101
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Bugel SM, Tanguay RL, Planchart A. Zebrafish: A marvel of high-throughput biology for 21 st century toxicology. Curr Environ Health Rep 2014; 1:341-352. [PMID: 25678986 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-014-0029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionary conservation of genomic, biochemical and developmental features between zebrafish and humans is gradually coming into focus with the end result that the zebrafish embryo model has emerged as a powerful tool for uncovering the effects of environmental exposures on a multitude of biological processes with direct relevance to human health. In this review, we highlight advances in automation, high-throughput (HT) screening, and analysis that leverage the power of the zebrafish embryo model for unparalleled advances in our understanding of how chemicals in our environment affect our health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Bugel
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
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102
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Patten SA, Armstrong GAB, Lissouba A, Kabashi E, Parker JA, Drapeau P. Fishing for causes and cures of motor neuron disorders. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:799-809. [PMID: 24973750 PMCID: PMC4073270 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.015719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron disorders (MNDs) are a clinically heterogeneous group of neurological diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons, and share some common pathological pathways. Despite remarkable advances in our understanding of these diseases, no curative treatment for MNDs exists. To better understand the pathogenesis of MNDs and to help develop new treatments, the establishment of animal models that can be studied efficiently and thoroughly is paramount. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly becoming a valuable model for studying human diseases and in screening for potential therapeutics. In this Review, we highlight recent progress in using zebrafish to study the pathology of the most common MNDs: spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). These studies indicate the power of zebrafish as a model to study the consequences of disease-related genes, because zebrafish homologues of human genes have conserved functions with respect to the aetiology of MNDs. Zebrafish also complement other animal models for the study of pathological mechanisms of MNDs and are particularly advantageous for the screening of compounds with therapeutic potential. We present an overview of their potential usefulness in MND drug discovery, which is just beginning and holds much promise for future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunmoogum A Patten
- Department of Neuroscience, FRQS Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and CRCHUM, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Gary A B Armstrong
- Department of Neuroscience, FRQS Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and CRCHUM, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Alexandra Lissouba
- Department of Neuroscience, FRQS Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and CRCHUM, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Centre de Recherche, CHU Pitié-Salpétrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - J Alex Parker
- Department of Neuroscience, FRQS Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and CRCHUM, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Pierre Drapeau
- Department of Neuroscience, FRQS Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and CRCHUM, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
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103
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Babin PJ, Goizet C, Raldúa D. Zebrafish models of human motor neuron diseases: advantages and limitations. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 118:36-58. [PMID: 24705136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are an etiologically heterogeneous group of disorders of neurodegenerative origin, which result in degeneration of lower (LMNs) and/or upper motor neurons (UMNs). Neurodegenerative MNDs include pure hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), which involves specific degeneration of UMNs, leading to progressive spasticity of the lower limbs. In contrast, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) involves the specific degeneration of LMNs, with symmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult-onset MND, is characterized by the degeneration of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity. A review of the comparative neuroanatomy of the human and zebrafish motor systems showed that, while the zebrafish was a homologous model for LMN disorders, such as SMA, it was only partially relevant in the case of UMN disorders, due to the absence of corticospinal and rubrospinal tracts in its central nervous system. Even considering the limitation of this model to fully reproduce the human UMN disorders, zebrafish offer an excellent alternative vertebrate model for the molecular and genetic dissection of MND mechanisms. Its advantages include the conservation of genome and physiological processes and applicable in vivo tools, including easy imaging, loss or gain of function methods, behavioral tests to examine changes in motor activity, and the ease of simultaneous chemical/drug testing on large numbers of animals. This facilitates the assessment of the environmental origin of MNDs, alone or in combination with genetic traits and putative modifier genes. Positive hits obtained by phenotype-based small-molecule screening using zebrafish may potentially be effective drugs for treatment of human MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Babin
- Univ. Bordeaux, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), EA 4576, Talence, France.
