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Gangliosides, α-Synuclein, and Parkinson's Disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 156:435-454. [PMID: 29747823 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This review addresses the role of α-synuclein (αSyn) in the etiopathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), with emphasis on its interaction with GM1 ganglioside. We begin with a brief review of some of the milestone discoveries that helped to elucidate PD neuropathology, including the fibrous inclusions of Lewy that characterize the degenerating dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and the presence of αSyn as a major constituent of these Lewy bodies and neurites. This enabled Braak et al. to define the progressive nature of PD in developing their staging hypothesis which described the topographically predictable sequence of neuropathological changes giving rise to prodromal nonmotor symptoms that precede the classical motor dysfunctions. We recount recent studies demonstrating strong, specific binding of αSyn to GM1 that serves to inhibit fibril formation and the key role of N-acetylation of αSyn in enhancing GM1 binding and specificity. The consequences of insufficient GM1 are illustrated in a newly presented mouse model of PD based on partial deletion of this ganglioside due to heterologous disruption of B4galnt1 (GM2/GD2 synthase), such mice presenting accurate recapitulation of the PD phenotype. A key feature of these mice was marked elevation of αSyn aggregates which accompanied motor impairment, both aggregates and motor dysfunction being corrected by GM1 replacement therapy. Such therapy was achieved with high dosage of GM1 and more effectively with lower doses of LIGA20, a membrane permeable analog of GM1. The accuracy of this mouse model was emphasized by the finding that various central nervous system and noncentral nervous system tissues from PD patients manifested similar GM1 deficiency as the B4galnt1+/- mouse. A mechanism is proposed whereby the GM1 deficiency detected in PD patients gives rise to αSyn aggregation and facilitation by the latter in blocking glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor neuroprotection.
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202
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Grozdanov V, Danzer KM. Release and uptake of pathologic alpha-synuclein. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 373:175-182. [PMID: 29411106 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2775-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease, which is characterized by severe loss of dopaminergic neurons and formation of Lewy bodies, which are rich in aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn). Two decades of intensive research have compiled a massive body of evidence that aggregation of α-syn is a critical process in PD and other synucleinopathies. The dissemination of Lewy body pathology throughout the central nervous system strongly suggests a cell-to-cell transmission of α-syn. Although in vitro and in vivo evidence has convincingly demonstrated that aggregation-prone α-syn can spread from cell to cell, the exact mechanisms and the role for the disease pathology remain elusive. Except for cases of direct contact, the transmission of α-syn from cell to cell requires that α-syn is released to the extracellular space and taken up by recipient cells. Furthermore, internalized α-syn needs to gain access to the cytoplasm and/or target organelles of the recipient cell. Here, we review the current state of knowledge about release and uptake of α-syn and discuss the key questions that remain unanswered.
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203
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Pearce MMP, Kopito RR. Prion-Like Characteristics of Polyglutamine-Containing Proteins. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:cshperspect.a024257. [PMID: 28096245 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a024257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are infectious neurodegenerative diseases caused by the conversion of prion protein (PrP) into a self-replicating conformation that spreads via templated conversion of natively folded PrP molecules within or between cells. Recent studies provide compelling evidence that prion-like behavior is a general property of most protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Many of these disorders are associated with spontaneous protein aggregation, but genetic mutations can increase the aggregation propensity of specific proteins, including expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts, which is causative of nine inherited neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregates formed by polyQ-expanded huntingtin (Htt) in Huntington's disease can transfer between cells and seed the aggregation of cytoplasmic wild-type Htt in a prion-like manner. Additionally, prion-like properties of glutamine-rich proteins underlie nonpathological processes in yeast and higher eukaryotes. Here, we review current evidence supporting prion-like characteristics of polyQ and glutamine-rich proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M P Pearce
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Ron R Kopito
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
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204
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Coskuner-Weber O, Uversky VN. Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases with Molecular Simulations: Understanding the Roles of Artificial and Pathological Missense Mutations in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Related to Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E336. [PMID: 29364151 PMCID: PMC5855558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β and α-synuclein are intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which are at the center of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease pathologies, respectively. These IDPs are extremely flexible and do not adopt stable structures. Furthermore, both amyloid-β and α-synuclein can form toxic oligomers, amyloid fibrils and other type of aggregates in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Experimentalists face challenges in investigating the structures and thermodynamic properties of these IDPs in their monomeric and oligomeric forms due to the rapid conformational changes, fast aggregation processes and strong solvent effects. Classical molecular dynamics simulations complement experiments and provide structural information at the atomic level with dynamics without facing the same experimental limitations. Artificial missense mutations are employed experimentally and computationally for providing insights into the structure-function relationships of amyloid-β and α-synuclein in relation to the pathologies of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Furthermore, there are several natural genetic variations that play a role in the pathogenesis of familial cases of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, which are related to specific genetic defects inherited in dominant or recessive patterns. The present review summarizes the current understanding of monomeric and oligomeric forms of amyloid-β and α-synuclein, as well as the impacts of artificial and pathological missense mutations on the structural ensembles of these IDPs using molecular dynamics simulations. We also emphasize the recent investigations on residual secondary structure formation in dynamic conformational ensembles of amyloid-β and α-synuclein, such as β-structure linked to the oligomerization and fibrillation mechanisms related to the pathologies of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This information represents an important foundation for the successful and efficient drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orkid Coskuner-Weber
- Türkisch-Deutsche Universität, Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group, Molecular Biotechnology, Sahinkaya Caddesi, No. 86, Beykoz, Istanbul 34820, Turkey.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
- Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia.
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205
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Flynn JD, McGlinchey RP, Walker RL, Lee JC. Structural features of α-synuclein amyloid fibrils revealed by Raman spectroscopy. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:767-776. [PMID: 29191831 PMCID: PMC5777252 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.812388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with the formation of α-synuclein amyloid fibrils. Elucidating the role of these β-sheet-rich fibrils in disease progression is crucial; however, collecting detailed structural information on amyloids is inherently difficult because of their insoluble, non-crystalline, and polymorphic nature. Here, we show that Raman spectroscopy is a facile technique for characterizing structural features of α-synuclein fibrils. Combining Raman spectroscopy with aggregation kinetics and transmission electron microscopy, we examined the effects of pH and ionic strength as well as four PD-related mutations (A30P, E46K, G51D, and A53T) on α-synuclein fibrils. Raman spectral differences were observed in the amide-I, amide-III, and fingerprint regions, indicating that secondary structure and tertiary contacts are influenced by pH and to a lesser extent by NaCl. Faster aggregation times appear to facilitate unique fibril structure as determined by the highly reproducible amide-I band widths, linking aggregation propensity and fibril polymorphism. Importantly, Raman spectroscopy revealed molecular-level perturbations of fibril conformation by the PD-related mutations that are not apparent through transmission electron microscopy or limited proteolysis. The amide-III band was found to be particularly sensitive, with G51D exhibiting the most distinctive features, followed by A53T and E46K. Relating to a cellular environment, our data would suggest that fibril polymorphs can be formed in different cellular compartments and potentially result in distinct phenotypes. Our work sets a foundation toward future cellular Raman studies of amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Flynn
- From the Laboratory of Protein Conformation and Dynamics, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Ryan P McGlinchey
- From the Laboratory of Protein Conformation and Dynamics, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Robert L Walker
- From the Laboratory of Protein Conformation and Dynamics, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Jennifer C Lee
- From the Laboratory of Protein Conformation and Dynamics, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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206
