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Shrimali PC, Chen S, Das A, Dreher R, Howard MK, Ryan JJ, Buck J, Kim D, Sprunger ML, Rudra JS, Jackrel ME. Amyloidogenic propensity of self-assembling peptides and their adjuvant potential for use as DNA vaccines. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:464-476. [PMID: 37586449 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
De novo designed peptides that self-assemble into cross-β rich fibrillar biomaterials have been pursued as an innovative platform for the development of adjuvant- and inflammation-free vaccines. However, they share structural and morphological properties similar to amyloid species implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, which has been a long-standing concern for their successful translation. Here, we comprehensively characterize the amyloidogenic character of the amphipathic self-assembling cross-β peptide KFE8, compared to pathological amyloid and amyloid-like proteins α-synuclein (α-syn) and TDP-43. Further, we developed plasmid-based DNA vaccines with the KFE8 backbone serving as a scaffold for delivery of a GFP model antigen. We find that expression of tandem repeats of KFE8 is non-toxic and efficiently cleared by autophagy. We also demonstrate that preformed KFE8 fibrils do not cross-seed amyloid formation of α-syn in mammalian cells compared to α-syn preformed fibrils. In mice, vaccination with plasmids encoding the KFE32-GFP fusion protein elicited robust immune responses, inducing production of significantly higher levels of anti-GFP antibodies compared to soluble GFP. Antigen-specific CD8+T cells were also detected in the spleens of vaccinated mice and cytokine profiles from antigen recall assays indicate a balanced Th1/Th2 response. These findings illustrate that cross-β-rich peptide nanofibers have distinct physicochemical properties from those of pathological amyloidogenic proteins, and are an attractive platform for the development of DNA vaccines with self-adjuvanting properties and improved safety profiles. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterials comprised of self-assembling peptides hold great promise for the development of new vaccines that do not require use of adjuvants. However, these materials have safety concerns, as they self-assemble into cross-β rich fibrils that are structurally similar to amyloid species implicated in disease. Here, we comprehensively study the properties of these biomaterials. We demonstrate that they have distinct properties from pathological proteins. They are non-toxic and do not trigger amyloidogenesis. Vaccination of these materials in mice elicited a robust immune response. Most excitingly, our work suggests that this platform could be used to develop DNA-based vaccines, which have few storage requirements. Further, due to their genetic encoding, longer sequences can be generated and the vaccines will be amenable to modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paresh C Shrimali
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Anirban Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Rachel Dreher
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Matthew K Howard
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Jeremy J Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Jeremy Buck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Darren Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Macy L Sprunger
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Jai S Rudra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
| | - Meredith E Jackrel
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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152
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Garcia-Vaquero ML, Heim M, Flix B, Pereira M, Palin L, Marques TM, Pinto FR, de Las Rivas J, Voigt A, Besse F, Gama-Carvalho M. Analysis of asymptomatic Drosophila models for ALS and SMA reveals convergent impact on functional protein complexes linked to neuro-muscular degeneration. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:576. [PMID: 37759179 PMCID: PMC10523761 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09562-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) share phenotypic and molecular commonalities, including the fact that they can be caused by mutations in ubiquitous proteins involved in RNA metabolism, namely SMN, TDP-43 and FUS. Although this suggests the existence of common disease mechanisms, there is currently no model to explain the resulting motor neuron dysfunction. In this work we generated a parallel set of Drosophila models for adult-onset RNAi and tagged neuronal expression of the fly orthologues of the three human proteins, named Smn, TBPH and Caz, respectively. We profiled nuclear and cytoplasmic bound mRNAs using a RIP-seq approach and characterized the transcriptome of the RNAi models by RNA-seq. To unravel the mechanisms underlying the common functional impact of these proteins on neuronal cells, we devised a computational approach based on the construction of a tissue-specific library of protein functional modules, selected by an overall impact score measuring the estimated extent of perturbation caused by each gene knockdown. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis revealed that the three proteins do not bind to the same RNA molecules and that only a limited set of functionally unrelated transcripts is commonly affected by their knock-down. However, through our integrative approach we were able to identify a concerted effect on protein functional modules, albeit acting through distinct targets. Most strikingly, functional annotation revealed that these modules are involved in critical cellular pathways for motor neurons, including neuromuscular junction function. Furthermore, selected modules were found to be significantly enriched in orthologues of human neuronal disease genes. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here show that SMA and ALS disease-associated genes linked to RNA metabolism functionally converge on neuronal protein complexes, providing a new hypothesis to explain the common motor neuron phenotype. The functional modules identified represent promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets, namely given their alteration in asymptomatic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Garcia-Vaquero
- BioISI - Institute for Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-15 Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), CIBERONC, 16 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marjorie Heim
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 06108, Nice, Inserm, France
| | - Barbara Flix
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marcelo Pereira
- BioISI - Institute for Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lucile Palin
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 06108, Nice, Inserm, France
| | - Tânia M Marques
- BioISI - Institute for Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco R Pinto
- BioISI - Institute for Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Javier de Las Rivas
- Cancer Research Center (CiC-IBMCC, CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Aaron Voigt
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florence Besse
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, 06108, Nice, Inserm, France
| | - Margarida Gama-Carvalho
- BioISI - Institute for Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
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153
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Froberg JE, Durak O, Macklis JD. Development of nanoRibo-seq enables study of regulated translation by cortical neuron subtypes, showing uORF translation in synaptic-axonal genes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112995. [PMID: 37624698 PMCID: PMC10591829 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigation of translation in rare cell types or subcellular contexts is challenging due to large input requirements for standard approaches. Here, we present "nanoRibo-seq" an optimized approach using 102- to 103-fold less input material than bulk approaches. nanoRibo-seq exhibits rigorous quality control features consistent with quantification of ribosome protected fragments with as few as 1,000 cells. We compare translatomes of two closely related cortical neuron subtypes, callosal projection neurons (CPN) and subcerebral projection neurons (SCPN), during their early postnatal development. We find that, while translational efficiency is highly correlated between CPN and SCPN, several dozen mRNAs are differentially translated. We further examine upstream open reading frame (uORF) translation and identify that mRNAs involved in synapse organization and axon development are highly enriched for uORF translation in both subtypes. nanoRibo-seq enables investigation of translational regulation of rare cell types in vivo and offers a flexible approach for globally quantifying translation from limited input material.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Froberg
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Omer Durak
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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154
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Runfola V, Giambruno R, Caronni C, Pannese M, Andolfo A, Gabellini D. MATR3 is an endogenous inhibitor of DUX4 in FSHD muscular dystrophy. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113120. [PMID: 37703175 PMCID: PMC10591880 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most common neuromuscular disorders and has no cure. Due to an unknown molecular mechanism, FSHD displays overlapping manifestations with the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). FSHD is caused by aberrant gain of expression of the transcription factor double homeobox 4 (DUX4), which triggers a pro-apoptotic transcriptional program resulting in inhibition of myogenic differentiation and muscle wasting. Regulation of DUX4 activity is poorly known. We identify Matrin 3 (MATR3), whose mutation causes ALS and dominant distal myopathy, as a cellular factor controlling DUX4 expression and activity. MATR3 binds to the DUX4 DNA-binding domain and blocks DUX4-mediated gene expression, rescuing cell viability and myogenic differentiation of FSHD muscle cells, without affecting healthy muscle cells. Finally, we characterize a shorter MATR3 fragment that is necessary and sufficient to directly block DUX4-induced toxicity to the same extent as the full-length protein. Collectively, our data suggest MATR3 as a candidate for developing a treatment for FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Runfola
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Giambruno
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Caronni
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pannese
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Andolfo
- ProMeFa, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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155
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Chi B, Öztürk MM, Paraggio CL, Leonard CE, Sanita ME, Dastpak M, O’Connell JD, Coady JA, Zhang J, Gygi SP, Lopez-Gonzalez R, Yin S, Reed R. Causal ALS genes impact the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305756120. [PMID: 37722062 PMCID: PMC10523463 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305756120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in RNA/DNA-binding proteins cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the underlying disease mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that a set of ALS-associated proteins, namely FUS, EWSR1, TAF15, and MATR3, impact the expression of genes encoding the major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) antigen presentation pathway. Both subunits of the MHC II heterodimer, HLA-DR, are down-regulated in ALS gene knockouts/knockdown in HeLa and human microglial cells, due to loss of the MHC II transcription factor CIITA. Importantly, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells bearing the FUSR495X mutation and HPCs derived from C9ORF72 ALS patient induced pluripotent stem cells also exhibit disrupted MHC II expression. Given that HPCs give rise to numerous immune cells, our data raise the possibility that loss of the MHC II pathway results in global failure of the immune system to protect motor neurons from damage that leads to ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binkai Chi
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Muhammet M. Öztürk
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Christina L. Paraggio
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Claudia E. Leonard
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Maria E. Sanita
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Mahtab Dastpak
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Jeremy D. O’Connell
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Jordan A. Coady
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Jiuchun Zhang
- Harvard Medical School Cell Biology Initiative for Genome Editing and Neurodegeneration, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Steven P. Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Rodrigo Lopez-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurosciences Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH44196
| | - Shanye Yin
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Robin Reed
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
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156
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Cui S, Zhang T, Xiong X, Zhao J, Cao Q, Zhou H, Xia XG. Detergent-insoluble PFN1 inoculation expedites disease onset and progression in PFN1 transgenic rats. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1279259. [PMID: 37817804 PMCID: PMC10560758 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1279259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests a gain of elusive toxicity in pathogenically mutated PFN1. The prominence of PFN1 aggregates as a pivotal pathological hallmark in PFN1 transgenic rats underscores the crucial involvement of protein aggregation in the initiation and progression of neurodegeneration. Detergent-insoluble materials were extracted from the spinal cords of paralyzed rats afflicted with ALS and were intramuscularly administered to asymptomatic recipient rats expressing mutant PFN1, resulting in an accelerated development of PFN1 inclusions and ALS-like phenotypes. This effect diminished when the extracts derived from wildtype PFN1 transgenic rats were employed, as detergent-insoluble PFN1 was detected exclusively in mutant PFN1 transgenic rats. Consequently, the factor influencing the progression of ALS pathology in recipient rats is likely associated with the presence of detergent-insoluble PFN1 within the extracted materials. Noteworthy is the absence of disease course modification upon administering detergent-insoluble extracts to rats that already displayed PFN1 inclusions, suggesting a seeding rather than augmenting role of such extracts in initiating neuropathological changes. Remarkably, pathogenic PFN1 exhibited an enhanced affinity for the molecular chaperone DNAJB6, leading to the sequestration of DNAJB6 within protein inclusions, thereby depleting its availability for cellular functions. These findings shed light on a novel mechanism that underscores the prion-like characteristics of pathogenic PFN1 in driving neurodegeneration in the context of PFN1-related ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiquan Cui
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Xinrui Xiong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jihe Zhao
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Qilin Cao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
- The Center for Translational Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Hongxia Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
- The Center for Translational Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Xu-Gang Xia
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
- The Center for Translational Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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157
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Liang P, Zhang J, Wang B. Emerging Roles of Ubiquitination in Biomolecular Condensates. Cells 2023; 12:2329. [PMID: 37759550 PMCID: PMC10527650 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are dynamic non-membrane-bound macromolecular high-order assemblies that participate in a growing list of cellular processes, such as transcription, the cell cycle, etc. Disturbed dynamics of biomolecular condensates are associated with many diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Extensive efforts have been devoted to uncovering the molecular and biochemical grammar governing the dynamics of biomolecular condensates and establishing the critical roles of protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) in this process. Here, we summarize the regulatory roles of ubiquitination (a major form of cellular PTM) in the dynamics of biomolecular condensates. We propose that these regulatory mechanisms can be harnessed to combat many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (P.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (P.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (P.L.); (J.Z.)
