- NeuroPace, Inc, 455 N. Bernardo Ave, Mountain View, CA, 94043, USA
| | - Takuya Ohkubo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
| | - Cheyenne L Schloffman
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0670, USA
| | - Marcus Maldonado
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0670, USA
| | - Michael Baughn
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Maria J Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA
| | - Don Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Don Cleveland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0670, USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624, USA.
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Seminary ER, Sison SL, Ebert AD. Modeling Protein Aggregation and the Heat Shock Response in ALS iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons. Front Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29515358 PMCID: PMC5826239 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by the selective loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. Only 10% of all cases are caused by a mutation in one of the two dozen different identified genes, while the remaining 90% are likely caused by a combination of as yet unidentified genetic and environmental factors. Mutations in C9orf72, SOD1, or TDP-43 are the most common causes of familial ALS, together responsible for at least 60% of these cases. Remarkably, despite the large degree of heterogeneity, all cases of ALS have protein aggregates in the brain and spinal cord that are immunopositive for SOD1, TDP-43, OPTN, and/or p62. These inclusions are normally prevented and cleared by heat shock proteins (Hsps), suggesting that ALS motor neurons have an impaired ability to induce the heat shock response (HSR). Accordingly, there is evidence of decreased induction of Hsps in ALS mouse models and in human post-mortem samples compared to unaffected controls. However, the role of Hsps in protein accumulation in human motor neurons has not been fully elucidated. Here, we generated motor neuron cultures from human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines carrying mutations in SOD1, TDP-43, or C9orf72. In this study, we provide evidence that despite a lack of overt motor neuron loss, there is an accumulation of insoluble, aggregation-prone proteins in iPSC-derived motor neuron cultures but that content and levels vary with genetic background. Additionally, although iPSC-derived motor neurons are generally capable of inducing the HSR when exposed to a heat stress, protein aggregation itself is not sufficient to induce the HSR or stress granule formation. We therefore conclude that ALS iPSC-derived motor neurons recapitulate key early pathological features of the disease and fail to endogenously upregulate the HSR in response to increased protein burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Seminary
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Samantha L Sison
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Allison D Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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135
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Chen H, Kankel MW, Su SC, Han SWS, Ofengeim D. Exploring the genetics and non-cell autonomous mechanisms underlying ALS/FTLD. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:648-662. [PMID: 29459769 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, was first described in 1874, a flurry of genetic discoveries in the last 10 years has markedly increased our understanding of this disease. These findings have not only enhanced our knowledge of mechanisms leading to ALS, but also have revealed that ALS shares many genetic causes with another neurodegenerative disease, frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD). In this review, we survey how recent genetic studies have bridged our mechanistic understanding of these two related diseases and how the genetics behind ALS and FTLD point to complex disorders, implicating non-neuronal cell types in disease pathophysiology. The involvement of non-neuronal cell types is consistent with a non-cell autonomous component in these diseases. This is further supported by studies that identified a critical role of immune-associated genes within ALS/FTLD and other neurodegenerative disorders. The molecular functions of these genes support an emerging concept that various non-autonomous functions are involved in neurodegeneration. Further insights into such a mechanism(s) will ultimately lead to a better understanding of potential routes of therapeutic intervention. Facts ALS and FTLD are severe neurodegenerative disorders on the same disease spectrum. Multiple cellular processes including dysregulation of RNA homeostasis, imbalance of proteostasis, contribute to ALS/FTLD pathogenesis. Aberrant function in non-neuronal cell types, including microglia, contributes to ALS/FTLD. Strong neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory components are associated with ALS/FTLD patients. Open Questions Why can patients with similar mutations have different disease manifestations, i.e., why do C9ORF72 mutations lead to motor neuron loss in some patients while others exhibit loss of neurons in the frontotemporal lobe? Do ALS causal mutations result in microglial dysfunction and contribute to ALS/FTLD pathology? How do microglia normally act to mitigate neurodegeneration in ALS/FTLD? To what extent do cellular signaling pathways mediate non-cell autonomous communications between distinct central nervous system (CNS) cell types during disease? Is it possible to therapeutically target specific cell types in the CNS?
