1
|
Stoka V, Vasiljeva O, Nakanishi H, Turk V. The Role of Cysteine Protease Cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15613. [PMID: 37958596 PMCID: PMC10650516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Papain-like cysteine proteases are composed of 11 human cysteine cathepsins, originally located in the lysosomes. They exhibit broad specificity and act as endopeptidases and/or exopeptidases. Among them, only cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z exhibit exopeptidase activity. Recently, cysteine cathepsins have been found to be present outside the lysosomes and often participate in various pathological processes. Hence, they have been considered key signalling molecules. Their potentially hazardous proteolytic activities are tightly regulated. This review aims to discuss recent advances in understanding the structural aspects of these four cathepsins, mechanisms of their zymogen activation, regulation of their activities, and functional aspects of these enzymes in neurodegeneration and cancer. Neurodegenerative effects have been evaluated, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Cysteine cathepsins also participate in tumour progression and metastasis through the overexpression and secretion of proteases, which trigger extracellular matrix degradation. To our knowledge, this is the first review to provide an in-depth analysis regarding the roles of cysteine cathepsins B, H, C, and X in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Further advances in understanding the functions of cysteine cathepsins in these conditions will result in the development of novel, targeted therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Stoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olga Vasiljeva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- CytomX Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakanishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan;
| | - Vito Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dangoumau A, Marouillat S, Coelho R, Wurmser F, Brulard C, Haouari S, Laumonnier F, Corcia P, Andres CR, Blasco H, Vourc’h P. Dysregulations of Expression of Genes of the Ubiquitin/SUMO Pathways in an In Vitro Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Combining Oxidative Stress and SOD1 Gene Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041796. [PMID: 33670299 PMCID: PMC7918082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregates in affected motor neurons are a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the molecular pathways leading to their formation remain incompletely understood. Oxidative stress associated with age, the major risk factor in ALS, contributes to this neurodegeneration in ALS. We show that several genes coding for enzymes of the ubiquitin and small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) pathways exhibit altered expression in motor neuronal cells exposed to oxidative stress, such as the CCNF gene mutated in ALS patients. Eleven of these genes were further studied in conditions combining oxidative stress and the expression of an ALS related mutant of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. We observed a combined effect of these two environmental and genetic factors on the expression of genes, such as Uhrf2, Rbx1, Kdm2b, Ube2d2, Xaf1, and Senp1. Overall, we identified dysregulations in the expression of enzymes of the ubiquitin and SUMO pathways that may be of interest to better understand the pathophysiology of ALS and to protect motor neurons from oxidative stress and genetic alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Dangoumau
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
| | - Sylviane Marouillat
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
| | - Roxane Coelho
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
| | - François Wurmser
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
| | | | - Shanez Haouari
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
| | - Frédéric Laumonnier
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
| | - Philippe Corcia
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
- Service de Neurologie, Centre de Référence sur la SLA, CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Christian R. Andres
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
- Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Hélène Blasco
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
- Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Patrick Vourc’h
- UMR iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 37000 Tours, France; (A.D.); (S.M.); (R.C.); (F.W.); (S.H.); (F.L.); (P.C.); (C.R.A.); (H.B.)
- UTTIL, CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France;
- Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, CHRU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)-234-378-910