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen 518057, China
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158
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Zhu L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathological insights from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models: comparisons, limitations, and challenges. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37730668 PMCID: PMC10510301 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to dissect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multigenic, multifactorial, and progressive neurodegenerative disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations, researchers have generated numerous animal models to mimic the genetic defects. Concurrent and comparative analysis of these various models allows identification of the causes and mechanisms of ALS in order to finally obtain effective therapeutics. However, most genetically modified rodent models lack overt pathological features, imposing challenges and limitations in utilizing them to rigorously test the potential mechanisms. Recent studies using large animals, including pigs and non-human primates, have uncovered important events that resemble neurodegeneration in patients' brains but could not be produced in small animals. Here we describe common features as well as discrepancies among these models, highlighting new insights from these models. Furthermore, we will discuss how to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features based on the important pathogenic insights from large animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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159
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Angelopoulou E, Pyrgelis ES, Ahire C, Suman P, Mishra A, Piperi C. Functional Implications of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) in Neurodegenerative Diseases. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1257. [PMID: 37759656 PMCID: PMC10525691 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
During the aging of the global population, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases will be continuously growing. Although each disorder is characterized by disease-specific protein accumulations, several common pathophysiological mechanisms encompassing both genetic and environmental factors have been detected. Among them, protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), which catalyze the methylation of arginine of various substrates, have been revealed to regulate several cellular mechanisms, including neuronal cell survival and excitability, axonal transport, synaptic maturation, and myelination. Emerging evidence highlights their critical involvement in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD-ALS) spectrum, Huntington's disease (HD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Underlying mechanisms include the regulation of gene transcription and RNA splicing, as well as their implication in various signaling pathways related to oxidative stress responses, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, vacuole degeneration, abnormal protein accumulation and neurotransmission. The targeting of PRMTs is a therapeutic approach initially developed against various forms of cancer but currently presents a novel potential strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the accumulating evidence on the role of PRMTs in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, enlightening their pathogenesis and stimulating future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Angelopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.A.); (E.-S.P.)
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios-Stylianos Pyrgelis
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.A.); (E.-S.P.)
| | - Chetana Ahire
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Kamrup 781101, Assam, India; (C.A.); (P.S.)
| | - Prachi Suman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Kamrup 781101, Assam, India; (C.A.); (P.S.)
| | - Awanish Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, Kamrup 781101, Assam, India; (C.A.); (P.S.)
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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160
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Liao X, Zhu W, Zhou J, Li H, Xu X, Zhang B, Gao X. Repetitive DNA sequence detection and its role in the human genome. Commun Biol 2023; 6:954. [PMID: 37726397 PMCID: PMC10509279 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05322-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive DNA sequences playing critical roles in driving evolution, inducing variation, and regulating gene expression. In this review, we summarized the definition, arrangement, and structural characteristics of repeats. Besides, we introduced diverse biological functions of repeats and reviewed existing methods for automatic repeat detection, classification, and masking. Finally, we analyzed the type, structure, and regulation of repeats in the human genome and their role in the induction of complex diseases. We believe that this review will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of repeats and provide guidance for repeat annotation and in-depth exploration of its association with human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Liao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wufei Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Yichang Central People's Hospital, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, 443000, Yichang, P.R. China
| | - Juexiao Zhou
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haoyang Li
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiaopeng Xu
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bin Zhang
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Gao
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia.
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161
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Beckers J, Tharkeshwar AK, Fumagalli L, Contardo M, Van Schoor E, Fazal R, Thal DR, Chandran S, Mancuso R, Van Den Bosch L, Van Damme P. A toxic gain-of-function mechanism in C9orf72 ALS impairs the autophagy-lysosome pathway in neurons. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:151. [PMID: 37723585 PMCID: PMC10506245 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neurons (MNs), which are primarily affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are a specialized type of neurons that are long and non-dividing. Given their unique structure, these cells heavily rely on transport of organelles along their axons and the process of autophagy to maintain their cellular homeostasis. It has been shown that disruption of the autophagy pathway is sufficient to cause progressive neurodegeneration and defects in autophagy have been associated with various subtypes of ALS, including those caused by hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene. A more comprehensive understanding of the dysfunctional cellular mechanisms will help rationalize the design of potent and selective therapies for C9orf72-ALS. METHODS In this study, we used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs from C9orf72-ALS patients and isogenic control lines to identify the underlying mechanisms causing dysregulations of the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Additionally, to ascertain the potential impact of C9orf72 loss-of-function on autophagic defects, we characterized the observed phenotypes in a C9orf72 knockout iPSC line (C9-KO). RESULTS Despite the evident presence of dysfunctions in several aspects of the autophagy-lysosome pathway, such as disrupted lysosomal homeostasis, abnormal lysosome morphology, inhibition of autophagic flux, and accumulation of p62 in C9orf72-ALS MNs, we were surprised to find that C9orf72 loss-of-function had minimal influence on these phenotypes. Instead, we primarily observed impairment in endosome maturation as a result of C9orf72 loss-of-function. Additionally, our study shed light on the pathological mechanisms underlying C9orf72-ALS, as we detected an increased TBK1 phosphorylation at S172 in MNs derived from C9orf72 ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS Our data provides further insight into the involvement of defects in the autophagy-lysosome pathway in C9orf72-ALS and strongly indicate that those defects are mainly due to the toxic gain-of-function mechanisms underlying C9orf72-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Beckers
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Arun Kumar Tharkeshwar
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- Center for Molecular Neurology, Microglia and Inflammation in Neurological Disorders (MIND) Lab, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Matilde Contardo
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Van Schoor
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raheem Fazal
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Renzo Mancuso
- Center for Molecular Neurology, Microglia and Inflammation in Neurological Disorders (MIND) Lab, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.
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Li Z, Wang X, Wang X, Yi X, Wong YK, Wu J, Xie F, Hu D, Wang Q, Wang J, Zhong T. Research progress on the role of extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:43. [PMID: 37697342 PMCID: PMC10494410 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00375-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease, affect millions of people worldwide. Tremendous efforts have been put into disease-related research, but few breakthroughs have been made in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous cell-derived membrane structures that arise from the endosomal system or are directly separated from the plasma membrane. EVs contain many biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which can be transferred between different cells, tissues, or organs, thereby regulating cross-organ communication between cells during normal and pathological processes. Recently, EVs have been shown to participate in various aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal secretion and levels of EVs are closely related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and contribute to disease progression. Numerous studies have proposed EVs as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss the advanced research progress on EVs in the pathological processes of several neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we outline the latest research on the roles of EVs in neurodegenerative diseases and their therapeutic potential for the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzhe Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaoxing Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaomei Yi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Jiyang Wu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Fangfang Xie
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Die Hu
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Qi Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Tianyu Zhong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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163
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Latallo MJ, Wang S, Dong D, Nelson B, Livingston NM, Wu R, Zhao N, Stasevich TJ, Bassik MC, Sun S, Wu B. Single-molecule imaging reveals distinct elongation and frameshifting dynamics between frames of expanded RNA repeats in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5581. [PMID: 37696852 PMCID: PMC10495369 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion is the most common genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). One pathogenic mechanism is the accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins like poly-GA, GP and GR, produced by the noncanonical translation of the expanded RNA repeats. However, how different DPRs are synthesized remains elusive. Here, we use single-molecule imaging techniques to directly measure the translation dynamics of different DPRs. Besides initiation, translation elongation rates vary drastically between different frames, with GP slower than GA and GR the slowest. We directly visualize frameshift events using a two-color single-molecule translation assay. The repeat expansion enhances frameshifting, but the overall frequency is low. There is a higher chance of GR-to-GA shift than in the reversed direction. Finally, the ribosome-associated protein quality control (RQC) factors ZNF598 and Pelota modulate the translation dynamics, and the repeat RNA sequence is important for invoking the RQC pathway. This study reveals that multiple translation steps modulate the final DPR production. Understanding repeat RNA translation is critically important to decipher the DPR-mediated pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata J Latallo
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Daoyuan Dong
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Blake Nelson
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nathan M Livingston
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ning Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Timothy J Stasevich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Michael C Bassik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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164
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Rubino V, La Rosa G, Pipicelli L, Carriero F, Damiano S, Santillo M, Terrazzano G, Ruggiero G, Mondola P. Insights on the Multifaceted Roles of Wild-Type and Mutated Superoxide Dismutase 1 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1747. [PMID: 37760050 PMCID: PMC10525763 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neurodegenerative disease. Cell damage in ALS is the result of many different, largely unknown, pathogenetic mechanisms. Astrocytes and microglial cells play a critical role also for their ability to enhance a deranged inflammatory response. Excitotoxicity, due to excessive glutamate levels and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration, has also been proposed to play a key role in ALS pathogenesis/progression. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) behave as key second messengers for multiple receptor/ligand interactions. ROS-dependent regulatory networks are usually mediated by peroxides. Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) physiologically mediates intracellular peroxide generation. About 10% of ALS subjects show a familial disease associated with different gain-of-function SOD1 mutations. The occurrence of sporadic ALS, not clearly associated with SOD1 defects, has been also described. SOD1-dependent pathways have been involved in neuron functional network as well as in immune-response regulation. Both, neuron depolarization and antigen-dependent T-cell activation mediate SOD1 exocytosis, inducing increased interaction of the enzyme with a complex molecular network involved in the regulation of neuron functional activity and immune response. Here, alteration of SOD1-dependent pathways mediating increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, altered mitochondria functions and defective inflammatory process regulation have been proposed to be relevant for ALS pathogenesis/progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rubino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giuliana La Rosa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.L.R.); (L.P.); (S.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Luca Pipicelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.L.R.); (L.P.); (S.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Flavia Carriero
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università della Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (G.T.)
| | - Simona Damiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.L.R.); (L.P.); (S.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Mariarosaria Santillo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.L.R.); (L.P.); (S.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Terrazzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università della Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (G.T.)