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Dettmer U, Ramalingam N, von Saucken VE, Kim TE, Newman AJ, Terry-Kantor E, Nuber S, Ericsson M, Fanning S, Bartels T, Lindquist S, Levy OA, Selkoe D. Loss of native α-synuclein multimerization by strategically mutating its amphipathic helix causes abnormal vesicle interactions in neuronal cells. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3466-3481. [PMID: 28911198 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αS) forms round cytoplasmic inclusions in Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Evidence suggests a physiological function of αS in vesicle trafficking and release. In contrast to earlier tenets, recent work indicates that αS normally exists in cells in a dynamic equilibrium between monomers and tetramers/multimers. We engineered αS mutants incapable of multimerization, leading to excess monomers at vesicle membranes. By EM, such mutants induced prominent vesicle clustering, leading to round cytoplasmic inclusions. Immunogold labeling revealed abundant αS intimately associated with vesicles of varied size. Fluorescence microscopy with marker proteins showed that the αS-associated vesicles were of diverse endocytic and secretory origin. An αS '3K' mutant (E35K + E46K + E61K) that amplifies the PD/DLB-causing E46K mutation induced αS-rich vesicle clusters resembling the vesicle-rich areas of Lewy bodies, supporting pathogenic relevance. Mechanistically, E46K can increase αS vesicle binding via membrane-induced amphipathic helix formation, and '3K' further enhances this effect. Another engineered αS variant added hydrophobicity to the hydrophobic half of αS helices, thereby stabilizing αS-membrane interactions. Importantly, substituting charged for uncharged residues within the hydrophobic half of the stabilized helix not only reversed the strong membrane interaction of the multimer-abolishing αS variant but also restored multimerization and prevented the aberrant vesicle interactions. Thus, reversible αS amphipathic helix formation and dynamic multimerization regulate a normal function of αS at vesicles, and abrogating multimers has pathogenic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Dettmer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nagendran Ramalingam
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Victoria E von Saucken
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tae-Eun Kim
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew J Newman
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth Terry-Kantor
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Silke Nuber
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maria Ericsson
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saranna Fanning
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tim Bartels
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Susan Lindquist
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- HHMI, Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Oren A Levy
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dennis Selkoe
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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207
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Lippens G, Cahoreau E, Millard P, Charlier C, Lopez J, Hanoulle X, Portais JC. In-cell NMR: from metabolites to macromolecules. Analyst 2018; 143:620-629. [PMID: 29333554 DOI: 10.1039/c7an01635b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In-cell NMR of macromolecules has gained momentum over the last ten years as an approach that might bridge the branches of cell biology and structural biology. In this review, we put it in the context of earlier efforts that aimed to characterize by NMR the cellular environment of live cells and their intracellular metabolites. Although technical aspects distinguish these earlier in vivo NMR studies and the more recent in cell NMR efforts to characterize macromolecules in a cellular environment, we believe that both share major concerns ranging from sensitivity and line broadening to cell viability. Approaches to overcome the limitations in one subfield thereby can serve the other one and vice versa. The relevance in biomedical sciences might stretch from the direct following of drug metabolism in the cell to the observation of target binding, and thereby encompasses in-cell NMR both of metabolites and macromolecules. We underline the efforts of the field to move to novel biological insights by some selected examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lippens
- LISBP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France.
| | - E Cahoreau
- LISBP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France.
| | - P Millard
- LISBP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France.
| | - C Charlier
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, USA
| | - J Lopez
- CERMN, Seccion Quimica, Departemento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima 32, Peru
| | - X Hanoulle
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle (UGSF), University of Lille, CNRS UMR8576, Lille, France
| | - J C Portais
- LISBP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France.
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208
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GBA1 deficiency negatively affects physiological α-synuclein tetramers and related multimers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:798-803. [PMID: 29311330 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1700465115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that α-synuclein (α-syn) occurs physiologically as a helically folded tetramer that resists aggregation. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of formation of α-syn tetramers are still mostly unknown. Cellular membrane lipids are thought to play an important role in the regulation of α-syn tetramer formation. Since glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) deficiency contributes to the aggregation of α-syn and leads to changes in neuronal glycosphingolipids (GSLs) including gangliosides, we hypothesized that GBA1 deficiency may affect the formation of α-syn tetramers. Here, we show that accumulation of GSLs due to GBA1 deficiency decreases α-syn tetramers and related multimers and increases α-syn monomers in CRISPR-GBA1 knockout (KO) SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, α-syn tetramers and related multimers are decreased in N370S GBA1 Parkinson's disease (PD) induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human dopaminergic (hDA) neurons and murine neurons carrying the heterozygous L444P GBA1 mutation. Treatment with miglustat to reduce GSL accumulation and overexpression of GBA1 to augment GBA1 activity reverse the destabilization of α-syn tetramers and protect against α-syn preformed fibril-induced toxicity in hDA neurons. Taken together, these studies provide mechanistic insights into how GBA1 regulates the transition from monomeric α-syn to α-syn tetramers and multimers and suggest unique therapeutic opportunities for PD and dementia with Lewy bodies.
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209
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Miraglia F, Ricci A, Rota L, Colla E. Subcellular localization of alpha-synuclein aggregates and their interaction with membranes. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1136-1144. [PMID: 30028312 PMCID: PMC6065224 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.235013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than a decade numerous evidence has been reported on the mechanisms of toxicity of α-synuclein (αS) oligomers and aggregates in α-synucleinopathies. These species were thought to form freely in the cytoplasm but recent reports of αS multimer conformations when bound to synaptic vesicles in physiological conditions, have raised the question about where αS aggregation initiates. In this review we focus on recent literature regarding the impact on membrane binding and subcellular localization of αS toxic species to understand how regular cellular function of αS contributes to pathology. Notably αS has been reported to mainly associate with specific membranes in neurons such as those of synaptic vesicles, ER/Golgi and the mitochondria, while toxic species of αS have been shown to inhibit, among others, neurotransmission, protein trafficking and mitochondrial function. Strategies interfering with αS membrane binding have shown to improve αS-driven toxicity in worms and in mice. Thus, a selective membrane binding that would result in a specific subcellular localization could be the key to understand how aggregation and pathology evolves, pointing out to αS functions that are primarily affected before onset of irreversible damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Miraglia
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa; Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Ricci
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Rota
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Colla
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
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210
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Ganguly U, Chakrabarti SS, Kaur U, Mukherjee A, Chakrabarti S. Alpha-synuclein, Proteotoxicity and Parkinson's Disease: Search for Neuroprotective Therapy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1086-1097. [PMID: 29189163 PMCID: PMC6120113 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171129100944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of evidence in animal and cell based models of Parkinson's disease (PD) to suggest that overexpression and / or abnormal accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein can trigger neuronal death. This important role of α-synuclein in PD pathogenesis is supported by the fact that duplication, triplication and mutations of α-synuclein gene cause familial forms of PD. METHODS A review of literature was performed by searching PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant articles highlighting the pathogenic role of α-synuclein and the potential therapeutic implications of targeting various pathways related to this protein. RESULTS The overexpression and accumulation of α-synuclein within neurons may involve both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms including a decreased degradation of the protein through proteasomal or autophagic processes. The mechanisms of monomeric α-synuclein aggregating to oligomers and fibrils have been investigated intensively, but it is still not certain which form of this natively unfolded protein is responsible for toxicity. Likewise the proteotoxic pathways induced by α- synuclein leading to neuronal death are not elucidated completely but mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and altered ER-golgi transport may play crucial roles in this process. At the molecular level, the ability of α-synuclein to form pores in biomembranes or to interact with specific proteins of the cell organelles and the cytosol could be determining factors in the toxicity of this protein. CONCLUSION Despite many limitations in our present knowledge of physiological and pathological functions of α-synuclein, it appears that this protein may be a target for the development of neuroprotective drugs against PD. This review has discussed many such potential drugs which prevent the expression, accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein or its interactions with mitochondria or ER and thereby effectively abolish α-synuclein mediated toxicity in different experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sasanka Chakrabarti
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Biochemistry, ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Haldia, India; Tel: +919874489805; E-mail:
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211
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Alpha-synuclein: Pathology, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 109:249-257. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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212
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Ryskalin L, Busceti CL, Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Gambardella S, Fornai F. A Focus on the Beneficial Effects of Alpha Synuclein and a Re-Appraisal of Synucleinopathies. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2018; 19:598-611. [PMID: 29150919 PMCID: PMC5925871 DOI: 10.2174/1389203718666171117110028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (α-syn) belongs to a class of proteins which are commonly considered to play a detrimental role in neuronal survival. This assumption is based on the occurrence of a severe neuronal degeneration in patients carrying a multiplication of the α-syn gene (SNCA) and in a variety of experimental models, where overexpression of α-syn leads to cell death and neurological impairment. In these conditions, a higher amount of normally structured α-syn produces a damage, which is even worse compared with that produced by α-syn owning an abnormal structure (as occurring following point gene mutations). In line with this, knocking out the expression of α-syn is reported to protect from specific neurotoxins such as 1-methyl, 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In the present review we briefly discuss these well-known detrimental effects but we focus on findings showing that, in specific conditions α-syn is beneficial for cell survival. This occurs during methamphetamine intoxication which is counteracted by endogenous α-syn. Similarly, the dysfunction of the chaperone cysteine-string protein- alpha leads to cell pathology which is counteracted by over-expressing α-syn. In line with this, an increased expression of α-syn protects against oxidative damage produced by dopamine. Remarkably, when the lack of α-syn is combined with a depletion of β- and γ- synucleins, alterations in brain structure and function occur. This review tries to balance the evidence showing a beneficial effect with the bulk of data reporting a detrimental effect of endogenous α-syn. The specific role of α-syn as a chaperone protein is discussed to explain such a dual effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla L. Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
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213
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Colla E, Panattoni G, Ricci A, Rizzi C, Rota L, Carucci N, Valvano V, Gobbo F, Capsoni S, Lee MK, Cattaneo A. Toxic properties of microsome-associated alpha-synuclein species in mouse primary neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 111:36-47. [PMID: 29246724 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (αS) is a small protein that self-aggregates into α-helical oligomer species and subsequently into larger insoluble amyloid fibrils that accumulate in intraneuronal inclusions during the development of Parkinson's disease. Toxicity of αS oligomers and fibrils has been long debated and more recent data are suggesting that both species can induce neurodegeneration. However while most of these data are based on differences in structure between oligomer and aggregates, often preassembled in vitro, the in vivo situation might be more complex and subcellular locations where αS species accumulate, rather than their conformation, might contribute to enhanced toxicity. In line with this observation, we have shown that αS oligomers and aggregates are associated with the endoplasmic reticulum/microsomes (ER/M) membrane in vivo and how accumulation of soluble αS oligomers at the ER/M level precedes neuronal degeneration in a mouse model of α-synucleinopathies. In this paper we took a further step, investigating the biochemical and functional features of αS species associated with the ER/M membrane. We found that by comparison with non-microsomal associated αS (P10), the ER/M-associated αS pool is a unique population of oligomers and aggregates with specific biochemical traits such as increased aggregation, N- and C-terminal truncations and phosphorylation at serine 129. Moreover, when administered to murine primary neurons, ER/M-associated αS species isolated from diseased A53T human αS transgenic mice induced neuronal changes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In fact the addition of small amounts of ER/M-associated αS species from diseased mice to primary cultures induced the formation of beads-like structures or strings of fibrous αS aggregates along the neurites, occasionally covering the entire process or localizing at the soma level. By comparison treatment with P10 fractions from the same diseased mice resulted in the formation of scarce and small puncta only when administered at high amount. Moreover, increasing the amount of P100/M fractions obtained from diseased and, more surprisingly, from presymptomatic mice induced a significant level of neuronal death that was prevented when neurons were treated with ER/M fractions immunodepleted of αS high molecular weight (HMW) species. These data provide the first evidence of the existence of two different populations of αS HMW species in vivo, putting the spotlight on the association to ER/M membrane as a necessary step for the acquisition of αS toxic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Colla
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Alessio Ricci
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Rizzi
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Rota
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Carucci
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael K Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, United States; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Neurotrophins and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
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214
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Bengoa-Vergniory N, Roberts RF, Wade-Martins R, Alegre-Abarrategui J. Alpha-synuclein oligomers: a new hope. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:819-838. [PMID: 28803412 PMCID: PMC5663814 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1755-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein is a protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease and thought to be one of the main pathological drivers in the disease, although it remains unclear how this protein elicits its neurotoxic effects. Recent findings indicate that the assembly of toxic oligomeric species of alpha-synuclein may be one of the key processes for the pathology and spread of the disease. The absence of a sensitive in situ detection method has hindered the study of these oligomeric species and the role they play in the human brain until recently. In this review, we assess the evidence for the toxicity and prion-like activity of oligomeric forms of alpha-synuclein and discuss the advances in our understanding of the role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease that may be brought about by the specific and sensitive detection of distinct oligomeric species in post-mortem patient brain. Finally, we discuss current approaches being taken to therapeutically target alpha-synuclein oligomers and their implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Bengoa-Vergniory
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Rosalind F Roberts
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 Rue University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK.
| | - Javier Alegre-Abarrategui
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK.
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215
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Je G, Croop B, Basu S, Tang J, Han KY, Kim YS. Endogenous Alpha-Synuclein Protein Analysis from Human Brain Tissues Using Single-Molecule Pull-Down Assay. Anal Chem 2017; 89:13044-13048. [PMID: 29172450 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) is a central molecule in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Despite several studies, the molecular nature of endogenous α-SYN especially in human brain samples is still not well understood due to the lack of reliable methods and the limited amount of biospecimens. Here, we introduce α-SYN single-molecule pull-down (α-SYN SiMPull) assay combined with in vivo protein crosslinking to count individual α-SYN protein and assess its native oligomerization states from biological samples including human postmortem brains. This powerful single-molecule assay can be highly useful in diagnostic applications using various specimens for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goun Je
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Benjamin Croop
- CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida , Orlando Florida 32816, United States
| | - Sambuddha Basu
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Jialei Tang
- CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida , Orlando Florida 32816, United States
| | - Kyu Young Han
- CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida , Orlando Florida 32816, United States
| | - Yoon-Seong Kim
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
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216
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Fusco G, Sanz-Hernandez M, De Simone A. Order and disorder in the physiological membrane binding of α-synuclein. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2017; 48:49-57. [PMID: 29100107 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αS) is a neuronal protein that localises predominantly at the presynaptic terminals, and whose fibrillar aggregates are the major constituents of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease. In vivo αS is partitioned between water-soluble and membrane-bound states, and this highly regulated equilibrium influences its biological behaviour under both physiological and pathological conditions. Here we discuss the sequence and structural determinants underlying the transition between the unstructured cytosolic and partially structured membrane-bound states of αS. The balance between order and disorder in this protein system is crucial for the overall regulation of the membrane affinity, the ability to induce the clustering of synaptic vesicles, and the tendency to self assemble into amyloid fibrils at the surface of biological membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Fusco
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Maximo Sanz-Hernandez
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
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217