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pathak GA, Zhou Z, Silzer TK, Barber RC, Phillips NR. Two-stage Bayesian GWAS of 9576 individuals identifies SNP regions that are targeted by miRNAs inversely expressed in Alzheimer's and cancer. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:162-177. [PMID: 31914222 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We compared genetic variants between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and two age-related cancers-breast and prostate -to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with inverse comorbidity of AD and cancer. METHODS Bayesian multinomial regression was used to compare sex-stratified cases (AD and cancer) against controls in a two-stage study. A ±500 KB region around each replicated hit was imputed and analyzed after merging individuals from the two stages. The microRNAs (miRNAs) that target the genes involving these SNPs were analyzed for miRNA family enrichment. RESULTS We identified 137 variants with inverse odds ratios for AD and cancer located on chromosomes 19, 4, and 5. The mapped miRNAs within the network were enriched for miR-17 and miR-515 families. DISCUSSION The identified SNPs were rs4298154 (intergenic), within TOMM40/APOE/APOC1, MARK4, CLPTM1, and near the VDAC1/FSTL4 locus. The miRNAs identified in our network have been previously reported to have inverse expression in AD and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gita A Pathak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Zhengyang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Talisa K Silzer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Robert C Barber
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole R Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Krokidis MG. Transcriptomics and Metabolomics in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1195:205-212. [PMID: 32468479 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32633-3_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease involving progressive and selective loss of motor neurons, muscle weakness, paralysis and death. The pathogenesis of ALS is not clearly understood, while reliable prognostic markers have not been identified to detect symptoms at earlier time points. The rapid development of microarray technology offers great potential for simultaneous analysis of the transcriptional expression of thousands of genes, aiming to determine novel candidate targets for efficient treatment. Additionally, metabolomics, as a high-throughput approach, is gaining significant attention in ALS research providing an opportunity to develop predictive biomarkers that may be utilized as indicators of clinical symptoms of ALS. In this review, recent evidences from gene expression profiling studies in ALS are illustrated in order to examine molecular signatures related to the disease's pathogenesis and potential discovery of therapeutic targets. Moreover, potent challenges are presented regarding the utilization of the metabolomics approach as a diagnostic tool in context with distinctive biomarkers' identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marios G Krokidis
- National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
La Cognata V, Morello G, Gentile G, Cavalcanti F, Cittadella R, Conforti FL, De Marco EV, Magariello A, Muglia M, Patitucci A, Spadafora P, D’Agata V, Ruggieri M, Cavallaro S. NeuroArray: A Customized aCGH for the Analysis of Copy Number Variations in Neurological Disorders. Curr Genomics 2018; 19:431-443. [PMID: 30258275 PMCID: PMC6128384 DOI: 10.2174/1389202919666180404105451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological disorders are a highly heterogeneous group of pathological conditions that affect both the peripheral and the central nervous system. These pathologies are characterized by a complex and multifactorial etiology involving numerous environmental agents and genetic susceptibility factors. For this reason, the investigation of their pathogenetic basis by means of traditional methodological approaches is rather arduous. High-throughput genotyping technologies, including the microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), are currently replacing classical detection methods, providing powerful molecular tools to identify genomic unbalanced structural rearrangements and explore their role in the pathogenesis of many complex human diseases. METHODS In this report, we comprehensively describe the design method, the procedures, validation, and implementation of an exon-centric customized aCGH (NeuroArray 1.0), tailored to detect both single and multi-exon deletions or duplications in a large set of multi- and monogenic neurological diseases. This focused platform enables a targeted measurement of structural imbalances across the human genome, targeting the clinically relevant genes at exon-level resolution. CONCLUSION An increasing use of the NeuroArray platform may offer new insights in investigating potential overlapping gene signatures among neurological conditions and defining genotype-phenotype relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Address correspondence to this author at the Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95125, Catania, Italy; Tel: +39-095-7338111; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Transcriptional analysis reveals distinct subtypes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: implications for personalized therapy. Future Med Chem 2016; 7:1335-59. [PMID: 26144267 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable disease, caused by the loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. The lack of therapeutic progress is mainly due to the insufficient understanding of complexity and heterogeneity underlying the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS. Recently, we analyzed whole-genome expression profiles of motor cortex of sporadic ALS patients, classifying them into two subgroups characterized by differentially expressed genes and pathways. Some of the deregulated genes encode proteins, which are primary targets of drugs currently in preclinical or clinical studies for several clinical conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss in-depth the potential role of these candidate targets in ALS pathogenesis, highlighting their possible relevance for personalized ALS treatments.