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mark W Kankel
- Biogen Inc., 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Susan C Su
- Biogen Inc., 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Steve W S Han
- Biogen Inc., 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,GSK, Upper Providence, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Dimitry Ofengeim
- Biogen Inc., 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA. .,Sanofi Neuroscience, Framingham, MA, USA.
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136
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Starr A, Sattler R. Synaptic dysfunction and altered excitability in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD. Brain Res 2018; 1693:98-108. [PMID: 29453960 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in fatal paralysis due to denervation of the muscle. Due to genetic, pathological and symptomatic overlap, ALS is now considered a spectrum disease together with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the second most common cause of dementia in individuals under the age of 65. Interestingly, in both diseases, there is a large prevalence of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that are mutated and considered disease-causing, or whose dysfunction contribute to disease pathogenesis. The most common shared genetic mutation in ALS/FTD is a hexanucleuotide repeat expansion within intron 1 of C9ORF72 (C9). Three potentially overlapping, putative toxic mechanisms have been proposed: loss of function due to haploinsufficient expression of the C9ORF72 mRNA, gain of function of the repeat RNA aggregates, or RNA foci, and repeat-associated non-ATG-initiated translation (RAN) of the repeat RNA into toxic dipeptide repeats (DPRs). Regardless of the causative mechanism, disease symptoms are ultimately caused by a failure of neurotransmission in three regions: the brain, the spinal cord, and the neuromuscular junction. Here, we review C9 ALS/FTD-associated synaptic dysfunction and aberrant neuronal excitability in these three key regions, focusing on changes in morphology and synapse formation, excitability, and excitotoxicity in patients, animal models, and in vitro models. We compare these deficits to those seen in other forms of ALS and FTD in search of shared pathways, and discuss the potential targeting of synaptic dysfunctions for therapeutic intervention in ALS and FTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Starr
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States
| | - Rita Sattler
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States.
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137
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Bräuer S, Zimyanin V, Hermann A. Prion-like properties of disease-relevant proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:591-613. [PMID: 29417336 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hallmark of age-related neurodegenerative diseases is the appearance of cellular protein deposits and spreading of this pathology throughout the central nervous system. Growing evidence has shown the involvement and critical role of proteins with prion-like properties in the formation of these characteristic cellular aggregates. Prion-like domains of such proteins with their proposed function in the organization of membraneless organelles are prone for misfolding and promoting further aggregation. Spreading of these toxic aggregates between cells and across tissues can explain the progression of clinical phenotypes and pathology in a stereotypical manner, characteristic for almost every neurodegenerative disease. Here, we want to review the current evidence for the role of prion-like mechanisms in classical neurodegenerative diseases and ALS in particular. We will also discuss an intriguingly central role of the protein TDP-43 in the majority of cases of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bräuer
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Städtisches Klinikum Dresden, 01129, Dresden, Germany
| | - V Zimyanin
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - A Hermann
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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138
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), like other neurodegenerative diseases, remains incurable, but gene mutations linked to ALS are providing clues as to how to target therapies. It is important for researchers to keep abreast of the rapid influx of new data in ALS, and we aim to summarize the major genetic advances made in the field over the past 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS Significant variation in seven genes has recently been found in ALS: TBK1, CCNF, GLE1, MATR3, TUBA4A, CHCHD10 and NEK1. These have mostly been identified through large exome screening studies, though traditional linkage approaches and candidate gene screening remain important. We briefly update C9orf72 research, noting in particular the development of reagents to better understand the normal role of C9orf72 protein. SUMMARY Striking advances in our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity of ALS continue to be made, year on year. These implicate proteostasis, RNA export, nuclear transport, the cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, the cell cycle and DNA repair. Functional studies to integrate these hits are needed. By building a web of knowledge with interlinked genes and mechanisms, it is hoped we can better understand ALS and work toward effective therapies.