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Paolo Mondola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.L.R.); (L.P.); (S.D.); (M.S.)
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165
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Tang X, Zhan Y, Yang B, Du B, Huang J. Exploring the mechanism of Semen Strychni in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on network pharmacology. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35101. [PMID: 37682161 PMCID: PMC10489316 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen Strychni (SS), known as an agonist of central nervous system, is a traditional herb widely used in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in small doses to relieve muscle weakness and improve muscle strength. However, the potential mechanisms and the main components of SS in treating ALS remain unclear. To explore the underlying mechanism of SS in treating ALS based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active components of SS were obtained using TCMSP, Herb, ETCM, and BATMAN-TCM. The targets of SS were gained from PharmMapper. The targets of ALS were searched on Genecards, Drugbank, DisGeNET, OMIM, TTD and GEO database. After obtaining the coincidence targets, we submitted them to the STRING database to build a protein-protein interaction network. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed subsequently. The active components and targets were further investigated using molecular docking technology. 395 targets of SS and 1925 targets of ALS were obtained with 125 common targets. The protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that SRC, AKT1, MAPK1, EGFR, and HSP90AA1 received the higher degree value and were considered the central genes. The Ras, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathway could be involved in the treatment of ALS. Brucine-N-oxide obtained the lowest binding energy in molecular docking. This study explored the mechanism of SS in the treatment of ALS and provides a new perspective for future study. However, further experimental studies are needed to validate the therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Tang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingshi Zhan
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biying Yang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoxin Du
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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166
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Sonobe Y, Lee S, Krishnan G, Gu Y, Kwon DY, Gao FB, Roos RP, Kratsios P. Translation of dipeptide repeat proteins in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD through unique and redundant AUG initiation codons. eLife 2023; 12:e83189. [PMID: 37675986 PMCID: PMC10541178 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A hallmark of ALS/FTD pathology is the presence of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, produced from both sense GGGGCC (poly-GA, poly-GP, poly-GR) and antisense CCCCGG (poly-PR, poly-PG, poly-PA) transcripts. Translation of sense DPRs, such as poly-GA and poly-GR, depends on non-canonical (non-AUG) initiation codons. Here, we provide evidence for canonical AUG-dependent translation of two antisense DPRs, poly-PR and poly-PG. A single AUG is required for synthesis of poly-PR, one of the most toxic DPRs. Unexpectedly, we found redundancy between three AUG codons necessary for poly-PG translation. Further, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2D (EIF2D), which was previously implicated in sense DPR synthesis, is not required for AUG-dependent poly-PR or poly-PG translation, suggesting that distinct translation initiation factors control DPR synthesis from sense and antisense transcripts. Our findings on DPR synthesis from the C9ORF72 locus may be broadly applicable to many other nucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Sonobe
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Soojin Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Gopinath Krishnan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Yuanzheng Gu
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Deborah Y Kwon
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Raymond P Roos
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
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167
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Ma Q, Xin J, Peng Q, Li N, Sun S, Hou H, Ma G, Wang N, Zhang L, Tam KY, Dussmann H, Prehn JHM, Wang H, Ying Z. UBQLN2 and HSP70 participate in Parkin-mediated mitophagy by facilitating outer mitochondrial membrane rupture. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55859. [PMID: 37501540 PMCID: PMC10481660 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two aging-related neurodegenerative diseases that share common key features, including aggregation of pathogenic proteins, dysfunction of mitochondria, and impairment of autophagy. Mutations in ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2), a shuttle protein in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), can cause ALS/FTD, but the mechanism underlying UBQLN2-mediated pathogenesis is still uncertain. Recent studies indicate that mitophagy, a selective form of autophagy which is crucial for mitochondrial quality control, is tightly associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ALS. In this study, we show that after Parkin-dependent ubiquitination of damaged mitochondria, UBQLN2 is recruited to poly-ubiquitinated mitochondria through the UBA domain. UBQLN2 cooperates with the chaperone HSP70 to promote UPS-driven degradation of outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) proteins. The resulting rupture of the OMM triggers the autophagosomal recognition of the inner mitochondrial membrane receptor PHB2. UBQLN2 is required for Parkin-mediated mitophagy and neuronal survival upon mitochondrial damage, and the ALS/FTD pathogenic mutations in UBQLN2 impair mitophagy in primary cultured neurons. Taken together, our findings link dysfunctional mitophagy to UBQLN2-mediated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilian Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and FUTURE‐NEURO Research CentreRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandDublinIreland
| | - Jiaqi Xin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Qiang Peng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ningning Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Shan Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauMacauChina
| | - Hongyu Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Guoqiang Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Nana Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear MedicineJiangsu Institute of Nuclear MedicineWuxiChina
| | - Kin Yip Tam
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauMacauChina
| | - Heiko Dussmann
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and FUTURE‐NEURO Research CentreRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandDublinIreland
| | - Jochen HM Prehn
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and FUTURE‐NEURO Research CentreRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandDublinIreland
| | - Hongfeng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zheng Ying
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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168
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Liu Q, Yi D, Ding J, Mao Y, Wang S, Ma L, Li Q, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Guo S, Liu Z, Guo F, Zhao D, Liang C, Li X, Peng X, Cen S. MOV10 recruits DCP2 to decap human LINE-1 RNA by forming large cytoplasmic granules with phase separation properties. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56512. [PMID: 37437058 PMCID: PMC10481665 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) is the only active autonomous mobile element in the human genome. Its transposition can exert deleterious effects on the structure and function of the host genome and cause sporadic genetic diseases. Tight control of LINE-1 mobilization by the host is crucial for genetic stability. In this study, we report that MOV10 recruits the main decapping enzyme DCP2 to LINE-1 RNA and forms a complex of MOV10, DCP2, and LINE-1 RNP, exhibiting liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) properties. DCP2 cooperates with MOV10 to decap LINE-1 RNA, which causes degradation of LINE-1 RNA and thus reduces LINE-1 retrotransposition. We here identify DCP2 as one of the key effector proteins determining LINE-1 replication, and elucidate an LLPS mechanism that facilitates the anti-LINE-1 action of MOV10 and DCP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Dongrong Yi
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Jiwei Ding
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Yang Mao
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Shujie Wang
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Ling Ma
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Quanjie Li
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Jianyuan Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Saisai Guo
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Zhenlong Liu
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General HospitalMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
| | - Fei Guo
- Institute of Pathogen BiologyChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijingChina
| | - Dongbing Zhao
- National Cancer CenterChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Chen Liang
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General HospitalMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesSchool of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal BiotechnologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical SchoolBeijingChina
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169
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Morón-Oset J, Fischer LK, Carcolé M, Giblin A, Zhang P, Isaacs AM, Grönke S, Partridge L. Toxicity of C9orf72-associated dipeptide repeat peptides is modified by commonly used protein tags. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201739. [PMID: 37308278 PMCID: PMC10262077 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are the most prevalent genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Transcripts of the expansions are translated into toxic dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins. Most preclinical studies in cell and animal models have used protein-tagged polyDPR constructs to investigate DPR toxicity but the effects of tags on DPR toxicity have not been systematically explored. Here, we used Drosophila to assess the influence of protein tags on DPR toxicity. Tagging of 36 but not 100 arginine-rich DPRs with mCherry increased toxicity, whereas adding mCherry or GFP to GA100 completely abolished toxicity. FLAG tagging also reduced GA100 toxicity but less than the longer fluorescent tags. Expression of untagged but not GFP- or mCherry-tagged GA100 caused DNA damage and increased p62 levels. Fluorescent tags also affected GA100 stability and degradation. In summary, protein tags affect DPR toxicity in a tag- and DPR-dependent manner, and GA toxicity might be underestimated in studies using tagged GA proteins. Thus, including untagged DPRs as controls is important when assessing DPR toxicity in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mireia Carcolé
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Ashling Giblin
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pingze Zhang
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Linda Partridge
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
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170
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Aly A, Laszlo ZI, Rajkumar S, Demir T, Hindley N, Lamont DJ, Lehmann J, Seidel M, Sommer D, Franz-Wachtel M, Barletta F, Heumos S, Czemmel S, Kabashi E, Ludolph A, Boeckers TM, Henstridge CM, Catanese A. Integrative proteomics highlight presynaptic alterations and c-Jun misactivation as convergent pathomechanisms in ALS. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:451-475. [PMID: 37488208 PMCID: PMC10412488 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease mainly affecting upper and lower motoneurons. Several functionally heterogeneous genes have been associated with the familial form of this disorder (fALS), depicting an extremely complex pathogenic landscape. This heterogeneity has limited the identification of an effective therapy, and this bleak prognosis will only improve with a greater understanding of convergent disease mechanisms. Recent evidence from human post-mortem material and diverse model systems has highlighted the synapse as a crucial structure actively involved in disease progression, suggesting that synaptic aberrations might represent a shared pathological feature across the ALS spectrum. To test this hypothesis, we performed the first comprehensive analysis of the synaptic proteome from post-mortem spinal cord and human iPSC-derived motoneurons carrying mutations in the major ALS genes. This integrated approach highlighted perturbations in the molecular machinery controlling vesicle release as a shared pathomechanism in ALS. Mechanistically, phosphoproteomic analysis linked the presynaptic vesicular phenotype to an accumulation of cytotoxic protein aggregates and to the pro-apoptotic activation of the transcription factor c-Jun, providing detailed insights into the shared pathobiochemistry in ALS. Notably, sub-chronic treatment of our iPSC-derived motoneurons with the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid exerted a neuroprotective effect by efficiently rescuing the alterations revealed by our multidisciplinary approach. Together, this study provides strong evidence for the central and convergent role played by the synaptic microenvironment within the ALS spinal cord and highlights a potential therapeutic target that counteracts degeneration in a heterogeneous cohort of human motoneuron cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Aly
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zsofia I Laszlo
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Sandeep Rajkumar
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tugba Demir
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nicole Hindley
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Douglas J Lamont
- FingerPrints Proteomics Facility, Discovery Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Johannes Lehmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mira Seidel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Sommer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Francesca Barletta
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Heumos
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Biomedical Data Science, Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Czemmel
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, INSERM, UMR 1163, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University School of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm Site, Germany
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm Site, Germany
| | - Christopher M Henstridge
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
| | - Alberto Catanese
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm Site, Germany.
