101
|
Banerjee S, Benji S, Liberow S, Steinhauer J. Using Drosophila melanogaster To Discover Human Disease Genes: An Educational Primer for Use with "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Modifiers in Drosophila Reveal the Phospholipase D Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Target". Genetics 2020; 216:633-641. [PMID: 33158986 PMCID: PMC7648582 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the dawn of the 20th century, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a model organism to understand the nature of genes and how they control development, behavior, and physiology. One of the most powerful experimental approaches employed in Drosophila is the forward genetic screen. In the 21st century, genome-wide screens have become popular tools for identifying evolutionarily conserved genes involved in complex human diseases. In the accompanying article "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Modifiers in Drosophila Reveal thePhospholipase DPathway as a Potential Therapeutic Target," Kankel and colleagues describe a forward genetic modifier screen to discover factors that contribute to the severe neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This primer briefly traces the history of genetic screens in Drosophila and introduces students to ALS. We then provide a set of guided reading questions to help students work through the data presented in the research article. Finally, several ideas for literature-based research projects are offered as opportunities for students to expand their appreciation of the potential scope of genetic screens. The primer is intended to help students and instructors thoroughly examine a current study that uses forward genetics in Drosophila to identify human disease genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Liberow
- Biology Department, Yeshiva University, New York 10033
| | | |
Collapse
|
102
|
Ogienko AA, Andreyeva EN, Omelina ES, Oshchepkova AL, Pindyurin AV. Molecular and cytological analysis of widely-used Gal4 driver lines for Drosophila neurobiology. BMC Genet 2020; 21:96. [PMID: 33092520 PMCID: PMC7583314 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00895-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Drosophila central nervous system (CNS) is a convenient model system for the study of the molecular mechanisms of conserved neurobiological processes. The manipulation of gene activity in specific cell types and subtypes of the Drosophila CNS is frequently achieved by employing the binary Gal4/UAS system. However, many Gal4 driver lines available from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center (BDSC) and commonly used in Drosophila neurobiology are still not well characterized. Among these are three lines with Gal4 driven by the elav promoter (BDSC #8760, #8765, and #458), one line with Gal4 driven by the repo promoter (BDSC #7415), and the 69B-Gal4 line (BDSC #1774). For most of these lines, the exact insertion sites of the transgenes and the detailed expression patterns of Gal4 are not known. This study is aimed at filling these gaps. Results We have mapped the genomic location of the Gal4-bearing P-elements carried by the BDSC lines #8760, #8765, #458, #7415, and #1774. In addition, for each of these lines, we have analyzed the Gal4-driven GFP expression pattern in the third instar larval CNS and eye-antennal imaginal discs. Localizations of the endogenous Elav and Repo proteins were used as markers of neuronal and glial cells, respectively. Conclusions We provide a mini-atlas of the spatial activity of Gal4 drivers that are widely used for the expression of UAS–target genes in the Drosophila CNS. The data will be helpful for planning experiments with these drivers and for the correct interpretation of the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Ogienko
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Evgeniya N Andreyeva
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Evgeniya S Omelina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Anastasiya L Oshchepkova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Alexey V Pindyurin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia. .,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
103
|
Martelli F, Zhongyuan Z, Wang J, Wong CO, Karagas NE, Roessner U, Rupasinghe T, Venkatachalam K, Perry T, Bellen HJ, Batterham P. Low doses of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid induce ROS triggering neurological and metabolic impairments in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25840-25850. [PMID: 32989137 PMCID: PMC7568275 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011828117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining insect population sizes are provoking grave concern around the world as insects play essential roles in food production and ecosystems. Environmental contamination by intense insecticide usage is consistently proposed as a significant contributor, among other threats. Many studies have demonstrated impacts of low doses of insecticides on insect behavior, but have not elucidated links to insecticidal activity at the molecular and cellular levels. Here, the histological, physiological, and behavioral impacts of imidacloprid are investigated in Drosophila melanogaster, an experimental organism exposed to insecticides in the field. We show that oxidative stress is a key factor in the mode of action of this insecticide at low doses. Imidacloprid produces an enduring flux of Ca2+ into neurons and a rapid increase in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the larval brain. It affects mitochondrial function, energy levels, the lipid environment, and transcriptomic profiles. Use of RNAi to induce ROS production in the brain recapitulates insecticide-induced phenotypes in the metabolic tissues, indicating that a signal from neurons is responsible. Chronic low level exposures in adults lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, severe damage to glial cells, and impaired vision. The potent antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), reduces the severity of a number of the imidacloprid-induced phenotypes, indicating a causal role for oxidative stress. Given that other insecticides are known to generate oxidative stress, this research has wider implications. The systemic impairment of several key biological functions, including vision, reported here would reduce the resilience of insects facing other environmental challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Martelli
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Zuo Zhongyuan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Julia Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ching-On Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102
| | - Nicholas E Karagas
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ute Roessner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Thusitha Rupasinghe
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Kartik Venkatachalam
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Trent Perry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Philip Batterham
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
104
|
Sellin J, Fülle JB, Thiele C, Bauer R, Bülow MH. Free fatty acid determination as a tool for modeling metabolic diseases in Drosophila. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 126:104090. [PMID: 32730782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free or non-esterified fatty acids are the product of lipolysis of storage fat, i.e. triacylglyceroles. When the amount of fat exceeds the capacity of lipid-storing organs, free fatty acids affect and damage other non-lipid-storing organs. This process is termed lipotoxicity. Within a cell, free fatty acids can damage mitochondria, and lipotoxicity-induced mitochondrial damage has been associated recently with Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disorders. Drosophila melanogaster has a rising popularity as a model organism for metabolic diseases, but an optimized assay for measuring free fatty acids in Drosophila tissue samples is missing. Here we present a detailed protocol highlighting technical requirements and pitfalls to determine free fatty acids in samples of Drosophila tissue. The colorimetric assay allows the reproducible and cost-efficient measurement of free fatty acids in a 96 well plate format. We used our assay to determine changes in free fatty acid levels in different developmental stages and feeding conditions, and found that larvae and adults have different patterns of free fatty acid formation during starvation. Our assay is a valuable tool in the modeling of metabolic diseases with Drosophila melanogaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sellin
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Molecular Developmental Biology, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Judith B Fülle
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Skin Research Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos #06-06, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christoph Thiele
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Biochemistry & Cell Biology of Lipids, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Molecular Developmental Biology, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Margret H Bülow
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Molecular Developmental Biology, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
105
|
Otte CG, Fortuna TR, Mann JR, Gleixner AM, Ramesh N, Pyles NJ, Pandey UB, Donnelly CJ. Optogenetic TDP-43 nucleation induces persistent insoluble species and progressive motor dysfunction in vivo. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 146:105078. [PMID: 32927062 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is a predominantly nuclear DNA/RNA binding protein that is often mislocalized into insoluble cytoplasmic inclusions in post-mortem patient tissue in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The underlying causes of TDP-43 proteinopathies remain unclear, but recent studies indicate the formation of these protein assemblies is driven by aberrant phase transitions of RNA deficient TDP-43. Technical limitations have prevented our ability to understand how TDP-43 proteinopathy relates to disease pathogenesis. Current animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy often rely on overexpression of wild-type TDP-43 to non-physiological levels that may initiate neurotoxicity through nuclear gain of function mechanisms, or by the expression of disease-causing mutations found in only a fraction of ALS patients. New technologies allowing for light-responsive control of subcellular protein crowding provide a promising approach to drive intracellular protein aggregation, as we have previously demonstrated in vitro. Here we present a model for the optogenetic induction of TDP-43 proteinopathy in Drosophila that recapitulates key features of patient pathology, including detergent insoluble cytoplamsic inclusions and progressive motor dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlton G Otte
- Physician Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, United States of America
| | - Tyler R Fortuna
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Jacob R Mann
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Center for Protein Conformational Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, United States of America
| | - Amanda M Gleixner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Center for Protein Conformational Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, United States of America
| | - Nandini Ramesh
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Noah J Pyles
- Physician Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, United States of America
| | - Udai B Pandey
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Center for Protein Conformational Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Physician Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States of America; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; Center for Protein Conformational Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, United States of America; LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