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Brundin P, Dave KD, Kordower JH. Therapeutic approaches to target alpha-synuclein pathology. Exp Neurol 2017; 298:225-235. [PMID: 28987463 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Starting two decades ago with the discoveries of genetic links between alpha-synuclein and Parkinson's disease risk and the identification of aggregated alpha-synuclein as the main protein constituent of Lewy pathology, alpha-synuclein has emerged as the major therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. Following the suggestion that alpha-synuclein pathology gradually spreads through the nervous system following a stereotypic pattern and the discovery that aggregated forms of alpha-synuclein can propagate pathology from one cell to another, and thereby probably aggravate existing deficits as well as generate additional symptoms, the idea that alpha-synuclein is a viable therapeutic target gained further support. In this review we describe current challenges and possibilities with alpha-synuclein as a therapeutic target. We briefly highlight gaps in the knowledge of the role of alpha-synuclein in disease, and propose that a deeper understanding of the pathobiology of alpha-synuclein can lead to improved therapeutic strategies. We describe several treatment approaches that are currently being tested in advanced animal experiments or already are in clinical trials. We have divided them into approaches that reduce alpha-synuclein production; inhibit alpha-synuclein aggregation inside cells; promote its degradation either inside or outside cells; and reduce its uptake by neighbouring cells following release from already affected neurons. Finally, we briefly discuss challenges related to the clinical testing of alpha-synuclein therapies, for example difficulties in monitoring target engagement and the need for relatively large trials of long duration. We conclude that alpha-synuclein remains one of the most compelling therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease, and related synucleinopathies, and that the multitude of approaches being tested provides hope for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Kuldip D Dave
- The Michael J Fox Foundation, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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218
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Cieplak AS. Protein folding, misfolding and aggregation: The importance of two-electron stabilizing interactions. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180905. [PMID: 28922400 PMCID: PMC5603215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases are highly pleiomorphic and may adopt an all-α-helical fold in one environment, assemble into all-β-sheet or collapse into a coil in another, and rapidly polymerize in yet another one via divergent aggregation pathways that yield broad diversity of aggregates’ morphology. A thorough understanding of this behaviour may be necessary to develop a treatment for Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Unfortunately, our present comprehension of folding and misfolding is limited for want of a physicochemical theory of protein secondary and tertiary structure. Here we demonstrate that electronic configuration and hyperconjugation of the peptide amide bonds ought to be taken into account to advance such a theory. To capture the effect of polarization of peptide linkages on conformational and H-bonding propensity of the polypeptide backbone, we introduce a function of shielding tensors of the Cα atoms. Carrying no information about side chain-side chain interactions, this function nonetheless identifies basic features of the secondary and tertiary structure, establishes sequence correlates of the metamorphic and pH-driven equilibria, relates binding affinities and folding rate constants to secondary structure preferences, and manifests common patterns of backbone density distribution in amyloidogenic regions of Alzheimer’s amyloid β and tau, Parkinson’s α-synuclein and prions. Based on those findings, a split-intein like mechanism of molecular recognition is proposed to underlie dimerization of Aβ, tau, αS and PrPC, and divergent pathways for subsequent association of dimers are outlined; a related mechanism is proposed to underlie formation of PrPSc fibrils. The model does account for: (i) structural features of paranuclei, off-pathway oligomers, non-fibrillar aggregates and fibrils; (ii) effects of incubation conditions, point mutations, isoform lengths, small-molecule assembly modulators and chirality of solid-liquid interface on the rate and morphology of aggregation; (iii) fibril-surface catalysis of secondary nucleation; and (iv) self-propagation of infectious strains of mammalian prions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Stanisław Cieplak
- Department of Chemistry, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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219
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Boothby TC, Tapia H, Brozena AH, Piszkiewicz S, Smith AE, Giovannini I, Rebecchi L, Pielak GJ, Koshland D, Goldstein B. Tardigrades Use Intrinsically Disordered Proteins to Survive Desiccation. Mol Cell 2017; 65:975-984.e5. [PMID: 28306513 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tardigrades are microscopic animals that survive a remarkable array of stresses, including desiccation. How tardigrades survive desiccation has remained a mystery for more than 250 years. Trehalose, a disaccharide essential for several organisms to survive drying, is detected at low levels or not at all in some tardigrade species, indicating that tardigrades possess potentially novel mechanisms for surviving desiccation. Here we show that tardigrade-specific intrinsically disordered proteins (TDPs) are essential for desiccation tolerance. TDP genes are constitutively expressed at high levels or induced during desiccation in multiple tardigrade species. TDPs are required for tardigrade desiccation tolerance, and these genes are sufficient to increase desiccation tolerance when expressed in heterologous systems. TDPs form non-crystalline amorphous solids (vitrify) upon desiccation, and this vitrified state mirrors their protective capabilities. Our study identifies TDPs as functional mediators of tardigrade desiccation tolerance, expanding our knowledge of the roles and diversity of disordered proteins involved in stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Boothby
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Hugo Tapia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alexandra H Brozena
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Samantha Piszkiewicz
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Austin E Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ilaria Giovannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Lorena Rebecchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Gary J Pielak
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Doug Koshland
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Bob Goldstein
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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220
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Pauwels K, Lebrun P, Tompa P. To be disordered or not to be disordered: is that still a question for proteins in the cell? Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3185-3204. [PMID: 28612216 PMCID: PMC11107661 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There is ample evidence that many proteins or regions of proteins lack a well-defined folded structure under native-like conditions. These are called intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Whether this intrinsic disorder is also their main structural characteristic in living cells has been a matter of intense debate. The structural analysis of IDPs became an important challenge also because of their involvement in a plethora of human diseases, which made IDPs attractive targets for therapeutic development. Therefore, biophysical approaches are increasingly being employed to probe the structural and dynamical state of proteins, not only in isolation in a test tube, but also in a complex biological environment and even within intact cells. Here, we survey direct and indirect evidence that structural disorder is in fact the physiological state of many proteins in the proteome. The paradigmatic case of α-synuclein is used to illustrate the controversial nature of this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Pauwels
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology (CSB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Lebrun
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology (CSB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Tompa
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology (CSB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
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221
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Ono K. The Oligomer Hypothesis in α-Synucleinopathy. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:3362-3371. [PMID: 28828740 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2382-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in the brain constitute the main histopathological features of Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies. They comprise amyloid-like fibrils composed of α-synuclein (αS), a small protein (~14 kDa). Because the aggregation of αS in the brain has been implicated as a critical step in the development of these diseases, the research for disease-modifying drugs has focused on modification of the αS aggregation process in the brain. Recent studies using synthetic αS peptides, a cell culture model, transgenic mice models, and human samples such as cerebrospinal fluids and the blood of PD patients have suggested that pre-fibrillar forms of αS (i.e., oligomers) are more critical than fibrillar forms (such as Lewy bodies) in the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies. Based on the accumulating evidence that oligomers play a central role in the pathogenesis of PD and other α-synucleinopathies (the "oligomer hypothesis"). This report reviews the recent findings regarding the oligomer hypothesis in the research of α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Ono
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan.
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222
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Amyloid single-cell cytotoxicity assays by nanomotion detection. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17053. [PMID: 28845298 PMCID: PMC5564330 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are extremely complex systems able to actively modify their metabolism and behavior in response to environmental conditions and stimuli such as pathogenic agents or drugs. The comprehension of these responses is central to understand the molecular bases of human pathologies, including amyloid misfolding diseases. Conventional bulk biological assays are limited by intrinsic cellular heterogeneity in gene, protein and metabolite expression, and can investigate only indirectly cellular reactions in non-physiological conditions. Here we employ a label-free nanomotion sensor to study single neuroblastoma cells exposed to extracellular monomeric and amyloid α-synuclein species in real-time and in physiological conditions. Combining this technique with fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate multispecies cooperative cytotoxic effect of amyloids and aggregate-induced loss of cellular membrane integrity. Notably, the method can study cellular reactions and cytotoxicity an order of magnitude faster, and using 100-fold smaller volume of reagents when compared to conventional bulk analyses. This rapidity and sensitivity will allow testing novel pharmacological approaches to stop or delay a wide range of human diseases.