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171
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Kushol R, Luk CC, Dey A, Benatar M, Briemberg H, Dionne A, Dupré N, Frayne R, Genge A, Gibson S, Graham SJ, Korngut L, Seres P, Welsh RC, Wilman AH, Zinman L, Kalra S, Yang YH. SF2Former: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis identification from multi-center MRI data using spatial and frequency fusion transformer. Comput Med Imaging Graph 2023; 108:102279. [PMID: 37573646 DOI: 10.1016/j.compmedimag.2023.102279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron degeneration. Significant research has begun to establish brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a potential biomarker to diagnose and monitor the state of the disease. Deep learning has emerged as a prominent class of machine learning algorithms in computer vision and has shown successful applications in various medical image analysis tasks. However, deep learning methods applied to neuroimaging have not achieved superior performance in classifying ALS patients from healthy controls due to insignificant structural changes correlated with pathological features. Thus, a critical challenge in deep models is to identify discriminative features from limited training data. To address this challenge, this study introduces a framework called SF2Former, which leverages the power of the vision transformer architecture to distinguish ALS subjects from the control group by exploiting the long-range relationships among image features. Additionally, spatial and frequency domain information is combined to enhance the network's performance, as MRI scans are initially captured in the frequency domain and then converted to the spatial domain. The proposed framework is trained using a series of consecutive coronal slices and utilizes pre-trained weights from ImageNet through transfer learning. Finally, a majority voting scheme is employed on the coronal slices of each subject to generate the final classification decision. The proposed architecture is extensively evaluated with multi-modal neuroimaging data (i.e., T1-weighted, R2*, FLAIR) using two well-organized versions of the Canadian ALS Neuroimaging Consortium (CALSNIC) multi-center datasets. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed strategy in terms of classification accuracy compared to several popular deep learning-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafsanjany Kushol
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Collin C Luk
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Avyarthana Dey
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Briemberg
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annie Dionne
- Axe Neurosciences, CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dupré
- Axe Neurosciences, CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Richard Frayne
- Departments of Radiology and Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Angela Genge
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Summer Gibson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Simon J Graham
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence Korngut
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter Seres
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Robert C Welsh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alan H Wilman
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yee-Hong Yang
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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172
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Morón-Oset J, Fischer LKS, Jauré N, Zhang P, Jahn AJ, Supèr T, Pahl A, Isaacs AM, Grönke S, Partridge L. Repeat length of C9orf72-associated glycine-alanine polypeptides affects their toxicity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:140. [PMID: 37644512 PMCID: PMC10463776 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01634-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansions in a non-coding region of the C9orf72 gene are the most common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). G4C2 insertion length is variable, and patients can carry up to several thousand repeats. Dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) translated from G4C2 transcripts are thought to be a main driver of toxicity. Experiments in model organisms with relatively short DPRs have shown that arginine-rich DPRs are most toxic, while polyGlycine-Alanine (GA) DPRs cause only mild toxicity. However, GA is the most abundant DPR in patient brains, and experimental work in animals has generally relied on the use of low numbers of repeats, with DPRs often tagged for in vivo tracking. Whether repeat length or tagging affect the toxicity of GA has not been systematically assessed. Therefore, we generated Drosophila fly lines expressing GA100, GA200 or GA400 specifically in adult neurons. Consistent with previous studies, expression of GA100 and GA200 caused only mild toxicity. In contrast, neuronal expression of GA400 drastically reduced climbing ability and survival of flies, indicating that long GA DPRs can be highly toxic in vivo. This toxicity could be abolished by tagging GA400. Proteomics analysis of fly brains showed a repeat-length-dependent modulation of the brain proteome, with GA400 causing earlier and stronger changes than shorter GA proteins. PolyGA expression up-regulated proteins involved in ER to Golgi trafficking, and down-regulated proteins involved in insulin signalling. Experimental down-regulation of Tango1, a highly conserved regulator of ER-to Golgi transport, partially rescued GA400 toxicity, suggesting that misregulation of this process contributes to polyGA toxicity. Experimentally increasing insulin signaling also rescued GA toxicity. In summary, our data show that long polyGA proteins can be highly toxic in vivo, and that they may therefore contribute to ALS/FTD pathogenesis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Morón-Oset
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Nathalie Jauré
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pingze Zhang
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annika Julia Jahn
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tessa Supèr
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - André Pahl
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sebastian Grönke
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Linda Partridge
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9B, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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173
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Zhang Y, Li S, Gong X, Chen J. Accurate Simulation of Coupling between Protein Secondary Structure and Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.22.554378. [PMID: 37662293 PMCID: PMC10473686 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.554378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) frequently mediate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) that underlies the formation of membraneless organelles. Together with theory and experiment, efficient coarse-grained (CG) simulations have been instrumental in understanding sequence-specific phase separation of IDPs. However, the widely-used Cα-only models are severely limited in capturing the peptide nature of IDPs, including backbone-mediated interactions and effects of secondary structures, in LLPS. Here, we describe a hybrid resolution (HyRes) protein model for accurate description of the backbone and transient secondary structures in LLPS. With an atomistic backbone and coarse-grained side chains, HyRes accurately predicts the residue helical propensity and chain dimension of monomeric IDPs. Using GY-23 as a model system, we show that HyRes is efficient enough for direct simulation of spontaneous phase separation, and at the same time accurate enough to resolve the effects of single mutations. HyRes simulations also successfully predict increased beta-sheet formation in the condensate, consistent with available experimental data. We further utilize HyRes to study the phase separation of TPD-43, where several disease-related mutants in the conserved region (CR) have been shown to affect residual helicities and modulate LLPS propensity. The simulations successfully recapitulate the effect of these mutants on the helicity and LLPS propensity of TDP-43 CR. Analyses reveal that the balance between backbone and sidechain-mediated interactions, but not helicity itself, actually determines LLPS propensity. We believe that the HyRes model represents an important advance in the molecular simulation of LLPS and will help elucidate the coupling between IDP transient secondary structures and phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiping Gong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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174
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Dunn E, Zhang B, Sahota VK, Augustin H. Potential benefits of medium chain fatty acids in aging and neurodegenerative disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1230467. [PMID: 37680538 PMCID: PMC10481710 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1230467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a large class of neurological disorders characterized by progressive dysfunction and death of neurones. Examples include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Aging is the primary risk factor for neurodegeneration; individuals over 65 are more likely to suffer from a neurodegenerative disease, with prevalence increasing with age. As the population ages, the social and economic burden caused by these diseases will increase. Therefore, new therapies that address both aging and neurodegeneration are imperative. Ketogenic diets (KDs) are low carbohydrate, high-fat diets developed initially as an alternative treatment for epilepsy. The classic ketogenic diet provides energy via long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs); naturally occurring medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), on the other hand, are the main components of the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet. MCT-based diets are more efficient at generating the ketone bodies that are used as a secondary energy source for neurones and astrocytes. However, ketone levels alone do not closely correlate with improved clinical symptoms. Recent findings suggest an alternative mode of action for the MCFAs, e.g., via improving mitochondrial biogenesis and glutamate receptor inhibition. MCFAs have been linked to the treatment of both aging and neurodegenerative disease via their effects on metabolism. Through action on multiple disease-related pathways, MCFAs are emerging as compounds with notable potential to promote healthy aging and ameliorate neurodegeneration. MCFAs have been shown to stimulate autophagy and restore mitochondrial function, which are found to be disrupted in aging and neurodegeneration. This review aims to provide insight into the metabolic benefits of MCFAs in neurodegenerative disease and healthy aging. We will discuss the use of MCFAs to combat dysregulation of autophagy and mitochondrial function in the context of "normal" aging, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hrvoje Augustin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
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175
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Chen S, Puri A, Bell B, Fritsche J, Palacios H, Balch M, Sprunger M, Howard M, Patterson J, Patti G, Davis A, Jackrel M. HtrA1 prevents and reverses α-synuclein aggregation, rendering it non-toxic and seeding incompetent. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2570571. [PMID: 37674720 PMCID: PMC10479434 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2570571/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is closely linked to the misfolding and accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) into Lewy bodies. HtrA1 is a PDZ serine protease that degrades fibrillar tau, which is associated with Alzheimer disease (AD). Further, inactivating mutations to mitochondrial HtrA2 have been implicated in PD. Here, we establish that HtrA1 inhibits the aggregation of α-syn as well as FUS and TDP-43, which are implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We demonstrate that the protease domain of HtrA1 is necessary and sufficient for inhibition of aggregation, yet this activity is independent of HtrA1 proteolytic activity. Further, we find that HtrA1 also disaggregates preformed α-syn fibrils, which may promote their clearance. Treatment of α-syn fibrils with HtrA1 renders α-syn incapable of seeding the aggregation of endogenous α-syn in mammalian biosensor cells. We find that HtrA1 remodels α-syn by specifically targeting the NAC domain, which is the key domain that catalyzes α-syn oligomerization and fibrillization. Finally, in a primary neuron model of α-syn aggregation, we show that HtrA1 and its proteolytically inactive form both detoxify α-syn and prevent the formation of hyperphosphorylated α-syn accumulations. Our findings suggest that HtrA1 prevents aggregation and promotes disaggregation of multiple disease-associated proteins, and may be a therapeutic target for treating a range of neurodegenerative disorders.
