1
|
Masato A, Bubacco L. The αSynuclein half-life conundrum. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 196:106524. [PMID: 38705490 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
αSynuclein (αSyn) misfolding and aggregation frequently precedes neuronal loss associated with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and other Synucleinopathies. The progressive buildup of pathological αSyn species results from alterations on αSyn gene and protein sequence, increased local concentrations, variations in αSyn interactome and protein network. Therefore, under physiological conditions, it is mandatory to regulate αSyn proteostasis as an equilibrium among synthesis, trafficking, degradation and extracellular release. In this frame, a crucial parameter is protein half-life. It provides indications of the turnover of a specific protein and depends on mRNA synthesis and translation regulation, subcellular localization, function and clearance by the designated degradative pathways. For αSyn, the molecular mechanisms regulating its proteostasis in neurons have been extensively investigated in various cellular models, either using biochemical or imaging approaches. Nevertheless, a converging estimate of αSyn half-life has not emerged yet. Here, we discuss the challenges in studying αSyn proteostasis under physiological and pathological conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental strategies proposed so far, and the relevance of determining αSyn half-life from a translational perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Masato
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Centro Studi per la Neurodegenerazione (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pierzynowska K, Podlacha M, Gaffke L, Rintz E, Wiśniewska K, Cyske Z, Węgrzyn G. Correction of symptoms of Huntington disease by genistein through FOXO3-mediated autophagy stimulation. Autophagy 2024; 20:1159-1182. [PMID: 37992314 PMCID: PMC11135876 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2286116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene. The expansion of CAG triplets leads to the appearance of misfolded HTT (huntingtin) forming aggregates and leading to impairment of neuronal functions. Here we demonstrate that stimulation of macroautophagy/autophagy by genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone or 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4 H-1-benzopyran-4-one) caused a reduction of levels of mutated HTT in brains of HD mice and correction of their behavior as assessed in a battery of cognitive, anxiety and motor tests, even if the compound was administered after symptoms had developed in the animals. Biochemical and immunological parameters were also improved in HD mice. Studies on molecular mechanisms of genistein-mediated stimulation of autophagy in HD cells indicated the involvement of the FOXO3-related pathway. In conclusion, treatment with genistein stimulates the autophagy process in the brains of HD mice, leading to correction of symptoms of HD, suggesting that it might be considered as a potential drug for this disease. Combined with a very recently published report indicating that impaired autophagy may be a major cause of neurodegenerative changes, these results may indicate the way to the development of effective therapeutic approaches for different neurodegenerative diseases by testing compounds (or possibly combinations of compounds) capable of stimulating autophagy and/or unblocking this process.Abbreviations: CNS: central nervous system; EPM: elevated plus-maze; GOT1/ASPAT: glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1, soluble; GPT/ALAT/ALT: glutamic pyruvic transaminase, soluble; HD: Huntington disease; HTT: huntingtin; IL: interleukin; mHTT: mutant huntingtin; NOR: novel object recognition; MWM: Morris water maze; OF: open field; ROS: reactive oxygen species; TNF: tumor necrosis factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pierzynowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Podlacha
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lidia Gaffke
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Estera Rintz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Wiśniewska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Cyske
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Surguchov A, Surguchev AA. Association between Parkinson's Disease and Cancer: New Findings and Possible Mediators. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3899. [PMID: 38612708 PMCID: PMC11011322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073899] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence points to an inverse association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and almost all cancers except melanoma, for which this association is positive. The results of multiple studies have demonstrated that patients with PD are at reduced risk for the majority of neoplasms. Several potential biological explanations exist for the inverse relationship between cancer and PD. Recent results identified several PD-associated proteins and factors mediating cancer development and cancer-associated factors affecting PD. Accumulating data point to the role of genetic traits, members of the synuclein family, neurotrophic factors, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, circulating melatonin, and transcription factors as mediators. Here, we present recent data about shared pathogenetic factors and mediators that might be involved in the association between these two diseases. We discuss how these factors, individually or in combination, may be involved in pathology, serve as links between PD and cancer, and affect the prevalence of these disorders. Identification of these factors and investigation of their mechanisms of action would lead to the discovery of new targets for the treatment of both diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Surguchov
- Department of Neurology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Alexei A Surguchev
- Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu YC, Bogale TA, Koistinaho J, Pizzi M, Rolova T, Bellucci A. The contribution of β-amyloid, Tau and α-synuclein to blood-brain barrier damage in neurodegenerative disorders. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:39. [PMID: 38347288 PMCID: PMC10861401 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) accumulation of fibrillary deposits made of Amyloid β (Aβ), hyperphosphorylated Tau or α-synuclein (α-syn), present either alone or in the form of mixed pathology, characterizes the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) as well as the aging brain. Compelling evidence supports that acute neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke, are also accompanied by increased deposition of toxic Aβ, Tau and α-syn species. While the contribution of these pathological proteins to neurodegeneration has been experimentally ascertained, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving Aβ, Tau and α-syn-related brain damage remain to be fully clarified. In the last few years, studies have shown that Aβ, Tau and α-syn may contribute to neurodegeneration also by inducing and/or promoting blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. These pathological proteins can affect BBB integrity either directly by affecting key BBB components such as pericytes and endothelial cells (ECs) or indirectly, by promoting brain macrophages activation and dysfunction. Here, we summarize and critically discuss key findings showing how Aβ, Tau and α-syn can contribute to BBB damage in most common NDDs, TBI and stroke. We also highlight the need for a deeper characterization of the role of these pathological proteins in the activation and dysfunction of brain macrophages, pericytes and ECs to improve diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chieh Wu
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tizibt Ashine Bogale
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, BS, Italy
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, BS, Italy
| | - Taisia Rolova
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, BS, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brembati V, Faustini G, Longhena F, Bellucci A. Alpha synuclein post translational modifications: potential targets for Parkinson's disease therapy? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1197853. [PMID: 37305556 PMCID: PMC10248004 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1197853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms. The neuropathological alterations characterizing the brain of patients with PD include the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), intraneuronal inclusions that are mainly composed of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils. The accumulation of α-Syn in insoluble aggregates is a main neuropathological feature in PD and in other neurodegenerative diseases, including LB dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which are therefore defined as synucleinopathies. Compelling evidence supports that α-Syn post translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, nitration, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, glycation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination and C-terminal cleavage, play important roles in the modulation α-Syn aggregation, solubility, turnover and membrane binding. In particular, PTMs can impact on α-Syn conformational state, thus supporting that their modulation can in turn affect α-Syn aggregation and its ability to seed further soluble α-Syn fibrillation. This review focuses on the importance of α-Syn PTMs in PD pathophysiology but also aims at highlighting their general relevance as possible biomarkers and, more importantly, as innovative therapeutic targets for synucleinopathies. In addition, we call attention to the multiple challenges that we still need to face to enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches modulating α-Syn PTMs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Porrini V, Pilotto A, Vezzoli M, Lanzillotta A, Gennari MM, Bonacina S, Alberici A, Turrone R, Bellucci A, Antonini A, Padovani A, Pizzi M. NF-κB/c-Rel DNA-binding is reduced in substantia nigra and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Parkinson's disease patients. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106067. [PMID: 36893901 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Parkinson's disease (PD) key neuropathological hallmarks are well known, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of the disease still need to be elucidated to identify innovative disease-modifying drugs and specific biomarkers. NF-κB transcription factors are involved in regulating several processes associated with neurodegeneration, such as neuroinflammation and cell death, that could be related to PD pathology. NF-κB/c-Rel deficient (c-rel-/-) mice develop a progressive PD-like phenotype. The c-rel-/- mice present both prodromal and motor symptoms as well as key neuropathological features, including nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons degeneration, accumulation of pro-apoptotic NF-κB/RelA acetylated at the lysine 310 residue (Ac-RelA(lys310)) and progressive caudo-rostral brain deposition of alpha-synuclein. c-Rel inhibition can exacerbate MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mice. These findings support the claim that misregulation of c-Rel protein may be implicated in PD pathophysiology. In this study, we aimed at evaluating c-Rel levels and DNA-binding activity in human brains and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of sporadic PD patients. We analyzed c-Rel protein content and activity in frozen substantia nigra (SN) samples from post-mortem brains of 10 PD patients and 9 age-matched controls as well as in PBMCs from 72 PD patients and 40 age-matched controls. c-Rel DNA-binding was significantly lower and inversely correlated with Ac-RelA(lys310) content in post-mortem SN of sporadic PD cases, when compared to healthy controls. c-Rel DNA-binding activity was also reduced in PBMCs of followed-up PD subjects. The decrease of c-Rel activity in PBMCs from PD patients appeared to be independent from dopaminergic medication or disease progression, as it was evident even in early stage, drug-naïve patients. Remarkably, the levels of c-Rel protein were comparable in PD and control subjects, pointing out a putative role for post-translational modifications of the protein in c-Rel dysfunctions. These findings support that PD is characterized by the loss of NF-κB/c-Rel activity that potentially has a role in PD pathophysiology. Future studies will be aimed at addressing whether the reduction of c-Rel DNA-binding could constitute a novel biomarker for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Porrini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy.