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223
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Doucet M, El-Turabi A, Zabel F, Hunn BH, Bengoa-Vergniory N, Cioroch M, Ramm M, Smith AM, Gomes AC, Cabral de Miranda G, Wade-Martins R, Bachmann MF. Preclinical development of a vaccine against oligomeric alpha-synuclein based on virus-like particles. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181844. [PMID: 28797124 PMCID: PMC5552317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and currently incurable neurological disorder characterised by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (a-syn). Oligomeric a-syn is proposed to play a central role in spreading protein aggregation in the brain with associated cellular toxicity contributing to a progressive neurological decline. For this reason, a-syn oligomers have attracted interest as therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative conditions such as PD and other alpha-synucleinopathies. In addition to strategies using small molecules, neutralisation of the toxic oligomers by antibodies represents an attractive and highly specific strategy for reducing disease progression. Emerging active immunisation approaches using vaccines are already being trialled to induce such antibodies. Here we propose a novel vaccine based on the RNA bacteriophage (Qbeta) virus-like particle conjugated with short peptides of human a-syn. High titres of antibodies were successfully and safely generated in wild-type and human a-syn over-expressing (SNCA-OVX) transgenic mice following vaccination. Antibodies from vaccine candidates targeting the C-terminal regions of a-syn were able to recognise Lewy bodies, the hallmark aggregates in human PD brains. Furthermore, antibodies specifically targeted oligomeric and aggregated a-syn as they exhibited 100 times greater affinity for oligomeric species over monomer a-syn proteins in solution. In the SNCA-OVX transgenic mice used, vaccination was, however, unable to confer significant changes to oligomeric a-syn bioburden. Similarly, there was no discernible effect of vaccine treatment on behavioural phenotype as compared to control groups. Thus, antibodies specific for oligomeric a-syn induced by vaccination were unable to treat symptoms of PD in this particular mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Doucet
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aadil El-Turabi
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Benjamin H.M. Hunn
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nora Bengoa-Vergniory
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Milena Cioroch
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mauricio Ramm
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amy M. Smith
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ariane Cruz Gomes
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gustavo Cabral de Miranda
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (RWM); (MFB)
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Immunology, Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy (RIA), Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (RWM); (MFB)
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224
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Kumar H, Singh J, Kumari P, Udgaonkar JB. Modulation of the extent of structural heterogeneity in α-synuclein fibrils by the small molecule thioflavin T. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:16891-16903. [PMID: 28760825 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.795617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition of intrinsically disordered, monomeric α-synuclein into β-sheet-rich oligomers and fibrils is associated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Fibrillar aggregates possessing distinct structures that differ in toxicity have been observed in different pathological phenotypes. Understanding the mechanism of the formation of various fibril polymorphs with differing cytotoxic effects is essential for determining how the aggregation reaction could be modulated to favor nontoxic fibrils over toxic fibrils. In this study, two morphologically different α-synuclein fibrils, one helical and the other ribbon-like, are shown to form together. Surprisingly, a widely used small molecule for probing aggregation reactions, thioflavin T (ThT), was found to tune the structural heterogeneity found in the fibrils. The ribbon-like fibrils formed in the presence of ThT were found to have a longer structural core than the helical fibrils formed in the absence of ThT. The ribbon-like fibrils are also more toxic to cells. By facilitating the formation of ribbon-like fibrils over helical fibrils, ThT reduced the extent of fibril polymorphism. This study highlights the role of a small molecule such as ThT in selectively favoring the formation of a specific type of fibril by binding to aggregates formed early on one of multiple pathways, thereby altering the structural core and external morphology of the fibrils formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Kumar
- From the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - Jogender Singh
- From the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India.,the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, and
| | - Pratibha Kumari
- From the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India.,the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Hönggerberg Campus, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jayant B Udgaonkar
- From the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India,
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225
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Moriarty GM, Olson MP, Atieh TB, Janowska MK, Khare SD, Baum J. A pH-dependent switch promotes β-synuclein fibril formation via glutamate residues. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:16368-16379. [PMID: 28710275 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.780528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αS) is the primary protein associated with Parkinson's disease, and it undergoes aggregation from its intrinsically disordered monomeric form to a cross-β fibrillar form. The closely related homolog β-synuclein (βS) is essentially fibril-resistant under cytoplasmic physiological conditions. Toxic gain-of-function by βS has been linked to dysfunction, but the aggregation behavior of βS under altered pH is not well-understood. In this work, we compare fibril formation of αS and βS at pH 7.3 and mildly acidic pH 5.8, and we demonstrate that pH serves as an on/off switch for βS fibrillation. Using αS/βS domain-swapped chimera constructs and single residue substitutions in βS, we localized the switch to acidic residues in the N-terminal and non-amyloid component domains of βS. Computational models of βS fibril structures indicate that key glutamate residues (Glu-31 and Glu-61) in these domains may be sites of pH-sensitive interactions, and variants E31A and E61A show dramatically altered pH sensitivity for fibril formation supporting the importance of these charged side chains in fibril formation of βS. Our results demonstrate that relatively small changes in pH, which occur frequently in the cytoplasm and in secretory pathways, may induce the formation of βS fibrils and suggest a complex role for βS in synuclein cellular homeostasis and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Moriarty
- From the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Michael P Olson
- From the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Tamr B Atieh
- From the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Maria K Janowska
- From the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Sagar D Khare
- From the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Jean Baum
- From the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
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226
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α-Synuclein aggregation modulation: an emerging approach for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Future Med Chem 2017. [PMID: 28632413 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial progressive neurological disorder. Pathological hallmarks of PD are characterized by the presence of α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregates known as Lewy bodies. αSyn aggregation is one of the leading causes for the neuronal dysfunction and death in PD. It is also associated with neurotransmitter and calcium release. Current therapies of PD are limited to only symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying pathogenic factors of the disease process such as aggregation of αSyn. Consequently, the progression of the disease continues with the current therapies. Therefore, the modulation of αSyn aggregation is an emerging approach as a novel therapeutic target to treat PD. There are two major aspects that might be targeted therapeutically: first, protein is prone to aggregation, therefore, anti-aggregative or compounds that can break the pre-existing aggregates should be helpful. Second, there are number of molecular events that may be targeted to combat the disease.
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227
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Duce JA, Wong BX, Durham H, Devedjian JC, Smith DP, Devos D. Post translational changes to α-synuclein control iron and dopamine trafficking; a concept for neuron vulnerability in Parkinson's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:45. [PMID: 28592304 PMCID: PMC5463308 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder, the aetiology of which remains elusive. The primary clinical feature of progressively impaired motor control is caused by a loss of midbrain substantia nigra dopamine neurons that have a high α-synuclein (α-syn) and iron content. α-Syn is a neuronal protein that is highly modified post-translationally and central to the Lewy body neuropathology of the disease. This review provides an overview of findings on the role post translational modifications to α-syn have in membrane binding and intracellular vesicle trafficking. Furthermore, we propose a concept in which acetylation and phosphorylation of α-syn modulate endocytic import of iron and vesicle transport of dopamine during normal physiology. Disregulated phosphorylation and oxidation of α-syn mediate iron and dopamine dependent oxidative stress through impaired cellular location and increase propensity for α-syn aggregation. The proposition highlights a connection between α-syn, iron and dopamine, three pathological components associated with disease progression in sporadic Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Duce
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. .,Oxidation Biology Unit, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Bruce X Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.,Oxidation Biology Unit, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hannah Durham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | | | - David P Smith
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, UK
| | - David Devos
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Lille University, INSERM U1171, CHU of Lille, Lille, France
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228
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Kim T, Vemuganti R. Mechanisms of Parkinson's disease-related proteins in mediating secondary brain damage after cerebral ischemia. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2017; 37:1910-1926. [PMID: 28273718 PMCID: PMC5444552 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17694186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Both Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke are debilitating conditions that result in neuronal death and loss of neurological functions. These two conditions predominantly affect aging populations with the deterioration of the quality of life for the patients themselves and a tremendous burden to families. While the neurodegeneration and symptomology of PD develop chronically over the years, post-stroke neuronal death and dysfunction develop rapidly in days. Despite the discrepancy in the pathophysiological time frame and severity, both conditions share common molecular mechanisms that include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activation of various cell death pathways (apoptosis/necrosis/autophagy) that synergistically modulate the neuronal death. Emerging evidence indicates that several proteins associated with early-onset familial PD play critical roles in mediating the neuronal death. Importantly, mutations in the genes encoding Parkin, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 and DJ-1 mediate autosomal recessive forms of PD, whereas mutations in the genes encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 and α-synuclein are responsible for autosomal dominant PD. This review discusses the significance of these proteins with the emphasis on the role of α-synuclein in mediating post-ischemic brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- TaeHee Kim
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,2 Neuroscience Training Program, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,2 Neuroscience Training Program, Madison, WI, USA.,3 Cellular & Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,4 William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
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229
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Selective lowering of synapsins induced by oligomeric α-synuclein exacerbates memory deficits. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4648-E4657. [PMID: 28533388 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704698114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that soluble oligomeric forms of amyloid proteins linked to neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, or α-synuclein (αSyn) might be the major deleterious species for neuronal function in these diseases. Here, we found an abnormal accumulation of oligomeric αSyn species in AD brains by custom ELISA, size-exclusion chromatography, and nondenaturing/denaturing immunoblotting techniques. Importantly, the abundance of αSyn oligomers in human brain tissue correlated with cognitive impairment and reductions in synapsin expression. By overexpressing WT human αSyn in an AD mouse model, we artificially enhanced αSyn oligomerization. These bigenic mice displayed exacerbated Aβ-induced cognitive deficits and a selective decrease in synapsins. Following isolation of various soluble αSyn assemblies from transgenic mice, we found that in vitro delivery of exogenous oligomeric αSyn but not monomeric αSyn was causing a lowering in synapsin-I/II protein abundance. For a particular αSyn oligomer, these changes were either dependent or independent on endogenous αSyn expression. Finally, at a molecular level, the expression of synapsin genes SYN1 and SYN2 was down-regulated in vivo and in vitro by αSyn oligomers, which decreased two transcription factors, cAMP response element binding and Nurr1, controlling synapsin gene promoter activity. Overall, our results demonstrate that endogenous αSyn oligomers can impair memory by selectively lowering synapsin expression.