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139
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140
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Cristofani R, Crippa V, Vezzoli G, Rusmini P, Galbiati M, Cicardi ME, Meroni M, Ferrari V, Tedesco B, Piccolella M, Messi E, Carra S, Poletti A. The small heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8) efficiently removes aggregating species of dipeptides produced in C9ORF72-related neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Stress Chaperones 2018; 23:1-12. [PMID: 28608264 PMCID: PMC5741577 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-017-0806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two neurodegenerative diseases in which similar pathogenic mechanisms are involved. Both diseases associate to the high propensity of specific misfolded proteins, like TDP-43 or FUS, to mislocalize and aggregate. This is partly due to their intrinsic biophysical properties and partly as a consequence of failure of the neuronal protein quality control (PQC) system. Several familial ALS/FTD cases are linked to an expansion of a repeated G4C2 hexanucleotide sequence present in the C9ORF72 gene. The G4C2, which localizes in an untranslated region of the C9ORF72 transcript, drives an unconventional repeat-associated ATG-independent translation. This leads to the synthesis of five different dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), which are not "classical" misfolded proteins, but generate aberrant aggregation-prone unfolded conformations poorly removed by the PQC system. The DPRs accumulate into p62/SQSTM1 and ubiquitin positive inclusions. Here, we analyzed the biochemical behavior of the five DPRs in immortalized motoneurons. Our data suggest that while the DPRs are mainly processed via autophagy, this system is unable to fully clear their aggregated forms, and thus they tend to accumulate in basal conditions. Overexpression of the small heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8), which facilitates the autophagy-mediated disposal of a large variety of classical misfolded aggregation-prone proteins, significantly decreased the accumulation of most DPR insoluble species. Thus, the induction of HSPB8 might represent a valid approach to decrease DPR-mediated toxicity and maintain motoneuron viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cristofani
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
- C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Vezzoli
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cicardi
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Meroni
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Tedesco
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Messi
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Carra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Sezione di Biomedicina e Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Centro di Eccellenza sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.
- Centro Interuniversitario sulle Malattie Neurodegenerative, Università degli Studi di Firenze Roma Tor Vergata, Genova e Milano, Italy.
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141
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Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Mouse Models. NEURODEGENER DIS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72938-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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142
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Goutman SA, Chen KS, Paez-Colasante X, Feldman EL. Emerging understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 148:603-623. [PMID: 29478603 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64076-5.00039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, noncurable neurodegenerative disorder of the upper and lower motor neurons causing weakness and death within a few years of symptom onset. About 10% of patients with ALS have a family history of the disease; however, ALS-associated genetic mutations are also found in sporadic cases. There are over 100 ALS-associated mutations, and importantly, several genetic mutations, including C9ORF72, SOD1, and TARDBP, have led to mechanistic insight into this complex disease. In the clinical realm, knowledge of ALS genetics can also help explain phenotypic heterogeneity, aid in genetic counseling, and in the future may help direct treatment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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143
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Perry S, Han Y, Das A, Dickman D. Homeostatic plasticity can be induced and expressed to restore synaptic strength at neuromuscular junctions undergoing ALS-related degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:4153-4167. [PMID: 28973139 PMCID: PMC5886083 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron dysfunction and progressive weakening of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Hereditary ALS is strongly associated with variants in the human C9orf72 gene. We have characterized C9orf72 pathology at the Drosophila NMJ and utilized several approaches to restore synaptic strength in this model. First, we demonstrate a dramatic reduction in synaptic arborization and active zone number at NMJs following C9orf72 transgenic expression in motor neurons. Further, neurotransmission is similarly reduced at these synapses, consistent with severe degradation. However, despite these defects, C9orf72 synapses still retain the ability to express presynaptic homeostatic plasticity, a fundamental and adaptive form of NMJ plasticity in which perturbation to postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors leads to a retrograde enhancement in presynaptic release. Next, we show that these endogenous but dormant homeostatic mechanisms can be harnessed to restore synaptic strength despite C9orf72 pathogenesis. Finally, activation of regenerative signaling is not neuroprotective in motor neurons undergoing C9orf72 toxicity. Together, these experiments define synaptic dysfunction at NMJs experiencing ALS-related degradation and demonstrate the potential to activate latent plasticity as a novel therapeutic strategy to restore synaptic strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Perry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Yifu Han
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- USC Neuroscience Graduate Program, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Anushka Das
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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144
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Gao FB, Almeida S, Lopez-Gonzalez R. Dysregulated molecular pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorder. EMBO J 2017; 36:2931-2950. [PMID: 28916614 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201797568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the second most common form of dementia in people under 65 years of age, is characterized by progressive atrophy of the frontal and/or temporal lobes. FTD overlaps extensively with the motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), especially at the genetic level. Both FTD and ALS can be caused by many mutations in the same set of genes; the most prevalent of these mutations is a GGGGCC repeat expansion in the first intron of C9ORF72 As shown by recent intensive studies, some key cellular pathways are dysregulated in the ALS-FTD spectrum disorder, including autophagy, nucleocytoplasmic transport, DNA damage repair, pre-mRNA splicing, stress granule dynamics, and others. These exciting advances reveal the complexity of the pathogenic mechanisms of FTD and ALS and suggest promising molecular targets for future therapeutic interventions in these devastating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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145
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Abstract
For five years, since the landmark discovery of the C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in ALS/FTD, a transgenic mouse model has remained elusive. Now, two laboratories (Liu et al., 2016; Jiang et al., 2016) report the development of BAC transgenic mice that recapitulate features of the human disease.