| | - Cyril Goizet
- Univ. Bordeaux, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), EA 4576, Talence, France; CHU Bordeaux, Hôpital Pellegrin, Service de Génétique Médicale, Bordeaux, France
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104
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Scotter EL, Vance C, Nishimura AL, Lee YB, Chen HJ, Urwin H, Sardone V, Mitchell JC, Rogelj B, Rubinsztein DC, Shaw CE. Differential roles of the ubiquitin proteasome system and autophagy in the clearance of soluble and aggregated TDP-43 species. J Cell Sci 2014; 127:1263-78. [PMID: 24424030 PMCID: PMC3953816 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.140087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43, also known as TARDBP) is the major pathological protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Large TDP-43 aggregates that are decorated with degradation adaptor proteins are seen in the cytoplasm of remaining neurons in ALS and FTD patients post mortem. TDP-43 accumulation and ALS-linked mutations within degradation pathways implicate failed TDP-43 clearance as a primary disease mechanism. Here, we report the differing roles of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy in the clearance of TDP-43. We have investigated the effects of inhibitors of the UPS and autophagy on the degradation, localisation and mobility of soluble and insoluble TDP-43. We find that soluble TDP-43 is degraded primarily by the UPS, whereas the clearance of aggregated TDP-43 requires autophagy. Cellular macroaggregates, which recapitulate many of the pathological features of the aggregates in patients, are reversible when both the UPS and autophagy are functional. Their clearance involves the autophagic removal of oligomeric TDP-43. We speculate that, in addition to an age-related decline in pathway activity, a second hit in either the UPS or the autophagy pathway drives the accumulation of TDP-43 in ALS and FTD. Therapies for clearing excess TDP-43 should therefore target a combination of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Scotter
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Caroline Vance
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Agnes L. Nishimura
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Youn-Bok Lee
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Han-Jou Chen
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Hazel Urwin
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Valentina Sardone
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Department of Public Health, Neuroscience, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Jacqueline C. Mitchell
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David C. Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Christopher E. Shaw
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 1 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
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105
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Partial loss of TDP-43 function causes phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E1121-9. [PMID: 24616503 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1322641111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease that causes motor neuron degeneration, progressive motor dysfunction, paralysis, and death. Although multiple causes have been identified for this disease, >95% of ALS cases show aggregation of transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) accompanied by its nuclear depletion. Therefore, the TDP-43 pathology may be a converging point in the pathogenesis that originates from various initial triggers. The aggregation is thought to result from TDP-43 misfolding, which could generate cellular toxicity. However, the aggregation as well as the nuclear depletion could also lead to a partial loss of TDP-43 function or TDP-43 dysfunction. To investigate the impact of TDP-43 dysfunction, we generated a transgenic mouse model for a partial loss of TDP-43 function using transgenic RNAi. These mice show ubiquitous transgene expression and TDP-43 knockdown in both the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). Strikingly, these mice develop progressive neurodegeneration prominently in cortical layer V and spinal ventral horn, motor dysfunction, paralysis, and death. Furthermore, examination of splicing patterns of TDP-43 target genes in human ALS revealed changes consistent with TDP-43 dysfunction. These results suggest that the CNS, particularly motor neurons, possess a heightened vulnerability to TDP-43 dysfunction. Additionally, because TDP-43 knockdown predominantly occur in astrocytes in the spinal cord of these mice, our results suggest that TDP-43 dysfunction in astrocytes is an important driver for motor neuron degeneration and clinical phenotypes of ALS.
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106
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DuVal MG, Gilbert MJH, Watson DE, Zerulla TC, Tierney KB, Allison WT. Growth differentiation factor 6 as a putative risk factor in neuromuscular degeneration. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89183. [PMID: 24586579 PMCID: PMC3938462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation of Glass bottom boat, the Drosophila homologue of the bone morphogenetic protein or growth/differentiation factor (BMP/GDF) family of genes in vertebrates, has been shown to disrupt development of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ). Here we tested whether this same conclusion can be broadened to vertebrate BMP/GDF genes. This analysis was also extended to consider whether such genes are required for NMJ maintenance in post-larval stages, as this would argue that BMP genes are viable candidates for analysis in progressive neuromuscular disease. Zebrafish mutants harboring homozygous null mutations in the BMP-family gene gdf6a were raised to adulthood and assessed for neuromuscular deficits. Fish lacking gdf6a exhibited decreased endurance (∼50%, p = 0.005) compared to wild type, and this deficit progressively worsened with age. These fish also presented with significantly disrupted NMJ morphology (p = 0.009), and a lower abundance of spinal motor neurons (∼50%, p<0.001) compared to wild type. Noting the similarity of these symptoms to those of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) model mice and fish, we asked if mutations in gdf6a would enhance the phenotypes observed in the latter, i.e. in zebrafish over-expressing mutant Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1). Amongst younger adult fish only bigenic fish harboring both the SOD1 transgene and gdf6a mutations, but not siblings with other combinations of these gene modifications, displayed significantly reduced endurance (75%, p<0.05) and strength/power (75%, p<0.05), as well as disrupted NMJ morphology (p<0.001) compared to wild type siblings. Bigenic fish also had lower survival rates compared to other genotypes. Thus conclusions regarding a role for BMP ligands in effecting NMJ can be extended to vertebrates, supporting conservation of mechanisms relevant to neuromuscular degenerative diseases. These conclusions synergize with past findings to argue for further analysis of GDF6 and other BMP genes as modifier loci, potentially affecting susceptibility to ALS and perhaps a broader suite of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle G. DuVal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