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230
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Validation of electrochemiluminescence assays for highly sensitive and reproducible quantification of α-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid. Bioanalysis 2017; 9:621-630. [PMID: 28504552 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2017-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM α-Synuclein (aSyn), a putative cerebrospinal fluid biomarker, may support the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies led to conflicting results due to different preanalytical and analytical procedures. Standardized assays are required to allow for comparison of results from different laboratories. MATERIALS & METHODS We performed a side-by-side validation of a commercially available (MSD, MD, USA) and a 'homebrew' assay for quantification of aSyn according to published guidelines. RESULTS The data showed high sensitivity and reproducibility for both assays. Preanalytical and analytical parameters did not affect the outcome of measurements. CONCLUSION We conclude that both assays are very close in performance and suitable for research application of cerebrospinal fluid aSyn.
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231
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Flynn JD, Lee JC. Physical Chemistry in Biomedical Research: From Cuvettes toward Cellular Insights. J Phys Chem Lett 2017; 8:1943-1945. [PMID: 28468500 PMCID: PMC5521168 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
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232
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Marmion DJ, Kordower JH. α-Synuclein nonhuman primate models of Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:385-400. [PMID: 28434076 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proper understanding of the mechanism(s) by which α-synuclein misfolds and propagates may hold the key to unraveling the complex pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. A more complete understanding of the disease itself, as well as establishing animal models that fully recapitulate pathological and functional disease progression, are needed to develop treatments that will delay, halt or reverse the disease course. Traditional neurotoxin-based animal models fail to mimic crucial aspects of Parkinson's and thus are not relevant for the study of neuroprotection and disease-modifying therapies. Therefore, a new era of animal models centered on α-synuclein has emerged with the utility of nonhuman primates in these studies beginning to become important. Indeed, disease modeling in nonhuman primates offers a more similar anatomical and genetic background to humans, and the ability to assess complex behavioral impairments that are difficult to test in rodents. Furthermore, results obtained from monkey studies translate better to applications in humans. In this review, we highlight the importance of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and discuss the development of α-synuclein based nonhuman primate models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Marmion
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Cohn Bldg Room 306, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Cohn Bldg Room 306, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- The Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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233
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Uversky VN. Looking at the recent advances in understanding α-synuclein and its aggregation through the proteoform prism. F1000Res 2017; 6:525. [PMID: 28491292 PMCID: PMC5399969 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.10536.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite attracting the close attention of multiple researchers for the past 25 years, α-synuclein continues to be an enigma, hiding sacred truth related to its structure, function, and dysfunction, concealing mechanisms of its pathological spread within the affected brain during disease progression, and, above all, covering up the molecular mechanisms of its multipathogenicity, i.e. the ability to be associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. The goal of this article is to present the most recent advances in understanding of this protein and its aggregation and to show that the remarkable structural, functional, and dysfunctional multifaceted nature of α-synuclein can be understood using the proteoform concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC07, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.,Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, 7 Institutskaya St., 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russian Federation.,Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding Of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Av., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
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234
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Towards understanding cellular structure biology: In-cell NMR. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2017; 1865:547-557. [PMID: 28257994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To watch biological macromolecules perform their functions inside the living cells is the dream of any biologists. In-cell nuclear magnetic resonance is a branch of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy that can be used to observe the structures, interactions and dynamics of these molecules in the living cells at atomic level. In principle, in-cell NMR can be applied to different cellular systems to achieve biologically relevant structural and functional information. In this review, we summarize the existing approaches in this field and discuss its applications in protein interactions, folding, stability and post-translational modifications. We hope this review will emphasize the effectiveness of in-cell NMR for studies of intricate biological processes and for structural analysis in cellular environments.
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235
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Chistiakov DA, Chistiakov AA. α-Synuclein-carrying extracellular vesicles in Parkinson's disease: deadly transmitters. Acta Neurol Belg 2017; 117:43-51. [PMID: 27473175 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-016-0679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes play a key role in delivery of various biological material and complex signals from one cell to another at long distances. These small extracellular vehicles are involved in mediating multiple physiological and pathogenic processes. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), exosomes contribute to disease propagation through transferring misfolded proteins from affected cells to normal cells. In PD, progressive degeneration of neurons arises from the extensive accumulation of toxic forms of α-synuclein in the cytoplasm. α-Synuclein could exist in several forms, some of which (i.e., oligomeric and polymeric forms) are cytotoxic. Neuron-derived exosomes were found to transfer α-synuclein toxic forms between neuronal and non-neuronal cells (such as astrocytes and microglia) thereby contributing to PD spreading. Deposition of α-synuclein in glial cells induces inflammation that could be further propagated to other glial cells and neurons. Neuroinflammation promotes degeneration of neurons and aggravates the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitry A Chistiakov
- Serbsky Federal Research Center of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Alexander A Chistiakov
- Serbsky Federal Research Center of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Moscow, Russian Federation
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236
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Ranjan P, Ghosh D, Yarramala DS, Das S, Maji SK, Kumar A. Differential copper binding to alpha-synuclein and its disease-associated mutants affect the aggregation and amyloid formation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:365-374. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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237
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Figueira I, Menezes R, Macedo D, Costa I, Nunes dos Santos C. Polyphenols Beyond Barriers: A Glimpse into the Brain. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:562-594. [PMID: 27784225 PMCID: PMC5543676 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161026151545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageing can be simply defined as the process of becoming older, which is genetically determined but also environmentally modulated. With the continuous increase of life expectancy, quality of life during ageing has become one of the biggest challenges of developed countries. The quest for a healthy ageing has led to the extensive study of plant polyphenols with the aim to prevent age-associated deterioration and diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. The world of polyphenols has fascinated researchers over the past decades, and in vitro, cell-based, animal and human studies have attempted to unravel the mechanisms behind dietary polyphenols neuroprotection. METHODS In this review, we compiled some of the extensive and ever-growing research in the field, highlighting some of the most recent trends in the area. RESULTS The main findings regarding polypolyphenols neuroprotective potential performed using in vitro, cellular and animal studies, as well as human trials are covered in this review. Concepts like bioavailability, polyphenols biotransformation, transport of dietary polyphenols across barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, are here explored. CONCLUSION The diversity and holistic properties of polypolyphenol present them as an attractive alternative for the treatment of multifactorial diseases, where a multitude of cellular pathways are disrupted. The underlying mechanisms of polypolyphenols for nutrition or therapeutic applications must be further consolidated, however there is strong evidence of their beneficial impact on brain function during ageing. Nevertheless, only the tip of the iceberg of nutritional and pharmacological potential of dietary polyphenols is hitherto understood and further research needs to be done to fill the gaps in pursuing a healthy ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Figueira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras
| | - Regina Menezes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras
| | - Diana Macedo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras
| | - Inês Costa
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras
| | - Cláudia Nunes dos Santos
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras
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238
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Ottolini D, Calí T, Szabò I, Brini M. Alpha-synuclein at the intracellular and the extracellular side: functional and dysfunctional implications. Biol Chem 2017; 398:77-100. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is an abundant neuronal protein whose physiological function, even if still not completely understood, has been consistently related to synaptic function and vesicle trafficking. A group of disorders known as synucleinopathies, among which Parkinson’s disease (PD), is deeply associated with the misfolding and aggregation of α-syn, which can give rise to proteinaceous inclusion known as Lewy bodies (LB). Proteostasis stress is a relevant aspect in these diseases and, currently, the presence of oligomeric α-syn species rather than insoluble aggregated forms, appeared to be associated with cytotoxicity. Many observations suggest that α-syn is responsible for neurodegeneration by interfering with multiple signaling pathways. α-syn protein can directly form plasma membrane channels or modify with their activity, thus altering membrane permeability to ions, abnormally associate with mitochondria and cause mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e. mitochondrial depolarization, Ca2+ dys-homeostasis, cytochrome c release) and interfere with autophagy regulation. The picture is further complicated by the fact that single point mutations, duplications and triplication in α-syn gene are linked to autosomal dominant forms of PD. In this review we discuss the multi-faced aspect of α-syn biology and address the main hypothesis at the basis of its involvement in neuronal degeneration.
