Review of the Multiple Aspects of Neurofilament Functions, and their Possible Contribution to Neurodegeneration

Insights into intermediate filament regulation from development to ageing

Intermediate filament (IF) proteins comprise a large family with more than 70 members. Initially, IFs were assumed to provide only structural reinforcement for the cell. However, IFs are now known to be dynamic structures that are involved in a wide range of cellular processes during all stages of life, from development to ageing, and during homeostasis and stress. This Commentary discusses some lesser-known functional and regulatory aspects of IFs. We specifically address the emerging roles of nestin in myogenesis and cancer cell migration, and examine exciting evidence on the regulation of nestin and lamin A by the notch signalling pathway, which could have repercussions for our understanding of the roles of IF proteins in development and ageing. In addition, we discuss the modulation of the post-translational modifications of neuronally expressed IFs and their protein-protein interactions, as well as IF glycosylation, which not only has a role in stress and ageing, but might also regulate IFs during development. Although many of these recent findings are still preliminary, they nevertheless open new doors to explore the functionality of the IF family of proteins.

Antisense approaches for elucidating ranavirus gene function in an infected fish cell line

Viral virulence/immune evasion strategies and host anti-viral responses represent different sides of the continuing struggle between virus and host survival. To identify virus-encoding molecules whose function is to subvert or blunt host immune responses, we have adapted anti-sense approaches to knock down the expression of specific viral gene products. Our intention is to correlate knock down with loss of function and thus infer the role of a given viral gene. As a starting point in this process we have targeted several structural and catalytic genes using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (asMO) and small, interfering RNAs (siRNA). In proof of concept experiments we show the feasibility of this approach and describe recent work targeting five frog virus 3 genes. Our results indicate that both 46K and 32R, two immediate-early viral proteins, are essential for replication in vitro, and confirm earlier findings that the major capsid protein, the largest subunit of the viral homolog of RNA polymerase II, and the viral DNA methyltransferase are also essential for replication in cell culture.

The spiral ganglion: connecting the peripheral and central auditory systems

In mammals, the initial bridge between the physical world of sound and perception of that sound is established by neurons of the spiral ganglion. The cell bodies of these neurons give rise to peripheral processes that contact acoustic receptors in the organ of Corti, and the central processes collect together to form the auditory nerve that projects into the brain. In order to better understand hearing at this initial stage, we need to know the following about spiral ganglion neurons: (1) their cell biology including cytoplasmic, cytoskeletal, and membrane properties, (2) their peripheral and central connections including synaptic structure; (3) the nature of their neural signaling; and (4) their capacity for plasticity and rehabilitation. In this report, we will update the progress on these topics and indicate important issues still awaiting resolution.

Neurofilament stoichiometry simulations during neurodegeneration suggest a remarkable self-sufficient and stable in vivo protein structure

BACKGROUND

Neurofilaments (Nfs) are protein biomarkers of neurodegeneration in human disease. There is in vivo evidence of changes of the Nf stoichiometry in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients. The protein-structural implications of these findings are not known but may be assessed indirectly using simulations studies.

METHODS

Monte Carlo simulations were performed using a coarse-grained model of a Nf brush. Based on the published in vivo CSF data the tested Nf stoichiometries (NfL:NfM:NfH) were 16:11:4 for multiple system atrophy (MSA), 24:5:2 for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and 30:0:1 for clinically isolated syndromes (CIS). Simulations were performed in a wide range of ionic strength (1 mM-100 mM) for dephosphorylated and phosphorylated NF isoforms.

RESULTS

At lower ionic strengths (1 mM, 10 mM), NfM is the main determinant for the radius of gyration (R(g)) ranging from ≈15 nm in the dephosphorylated state at 10 mM ionic strength to ≈27 nm at 1mM ionic strength if fully phosphorylated. At high ionic strength (100mM) NfH becomes the main determinant with R(g) of 14.8±0.2 nm if dephosphorylated and 15±0.2 nm if phosphorylated. There was no significant difference in the structures of the three Nf sidearms for MSA, RRMS or CIS.

