351
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Török N, Tanaka M, Vécsei L. Searching for Peripheral Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9338. [PMID: 33302404 PMCID: PMC7762583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial, initiated by a series of the causative complex which develops into a certain clinical picture. The pathogenesis and disease course vary from patient to patient. Thus, it should be likewise to the treatment. Peripheral biomarkers are to play a central role for tailoring a personalized therapeutic plan for patients who suffered from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Nevertheless, the use of biomarkers in clinical practice is still underappreciated and data presented in biomarker research for clinical use is still uncompelling, compared to the abundant data available for drug research and development. So is the case with kynurenines (KYNs) and the kynurenine pathway (KP) enzymes, which have been associated with a wide range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurologic diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This review article discusses current knowledge of KP alterations observed in the central nervous system as well as the periphery, its involvement in pathogenesis and disease progression, and emerging evidence of roles of microbiota in the gut-brain axis, searching for practical peripheral biomarkers which ensure personalized treatment plans for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Török
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.T.); (M.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.T.); (M.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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352
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Dinter E, Saridaki T, Diederichs L, Reichmann H, Falkenburger BH. Parkinson's disease and translational research. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:43. [PMID: 33256849 PMCID: PMC7708097 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is diagnosed when patients exhibit bradykinesia with tremor and/or rigidity, and when these symptoms respond to dopaminergic medications. Yet in the last years there was a greater recognition of additional aspects of the disease including non-motor symptoms and prodromal states with associated pathology in various regions of the nervous system. In this review we discuss current concepts of two major alterations found during the course of the disease: cytoplasmic aggregates of the protein α-synuclein and the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. We provide an overview of new approaches in this field based on current concepts and latest literature. In many areas, translational research on PD has advanced the understanding of the disease but there is still a need for more effective therapeutic options based on the insights into the basic biological phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Dinter
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Heinz Reichmann
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Björn H Falkenburger
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. .,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Dresden, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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353
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Domingues AV, Pereira IM, Vilaça-Faria H, Salgado AJ, Rodrigues AJ, Teixeira FG. Glial cells in Parkinson´s disease: protective or deleterious? Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:5171-5188. [PMID: 32617639 PMCID: PMC11104819 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03584-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glial cells have been identified more than 100 years ago, and are known to play a key role in the central nervous system (CNS) function. A recent piece of evidence is emerging showing that in addition to the capacity of CNS modulation and homeostasis, glial cells are also being looked like as a promising cell source not only to study CNS pathologies initiation and progression but also to the establishment and development of new therapeutic strategies. Thus, in the present review, we will discuss the current evidence regarding glial cells' contribution to neurodegenerative diseases as Parkinson's disease, providing cellular, molecular, functional, and behavioral data supporting its active role in disease initiation, progression, and treatment. As so, considering their functional relevance, glial cells may be important to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms regarding neuronal-glial networks in neurodegeneration/regeneration processes, which may open new research opportunities for their future use as a target or treatment in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana V Domingues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Inês M Pereira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Helena Vilaça-Faria
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana J Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Fábio G Teixeira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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354
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Aspholm EE, Matečko-Burmann I, Burmann BM. Keeping α-Synuclein at Bay: A More Active Role of Molecular Chaperones in Preventing Mitochondrial Interactions and Transition to Pathological States? Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E289. [PMID: 33227899 PMCID: PMC7699229 DOI: 10.3390/life10110289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The property of molecular chaperones to dissolve protein aggregates of Parkinson-related α-synuclein has been known for some time. Recent findings point to an even more active role of molecular chaperones preventing the transformation of α-synuclein into pathological states subsequently leading to the formation of Lewy bodies, intracellular inclusions containing protein aggregates as well as broken organelles found in the brains of Parkinson's patients. In parallel, a short motif around Tyr39 was identified as being crucial for the aggregation of α-synuclein. Interestingly, this region is also one of the main segments in contact with a diverse pool of molecular chaperones. Further, it could be shown that the inhibition of the chaperone:α-synuclein interaction leads to a binding of α-synuclein to mitochondria, which could also be shown to lead to mitochondrial membrane disruption as well as the possible proteolytic processing of α-synuclein by mitochondrial proteases. Here, we will review the current knowledge on the role of molecular chaperones in the regulation of physiological functions as well as the direct consequences of impairing these interactions-i.e., leading to enhanced mitochondrial interaction and consequential mitochondrial breakage, which might mark the initial stages of the structural transition of α-synuclein towards its pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelie E. Aspholm
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden;
| | - Irena Matečko-Burmann
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden;
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Björn M. Burmann
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden;
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355
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Outeiro TF, Heutink P, Bezard E, Cenci AM. From iPS Cells to Rodents and Nonhuman Primates: Filling Gaps in Modeling Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord 2020; 36:832-841. [PMID: 33200446 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily known as a movement disorder because of typical clinical manifestations associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, it is now widely recognized that PD is a much more complex condition, with multiple and severe nonmotor features implicating additional brain areas and organs in the disease process. Pathologically, typical forms of PD are characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein-rich protein inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, although other types of protein inclusions are also often present in the brain. Familial forms of PD have provided a wealth of information about molecular pathways leading to neurodegeneration, but only to add to the complexity of the problem and uncover new knowledge gaps. Therefore, modeling PD in the laboratory has become increasingly challenging. Here, we discuss knowledge gaps and challenges in the use of laboratory models for the study of a disease that is clinically heterogeneous and multifactorial. We propose that the combined use of patient-derived cells and animal models, along with current technological tools, will not only expand our molecular and pathophysiological understanding of PD, but also assist in the identification of therapeutic strategies targeting relevant pathogenic pathways. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Peter Heutink