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176
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De Marchi F, Tondo G, Corrado L, Menegon F, Aprile D, Anselmi M, D’Alfonso S, Comi C, Mazzini L. Neuroinflammatory Pathways in the ALS-FTD Continuum: A Focus on Genetic Variants. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1658. [PMID: 37628709 PMCID: PMC10454262 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal dementia (FDT) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders that, in several cases, overlap in clinical presentation, and genetic and pathological disease mechanisms. About 10-15% of ALS cases and up to 40% of FTD are familial, usually with dominant traits. ALS and FTD, in several cases, share common gene mutations, such as in C9ORF72, TARDBP, SQSTM-1, FUS, VCP, CHCHD10, and TBK-1. Also, several mechanisms are involved in ALS and FTD pathogenesis, such as protein misfolding, oxidative stress, and impaired axonal transport. In addition, neuroinflammation and neuroinflammatory cells, such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and lymphocytes and, overall, the cellular microenvironment, have been proposed as pivotal players in the pathogenesis the ALS-FTD spectrum disorders. This review overviews the current evidence regarding neuroinflammatory markers in the ALS/FTD continuum, focusing on the neuroinflammatory pathways involved in the genetic cases, moving from post-mortem reports to in vivo biofluid and neuroimaging data. We further discuss the potential link between genetic and autoimmune disorders and potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Tondo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, S. Andrea Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (D.A.); (C.C.)
| | - Lucia Corrado
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (S.D.)
| | - Federico Menegon
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Davide Aprile
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, S. Andrea Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (D.A.); (C.C.)
| | - Matteo Anselmi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Sandra D’Alfonso
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (S.D.)
| | - Cristoforo Comi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, S. Andrea Hospital, University of Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (D.A.); (C.C.)
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
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177
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Mandrioli J, D'Amico R, Zucchi E, De Biasi S, Banchelli F, Martinelli I, Simonini C, Lo Tartaro D, Vicini R, Fini N, Gianferrari G, Pinti M, Lunetta C, Gerardi F, Tarlarini C, Mazzini L, De Marchi F, Scognamiglio A, Sorarù G, Fortuna A, Lauria G, Bella ED, Caponnetto C, Meo G, Chio A, Calvo A, Cossarizza A. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of rapamycin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4970. [PMID: 37591957 PMCID: PMC10435464 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In preclinical studies rapamycin was found to target neuroinflammation, by expanding regulatory T cells, and affecting autophagy, two pillars of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Herein we report a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, in 63 ALS patients who were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive rapamycin 2 mg/m2/day,1 mg/m2/day or placebo (EUDRACT 2016-002399-28; NCT03359538). The primary outcome, the number of patients exhibiting an increase >30% in regulatory T cells from baseline to treatment end, was not attained. Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline of T, B, NK cell subpopulations, inflammasome mRNA expression and activation status, S6-ribosomal protein phosphorylation, neurofilaments; clinical outcome measures of disease progression; survival; safety and quality of life. Of the secondary outcomes, rapamycin decreased mRNA relative expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18, reduced plasmatic IL-18 protein, and increased the percentage of classical monocytes and memory switched B cells, although no corrections were applied for multiple tests. In conclusion, we show that rapamycin treatment is well tolerated and provides reassuring safety findings in ALS patients, but further trials are necessary to understand the biological and clinical effects of this drug in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support to Clinical Research, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Neurosciences PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara De Biasi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support to Clinical Research, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Domenico Lo Tartaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Vicini
- Unit of Statistical and Methodological Support to Clinical Research, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Fini
- Department of Neurosciences, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gianferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Marcello Pinti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Maugeri IRCCS Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Centre, Neurologic Clinic, Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Centre, Neurologic Clinic, Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Ada Scognamiglio
- ALS Centre, Neurologic Clinic, Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Centro Regionale Specializzato Malattie del Motoneurone, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Fortuna
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- 3rd Neurology Unit and ALS Centre, IRCCS 'Carlo Besta' Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3rd Neurology Unit and ALS Centre, IRCCS 'Carlo Besta' Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Caponnetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitatioņ Ophthalmology, Genetics, Mother and Child Disease, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Meo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitatioņ Ophthalmology, Genetics, Mother and Child Disease, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Adriano Chio
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neurosciences, ALS Centre, University of Turin and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neurosciences, ALS Centre, University of Turin and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Cossarizza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- National Institute for Cardiovascular Research, via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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Monette A, Niu M, Maldonado RK, Chang J, Lambert GS, Flanagan JM, Cochrane A, Parent LJ, Mouland AJ. Influence of HIV-1 Genomic RNA on the Formation of Gag Biomolecular Condensates. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168190. [PMID: 37385580 PMCID: PMC10838171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) play an important role in the replication of a growing number of viruses, but many important mechanistic details remain to be elucidated. Previously, we demonstrated that the pan-retroviral nucleocapsid (NC) and HIV-1 pr55Gag (Gag) proteins phase separate into condensates, and that HIV-1 protease (PR)-mediated maturation of Gag and Gag-Pol precursor proteins yields self-assembling BMCs that have HIV-1 core architecture. Using biochemical and imaging techniques, we aimed to further characterize the phase separation of HIV-1 Gag by determining which of its intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) influence the formation of BMCs, and how the HIV-1 viral genomic RNA (gRNA) could influence BMC abundance and size. We found that mutations in the Gag matrix (MA) domain or the NC zinc finger motifs altered condensate number and size in a salt-dependent manner. Gag BMCs were also bimodally influenced by the gRNA, with a condensate-promoting regime at lower protein concentrations and a gel dissolution at higher protein concentrations. Interestingly, incubation of Gag with CD4+ T cell nuclear lysates led to the formation of larger BMCs compared to much smaller ones observed in the presence of cytoplasmic lysates. These findings suggest that the composition and properties of Gag-containing BMCs may be altered by differential association of host factors in nuclear and cytosolic compartments during virus assembly. This study significantly advances our understanding of HIV-1 Gag BMC formation and provides a foundation for future therapeutic targeting of virion assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Monette
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Meijuan Niu
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Rebecca Kaddis Maldonado
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Jordan Chang
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Gregory S Lambert
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - John M Flanagan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Alan Cochrane
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Leslie J Parent
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
| | - Andrew J Mouland
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada.
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179
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Fischetti F, Poli L, De Tommaso M, Paolicelli D, Greco G, Cataldi S. The role of exercise parameters on small extracellular vesicles and microRNAs cargo in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1241010. [PMID: 37654673 PMCID: PMC10466047 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1241010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity (PA), which includes exercise, can reduce the risk of developing various non-communicable diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), and mitigate their adverse effects. However, the mechanisms underlying this ability are not yet fully understood. Among several possible mechanisms proposed, such as the stimulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nerve growth factor (NGF), the possible involvement of particular vesicular structures enclosed in lipid membranes known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) has recently been investigated. These EVs would appear to exert a paracrine and systemic action through their ability to carry various molecules, particularly so-called microRNAs (miRNAs), performing a function as mediators of intercellular communication. Interestingly, EVs and miRNAs are differentially expressed following PA, but evidence on how different exercise parameters may differentially affect EVs and the miRNAs they carry is still scarce. In this review we summarized the current human findings on the effects of PA and different exercise parameters exerted on EVs and their cargo, focusing on miRNAs molecules, and discussing how this may represent one of the biological mechanisms through which exercise contributes to preventing and slowing NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fischetti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Luca Poli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marina De Tommaso
- Applied Neurophysiology and Pain Unit, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Policlinico General Hospital, University of Study of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Damiano Paolicelli
- Neurophysiology Operative Unit, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Policlinico General Hospital, University of Study of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Greco
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Cataldi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, Bari, Italy
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180
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Oiwa K, Watanabe S, Onodera K, Iguchi Y, Kinoshita Y, Komine O, Sobue A, Okada Y, Katsuno M, Yamanaka K. Monomerization of TDP-43 is a key determinant for inducing TDP-43 pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf6895. [PMID: 37540751 PMCID: PMC10403219 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf6895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic aggregation of TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43), also known as TDP-43 pathology, is the pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the mechanism underlying TDP-43 cytoplasmic mislocalization and subsequent aggregation remains unclear. Here, we show that TDP-43 dimerization/multimerization is impaired in the postmortem brains and spinal cords of patients with sporadic ALS and that N-terminal dimerization-deficient TDP-43 consists of pathological inclusion bodies in ALS motor neurons. Expression of N-terminal dimerization-deficient mutant TDP-43 in Neuro2a cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons recapitulates TDP-43 pathology, such as Nxf1-dependent cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregate formation, which induces seeding effects. Furthermore, TDP-DiLuc, a bimolecular luminescence complementation reporter assay, could detect decreased N-terminal dimerization of TDP-43 before TDP-43 pathological changes caused by the transcription inhibition linked to aberrant RNA metabolism in ALS. These findings identified TDP-43 monomerization as a critical determinant inducing TDP-43 pathology in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Oiwa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Seiji Watanabe
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Kazunari Onodera
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Department of Neural iPSC Research, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yohei Iguchi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Yukako Kinoshita
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Okiru Komine
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Akira Sobue
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Medical Interactive Research and Academia Industry Collaboration Center, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yohei Okada
- Department of Neural iPSC Research, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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181
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Xu L, Wang D, Zhao L, Yang Z, Liu X, Li X, Yuan T, Wang Y, Huang T, Bian N, He Y, Chen X, Tian B, Liu Z, Luo F, Si W, Gao G, Ji W, Niu Y, Wei J. C9orf72 poly(PR) aggregation in nucleus induces ALS/FTD-related neurodegeneration in cynomolgus monkeys. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 184:106197. [PMID: 37328037 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(PR) is a dipeptide repeat protein comprising proline and arginine residues. It is one of the translational product of expanded G4C2 repeats in the C9orf72 gene, and its accumulation is contributing to the neuropathogenesis of C9orf72-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). In this study, we demonstrate that poly(PR) protein alone is sufficient to induce neurodegeneration related to ALS/FTD in cynomolgus monkeys. By delivering poly(PR) via AAV, we observed that the PR proteins were located within the nucleus of infected cells. The expression of (PR)50 protein, consisting of 50 PR repeats, led to increased loss of cortical neurons, cytoplasmic lipofuscin, and gliosis in the brain, as well as demyelination and loss of ChAT positive neurons in the spinal cord of monkeys. While, these pathologies were not observed in monkeys expressing (PR)5, a protein comprising only 5 PR repeats. Furthermore, the (PR)50-expressing monkeys exhibited progressive motor deficits, cognitive impairment, muscle atrophy, and abnormal electromyography (EMG) potentials, which closely resemble clinical symptoms seen in C9-ALS/FTD patients. By longitudinally tracking these monkeys, we found that changes in cystatin C and chitinase-1 (CHIT1) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) corresponded to the phenotypic progression of (PR)50-induced disease. Proteomic analysis revealed that the major clusters of dysregulated proteins were nuclear-localized, and downregulation of the MECP2 protein was implicated in the toxic process of poly(PR). This research indicates that poly(PR) expression alone induces neurodegeneration and core phenotypes associated with C9-ALS/FTD in monkeys, which may provide insights into the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zhengsheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xinyue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Tingli Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Tianzhuang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Ning Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yuqun He