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239
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Structural Characteristics of α-Synuclein Oligomers. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 329:79-143. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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240
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Del Tredici K, Braak H. Review: Sporadic Parkinson's disease: development and distribution of α-synuclein pathology. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2016; 42:33-50. [PMID: 26662475 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of α-synuclein immunoreactive aggregates in selectively vulnerable neuronal types of the human central, peripheral, and enteric nervous systems is crucial for the pathogenesis of sporadic Parkinson's disease. The presence of these lesions persists into the end phase of the disease, a process that is not subject to remission. The initial induction of α-synuclein misfolding and subsequent aggregation probably occurs in the olfactory bulb and/or the enteric nervous system. Each of these sites is exposed to potentially hostile environmental factors. Once formed, the aggregates appear to be capable of propagating trans-synaptically from nerve cell to nerve cell in a virtually self-promoting pathological process. A regional distribution pattern of aggregated α-synuclein emerges that entails the involvement of only a few types of susceptible and axonally interconnected projection neurons within the human nervous system. One major route of disease progression may originate in the enteric nervous system and retrogradely reach the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve in the lower brainstem. From there, the disease process proceeds chiefly in a caudo-rostral direction through visceromotor and somatomotor brainstem centres to the midbrain, forebrain, and cerebral cortex. Spinal cord centres may become involved by means of descending projections from involved lower brainstem nuclei as well as by sympathetic projections connecting the enteric nervous system with postganglionic peripheral ganglia and preganglionic nuclei of the spinal cord. The development of experimental cellular and animal models is helping to explain the mechanisms of how abnormal α-synuclein can undergo aggregation and how transmission along axonal connectivities can occur, thereby encouraging the initiation of potential disease-modifying therapeutic strategies for sporadic Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Del Tredici
- Clinical Neuroanatomy Section, Department of Neurology, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - H Braak
- Clinical Neuroanatomy Section, Department of Neurology, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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241
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Prymaczok NC, Riek R, Gerez J. More than a Rumor Spreads in Parkinson's Disease. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:608. [PMID: 27994545 PMCID: PMC5133249 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As Parkinson's disease progresses, a massive loss of dopaminergic neurons is accompanied by accumulation of alpha-Synuclein (αSyn) neuronal inclusions called Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Inclusions first appear in olfactory bulb and enteric neurons then in ascendant neuroanatomical interconnected areas, and finally, in late stages of the disease, Lewy bodies are observed in a substantia nigra pars compacta with clear signs of neuronal loss. It is believed that the spreading of Lewy bodies through the nervous system is a consequence of the cell-to-cell propagation of αSyn, that can occur via sequential steps of secretion and uptake. Certain pathological forms of transmitted αSyn are able to seed endogenous counterparts in healthy recipient cells, thus promoting the self-sustained cycle of inclusion formation, amplification and spreading, that ultimately underlies disease progression. Here we review the cell-to-cell propagation of αSyn focusing on its role in the progression of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia C Prymaczok
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, Argentine Research Council (CONICET), National University of La Plata and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA) La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roland Riek
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, D-CHAB, ETH Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juan Gerez
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, D-CHAB, ETH Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
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242
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Structural basis for the dissociation of α-synuclein fibrils triggered by pressure perturbation of the hydrophobic core. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37990. [PMID: 27901101 PMCID: PMC5128797 DOI: 10.1038/srep37990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease in which aggregated forms of the α-synuclein (α-syn) protein are found. We used high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) coupled with NMR spectroscopy to study the dissociation of α-syn fibril into monomers and evaluate their structural and dynamic properties. Different dynamic properties in the non-amyloid-β component (NAC), which constitutes the Greek-key hydrophobic core, and in the acidic C-terminal region of the protein were identified by HHP NMR spectroscopy. In addition, solid-state NMR revealed subtle differences in the HHP-disturbed fibril core, providing clues to how these species contribute to seeding α-syn aggregation. These findings show how pressure can populate so far undetected α-syn species, and they lay out a roadmap for fibril dissociation via pathways not previously observed using other approaches. Pressure perturbs the cavity-prone hydrophobic core of the fibrils by pushing water inward, thereby inducing the dissociation into monomers. Our study offers the molecular details of how hydrophobic interaction and the formation of water-excluded cavities jointly contribute to the assembly and stabilization of the fibrils. Understanding the molecular forces behind the formation of pathogenic fibrils uncovered by pressure perturbation will aid in the development of new therapeutics against Parkinson’s disease.
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243
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Kumar A, Ganini D, Mason RP. Role of cytochrome c in α-synuclein radical formation: implications of α-synuclein in neuronal death in Maneb- and paraquat-induced model of Parkinson's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2016; 11:70. [PMID: 27884192 PMCID: PMC5122029 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-016-0135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) include an abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein in the surviving dopaminergic neurons. Though PD is multifactorial, several epidemiological reports show an increased incidence of PD with co-exposure to pesticides such as Maneb and paraquat (MP). In pesticide-related PD, mitochondrial dysfunction and α-synuclein oligomers have been strongly implicated, but the link between the two has not yet been understood. Similarly, the biological effects of α-synuclein or its radical chemistry in PD is largely unknown. Mitochondrial dysfunction during PD pathogenesis leads to release of cytochrome c in the cytosol. Once in the cytosol, cytochrome c has one of two fates: It either binds to apaf1 and initiates apoptosis or can act as a peroxidase. We hypothesized that as a peroxidase, cytochrome c leaked out from mitochondria can form radicals on α-synuclein and initiate its oligomerization. Method Samples from controls, and MP co-exposed wild-type and α-synuclein knockout mice were studied using immuno-spin trapping, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and microarray experiments. Results Experiments with MP co-exposed mice showed cytochrome c release in cytosol and its co-localization with α-synuclein. Subsequently, we used immuno-spin trapping method to detect the formation of α-synuclein radical in samples from an in vitro reaction mixture consisting of cytochrome c, α-synuclein, and hydrogen peroxide. These experiments indicated that cytochrome c plays a role in α-synuclein radical formation and oligomerization. Experiments with MP co-exposed α-synuclein knockout mice, in which cytochrome c-α synuclein co-localization and interaction cannot occur, mice showed diminished protein radical formation and neuronal death, compared to wild-type MP co-exposed mice. Microarray data from MP co-exposed wild-type and α-synuclein knockout mice further showed that the absence of α-synuclein per se or its co-localization with cytochrome c confers protection from MP co-exposure, as several important pathways were unaffected in α-synuclein knockout mice. Conclusions Altogether, these results show that peroxidase activity of cytochrome c contributes to α-synuclein radical formation and oligomerization, and that α-synuclein, through its co-localization with cytochrome c or on its own, affects several biological pathways which contribute to increased neuronal death in an MP-induced model of PD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13024-016-0135-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Free Radical Biology Group, Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Douglas Ganini
- Free Radical Biology Group, Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Ronald P Mason
- Free Radical Biology Group, Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
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244
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Subcellular Parkinson's Disease-Specific Alpha-Synuclein Species Show Altered Behavior in Neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:7639-7655. [PMID: 27837450 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies are characterized by the presence of intra-neuronal protein aggregates enriched in the presynaptic protein α-synuclein. α-synuclein is considered an intrinsically disordered 14 kDa monomer, and although poorly understood, its transition to higher-order multimeric species may play central roles in healthy neurons and during Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that α-synuclein exists as defined, subcellular-specific species that change characteristics in response to oxidative stress in neuroblastoma cells and in response to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis in human cerebellum and frontal cortex. We further show that the phosphorylation patterns of different α-synuclein species are subcellular specific and dependent on the oxidative environment. Using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, we identify a Parkinson's disease enriched, cytosolic ~36-kDa α-synuclein species which can be recapitulated in Parkinson's disease model neuroblastoma cells. The characterization of subcellular-specific α-synuclein features in neurodegeneration will allow for the identification of neurotoxic α-synuclein species, which represent prime targets to reduce α-synuclein pathogenicity.