106
|
Panchal K, Tiwari AK. Miro, a Rho GTPase genetically interacts with Alzheimer's disease-associated genes ( Tau, Aβ42 and Appl) in Drosophila melanogaster. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio049569. [PMID: 32747449 PMCID: PMC7489762 DOI: 10.1242/bio.049569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Miro (mitochondrial Rho GTPases), a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, facilitates mitochondrial axonal transport along the microtubules to facilitate neuronal function. It plays an important role in regulating mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission) and cellular energy generation. Thus, Miro might be associated with the key pathologies of several neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present manuscript, we have demonstrated the possible genetic interaction between Miro and AD-related genes such as Tau, Aβ42 and Appl in Drosophila melanogaster Ectopic expression of Tau, Aβ42 and Appl induced a rough eye phenotype, defects in phototaxis and climbing activity, and shortened lifespan in the flies. In our study, we have observed that overexpression of Miro improves the rough eye phenotype, behavioral activities (climbing and phototaxis) and ATP level in AD model flies. Further, the improvement examined in AD-related phenotypes was correlated with decreased oxidative stress, cell death and neurodegeneration in Miro overexpressing AD model flies. Thus, the obtained results suggested that Miro genetically interacts with AD-related genes in Drosophila and has the potential to be used as a therapeutic target for the design of therapeutic strategies for NDs.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komal Panchal
- Genetics and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382426, India
| | - Anand Krishna Tiwari
- Genetics and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382426, India
| |
Collapse
|
107
|
Bertrand M, Decoville M, Meudal H, Birman S, Landon C. Metabolomic Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies at Presymptomatic and Symptomatic Stages of Huntington’s Disease on a Drosophila Model. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:4034-4045. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marylène Bertrand
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CBM, UPR 4301, CNRS, Rue Charles SADRON, F-45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
| | - Martine Decoville
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CBM, UPR 4301, CNRS, Rue Charles SADRON, F-45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
- University of Orléans, 6 Avenue du Parc Floral, F-45100 Orléans, France
| | - Hervé Meudal
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CBM, UPR 4301, CNRS, Rue Charles SADRON, F-45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
| | - Serge Birman
- GCRN Team, Brain Plasticity Unit, UMR 8249, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Céline Landon
- Center for Molecular Biophysics, CBM, UPR 4301, CNRS, Rue Charles SADRON, F-45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
| |
Collapse
|
108
|
Yalgin C, Rovenko B, Andjelković A, Neefjes M, Oymak B, Dufour E, Hietakangas V, Jacobs HT. Effects on Dopaminergic Neurons Are Secondary in COX-Deficient Locomotor Dysfunction in Drosophila. iScience 2020; 23:101362. [PMID: 32738610 PMCID: PMC7394922 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons have been implicated as key targets in neurological disorders, notably those involving locomotor impairment, and are considered to be highly vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction, a common feature of such diseases. Here we investigated a Drosophila model of locomotor disorders in which functional impairment is brought about by pan-neuronal RNAi knockdown of subunit COX7A of cytochrome oxidase (COX). Despite minimal neuronal loss by apoptosis, the expression and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase was decreased by half. Surprisingly, COX7A knockdown specifically targeted to DA neurons did not produce locomotor defect. Instead, using various drivers, we found that COX7A knockdown in specific groups of cholinergic and glutamatergic neurons underlay the phenotype. Based on our main finding, the vulnerability of DA neurons to mitochondrial dysfunction as a cause of impaired locomotion in other organisms, including mammals, warrants detailed investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cagri Yalgin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, FI-33014 Tampere University, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bohdana Rovenko
- Institute of Biotechnology, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ana Andjelković
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, FI-33014 Tampere University, Finland
| | - Margot Neefjes
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, FI-33014 Tampere University, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Burak Oymak
- Institute of Biotechnology, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eric Dufour
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, FI-33014 Tampere University, Finland
| | - Ville Hietakangas
- Institute of Biotechnology, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Howard T Jacobs
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, FI-33014 Tampere University, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
109
|
Dabool L, Hakim-Mishnaevski K, Juravlev L, Flint-Brodsly N, Mandel S, Kurant E. Drosophila Skp1 Homologue SkpA Plays a Neuroprotective Role in Adult Brain. iScience 2020; 23:101375. [PMID: 32739834 PMCID: PMC7399183 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Skp1, a component of the ubiquitin E3 ligases, was found to be decreased in the brains of sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and its overexpression prevented death of murine neurons in culture. Here we expose the neuroprotective role of the Drosophila skp1 homolog, skpA, in the adult brain. Neuronal knockdown of skpA leads to accumulation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates and loss of dopaminergic neurons accompanied by motor dysfunction and reduced lifespan. Conversely, neuronal overexpression of skpA reduces aggregate load, improves age-related motor decline, and prolongs lifespan. Moreover, SkpA rescues neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of PD. We also show that a Drosophila homolog of FBXO7, the F Box protein, Nutcracker (Ntc), works in the same pathway with SkpA. However, skpA overexpression rescues ntc knockdown phenotype, suggesting that SkpA interacts with additional F box proteins in the adult brain neurons. Collectively, our study discloses Skp1/SkpA as a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. SkpA-mediated protein degradation is required for normal function of the adult brain SkpA overexpression rescues neurodegeneration in α-synuclein-induced fly PD model SkpA and Ntc work in the same pathway of protein degradation in adult brain neurons
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lital Dabool
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Mount Carmel, Haifa 34988-38, Israel; The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Ketty Hakim-Mishnaevski
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Mount Carmel, Haifa 34988-38, Israel
| | - Liza Juravlev
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Mount Carmel, Haifa 34988-38, Israel
| | - Naama Flint-Brodsly
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Mount Carmel, Haifa 34988-38, Israel
| | - Silvia Mandel
- The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Estee Kurant
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Mount Carmel, Haifa 34988-38, Israel; The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
110
|
Tsurumi A, Li WX. Aging mechanisms-A perspective mostly from Drosophila. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2020; 1:e10026. [PMID: 36619249 PMCID: PMC9744567 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.10026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A mechanistic understanding of the natural aging process, which is distinct from aging-related disease mechanisms, is essential for developing interventions to extend lifespan or healthspan. Here, we discuss current trends in aging research and address conceptual and experimental challenges in the field. We examine various molecular markers implicated in aging with an emphasis on the role of heterochromatin and epigenetic changes. Studies in model organisms have been advantageous in elucidating conserved genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and assessing interventions that affect aging. We highlight the use of Drosophila, which allows controlled studies for evaluating genetic and environmental contributors to aging conveniently. Finally, we propose the use of novel methodologies and future strategies using Drosophila in aging research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Tsurumi
- Department of SurgeryMassachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA,Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA,Shriners Hospitals for Children‐Boston®BostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Willis X. Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California at San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
111
|
Catalani E, Bongiorni S, Taddei AR, Mezzetti M, Silvestri F, Coazzoli M, Zecchini S, Giovarelli M, Perrotta C, De Palma C, Clementi E, Ceci M, Prantera G, Cervia D. Defects of full-length dystrophin trigger retinal neuron damage and synapse alterations by disrupting functional autophagy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1615-1636. [PMID: 32749504 PMCID: PMC7904721 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03598-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophin (dys) mutations predispose Duchenne muscular disease (DMD) patients to brain and retinal complications. Although different dys variants, including long dys products, are expressed in the retina, their function is largely unknown. We investigated the putative role of full-length dystrophin in the homeostasis of neuro-retina and its impact on synapsis stabilization and cell fate. Retinas of mdx mice, the most used DMD model which does not express the 427-KDa dys protein (Dp427), showed overlapped cell death and impaired autophagy. Apoptotic neurons in the outer plexiform/inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer had an impaired autophagy with accumulated autophagosomes. The autophagy dysfunction localized at photoreceptor axonal terminals and bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells. The absence of Dp427 does not cause a severe phenotype but alters the neuronal architecture, compromising mainly the pre-synaptic photoreceptor terminals and their post-synaptic sites. The analysis of two dystrophic mutants of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the homozygous DysE17 and DysEP3397, lacking functional large-isoforms of dystrophin-like protein, revealed rhabdomere degeneration. Structural damages were evident in the internal network of retina/lamina where photoreceptors make the first synapse. Both accumulated autophagosomes and apoptotic features were detected and the visual system was functionally impaired. The reactivation of the autophagosome turnover by rapamycin prevented neuronal cell death and structural changes of mutant flies and, of interest, sustained autophagy ameliorated their response to light. Overall, these findings indicate that functional full-length dystrophin is required for synapsis stabilization and neuronal survival of the retina, allowing also proper autophagy as a prerequisite for physiological cell fate and visual properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvia Bongiorni
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Taddei
- Section of Electron Microscopy, Great Equipment Center, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marta Mezzetti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Federica Silvestri