CONCLUSION

Large changes of the in vivo Nf stoichiometry have only little effect on the simulated structure of Nf sidearms independent of phosphorylation and ionic strength. This suggests that the axonal cytoskeleton is remarkably stable, possibly relying on NfL which forms a dense brush around the Nf backbone and virtually excludes NfM and NfH from the core region, such that the dropout of NfM and NfH can be dealt with structurally.

Folate is related to phosphorylated neurofilament-H and P-tau (Ser396) in rat brain

Protein phosphatase PP2A dephosphorylates phosphorylated tau (P-tau) and neurofilaments (pNFs). PP2A is S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent and might thus link methylation with neurodegeneration. Low SAM and increased S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) can enhance the risk of dementia. We studied the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on P-tau (Ser396), pNF-H (heavy chain), and PP2A-activity and level (the C subunit) in rat brain. Wistar rats (total n=55) were fed either on a standard, a homocystine 1.7% or a methionine 2.4%-rich diet for 5 months. P-tau was tested in 21 frontal cortex tissue slices using immuno-fluorescence. Concentrations of pNF-H and the activity and level of PP2A were measured in brain extracts. Concentrations of homocysteine, SAM and SAH strongly increased in plasma of rats on the modified diets. The diets caused lowering of plasma folate and vitamin B12 and a significant increase in P-tau (Ser396) in brain tissues but PP2A activity and level were unchanged. Plasma folate correlated to brain tissue PP2A activity (r=0.28), pNF-H (r=-0.30), and P-tau (Ser396) staining (r=-0.57) all p<0.05. Phosphorylation of brain functional proteins was related to folate. The effect of the diet on P-tau and pNF-H seemed not to be explained by a lower activity or protein level of PP2A. Folate might prove protective against multiple steps in the process of neurodegeneration.

The chick optic tectum developmental stages. A dynamic table based on temporal- and spatial-dependent histogenetic changes: A structural, morphometric and immunocytochemical analysis

Development is often described as temporal sequences of developmental stages (DSs). When tables of DS are defined exclusively in the time domain they cannot discriminate histogenetic differences between different positions along a spatial reference axis. We introduce a table of DSs for the developing chick optic tectum (OT) based on time- and space-dependent changes in quantitative morphometric parameters, qualitative histogenetic features and immunocytochemical pattern of several developmentally active molecules (Notch1, Hes5, NeuroD1, β-III-Tubulin, synaptotagmin-I and neurofilament-M). Seven DSs and four transitional stages were defined from ED2 to ED12, when the basic OT cortical organization is established, along a spatial developmental gradient axis extending between a zone of maximal and a zone of minimal development. The table of DSs reveals that DSs do not only progress as a function of time but also display a spatially organized propagation along the developmental gradient axis. The complex and dynamic character of the OT development is documented by the fact that several DSs are simultaneously present at any ED or any embryonic stage. The table of DSs allows interpreting how developmental cell behaviors are temporally and spatially organized and explains how different DSs appear as a function of both time and space. The table of DSs provides a reference system to characterize the OT corticogenesis and to reliably compare observations made in different specimens.

Sall3 plays essential roles in horizontal cell maturation through regulation of neurofilament expression levels