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245
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Ghosh D, Mehra S, Sahay S, Singh PK, Maji SK. α-synuclein aggregation and its modulation. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 100:37-54. [PMID: 27737778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder marked by the presence of cytoplasmic inclusions, Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) as well as the degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The LBs and LNs in PD are mainly composed of aggregated form of a presynaptic protein, α-synuclein (α-Syn). However, the mechanisms of α-Syn aggregation and actual aggregated species responsible for the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons have not yet been resolved. Despite the fact that α-Syn aggregation in LBs and LNs is crucial and mutations of α-Syn are associated with early onset PD, it is really a challenging task to establish a correlation between α-Syn aggregation rate and PD pathogenesis. Regardless of strong genetic contribution, PD is mostly sporadic and familial forms of the disease represent only a minor part (<10%) of all cases. The complexity in PD further increases due to the involvement of several cellular factors in the pathogenesis of the disease as well as the environmental factors associated with the risk of developing PD. Therefore, effect of these factors on α-Syn aggregation pathway and how these factors modulate the properties of wild type (WT) as well as mutated α-Syn should be collectively taken into account. The present review specifically provides an overview of recent research on α-Syn aggregation pathways and its modulation by several cellular factors potentially relevant to PD pathogenesis. We also briefly discuss about effect of environmental risk factors on α-Syn aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiman Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Surabhi Mehra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shruti Sahay
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Pradeep K Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
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246
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Török N, Majláth Z, Szalárdy L, Vécsei L. Investigational α-synuclein aggregation inhibitors: hope for Parkinson’s disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:1281-1294. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1237501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Török
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Majláth
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Levente Szalárdy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
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247
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Corbillé AG, Neunlist M, Derkinderen P. Cross-linking for the analysis of α-synuclein in the enteric nervous system. J Neurochem 2016; 139:839-847. [PMID: 27637918 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Since the observation that aggregated α-synuclein, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), is found in the gut in almost all patients, it has been suggested that the enteric nervous system (ENS) could be a starting point for α-synuclein pathology. α-synuclein has long been thought to occur as a monomer in living cells, but recent studies reported that it instead exists as a tetramer in non-neuronal cells and in neurons. Given the possible key role of the ENS in PD pathophysiology, we undertook the current research to characterize the native state of α-synuclein in rat primary culture of ENS and in adult human healthy ENS. Using amine-reactive cross-linking, we showed that, by contrast to cell lines and brain neurons, α-synuclein exists primarily as a monomer in intact enteric neurons, suggesting that the native state of α-synuclein is different between the ENS and the brain. Our results provide new insights into the widely discussed concepts of α-synuclein aggregation and misfolding in PD and raise issue about the possible transmission of α-synuclein from the ENS to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Gaëlle Corbillé
- Inserm, U913, Nantes, France.,Nantes University, Nantes, France.,Department of Neurology, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Michel Neunlist
- Inserm, U913, Nantes, France.,Nantes University, Nantes, France
| | - Pascal Derkinderen
- Inserm, U913, Nantes, France.,Nantes University, Nantes, France.,Department of Neurology, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
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248
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Coordination and redox properties of copper interaction with α-synuclein. J Inorg Biochem 2016; 163:292-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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249
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Iljina M, Tosatto L, Choi ML, Sang JC, Ye Y, Hughes CD, Bryant CE, Gandhi S, Klenerman D. Arachidonic acid mediates the formation of abundant alpha-helical multimers of alpha-synuclein. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33928. [PMID: 27671749 PMCID: PMC5037366 DOI: 10.1038/srep33928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein alpha-synuclein (αS) self-assembles into toxic beta-sheet aggregates in Parkinson’s disease, while it is proposed that αS forms soluble alpha-helical multimers in healthy neurons. Here, we have made αS multimers in vitro using arachidonic acid (ARA), one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, and characterized them by a combination of bulk experiments and single-molecule Fӧrster resonance energy transfer (sm-FRET) measurements. The data suggest that ARA-induced oligomers are alpha-helical, resistant to fibril formation, more prone to disaggregation, enzymatic digestion and degradation by the 26S proteasome, and lead to lower neuronal damage and reduced activation of microglia compared to the oligomers formed in the absence of ARA. These multimers can be formed at physiologically-relevant concentrations, and pathological mutants of αS form less multimers than wild-type αS. Our work provides strong biophysical evidence for the formation of alpha-helical multimers of αS in the presence of a biologically relevant fatty acid, which may have a protective role with respect to the generation of beta-sheet toxic structures during αS fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Iljina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Laura Tosatto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Minee L Choi
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, University College London, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jason C Sang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Yu Ye
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Craig D Hughes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - Clare E Bryant
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Gandhi
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, University College London, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - David Klenerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
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250
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Szénási T, Oláh J, Szabó A, Szunyogh S, Láng A, Perczel A, Lehotzky A, Uversky VN, Ovádi J. Challenging drug target for Parkinson's disease: Pathological complex of the chameleon TPPP/p25 and alpha-synuclein proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1863:310-323. [PMID: 27671864 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies, Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP/p25) and α-synuclein (SYN) have two key features: they are disordered and co-enriched/co-localized in brain inclusions. These Neomorphic Moonlighting Proteins display both physiological and pathological functions due to their interactions with distinct partners. To achieve the selective targeting of the pathological TPPP/p25-SYN but not the physiological TPPP/p25-tubulin complex, their interfaces were identified as a specific innovative strategy for the development of anti-Parkinson drugs. Therefore, the interactions of TPPP/p25 with tubulin and SYN were characterized which suggested the involvements of the 178-187 aa and 147-156 aa segments in the complexation of TPPP/p25 with tubulin and SYN, respectively. However, various truncated and deletion mutants reduced but did not abolish the interactions except one mutant; in addition synthetized fragments corresponding to the potential binding segments of TPPP/p25 failed to interact with SYN. In fact, the studies of the multiple interactions at molecular and cellular levels revealed the high conformational plasticity, chameleon feature, of TPPP/p25 that ensures exceptional functional resilience; the lack of previously identified binding segments could be replaced by other segments. The experimental results are underlined by distinct bioinformatics tools. All these data revealed that although targeting chameleon proteins is a challenging task, nevertheless, the validation of a drug target can be achieved by identifying the interface of complexes of the partner proteins existing at the given pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Szénási
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - Judit Oláh
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - Adél Szabó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - Sándor Szunyogh
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - András Láng
- MTA-ELTE, Protein Modelling Research Group, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - András Perczel
- MTA-ELTE, Protein Modelling Research Group, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary; Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - Attila Lehotzky
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 33612 Tampa, FL, USA; Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Judit Ovádi
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary.
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