1
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Fote GM, Eapen VV, Lim RG, Yu C, Salazar L, McClure NR, McKnight J, Nguyen TB, Heath MC, Lau AL, Villamil MA, Miramontes R, Kratter IH, Finkbeiner S, Reidling JC, Paulo JA, Kaiser P, Huang L, Housman DE, Thompson LM, Steffan JS. Huntingtin contains an ubiquitin-binding domain and regulates lysosomal targeting of mitochondrial and RNA-binding proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319091121. [PMID: 39074279 PMCID: PMC11317567 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319091121] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the normal function of the Huntingtin (HTT) protein is of significance in the design and implementation of therapeutic strategies for Huntington's disease (HD). Expansion of the CAG repeat in the HTT gene, encoding an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat within the HTT protein, causes HD and may compromise HTT's normal activity contributing to HD pathology. Here, we investigated the previously defined role of HTT in autophagy specifically through studying HTT's association with ubiquitin. We find that HTT interacts directly with ubiquitin in vitro. Tandem affinity purification was used to identify ubiquitinated and ubiquitin-associated proteins that copurify with a HTT N-terminal fragment under basal conditions. Copurification is enhanced by HTT polyQ expansion and reduced by mimicking HTT serine 421 phosphorylation. The identified HTT-interacting proteins include RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) involved in mRNA translation, proteins enriched in stress granules, the nuclear proteome, the defective ribosomal products (DRiPs) proteome and the brain-derived autophagosomal proteome. To determine whether the proteins interacting with HTT are autophagic targets, HTT knockout (KO) cells and immunoprecipitation of lysosomes were used to investigate autophagy in the absence of HTT. HTT KO was associated with reduced abundance of mitochondrial proteins in the lysosome, indicating a potential compromise in basal mitophagy, and increased lysosomal abundance of RBPs which may result from compensatory up-regulation of starvation-induced macroautophagy. We suggest HTT is critical for appropriate basal clearance of mitochondrial proteins and RBPs, hence reduced HTT proteostatic function with mutation may contribute to the neuropathology of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianna M. Fote
- Department of Biological Chemistry, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA92697
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA92868
| | - Vinay V. Eapen
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
- Casma Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Ryan G. Lim
- The University of California Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Clinton Yu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Lisa Salazar
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA92868
| | - Nicolette R. McClure
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Jharrayne McKnight
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Thai B. Nguyen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Marie C. Heath
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Alice L. Lau
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA92868
| | - Mark A. Villamil
- Department of Biological Chemistry, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Ricardo Miramontes
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA92868
| | - Ian H. Kratter
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab, Stanford, CA94304
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94304
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Jack C. Reidling
- The University of California Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Joao A. Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Peter Kaiser
- Department of Biological Chemistry, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - David E. Housman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Leslie M. Thompson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA92697
- The University of California Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA92868
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Joan S. Steffan
- The University of California Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA92868
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
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Berg MJ, Veeranna, Rosa CM, Kumar A, Mohan PS, Stavrides P, Marchionini DM, Yang DS, Nixon RA. Pathobiology of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in the Huntington's disease brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596470. [PMID: 38854113 PMCID: PMC11160756 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Accumulated levels of mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) and its fragments are considered contributors to the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD). Although lowering mHTT by stimulating autophagy has been considered a possible therapeutic strategy, the role and competence of autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) during HD progression in the human disease remains largely unknown. Here, we used multiplex confocal and ultrastructural immunocytochemical analyses of ALP functional markers in relation to mHTT aggresome pathology in striatum and the less affected cortex of HD brains staged from HD2 to HD4 by Vonsattel neuropathological criteria compared to controls. Immunolabeling revealed the localization of HTT/mHTT in ALP vesicular compartments labeled by autophagy-related adaptor proteins p62/SQSTM1 and ubiquitin, and cathepsin D (CTSD) as well as HTT-positive inclusions. Although comparatively normal at HD2, neurons at later HD stages exhibited progressive enlargement and clustering of CTSD-immunoreactive autolysosomes/lysosomes and, ultrastructurally, autophagic vacuole/lipofuscin granules accumulated progressively, more prominently in striatum than cortex. These changes were accompanied by rises in levels of HTT/mHTT and p62/SQSTM1, particularly their fragments, in striatum but not in the cortex, and by increases of LAMP1 and LAMP2 RNA and LAMP1 protein. Importantly, no blockage in autophagosome formation and autophagosome-lysosome fusion was detected, thus pinpointing autophagy substrate clearance deficits as a basis for autophagic flux declines. The findings collectively suggest that upregulated lysosomal biogenesis and preserved proteolysis maintain autophagic clearance in early-stage HD, but failure at advanced stages contributes to progressive HTT build-up and potential neurotoxicity. These findings support the prospect that ALP stimulation applied at early disease stages, when clearance machinery is fully competent, may have therapeutic benefits in HD patients.
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Lu X, Lu J, Li S, Feng S, Wang Y, Cui L. The Role of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in the Accumulation of Pathological Proteins: New Perspectives on the Mechanism of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0209. [PMID: 38739933 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that living organisms form highly dynamic membrane-less organelles (MLOS) with various functions through phase separation, and the indispensable role that phase separation plays in the mechanisms of normal physiological functions and pathogenesis is gradually becoming clearer. Pathological aggregates, regarded as hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, have been revealed to be closely related to aberrant phase separation. Specific proteins are assembled into condensates and transform into insoluble inclusions through aberrant phase separation, contributing to the development of diseases. In this review, we present an overview of the progress of phase separation research, involving its biological mechanisms and the status of research in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on five main disease-specific proteins, tau, TDP-43, FUS, α-Syn and HTT, and how exactly these proteins reside within dynamic liquid-like compartments and thus turn into solid deposits. Further studies will yield new perspectives for understanding the aggregation mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies, and future research directions are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Lu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jiongtong Lu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Sifan Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Lili Cui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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4
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Murakami E, Nakamori M, Nakatani K, Shibata T, Tainaka K. Intracerebral Distribution of CAG Repeat-Binding Small Molecule Visualized by Whole-Brain Imaging. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:2187-2193. [PMID: 37948852 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the pharmacokinetics of drug candidates of interest in the brain and evaluating drug delivery to the brain are important for developing drugs targeting the brain. Previously, we demonstrated that a CAG repeat-binding small molecule, naphthyridine-azaquinolone (NA), resulted in repeat contraction in mouse models of dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy and Huntington's disease caused by aberrant expansion of CAG repeats. However, the intracerebral distribution and drug deliverability of NA remain unclear. Here, we report three-dimensional whole-brain imaging of an externally administered small molecule using tissue clearing and light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). We designed and synthesized an Alexa594-labeled NA derivative with a primary amine for whole-brain imaging (NA-Alexa594-NH2), revealing the intracerebral distribution of NA-Alexa594-NH2 after intraparenchymal and intracerebroventricular administrations by whole-brain imaging combined with tissue clearing and LSFM. We also clarified that intranasally administered NA-Alexa594-NH2 was delivered into the brain via multiple nose-to-brain pathways by tracking the time-dependent change in the intracerebral distribution. Whole-brain imaging of small molecules by tissue clearing and LSFM is useful for elucidating not only the intracerebral distribution but also the drug delivery pathways into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eitaro Murakami
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Tomonori Shibata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tainaka
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Center for Bioresources, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
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5
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Gall-Duncan T, Luo J, Jurkovic CM, Fischer LA, Fujita K, Deshmukh AL, Harding RJ, Tran S, Mehkary M, Li V, Leib DE, Chen R, Tanaka H, Mason AG, Lévesque D, Khan M, Razzaghi M, Prasolava T, Lanni S, Sato N, Caron MC, Panigrahi GB, Wang P, Lau R, Castel AL, Masson JY, Tippett L, Turner C, Spies M, La Spada AR, Campos EI, Curtis MA, Boisvert FM, Faull RLM, Davidson BL, Nakamori M, Okazawa H, Wold MS, Pearson CE. Antagonistic roles of canonical and Alternative-RPA in disease-associated tandem CAG repeat instability. Cell 2023; 186:4898-4919.e25. [PMID: 37827155 PMCID: PMC11209935 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Expansions of repeat DNA tracts cause >70 diseases, and ongoing expansions in brains exacerbate disease. During expansion mutations, single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) form slipped-DNAs. We find the ssDNA-binding complexes canonical replication protein A (RPA1, RPA2, and RPA3) and Alternative-RPA (RPA1, RPA3, and primate-specific RPA4) are upregulated in Huntington disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) patient brains. Protein interactomes of RPA and Alt-RPA reveal unique and shared partners, including modifiers of CAG instability and disease presentation. RPA enhances in vitro melting, FAN1 excision, and repair of slipped-CAGs and protects against CAG expansions in human cells. RPA overexpression in SCA1 mouse brains ablates expansions, coincident with decreased ATXN1 aggregation, reduced brain DNA damage, improved neuron morphology, and rescued motor phenotypes. In contrast, Alt-RPA inhibits melting, FAN1 excision, and repair of slipped-CAGs and promotes CAG expansions. These findings suggest a functional interplay between the two RPAs where Alt-RPA may antagonistically offset RPA's suppression of disease-associated repeat expansions, which may extend to other DNA processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Gall-Duncan
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Luo
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Laura A Fischer
- Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kyota Fujita
- Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Amit L Deshmukh
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel J Harding
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Stephanie Tran
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mustafa Mehkary
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa Li
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David E Leib
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
| | - Ran Chen
- Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hikari Tanaka
- Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Amanda G Mason
- Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dominique Lévesque
- Immunology and Cell Biology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Mahreen Khan
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mortezaali Razzaghi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Tanya Prasolava