The region-specific homeotic gene spalt (sal) gene plays a critical role in Drosophila development. The mammalian Sal homologous genes contain four members, and Sall3 is mainly expressed in horizontal cells. In the developing retinas of Sall3 knockout (KO) mice until around birth, horizontal precursor cells developed with comparable numbers and position; the horizontal cell marker NF160 was expressed weakly and neurite-like structure had once formed. Since Sall3-KO mice die at postnatal day 1, subsequent retinal development was examined by in vitro retinal explant culture. In the Sall3-KO retina culture, the expression of NF160 was abrogated, and neurite extension was not observed. Furthermore, Sall3-KO horizontal precursors were initially localized at the appropriate horizontal positions, but eventually moved to an abnormal site in the outer nuclear layer. Overexpression of Sall3 in retinal progenitors did not induce differentiation of retinal progenitor cells into the horizontal cell-fate, but enhanced NF160 expression and neurite extension. In addition, differentiation into Müller glia was promoted, and rod cells were severely suppressed without perturbing proliferation. In conclusion, Sall3 may not be involved in horizontal cell-fate determination, but rather functions to instruct terminal differentiation of horizontal cells and to maintain NF160 expression.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model of multiple sclerosis

It has been reported that the spinal cord possesses Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor and that GnRH has neurotrophic properties. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) causes neurodegeneration in spinal cord. Thus, the present study was designed to determine whether administration of GnRH reduces the severity of EAE. The clinical signs of locomotion, axonal morphometry and neurofilaments (NFs) expression were evaluated. Clinical signs remained significantly lower in EAE rats with GnRH administration compared to animals without treatment. Morphometric analysis, there were more axons of larger areas in the spinal cord of EAE+GnRH group compared to EAE animals. Western blot analysis demonstrated that GnRH administration significantly increased the expression of NFs of 68, 160 and 200kDa in the spinal cord of EAE animals. Our results indicate that GnRH administration reduces the severity of EAE in the rat.

Neurofilament proteins as body fluid biomarkers of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis

Biomarkers of axonal degeneration have the potential to improve our capacity to predict and monitor neurological outcome in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Neurofilament proteins, one of the major proteins expressed within neurons and axons, have been detected in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples from MS patients and are now being actively investigated for their utility as prognostic indicators of disease progression in MS. In this paper, we summarize the current literature on neurofilament structure, assembly, and degeneration and discuss their potential utility as biomarkers for monitoring neurological decline in MS. We also discuss the need to further develop sensitive methods for assaying neurofilaments in blood to improve clinical applicability.

Quantitative ultrastructural analysis of the neurofilament 200-positive axons in the rat dental pulp

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have suggested that myelinated axons lose their myelin and become thinner in their peripheral course to the target organ. In this study, we investigated the morphologic changes of pulpal myelinated axons between their root portion (radicular pulp) and their terminal area (peripheral pulp).

METHODS

Sections of pulp of the rat upper molar teeth were immunostained for the marker of myelinated axons neurofilament (NF) 200. The proportion of NF200+ myelinated and unmyelinated fibers and their sizes were analyzed by using quantitative electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The axon area, myelin thickness, and fraction of NF200+ myelinated axons of all NF200+ axons were significantly lower in peripheral than in radicular pulp. In addition, large unmyelinated axons were frequently observed in peripheral pulp.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that pulpal innervation originates predominantly from myelinated axons, and the myelinated axons undergo extensive morphologic changes during their course from the radicular to the peripheral pulp.

PARP-1 cleavage fragments: signatures of cell-death proteases in neurodegeneration

The normal function of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is the routine repair of DNA damage by adding poly (ADP ribose) polymers in response to a variety of cellular stresses. Recently, it has become widely appreciated that PARP-1 also participates in diverse physiological and pathological functions from cell survival to several forms of cell death and has been implicated in gene transcription, immune responses, inflammation, learning, memory, synaptic functions, angiogenesis and aging. In the CNS, PARP inhibition attenuates injury in pathologies like cerebral ischemia, trauma and excitotoxicity demonstrating a central role of PARP-1 in these pathologies. PARP-1 is also a preferred substrate for several 'suicidal' proteases and the proteolytic action of suicidal proteases (caspases, calpains, cathepsins, granzymes and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)) on PARP-1 produces several specific proteolytic cleavage fragments with different molecular weights. These PARP-1 signature fragments are recognized biomarkers for specific patterns of protease activity in unique cell death programs. This review focuses on specific suicidal proteases active towards PARP-1 to generate signature PARP-1 fragments that can identify key proteases and particular forms of cell death involved in pathophysiology. The roles played by some of the PARP-1 fragments and their associated binding partners in the control of different forms of cell death are also discussed.