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marco Coazzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy
| | - Clara De Palma
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Vanvitelli 32, 20129 , Milano, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital "Luigi Sacco"-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy
- Scientific Institute IRCCS "Eugenio Medea", via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842, Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy
| | - Marcello Ceci
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Prantera
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
112
|
Mariano V, Achsel T, Bagni C, Kanellopoulos AK. Modelling Learning and Memory in Drosophila to Understand Intellectual Disabilities. Neuroscience 2020; 445:12-30. [PMID: 32730949 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a large number of conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome, among others. They are characterized by limitations in adaptive and social behaviors, as well as intellectual disability (ID). Whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing studies have highlighted a large number of NDD/ID risk genes. To dissect the genetic causes and underlying biological pathways, in vivo experimental validation of the effects of these mutations is needed. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an ideal model to study NDDs, with highly tractable genetics, combined with simple behavioral and circuit assays, permitting rapid medium-throughput screening of NDD/ID risk genes. Here, we review studies where the use of well-established assays to study mechanisms of learning and memory in Drosophila has permitted insights into molecular mechanisms underlying IDs. We discuss how technologies in the fly model, combined with a high degree of molecular and physiological conservation between flies and mammals, highlight the Drosophila system as an ideal model to study neurodevelopmental disorders, from genetics to behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Mariano
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
113
|
Saikumar J, Byrns CN, Hemphill M, Meaney DF, Bonini NM. Dynamic neural and glial responses of a head-specific model for traumatic brain injury in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:17269-17277. [PMID: 32611818 PMCID: PMC7382229 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2003909117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the strongest environmental risk factor for the accelerated development of neurodegenerative diseases. There are currently no therapeutics to address this due to lack of insight into mechanisms of injury progression, which are challenging to study in mammalian models. Here, we have developed and extensively characterized a head-specific approach to TBI in Drosophila, a powerful genetic system that shares many conserved genes and pathways with humans. The Drosophila TBI (dTBI) device inflicts mild, moderate, or severe brain trauma by precise compression of the head using a piezoelectric actuator. Head-injured animals display features characteristic of mammalian TBI, including severity-dependent ataxia, life span reduction, and brain degeneration. Severe dTBI is associated with cognitive decline and transient glial dysfunction, and stimulates antioxidant, proteasome, and chaperone activity. Moreover, genetic or environmental augmentation of the stress response protects from severe dTBI-induced brain degeneration and life span deficits. Together, these findings present a tunable, head-specific approach for TBI in Drosophila that recapitulates mammalian injury phenotypes and underscores the ability of the stress response to mitigate TBI-induced brain degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janani Saikumar
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - China N Byrns
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Matthew Hemphill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - David F Meaney
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Nancy M Bonini
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104;
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| |
Collapse
|
114
|
Reactive Species in Huntington Disease: Are They Really the Radicals You Want to Catch? Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9070577. [PMID: 32630706 PMCID: PMC7401865 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9070577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative condition and one of the so-called rare or minority diseases, due to its low prevalence (affecting 1–10 of every 100,000 people in western countries). The causative gene, HTT, encodes huntingtin, a protein with a yet unknown function. Mutant huntingtin causes a range of phenotypes, including oxidative stress and the activation of microglia and astrocytes, which leads to chronic inflammation of the brain. Although substantial efforts have been made to find a cure for HD, there is currently no medical intervention able to stop or even delay progression of the disease. Among the many targets of therapeutic intervention, oxidative stress and inflammation have been extensively studied and some clinical trials have been promoted to target them. In the present work, we review the basic research on oxidative stress in HD and the strategies used to fight it. Many of the strategies to reduce the phenotypes associated with oxidative stress have produced positive results, yet no substantial functional recovery has been observed in animal models or patients with the disease. We discuss possible explanations for this and suggest potential ways to overcome it.
Collapse
|
115
|
Zhao M, Kao CS, Arndt C, Tran DD, Cho WI, Maksimovic K, Chen XXL, Khan M, Zhu H, Qiao J, Peng K, Hong J, Xu J, Kim D, Kim JR, Lee J, van Bruggen R, Yoon WH, Park J. Knockdown of genes involved in axonal transport enhances the toxicity of human neuromuscular disease-linked MATR3 mutations in Drosophila. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2800-2818. [PMID: 32515490 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the nuclear matrix protein Matrin 3 (MATR3) have been identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myopathy. To investigate the mechanisms underlying MATR3 mutations in neuromuscular diseases and efficiently screen for modifiers of MATR3 toxicity, we generated transgenic MATR3 flies. Our findings indicate that expression of wild-type or mutant MATR3 in motor neurons reduces climbing ability and lifespan of flies, while their expression in indirect flight muscles (IFM) results in abnormal wing positioning and muscle degeneration. In both motor neurons and IFM, mutant MATR3 expression results in more severe phenotypes than wild-type MATR3, demonstrating that the disease-linked mutations confer pathogenicity. We conducted a targeted candidate screen for modifiers of the MATR3 abnormal wing phenotype and identified multiple enhancers involved in axonal transport. Knockdown of these genes enhanced protein levels and insolubility of mutant MATR3. These results suggest that accumulation of mutant MATR3 contributes to toxicity and implicate axonal transport dysfunction in disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melody Zhao
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ching Serena Kao
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Claudia Arndt
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Duc Tran
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Woo In Cho
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katarina Maksimovic
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Xiao Xiao Lily Chen
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mashiat Khan
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hongxian Zhu
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia Qiao
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kailong Peng
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jingyao Hong
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jialu Xu
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Deanna Kim
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jihye Rachel Kim
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jooyun Lee
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rebekah van Bruggen
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wan Hee Yoon
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jeehye Park
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
116
|
Yon M, Decoville M, Sarou-Kanian V, Fayon F, Birman S. Spatially-resolved metabolic profiling of living Drosophila in neurodegenerative conditions using 1H magic angle spinning NMR. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9516. [PMID: 32528106 PMCID: PMC7289880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila flies are versatile animal models for the study of gene mutations in neuronal pathologies. Their small size allows performing in vivo Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) experiments to obtain high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. Here, we use spatially-resolved 1H high-resolution MAS NMR to investigate in vivo metabolite contents in different segments of the fly body. A comparative study of metabolic changes was performed for three neurodegenerative disorders: two cell-specific neuronal and glial models of Huntington disease (HD) and a model of glutamate excitotoxicity. It is shown that these pathologies are characterized by specific and sometimes anatomically localized variations in metabolite concentrations. In two cases, the modifications of 1H MAS NMR spectra localized in fly heads were significant enough to allow the creation of a predictive model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Yon
- CEMHTI UPR3079, CNRS, Université d'Orléans, F-45071, Orléans, France
| | | | | | - Franck Fayon
- CEMHTI UPR3079, CNRS, Université d'Orléans, F-45071, Orléans, France
| | - Serge Birman
- GCRN-LPC UMR8249, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, F-75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
117
|
The distinctive role of tau and amyloid beta in mitochondrial dysfunction through alteration in Mfn2 and Drp1 mRNA Levels: A comparative study in Drosophila melanogaster. Gene 2020; 754:144854. [PMID: 32525045 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregation of Aβ42 and hyperphosphorylated tau are two major hallmarks of AD. Whether different forms of tau (soluble or hyperphosphorylated) or Aβ are the main culprit in the events observed in AD is still under investigation. Here, we examined the effect of wild-type, prone to hyperphosphorylation and hyperphosphorylated tau, and also Aβ42 peptide on the brain antioxidant defense system and two mitochondrial genes, Marf (homologous to human MFN2) and Drp1 involved in mitochondrial dynamics in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster. AD is an age associated disease. Therefore, the activity of antioxidant agents, CAT, SOD, and GSH levels and the mRNA levels of Marf and Drp1 were assessed in different time points of the flies lifespan. Reduction in cognitive function and antioxidant activity was observed in all transgenic flies at any time point. The most and the least effect on the eye phenotype was exerted by hyperphosphorylated tau and Aβ42, respectively. In addition, the most remarkable alteration in Marf and Drp1 mRNA levels was observed in transgenic flies expressing hyperphosphorylated tau when pan neuronal expression of transgenes was applied. However, when the disease causing gene expression was confined to the mushroom body, Marf and Drp1 mRNA levels alteration was more prominent in tauWT and tauE14 transgenic flies, respectively. In conclusion, in spite of antioxidant deficiency caused by different types of tau and Aβ42, it seems that tau exerts more toxic effect on the eye phenotype and mitochondrial genes regulation (Marf and Drp1). Moreover, different mechanisms seem to be involved in mitochondrial genes dysregulation when Aβ or various forms of tau are expressed.