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stella Lanni
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nozomu Sato
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Caron
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Oncology Division, Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry, and Pathology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Gagan B Panigrahi
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peixiang Wang
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Lau
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jean-Yves Masson
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Oncology Division, Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry, and Pathology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lynette Tippett
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; University Research Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clinton Turner
- Anatomical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maria Spies
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Albert R La Spada
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA; Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Eric I Campos
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- University Research Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Richard L M Faull
- University Research Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Okazawa
- Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marc S Wold
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christopher E Pearson
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
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Bhat SA, Ahamad S, Dar NJ, Siddique YH, Nazir A. The Emerging Landscape of Natural Small-molecule Therapeutics for Huntington's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:867-889. [PMID: 36797612 PMCID: PMC10227909 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230216104621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder with no diseasemodifying therapeutics. HD is characterized by extensive neuronal loss and is caused by the inherited expansion of the huntingtin (HTT) gene that encodes a toxic mutant HTT (mHTT) protein having expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) residues. Current HD therapeutics only offer symptomatic relief. In fact, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two synthetic small-molecule VMAT2 inhibitors, tetrabenazine (1) and deutetrabenazine (2), for managing HD chorea and various other diseases in clinical trials. Therefore, the landscape of drug discovery programs for HD is evolving to discover disease- modifying HD therapeutics. Likewise, numerous natural products are being evaluated at different stages of clinical development and have shown the potential to ameliorate HD pathology. The inherent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of natural products mitigate the mHTT-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, improve mitochondrial functions, and augment the anti-apoptotic and pro-autophagic mechanisms for increased survival of neurons in HD. In this review, we have discussed HD pathogenesis and summarized the anti-HD clinical and pre-clinical natural products, focusing on their therapeutic effects and neuroprotective mechanism/s.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shakir Ahamad
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P., India
| | - Nawab John Dar
- School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Texas, TX, USA
| | | | - Aamir Nazir
- Division of Neuroscience and Ageing Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, U.P., India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi, India
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7
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Layburn FE, Tan AY, Mehrabi NF, Curtis MA, Tippett LJ, Turner CP, Riguet N, Aeschbach L, Lashuel HA, Dragunow M, Faull RL, Singh-Bains MK. N-terminal mutant huntingtin deposition correlates with CAG repeat length and symptom onset, but not neuronal loss in Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105884. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Kapadia K, Trojniak AE, Guzmán Rodríguez KB, Klus NJ, Huntley C, McDonald P, Roy A, Frankowski KJ, Aubé J, Muma NA. Small-Molecule Disruptors of Mutant Huntingtin-Calmodulin Protein-Protein Interaction Attenuate Deleterious Effects of Mutant Huntingtin. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2315-2337. [PMID: 35833925 PMCID: PMC11005818 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a progressive and lethal neurodegenerative disease caused by an increased CAG repeat mutation in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene (mutant huntingtin). Current drug treatments provide only limited symptomatic relief without impacting disease progression. Previous studies in our lab and others identified the abnormal binding of mutant huntingtin protein with calmodulin, a key regulator of calcium signaling. Disrupting the abnormal binding of mutant huntingtin to calmodulin reduces perturbations caused by mutant huntingtin in cell and mouse models of Huntington's disease and importantly normalizes receptor-stimulated calcium release. Using a series of high-throughput in vitro and cell-based screening assays, we identified numerous small-molecule hits that disrupt the binding of mutant huntingtin to calmodulin and demonstrate protective effects. Iterative optimization of one hit resulted in nontoxic, selective compounds that are protective against mutant huntingtin cytotoxicity and normalized receptor-stimulated intracellular calcium release in PC12 cell models of Huntington's disease. Importantly, the compounds do not work by reducing the levels of mutant huntingtin, allowing this strategy to complement future molecular approaches to reduce mutant huntingtin expression. Our novel scaffold will serve as a prototype for further drug development in Huntington's disease. These studies indicate that the development of small-molecule compounds that disrupt the binding of mutant huntingtin to calmodulin is a promising approach for the advancement of therapeutics to treat Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Kapadia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Ashley E Trojniak
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 125 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Kenneth B Guzmán Rodríguez
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 125 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Nicholas J Klus
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 125 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Coral Huntley
- University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening Laboratory, University of Kansas, 2034 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Peter McDonald
- University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening Laboratory, University of Kansas, 2034 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Anuradha Roy
- University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening Laboratory, University of Kansas, 2034 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Kevin J Frankowski
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 125 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, and the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 125 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Nancy A Muma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
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9
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Paldino E, Fusco FR. Emerging Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome/Pyroptosis in Huntington’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158363. [PMID: 35955494 PMCID: PMC9368941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by several symptoms encompassing movement, cognition, and behavior. The mutation of the IT15 gene encoding for the huntingtin protein is the cause of HD. Mutant huntingtin interacts with and impairs the function of several transcription factors involved in neuronal survival. Although many mechanisms determining neuronal death have been described over the years, the significant role of inflammation has gained momentum in the last decade. Drugs targeting the elements that orchestrate inflammation have been considered powerful tools to treat HD. In this review, we will describe the data supporting inflammasome and NLRP3 as a target of therapeutics to fight HD, deepening the possible mechanisms of action underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Paldino
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, IRRCS Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Romana Fusco
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, IRRCS Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
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10
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Hickman RA, Faust PL, Marder K, Yamamoto A, Vonsattel JP. The distribution and density of Huntingtin inclusions across the Huntington disease neocortex: regional correlations with Huntingtin repeat expansion independent of pathologic grade. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:55. [PMID: 35440014 PMCID: PMC9020040 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, especially of the striatum, and the presence of polyglutamine huntingtin (HTT) inclusions. Although HTT inclusions are most abundant in the neocortex, their neocortical distribution and density in relation to the extent of CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene and striatal pathologic grade have yet to be formally established. We immunohistochemically studied 65 brains with a pathologic diagnosis of Huntington disease to investigate the cortical distributions and densities of HTT inclusions within the calcarine (BA17), precuneus (BA7), motor (BA4) and prefrontal (BA9) cortices; in 39 of these brains, a p62 immunostain was used for comparison. HTT inclusions predominate in the infragranular cortical layers (layers V-VI) and layer III, however, the densities of HTT inclusions across the human cerebral cortex are not uniform but are instead regionally contingent. The density of HTT and p62 inclusions (intranuclear and extranuclear) in layers V-VI increases caudally to rostrally (BA17 < BA7 < BA4 < BA9) with the median burden of HTT inclusions being 38-fold greater in the prefrontal cortex (BA9) than in the calcarine cortex (BA17). Conversely, intranuclear HTT inclusions prevail in the calcarine cortex irrespective of HTT CAG length. Neocortical HTT inclusion density correlates with CAG repeat expansion, but not with the neuropathologic grade of striatal degeneration (Vonsattel grade) or with the duration of clinical disease since motor onset. Extrapolation of these findings suggest that HTT inclusions are at a regionally-contingent, CAG-dependent, density during the advanced stages of HD. The distribution and density of HTT inclusions in HD therefore does not provide a measure of pathologic disease stage but rather infers the degree of pathogenic HTT expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Hickman
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Phyllis L. Faust
- grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 630 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Karen Marder
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Ai Yamamoto
- grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 630 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA ,grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Jean-Paul Vonsattel
- grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 630 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA ,grid.239585.00000 0001 2285 2675Taub Institute for Research On Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
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11
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Maity S, Komal P, Kumar V, Saxena A, Tungekar A, Chandrasekar V. Impact of ER Stress and ER-Mitochondrial Crosstalk in Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:780. [PMID: 35054963 PMCID: PMC8775980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of misfolded proteins is a common phenomenon of several neurodegenerative diseases. The misfolding of proteins due to abnormal polyglutamine (PolyQ) expansions are linked to the development of PolyQ diseases including Huntington's disease (HD). Though the genetic basis of PolyQ repeats in HD remains prominent, the primary molecular basis mediated by PolyQ toxicity remains elusive. Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER or disruption of ER homeostasis causes ER stress and activates an evolutionarily conserved pathway called Unfolded protein response (UPR). Protein homeostasis disruption at organelle level involving UPR or ER stress response pathways are found to be linked to HD. Due to dynamic intricate connections between ER and mitochondria, proteins at ER-mitochondria contact sites (mitochondria associated ER membranes or MAMs) play a significant role in HD development. The current review aims at highlighting the most updated information about different UPR pathways and their involvement in HD disease progression. Moreover, the role of MAMs in HD progression has also been discussed. In the end, the review has focused on the therapeutic interventions responsible for ameliorating diseased states via modulating either ER stress response proteins or modulating the expression of ER-mitochondrial contact proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvadeep Maity
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS)-Pilani (Hyderabad Campus), Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India; (P.K.); (V.K.); (A.S.); (A.T.); (V.C.)