| | | | - D. Ezekiel Watson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
| | - Tanja C. Zerulla
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
| | - Keith B. Tierney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
| | - W. Ted Allison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
- * E-mail:
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107
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TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration: towards a loss-of-function hypothesis? Trends Mol Med 2013; 20:66-71. [PMID: 24355761 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are clinically distinct fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Increasing molecular evidence indicates that both disorders are linked in a continuous spectrum (ALS-FTD spectrum). Neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions consisting of the nuclear TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are found in the large majority of patients in the ALS-FTD spectrum and dominant mutations in the TDP-43 gene cause ALS. A major unresolved question is whether TDP-43-mediated neuronal loss is caused by toxic gain of function of cytoplasmic aggregates, or by a loss of its normal function in the nucleus. Here we argue that based on recent genetic studies in worms, flies, fish, and rodents, loss of function of TDP-43, rather than toxic aggregates, is the key factor in TDP-43-related proteinopathies.
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108
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Hruscha A, Krawitz P, Rechenberg A, Heinrich V, Hecht J, Haass C, Schmid B. Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing with low off-target effects in zebrafish. Development 2013; 140:4982-7. [PMID: 24257628 DOI: 10.1242/dev.099085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gene modifications in animal models have been greatly facilitated through the application of targeted genome editing tools. The prokaryotic CRISPR/Cas9 type II genome editing system has recently been applied in cell lines and vertebrates. However, we still have very limited information about the efficiency of mutagenesis, germline transmission rates and off-target effects in genomes of model organisms. We now demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in zebrafish is highly efficient, reaching up to 86.0%, and is heritable. The efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 system further facilitated the targeted knock-in of a protein tag provided by a donor oligonucleotide with knock-in efficiencies of 3.5-15.6%. Mutation rates at potential off-target sites are only 1.1-2.5%, demonstrating the specificity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The ease and efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 system with limited off-target effects make it a powerful genome engineering tool for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hruscha
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Schillerstrasse 44, 80336 Munich, Germany
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109
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Schmid B, Haass C. Genomic editing opens new avenues for zebrafish as a model for neurodegeneration. J Neurochem 2013; 127:461-70. [PMID: 24117801 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish has become a popular model organism to study human diseases. We will highlight the advantages and limitations of zebrafish as a model organism to study neurodegenerative diseases and introduce zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and the recently established clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated system for genome editing. The efficiency of the novel genome editing tools now greatly facilitates knock-out and, importantly, also makes knock-in approaches feasible in zebrafish. Genome editing in zebrafish avoids unspecific phenotypes caused by off-target effects and toxicity as frequently seen in conventional knock-down approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Schmid
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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110
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Janssens J, Van Broeckhoven C. Pathological mechanisms underlying TDP-43 driven neurodegeneration in FTLD-ALS spectrum disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:R77-87. [PMID: 23900071 PMCID: PMC3782069 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of misfolded TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a striking hallmark of neurodegenerative processes that are observed in several neurological disorders, and in particular in most patients diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A direct causal link with TDP-43 brain proteinopathy was provided by the identification of pathogenic mutations in TARDBP, the gene encoding TDP-43, in ALS families. However, TDP-43 proteinopathy has also been observed in carriers of mutations in several other genes associated with both ALS and FTLD demonstrating a key role for TDP-43 in neurodegeneration. To date, and despite substantial research into the biology of TDP-43, its functioning in normal brain and in neurodegeneration processes remains largely elusive. Nonetheless, breakthroughs using cellular and animal models have provided valuable insights into ALS and FTLD pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence has redirected the research focus towards a major role for impaired RNA metabolism and protein homeostasis. At the same time, the concept that toxic TDP-43 protein aggregates promote neurodegeneration is losing its credibility. This review aims at highlighting and discussing the current knowledge on TDP-43 driven pathomechanisms leading to neurodegeneration as observed in TDP-43 proteinopathies. Based on the complexity of the associated neurological diseases, a clear understanding of the essential pathological modifications will be crucial for further therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Janssens