Collapse
|
118
|
Perry S, Goel P, Tran NL, Pinales C, Buser C, Miller DL, Ganetzky B, Dickman D. Developmental arrest of Drosophila larvae elicits presynaptic depression and enables prolonged studies of neurodegeneration. Development 2020; 147:dev.186312. [PMID: 32345746 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Synapses exhibit an astonishing degree of adaptive plasticity in healthy and disease states. We have investigated whether synapses also adjust to life stages imposed by novel developmental programs for which they were never molded by evolution. Under conditions in which Drosophila larvae are terminally arrested, we have characterized synaptic growth, structure and function at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Although wild-type larvae transition to pupae after 5 days, arrested third instar (ATI) larvae persist for 35 days, during which time NMJs exhibit extensive overgrowth in muscle size, presynaptic release sites and postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Remarkably, despite this exuberant growth, stable neurotransmission is maintained throughout the ATI lifespan through a potent homeostatic reduction in presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Arrest of the larval stage in stathmin mutants also reveals a degree of progressive instability and neurodegeneration that was not apparent during the typical larval period. Hence, an adaptive form of presynaptic depression stabilizes neurotransmission during an extended developmental period of unconstrained synaptic growth. More generally, the ATI manipulation provides a powerful system for studying neurodegeneration and plasticity across prolonged developmental timescales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Perry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nancy L Tran
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel L Miller
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA
| | - Barry Ganetzky
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
119
|
Presynaptic Homeostasis Opposes Disease Progression in Mouse Models of ALS-Like Degeneration: Evidence for Homeostatic Neuroprotection. Neuron 2020; 107:95-111.e6. [PMID: 32380032 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Progressive synapse loss is an inevitable and insidious part of age-related neurodegenerative disease. Typically, synapse loss precedes symptoms of cognitive and motor decline. This suggests the existence of compensatory mechanisms that can temporarily counteract the effects of ongoing neurodegeneration. Here, we demonstrate that presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP) is induced at degenerating neuromuscular junctions, mediated by an evolutionarily conserved activity of presynaptic ENaC channels in both Drosophila and mouse. To assess the consequence of eliminating PHP in a mouse model of ALS-like degeneration, we generated a motoneuron-specific deletion of Scnn1a, encoding the ENaC channel alpha subunit. We show that Scnn1a is essential for PHP without adversely affecting baseline neural function or lifespan. However, Scnn1a knockout in a degeneration-causing mutant background accelerated motoneuron loss and disease progression to twice the rate observed in littermate controls with intact PHP. We propose a model of neuroprotective homeostatic plasticity, extending organismal lifespan and health span.
Collapse
|
120
|
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Modifiers in Drosophila Reveal the Phospholipase D Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Target. Genetics 2020; 215:747-766. [PMID: 32345615 PMCID: PMC7337071 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder lacking effective treatments. ALS pathology is linked to mutations in several different genes indicating... Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder lacking effective treatments. ALS pathology is linked to mutations in >20 different genes indicating a complex underlying genetic architecture that is effectively unknown. Here, in an attempt to identify genes and pathways for potential therapeutic intervention and explore the genetic circuitry underlying Drosophila models of ALS, we carry out two independent genome-wide screens for modifiers of degenerative phenotypes associated with the expression of transgenic constructs carrying familial ALS-causing alleles of FUS (hFUSR521C) and TDP-43 (hTDP-43M337V). We uncover a complex array of genes affecting either or both of the two strains, and investigate their activities in additional ALS models. Our studies indicate the pathway that governs phospholipase D activity as a major modifier of ALS-related phenotypes, a notion supported by data we generated in mice and others collected in humans.
Collapse
|
121
|
Bolus H, Crocker K, Boekhoff-Falk G, Chtarbanova S. Modeling Neurodegenerative Disorders in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3055. [PMID: 32357532 PMCID: PMC7246467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful genetic model system in which to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss recent progress in Drosophila modeling Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease, Ataxia Telangiectasia, and neurodegeneration related to mitochondrial dysfunction or traumatic brain injury. We close by discussing recent progress using Drosophila models of neural regeneration and how these are likely to provide critical insights into future treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harris Bolus
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA;
| | - Kassi Crocker
- Genetics Graduate Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Grace Boekhoff-Falk
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
122
|
Ibrahim RB, Yeh SY, Lin KP, Ricardo F, Yu TY, Chan CC, Tsai JW, Liu YT. Cellular secretion and cytotoxicity of transthyretin mutant proteins underlie late-onset amyloidosis and neurodegeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1421-1434. [PMID: 31728576 PMCID: PMC11105042 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a progressive life-threatening disease characterized by the deposition of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils. Several pathogenic variants have been shown to destabilize TTR tetramers, leading to aggregation of misfolded TTR fibrils. However, factors that underlie the differential age of disease onset amongst amyloidogenic TTR variants remain elusive. Here, we examined the biological properties of various TTR mutations and found that the cellular secretory pattern of the wild-type (WT) TTR was similar to those of the late-onset mutant (Ala97Ser, p. Ala117Ser), stable mutant (Thr119Met, p. Thr139Met), early-onset mutant (Val30Met, p. Val50Met), but not in the unstable mutant (Asp18Gly, p. Asp38Gly). Cytotoxicity assays revealed their toxicities in the order of Val30Met > Ala97Ser > WT > Thr119Met in neuroblastoma cells. Surprisingly, while early-onset amyloidogenic TTR monomers (M-TTRs) are retained by the endoplasmic reticulum quality control (ERQC), late-onset amyloidogenic M-TTRs can be secreted extracellularly. Treatment of thapsigargin (Tg) to activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) alleviates Ala97Ser M-TTR secretion. Interestingly, Ala97Ser TTR overexpression in Drosophila causes late-onset fast neurodegeneration and a relatively short lifespan, recapitulating human disease progression. Our study demonstrates that the escape of TTR monomers from the ERQC may underlie late-onset amyloidogenesis in patients and suggests that targeting ERQC could mitigate late-onset ATTR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ridwan Babatunde Ibrahim
- Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Yu Yeh
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kon-Ping Lin
- Division of Peripheral Neuropathy, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Frans Ricardo
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsyr-Yan Yu
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chiang Chan
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Wu Tsai
- Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.