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12
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Lee YH, Tsai YS, Chang CC, Ho CC, Shih HM, Chen HM, Lai HL, Lee CW, Lee YC, Liao YC, Yang UC, Cheng TH, Chern Y, Soong BW. A PIAS1 Protective Variant S510G Delays polyQ Disease Onset by Modifying Protein Homeostasis. Mov Disord 2021; 37:767-777. [PMID: 34951052 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are dominant neurodegenerative diseases caused by an expansion of the polyQ-encoding CAG repeats in the disease-causing gene. The length of the CAG repeats is the major determiner of the age at onset (AO) of polyQ diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). OBJECTIVE We set out to identify common genetic variant(s) that may affect the AO of polyQ diseases. METHODS Three hundred thirty-seven patients with HD or SCA3 were enrolled for targeted sequencing of 583 genes implicated in proteinopathies. In total, 16 genes were identified as containing variants that are associated with late AO of polyQ diseases. For validation, we further investigate the variants of PIAS1 because PIAS1 is an E3 SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) ligase for huntingtin (HTT), the protein linked to HD. RESULTS Biochemical analyses revealed that the ability of PIAS1S510G to interact with mutant huntingtin (mHTT) was less than that of PIAS1WT , resulting in lower SUMOylation of mHTT and lower accumulation of insoluble mHTT. Genetic knock-in of PIAS1S510G in a HD mouse model (R6/2) ameliorated several HD-like deficits (including shortened life spans, poor grip strength and motor coordination) and reduced neuronal accumulation of mHTT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that PIAS1 is a genetic modifier of polyQ diseases. The naturally occurring variant, PIAS1S510G , is associated with late AO in polyQ disease patients and milder disease severity in HD mice. Our study highlights the possibility of targeting PIAS1 or pathways governing protein homeostasis as a disease-modifying approach for treating patients with HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hua Lee
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shuen Tsai
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Chang Chang
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine and International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chen Ho
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ming Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Mei Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Lin Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Lee
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chu Liao
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ueng-Cheng Yang
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hao Cheng
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yijuang Chern
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Wen Soong
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, and Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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Arning L, Nguyen HP. Huntington disease update: new insights into the role of repeat instability in disease pathogenesis. MED GENET-BERLIN 2021; 33:293-300. [PMID: 38835439 PMCID: PMC11006308 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2021-2101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The causative mutation for Huntington disease (HD), an expanded trinucleotide repeat sequence in the first exon of the huntingtin gene (HTT) is naturally polymorphic and inevitably associated with disease symptoms above 39 CAG repeats. Although symptomatic medical therapies for HD can improve the motor and non-motor symptoms for affected patients, these drugs do not stop the ongoing neurodegeneration and progression of the disease, which results in severe motor and cognitive disability and death. To date, there is still an urgent need for the development of effective disease-modifying therapies to slow or even stop the progression of HD. The increasing ability to intervene directly at the roots of the disease, namely HTT transcription and translation of its mRNA, makes it necessary to understand the pathogenesis of HD as precisely as possible. In addition to the long-postulated toxicity of the polyglutamine-expanded mutant HTT protein, there is increasing evidence that the CAG repeat-containing RNA might also be directly involved in toxicity. Recent studies have identified cis- (DNA repair genes) and trans- (loss/duplication of CAA interruption) acting variants as major modifiers of age at onset (AO) and disease progression. More and more extensive data indicate that somatic instability functions as a driver for AO as well as disease progression and severity, not only in HD but also in other polyglutamine diseases. Thus, somatic expansions of repetitive DNA sequences may be essential to promote respective repeat lengths to reach a threshold leading to the overt neurodegenerative symptoms of trinucleotide diseases. These findings support somatic expansion as a potential therapeutic target in HD and related repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Arning
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany
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14
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Vieweg S, Mahul-Mellier AL, Ruggeri FS, Riguet N, DeGuire SM, Chiki A, Cendrowska U, Dietler G, Lashuel HA. The Nt17 Domain and its Helical Conformation Regulate the Aggregation, Cellular Properties and Neurotoxicity of Mutant Huntingtin Exon 1. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167222. [PMID: 34492254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence points to the N-terminal domain comprising the first 17 amino acids of the Huntingtin protein (Nt17) as a key regulator of its aggregation, cellular properties and toxicity. In this study, we further investigated the interplay between Nt17 and the polyQ domain repeat length in regulating the aggregation and inclusion formation of exon 1 of the Huntingtin protein (Httex1). In addition, we investigated the effect of removing Nt17 or modulating its local structure on the membrane interactions, neuronal uptake, and toxicity of monomeric or fibrillar Httex1. Our results show that the polyQ and Nt17 domains synergistically modulate the aggregation propensity of Httex1 and that the Nt17 domain plays important roles in shaping the surface properties of mutant Httex1 fibrils and regulating their poly-Q-dependent growth, lateral association and neuronal uptake. Removal of Nt17 or disruption of its transient helical conformations slowed the aggregation of monomeric Httex1 in vitro, reduced inclusion formation in cells, enhanced the neuronal uptake and nuclear accumulation of monomeric Httex1 proteins, and was sufficient to prevent cell death induced by Httex1 72Q overexpression. Finally, we demonstrate that the uptake of Httex1 fibrils into primary neurons and the resulting toxicity are strongly influenced by mutations and phosphorylation events that influence the local helical propensity of Nt17. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the Nt17 domain serves as one of the key master regulators of Htt aggregation, internalization, and toxicity and represents an attractive target for inhibiting Htt aggregate formation, inclusion formation, and neuronal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Vieweg
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Mahul-Mellier
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francesco S Ruggeri
- Laboratory of the Physics of Living Matter, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Riguet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sean M DeGuire
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anass Chiki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Urszula Cendrowska
- Laboratory of the Physics of Living Matter, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Dietler
- Laboratory of the Physics of Living Matter, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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15
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Bakels HS, Roos RAC, van Roon-Mom WMC, de Bot ST. Juvenile-Onset Huntington Disease Pathophysiology and Neurodevelopment: A Review. Mov Disord 2021; 37:16-24. [PMID: 34636452 PMCID: PMC9291924 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease is an autosomal dominant inherited brain disorder that typically becomes manifest in adulthood. Juvenile-onset Huntington disease refers to approximately 5% of patients with symptom onset before the age of 21 years. The causal factor is a pathologically expanded CAG repeat in the Huntingtin gene. Age at onset is inversely correlated with CAG repeat length. Juvenile-onset patients have distinct symptoms and signs with more severe pathology of involved brain structures in comparison with disease onset in adulthood. The aim of this review is to compare clinical and pathological features in juvenile- and adult-onset Huntington disease and to explore which processes potentially contribute to the observed differences. A specific focus is placed on molecular mechanisms of mutant huntingtin in early neurodevelopment and the interaction of a neurodegenerative disease and postnatal brain maturation. The importance of a better understanding of pathophysiological differences between juvenile- and adult-onset Huntington disease lies in development and implementation of new therapeutic strategies. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Bakels
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Raymund A C Roos
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Susanne T de Bot
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Šonský I, Vodička P, Vodičková Kepková K, Hansíková H. Mitophagy in Huntington's disease. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105147. [PMID: 34329735 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD), as well as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, belong to a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by common features, such as the progressive loss of neurons and the presence of pathogenic forms of misfolded protein aggregates. A quality control system such as autophagy is crucial for the clearance of protein aggregates and dysfunctional organelles and thus essential for the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis. The constant high energy demand of neuronal tissue links neurodegeneration to mitochondria. Inefficient removal of damaged mitochondria is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as HD. In addition, direct involvement of the huntingtin protein in the autophagic machinery has been described. In this review, we focus on mitophagy, a selective form of autophagy responsible for mitochondrial turnover. We also discuss the relevance of pharmacological regulation of mitophagy in the future therapeutic approach to neurodegenerations, including HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Šonský
- Laboratory for Study of Mitochondrial Disorders, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Vodička
- Laboratory of Applied Proteome Analyses, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - K Vodičková Kepková
- Laboratory of Applied Proteome Analyses, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - H Hansíková
- Laboratory for Study of Mitochondrial Disorders, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic.