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Van Broeckhoven
- Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group, Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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111
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Liu YC, Chiang PM, Tsai KJ. Disease animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy and their pre-clinical applications. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:20079-111. [PMID: 24113586 PMCID: PMC3821604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141020079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemperal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two common neurodegenerative diseases. TDP-43 is considered to be a major disease protein in FTLD/ALS, but it’s exact role in the pathogenesis and the effective treatments remains unknown. To address this question and to determine a potential treatment for FTLD/ALS, the disease animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy have been established. TDP-43 proteinopathy is the histologic feature of FTLD/ALS and is associated with disease progression. Studies on the disease animal models with TDP-43 proteinopathy and their pre-clinical applications are reviewed and summarized. Through these disease animal models, parts of TDP-43 functions in physiological and pathological conditions will be better understood and possible treatments for FTLD/ALS with TDP-43 proteinopathy may be identified for possible clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Liu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.L.); (P.-M.C.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Po-Min Chiang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.L.); (P.-M.C.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Jer Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.L.); (P.-M.C.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 4254); Fax: +886-6-275-8731
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112
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Diaper DC, Adachi Y, Lazarou L, Greenstein M, Simoes FA, Di Domenico A, Solomon DA, Lowe S, Alsubaie R, Cheng D, Buckley S, Humphrey DM, Shaw CE, Hirth F. Drosophila TDP-43 dysfunction in glia and muscle cells cause cytological and behavioural phenotypes that characterize ALS and FTLD. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:3883-93. [PMID: 23727833 PMCID: PMC3766182 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by cytoplasmic aggregates and nuclear clearance of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Studies in Drosophila, zebrafish and mouse demonstrate that the neuronal dysfunction of TDP-43 is causally related to disease formation. However, TDP-43 aggregates are also observed in glia and muscle cells, which are equally affected in ALS and FTLD; yet, it is unclear whether glia- or muscle-specific dysfunction of TDP-43 contributes to pathogenesis. Here, we show that similar to its human homologue, Drosophila TDP-43, Tar DNA-binding protein homologue (TBPH), is expressed in glia and muscle cells. Muscle-specific knockdown of TBPH causes age-related motor abnormalities, whereas muscle-specific gain of function leads to sarcoplasmic aggregates and nuclear TBPH depletion, which is accompanied by behavioural deficits and premature lethality. TBPH dysfunction in glia cells causes age-related motor deficits and premature lethality. In addition, both loss and gain of Drosophila TDP-43 alter mRNA expression levels of the glutamate transporters Excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) and EAAT2. Taken together, our results demonstrate that both loss and gain of TDP-43 function in muscle and glial cells can lead to cytological and behavioural phenotypes in Drosophila that also characterize ALS and FTLD and identify the glutamate transporters EAAT1/2 as potential direct targets of TDP-43 function. These findings suggest that together with neuronal pathology, glial- and muscle-specific TDP-43 dysfunction may directly contribute to the aetiology and progression of TDP-43-related ALS and FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher E. Shaw
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, MRC Centre for Neurodegeneration Research, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Frank Hirth
- Department of Neuroscience and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, PO Box 37, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF London, UK. Tel: +44 2078480786; Fax: +44 2077080017;
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113
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Misgeld T, Lichtenthaler SF, Dichgans M. Between new genetic discoveries and large randomized trials--neurological research in the era of systems medicine. EMBO Rep 2013; 14:489-92. [PMID: 23670197 PMCID: PMC3674454 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2013.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2012 Eibsee meeting on 'Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration' addressed the need to integrate research on classical neurodegenerative mechanisms with investigations that relate to the immunological, glial and vascular sequels that accompany and often propagate neuronal injury. We report on the central topics that were addressed and discuss future directions towards establishing 'systems neurology' as a new integrated research field.
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114
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Bentmann E, Haass C, Dormann D. Stress granules in neurodegeneration - lessons learnt from TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa and fused in sarcoma. FEBS J 2013; 280:4348-70. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bentmann
- Adolf Butenandt Institute; Department of Biochemistry; Ludwig Maximilians University; Munich Germany
| | - Christian Haass
- Adolf Butenandt Institute; Department of Biochemistry; Ludwig Maximilians University; Munich Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE); Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy); Munich Germany
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- Adolf Butenandt Institute; Department of Biochemistry; Ludwig Maximilians University; Munich Germany
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