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xinglong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Baohong Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zexian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Fucheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Wei Si
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Weizhi Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Yuyu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Jingkuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
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Verdile V, Riccioni V, Guerra M, Ferrante G, Sette C, Valle C, Ferri A, Paronetto MP. An impaired splicing program underlies differentiation defects in hSOD1 G93A neural progenitor cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:236. [PMID: 37524863 PMCID: PMC11072603 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04893-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs), resulting in progressive paralysis and death. Genetic animal models of ALS have highlighted dysregulation of synaptic structure and function as a pathogenic feature of ALS-onset and progression. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS), which allows expansion of the coding power of genomes by generating multiple transcript isoforms from each gene, is widely associated with synapse formation and functional specification. Deciphering the link between aberrant splicing regulation and pathogenic features of ALS could pave the ground for novel therapeutic opportunities. Herein, we found that neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from the hSOD1G93A mouse model of ALS displayed increased proliferation and propensity to differentiate into neurons. In parallel, hSOD1G93A NPCs showed impaired splicing patterns in synaptic genes, which could contribute to the observed phenotype. Remarkably, master splicing regulators of the switch from stemness to neural differentiation are de-regulated in hSOD1G93A NPCs, thus impacting the differentiation program. Our data indicate that hSOD1G93A mutation impacts on neurogenesis by increasing the NPC pool in the developing mouse cortex and affecting their intrinsic properties, through the establishment of a specific splicing program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Verdile
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology and of Neurochemistry, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Riccioni
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology and of Neurochemistry, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Guerra
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ferrante
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology and of Neurochemistry, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology and of Neurochemistry, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology and of Neurochemistry, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Paronetto
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro de Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology and of Neurochemistry, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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183
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Younes R, Issa Y, Jdaa N, Chouaib B, Brugioti V, Challuau D, Raoul C, Scamps F, Cuisinier F, Hilaire C. The Secretome of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Its Components GDF15 and HB-EGF Protect Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motoneurons against Death. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2152. [PMID: 37626649 PMCID: PMC10452672 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable paralytic disorder caused by the progressive death of upper and lower motoneurons. Although numerous strategies have been developed to slow disease progression and improve life quality, to date only a few therapeutic treatments are available with still unsatisfactory therapeutic benefits. The secretome of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) contains numerous neurotrophic factors that could promote motoneuron survival. Accordingly, DPSCs confer neuroprotective benefits to the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. However, the mode of action of DPSC secretome on motoneurons remains largely unknown. Here, we used conditioned medium of human DPSCs (DPSCs-CM) and assessed its effect on survival, axonal length, and electrical activity of cultured wildtype and SOD1G93A motoneurons. To further understand the role of individual factors secreted by DPSCs and to circumvent the secretome variability bias, we focused on GDF15 and HB-EGF whose neuroprotective properties remain elusive in the ALS pathogenic context. DPSCs-CM rescues motoneurons from trophic factor deprivation-induced death, promotes axon outgrowth of wildtype but not SOD1G93A mutant motoneurons, and has no impact on the spontaneous electrical activity of wildtype or mutant motoneurons. Both GDF15 and HB-EGF protect SOD1G93A motoneurons against nitric oxide-induced death, but not against death induced by trophic factor deprivation. GDF15 and HB-EGF receptors were found to be expressed in the spinal cord, with a two-fold increase in expression for the GDF15 low-affinity receptor in SOD1G93A mice. Therefore, the secretome of DPSCs appears as a new potential therapeutic candidate for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Younes
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
- LBN, University of Montpellier, 34193 Montpellier, France
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Issa
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Nadia Jdaa
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Batoul Chouaib
- LBN, University of Montpellier, 34193 Montpellier, France
- Human Health Department, IRSN, SERAMED, LRMed, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - Désiré Challuau
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Cédric Raoul
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Cécile Hilaire
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
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Adedayo BC, Akinniyi ST, Ogunsuyi OB, Oboh G. In the quest for the ideal sweetener: Aspartame exacerbates selected biomarkers in the fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster) model of Alzheimer's disease more than sucrose. AGING BRAIN 2023; 4:100090. [PMID: 37559954 PMCID: PMC10407236 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2023.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of dietary inclusions of aspartame and sucrose on some selected behavioral and biochemical indices linked with Alzheimer's disease in a transgenic fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model expressing human amyloid precursor protein and secretase. Flies were raised on a diet supplemented with sucrose and aspartame for 14 days. Thereafter, the flies were assessed for their survival rate, learning and memory, as well as locomotor performance, 14 days post-treatment. This was followed by homogenising the fly heads, and the homogenates were assayed for acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities, as well as levels of lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, and total thiol. The results showed aspartame at all levels of dietary intake and a high proportion of sucrose significantly aggravated the mortality rate, locomotor deficiency, and impaired biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the transgenic flies, while no significant effect was found on acetylcholinesterase activity or memory function. These findings therefore suggest that while low dietary inclusions of sucrose are tolerable under AD-like phenotypes in the flies, high inclusions of sucrose and all proportions of aspartame tested aggravated mortality rate, locomotion and oxidative stress in the flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bukola Christiana Adedayo
- Biochemistry Department, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
- Drosophila Research Lab, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Unit, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
| | - Stephanie Tolulope Akinniyi
- Biochemistry Department, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
- Drosophila Research Lab, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Unit, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
| | - Opeyemi Babatunde Ogunsuyi
- Drosophila Research Lab, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Unit, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
- Department of Biomedical Technology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
| | - Ganiyu Oboh
- Biochemistry Department, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
- Drosophila Research Lab, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Unit, The Federal University of Technology, Akure P.M.B. 704, Nigeria
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185
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Rojas F, Aguilar R, Almeida S, Fritz E, Corvalán D, Ampuero E, Abarzúa S, Garcés P, Amaro A, Diaz I, Arredondo C, Cortes N, Sanchez M, Mercado C, Varela-Nallar L, Gao FB, Montecino M, van Zundert B. Mature iPSC-derived astrocytes of an ALS/FTD patient carrying the TDP43 A90V mutation display a mild reactive state and release polyP toxic to motoneurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1226604. [PMID: 37645251 PMCID: PMC10461635 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1226604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy central nervous system and astrocyte dysfunction has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). There is compelling evidence that mouse and human ALS and ALS/FTD astrocytes can reduce the number of healthy wild-type motoneurons (MNs) in co-cultures or after treatment with astrocyte conditioned media (ACM), independently of their genotype. A growing number of studies have shown that soluble toxic factor(s) in the ACM cause non-cell autonomous MN death, including our recent identification of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) that is excessively released from mouse primary astrocytes (SOD1, TARDBP, and C9ORF72) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived astrocytes (TARDBP) to kill MNs. However, others have reported that astrocytes carrying mutant TDP43 do not produce detectable MN toxicity. This controversy is likely to arise from the findings that human iPSC-derived astrocytes exhibit a rather immature and/or reactive phenotype in a number of studies. Here, we have succeeded in generating a highly homogenous population of functional quiescent mature astrocytes from control subject iPSCs. Using identical conditions, we also generated mature astrocytes from an ALS/FTD patient carrying the TDP43A90V mutation. These mutant TDP43 patient-derived astrocytes exhibit key pathological hallmarks, including enhanced cytoplasmic TDP-43 and polyP levels. Additionally, mutant TDP43 astrocytes displayed a mild reactive signature and an aberrant function as they were unable to promote synaptogenesis of hippocampal neurons. The polyP-dependent neurotoxic nature of the TDP43A90V mutation was further confirmed as neutralization of polyP in ACM derived from mutant TDP43 astrocytes prevented MN death. Our results establish that human astrocytes carrying the TDP43A90V mutation exhibit a cell-autonomous pathological signature, hence providing an experimental model to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of the neurotoxic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Rojas
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Elsa Fritz
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Corvalán
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Estibaliz Ampuero
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Abarzúa
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Polett Garcés
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Armando Amaro
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Diaz
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Arredondo
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Cortes
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Mercado
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Varela-Nallar
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Martin Montecino
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation CRG, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
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186
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Mohovic N, Peradinovic J, Markovinovic A, Cimbro R, Minic Z, Dominovic M, Jakovac H, Nimac J, Rogelj B, Munitic I. Neuroimmune characterization of optineurin insufficiency mouse model during ageing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11840. [PMID: 37481656 PMCID: PMC10363168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38875-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Optineurin is a multifunctional polyubiquitin-binding protein implicated in inflammatory signalling. Optineurin mutations are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), neurodegenerative diseases characterised by neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, and peripheral immune disbalance. However, the pathogenic role of optineurin mutations is unclear. We previously observed no phenotype in the unmanipulated young optineurin insufficiency mice (Optn470T), designed to mimic ALS/FTD-linked truncations deficient in polyubiquitin binding. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ageing would trigger neurodegeneration. We performed a neurological, neuropathological, and immunological characterization of ageing wild-type (WT) and Optn470T mice. No motor or cognitive differences were detected between the genotypes. Neuropathological analyses demonstrated signs of ageing including lipofuscin accumulation and microglial activation in WT mice. However, this was not worsened in Optn470T mice, and they did not exhibit TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation or neuronal loss. Spleen immunophenotyping uncovered T cell immunosenescence at two years but without notable differences between the WT and Optn470T mice. Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) and macrophages exhibited increased expression of activation markers in two-year-old Optn470T males but not females, although the numbers of innate immune cells were similar between genotypes. Altogether, a combination of optineurin insufficiency and ageing did not induce ALS/FTD-like immune imbalance and neuropathology in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Mohovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Josip Peradinovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Andrea Markovinovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Raffaello Cimbro
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Zeljka Minic
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marin Dominovic
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Jakovac
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jerneja Nimac
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivana Munitic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia.