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17
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Han R, Liang J, Zhou B. Glucose Metabolic Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases-New Mechanistic Insights and the Potential of Hypoxia as a Prospective Therapy Targeting Metabolic Reprogramming. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5887. [PMID: 34072616 PMCID: PMC8198281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose is the main circulating energy substrate for the adult brain. Owing to the high energy demand of nerve cells, glucose is actively oxidized to produce ATP and has a synergistic effect with mitochondria in metabolic pathways. The dysfunction of glucose metabolism inevitably disturbs the normal functioning of neurons, which is widely observed in neurodegenerative disease. Understanding the mechanisms of metabolic adaptation during disease progression has become a major focus of research, and interventions in these processes may relieve the neurons from degenerative stress. In this review, we highlight evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased glucose uptake, and diminished glucose metabolism in different neurodegeneration models such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD). We also discuss how hypoxia, a metabolic reprogramming strategy linked to glucose metabolism in tumor cells and normal brain cells, and summarize the evidence for hypoxia as a putative therapy for general neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Han
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute of Medicine and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jing Liang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute of Medicine and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (R.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Bing Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute of Medicine and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (R.H.); (J.L.)
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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18
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Castro AF, Loureiro JR, Bessa J, Silveira I. Antisense Transcription across Nucleotide Repeat Expansions in Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases: Progress and Mysteries. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1418. [PMID: 33261024 PMCID: PMC7760973 DOI: 10.3390/genes11121418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unstable repeat expansions and insertions cause more than 30 neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. Remarkably, bidirectional transcription of repeat expansions has been identified in at least 14 of these diseases. More remarkably, a growing number of studies has been showing that both sense and antisense repeat RNAs are able to dysregulate important cellular pathways, contributing together to the observed clinical phenotype. Notably, antisense repeat RNAs from spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, myotonic dystrophy type 1, Huntington's disease and frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated genes have been implicated in transcriptional regulation of sense gene expression, acting either at a transcriptional or posttranscriptional level. The recent evidence that antisense repeat RNAs could modulate gene expression broadens our understanding of the pathogenic pathways and adds more complexity to the development of therapeutic strategies for these disorders. In this review, we cover the amazing progress made in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms associated with repeat expansion neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases with a focus on the impact of antisense repeat transcription in the development of efficient therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Castro
- Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction Laboratory, i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (J.R.L.)
- IBMC-Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana R. Loureiro
- Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction Laboratory, i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (J.R.L.)
- IBMC-Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - José Bessa
- IBMC-Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Vertebrate Development and Regeneration Laboratory, i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silveira
- Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction Laboratory, i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (J.R.L.)
- IBMC-Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
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19
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Neves-Carvalho A, Duarte-Silva S, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias: emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1099-1119. [PMID: 32962458 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1827394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Six of the most frequent dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) worldwide - SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA17 - are caused by an expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the corresponding proteins. While the identification of the causative mutation has advanced knowledge on the pathogenesis of polyQ SCAs, effective therapeutics able to mitigate the severe clinical manifestation of these highly incapacitating disorders are not yet available. AREAS COVERED This review provides a comprehensive and critical perspective on well-established and emerging therapeutic targets for polyQ SCAs; it aims to inspire prospective drug discovery efforts. EXPERT OPINION The landscape of polyQ SCAs therapeutic targets and strategies includes (1) the mutant genes and proteins themselves, (2) enhancement of endogenous protein quality control responses, (3) abnormal protein-protein interactions of the mutant proteins, (4) disturbed neuronal function, (5) mitochondrial function, energy availability and oxidative stress, and (6) glial dysfunction, growth factor or hormone imbalances. Challenges include gaining a clearer definition of therapeutic targets for the drugs in clinical development, the discovery of novel drug-like molecules for challenging key targets, and the attainment of a stronger translation of preclinical findings to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho , Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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20
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Yang J, Yang X. Phase Transition of Huntingtin: Factors and Pathological Relevance. Front Genet 2020; 11:754. [PMID: 32849783 PMCID: PMC7396480 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of intracellular mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) aggregates is a hallmark of Huntington’s disease (HD). The mechanisms underlying mHtt aggregation, however, are still not fully understood. A few recent studies indicated mHtt undergoes phase transition, bringing new clues to understand how mHtt aggregates assemble. Here in this mini review, we will summarize these findings with a focus on the factors that affect mHtt phase transition. We will also discuss the possible pathological roles of mHtt phase separation in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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21
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Nakamori M, Panigrahi GB, Lanni S, Gall-Duncan T, Hayakawa H, Tanaka H, Luo J, Otabe T, Li J, Sakata A, Caron MC, Joshi N, Prasolava T, Chiang K, Masson JY, Wold MS, Wang X, Lee MYWT, Huddleston J, Munson KM, Davidson S, Layeghifard M, Edward LM, Gallon R, Santibanez-Koref M, Murata A, Takahashi MP, Eichler EE, Shlien A, Nakatani K, Mochizuki H, Pearson CE. A slipped-CAG DNA-binding small molecule induces trinucleotide-repeat contractions in vivo. Nat Genet 2020; 52:146-159. [PMID: 32060489 PMCID: PMC7043212 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-019-0575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In many repeat diseases, such as Huntington's disease (HD), ongoing repeat expansions in affected tissues contribute to disease onset, progression and severity. Inducing contractions of expanded repeats by exogenous agents is not yet possible. Traditional approaches would target proteins driving repeat mutations. Here we report a compound, naphthyridine-azaquinolone (NA), that specifically binds slipped-CAG DNA intermediates of expansion mutations, a previously unsuspected target. NA efficiently induces repeat contractions in HD patient cells as well as en masse contractions in medium spiny neurons of HD mouse striatum. Contractions are specific for the expanded allele, independently of DNA replication, require transcription across the coding CTG strand and arise by blocking repair of CAG slip-outs. NA-induced contractions depend on active expansions driven by MutSβ. NA injections in HD mouse striatum reduce mutant HTT protein aggregates, a biomarker of HD pathogenesis and severity. Repeat-structure-specific DNA ligands are a novel avenue to contract expanded repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gagan B Panigrahi
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stella Lanni
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terence Gall-Duncan
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hideki Hayakawa
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hana Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jennifer Luo
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Takahiro Otabe
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jinxing Li
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sakata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Marie-Christine Caron
- Genome Stability Laboratory, CHU de Québec Research Center, HDQ Pavilion, Oncology Division, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Niraj Joshi
- Genome Stability Laboratory, CHU de Québec Research Center, HDQ Pavilion, Oncology Division, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tanya Prasolava
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Chiang
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Yves Masson
- Genome Stability Laboratory, CHU de Québec Research Center, HDQ Pavilion, Oncology Division, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc S Wold
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Marietta Y W T Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - John Huddleston
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine M Munson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott Davidson
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehdi Layeghifard
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa-Monique Edward
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Gallon
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Asako Murata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masanori P Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam Shlien
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Christopher E Pearson
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Program of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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22