| | - Yo-Tsen Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
123
|
Gogia N, Sarkar A, Mehta AS, Ramesh N, Deshpande P, Kango-Singh M, Pandey UB, Singh A. Inactivation of Hippo and cJun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signaling mitigate FUS mediated neurodegeneration in vivo. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 140:104837. [PMID: 32199908 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons in the central nervous system, has no known cure to-date. Disease causing mutations in human Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) leads to aggressive and juvenile onset of ALS. FUS is a well-conserved protein across different species, which plays a crucial role in regulating different aspects of RNA metabolism. Targeted misexpression of FUS in Drosophila model recapitulates several interesting phenotypes relevant to ALS including cytoplasmic mislocalization, defects at the neuromuscular junction and motor dysfunction. We screened for the genetic modifiers of human FUS-mediated neurodegenerative phenotype using molecularly defined deficiencies. We identified hippo (hpo), a component of the evolutionarily conserved Hippo growth regulatory pathway, as a genetic modifier of FUS mediated neurodegeneration. Gain-of-function of hpo triggers cell death whereas its loss-of-function promotes cell proliferation. Downregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway, using mutants of Hippo signaling, exhibit rescue of FUS-mediated neurodegeneration in the Drosophila eye, as evident from reduction in the number of TUNEL positive nuclei as well as rescue of axonal targeting from the retina to the brain. The Hippo pathway activates c-Jun amino-terminal (NH2) Kinase (JNK) mediated cell death. We found that downregulation of JNK signaling is sufficient to rescue FUS-mediated neurodegeneration in the Drosophila eye. Our study elucidates that Hippo signaling and JNK signaling are activated in response to FUS accumulation to induce neurodegeneration. These studies will shed light on the genetic mechanism involved in neurodegeneration observed in ALS and other associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Gogia
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
| | - Ankita Sarkar
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
| | | | - Nandini Ramesh
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA
| | | | - Madhuri Kango-Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA; Premedical Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA; Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton (TREND), University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA; Premedical Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA; Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton (TREND), University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA; The Integrative Science and Engineering Center, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA; Center for Genomic Advocacy (TCGA), Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
124
|
Large-Scale Transgenic Drosophila Resource Collections for Loss- and Gain-of-Function Studies. Genetics 2020; 214:755-767. [PMID: 32071193 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Transgenic RNAi Project (TRiP), a Drosophila melanogaster functional genomics platform at Harvard Medical School, was initiated in 2008 to generate and distribute a genome-scale collection of RNA interference (RNAi) fly stocks. To date, it has generated >15,000 RNAi fly stocks. As this covers most Drosophila genes, we have largely transitioned to development of new resources based on CRISPR technology. Here, we present an update on our libraries of publicly available RNAi and CRISPR fly stocks, and focus on the TRiP-CRISPR overexpression (TRiP-OE) and TRiP-CRISPR knockout (TRiP-KO) collections. TRiP-OE stocks express single guide RNAs targeting upstream of a gene transcription start site. Gene activation is triggered by coexpression of catalytically dead Cas9 fused to an activator domain, either VP64-p65-Rta or Synergistic Activation Mediator. TRiP-KO stocks express one or two single guide RNAs targeting the coding sequence of a gene or genes. Cutting is triggered by coexpression of Cas9, allowing for generation of indels in both germline and somatic tissue. To date, we have generated >5000 TRiP-OE or TRiP-KO stocks for the community. These resources provide versatile, transformative tools for gene activation, gene repression, and genome engineering.
Collapse
|
125
|
Epigenetic Regulation of Notch Signaling During Drosophila Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1218:59-75. [PMID: 32060871 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34436-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Notch signaling exerts multiple important functions in various developmental processes, including cell differentiation and cell proliferation, while mis-regulation of this pathway results in a variety of complex diseases, such as cancer and developmental defects. The simplicity of the Notch pathway in Drosophila melanogaster, in combination with the availability of powerful genetics, makes this an attractive model for studying the fundamental mechanisms of how Notch signaling is regulated and how it functions in various cellular contexts. Recently, increasing evidence for epigenetic control of Notch signaling reveals the intimate link between epigenetic regulators and Notch signaling pathway. In this chapter, we summarize the research advances of Notch and CAF-1 in Drosophila development and the epigenetic regulation mechanisms of Notch signaling activity by CAF-1 as well as other epigenetic modification machineries, which enables Notch to orchestrate different biological inputs and outputs in specific cellular contexts.
Collapse
|
126
|
Kakanj P, Eming SA, Partridge L, Leptin M. Long-term in vivo imaging of Drosophila larvae. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:1158-1187. [DOI: 10.1038/s41596-019-0282-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
127
|
Drosophila as a model to understand autophagy deregulation in human disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020. [PMID: 32620249 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy has important functions in normal physiology to maintain homeostasis and protect against cellular stresses by the removal of harmful cargos such as dysfunctional organelles, protein aggregates and invading pathogens. The deregulation of autophagy is a hallmark of many diseases and therapeutic targeting of autophagy is highly topical. With the complex role of autophagy in disease it is essential to understand the genetic and molecular basis of the contribution of autophagy to pathogenesis. The model organism, Drosophila, provides a genetically amenable system to dissect out the contribution of autophagy to human disease models. Here we review the roles of autophagy in human disease and how autophagy studies in Drosophila have contributed to the understanding of pathophysiology.
Collapse
|
128
|
|
129
|
The Drosophila melanogaster as Genetic Model System to Dissect the Mechanisms of Disease that Lead to Neurodegeneration in Adrenoleukodystrophy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1299:145-159. [PMID: 33417213 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-60204-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is the most successful genetic model organism to study different human disease with a recent increased popularity to study neurological disorders. Drosophila melanogaster has a complex yet well-defined brain with defined anatomical regions with specific functions. The neuronal network in the adult brain has a structural organization highly similar to human neurons, but in a brain that is much more amenable for complex analyses. The availability of sophisticated genetic tools to study neurons permits to examine neuronal functions at the single cell level in the whole brain by confocal imaging, which does not require sections. Thus, Drosophila has been used to successfully study many neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and has been recently adopted to understand the complex networks leading to neurological disorders with metabolic origins such as Leigh disease and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).In this review, we will describe the genetic tools available to study neuronal structures and functions and also illustrate some limitations of the system. Finally, we will report the experimental efforts that in the past 10 years have established Drosophila melanogaster as an excellent model organism to study neurodegenerative disorders focusing on X-ALD.
Collapse
|
130
|
Kuo SH, Louis ED, Faust PL, Handforth A, Chang SY, Avlar B, Lang EJ, Pan MK, Miterko LN, Brown AM, Sillitoe RV, Anderson CJ, Pulst SM, Gallagher MJ, Lyman KA, Chetkovich DM, Clark LN, Tio M, Tan EK, Elble RJ. Current Opinions and Consensus for Studying Tremor in Animal Models. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 18:1036-1063. [PMID: 31124049 PMCID: PMC6872927 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01037-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tremor is the most common movement disorder; however, we are just beginning to understand the brain circuitry that generates tremor. Various neuroimaging, neuropathological, and physiological studies in human tremor disorders have been performed to further our knowledge of tremor. But, the causal relationship between these observations and tremor is usually difficult to establish and detailed mechanisms are not sufficiently studied. To overcome these obstacles, animal models can provide an important means to look into human tremor disorders. In this manuscript, we will discuss the use of different species of animals (mice, rats, fruit flies, pigs, and monkeys) to model human tremor disorders. Several ways to manipulate the brain circuitry and physiology in these animal models (pharmacology, genetics, and lesioning) will also be discussed. Finally, we will discuss how these animal models can help us to gain knowledge of the pathophysiology of human tremor disorders, which could serve as a platform towards developing novel therapies for tremor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 800 Howard Avenue, Ste Lower Level, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adrian Handforth
- Neurology Service, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Su-Youne Chang
- Department of Neurologic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Billur Avlar
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J Lang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming-Kai Pan
- Department of Medical Research and Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Collin J Anderson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Kyle A Lyman
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Lorraine N Clark
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Murni Tio
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eng-King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rodger J Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
131
|
Bhan P, Muthaiyan Shanmugam M, Wang D, Bayansan O, Chen C, Wagner OI. Characterization of TAG‐63 and its role on axonal transport inC.elegans. Traffic 2019; 21:231-249. [DOI: 10.1111/tra.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Prerana Bhan
- Department of Life ScienceNational Tsing Hua University, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology Hsinchu Taiwan, ROC
- Research Center for Healthy AgingChina Medical University Taichung Taiwan, ROC
| | - Muniesh Muthaiyan Shanmugam
- Department of Life ScienceNational Tsing Hua University, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology Hsinchu Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ding Wang