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Univ. de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Angela M Cenci
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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356
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Henrich MT, Geibl FF, Lakshminarasimhan H, Stegmann A, Giasson BI, Mao X, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Oertel WH, Surmeier DJ. Determinants of seeding and spreading of α-synuclein pathology in the brain. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabc2487. [PMID: 33177086 PMCID: PMC7673735 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc2487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease (PD), fibrillar forms of α-synuclein are hypothesized to propagate through synaptically coupled networks, causing Lewy pathology (LP) and neurodegeneration. To more rigorously characterize the determinants of spreading, preformed α-synuclein fibrils were injected into the mouse pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), a brain region that manifests LP in PD patients and the distribution of developing α-synuclein pathology compared to that ascertained by anterograde and retrograde connectomic mapping. Within the PPN, α-synuclein pathology was cell-specific, being robust in PD-vulnerable cholinergic neurons but not in neighboring noncholinergic neurons. While nearly all neurons projecting to PPN cholinergics manifested α-synuclein pathology, the kinetics, magnitude, and persistence of the propagated pathology were unrelated to the strength of those connections. Thus, neuronal phenotype governs the somatodendritic uptake of pathological α-synuclein, and while the afferent connectome restricts the subsequent spreading of pathology, its magnitude and persistence is not a strict function of the strength of coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin T Henrich
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Fanni F Geibl
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Harini Lakshminarasimhan
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Anna Stegmann
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Benoit I Giasson
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Wolfgang H Oertel
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - D James Surmeier
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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357
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Frey B, AlOkda A, Jackson MP, Riguet N, Duce JA, Lashuel HA. Monitoring alpha-synuclein oligomerization and aggregation using bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays: What you see is not always what you get. J Neurochem 2020; 157:872-888. [PMID: 32772367 PMCID: PMC8246987 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) was introduced a decade ago as a method to monitor alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) oligomerization in intact cells. Since then, several α‐syn BiFC cellular assays and animal models have been developed based on the assumption that an increase in the fluorescent signal correlates with increased α‐syn oligomerization or aggregation. Despite the increasing use of these assays and models in mechanistic studies, target validation and drug screening, there have been no reports that (1) validate the extent to which the BiFC fluorescent signal correlates with α‐syn oligomerization at the biochemical level; (2) provide a structural characterization of the oligomers and aggregates formed by the BiFC. To address this knowledge gap, we first analysed the expression level and oligomerization properties of the individual constituents of α‐syn‐Venus, one of the most commonly used BiFC systems, in HEK‐293 & SH‐SY5Y cells from three different laboratories using multiple biochemical approaches and techniques. Next, we investigated the biochemical and aggregation properties of α‐syn upon co‐expression of both BiFC fragments. Our results show that (1) the C‐terminal‐Venus fused to α‐syn (α‐syn‐Vc) is present in much lower abundance than its counterpart with N‐terminal‐Venus fused to α‐syn (Vn‐α‐syn); (2) Vn‐α‐syn exhibits a high propensity to form oligomers and higher‐order aggregates; and (3) the expression of either or both fragments does not result in the formation of α‐syn fibrils or cellular inclusions. Furthermore, our results suggest that only a small fraction of Vn‐α‐syn is involved in the formation of the fluorescent BiFC complex and that some of the fluorescent signal may arise from the association or entrapment of α‐syn‐Vc in Vn‐α‐syn aggregates. The fact that the N‐terminal fragment exists predominantly in an aggregated state also indicates that one must exercise caution when using this system to investigate α‐syn oligomerization in cells or in vivo. Altogether, our results suggest that cellular and animal models of oligomerization, aggregation and cell‐to‐cell transmission based on the α‐syn BiFC systems should be thoroughly characterized at the biochemical level to ensure that they reproduce the process of interest and measure what they are intended to measure. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Frey
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Abdelrahman AlOkda
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew P Jackson
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nathan Riguet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James A Duce
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Life Sciences, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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358
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Megadalton-sized Dityrosine Aggregates of α-Synuclein Retain High Degrees of Structural Disorder and Internal Dynamics. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:166689. [PMID: 33211011 PMCID: PMC7779668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite their large size, αSyn dityrosine aggregates are dynamic and disordered. αSyn dityrosine aggregates specifically form in complex environments. αSyn dityrosine aggregates retain residual membrane binding activity. Dityrosine aggregates inhibit amyloid formation of monomeric αSyn. αSyn dityrosine aggregates are not cytotoxic.
Heterogeneous aggregates of the human protein α-synuclein (αSyn) are abundantly found in Lewy body inclusions of Parkinson’s disease patients. While structural information on classical αSyn amyloid fibrils is available, little is known about the conformational properties of disease-relevant, non-canonical aggregates. Here, we analyze the structural and dynamic properties of megadalton-sized dityrosine adducts of αSyn that form in the presence of reactive oxygen species and cytochrome c, a proapoptotic peroxidase that is released from mitochondria during sustained oxidative stress. In contrast to canonical cross-β amyloids, these aggregates retain high degrees of internal dynamics, which enables their characterization by solution-state NMR spectroscopy. We find that intermolecular dityrosine crosslinks restrict αSyn motions only locally whereas large segments of concatenated molecules remain flexible and disordered. Indistinguishable aggregates form in crowded in vitro solutions and in complex environments of mammalian cell lysates, where relative amounts of free reactive oxygen species, rather than cytochrome c, are rate limiting. We further establish that dityrosine adducts inhibit classical amyloid formation by maintaining αSyn in its monomeric form and that they are non-cytotoxic despite retaining basic membrane-binding properties. Our results suggest that oxidative αSyn aggregation scavenges cytochrome c’s activity into the formation of amorphous, high molecular-weight structures that may contribute to the structural diversity of Lewy body deposits.