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Kumar A, Kumar V, Singh K, Kumar S, Kim YS, Lee YM, Kim JJ. Therapeutic Advances for Huntington's Disease. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10010043. [PMID: 31940909 PMCID: PMC7016861 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurological disease that is inherited in an autosomal fashion. The cause of disease pathology is an expansion of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats within the huntingtin gene (HTT) on chromosome 4 (4p16.3), which codes the huntingtin protein (mHTT). The common symptoms of HD include motor and cognitive impairment of psychiatric functions. Patients exhibit a representative phenotype of involuntary movement (chorea) of limbs, impaired cognition, and severe psychiatric disturbances (mood swings, depression, and personality changes). A variety of symptomatic treatments (which target glutamate and dopamine pathways, caspases, inhibition of aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, transcriptional dysregulation, and fetal neural transplants, etc.) are available and some are in the pipeline. Advancement in novel therapeutic approaches include targeting the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein and the HTT gene. New gene editing techniques will reduce the CAG repeats. More appropriate and readily tractable treatment goals, coupled with advances in analytical tools will help to assess the clinical outcomes of HD treatments. This will not only improve the quality of life and life span of HD patients, but it will also provide a beneficial role in other inherited and neurological disorders. In this review, we aim to discuss current therapeutic research approaches and their possible uses for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- Department of Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, UP, India;
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Korea; (Y.-S.K.); (Y.-M.L.)
- Correspondence: (V.K.); (J.-J.K.)
| | - Kritanjali Singh
- Central Research Station, Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut 250002, India;
| | - Sukesh Kumar
- PG Department of Botany, Nalanda College, Bihar Sharif, Magadh University, Bihar 824234, India;
| | - You-Sam Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Korea; (Y.-S.K.); (Y.-M.L.)
| | - Yun-Mi Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Korea; (Y.-S.K.); (Y.-M.L.)
| | - Jong-Joo Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Korea; (Y.-S.K.); (Y.-M.L.)
- Correspondence: (V.K.); (J.-J.K.)
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23
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Ung H, Hall R, Kikis E. Chemical mutagenesis of Caenorhabditis elegans uncovers genetic modifiers of huntingtin protein aggregation. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2020; 2020. [PMID: 32550505 PMCID: PMC7252378 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Ung
- Department of Biology, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383
| | - Rhodes Hall
- Department of Biology, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383
| | - Elise Kikis
- Department of Biology, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383
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24
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Kielar C, Morton AJ. Early Neurodegeneration in R6/2 Mice Carrying the Huntington's Disease Mutation with a Super-Expanded CAG Repeat, Despite Normal Lifespan. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 7:61-76. [PMID: 29480204 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-170265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The threshold of CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene that causes HD is 36 CAG repeats, although 'superlong' expansions are found in individual neurons in postmortem brains. Previously, we showed that, compared to mice with <250 CAG repeats, onset of disease in R6/2 mice carrying superlong (>440) CAG repeat expansions was delayed, and disease progression was slower. Inclusion pathology also differed from 250 CAG repeat mice, being dominated by a novel kind of extranuclear neuronal inclusion (nENNI) that resembles a class of aggregate seen in patients with the adult onset form of HD. Here, we characterised neuropathology in R6/2 mice with >400 CAG repeats using light and electron microscopy. nENNIs were found with increased frequency and wider distribution with age. Some nENNIs appear to 'mature' as the disease develops, developing a multi-layered cored structure. Mice with superlong CAG repeats do not develop clinical signs until they are around 30-40 weeks of age, and they attain a normal life span (>2 years). Nevertheless, they show brain atrophy and unequivocal neuron loss from the striatum and cortex by 22 weeks of age, an age at which similar pathology is seen in 250 CAG repeat mice. Since this time-point is 'end stage' for a 250 CAG mouse, but very far (at least 18 months) from end stage for a > 440 CAG repeat mouse, our data confirm that the appearance of clinical signs, the formation of inclusions, and neurodegeneration are processes that progress independently. A better understanding of the relationship between CAG repeat length, neurodegenerative pathways, and clinical behavioural signs is essential, if we are to find strategies to delay or reverse the course of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kielar
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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25
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Aktar F, Burudpakdee C, Polanco M, Pei S, Swayne TC, Lipke PN, Emtage L. The huntingtin inclusion is a dynamic phase-separated compartment. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/5/e201900489. [PMID: 31527136 PMCID: PMC6749095 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inclusions of disordered protein are a characteristic feature of most neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease is caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein; mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt) is unstable and accumulates in large intracellular inclusions both in affected individuals and when expressed in eukaryotic cells. Using mHtt-GFP expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we find that mHtt-GFP inclusions are dynamic, mobile, gel-like structures that concentrate mHtt together with the disaggregase Hsp104. Although inclusions may associate with the vacuolar membrane, the association is reversible and we find that inclusions of mHtt in S. cerevisiae are not taken up by the vacuole or other organelles. Instead, a pulse-chase study using photoconverted mHtt-mEos2 revealed that mHtt is directly and continuously removed from the inclusion body. In addition to mobile inclusions, we also imaged and tracked the movements of small particles of mHtt-GFP and determine that they move randomly. These observations suggest that inclusions may grow through the collision and coalescence of small aggregative particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmida Aktar
- Biology Department, City University of New York, York College, Queens, NY, USA
| | | | - Mercedes Polanco
- Biology Department, City University of New York, York College, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sen Pei
- Biology Department, City University of New York, York College, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Theresa C Swayne
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter N Lipke
- Biology Department, City University of New York, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lesley Emtage
- Biology Department, City University of New York, York College, Queens, NY, USA .,Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
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26
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Ambroziak W, Fourie C, Montgomery JM. SAP97-mediated rescue of NMDA receptor surface distribution in a neuronal model of Huntington's disease. Hippocampus 2019; 28:707-723. [PMID: 30067285 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG repeat tract in the HTT gene, leading to motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. At the cellular level, NMDA-type glutamate receptors are upregulated at glutamatergic extrasynaptic sites in HD, triggering cell death signaling pathways and driving HD neurodegeneration. Extrasynaptic and synaptic glutamate receptor trafficking and surface distribution are regulated by the α and β N-terminal isoforms of SAP97, a postsynaptic density protein localized at glutamatergic synapses. Here we examined the surface distribution of NMDARs and AMPARs in a cellular model of HD, and whether the manipulation of individual SAP97 isoforms can regulate receptor distribution in diseased neurons. Using dSTORM super-resolution imaging, we reveal that mutant HTT drives the elevation of extrasynaptic NMDAR clusters located 100-500 nm from the postsynaptic density. This was accompanied by a decline in synaptic NMDAR-mediated currents while surface NMDAR-mediated currents remained unchanged. These effects were induced within 3 days of mutant HTT expression in rat hippocampal neurons in vitro, and were specific for NMDARs and not observed with AMPARs. Intriguingly, upregulation of either α- or βSAP97 expression increased synaptic and/or perisynaptic NMDAR localization and prevented the shift of NMDARs to extrasynaptic sites in mutant HTT neurons. This was accompanied by the rescue of normal synaptic NMDAR-mediated currents. Taken together, our high-resolution data reveals plasticity in surface NMDAR localization driven by mutant HTT and identifies the similar but independent roles of SAP97 N-terminal isoforms in maintaining normal synaptic function in pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Ambroziak
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chantelle Fourie
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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27
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Gedunin Degrades Aggregates of Mutant Huntingtin Protein and Intranuclear Inclusions via the Proteasomal Pathway in Neurons and Fibroblasts from Patients with Huntington's Disease. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:1024-1034. [PMID: 31432317 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00421-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a deadly neurodegenerative disease with abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene. Mutant Huntingtin protein (mHTT) forms abnormal aggregates and intranuclear inclusions in specific neurons, resulting in cell death. Here, we tested the ability of a natural heat-shock protein 90 inhibitor, Gedunin, to degrade transfected mHTT in Neuro-2a cells and endogenous mHTT aggregates and intranuclear inclusions in both fibroblasts from HD patients and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from patients. Our data showed that Gedunin treatment degraded transfected mHTT in Neuro-2a cells, endogenous mHTT aggregates and intranuclear inclusions in fibroblasts from HD patients, and in neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from patients in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and its activity depended on the proteasomal pathway rather than the autophagy route. These findings also showed that although Gedunin degraded abnormal mHTT aggregates and intranuclear inclusions in cells from HD patient, it did not affect normal cells, thus providing a new perspective for using Gedunin to treat HD.