- Department of Life ScienceNational Tsing Hua University, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology Hsinchu Taiwan, ROC
| | - Odvogmed Bayansan
- Department of Life ScienceNational Tsing Hua University, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology Hsinchu Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih‐Wei Chen
- Department of Life ScienceNational Tsing Hua University, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology Hsinchu Taiwan, ROC
| | - Oliver I. Wagner
- Department of Life ScienceNational Tsing Hua University, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology Hsinchu Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
132
|
Nainu F, Salim E, Asri RM, Hori A, Kuraishi T. Neurodegenerative disorders and sterile inflammation: lessons from a Drosophila model. J Biochem 2019; 166:213-221. [PMID: 31251338 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvz053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, are common but difficult to treat. As effective medical interventions are limited, those diseases will likely continue adversely affecting people's health. There is evidence that the hyperactivation of innate immunity is a hallmark of most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and polyglutamine diseases. In mammalian and fly CNS, the presence of noninfectious ligands, including danger-associated molecular patterns, is recognized by (micro)glial cells, inducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Such inflammation may contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative states. Studies using fruit flies have shed light on the types of signals, receptors and cells responsible for inducing the inflammation that leads to neurodegeneration. Researchers are using fly models to assess the mechanisms of sterile inflammation in the brain and its link to progressive neurodegeneration. Given the similarity of its physiological system and biochemical function to those of mammals, especially in activating and regulating innate immune signalling, Drosophila can be a versatile model system for studying the mechanisms and biological significance of sterile inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Such knowledge would greatly facilitate the quest for a novel effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firzan Nainu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km.10 Tamalanrea, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Emil Salim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Tri Dharma No. 5 Pintu 4 Kampus USU, Medan, Indonesia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Shizenken, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Rangga Meidianto Asri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km.10 Tamalanrea, Makassar, Indonesia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Tri Dharma No. 5 Pintu 4 Kampus USU, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Aki Hori
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Tri Dharma No. 5 Pintu 4 Kampus USU, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Takayuki Kuraishi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Tri Dharma No. 5 Pintu 4 Kampus USU, Medan, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
133
|
Innate immune responses to paraquat exposure in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12714. [PMID: 31481676 PMCID: PMC6722124 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48977-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Limited understanding of the early molecular pathways associated with the demise of DA neurons, including those of inflammatory exacerbation of neurodegeneration, is a major impediment to therapeutic development. Recent studies have implicated gene-environment interactions in PD susceptibility. We used transcriptomic profiling in a Drosophila PD model in response to paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative stress to identify pre-symptomatic signatures of impending neuron dysfunction. Our RNAseq data analysis revealed extensive regulation of innate immune response genes following PQ ingestion. We found that PQ exposure leads to the activation of the NF-κB transcription factor, Relish, and the stress signaling factor JNK, encoded by the gene basket in Drosophila. Relish knockdown in the dopaminergic neurons confers PQ resistance and rescues mobility defects and DA neuron loss. Furthermore, PQ-induced toxicity is mediated through the immune deficiency signaling pathway. Surprisingly, the expression of Relish-dependent anti-microbial peptide (AMPs) genes is suppressed upon PQ exposure causing increased sensitivity to Gram-negative bacterial infection. This work provides a novel link between PQ exposure and innate immune system modulation underlying environmental toxin-induced neurodegeneration, thereby underscoring the role of the innate immune system in PD pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
134
|
Abstract
Drosophila is an excellent system to investigate how the presence and composition of the gut microbiome influences the efficacy of therapeutic drugs and downstream consequences for host health. These opportunities derive from two key attributes of Drosophila. First, Drosophila is amenable for microbiome research, with simple, standardized methods to produce large numbers of microbiologically-sterile flies and flies with a standardized gut microbiome, thereby facilitating experimental reproducibility. Second, Drosophila is a well-established genetic model that is increasingly used to elucidate the molecular and physiological basis of lesions associated with human disease alleles; this provides the opportunity to link microbiome/drug interactions to previously-described processes shaping health and disease. In this way, Drosophila can fast-track understanding of fundamental biology to generate precise hypotheses for testing in mammalian systems. Drosophila is particularly well-suited to investigate the incidence of microbiome/drug interactions mediated by different mechanisms, including microbial drug metabolism (to active, inactive or toxic derivatives), microbial production of compounds that inhibit drug efficacy, and off-target effects of the drug on the microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis and host ill-health. Drosophila can also be used to investigate how interactions between the microbiome and host genotype may shape responses to therapeutic drugs, informing the reliability of precision medicine based exclusively on human genomic markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Douglas
- Department of Entomology and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
135
|
De Graeve F, Debreuve E, Rahmoun S, Ecsedi S, Bahri A, Hubstenberger A, Descombes X, Besse F. Detecting and quantifying stress granules in tissues of multicellular organisms with the Obj.MPP analysis tool. Traffic 2019; 20:697-711. [PMID: 31314165 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are macromolecular assemblies induced by stress and composed of proteins and mRNAs stalled in translation initiation. SGs play an important role in the response to stress and in the modulation of signaling pathways. Furthermore, these structures are related to the pathological ribonucleoprotein (RNP) aggregates found in neurodegenerative disease contexts, highlighting the need to understand how they are formed and recycled in normal and pathological contexts. Although genetically tractable multicellular organisms have been key in identifying modifiers of RNP aggregate toxicity, in vivo analysis of SG properties and regulation has lagged behind, largely due to the difficulty of detecting SG from images of intact tissues. Here, we describe the object detector software Obj.MPP and show how it overcomes the limits of classical object analyzers to extract the properties of SGs from wide-field and confocal images of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila tissues, respectively. We demonstrate that Obj.MPP enables the identification of genes modulating the assembly of endogenous and pathological SGs, and thus that it will be useful in the context of future genetic screens and in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne De Graeve
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Eric Debreuve
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INRIA, I3S, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Somia Rahmoun
- Université Coôte d'Azur, INRIA, CNRS, I3S, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Szilvia Ecsedi
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Alia Bahri
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Arnaud Hubstenberger
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Xavier Descombes
- Université Coôte d'Azur, INRIA, CNRS, I3S, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Florence Besse
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
136
|
Brenman-Suttner DB, Yost RT, Frame AK, Robinson JW, Moehring AJ, Simon AF. Social behavior and aging: A fly model. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12598. [PMID: 31286644 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The field of behavioral genetics has recently begun to explore the effect of age on social behaviors. Such studies are particularly important, as certain neuropsychiatric disorders with abnormal social interactions, like autism and schizophrenia, have been linked to older parents. Appropriate social interaction can also have a positive impact on longevity, and is associated with successful aging in humans. Currently, there are few genetic models for understanding the effect of aging on social behavior and its potential transgenerational inheritance. The fly is emerging as a powerful model for identifying the basic molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss these recent advancements, with a focus on how studies in Drosophila melanogaster have provided insight into the effect of aging on aspects of social behavior, including across generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dova B Brenman-Suttner
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryley T Yost
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariel K Frame
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Wesley Robinson
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda J Moehring
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne F Simon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
137
|
Brown DG, Wobst HJ. Opportunities and Challenges in Phenotypic Screening for Neurodegenerative Disease Research. J Med Chem 2019; 63:1823-1840. [PMID: 31268707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Toxic misfolded proteins potentially underly many neurodegenerative diseases, but individual targets which regulate these proteins and their downstream detrimental effects are often unknown. Phenotypic screening is an unbiased method to screen for novel targets and therapeutic molecules and span the range from primitive model organisms such as Sacchaomyces cerevisiae, which allow for high-throughput screening to patient-derived cell-lines that have a close connection to the disease biology but are limited in screening capacity. This perspective will review current phenotypic models, as well as the chemical screening strategies most often employed. Advances in in 3D cell cultures, high-content screens, robotic microscopy, CRISPR screening, and use of machine learning methods to process the enormous amount of data generated by these screens are certain to change the paradigm for phenotypic screening and will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Brown
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Heike J Wobst
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| |
Collapse
|
138
|