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359
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Kadnikov IA, Verbovaya ER, Voronkov DN, Voronin MV, Seredenin SB. Deferred Administration of Afobazole Induces Sigma1R-Dependent Restoration of Striatal Dopamine Content in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7620. [PMID: 33076300 PMCID: PMC7593947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that the immediate administration of multitarget anxiolytic afobazole slows down the progression of neuronal damage in a 6-hydroxidodamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease due to the activation of chaperone Sigma1R. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of deferred afobazole administration in this model. Male ICR mice received a unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of the striatum. Fourteen days after the surgery, mice were treated with afobazole, selective Sigma1R agonist PRE-084, selective Sigma1R antagonist BD-1047, and a combination of BD-1047 with afobazole or PRE-084 for another 14 days. The deferred administration of afobazole restored the intrastriatal dopamine content in the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum and facilitated motor behavior in rotarod tests. The action of afobazole accorded with the effect of Sigma1R selective agonist PRE-084 and was blocked by Sigma1R selective antagonist BD-1047. The present study illustrates the Sigma1R-dependent effects of afobazole in a 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease and reveals the therapeutic potential of Sigma1R agonists in treatment of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya A. Kadnikov
- Department of Pharmacogenetics, FSBI “Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology”, Baltiyskaya street 8, 125315 Moscow, Russia; (E.R.V.); (M.V.V.)
| | - Ekaterina R. Verbovaya
- Department of Pharmacogenetics, FSBI “Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology”, Baltiyskaya street 8, 125315 Moscow, Russia; (E.R.V.); (M.V.V.)
| | - Dmitry N. Voronkov
- Laboratory of neuromorphology, Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Highway 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Mikhail V. Voronin
- Department of Pharmacogenetics, FSBI “Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology”, Baltiyskaya street 8, 125315 Moscow, Russia; (E.R.V.); (M.V.V.)
| | - Sergei B. Seredenin
- Department of Pharmacogenetics, FSBI “Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology”, Baltiyskaya street 8, 125315 Moscow, Russia; (E.R.V.); (M.V.V.)
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360
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Lauwers E, Lalli G, Brandner S, Collinge J, Compernolle V, Duyckaerts C, Edgren G, Haïk S, Hardy J, Helmy A, Ivinson AJ, Jaunmuktane Z, Jucker M, Knight R, Lemmens R, Lin IC, Love S, Mead S, Perry VH, Pickett J, Poppy G, Radford SE, Rousseau F, Routledge C, Schiavo G, Schymkowitz J, Selkoe DJ, Smith C, Thal DR, Theys T, Tiberghien P, van den Burg P, Vandekerckhove P, Walton C, Zaaijer HL, Zetterberg H, De Strooper B. Potential human transmission of amyloid β pathology: surveillance and risks. Lancet Neurol 2020; 19:872-878. [PMID: 32949547 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30238-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies in experimental animals show transmissibility of amyloidogenic proteins associated with prion diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Although these data raise potential concerns for public health, convincing evidence for human iatrogenic transmission only exists for prions and amyloid β after systemic injections of contaminated growth hormone extracts or dura mater grafts derived from cadavers. Even though these procedures are now obsolete, some reports raise the possibility of iatrogenic transmission of amyloid β through putatively contaminated neurosurgical equipment. Iatrogenic transmission of amyloid β might lead to amyloid deposition in the brain parenchyma and blood vessel walls, potentially resulting in cerebral amyloid angiopathy after several decades. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy can cause life-threatening brain haemorrhages; yet, there is no proof that the transmission of amyloid β can also lead to Alzheimer's dementia. Large, long-term epidemiological studies and sensitive, cost-efficient tools to detect amyloid are needed to better understand any potential routes of amyloid β transmission and to clarify whether other similar proteopathic seeds, such as tau or α-synuclein, can also be transferred iatrogenically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Lauwers
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giovanna Lalli
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Division of Neuropathology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John Collinge
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Veerle Compernolle
- Blood Services, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, Mechelen, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charles Duyckaerts
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Sorbonne University, INSERM, CNRS UMR, Paris, France; Laboratoire de Neuropathologie Raymond Escourolle, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Gustaf Edgren
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stéphane Haïk
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Sorbonne University, INSERM, CNRS UMR, Paris, France; Laboratoire de Neuropathologie Raymond Escourolle, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Cellule Nationale de Référence des maladies de Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - John Hardy
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK; Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Adel Helmy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adrian J Ivinson
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Division of Neuropathology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mathias Jucker
- Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Richard Knight
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research and Surveillance Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robin Lemmens
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - I-Chun Lin
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Seth Love
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon Mead
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - V Hugh Perry
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - James Pickett
- Alzheimer's Society, London, London, UK; Epilepsy Research UK, London, UK
| | - Guy Poppy
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sheena E Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Frederic Rousseau
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joost Schymkowitz
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dennis J Selkoe
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Colin Smith
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dietmar R Thal
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Theys
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pierre Tiberghien
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine St Denis, France; Unité Mixte de Recherche, INSERM, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Peter van den Burg
- European Blood Alliance, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sanquin, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Philippe Vandekerckhove
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Blood Services, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Clare Walton
- Alzheimer's Society, London, London, UK; Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, London, UK
| | - Hans L Zaaijer
- Department of Blood-borne Infections, Sanquin, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.