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28
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Rai SN, Singh BK, Rathore AS, Zahra W, Keswani C, Birla H, Singh SS, Dilnashin H, Singh SP. Quality Control in Huntington's Disease: a Therapeutic Target. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:612-626. [PMID: 31297710 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominantly inherited brain disease caused by excessively expanded CAG repeats in gene which encodes huntingtin protein. These abnormally encoded huntingtin proteins and their truncated fragments result in disruption of cellular quality mechanism ultimately triggering neuronal death. Despite great efforts, a potential causative agent leading to genetic mutation in HTT, manifesting the neurons more prone to oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, energy depletion and apoptotic death, has not been established yet. Current scenario concentrates on symptomatic pathologies to improvise the disease progression and to better the survival. Most of the therapeutic developments have been converged to rescue the protein homeostasis. In HD, abnormal expansion of glutamine repeats in the protein huntingtin leads to toxic aggregation of huntingtin which in turn impairs the quality control mechanism of cells through damaging the machineries involved in removal of aggregated abnormal protein. Therapeutic approaches to improve the efficiency of aggregate clearance through quality control mechanisms involve protein folding machineries such as chaperones and protein degradation machineries such as proteasome and autophagy. Also, to reduce protein aggregation by enhancing proper folding, to degrade and eliminate the aggregates are suggested to negatively regulate the HD progression associated with the disruption of protein homeostasis. This review focuses on the collection of therapeutic strategies targeting enhancement of protein quality control activity to delay the HD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachchida Nand Rai
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Brijesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Centre, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Aaina Singh Rathore
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Walia Zahra
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Chetan Keswani
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Hareram Birla
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Saumitra Sen Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Hagera Dilnashin
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Surya Pratap Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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29
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Rayner SL, Morsch M, Molloy MP, Shi B, Chung R, Lee A. Using proteomics to identify ubiquitin ligase-substrate pairs: how novel methods may unveil therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2499-2510. [PMID: 30919022 PMCID: PMC11105231 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03082-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin ligases play an integral role in fine-tuning signaling cascades necessary for normal cell function. Aberrant regulation of ubiquitin ligases has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, generally, due to mutations within the E3 ligase itself. Several proteomic-based methods have recently emerged to facilitate the rapid identification of ligase-substrate pairs-a previously challenging feat due to the transient nature of ligase-substrate interactions. These novel methods complement standard immunoprecipitations (IPs) and include proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID), ubiquitin ligase-substrate trapping, tandem ubiquitin-binding entities (TUBEs), and a molecular trapping unit known as the NEDDylator. The implementation of these techniques is expected to facilitate the rapid identification of novel substrates of E3 ubiquitin ligases, a process that is likely to enhance our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and highlight novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Rayner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Mark P Molloy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Pacific Hwy, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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30
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Weishäupl D, Schneider J, Peixoto Pinheiro B, Ruess C, Dold SM, von Zweydorf F, Gloeckner CJ, Schmidt J, Riess O, Schmidt T. Physiological and pathophysiological characteristics of ataxin-3 isoforms. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:644-661. [PMID: 30455355 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxin-3 is a deubiquitinating enzyme and the affected protein in the neurodegenerative disorder Machado-Joseph disease (MJD). The ATXN3 gene is alternatively spliced, resulting in protein isoforms that differ in the number of ubiquitin-interacting motifs. Additionally, nonsynonymous SNPs in ATXN3 cause amino acid changes in ataxin-3, and one of these polymorphisms introduces a premature stop codon in one isoform. Here, we examined the effects of different ataxin-3 isoforms and of the premature stop codon on ataxin-3's physiological function and on main disease mechanisms. At the physiological level, we show that alternative splicing and the premature stop codon alter ataxin-3 stability and that ataxin-3 isoforms differ in their enzymatic deubiquitination activity, subcellular distribution, and interaction with other proteins. At the pathological level, we found that the expansion of the polyglutamine repeat leads to a stabilization of ataxin-3 and that ataxin-3 isoforms differ in their aggregation properties. Interestingly, we observed a functional interaction between normal and polyglutamine-expanded ATXN3 allelic variants. We found that interactions between different ATXN3 allelic variants modify the physiological and pathophysiological properties of ataxin-3. Our findings indicate that alternative splicing and interactions between different ataxin-3 isoforms affect not only major aspects of ataxin-3 function but also MJD pathogenesis. Our results stress the importance of considering isoforms of disease-causing proteins and their interplay with the normal allelic variant as disease modifiers in MJD and autosomal-dominantly inherited diseases in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Weishäupl
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane Schneider
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Peixoto Pinheiro
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Corinna Ruess
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Maria Dold
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix von Zweydorf
- the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany, and
| | - Christian Johannes Gloeckner
- the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany, and.,the Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jana Schmidt
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schmidt
- From the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, .,the Center for Rare Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,the NGS Competence Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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31
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32
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Ueyama M, Nagai Y. Repeat Expansion Disease Models. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1076:63-78. [PMID: 29951815 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0529-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Repeat expansion disorders are a group of inherited neuromuscular diseases, which are caused by expansion mutations of repeat sequences in the disease-causing genes. Repeat expansion disorders include a class of diseases caused by repeat expansions in the coding region of the genes, producing mutant proteins with amino acid repeats, mostly the polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, and another class of diseases caused by repeat expansions in the noncoding regions, producing aberrant RNA with expanded repeats, which are called noncoding repeat expansion diseases. A variety of Drosophila disease models have been established for both types of diseases, and they have made significant contributions toward elucidating the molecular mechanisms of and developing therapies for these neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morio Ueyama
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
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Huang C, Ghanati E, Schmit JD. Theory of Sequence Effects in Amyloid Aggregation. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:5567-5578. [PMID: 29486561 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b11830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We present a simple model for the effect of amino acid sequences on amyloid fibril formation. Using the HP model we find the binding lifetimes of four simple sequences by solving the first passage time for the intermolecular H-bond reaction coordinate. We find that sequences with identical binding energies have widely varying binding times depending on where the aggregation prone amino acids are located in the sequence. In general, longer binding times occur when the aggregation prone amino acids are clustered in a single "hot spot". Similarly, binding times are shortened by clustering weakly bound residues. Both of these effects are explained by an increase in the multiplicity of unbinding trajectories that comes from adding weak binding residues. Our model predicts a transition from ordered to disordered fibrils as the concentration of monomers increases. We apply our model to Aβ, IAPP, and apomyoglobin using binding energy estimates derived from bioinformatics. We find that these sequences are highly selective of the in-register state. This selectivity arises from the having strongly bound segments of varying length and separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Huang
- Department of Physics , Kansas State University , Manhattan , Kansas 66506 , United States
| | - Elaheh Ghanati
- Department of Physics , Kansas State University , Manhattan , Kansas 66506 , United States
| | - Jeremy D Schmit
- Department of Physics , Kansas State University , Manhattan , Kansas 66506 , United States
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Ast A, Schindler F, Buntru A, Schnoegl S, Wanker EE. A Filter Retardation Assay Facilitates the Detection and Quantification of Heat-Stable, Amyloidogenic Mutant Huntingtin Aggregates in Complex Biosamples. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1780:31-40. [PMID: 29856013 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7825-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