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187
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Guo G, Wang X, Zhang Y, Li T. Sequence variations of phase-separating proteins and resources for studying biomolecular condensates. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1119-1132. [PMID: 37464880 PMCID: PMC10423696 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Phase separation (PS) is an important mechanism underlying the formation of biomolecular condensates. Physiological condensates are associated with numerous biological processes, such as transcription, immunity, signaling, and synaptic transmission. Changes in particular amino acids or segments can disturb the protein's phase behavior and interactions with other biomolecules in condensates. It is thus presumed that variations in the phase-separating-prone domains can significantly impact the properties and functions of condensates. The dysfunction of condensates contributes to a number of pathological processes. Pharmacological perturbation of these condensates is proposed as a promising way to restore physiological states. In this review, we characterize the variations observed in PS proteins that lead to aberrant biomolecular compartmentalization. We also showcase recent advancements in bioinformatics of membraneless organelles (MLOs), focusing on available databases useful for screening PS proteins and describing endogenous condensates, guiding researchers to seek the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaigai Guo
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijing100191China
- Key Laboratory for NeuroscienceMinistry of Education/National Health Commission of ChinaPeking UniversityBeijing100191China
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188
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Antoniani F, Cimino M, Mediani L, Vinet J, Verde EM, Secco V, Yamoah A, Tripathi P, Aronica E, Cicardi ME, Trotti D, Sterneckert J, Goswami A, Carra S. Loss of PML nuclear bodies in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:248. [PMID: 37454169 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) are two neurodegenerative disorders that share genetic causes and pathogenic mechanisms. The critical genetic players of ALS and FTD are the TARDBP, FUS and C9orf72 genes, whose protein products, TDP-43, FUS and the C9orf72-dipeptide repeat proteins, accumulate in form of cytoplasmic inclusions. The majority of the studies focus on the understanding of how cells control TDP-43 and FUS aggregation in the cytoplasm, overlooking how dysfunctions occurring at the nuclear level may influence the maintenance of protein solubility outside of the nucleus. However, protein quality control (PQC) systems that maintain protein homeostasis comprise a cytoplasmic and a nuclear arm that are interconnected and share key players. It is thus conceivable that impairment of the nuclear arm of the PQC may have a negative impact on the cytoplasmic arm of the PQC, contributing to the formation of the cytoplasmic pathological inclusions. Here we focused on two stress-inducible condensates that act as transient deposition sites for misfolding-prone proteins: Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) and cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs). Upon stress, PML-NBs compartmentalize misfolded proteins, including defective ribosomal products (DRiPs), and recruit chaperones and proteasomes to promote their nuclear clearance. SGs transiently sequester aggregation-prone RNA-binding proteins linked to ALS-FTD and mRNAs to attenuate their translation. We report that PML assembly is impaired in the human brain and spinal cord of familial C9orf72 and FUS ALS-FTD cases. We also show that defective PML-NB assembly impairs the compartmentalization of DRiPs in the nucleus, leading to their accumulation inside cytoplasmic SGs, negatively influencing SG dynamics. Although it is currently unclear what causes the decrease of PML-NBs in ALS-FTD, our data highlight the existence of a cross-talk between the cytoplasmic and nuclear PQC systems, whose alteration can contribute to SG accumulation and cytoplasmic protein aggregation in ALS-FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Antoniani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Cimino
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Mediani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jonathan Vinet
- Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (CIGS), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Enza M Verde
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Secco
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alfred Yamoah
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Priyanka Tripathi
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria E Cicardi
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Davide Trotti
- Weinberg ALS Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anand Goswami
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, 10032, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center, Columbia University, 10032, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Serena Carra
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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189
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Xiang L, Wang Y, Liu S, Liu B, Jin X, Cao X. Targeting Protein Aggregates with Natural Products: An Optional Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11275. [PMID: 37511037 PMCID: PMC10379780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is one of the hallmarks of aging and aging-related diseases, especially for the neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others. In these diseases, many pathogenic proteins, such as amyloid-β, tau, α-Syn, Htt, and FUS, form aggregates that disrupt the normal physiological function of cells and lead to associated neuronal lesions. Protein aggregates in NDs are widely recognized as one of the important targets for the treatment of these diseases. Natural products, with their diverse biological activities and rich medical history, represent a great treasure trove for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat disease. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that natural products, by virtue of their complex molecular scaffolds that specifically bind to pathogenic proteins and their aggregates, can inhibit the formation of aggregates, disrupt the structure of aggregates and destabilize them, thereby alleviating conditions associated with NDs. Here, we systematically reviewed studies using natural products to improve disease-related symptoms by reducing or inhibiting the formation of five pathogenic protein aggregates associated with NDs. This information should provide valuable insights into new directions and ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Shenkui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Beidong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xuejiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xiuling Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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190
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Shi Y, Zhao Y, Lu L, Gao Q, Yu D, Sun M. CRISPR/Cas9: implication for modeling and therapy of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1223777. [PMID: 37483353 PMCID: PMC10359984 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1223777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a deadly neurological disease with a complicated and variable pathophysiology yet to be fully understood. There is currently no effective treatment available to either slow or terminate it. However, recent advances in ALS genomics have linked genes to phenotypes, encouraging the creation of novel therapeutic approaches and giving researchers more tools to create efficient animal models. Genetically engineered rodent models replicating ALS disease pathology have a high predictive value for translational research. This review addresses the history of the evolution of gene editing tools, the most recent ALS disease models, and the application of CRISPR/Cas9 against ALS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Likui Lu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongyi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Miao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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191
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Pattee GL, Genge A, Couratier P, Lunetta C, Sobue G, Aoki M, Yoshino H, Jackson CE, Wymer J, Salah A, Nelson S. Oral Edaravone - Introducing a Flexible Treatment Option for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:859-866. [PMID: 37646130 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2251687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disease. While pharmacotherapy options remain limited, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved intravenous (IV) and oral edaravone for the treatment of ALS in 2017 and 2022, respectively. With the addition of oral edaravone, patients with ALS may exclusively use oral medications. AREAS COVERED The authors performed a review of the published literature using the United States (US) National Library of Medicine's PubMed.gov resource to describe the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of oral edaravone, as well as pertinent completed and ongoing clinical trials, including the oral edaravone clinical trial development program. The clinical profile of oral edaravone is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Edaravone has been shown to slow the rate of motor function deterioration experienced by patients with ALS. As the oral formulation has been approved, patients with ALS may use it alone or in combination with other approved therapeutics. Additional clinical trials and real-world evidence are ongoing to gain further understanding of the clinical profile of oral edaravone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary L Pattee
- Neurological Sciences Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center/Neurology Associates, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Clinical Research and ALS Clinic, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Philippe Couratier
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Christian Lunetta
- ALS Medical Rehabilitation Department, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gen Sobue
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hiide Yoshino
- Department of Neurology, Yoshino Neurology Clinic, Chiba, Japan
| | - Carlayne E Jackson
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - James Wymer
- Department of Neuromuscular Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Sally Nelson
- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc, New Jersey, USA
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192
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Nguyen TT, Nguyen-Thi PT, Nguyen THA, Ho TT, Tran NMA, Van Vo T, Van Vo G. Recent Advancements in Nanomaterials: A Promising Way to Manage Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:457-473. [PMID: 37217723 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00654-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are some of the most prevalent disorders currently afflicting healthcare systems. Many of these diseases share similar pathological hallmarks, including elevated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation, all of which contribute to the deterioration of the nervous system's structure and function. The development of diagnostic and therapeutic materials in the monitoring and treatment of these diseases remains challenging. One of the biggest challenges facing therapeutic and diagnostic materials is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a multifunctional membrane possessing a plethora of biochemical, cellular, and immunological features that ensure brain homeostasis by preventing the entry and accumulation of unwanted compounds. With regards to neurodegenerative diseases, the recent application of tailored nanomaterials (nanocarriers and nanoparticles) has led to advances in diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of commonly used nanoparticles and their applications in NDs, which may offer new therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Trang Nguyen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 71420, Vietnam
| | | | - Thi Hong Anh Nguyen
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry (HUFI), 140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tay Thanh Ward, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Tam Ho
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen-Minh-An Tran
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 71420, Vietnam
| | - Toi Van Vo
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Department, School of Biomedical Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
- Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
| | - Giau Van Vo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
- Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health (CGRH), School of Medicine, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
- Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.
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193
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Szebényi K, Barrio-Hernandez I, Gibbons GM, Biasetti L, Troakes C, Beltrao P, Lakatos A. A human proteogenomic-cellular framework identifies KIF5A as a modulator of astrocyte process integrity with relevance to ALS. Commun Biol 2023; 6:678. [PMID: 37386082 PMCID: PMC10310856 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05041-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies identified several disease-causing mutations in neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the contribution of genetic variants to pathway disturbances and their cell type-specific variations, especially in glia, is poorly understood. We integrated ALS GWAS-linked gene networks with human astrocyte-specific multi-omics datasets to elucidate pathognomonic signatures. It predicts that KIF5A, a motor protein kinesin-1 heavy-chain isoform, previously detected only in neurons, can also potentiate disease pathways in astrocytes. Using postmortem tissue and super-resolution structured illumination microscopy in cell-based perturbation platforms, we provide evidence that KIF5A is present in astrocyte processes and its deficiency disrupts structural integrity and mitochondrial transport. We show that this may underly cytoskeletal and trafficking changes in SOD1 ALS astrocytes characterised by low KIF5A levels, which can be rescued by c-Jun N-terminal Kinase-1 (JNK1), a kinesin transport regulator. Altogether, our pipeline reveals a mechanism controlling astrocyte process integrity, a pre-requisite for synapse maintenance and suggests a targetable loss-of-function in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Szebényi
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | | | - George M Gibbons
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Luca Biasetti
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Claire Troakes
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Pedro Beltrao
- European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK.
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland.
| | - András Lakatos
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK.