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361
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Kumar ST, Jagannath S, Francois C, Vanderstichele H, Stoops E, Lashuel HA. How specific are the conformation-specific α-synuclein antibodies? Characterization and validation of 16 α-synuclein conformation-specific antibodies using well-characterized preparations of α-synuclein monomers, fibrils and oligomers with distinct structures and morphology. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 146:105086. [PMID: 32971232 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that alpha-synuclein (α-syn) oligomers are obligate intermediates in the pathway involved in α-syn fibrillization and Lewy body (LB) formation, and may also accumulate within LBs in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Therefore, the development of tools and methods to detect and quantify α-syn oligomers has become increasingly crucial for mechanistic studies to understand their role in PD, and to develop new diagnostic methods and therapies for PD and other synucleinopathies. The majority of these tools and methods rely primarily on the use of aggregation state-specific or conformation-specific antibodies. Given the impact of the data and knowledge generated using these antibodies on shaping the foundation and directions of α-syn and PD research, it is crucial that these antibodies are thoroughly characterized, and their specificity or ability to capture diverse α-syn species is tested and validated. Herein, we describe an antibody characterization and validation pipeline that allows a systematic investigation of the specificity of α-syn antibodies using well-defined and well-characterized preparations of various α-syn species, including monomers, fibrils, and different oligomer preparations that are characterized by distinct morphological, chemical and secondary structure properties. This pipeline was used to characterize 18 α-syn antibodies, 16 of which have been reported as conformation- or oligomer-specific antibodies, using an array of techniques, including immunoblot analysis (slot blot and Western blot), a digital ELISA assay using single molecule array technology and surface plasmon resonance. Our results show that i) none of the antibodies tested are specific for one particular type of α-syn species, including monomers, oligomers or fibrils; ii) all antibodies that were reported to be oligomer-specific also recognized fibrillar α-syn; and iii) a few antibodies showed high specificity for oligomers and fibrils but did not bind to monomers. These findings suggest that the great majority of α-syn aggregate-specific antibodies do not differentiate between oligomers and fibrils, thus highlighting the importance of exercising caution when interpreting results obtained using these antibodies. Our results also underscore the critical importance of the characterization and validation of antibodies before their use in mechanistic studies and as diagnostic tools or therapeutic agents. This will not only improve the quality and reproducibility of research and reduce costs but will also reduce the number of therapeutic antibody failures in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthil T Kumar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Switzerland
| | - Somanath Jagannath
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Switzerland
| | | | - Hugo Vanderstichele
- ADx NeuroSciences, Technologiepark 94, Ghent, Belgium; Biomarkable, Gent, Belgium
| | - Erik Stoops
- ADx NeuroSciences, Technologiepark 94, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Switzerland.
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362
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Heras-Garvin A, Stefanova N. From Synaptic Protein to Prion: The Long and Controversial Journey of α-Synuclein. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:584536. [PMID: 33071772 PMCID: PMC7536368 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.584536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery 30 years ago, α-synuclein (α-syn) has been one of the most studied proteins in the field of neuroscience. Dozens of groups worldwide have tried to reveal not only its role in the CNS but also in other organs. α-syn has been linked to several processes essential in brain homeostasis such as neurotransmitter release, synaptic function, and plasticity. However, despite the efforts made in this direction, the main function of α-syn is still unknown. Moreover, α-syn became a protein of interest for neurologists and neuroscientists when mutations in its gene were found associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and even more when α-syn protein deposits were observed in the brain of PD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients. At present, the abnormal accumulation of α-syn constitutes one of the pathological hallmarks of these disorders, also referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and it is used for post-mortem diagnostic criteria. Whether α-syn aggregation is cause or consequence of the pathogenic events underlying α-synucleinopathies remains unclear and under discussion. Recently, different in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the ability of pathogenic α-syn to spread between cells, not only within the CNS but also from peripheral locations such as the gut, salivary glands, and through the olfactory network into the CNS, inducing abnormal misfolding of endogenous α-syn and leading to neurodegeneration and motor and cognitive impairment in animal models. Thus, it has been suggested that α-syn should be considered a prion protein. Here we present an update of what we know about α-syn function, aggregation and spreading, and its role in neurodegeneration. We also discuss the rationale and findings supporting the hypothetical prion nature of α-syn, its weaknesses, and future perspectives for research and the development of disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Heras-Garvin
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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363
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Ryckman AE, Brockhausen I, Walia JS. Metabolism of Glycosphingolipids and Their Role in the Pathophysiology of Lysosomal Storage Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6881. [PMID: 32961778 PMCID: PMC7555265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are a specialized class of membrane lipids composed of a ceramide backbone and a carbohydrate-rich head group. GSLs populate lipid rafts of the cell membrane of eukaryotic cells, and serve important cellular functions including control of cell-cell signaling, signal transduction and cell recognition. Of the hundreds of unique GSL structures, anionic gangliosides are the most heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) such as Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease. Each LSD is characterized by the accumulation of GSLs in the lysosomes of neurons, which negatively interact with other intracellular molecules to culminate in cell death. In this review, we summarize the biosynthesis and degradation pathways of GSLs, discuss how aberrant GSL metabolism contributes to key features of LSD pathophysiology, draw parallels between LSDs and neurodegenerative proteinopathies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and lastly, discuss possible therapies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inka Brockhausen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V5, Canada;
| | - Jagdeep S. Walia
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V5, Canada;
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364