A hereditary spastic paraplegia mutation in kinesin-1A/KIF5A disrupts neurofilament transport

BACKGROUND

Hereditary spastic paraplegias are a group of neurological disorders characterized by progressive distal degeneration of the longest ascending and descending axons in the spinal cord, leading to lower limb spasticity and weakness. One of the dominantly inherited forms of this disease (spastic gait type 10, or SPG10) is caused by point mutations in kinesin-1A (also known as KIF5A), which is thought to be an anterograde motor for neurofilaments.

RESULTS

We investigated the effect of an SPG10 mutation in kinesin-1A (N256S-kinesin-1A) on neurofilament transport in cultured mouse cortical neurons using live-cell fluorescent imaging. N256S-kinesin-1A decreased both anterograde and retrograde neurofilament transport flux by decreasing the frequency of anterograde and retrograde movements. Anterograde velocity was not affected, whereas retrograde velocity actually increased.

CONCLUSIONS

These data reveal subtle complexities to the functional interdependence of the anterograde and retrograde neurofilament motors and they also raise the possibility that anterograde and retrograde neurofilament transport may be disrupted in patients with SPG10.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) IN C57Bl/6 mice is not associated with astrogliosis

The C57Bl/6 mouse is the preferred host for the maintenance of gene deletion mutants and holds a unique place in investigations of cytokine/chemokine networks in neuroinflammation. It is also susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a multiple sclerosis (MS)-like disease commonly used to assess potential MS therapies. Investigations of glial reactivity in EAE have revealed hitherto undescribed astroglial responses in this model, characterized by progressively diminishing glial fibrillary acidic protein and aquaporin-4 immunostaining, from early disease. These observations show that astrocyte responses vary with the EAE paradigm and are an important pathological criterion for disease mapping and therapy evaluation.

Neural markers expression in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell cultures treated with neurosteroids

The aim of the present investigation is to study the effects of DEX or E(2) treatment during differentiation towards neural cell line of rat BM-MSCs in culture. In order to better characterize biochemically our in vitro model, we evaluate by western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis some neural lineage markers (nestin, neurofilament, β-tubulin) and MAP-Kinases. An enhanced expression of the neural markers and MAP-Kinase in DEX-treated BM-MSCs cultures is found. In addition, E(2)-treatment increases MAP-Kinase and β-tubulin expression, but it decreases nestin and neurofilament expression. In conclusion, our findings highlight a significant up and down modulation of nestin, neurofilament, β-tubulin and MAP-Kinases expression in neurosteroids-treated BM-MSCs. In particular, our results clarify the molecular mechanism involved during eventual differentiation of these stem cells treated with DEX and E(2), addressed towards a neural cell line, that may express neurotrophic receptors and release neurotrophines particularly implicated during neurogenesis processes.