N-terminal mutant huntingtin (mHTT) fragments with pathogenic polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts spontaneously form stable, amyloidogenic protein aggregates with a fibrillar morphology. Such structures are detectable in brains of Huntington's disease (HD) patients and various model organisms, suggesting that they play a critical role in pathogenesis. Heat-stable, fibrillar mHTT aggregates can be detected and quantified in cells and tissues using a denaturing filter retardation assay (FRA). Here, we describe step-by-step protocols and experimental procedures for the investigation of mHTT aggregates in complex biosamples using FRAs. The methods are illustrated with examples from studies in cellular, transgenic fly, and mouse models of HD, but can be adapted for any disease-relevant protein with amyloidogenic polyQ tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ast
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Schindler
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Buntru
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sigrid Schnoegl
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erich E Wanker
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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35
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Kim DK, Cho KW, Ahn WJ, Perez-Acuña D, Jeong H, Lee HJ, Lee SJ. Cell-to-cell Transmission of Polyglutamine Aggregates in C. elegans. Exp Neurobiol 2017; 26:321-328. [PMID: 29302199 PMCID: PMC5746497 DOI: 10.5607/en.2017.26.6.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and cognitive dysfunction caused by expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in exon 1 of huntingtin (HTT). In patients, the number of glutamine residues in polyQ tracts are over 35, and it is correlated with age of onset, severity, and disease progression. Expansion of polyQ increases the propensity for HTT protein aggregation, process known to be implicated in neurodegeneration. These pathological aggregates can be transmitted from neuron to another neuron, and this process may explain the pathological spreading of polyQ aggregates. Here, we developed an in vivo model for studying transmission of polyQ aggregates in a highly quantitative manner in real time. HTT exon 1 with expanded polyQ was fused with either N-terminal or C-terminal fragments of Venus fluorescence protein and expressed in pharyngeal muscles and associated neurons, respectively, of C. elegans. Transmission of polyQ proteins was detected using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Mutant polyQ (Q97) was transmitted much more efficiently than wild type polyQ (Q25) and forms numerous inclusion bodies as well. The transmission of Q97 was gradually increased with aging of animal. The animals with polyQ transmission exhibited degenerative phenotypes, such as nerve degeneration, impaired pharyngeal pumping behavior, and reduced life span. The C. elegans model presented here would be a useful in vivo model system for the study of polyQ aggregate propagation and might be applied to the screening of genetic and chemical modifiers of the propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyu-Won Cho
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Woo Jung Ahn
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Dayana Perez-Acuña
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hyunsu Jeong
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.,Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - He-Jin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,IBST, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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36
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Protein Misfolding and Aggregation as a Therapeutic Target for Polyglutamine Diseases. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7100128. [PMID: 29019918 PMCID: PMC5664055 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, such as Huntington’s disease and several types of spinocerebellar ataxias, are a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases that are caused by an abnormal expansion of the polyQ tract in disease-causative proteins. Proteins with an abnormally expanded polyQ stretch undergo a conformational transition to β-sheet rich structure, which assemble into insoluble aggregates with β-sheet rich amyloid fibrillar structures and accumulate as inclusion bodies in neurons, eventually leading to neurodegeneration. Since misfolding and aggregation of the expanded polyQ proteins are the most upstream event in the most common pathogenic cascade of the polyQ diseases, they are proposed to be one of the most ideal targets for development of disease-modifying therapies for polyQ diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of the polyQ diseases, and introduce therapeutic approaches targeting misfolding and aggregation of the expanded polyQ proteins, which are not only effective on a wide spectrum of polyQ diseases, but also broadly correct the functional abnormalities of multiple downstream cellular processes affected in the aggregation process of polyQ proteins. We hope that in the near future, effective therapies are developed, to bring hope to many patients suffering from currently intractable polyQ diseases.
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Jimenez-Sanchez M, Licitra F, Underwood BR, Rubinsztein DC. Huntington's Disease: Mechanisms of Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a024240. [PMID: 27940602 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a024240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat in the gene encoding the huntingtin protein. Despite its well-defined genetic origin, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease are unclear and complex. Here, we review some of the currently known functions of the wild-type huntingtin protein and discuss the deleterious effects that arise from the expansion of the CAG repeats, which are translated into an abnormally long polyglutamine tract. Finally, we outline some of the therapeutic strategies that are currently being pursued to slow down the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimenez-Sanchez
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Floriana Licitra
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin R Underwood
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Beechcroft, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge CB21 5EF, United Kingdom
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
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André W, Sandt C, Nondier I, Djian P, Hoffner G. Inclusions of R6/2 Mice Are Not Amyloid and Differ Structurally from Those of Huntington Disease Brain. Anal Chem 2017; 89:5201-5209. [PMID: 28398721 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
R6/2 mice contain an N-terminal fragment of human huntingtin with an expanded polyQ and develop a neurological disease resembling Huntington disease. Although the brain of R6/2 mice contains numerous inclusions, there is very little neuronal death. In that respect, R6/2 mice differ from patients with Huntington disease whose striatum and cerebral cortex develop inclusions associated with extensive neuronal loss. We have previously demonstrated using synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy that the striatum and the cortex of patients with Huntington disease contained inclusions specifically enriched in amyloid β-sheets. We had concluded that the presence of an amyloid motif conferred toxicity to the inclusions. We demonstrate here by synchrotron based infrared microspectroscopy in transmission and attenuated total reflectance mode that the inclusions of R6/2 mice possess no detectable amyloid and are composed of proteins whose structure is not distinguishable from that of the surrounding soluble proteins. The difference in structure between the inclusions of patients affected by Huntington disease and those of R6/2 mice might explain why the former but not the latter cause neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- William André
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris Descartes , UMR 8118, Laboratoire de Physiologie Cérébrale, 75006 Paris, France.,Synchrotron SOLEIL , 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Isabelle Nondier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris Descartes , UMR 8118, Laboratoire de Physiologie Cérébrale, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Djian
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris Descartes , UMR 8118, Laboratoire de Physiologie Cérébrale, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Guylaine Hoffner
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris Descartes , UMR 8118, Laboratoire de Physiologie Cérébrale, 75006 Paris, France
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Lee AL, Ung HM, Sands LP, Kikis EA. A new Caenorhabditis elegans model of human huntingtin 513 aggregation and toxicity in body wall muscles. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173644. [PMID: 28282438 PMCID: PMC5345860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Expanded polyglutamine repeats in different proteins are the known determinants of at least nine progressive neurodegenerative disorders whose symptoms include cognitive and motor impairment that worsen as patients age. One such disorder is Huntington’s Disease (HD) that is caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the human huntingtin protein (htt). The polyglutamine expansion destabilizes htt leading to protein misfolding, which in turn triggers neurodegeneration and the disruption of energy metabolism in muscle cells. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie htt proteotoxicity have been somewhat elusive, and the muscle phenotypes have not been well studied. To generate tools to elucidate the basis for muscle dysfunction, we engineered Caenorhabditis elegans to express a disease-associated 513 amino acid fragment of human htt in body wall muscle cells. We show that this htt fragment aggregates in C. elegans in a polyglutamine length-dependent manner and is toxic. Toxicity manifests as motor impairment and a shortened lifespan. Compared to previous models, the data suggest that the protein context in which a polyglutamine tract is embedded alters aggregation propensity and toxicity, likely by affecting interactions with the muscle cell environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Lee
- Biology Department, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, United States of America
| | - Hailey M. Ung
- Biology Department, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, United States of America
| | - L. Paul Sands
- Biology Department, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, United States of America
| | - Elise A. Kikis