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Sharma K, Mehra S, Sawner AS, Markam PS, Panigrahi R, Navalkar A, Chatterjee D, Kumar R, Kadu P, Patel K, Ray S, Kumar A, Maji SK. Effect of Disease-Associated P123H and V70M Mutations on β-Synuclein Fibrillation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2836-2848. [PMID: 32833434 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a class of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). The common pathological hallmark of synucleinopathies is the filamentous α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates along with membrane components in cytoplasmic inclusions in the brain. β-Synuclein (β-Syn), an isoform of α-Syn, inhibits α-Syn aggregation and prevents its neurotoxicity, suggesting the neuroprotective nature of β-Syn. However, this notion changed with the discovery of disease-associated β-Syn mutations, V70M and P123H, in patients with DLB. It is still unclear how these missense mutations alter the structural and amyloidogenic properties of β-Syn, leading to neurodegeneration. Here, we characterized the biophysical properties and investigated the effect of mutations on β-Syn fibrillation under different conditions. V70M and P123H show high membrane binding affinity compared to wild-type β-Syn, suggesting their potential role in membrane interactions. β-Syn and its mutants do not aggregate under normal physiological conditions; however, the proteins undergo self-polymerization in a slightly acidic microenvironment and/or in the presence of an inducer, forming long unbranched amyloid fibrils similar to α-Syn. Strikingly, V70M and P123H mutants exhibit accelerated fibrillation compared to native β-Syn under these conditions. NMR study further revealed that these point mutations induce local perturbations at the site of mutation in β-Syn. Overall, our data provide insight into the biophysical properties of disease-associated β-Syn mutations and demonstrate that these mutants make the native protein more susceptible to aggregation in an altered microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Sharma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Surabhi Mehra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Ajay S. Sawner
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Pratap S. Markam
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Rajlaxmi Panigrahi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Ambuja Navalkar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Debdeep Chatterjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Komal Patel
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Soumik Ray
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
| | - Samir K. Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India 400076
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365
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Chmielarz P, Er Ş, Konovalova J, Bandres L, Hlushchuk I, Albert K, Panhelainen A, Luk K, Airavaara M, Domanskyi A. GDNF/RET Signaling Pathway Activation Eliminates Lewy Body Pathology in Midbrain Dopamine Neurons. Mov Disord 2020; 35:2279-2289. [PMID: 32964492 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with proteostasis disturbances and accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn), a cytosolic protein present in high concentrations at pre-synaptic neuronal terminals. It is a primary constituent of intracellular protein aggregates known as Lewy neurites or Lewy bodies. Progression of Lewy pathology caused by the prion-like self-templating properties of misfolded α-syn is a characteristic feature in the brains of PD patients. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes survival of mature dopamine (DA) neurons in vitro and in vivo. However, the data on its effect on Lewy pathology is controversial. OBJECTIVES We studied the effects of GDNF on misfolded α-syn accumulation in DA neurons. METHODS Lewy pathology progression was modeled by the application of α-syn preformed fibrils in cultured DA neurons and in the adult mice. RESULTS We discovered that GDNF prevented accumulation of misfolded α-syn in DA neurons in culture and in vivo. These effects were abolished by deletion of receptor tyrosine kinase rearranged during transfection (RET) or by inhibitors of corresponding signaling pathway. Expression of constitutively active RET protected DA neurons from fibril-induced α-syn accumulation. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we have shown the neurotrophic factor-mediated protection against the misfolded α-syn propagation in DA neurons, uncovered underlying receptors, and investigated the involved signaling pathways. These results demonstrate that activation of GDNF/RET signaling can be an effective therapeutic approach to prevent Lewy pathology spread at early stages of PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Chmielarz
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Smętna, Poland
| | - Şafak Er
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Konovalova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Bandres
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irena Hlushchuk
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katrina Albert
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kelvin Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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366
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Galet B, Cheval H, Ravassard P. Patient-Derived Midbrain Organoids to Explore the Molecular Basis of Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2020; 11:1005. [PMID: 33013664 PMCID: PMC7500100 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids offer an unprecedented access to complex human tissues that recapitulate features of architecture, composition and function of in vivo organs. In the context of Parkinson's Disease (PD), human midbrain organoids (hMO) are of significant interest, as they generate dopaminergic neurons expressing markers of Substantia Nigra identity, which are the most vulnerable to degeneration. Combined with genome editing approaches, hMO may thus constitute a valuable tool to dissect the genetic makeup of PD by revealing the effects of risk variants on pathological mechanisms in a representative cellular environment. Furthermore, the flexibility of organoid co-culture approaches may also enable the study of neuroinflammatory and neurovascular processes, as well as interactions with other brain regions that are also affected over the course of the disease. We here review existing protocols to generate hMO, how they have been used so far to model PD, address challenges inherent to organoid cultures, and discuss applicable strategies to dissect the molecular pathophysiology of the disease. Taken together, the research suggests that this technology represents a promising alternative to 2D in vitro models, which could significantly improve our understanding of PD and help accelerate therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Galet
- Molecular Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease Group, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), INSERM U, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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367
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Schaser AJ, Stackhouse TL, Weston LJ, Kerstein PC, Osterberg VR, López CS, Dickson DW, Luk KC, Meshul CK, Woltjer RL, Unni VK. Trans-synaptic and retrograde axonal spread of Lewy pathology following pre-formed fibril injection in an in vivo A53T alpha-synuclein mouse model of synucleinopathy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:150. [PMID: 32859276 PMCID: PMC7456087 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is necessary to develop an understanding of the specific mechanisms involved in alpha-synuclein aggregation and propagation to develop disease modifying therapies for age-related synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. To adequately address this question, we developed a new transgenic mouse model of synucleinopathy that expresses human A53T SynGFP under control of the mouse prion protein promoter. Our characterization of this mouse line demonstrates that it exhibits several distinct advantages over other, currently available, mouse models. This new model allows rigorous study of the initial location of Lewy pathology formation and propagation in the living brain, and strongly suggests that aggregation begins in axonal structures with retrograde propagation to the cell body. This model also shows expeditious development of alpha-synuclein pathology following induction with small, in vitro-generated alpha-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs), as well as accelerated cell death of inclusion-bearing cells. Using this model, we found that aggregated alpha-synuclein somatic inclusions developed first in neurons, but later showed a second wave of inclusion formation in astrocytes. Interestingly, astrocytes appear to survive much longer after inclusion formation than their neuronal counterparts. This model also allowed careful study of peripheral-to-central spread of Lewy pathology after PFF injection into the hind limb musculature. Our results clearly show evidence of progressive, retrograde trans-synaptic spread of Lewy pathology through known neuroanatomically connected pathways in the motor system. As such, we have developed a promising tool to understand the biology of neurodegeneration associated with alpha-synuclein aggregation and to discover new treatments capable of altering the neurodegenerative disease course of synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Schaser