Collapse
|
7
|
Dangoumau A, Marouillat S, Burlaud Gaillard J, Uzbekov R, Veyrat-Durebex C, Blasco H, Arnoult C, Corcia P, Andres CR, Vourc'h P. Inhibition of Pathogenic Mutant SOD1 Aggregation in Cultured Motor Neuronal Cells by Prevention of Its SUMOylation on Lysine 75. NEURODEGENER DIS 2015; 16:161-71. [PMID: 26605782 DOI: 10.1159/000439254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective death of motor neurons. Mutations in the SOD1 gene encoding the superoxide dismutase 1 are present in 15% of familial ALS cases and in 2% of sporadic cases. These mutations are associated with the formation of SOD1-positive aggregates. The mechanisms of aggregation remain unknown, but posttranslational modifications of SOD1 may be involved. Here, we report that NSC-34 motor neuronal cells expressing mutant SOD1 contained aggregates positive for small ubiquitin modifier-1 (SUMO-1), and in parallel a reduced level of free SUMO-1. CLEM (correlative light and electron microscopy) analysis showed nonorganized cytosolic aggregates for all mutations tested (SOD1A4V, SOD1V31A, and SOD1G93C). We next show that preventing the SUMOylation of mutant SOD1 by the substitution of lysine 75, the SUMOylation site of SOD1, significantly reduces the number of motor neuronal cells with aggregates. These results support the need for further research on the SUMOylation pathways, which may be a potential therapeutic target in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Dangoumau
- UMR INSERM U930, Universitx00E9; Franx00E7;ois-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alves CJ, Maximino JR, Chadi G. Dysregulated expression of death, stress and mitochondrion related genes in the sciatic nerve of presymptomatic SOD1(G93A) mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:332. [PMID: 26339226 PMCID: PMC4555015 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells are the main source of paracrine support to motor neurons. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been correlated to motor neuron death in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Despite the involvement of Schwann cells in early neuromuscular disruption in ALS, detailed molecular events of a dying-back triggering are unknown. Sciatic nerves of presymptomatic (60-day-old) SOD1(G93A) mice were submitted to a high-density oligonucleotide microarray analysis. DAVID demonstrated the deregulated genes related to death, stress and mitochondrion, which allowed the identification of Cell cycle, ErbB signaling, Tryptophan metabolism and Rig-I-like receptor signaling as the most representative KEGG pathways. The protein-protein interaction networks based upon deregulated genes have identified the top hubs (TRAF2, H2AFX, E2F1, FOXO3, MSH2, NGFR, TGFBR1) and bottlenecks (TRAF2, E2F1, CDKN1B, TWIST1, FOXO3). Schwann cells were enriched from the sciatic nerve of presymptomatic mice using flow cytometry cell sorting. qPCR showed the up regulated (Ngfr, Cdnkn1b, E2f1, Traf2 and Erbb3, H2afx, Cdkn1a, Hspa1, Prdx, Mapk10) and down-regulated (Foxo3, Mtor) genes in the enriched Schwann cells. In conclusion, molecular analyses in the presymptomatic sciatic nerve demonstrated the involvement of death, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial pathways in the Schwann cell non-autonomous mechanisms in the early stages of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrystian J Alves
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica R Maximino
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerson Chadi
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Calvo-Gallardo E, de Pascual R, Fernández-Morales JC, Arranz-Tagarro JA, Maroto M, Nanclares C, Gandía L, de Diego AMG, Padín JF, García AG. Depressed excitability and ion currents linked to slow exocytotic fusion pore in chromaffin cells of the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 308:C1-19. [PMID: 25377090 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00272.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Altered synaptic transmission with excess glutamate release has been implicated in the loss of motoneurons occurring in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Hyperexcitability or hypoexcitability of motoneurons from mice carrying the ALS mutation SOD1(G93A) (mSOD1) has also been reported. Here we have investigated the excitability, the ion currents, and the kinetics of the exocytotic fusion pore in chromaffin cells from postnatal day 90 to postnatal day 130 mSOD1 mice, when motor deficits are already established. With respect to wild-type (WT), mSOD1 chromaffin cells had a decrease in the following parameters: 95% in spontaneous action potentials, 70% in nicotinic current for acetylcholine (ACh), 35% in Na(+) current, 40% in Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current, and 53% in voltage-dependent K(+) current. Ca(2+) current was increased by 37%, but the ACh-evoked elevation of cytosolic Ca(2+) was unchanged. Single exocytotic spike events triggered by ACh had the following differences (mSOD1 vs. WT): 36% lower rise rate, 60% higher decay time, 51% higher half-width, 13% lower amplitude, and 61% higher quantal size. The expression of the α3-subtype of nicotinic receptors and proteins of the exocytotic machinery was unchanged in the brain and adrenal medulla of mSOD1, with respect to WT mice. A slower fusion pore opening, expansion, and closure are likely linked to the pronounced reduction in cell excitability and in the ion currents driving action potentials in mSOD1, compared with WT chromaffin cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo de Pascual
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Marcos Maroto
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Nanclares
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Gandía
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan-Fernando Padín
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio G García
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain; and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Maximino JR, de Oliveira GP, Alves CJ, Chadi G. Deregulated expression of cytoskeleton related genes in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve of presymptomatic SOD1(G93A) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis mouse model. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:148. [PMID: 24904291 PMCID: PMC4033281 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early molecular events related to cytoskeleton are poorly described in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), especially in the Schwann cell (SC), which offers strong trophic support to motor neurons. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool identified cytoskeleton-related genes by employing the Cellular Component Ontology (CCO) in a large gene profiling of lumbar spinal cord and sciatic nerve of presymptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice. One and five CCO terms related to cytoskeleton were described from the spinal cord deregulated genes of 40 days (actin cytoskeleton) and 80 days (microtubule cytoskeleton, cytoskeleton part, actin cytoskeleton, neurofilament cytoskeleton, and cytoskeleton) old transgene mice, respectively. Also, four terms were depicted from the deregulated genes of sciatic nerve of 60 days old transgenes (actin cytoskeleton, cytoskeleton part, microtubule cytoskeleton and cytoskeleton). Kif1b was the unique deregulated gene in more than one studied region or presymptomatic age. The expression of Kif1b [quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)] elevated in the lumbar spinal cord (40 days old) and decreased in the sciatic nerve (60 days old) of presymptomatic ALS mice, results that were in line to microarray findings. Upregulation (24.8 fold) of Kif1b was seen in laser microdissected enriched immunolabeled motor neurons from the spinal cord of 40 days old presymptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice. Furthermore, Kif1b was dowregulated in the sciatic nerve Schwann cells of presymptomatic ALS mice (60 days old) that were enriched by means of cell microdissection (6.35 fold), cell sorting (3.53 fold), and primary culture (2.70 fold) technologies. The gene regulation of cytoskeleton molecules is an important occurrence in motor neurons and Schwann cells in presymptomatic stages of ALS and may be relevant in the dying back mechanisms of neuronal death. Furthermore, a differential regulation of Kif1b in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve cells emerged as key event in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Maximino
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Research Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P de Oliveira
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Research Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chrystian J Alves
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Research Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerson Chadi
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration Research Center, University of São Paulo School of Medicine São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brites D, Vaz AR. Microglia centered pathogenesis in ALS: insights in cell interconnectivity. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:117. [PMID: 24904276 PMCID: PMC4033073 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common and most aggressive form of adult motor neuron (MN) degeneration. The cause of the disease is still unknown, but some protein mutations have been linked to the pathological process. Loss of upper and lower MNs results in progressive muscle paralysis and ultimately death due to respiratory failure. Although initially thought to derive from the selective loss of MNs, the pathogenic concept of non-cell-autonomous disease has come to the forefront for the contribution of glial cells in ALS, in particular microglia. Recent studies suggest that microglia may have a protective effect on MN in an early stage. Conversely, activated microglia contribute and enhance MN death by secreting neurotoxic factors, and impaired microglial function at the end-stage may instead accelerate disease progression. However, the nature of microglial–neuronal interactions that lead to MN degeneration remains elusive. We review the contribution of the neurodegenerative network in ALS pathology, with a special focus on each glial cell type from data obtained in the transgenic SOD1G93A rodents, the most widely used model. We further discuss the diverse roles of neuroinflammation and microglia phenotypes in the modulation of ALS pathology. We provide information on the processes associated with dysfunctional cell–cell communication and summarize findings on pathological cross-talk between neurons and astroglia, and neurons and microglia, as well as on the spread of pathogenic factors. We also highlight the relevance of neurovascular disruption and exosome trafficking to ALS pathology. The harmful and beneficial influences of NG2 cells, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells will be discussed as well. Insights into the complex intercellular perturbations underlying ALS, including target identification, will enhance our efforts to develop effective therapeutic approaches for preventing or reversing symptomatic progression of this devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana R Vaz
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Heath PR, Kirby J, Shaw PJ. Investigating cell death mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using transcriptomics. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:259. [PMID: 24381542 PMCID: PMC3865770 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease characterized by degeneration and loss of upper and lower motor neurons from the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord although evidence is suggesting that there is further involvement of other cell types in the surrounding tissue. Transcriptomic analysis by gene expression profiling using microarray technology has enabled the determination of patterns of cell death in the degenerating tissues. This work has examined gene expression at the level of the tissue and individual cell types in both sporadic and familial forms of the disease. In addition, further studies have examined the differential vulnerability of neuronal cells in different regions of the central nervous system. Model systems have also provided further information to help unravel the mechanisms that lead to death of the motor neurons in disease and also provided novel insights. In this review we shall describe the methods that have been used in these investigations and describe how they have contributed to our knowledge of the cell death mechanisms in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Advances in cellular models to explore the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:966-83. [PMID: 24198229 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8573-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult-onset motor neuron disorder, is fatal for most patients less than 3 years from when the first symptoms appear. The aetiologies for sporadic and most familial forms of ALS are unknown, but genetic factors are increasingly recognized as causal in a subset of patients. Studies of disease physiology suggest roles for oxidative stress, glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity or protein aggregation; how these pathways interact in the complex pathophysiology of ALS awaits elucidation. Cellular models are being used to examine disease mechanisms. Recent advances include the availability of expanded cell types, from neuronal or glial cell culture to motoneuron-astrocyte co-culture genetically or environmentally modified. Cell culture experiments confirmed the central role of glial cells in ALS. The recent adaptation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) for ALS modeling could allow a broader perspective and is expected to generate new hypotheses, related particularly to mechanisms underlying genetic factors. Cellular models have provided meaningful advances in the understanding of ALS, but, to date, complete characterization of in vitro models is only partially described. Consensus on methodological approaches, strategies for validation and techniques that allow rapid adaptation to new genetic or environmental influences is needed. In this article, we review the principal cellular models being employed in ALS and highlight their contribution to the understanding of disease mechanisms. We conclude with recommendations on means to enhance the robustness and generalizability of the different concepts for experimental ALS.