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146
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In-depth clinico-pathological examination of RNA foci in a large cohort of C9ORF72 expansion carriers. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:255-269. [PMID: 28508101 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1725-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that a loss of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) expression, formation of dipeptide-repeat proteins, and generation of RNA foci contribute to disease pathogenesis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Although the levels of C9ORF72 transcripts and dipeptide-repeat proteins have already been examined thoroughly, much remains unknown about the role of RNA foci in C9ORF72-linked diseases. As such, we performed a comprehensive RNA foci study in an extensive pathological cohort of C9ORF72 expansion carriers (n = 63). We evaluated two brain regions using a newly developed computer-automated pipeline allowing recognition of cell nuclei and RNA foci (sense and antisense) supplemented by manual counting. In the frontal cortex, the percentage of cells with sense or antisense RNA foci was 26 or 12%, respectively. In the cerebellum, 23% of granule cells contained sense RNA foci and 1% antisense RNA foci. Interestingly, the highest percentage of cells with RNA foci was observed in cerebellar Purkinje cells (~70%). In general, more cells contained sense RNA foci than antisense RNA foci; however, when antisense RNA foci were present, they were usually more abundant. We also observed that an increase in the percentage of cells with antisense RNA foci was associated with a delayed age at onset in the frontal cortex (r = 0.43, p = 0.003), whereas no other associations with clinico-pathological features were seen. Importantly, our large-scale study is the first to provide conclusive evidence that RNA foci are not the determining factor of the clinico-pathological variability observed in C9ORF72 expansion carriers and it emphasizes that the distribution of RNA foci does not follow the pattern of neurodegeneration, stressing the complex interplay between different aspects of C9ORF72-related diseases.
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Schludi MH, Becker L, Garrett L, Gendron TF, Zhou Q, Schreiber F, Popper B, Dimou L, Strom TM, Winkelmann J, von Thaden A, Rentzsch K, May S, Michaelsen M, Schwenk BM, Tan J, Schoser B, Dieterich M, Petrucelli L, Hölter SM, Wurst W, Fuchs H, Gailus-Durner V, de Angelis MH, Klopstock T, Arzberger T, Edbauer D. Spinal poly-GA inclusions in a C9orf72 mouse model trigger motor deficits and inflammation without neuron loss. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:241-254. [PMID: 28409281 PMCID: PMC5508040 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1711-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Translation of the expanded (ggggcc)n repeat in C9orf72 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) causes abundant poly-GA inclusions. To elucidate their role in pathogenesis, we generated transgenic mice expressing codon-modified (GA)149 conjugated with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP). Transgenic mice progressively developed poly-GA inclusions predominantly in motoneurons and interneurons of the spinal cord and brain stem and in deep cerebellar nuclei. Poly-GA co-aggregated with p62, Rad23b and the newly identified Mlf2, in both mouse and patient samples. Consistent with the expression pattern, 4-month-old transgenic mice showed abnormal gait and progressive balance impairment, but showed normal hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Apart from microglia activation we detected phosphorylated TDP-43 but no neuronal loss. Thus, poly-GA triggers behavioral deficits through inflammation and protein sequestration that likely contribute to the prodromal symptoms and disease progression of C9orf72 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Schludi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Lore Becker
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lillian Garrett
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Qihui Zhou
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Schreiber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Bastian Popper
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Leda Dimou
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tim M Strom
- Institut für Humangenetik, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliane Winkelmann
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Institut für Neurogenomik, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Munich, Germany
- Neurologische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institut für Humangenetik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne von Thaden
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristin Rentzsch
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie May
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Meike Michaelsen
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin M Schwenk
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jing Tan
- Institut für Neurogenomik, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstr. 1a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Marianne Dieterich
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstr. 1a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sabine M Hölter
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Developmental Genetics, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Valerie Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabe de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Alte Akademie 8, 85354, Freising, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstr. 1a, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Arzberger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuopathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 23, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Nußbaumstraße 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for System Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Institute for Metabolic Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81337, Munich, Germany.