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
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194
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Yue W, Deng X, Wang Z, Jiang M, Hu R, Duan Y, Wang Q, Cui J, Fang Y. Inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway suppresses immune overactivation and mitigates TDP-43 toxicity in a Drosophila model of ALS. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:27. [PMID: 37340309 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
TDP-43 is an important DNA/RNA-binding protein that is associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD); however, its pathomechanism is not fully understood. In a transgenic RNAi screen using Drosophila as a model, we uncovered that knockdown (KD) of Dsor1 (the Drosophila MAPK kinase dMEK) suppressed TDP-43 toxicity without altering TDP-43 phosphorylation or protein levels. Further investigation revealed that the Dsor1 downstream gene rl (dERK) was abnormally upregulated in TDP-43 flies, and neuronal overexpression of dERK induced profound upregulation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). We also detected a robust immune overactivation in TDP-43 flies, which could be suppressed by downregulation of the MEK/ERK pathway in TDP-43 fly neurons. Furthermore, neuronal KD of abnormally increased AMPs improved the motor function of TDP-43 flies. On the other hand, neuronal KD of Dnr1, a negative regulator of the Drosophila immune deficiency (IMD) pathway, activated the innate immunity and boosted AMP expression independent of the regulation by the MEK/ERK pathway, which diminished the mitigating effect of RNAi-dMEK on TDP-43 toxicity. Finally, we showed that an FDA-approved MEK inhibitor trametinib markedly suppressed immune overactivation, alleviated motor deficits and prolonged the lifespan of TDP-43 flies, but did not exhibit a lifespan-extending effect in Alzheimer disease (AD) or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) fly models. Together, our findings suggest an important role of abnormal elevation of the MEK/ERK signaling and innate immunity in TDP-43 pathogenesis and propose trametinib as a potential therapeutic agent for ALS and other TDP-43-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Yue
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xue Deng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Mingsheng Jiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rirong Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongjia Duan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiangqiang Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jihong Cui
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yanshan Fang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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195
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Zheng H, Peng K, Gou X, Ju C, Zhang H. RNA recruitment switches the fate of protein condensates from autophagic degradation to accumulation. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202210104. [PMID: 37014300 PMCID: PMC10075224 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202210104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein condensates can evade autophagic degradation under stress or pathological conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that RNAs switch the fate of condensates in Caenorhabditis elegans. PGL granules undergo autophagic degradation in embryos laid under normal conditions and accumulate in embryos laid under heat stress conditions to confer stress adaptation. In heat-stressed embryos, mRNAs and RNA control factors partition into PGL granules. Depleting proteins involved in mRNA biogenesis and stability suppresses PGL granule accumulation and triggers their autophagic degradation, while loss of activity of proteins involved in RNA turnover facilitates accumulation. RNAs facilitate LLPS of PGL granules, enhance their liquidity, and also inhibit recruitment of the gelation-promoting scaffold protein EPG-2 to PGL granules. Thus, RNAs are important for controlling the susceptibility of phase-separated protein condensates to autophagic degradation. Our work provides insights into the accumulation of ribonucleoprotein aggregates associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zheng
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kangfu Peng
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Gou
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Ju
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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196
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Barone C, Qi X. Altered Metabolism in Motor Neuron Diseases: Mechanism and Potential Therapeutic Target. Cells 2023; 12:1536. [PMID: 37296656 PMCID: PMC10252517 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor Neuron Diseases (MND) are neurological disorders characterized by a loss of varying motor neurons resulting in decreased physical capabilities. Current research is focused on hindering disease progression by determining causes of motor neuron death. Metabolic malfunction has been proposed as a promising topic when targeting motor neuron loss. Alterations in metabolism have also been noted at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and skeletal muscle tissue, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive system. Finding metabolism changes consistent throughout both neurons and skeletal muscle tissue could pose as a target for therapeutic intervention. This review will focus on metabolic deficits reported in MNDs and propose potential therapeutic targets for future intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Qi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4970, USA;
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197
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Mohamed W, Kumar J, Alghamdi BS, Soliman AH, Toshihide Y. Neurodegeneration and inflammation crosstalk: Therapeutic targets and perspectives. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:95-110. [PMID: 37388502 PMCID: PMC10300452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glia, which was formerly considered to exist just to connect neurons, now plays a key function in a wide range of physiological events, including formation of memory, learning, neuroplasticity, synaptic plasticity, energy consumption, and homeostasis of ions. Glial cells regulate the brain's immune responses and confers nutritional and structural aid to neurons, making them an important player in a broad range of neurological disorders. Alzheimer's, ALS, Parkinson's, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and epilepsy are a few of the neurodegenerative diseases that have been linked to microglia and astroglia cells, in particular. Synapse growth is aided by glial cell activity, and this activity has an effect on neuronal signalling. Each glial malfunction in diverse neurodegenerative diseases is distinct, and we will discuss its significance in the progression of the illness, as well as its potential for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Mohamed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan, Malaysia
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Menoufia Medical School, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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198
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Garcia-Guerra A, Ellerington R, Gaitzsch J, Bath J, Kye M, Varela MA, Battaglia G, Wood MJA, Manzano R, Rinaldi C, Turberfield AJ. A modular RNA delivery system comprising spherical nucleic acids built on endosome-escaping polymeric nanoparticles. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:2941-2949. [PMID: 37260495 PMCID: PMC10228346 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00846g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics require delivery systems to reach their targets. Key challenges to be overcome include avoidance of accumulation in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system and escape from the endosomal pathway. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), in which a gold nanoparticle supports a corona of oligonucleotides, are promising carriers for nucleic acids with valuable properties including nuclease resistance, sequence-specific loading and control of receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, SNAs accumulate in the endosomal pathway and are thus vulnerable to lysosomal degradation or recycling exocytosis. Here, an alternative SNA core based on diblock copolymer PMPC25-PDPA72 is investigated. This pH-sensitive polymer self-assembles into vesicles with an intrinsic ability to escape endosomes via osmotic shock triggered by acidification-induced disassembly. DNA oligos conjugated to PMPC25-PDPA72 molecules form vesicles, or polymersomes, with DNA coronae on luminal and external surfaces. Nucleic acid cargoes or nucleic acid-tagged targeting moieties can be attached by hybridization to the coronal DNA. These polymeric SNAs are used to deliver siRNA duplexes against C9orf72, a genetic target with therapeutic potential for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to motor neuron-like cells. By attaching a neuron-specific targeting peptide to the PSNA corona, effective knock-down is achieved at doses of 2 particles per cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Garcia-Guerra
- Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PU UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU UK +44-1865-272359
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Ruth Ellerington
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- Department of Chemistry, University College London London WC1H 0AJ UK
- Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden Hohe Str. 6 01069 Dresden Germany
| | - Jonathan Bath
- Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PU UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU UK +44-1865-272359
| | - Mahnseok Kye
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Chemistry, University College London London WC1H 0AJ UK
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Baldiri Reixac, 10-12 08028 Barcelona Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23 08010 Barcelona Spain
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Raquel Manzano
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza Zaragoza 50013 Spain
| | - Carlo Rinaldi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington Oxford OX3 7TY UK +44-1865-272166
| | - Andrew J Turberfield
- Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PU UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU UK +44-1865-272359
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199
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Lazo PA, Morejón-García P. VRK1 variants at the cross road of Cajal body neuropathogenic mechanisms in distal neuropathies and motor neuron diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 183:106172. [PMID: 37257665 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Distal hereditary neuropathies and neuro motor diseases are complex neurological phenotypes associated with pathogenic variants in a large number of genes, but in some the origin is unknown. Recently, rare pathogenic variants of the human VRK1 gene have been associated with these neurological phenotypes. All VRK1 pathogenic variants are recessive, and their clinical presentation occurs in either homozygous or compound heterozygous patients. The pathogenic VRK1 gene pathogenic variants are located in three clusters within the protein sequence. The main, and initial, shared clinical phenotype among VRK1 pathogenic variants is a distal progressive loss of motor and/or sensory function, which includes diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia. In most cases, symptoms start early in infancy, or in utero, and are slowly progressive. Additional neurological symptoms vary among non-related patients, probably because of their different VRK1 variants and their genetic background. The underlying common pathogenic mechanism, by its functional impairment, is a likely consequence of the roles that the VRK1 protein plays in the regulation on the stability and assembly of Cajal bodies, which affect RNA maturation and processing, neuronal migration of RNPs along axons, and DNA-damage responses. Alterations of these processes are associated with several neuro sensory or motor syndromes. The clinical heterogeneity of the neurological phenotypes associated with VRK1 is a likely consequence of the protein complexes in which VRK1 is integrated, which include several proteins known to be associated with Cajal bodies and DNA damage responses. Several hereditary distal neurological diseases are a consequence of pathogenic variants in genes that alter these cellular functions. We conclude that VRK1-related distal hereditary neuropathies and motor neuron diseases represent a novel subgroup of Cajal body related neurological syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Patricia Morejón-García
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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200
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Kandhavivorn W, Glaß H, Herrmannsdörfer T, Böckers TM, Uhlarz M, Gronemann J, Funk RHW, Pietzsch J, Pal A, Hermann A. Restoring Axonal Organelle Motility and Regeneration in Cultured FUS-ALS Motoneurons through Magnetic Field Stimulation Suggests an Alternative Therapeutic Approach. Cells 2023; 12:1502. [PMID: 37296623 PMCID: PMC10252208 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motoneuron disease characterized by sustained loss of neuromuscular junctions, degenerating corticospinal motoneurons and rapidly progressing muscle paralysis. Motoneurons have unique features, essentially a highly polarized, lengthy architecture of axons, posing a considerable challenge for maintaining long-range trafficking routes for organelles, cargo, mRNA and secretion with a high energy effort to serve crucial neuronal functions. Impaired intracellular pathways implicated in ALS pathology comprise RNA metabolism, cytoplasmic protein aggregation, cytoskeletal integrity for organelle trafficking and maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and function, cumulatively leading to neurodegeneration. Current drug treatments only have marginal effects on survival, thereby calling for alternative ALS therapies. Exposure to magnetic fields, e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulations (TMS) on the central nervous system (CNS), has been broadly explored over the past 20 years to investigate and improve physical and mental activities through stimulated excitability as well as neuronal plasticity. However, studies of magnetic treatments on the peripheral nervous system are still scarce. Thus, we investigated the therapeutic potential of low frequency alternating current magnetic fields on cultured spinal motoneurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of FUS-ALS patients and healthy persons. We report a remarkable restoration induced by magnetic stimulation on axonal trafficking of mitochondria and lysosomes and axonal regenerative sprouting after axotomy in FUS-ALS in vitro without obvious harmful effects on diseased and healthy neurons. These beneficial effects seem to derive from improved microtubule integrity. Thus, our study suggests the therapeutic potential of magnetic stimulations in ALS, which awaits further exploration and validation in future long-term in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonphorn Kandhavivorn
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
- Institute of Anatomy, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany;
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Thomas Herrmannsdörfer
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
| | - Tobias M. Böckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Ulm, D-89081 Ulm, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Ulm, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Marc Uhlarz
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
| | - Jonas Gronemann
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
| | - Richard H. W. Funk
- Institute of Anatomy, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
- Dresden International University, D-01067 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Arun Pal
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (W.K.); (T.H.); (M.U.); (J.G.)
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany;
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
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