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Teresa L Stackhouse
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Leah J Weston
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Patrick C Kerstein
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Valerie R Osterberg
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Claudia S López
- Multiscale Microscopy Core, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Charles K Meshul
- Research Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Randall L Woltjer
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Vivek K Unni
- Department of Neurology and Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Parkinson Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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368
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Pronounced α-Synuclein Pathology in a Seeding-Based Mouse Model Is Not Sufficient to Induce Mitochondrial Respiration Deficits in the Striatum and Amygdala. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0110-20.2020. [PMID: 32487763 PMCID: PMC7438057 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0110-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that cross talk between α-synuclein pathology formation and mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. While mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-studied phenomenon in the substantia nigra, which is selectively vulnerable in PD and some models thereof, less information is available in other brain regions that are also affected by synuclein pathology. Therefore, we sought to test the hypothesis that early α-synuclein pathology causes mitochondrial dysfunction and that this effect might be exacerbated in conditions of increased vulnerability in affected brain regions, such as the amygdala. We combined a model of intracerebral α-synuclein pathology seeding with chronic glucocorticoid treatment, which models non-motor symptoms of PD and affects amygdala physiology. We measured mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and protein abundance as well as α-synuclein pathology in male mice. Chronic corticosterone administration induced mitochondrial hyperactivity in the amygdala. Although injection of α-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum resulted in pronounced α-synuclein pathology in both striatum and amygdala, mitochondrial respiration in these brain regions was not compromised, regardless of corticosterone treatment. Our results suggest that early stage α-synuclein pathology does not influence mitochondrial respiration in the striatum and amygdala, even in corticosterone-induced respirational hyperactivity. We discuss our findings in light of relevant literature, warn of a potential publication bias and encourage scientists to report their negative results within the framework of this model.
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369
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Ke PC, Zhou R, Serpell LC, Riek R, Knowles TPJ, Lashuel HA, Gazit E, Hamley IW, Davis TP, Fändrich M, Otzen DE, Chapman MR, Dobson CM, Eisenberg DS, Mezzenga R. Half a century of amyloids: past, present and future. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:5473-5509. [PMID: 32632432 PMCID: PMC7445747 DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00199a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid diseases are global epidemics with profound health, social and economic implications and yet remain without a cure. This dire situation calls for research into the origin and pathological manifestations of amyloidosis to stimulate continued development of new therapeutics. In basic science and engineering, the cross-β architecture has been a constant thread underlying the structural characteristics of pathological and functional amyloids, and realizing that amyloid structures can be both pathological and functional in nature has fuelled innovations in artificial amyloids, whose use today ranges from water purification to 3D printing. At the conclusion of a half century since Eanes and Glenner's seminal study of amyloids in humans, this review commemorates the occasion by documenting the major milestones in amyloid research to date, from the perspectives of structural biology, biophysics, medicine, microbiology, engineering and nanotechnology. We also discuss new challenges and opportunities to drive this interdisciplinary field moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Chun Ke
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 111 Yixueyuan Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10027, USA
| | - Louise C. Serpell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, East Sussex BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Roland Riek
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, CB3 0HE, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hilal A. Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Neuroproteomics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ian W. Hamley
- School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Marcus Fändrich
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Erik Otzen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Center for Insoluble Protein Structures (inSPIN), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Matthew R. Chapman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Centre for Microbial Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - David S. Eisenberg
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry, UCLA-DOE Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Department of Health Science & Technology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, LFO, E23, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang Pauli Strasse 10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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370
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Chmielarz P, Saarma M. Neurotrophic factors for disease-modifying treatments of Parkinson's disease: gaps between basic science and clinical studies. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1195-1217. [PMID: 32700249 PMCID: PMC7550372 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Background Neurotrophic factors are endogenous proteins promoting the survival of different neural cells. Therefore, they elicited great interest as a possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, scientifically characterized more than 200 years ago and initially linked with motor abnormalities. Currently, the disease is viewed as a highly heterogeneous, progressive disorder with a long presymptomatic phase, and both motor and non-motor symptoms. Presently only symptomatic treatments for PD are available. Neurohistopathological changes of PD affected brains have been described more than 100 years ago and characterized by the presence of proteinaceous inclusions known as Lewy bodies and degeneration of dopamine neurons. Despite more than a century of investigations, it has remained unclear why dopamine neurons die in PD. Methods This review summarizes literature data from preclinical studies and clinical trials of neurotrophic factor based therapies for PD and discuss it from the perspective of the current understanding of PD biology. Results Newest data point towards dysfunctions of mitochondria, autophagy-lysosomal pathway, unfolded protein response and prion protein-like spreading of misfolded alpha-synuclein that is the major component of Lewy bodies. Yet, the exact chain of events leading to the demise of dopamine neurons is unclear and perhaps different in subpopulations of patients. Conclusions Gaps in our understanding of underlying disease etiology have hindered our attempts to find treatments able to slow down the progression of PD. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Chmielarz