In vivo bone formation by progeny of human embryonic stem cells

The derivation of osteogenic cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or from induced pluripotent stem cells for bone regeneration would be a welcome alternative to the use of adult stem cells. In an attempt to promote hESC osteogenic differentiation, cells of the HSF-6 line were cultured in differentiating conditions in vitro for prolonged periods of time ranging from 7 to 14.5 weeks, followed by in vivo transplantation into immunocompromised mice in conjunction with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate ceramic powder. Twelve different medium compositions were tested, along with a number of other variables in culture parameters. In differentiating conditions, HSF-6-derived cells demonstrated an array of diverse phenotypes reminiscent of multiple tissues, but after a few passages, acquired a more uniform, fibroblast-like morphology. Eight to 16 weeks post-transplantation, a group of transplants revealed the formation of histologically proven bone of human origin, including broad areas of multiple intertwining trabeculae, which represents by far the most extensive in vivo bone formation by the hESC-derived cells described to date. Knockout-Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium-based media with fetal bovine serum, dexamethasone, and ascorbate promoted more frequent bone formation, while media based on α-modified minimum essential medium promoted teratoma formation in 12- to 20-week-old transplants. Transcription levels of pluripotency-related (octamer binding protein 4, Nanog), osteogenesis-related (collagen type I, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, and bone sialoprotein), and chondrogenesis-related (collagen types II and X, and aggrecan) genes were not predictive of either bone or teratoma formation. The most extensive bone was formed by the strains that, following 4 passages in monolayer conditions, were cultured for 23 to 25 extra days on the surface of hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate particles, suggesting that coculturing of hESC-derived cells with osteoconductive material may increase their osteogenic potential. While none of the conditions tested in this study, and elsewhere, ensured consistent bone formation by hESC-derived cells, our results may elucidate further directions toward the construction of bone on the basis of hESCs or an individual's own induced pluripotent stem cells.

Distal to proximal development of peripheral nerves requires the expression of neurofilament heavy

At the initiation of radial growth, neurofilaments are likely to consist primarily of neurofilament light and medium as neurofilament heavy expression is developmentally delayed. To better understand the role of neurofilament heavy in structuring axons, axonal diameter and neurofilament organization were measured in proximal and distal segments of the sciatic nerve and along the entire length of the phrenic nerve. Deletion of neurofilament heavy reduced axonal diameters and neurofilament number in proximal nerve segments. However, neurofilament spacing was greater in proximal versus distal phrenic nerve segments. Taken together, these results suggest that loss of neurofilament heavy reduces radial growth in proximal axonal segments by reducing the accumulation of neurofilaments. As neurofilament heavy expression is developmentally delayed, these results suggest that without neurofilament heavy, the neurofilament network is established in a distal to proximal gradient perhaps to allow distal axonal segments to develop prior to proximal segments.

Retailoring docosahexaenoic acid-containing phospholipid species during impaired neurogenesis following omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid deprivation

Diminished levels of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), the major fatty acid (FA) synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), have been implicated in functional impairment in the developing and adult brain. We have now examined the changes in phospholipid (PL) molecular species in the developing postnatal cortex, a region recently shown to be affected by a robust aberration in neuronal cell migration, after maternal diet alpha-linolenic acid deprivation (Yavin et al. (2009)Neuroscience162(4),1011). The frontal cortex PL composition of 1- to 4-week-old rats was analyzed by gas chromatography and electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. Changes in the cortical PL molecular species profile by dietary means appear very specific as 22:6n-3 was exclusively substituted by docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6). However, molecular species were conserved with respect to the combination of specific polar head groups (i.e. ethanolamine and serine) in sn-3 and defined saturated/mono-unsaturated FA in sn-1 position even when the sn-2 FA moiety underwent diet-induced changes. Our results suggest that substitution of docosahexaenoic acid by docosapentaenoic acid is tightly regulated presumably to maintain a proper biophysical characteristic of membrane PL molecular species. The importance of this conservation may underscore the possible biochemical consequences of this substitution in regulating certain functions in the developing brain.