| | - Andrea Pilotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Marika Vezzoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Annamaria Lanzillotta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Michele M Gennari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Sonia Bonacina
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Rosanna Turrone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Angelo Antonini
- Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Study Centre for Neurodegeneration (CESNE), Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy; IRCCS S. Camillo, Lido Alberoni, Venice 30126, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jensen PH, Schlossmacher MG, Stefanis L. Who Ever Said It Would Be Easy? Reflecting on Two Clinical Trials Targeting α-Synuclein. Mov Disord 2023; 38:378-384. [PMID: 36645106 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Two recent, high-profile manuscripts reported negative results with two parallel approaches of passive immunization targeting α-synuclein in a population of patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD). These phase II studies failed to show a bona fide disease-modifying neuroprotective effect on PD progression, despite the evidence that these antibodies effectively bind native α-synuclein in human serum. Here, we discuss the possible reasons that could help explain the lack of clinical efficacy. In particular, we highlight (1) the wealth of evidence supporting the notion of α-synuclein as a valid therapeutic target; (2) the lack of evidence of target engagement in the aforementioned studies, especially of the elusive oligomeric species, the likely culprits in disease pathogenesis and/or its propagation; (3) the limitations, especially in terms of timing passive immunization, of preclinical models, where the same α-synuclein antibodies succeeded in mitigating disease manifestations; (4) the consideration of possibly intervening at an even earlier stage of disease in future trials; and (5) the multitude of strategies beyond passive immunization that could be used to combat α-synuclein-mediated neurodegeneration, if in the end the current approach is not fruitful. Overall, our perception is that converging developments in the field, among them novel bioassays and biomarkers, improved cellular and animal models and objective measurements of motor activities integrated into clinical trials, if further optimized, will gradually move the momentum of the field forward. This, to better test the concept of whether α-synuclein-targeting therapies can indeed deliver the "holy grail" of neuroprotection to the benefit of the PD community. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poul Henning Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine and DANDRITE, Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael G Schlossmacher
- Program in Neuroscience and Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- First Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Age-associated alterations of brain mitochondria energetics. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 643:1-7. [PMID: 36584587 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.12.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to explore the role of age-associated elevated cytosolic Ca2+ in changes of brain mitochondria energetic processes. Two groups of rats, young adults (4 months) and advanced old (24 months), were evaluated for potential alterations of mitochondrial parameters, the oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), membrane potential, calcium retention capacity, activity of glutamate/aspartate carrier (aralar), and ROS formation. We demonstrated that the brain mitochondria of older animals have a lower resistance to Ca2+ stress with resulting consequences. The suppressed complex I OxPhos and decreased membrane potential were accompanied by reduction of the Ca2+ threshold required for induction of mPTP. The Ca2+ binding sites of mitochondrial aralar mediated a lower activity of old brain mitochondria. The altered interaction between aralar and mPTP may underlie mitochondrial dysregulation leading to energetic depression during aging. At the advanced stages of aging, the declined metabolism is accompanied by the diminished oxidative background.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lenka A, Jankovic J. How should future clinical trials be designed in the search for disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease? Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:107-122. [PMID: 36803618 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2177535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there has been substantial progress in research and innovations in symptomatic treatments, similar success has not been achieved in disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for Parkinson's disease (PD). Considering the enormous motor, psychosocial and financial burden associated with PD, safe and effective DMT is of paramount importance. AREAS COVERED One of the reasons for the lack of progress in DMT for PD is poor or inappropriate design of clinical trials. In the first part of the article, the authors focus on the plausible reasons why the previous trials have failed and in the latter part, they provide their perspectives on future DMT trials. EXPERT OPINION There are several potential reasons why previous trials have failed, including broad clinical and etiopathogenic heterogeneity of PD, poor definition and documentation of target engagement, lack of appropriate biomarkers and outcome measures, and short duration of follow-up. To address these deficiencies, future trials may consider- (i) a more customized approach to select the most suitable participants and therapeutic approaches, (ii) explore combination therapies that would target multiple pathogenetic mechanisms, and (iii) moving beyond targeting only motor symptoms to also assessing non-motor features of PD in well-designed longitudinal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Lenka