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen CP, Lee MJ, Chern SR, Wu PS, Su JW, Chen YT, Lee MS, Wang W. Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of a de novo proximal interstitial deletion of chromosome 4p (4p15.2→p14). Gene 2013; 529:351-6. [PMID: 23948085 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We present prenatal diagnosis of de novo proximal interstitial deletion of chromosome 4p (4p15.2→p14) and molecular cytogenetic characterization of the deletion using uncultured amniocytes. We review the phenotypic abnormalities of previously reported patients with similar proximal interstitial 4p deletions, and we discuss the functions of the genes of RBPJ, CCKAR, STIM2, PCDH7 and ARAP2 that are deleted within this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical and Community Health Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Henriques A, Gonzalez De Aguilar JL. Can transcriptomics cut the gordian knot of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Curr Genomics 2012; 12:506-15. [PMID: 22547957 PMCID: PMC3219845 DOI: 10.2174/138920211797904043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset degenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons, progressive muscle atrophy, paralysis and death, which occurs within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Most cases appear sporadically but some are familial, usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. It is postulated that the disease results from the combination of multiple pathogenic mechanisms, which affect not only motor neurons but also non-neuronal neighboring cells. Together with the understanding of this intriguing cell biology, important challenges in the field concern the design of effective curative treatments and the discovery of molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis and accurate monitoring of disease progression. During the last decade, transcriptomics has represented a promising approach to address these questions. In this review, we revisit the major findings of the numerous studies that analyzed global gene expression in tissues and cells from biopsy or post-mortem specimens of ALS patients and related animal models. These studies corroborated the implication of previously described disease pathways, and investigated the role of new genes in the pathological process. In addition, they also identified gene expression changes that could be used as candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of ALS. The limitations of these transcriptomics approaches will be also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Henriques
- INSERM, U692, Laboratoire de Signalisations Moléculaires et Neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wong-Riley MTT, Besharse JC. The kinesin superfamily protein KIF17: one protein with many functions. Biomol Concepts 2012; 3:267-282. [PMID: 23762210 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2011-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinesins are ATP-dependent molecular motors that carry cargos along microtubules, generally in an anterograde direction. They are classified into 14 distinct families with varying structural and functional characteristics. KIF17 is a member of the kinesin-2 family that is plus end-directed. It is a homodimer with a pair of head motor domains that bind microtubules, a coiled-coil stalk, and a tail domain that binds cargos. In neurons, KIF17 transports N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2B subunit, kainate receptor GluR5, and potassium Kv4.2 channels from cell bodies exclusively to dendrites. These cargos are necessary for synaptic transmission, learning, memory, and other functions. KIF17's interaction with NXF2 enables the transport of mRNA bidirectionally in dendrites. KIF17 or its homolog OSM-3 also mediates intraflagellar transport of cargos to the distal tips of flagella or cilia, thereby aiding in ciliogenesis. In many invertebrate and vertebrate sensory cells, KIF17 delivers cargos that contribute to chemosensory perception and signal transduction. In vertebrate photoreceptors, KIF17 is necessary for outer segment development and disc morphogenesis. In the testis, KIF17 (KIF17b) mediates microtubule-independent delivery of ACT from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and microtubule-dependent transport of Spatial-ε, both are presumably involved in spermatogenesis. KIF17 is also implicated in epithelial polarity and morphogenesis, placental transport and development, and the development of specific brain regions. The transcriptional regulation of KIF17 has recently been found to be mediated by nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1), which also regulates NR2B as well as energy metabolism in neurons. Dysfunctions of KIF17 are linked to a number of pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret T T Wong-Riley
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|