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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371
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Hatton C, Reeve A, Lax NZ, Blain A, Ng YS, El-Agnaf O, Attems J, Taylor JP, Turnbull D, Erskine D. Complex I reductions in the nucleus basalis of Meynert in Lewy body dementia: the role of Lewy bodies. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:103. [PMID: 32646480 PMCID: PMC7346628 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00985-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) are vulnerable to Lewy body formation and neuronal loss, which is thought to underlie cognitive dysfunction in Lewy body dementia (LBD). There is continued debate about whether Lewy bodies exert a neurodegenerative effect by affecting mitochondria, or whether they represent a protective mechanism. Therefore, the present study sought to determine whether the nbM is subject to mitochondrial dysfunctional in LBD and the association of Lewy body formation with such changes. Post-mortem nbM tissue was stained for Complex I or IV and quantitated relative to porin with immunofluorescence using confocal microscopy of individual cells from LBD (303 neurons, 8 cases), control (362 neurons, 8 cases) and asymptomatic incidental LBD (iLBD) cases (99 neurons, 2 cases). Additionally, α-synuclein, tau and amyloid-β pathology were analysed using quantitative immunohistochemistry, and respiratory chain markers were compared in cells with Lewy bodies (N = 134) and unaffected cells (N = 272). The expression of Complex I normalised to mitochondrial mass was significantly lower in LBD compared to control and iLBD cases and this was unrelated to local neuropathological burdens but trended toward a relationship with neuronal loss. Furthermore, Complex I expression was higher in cells with Lewy bodies compared to adjacent cells without α-synuclein aggregates. These findings suggest that Complex I deficits in the nbM occur in symptomatic LBD cases and may relate to neuronal loss, but that contrary to the view that Lewy body formation underlies neuronal dysfunction and damage in LBD, Lewy bodies are associated with higher Complex I expression than neurons without Lewy bodies. One could speculate that Lewy bodies may provide a mechanism to encapsulate damaged mitochondria and/or α-synuclein oligomers, thus protecting neurons from their cytotoxic effects.
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372
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Neganova ME, Aleksandrova YR, Nebogatikov VO, Klochkov SG, Ustyugov AA. Promising Molecular Targets for Pharmacological Therapy of Neurodegenerative Pathologies. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:60-80. [PMID: 33173597 PMCID: PMC7604899 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.10925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug development for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has to confront numerous problems occurring, in particular, because of attempts to address only one of the causes of the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Recent advances in multitarget therapy research are gaining momentum by utilizing pharmacophores that simultaneously affect different pathological pathways in the neurodegeneration process. The application of such a therapeutic strategy not only involves the treatment of symptoms, but also mainly addresses prevention of the fundamental pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases and the reduction of cognitive abilities. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of the expression of histone deacetylases, and aggregation of pathogenic forms of proteins are among the most common and significant pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and highlight the main aspects, including reactive oxygen species, the cell endogenous antioxidant system, neuroinflammation triggers, metalloproteinases, α-synuclein, tau proteins, neuromelanin, histone deacetylases, presenilins, etc. The processes and molecular targets discussed in this review could serve as a starting point for screening leader compounds that could help prevent or slow down the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. E. Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow region, Chernogolovka, 142432 Russia
| | - Yu. R. Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow region, Chernogolovka, 142432 Russia
| | - V. O. Nebogatikov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow region, Chernogolovka, 142432 Russia
| | - S. G. Klochkov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow region, Chernogolovka, 142432 Russia
| | - A. A. Ustyugov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow region, Chernogolovka, 142432 Russia
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373
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Structures of the intrinsically disordered Aβ, tau and α-synuclein proteins in aqueous solution from computer simulations. Biophys Chem 2020; 264:106421. [PMID: 32623047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play many biological roles in the human proteome ranging from vesicular transport, signal transduction to neurodegenerative diseases. The Aβ and tau proteins, and the α-synuclein protein, key players in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, respectively are fully disordered at the monomer level. The structural heterogeneity of the monomeric and oligomeric states and the high self-assembly propensity of these three IDPs have precluded experimental structural determination. Simulations have been used to determine the atomic structures of these IDPs. In this article, we review recent computer models to capture the equilibrium ensemble of Aβ, tau and α-synuclein proteins at different association steps in aqueous solution and present new results of the PEP-FOLD framework on α-synuclein monomer.
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374
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Revisiting the Impact of Neurodegenerative Proteins in Epilepsy: Focus on Alpha-Synuclein, Beta-Amyloid, and Tau. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9060122. [PMID: 32545604 PMCID: PMC7344698 DOI: 10.3390/biology9060122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lack of disease-modifying therapy against epileptogenesis reflects the complexity of the disease pathogenesis as well as the high demand to explore novel treatment strategies. In the pursuit of developing new therapeutic strategies against epileptogenesis, neurodegenerative proteins have recently gained increased attention. Owing to the fact that neurodegenerative disease and epileptogenesis possibly share a common underlying mechanism, targeting neurodegenerative proteins against epileptogenesis might represent a promising therapeutic approach. Herein, we review the association of neurodegenerative proteins, such as α-synuclein, amyloid-beta (Aβ), and tau protein, with epilepsy. Providing insight into the α-synuclein, Aβ and tau protein-mediated neurodegeneration mechanisms, and their implication in epileptogenesis will pave the way towards the development of new agents and treatment strategies.