Peng JJ, Lin SH, Liu YT, Lin HC, Li TN, Yao CK. A circuit-dependent ROS feedback loop mediates glutamate excitotoxicity to sculpt the Drosophila motor system. eLife 2019; 8:47372. [PMID: 31318331 PMCID: PMC6682402 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to mediate glutamate excitotoxicity in neurological diseases. However, how ROS burdens can influence neural circuit integrity remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of excitotoxicity induced by depletion of Drosophila Eaat1, an astrocytic glutamate transporter, on locomotor central pattern generator (CPG) activity, neuromuscular junction architecture, and motor function. We show that glutamate excitotoxicity triggers a circuit-dependent ROS feedback loop to sculpt the motor system. Excitotoxicity initially elevates ROS, thereby inactivating cholinergic interneurons and consequently changing CPG output activity to overexcite motor neurons and muscles. Remarkably, tonic motor neuron stimulation boosts muscular ROS, gradually dampening muscle contractility to feedback-enhance ROS accumulation in the CPG circuit and subsequently exacerbate circuit dysfunction. Ultimately, excess premotor excitation of motor neurons promotes ROS-activated stress signaling that alters neuromuscular junction architecture. Collectively, our results reveal that excitotoxicity-induced ROS can perturb motor system integrity through a circuit-dependent mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jhan-Jie Peng
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Han Lin
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Tzu Liu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tsai-Ning Li
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chi-Kuang Yao
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
139
|
Taylor MJ, Tuxworth RI. Continuous tracking of startled Drosophila as an alternative to the negative geotaxis climbing assay. J Neurogenet 2019; 33:190-198. [DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2019.1634065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Taylor
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard I. Tuxworth
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
140
|
Olsen AL, Feany MB. Glial α-synuclein promotes neurodegeneration characterized by a distinct transcriptional program in vivo. Glia 2019; 67:1933-1957. [PMID: 31267577 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
α-Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized pathologically by α-synuclein inclusions in neurons and glia. The pathologic contribution of glial α-synuclein in these diseases is not well understood. Glial α-synuclein may be of particular importance in multiple system atrophy (MSA), which is defined pathologically by glial cytoplasmic α-synuclein inclusions. We have previously described Drosophila models of neuronal α-synucleinopathy, which recapitulate key features of the human disorders. We have now expanded our model to express human α-synuclein in glia. We demonstrate that expression of α-synuclein in glia alone results in α-synuclein aggregation, death of dopaminergic neurons, impaired locomotor function, and autonomic dysfunction. Furthermore, co-expression of α-synuclein in both neurons and glia worsens these phenotypes as compared to expression of α-synuclein in neurons alone. We identify unique transcriptomic signatures induced by glial as opposed to neuronal α-synuclein. These results suggest that glial α-synuclein may contribute to the burden of pathology in the α-synucleinopathies through a cell type-specific transcriptional program. This new Drosophila model system enables further mechanistic studies dissecting the contribution of glial and neuronal α-synuclein in vivo, potentially shedding light on mechanisms of disease that are especially relevant in MSA but also the α-synucleinopathies more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abby L Olsen
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mel B Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
141
|
Wu S, Tan KJ, Govindarajan LN, Stewart JC, Gu L, Ho JWH, Katarya M, Wong BH, Tan EK, Li D, Claridge-Chang A, Libedinsky C, Cheng L, Aw SS. Fully automated leg tracking of Drosophila neurodegeneration models reveals distinct conserved movement signatures. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000346. [PMID: 31246996 PMCID: PMC6619818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Some neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinsons Disease (PD) and Spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3), are associated with distinct, altered gait and tremor movements that are reflective of the underlying disease etiology. Drosophila melanogaster models of neurodegeneration have illuminated our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of disease. However, it is unknown whether specific gait and tremor dysfunctions also occur in fly disease mutants. To answer this question, we developed a machine-learning image-analysis program, Feature Learning-based LImb segmentation and Tracking (FLLIT), that automatically tracks leg claw positions of freely moving flies recorded on high-speed video, producing a series of gait measurements. Notably, unlike other machine-learning methods, FLLIT generates its own training sets and does not require user-annotated images for learning. Using FLLIT, we carried out high-throughput and high-resolution analysis of gait and tremor features in Drosophila neurodegeneration mutants for the first time. We found that fly models of PD and SCA3 exhibited markedly different walking gait and tremor signatures, which recapitulated characteristics of the respective human diseases. Selective expression of mutant SCA3 in dopaminergic neurons led to a gait signature that more closely resembled those of PD flies. This suggests that the behavioral phenotype depends on the neurons affected rather than the specific nature of the mutation. Different mutations produced tremors in distinct leg pairs, indicating that different motor circuits were affected. Using this approach, fly models can be used to dissect the neurogenetic mechanisms that underlie movement disorders. This study uses automated leg tracking to characterise gait and tremor features in fruit fly models of Parkinson’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxia 3, finding movement features that resemble characteristics of the respective human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Kah Junn Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | | | - James Charles Stewart
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Singapore
| | - Lin Gu
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Joses Wei Hao Ho
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Singapore
| | - Malvika Katarya
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Boon Hui Wong
- National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, Singapore
| | - Eng-King Tan
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Daiqin Li
- National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, Singapore
| | - Adam Claridge-Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Singapore
| | - Camilo Libedinsky
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SiNAPSE), Singapore
- National University of Singapore, Department of Psychology, Singapore
| | - Li Cheng
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (SA); (CL)
| | - Sherry Shiying Aw
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- * E-mail: (SA); (CL)
| |
Collapse
|
142
|
Ma J, Gao J, Wang J, Xie A. Prion-Like Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:552. [PMID: 31275093 PMCID: PMC6591488 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation and aggregation of misfolded proteins in the central nervous system (CNS) is a key hallmark of several age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These diseases share key biophysical and biochemical characteristics with prion diseases. It is believed that PD is characterized by abnormal protein aggregation, mainly that of α-synuclein (α-syn). Of particular importance, there is growing evidence indicating that abnormal α-syn can spread to neighboring brain regions and cause aggregation of endogenous α-syn in these regions as seeds, in a “prion-like” manner. Abundant studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that α-syn goes through a templated conformational change, propagates from the original region to neighboring regions, and eventually cause neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra and striatum. The objective of this review is to summarize the mechanisms involved in the aggregation of abnormal intracellular α-syn and its subsequent cell-to-cell transmission. According to these findings, we look forward to effective therapeutic perspectives that can block the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan Ma
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Anmu Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
143
|
Maitra U, Ciesla L. Using Drosophila as a platform for drug discovery from natural products in Parkinson's disease. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:867-879. [PMID: 31303984 PMCID: PMC6596131 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00099b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder with no cure. Despite intensive research, most of the currently available therapies are only effective in alleviating symptoms with no effect on disease progression. There is an urgent need for new therapeutics to impede disease progression. Natural products are valuable sources of bioactive compounds that can be exploited for novel therapeutic potential in PD pathogenesis. However, rapid screening of plant-derived natural products and characterization of bioactive compounds is costly and challenging. Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, has recently emerged as an excellent model for human neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. The high degree of conserved molecular pathways with mammalian models make Drosophila PD models an inexpensive solution to preliminary phases of target validation in the drug discovery pipeline. The present review provides an overview of drug discovery from natural extracts using Drosophila as a screening platform to evaluate the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals against PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Maitra
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alabama , Science and Engineering Complex 2320, 300 Hackberry Lane , Tuscaloosa , Alabama 35487-0344 , USA . ; Tel: +205 348 7599
| | - Lukasz Ciesla
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alabama , Science and Engineering Complex 2329, 300 Hackberry Lane , Tuscaloosa , Alabama 35487-0344 , USA . ; Tel: +205 348 1828
| |
Collapse
|
144
|
Tzortzopoulos A, Thomaidou D, Gaitanou M, Matsas R, Skoulakis E. Expression of Mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila Affects Nervous System Development by Interfering with Precursor Cell Formation. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:979-995. [PMID: 31079319 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00386-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We used Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental model to express mouse and pig BM88/CEND1 (cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation 1) in order to investigate its potential functional effects on Drosophila neurogenesis. BM88/CEND1 is a neuron-specific protein whose function is implicated in triggering cells to exit from the cell cycle and differentiate towards a neuronal phenotype. Transgenic flies expressing either mouse or pig BM88/CEND1 in the nervous system had severe neuronal phenotypes with variable expressivity at various stages of embryonic development. In early embryonic stage 10, BM88/CEND1 expression led to an increase in the neural-specific antigenicity of neuroectoderm at the expense of precursor cells [neuroblasts (Nbs) and ganglion mother cells (GMCs)] including the defective formation and differentiation of the MP2 precursors, whereas at later stages (12-15), protein accumulation induced gross morphological defects primarily in the CNS accompanied by a reduction of Nb and GMC markers. Furthermore, the neuronal precursor cells of embryos expressing BM88/CEND1 failed to carry out proper cell-cycle progression as revealed by the disorganized expression patterns of specific cell-cycle markers. BM88/CEND1 accumulation in the Drosophila eye affected normal eye disc development by disrupting the ommatidia. Finally, we demonstrated that expression of BM88/CEND1 modified/reduced the levels of activated MAP kinase indicating a functional effect of BM88/CEND1 on the MAPK signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that the expression of mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila exerts specific functional effects associated with neuronal precursor cell formation during embryonic neurogenesis and proper eye disc development. This study also validates the use of Drosophila as a powerful model system in which to investigate gene function and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimios Skoulakis