Integrative gene-tissue microarray-based approach for identification of human disease biomarkers: application to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Advances in genomics and proteomics permit rapid identification of disease-relevant genes and proteins. Challenges include biological differences between animal models and human diseases, high discordance between DNA and protein expression data and a lack of experimental models to study human complex diseases. To overcome some of these limitations, we developed an integrative approach using animal models, postmortem human material and a combination of high-throughput microarray methods to identify novel molecular markers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We used laser capture microdissection coupled with microarrays to identify early transcriptome changes occurring in spinal cord motor neurons or surrounding glial cells. Two models of familial motor neuron disease, SOD1(G93A) and TAU(P301L), transgenic mice were used at the presymptomatic stage. Identified gene expression changes were predominantly model-specific. However, several genes were regulated in both models. The relevance of identified genes as clinical biomarkers was tested in the peripheral blood transcriptome of presymptomatic SOD1(G93A) animals using custom-designed ALS microarray. To confirm the relevance of identified genes in human sporadic ALS (SALS), selected corresponding protein products were examined by high-throughput immunoassays using tissue microarrays constructed from human postmortem spinal cord tissues. Genes that were identified by these experiments and located within a linkage region associated with familial ALS/frontotemporal dementia were sequenced in several families. This large-scale gene and protein expression study pointing to distinct molecular mechanisms of TAU- and SOD1-induced motor neuron degeneration identified several new SALS-relevant proteins (CNGA3, CRB1, OTUB2, MMP14, SLK, DDX58, RSPO2) and putative blood biomarkers, including Nefh, Prph and Mgll.

Neurofilament heavy polypeptide regulates the Akt-beta-catenin pathway in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction are common features of aggressive cancer growth. We observed promoter methylation and loss of expression in neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NEFH) in a significant proportion of primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) samples that were of a high tumor grade and advanced stage. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of NEFH accelerated ESCC cell growth in culture and increased tumorigenicity in vivo, whereas forced expression of NEFH significantly inhibited cell growth and colony formation. Loss of NEFH caused up-regulation of pyruvate kinase-M2 type and down-regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase, via activation of the Akt/beta-catenin pathway, resulting in enhanced aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction. The acceleration of glycolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction in NEFH-knockdown cells was suppressed in the absence of beta-catenin expression, and was decreased by the treatment of 2-Deoxyglucose, a glycolytic inhibitor, or API-2, an Akt inhibitor. Loss of NEFH activates the Akt/beta-catenin pathway and increases glycolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Cancer cells with methylated NEFH can be targeted for destruction with specific inhibitors of deregulated downstream pathways.

Homocysteine induces hypophosphorylation of intermediate filaments and reorganization of actin cytoskeleton in C6 glioma cells

In this study, we investigated the actions of high homocysteine (Hcy) levels (100 and 500 microM) on the cytoskeleton of C6 glioma cells. Results showed that the predominant cytoskeletal response was massive formation of actin-containing filopodia at the cell surface that could be related with Cdc42 activation and increased vinculin immunocontent. In cells treated with 100 microM Hcy, folic acid, trolox, and ascorbic acid, totally prevented filopodia formation, while filopodia induced by 500 microM Hcy were prevented by ascorbic acid and attenuated by folic acid and trolox. Moreover, competitive NMDA ionotropic antagonist DL-AP5 totally prevented the formation of filopodia in both 100 and 500 microM Hcy treated cells, while the metabotropic non-selective group I/II antagonist MCPG prevented the effect of 100 microM Hcy but only slightly attenuated the effect induced by of 500 microM Hcy on actin cytoskeleton. The competitive non-NMDA ionotropic antagonist CNQX was not able to prevent the effects of Hcy on the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton in the two concentrations used. Also, Hcy-induced hypophosphorylation of vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and this effect was prevented by DL-AP5, MCPG, and CNQX. In conclusion, our results show that Hcy target the cytoskeleton of C6 cells probably by excitoxicity and/or oxidative stress mechanisms. Therefore, we could propose that the dynamic restructuring of the actin cytoskeleton of glial cells might contribute to the response to the injury provoked by elevated Hcy levels in brain.

Neurofilaments bind tubulin and modulate its polymerization

Neurofilaments assemble from three intermediate-filament proteins, contribute to the radial growth of axons, and are exceptionally stable. Microtubules are dynamic structures that assemble from tubulin dimers to support intracellular transport of molecules and organelles. We show here that neurofilaments, and other intermediate-filament proteins, contain motifs in their N-terminal domains that bind unassembled tubulin. Peptides containing such motifs inhibit the in vitro polymerization of microtubules and can be taken up by cultured cells in which they disrupt microtubules leading to altered cell shapes and an arrest of division. In transgenic mice in which neurofilaments are withheld from the axonal compartment, axonal tubulin accumulation is normal but microtubules assemble in excessive numbers. These observations suggest a model in which axonal neurofilaments modulate local microtubule assembly. This capacity also suggests novel mechanisms through which inherited or acquired disruptions in intermediate filaments might contribute to pathogenesis in multiple conditions.