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vantaggiato L, Shaba E, Carleo A, Bezzini D, Pannuzzo G, Luddi A, Piomboni P, Bini L, Bianchi L. Neurodegenerative Disorder Risk in Krabbe Disease Carriers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113537. [PMID: 36362324 PMCID: PMC9654610 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase gene (GALC). Defective GALC causes aberrant metabolism of galactolipids present almost exclusively in myelin, with consequent demyelinization and neurodegeneration of the central and peripheral nervous system (NS). KD shares some similar features with other neuropathies and heterozygous carriers of GALC mutations are emerging with an increased risk in developing NS disorders. In this work, we set out to identify possible variations in the proteomic profile of KD-carrier brain to identify altered pathways that may imbalance its homeostasis and that may be associated with neurological disorders. The differential analysis performed on whole brains from 33-day-old twitcher (galc −/−), heterozygous (galc +/−), and wild-type mice highlighted the dysregulation of several multifunctional factors in both heterozygous and twitcher mice. Notably, the KD-carrier mouse, despite its normal phenotype, presents the deregulation of vimentin, receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1), myelin basic protein (MBP), 2′,3′-cyclic-nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNP), transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (VCP), and N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 protein (NDRG1) as well as changes in the ubiquitinated-protein pattern. Our findings suggest the carrier may be affected by dysfunctions classically associated with neurodegeneration: (i) alteration of (mechano) signaling and intracellular trafficking, (ii) a generalized affection of proteostasis and lipid metabolism, with possible defects in myelin composition and turnover, and (iii) mitochondrion and energy supply dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carleo
- Department of Pulmonology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Daiana Bezzini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pannuzzo
- Department of Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234938
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Thellung S, Corsaro A, Dellacasagrande I, Nizzari M, Zambito M, Florio T. Proteostasis unbalance in prion diseases: Mechanisms of neurodegeneration and therapeutic targets. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:966019. [PMID: 36148145 PMCID: PMC9485628 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.966019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, are progressive neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system that affect humans and animals as sporadic, inherited, and infectious forms. Similarly to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, any attempt to reduce TSEs' lethality or increase the life expectancy of affected individuals has been unsuccessful. Typically, the onset of symptoms anticipates the fatal outcome of less than 1 year, although it is believed to be the consequence of a decades-long process of neuronal death. The duration of the symptoms-free period represents by itself a major obstacle to carry out effective neuroprotective therapies. Prions, the infectious entities of TSEs, are composed of a protease-resistant protein named prion protein scrapie (PrPSc) from the prototypical TSE form that afflicts ovines. PrPSc misfolding from its physiological counterpart, cellular prion protein (PrPC), is the unifying pathogenic trait of all TSEs. PrPSc is resistant to intracellular turnover and undergoes amyloid-like fibrillation passing through the formation of soluble dimers and oligomers, which are likely the effective neurotoxic entities. The failure of PrPSc removal is a key pathogenic event that defines TSEs as proteopathies, likewise other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, characterized by alteration of proteostasis. Under physiological conditions, protein quality control, led by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and macroautophagy clears cytoplasm from improperly folded, redundant, or aggregation-prone proteins. There is evidence that both of these crucial homeostatic pathways are impaired during the development of TSEs, although it is still unclear whether proteostasis alteration facilitates prion protein misfolding or, rather, PrPSc protease resistance hampers cytoplasmic protein quality control. This review is aimed to critically analyze the most recent advancements in the cause-effect correlation between PrPC misfolding and proteostasis alterations and to discuss the possibility that pharmacological restoring of ubiquitin-proteasomal competence and stimulation of autophagy could reduce the intracellular burden of PrPSc and ameliorate the severity of prion-associated neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Dellacasagrande
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Zambito
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Tullio Florio
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bellucci A, Longhena F, Spillantini MG. The Role of Rab Proteins in Parkinson's Disease Synaptopathy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081941. [PMID: 36009486 PMCID: PMC9406004 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, the brain is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system, leading to dyshomeostasis of the basal ganglia network activity that is linked to motility dysfunction. PD mostly arises as an age-associated sporadic disease, but several genetic forms also exist. Compelling evidence supports that synaptic damage and dysfunction characterize the very early phases of either sporadic or genetic forms of PD and that this early PD synaptopathy drives retrograde terminal-to-cell body degeneration, culminating in neuronal loss. The Ras-associated binding protein (Rab) family of small GTPases, which is involved in the maintenance of neuronal vesicular trafficking, synaptic architecture and function in the central nervous system, has recently emerged among the major players in PD synaptopathy. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the main findings supporting the involvement of Rabs in either sporadic or genetic PD pathophysiology, and we highlight how Rab alterations participate in the onset of early synaptic damage and dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0303-717-380
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Clifford Albutt Building, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Maria Grazia Spillantini
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Clifford Albutt Building, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| |
Collapse
|