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375
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Biophysical studies of protein misfolding and aggregation in in vivo models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Q Rev Biophys 2020; 49:e22. [PMID: 32493529 DOI: 10.1017/s0033583520000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD), are characterised by the formation of aberrant assemblies of misfolded proteins. The discovery of disease-modifying drugs for these disorders is challenging, in part because we still have a limited understanding of their molecular origins. In this review, we discuss how biophysical approaches can help explain the formation of the aberrant conformational states of proteins whose neurotoxic effects underlie these diseases. We discuss in particular models based on the transgenic expression of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau in AD, and α-synuclein in PD. Because biophysical methods have enabled an accurate quantification and a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein misfolding and aggregation in vitro, we expect that the further development of these methods to probe directly the corresponding mechanisms in vivo will open effective routes for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
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376
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Stephens AD, Zacharopoulou M, Moons R, Fusco G, Seetaloo N, Chiki A, Woodhams PJ, Mela I, Lashuel HA, Phillips JJ, De Simone A, Sobott F, Schierle GSK. Extent of N-terminus exposure of monomeric alpha-synuclein determines its aggregation propensity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2820. [PMID: 32499486 PMCID: PMC7272411 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16564-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As an intrinsically disordered protein, monomeric alpha-synuclein (aSyn) occupies a large conformational space. Certain conformations lead to aggregation prone and non-aggregation prone intermediates, but identifying these within the dynamic ensemble of monomeric conformations is difficult. Herein, we used the biologically relevant calcium ion to investigate the conformation of monomeric aSyn in relation to its aggregation propensity. We observe that the more exposed the N-terminus and the beginning of the NAC region of aSyn are, the more aggregation prone monomeric aSyn conformations become. Solvent exposure of the N-terminus of aSyn occurs upon release of C-terminus interactions when calcium binds, but the level of exposure and aSyn's aggregation propensity is sequence and post translational modification dependent. Identifying aggregation prone conformations of monomeric aSyn and the environmental conditions they form under will allow us to design new therapeutics targeted to the monomeric protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amberley D Stephens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Zacharopoulou
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rani Moons
- Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Giuliana Fusco
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Neeleema Seetaloo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Anass Chiki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippa J Woodhams
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ioanna Mela
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Frank Sobott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, UK
| | - Gabriele S Kaminski Schierle
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, UK.
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377
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Lashuel HA. Do Lewy bodies contain alpha-synuclein fibrils? and Does it matter? A brief history and critical analysis of recent reports. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 141:104876. [PMID: 32339655 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence from neuropathological studies, human genetics, in vitro aggregation studies and cellular and animal models support the hypothesis that aSyn plays a central role in the formation of Lewy pathologies. These are cytoplasmic proteinaceous and lipid-rich inclusions that represent key pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, collectively referred to as synucleinopathies. For decades, light microscopy and electron microscopy studies of these inclusions have consistently shown that they are rich in filamentous structures that exhibit distinct distribution and organizational patterns depending on where they occur in the brain (e.g., classical brain-stem Lewy bodies (LBs) and cortical LBs) and the type of synucleinopathies. Although the identity of the protein that form these filaments was a subject of debate for decades, the discovery of PD-linked aSyn mutations, the demonstration that LBs are enriched in insoluble forms of aSyn, and the ability of aSyn to form fibrils of similar dimensions have led to convergence on the hypothesis that aSyn fibrils are key components of LBs. In a recent study, Shahmoradian et al used a combination of advanced electron microscopy and immunofluorescence based imaging techniques to investigate the structure, composition, and architecture of LBs from postmortem brain tissues of individuals with PD or other synucleinopathies (Shahmoradian et al., 2019). The paper's main conclusions suggest that "lipid membrane fragments and distorted organelles together with a non-fibrillar form of αSyn are the main structural building blocks for the formation of Lewy pathology". Their proposal that LBs are devoid of aSyn fibrils or that LB formation occurs independently of aSyn fibril formation casts doubts on a substantial body of work that forms the foundation of many of the current basic and translational research programs in academia and industry. In this article, I present a critical analysis of their data and claims in the context of the existing literature In addition, I examine the extent to which their findings and proposed models of the mechanisms of LB formation are consistent with existing data and are supported by other experimental evidence. The results from this analysis caution against overinterpretation of observations from a single report, especially given the limitations of the techniques and experimental approaches used by Shahmoradian et al and for more collaborative and systematic efforts to revisit and characterize LBs and other aSyn pathologies in the brain pathologies at the biochemical, morphological and structural level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Lausanne, CH 1015, Switzerland.
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378
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Exploring the Etiological Links behind Neurodegenerative Diseases: Inflammatory Cytokines and Bioactive Kynurenines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072431. [PMID: 32244523 PMCID: PMC7177899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), presenting a broad range of symptoms from motor dysfunctions to psychobehavioral manifestations. A common clinical course is the proteinopathy-induced neural dysfunction leading to anatomically corresponding neuropathies. However, current diagnostic criteria based on pathology and symptomatology are of little value for the sake of disease prevention and drug development. Overviewing the pathomechanism of NDs, this review incorporates systematic reviews on inflammatory cytokines and tryptophan metabolites kynurenines (KYNs) of human samples, to present an inferential method to explore potential links behind NDs. The results revealed increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic KYNs in NDs, increases of anti-inflammatory cytokines in AD, PD, Huntington's disease (HD), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders, and decreases of neuromodulatory KYNs in AD, PD, and HD. The results reinforced a strong link between inflammation and neurotoxic KYNs, confirmed activation of adaptive immune response, and suggested a possible role in the decrease of neuromodulatory KYNs, all of which may contribute to the development of chronic low grade inflammation. Commonalities of multifactorial NDs were discussed to present a current limit of diagnostic criteria, a need for preclinical biomarkers, and an approach to search the initiation factors of NDs.
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379
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Abstract
Organelle sequestration in Lewy bodies correlates more closely with neurodegeneration than α-synuclein aggregation alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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