"IF-pathies": a broad spectrum of intermediate filament-associated diseases

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are encoded by the largest gene family among the three major cytoskeletal protein groups. Unique IF compliments are expressed in selective cell types, and this expression is reflected in their involvement, upon mutation, as a cause of or predisposition to more than 80 human tissue-specific diseases. This Review Series covers diseases and functional and structural aspects pertaining to IFs and highlights the molecular and functional consequences of IF-associated diseases (IF-pathies). Exciting challenges and opportunities face the IF field, including developing both a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IF-pathies and targeted therapeutic approaches.

Neuronal intermediate filaments and neurodegenerative disorders

Intermediate filaments represent the most abundant cytoskeletal element in mature neurons. Mutations and/or accumulations of neuronal intermediate filament proteins are frequently observed in several human neurodegenerative disorders. Although it is now admitted that disorganization of the neurofilament network may be directly involved in neurodegeneration, certain type of perikaryal intermediate filament aggregates confer protection in motor neuron disease. The use of various mouse models provided a better knowledge of the role played by the disorganization of intermediate filaments in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but the mechanisms leading to the formation of these aggregates remain elusive. Here, we will review some neurodegenerative diseases involving intermediate filaments abnormalities and possible mechanisms susceptible to provoke them.

Real-time imaging reveals defects of fast axonal transport induced by disorganization of intermediate filaments

Intermediate filament (IF) abnormalities frequently appear in neurodegenerative disorders, but how they may contribute to neuronal dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of IF disorganization on the fast axonal transport using time-lapse microscopy. We studied the axonal transport of mitochondria and lysosomes in cultured primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons derived from mice deficient for neurofilament light (NFL(-/-)), mice overexpressing peripherin (Per), and mice double transgenic Per;NFL(-/-). Unexpectedly, a net retrograde transport of mitochondria was detected in Per;NFL(-/-) neurons, opposite to the net anterograde transport of these organelles observed in wild-type (Wt), NFL(-/-), and Per neurons. A detailed analysis of the kinetic properties of mitochondrial movements revealed an increased frequency of retrograde movements and an increase of their velocity in Per;NFL(-/-) neurons compared to Wt, NFL(-/-), and Per neurons. We also noticed that the depletion of axonal neurofilaments (NFs) in NFL(-/-) and Per;NFL(-/-) neurons induced longer and more persistent movements of mitochondria and lysosomes in both directions, which suggests that the NF network hampers the traffic of these organelles. The finding that an up-regulation of peripherin in context of NFL deficiency can provoke a net retrograde transport of mitochondria is a phenomenon that may contribute to pathogenic changes in some neurodegenerative disorders with IF protein accumulations.

Impaired synaptic vesicle release and immaturity of neuromuscular junctions in spinal muscular atrophy mice

The motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) causes profound muscle weakness that most often leads to early death. At autopsy, SMA is characterized by loss of motor neurons and muscle atrophy, but the initial cellular events that precipitate motor unit dysfunction and loss remain poorly characterized. Here, we examined the function and corresponding structure of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapses in a mouse model of severe SMA (hSMN2/delta7SMN/mSmn-/-). Surprisingly, most SMA NMJs remained innervated even late in the disease course; however they showed abnormal synaptic transmission. There was a two-fold reduction in the amplitudes of the evoked endplate currents (EPCs), but normal spontaneous miniature EPC (MEPC) amplitudes. These features in combination indicate reduced quantal content. SMA NMJs also demonstrated increased facilitation suggesting a reduced probability of vesicle release. By electron microscopy, we found a decreased density of synaptic vesicles that is likely to contribute to the reduced release probability. In addition to presynaptic defects, there were postsynaptic abnormalities. EPC and MEPC decay time constants were prolonged because of a slowed switch from the fetal acetylcholine receptor (AChR) gamma-subunit to the adult epsilon-subunit. There was also reduced size of AChR clusters and small myofibers, which expressed an immature pattern of myosin heavy chains. Together these results indicate that impaired synaptic vesicle release at NMJs in severe SMA is likely to contribute to failed postnatal maturation of motor units and muscle weakness.