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148
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Schoch KM, Miller TM. Antisense Oligonucleotides: Translation from Mouse Models to Human Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neuron 2017. [PMID: 28641106 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multiple neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by single-protein dysfunction and aggregation. Treatment strategies for these diseases have often targeted downstream pathways to ameliorate consequences of protein dysfunction; however, targeting the source of that dysfunction, the affected protein itself, seems most judicious to achieve a highly effective therapeutic outcome. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are small sequences of DNA able to target RNA transcripts, resulting in reduced or modified protein expression. ASOs are ideal candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, given numerous advancements made to their chemical modifications and delivery methods. Successes achieved in both animal models and human clinical trials have proven ASOs both safe and effective. With proper considerations in mind regarding the human applicability of ASOs, we anticipate ongoing in vivo research and clinical trial development of ASOs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Timothy M Miller
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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149
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Bennion Callister J, Ryan S, Sim J, Rollinson S, Pickering-Brown SM. Modelling C9orf72 dipeptide repeat proteins of a physiologically relevant size. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 25:5069-5082. [PMID: 27798094 PMCID: PMC5886041 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
C9orf72 expansions are the most common genetic cause of FTLD and MND identified to date. Although being intronic, the expansion is translated into five different dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) that accumulate within patients' neurons. Attempts have been made to model DPRs in cell and animals. However, the majority of these use DPRs repeat numbers much shorter than those observed in patients. To address this we have generated a selection of DPR expression constructs with repeat numbers in excess of 1000 repeats, matching what is seen in patients. Small and larger DPRs produce inclusions with similar morphology but different cellular effects. We demonstrate a length dependent effect using electrophysiology with a phenotype only occurring with the longest DPRs. These data highlight the importance of using physiologically relevant repeat numbers when modelling DPRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Bennion Callister
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Ryan
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Joan Sim
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Sara Rollinson
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Stuart M Pickering-Brown
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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150
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Langseth AJ, Kim J, Ugolino JE, Shah Y, Hwang HY, Wang J, Bergles DE, Brown SP. Cell-type specific differences in promoter activity of the ALS-linked C9orf72 mouse ortholog. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5685. [PMID: 28720882 PMCID: PMC5515847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05864-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common cause of inherited forms of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mechanisms have been proposed to underlie this disease, but the pathogenic pathways are not fully understood. To better understand the involvement of different cell types in the pathogenesis of ALS, we systematically analyzed the distribution of promoter activity of the mouse ortholog of C9orf72 in the central nervous system. We demonstrate that C9orf72 promoter activity is widespread in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons as well as in oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. In contrast, few microglia and astrocytes exhibit detectable C9orf72 promoter activity. Although at a gross level, the distribution of C9orf72 promoter activity largely follows overall cellular density, we found that it is selectively enriched in subsets of neurons and glial cells that degenerate in ALS. Specifically, we show that C9orf72 promoter activity is enriched in corticospinal and spinal motor neurons as well as in oligodendrocytes in brain regions that are affected in ALS. These results suggest that cell autonomous changes in both neurons and glia may contribute to C9orf72-mediated disease, as has been shown for mutations in superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham J Langseth
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Juhyun Kim
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Janet E Ugolino
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Yajas Shah
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Ho-Yon Hwang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
| | - Solange P Brown
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
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