- "Alexander Fleming" Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, 16672, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
145
|
Lopez-Gonzalez R, Yang D, Pribadi M, Kim TS, Krishnan G, Choi SY, Lee S, Coppola G, Gao FB. Partial inhibition of the overactivated Ku80-dependent DNA repair pathway rescues neurodegeneration in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9628-9633. [PMID: 31019093 PMCID: PMC6511021 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901313116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). One class of major pathogenic molecules in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD is dipeptide repeat proteins such as poly(GR), whose toxicity has been well documented in cellular and animal models. However, it is not known how poly(GR) toxicity can be alleviated, especially in patient neurons. Using Drosophila as a model system in an unbiased genetic screen, we identified a number of genetic modifiers of poly(GR) toxicity. Surprisingly, partial loss of function of Ku80, an essential DNA repair protein, suppressed poly(GR)-induced retinal degeneration in flies. Ku80 expression was greatly elevated in flies expressing poly(GR) and in C9ORF72 iPSC-derived patient neurons. As a result, the levels of phosphorylated ATM and P53 as well as other downstream proapoptotic proteins such as PUMA, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were all significantly increased in C9ORF72 patient neurons. The increase in the levels of Ku80 and some downstream signaling proteins was prevented by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of expanded G4C2 repeats. More importantly, partial loss of function of Ku80 in these neurons through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ablation or small RNAs-mediated knockdown suppressed the apoptotic pathway. Thus, partial inhibition of the overactivated Ku80-dependent DNA repair pathway is a promising therapeutic approach in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Lopez-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Dejun Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Mochtar Pribadi
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Tanya S Kim
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Gopinath Krishnan
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - So Yoen Choi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Soojin Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605;
| |
Collapse
|
146
|
Evangelakou Z, Manola M, Gumeni S, Trougakos IP. Nutrigenomics as a tool to study the impact of diet on aging and age-related diseases: the Drosophila approach. GENES & NUTRITION 2019; 14:12. [PMID: 31073342 PMCID: PMC6498619 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-019-0638-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex phenomenon caused by the time-dependent loss of cellular homeodynamics and consequently of physiological organismal functions. This process is affected by both genetic and environmental (e.g., diet) factors, as well as by their constant interaction. Consistently, deregulation of nutrient sensing and signaling pathways is considered a hallmark of aging. Nutrigenomics is an emerging scientific discipline that studies changes induced by diet on the genome and thus it considers the intersection of three topics, namely health, diet, and genomics. Model organisms, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, have been successfully used for in vivo modeling of higher metazoans aging and for nutrigenomic studies. Drosophila is a well-studied organism with sophisticated genetics and a fully annotated sequenced genome, in which ~ 75% of human disease-related genes have functional orthologs. Also, flies have organs/tissues that perform the equivalent functions of most mammalian organs, while discrete clusters of cells maintain insect carbohydrate homeostasis in a way similar to pancreatic cells. Herein, we discuss the mechanistic connections between nutrition and aging in Drosophila, and how this model organism can be used to study the effect of different diets (including natural products and/or their derivatives) on higher metazoans longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Evangelakou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Manola
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Sentiljana Gumeni
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis P. Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
147
|
Shah EJ, Gurdziel K, Ruden DM. Mammalian Models of Traumatic Brain Injury and a Place for Drosophila in TBI Research. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:409. [PMID: 31105519 PMCID: PMC6499071 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the brain that disrupts normal function, is an emerging health epidemic with ∼2.5 million cases occurring annually in the United States that are severe enough to cause hospitalization or death. Most common causes of TBI include contact sports, vehicle crashes and domestic violence or war injuries. Injury to the central nervous system is one of the most consistent candidates for initiating the molecular and cellular cascades that result in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Not every TBI event is alike with effects varying from person to person. The majority of people recover from mild TBI within a short period of time, but repeated incidents can have deleterious long-lasting effects which depend on factors such as the number of TBIs sustained, time till medical attention, age, gender and genetics of the individual. Despite extensive research, many questions still remain regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of long-term effects from TBI as well as recovery of brain function. In this review, we present an overview of TBI pathology, discuss mammalian models for TBI and focus on current methods using Drosophila melanogaster as a model for TBI study. The relatively small brain size (∼100,000 neurons and glia), conserved neurotransmitter signaling mechanisms and sophisticated genetics of Drosophila allows for cell biological, molecular and genetic analyses that are impractical in mammalian models of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekta J. Shah
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
148
|
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yuan Ji
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Chun Han
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| |
Collapse
|
149
|
Sapar ML, Han C. Die in pieces: How Drosophila sheds light on neurite degeneration and clearance. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:187-199. [PMID: 31080046 PMCID: PMC6541534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Dendrites and axons are delicate neuronal membrane extensions that undergo degeneration after physical injuries. In neurodegenerative diseases, they often degenerate prior to neuronal death. Understanding the mechanisms of neurite degeneration has been an intense focus of neurobiology research in the last two decades. As a result, many discoveries have been made in the molecular pathways that lead to neurite degeneration and the cell-cell interactions responsible for the subsequent clearance of neuronal debris. Drosophila melanogaster has served as a prime in vivo model system for identifying and characterizing the key molecular players in neurite degeneration, thanks to its genetic tractability and easy access to its nervous system. The knowledge learned in the fly provided targets and fuel for studies in other model systems that have further enhanced our understanding of neurodegeneration. In this review, we will introduce the experimental systems developed in Drosophila to investigate injury-induced neurite degeneration, and then discuss the biological pathways that drive degeneration. We will also cover what is known about the mechanisms of how phagocytes recognize and clear degenerating neurites, and how recent findings in this area enhance our understanding of neurodegenerative disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Sapar
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Chun Han
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
150
|
Spiers JG, Breda C, Robinson S, Giorgini F, Steinert JR. Drosophila Nrf2/Keap1 Mediated Redox Signaling Supports Synaptic Function and Longevity and Impacts on Circadian Activity. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:86. [PMID: 31040766 PMCID: PMC6476960 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative conditions and age-related neuropathologies are associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The cap "n" collar (CncC) family of transcription factors is one of the major cellular system that fights oxidative insults, becoming activated in response to oxidative stress. This transcription factor signaling is conserved from metazoans to human and has a major developmental and disease-associated relevance. An important mammalian member of the CncC family is nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) which has been studied in numerous cellular systems and represents an important target for drug discovery in different diseases. CncC is negatively regulated by Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1) and this interaction provides the basis for a homeostatic control of cellular antioxidant defense. We have utilized the Drosophila model system to investigate the roles of CncC signaling on longevity, neuronal function and circadian rhythm. Furthermore, we assessed the effects of CncC function on larvae and adult flies following exposure to stress. Our data reveal that constitutive overexpression of CncC modifies synaptic mechanisms that positively impact on neuronal function, and suppression of CncC inhibitor, Keap1, shows beneficial phenotypes on synaptic function and longevity. Moreover, supplementation of antioxidants mimics the effects of augmenting CncC signaling. Under stress conditions, lack of CncC signaling worsens survival rates and neuronal function whilst silencing Keap1 protects against stress-induced neuronal decline. Interestingly, overexpression and RNAi-mediated downregulation of CncC have differential effects on sleep patterns possibly via interactions with redox-sensitive circadian cycles. Thus, our data illustrate the important regulatory potential of CncC signaling in neuronal function and synaptic release affecting multiple aspects within the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jereme G Spiers
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Breda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Robinson
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Joern R Steinert
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|