Temporal analysis of neural differentiation using quantitative proteomics

The ability to derive neural progenitors, differentiated neurons and glial cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with high efficiency holds promise for a number of clinical applications. However, investigating the temporal events is crucial for defining the underlying mechanisms that drive this process of differentiation along different lineages. We carried out quantitative proteomic profiling using a multiplexed approach capable of analyzing eight different samples simultaneously to monitor the temporal dynamics of protein abundance as human embryonic stem cells differentiate into motor neurons or astrocytes. With this approach, a catalog of approximately 1200 proteins along with their relative quantitative expression patterns was generated. The differential expression of the large majority of these proteins has not previously been reported or studied in the context of neural differentiation. As expected, two of the widely used markers of pluripotency, alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) and LIN28, were found to be downregulated during differentiation, while S-100 and tenascin C were upregulated in astrocytes. Neurofilament 3 protein, doublecortin and CAM kinase-like 1 and nestin proteins were upregulated during motor neuron differentiation. We identified a number of proteins whose expression was largely confined to specific cell types, embryonic stem cells, embryoid bodies and differentiating motor neurons. For example, glycogen phosphorylase (PYGL) and fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) were enriched in ESCs, while beta spectrin (SPTBN5) was highly expressed in embryoid bodies. Karyopherin, heat shock 27 kDa protein 1 and cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) were upregulated in differentiating motor neurons but were downregulated in mature motor neurons. We validated some of the novel markers of the differentiation process using immunoblotting and immunocytochemical labeling. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale temporal proteomic profiling of human stem cell differentiation into neural cell types highlighting proteins with limited or undefined roles in neural fate.

Transcriptional and translational dynamics of light neurofilament subunit RNAs during Xenopus laevis optic nerve regeneration

Neurofilaments (NFs), which comprise one of three cytoskeletal polymers of vertebrate axons, are heteropolymers of multiple NF subunit proteins. During Xenopus laevis optic nerve regeneration, NF subunit composition undergoes progressive changes that correlate with regenerative success. Understanding the relative contributions of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanisms to these changes should therefore provide insights into the control of the axonal growth program. Previously, we examined this issue with respect to the medium neurofilament protein (NF-M). Because the integrity of NF heteropolymers depends upon maintaining properly balanced expression among multiple subunits, we have now extended this analysis to include the four light NF subunits - peripherin, the light NF triplet protein (NF-L), and two additional alpha-internexin-like proteins. Within 3 days after an optic nerve crush injury to one eye, primary transcript levels of NF subunits increased in both eyes. Levels of mRNA, however, increased in only the operated eye and did so later than did increases in primary transcript, indicating that mRNA levels are under significant post-transcriptional regulation. As measured by polysome profiling, the translational efficiencies of individual NF subunit mRNAs also shifted throughout regeneration, with operated eye mRNAs being generally more translationally active than those of unoperated eyes. Also, in operated eyes, the precise mix of efficiently and poorly translated messages throughout regeneration varied independently for each subunit, indicating that their translations are fine-tuned separately. These results suggest a model whereby traumatic disruption of visual circuitry leads to increased expression of NF primary transcripts in both eyes. These increases are subsequently modulated post-transcriptionally to accommodate shifting demands at each phase of regeneration for NF heteropolymers of differing composition in regrowing axons.