- Biology Department, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Ben Yehuda A, Risheq M, Novoplansky O, Bersuker K, Kopito RR, Goldberg M, Brandeis M. Ubiquitin Accumulation on Disease Associated Protein Aggregates Is Correlated with Nuclear Ubiquitin Depletion, Histone De-Ubiquitination and Impaired DNA Damage Response. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169054. [PMID: 28052107 PMCID: PMC5215683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Deposition of ubiquitin conjugates on inclusion bodies composed of protein aggregates is a definitive cytopathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. We show that accumulation of ubiquitin on polyQ IB, associated with Huntington’s disease, is correlated with extensive depletion of nuclear ubiquitin and histone de-ubiquitination. Histone ubiquitination plays major roles in chromatin regulation and DNA repair. Accordingly, we observe that cells expressing IB fail to respond to radiomimetic DNA damage, to induce gamma-H2AX phosphorylation and to recruit 53BP1 to damaged foci. Interestingly ubiquitin depletion, histone de-ubiquitination and impaired DNA damage response are not restricted to PolyQ aggregates and are associated with artificial aggregating luciferase mutants. The longevity of brain neurons depends on their capacity to respond to and repair extensive ongoing DNA damage. Impaired DNA damage response, even modest one, could thus lead to premature neuron aging and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Ben Yehuda
- The Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marwa Risheq
- The Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Novoplansky
- The Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kirill Bersuker
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Ron R. Kopito
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Michal Goldberg
- The Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Brandeis
- The Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Safra Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
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41
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Wright DJ, Renoir T, Gray LJ, Hannan AJ. Huntington’s Disease: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 15:93-128. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-57193-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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42
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Zurawel AA, Kabeche R, DiGregorio SE, Deng L, Menon KM, Opalko H, Duennwald ML, Moseley JB, Supattapone S. CAG Expansions Are Genetically Stable and Form Nontoxic Aggregates in Cells Lacking Endogenous Polyglutamine Proteins. mBio 2016; 7:e01367-16. [PMID: 27677791 PMCID: PMC5040113 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01367-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing polyglutamine (polyQ) regions are found in almost all eukaryotes, albeit with various frequencies. In humans, proteins such as huntingtin (Htt) with abnormally expanded polyQ regions cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease (HD). To study how the presence of endogenous polyQ aggregation modulates polyQ aggregation and toxicity, we expressed polyQ expanded Htt fragments (polyQ Htt) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe In stark contrast to other unicellular fungi, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. pombe is uniquely devoid of proteins with more than 10 Q repeats. We found that polyQ Htt forms aggregates within S. pombe cells only with exceedingly long polyQ expansions. Surprisingly, despite the presence of polyQ Htt aggregates in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, no significant growth defect was observed in S. pombe cells. Further, PCR analysis showed that the repetitive polyQ-encoding DNA region remained constant following transformation and after multiple divisions in S. pombe, in contrast to the genetic instability of polyQ DNA sequences in other organisms. These results demonstrate that cells with a low content of polyQ or other aggregation-prone proteins can show a striking resilience with respect to polyQ toxicity and that genetic instability of repetitive DNA sequences may have played an important role in the evolutionary emergence and exclusion of polyQ expansion proteins in different organisms. IMPORTANCE Polyglutamine (polyQ) proteins encoded by repetitive CAG DNA sequences serve a variety of normal biological functions. Yet some proteins with abnormally expanded polyQ regions cause neurodegeneration through unknown mechanisms. To study how distinct cellular environments modulate polyQ aggregation and toxicity, we expressed CAG-expanded huntingtin fragments in Schizosaccharomyces pombe In stark contrast to many other eukaryotes, S. pombe is uniquely devoid of proteins containing long polyQ tracts. Our results show that S. pombe cells, despite their low content of endogenous polyQ proteins, exhibit striking and unexpected resilience with respect to polyQ toxicity and that genetic instability of repetitive DNA sequences may have played an important role in the emergence and expansion of polyQ domains in eukaryotic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Zurawel
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Ruth Kabeche
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Sonja E DiGregorio
- Department of Pathology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lin Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kartikeya M Menon
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Hannah Opalko
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Martin L Duennwald
- Department of Pathology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James B Moseley
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Surachai Supattapone
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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Krench M, Cho RW, Littleton JT. A Drosophila model of Huntington disease-like 2 exhibits nuclear toxicity and distinct pathogenic mechanisms from Huntington disease. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3164-3177. [PMID: 27288455 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease-like 2 (HDL2) and Huntington disease (HD) are adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases characterized by movement disorders, psychiatric disturbances and cognitive decline. Brain tissue from HD and HDL2 patients shows degeneration of the striatum and ubiquitinated inclusions immunoreactive for polyglutamine (polyQ) antibodies. Despite these similarities, the diseases result from different genetic mutations. HD is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, while HDL2 results from an expansion at the junctophilin 3 (JPH3) locus. Recent evidence indicates that the HDL2 expansion may give rise to a toxic polyQ protein translated from an antisense mRNA derived from the JPH3 locus. To investigate this hypothesis, we generated and characterized a Drosophila HDL2 model and compared it with a previously established HD model. We find that neuronal expression of HDL2-Q15 is not toxic, while the expression of an expanded HDL2-Q138 protein is lethal. HDL2-Q138 forms large nuclear aggregates, with only smaller puncta observed in the cytoplasm. This is in contrast to what is observed in a Drosophila model of HD, where polyQ aggregates localize exclusively to the cytoplasm. Altering localization of HLD2 with the addition of a nuclear localization or nuclear export sequence demonstrates that nuclear accumulation is required for toxicity in the Drosophila HDL2 model. Directing HDL2-Q138 to the nucleus exacerbates toxicity in multiple tissue types, while confining HDL2-Q138 to the cytoplasm restores viability to control levels. We conclude that while HD and HDL2 have similar clinical profiles, distinct pathogenic mechanisms are likely to drive toxicity in Drosophila models of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Krench
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
| | - Richard W Cho
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences .,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Zeng Y, Guo W, Xu G, Wang Q, Feng L, Long S, Liang F, Huang Y, Lu X, Li S, Zhou J, Burgunder JM, Pang J, Pei Z. Xyloketal-derived small molecules show protective effect by decreasing mutant Huntingtin protein aggregates in Caenorhabditis elegans model of Huntington's disease. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:1443-51. [PMID: 27110099 PMCID: PMC4835117 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s94666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder, with chorea as the most prominent manifestation. The disease is caused by abnormal expansion of CAG codon repeats in the IT15 gene, which leads to the expression of a glutamine-rich protein named mutant Huntingtin (Htt). Because of its devastating disease burden and lack of valid treatment, development of more effective therapeutics for Huntington's disease is urgently required. Xyloketal B, a natural product from mangrove fungus, has shown protective effects against toxicity in other neurodegenerative disease models such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. To identify potential neuroprotective molecules for Huntington's disease, six derivatives of xyloketal B were screened in a Caenorhabditis elegans Huntington's disease model; all six compounds showed a protective effect. Molecular docking studies indicated that compound 1 could bind to residues GLN369 and GLN393 of the mutant Htt protein, forming a stable trimeric complex that can prevent the formation of mutant Htt aggregates. Taken together, we conclude that xyloketal derivatives could be novel drug candidates for treating Huntington's disease. Molecular target analysis is a good method to simulate the interaction between proteins and drug compounds. Further, protective candidate drugs could be designed in future using the guidance of molecular docking results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zeng
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangzhou Center, Chinese Huntington's Disease Network, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Guo
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangqing Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinmei Wang
- Key laboratory on Assisted Circulation, Ministry of Health, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyang Feng
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangzhou Center, Chinese Huntington's Disease Network, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Simei Long
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengyin Liang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xilin Lu
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shichang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiebin Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jean-Marc Burgunder
- Swiss Huntington's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jiyan Pang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Pei
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangzhou Center, Chinese Huntington's Disease Network, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Ruff KM, Harmon TS, Pappu RV. CAMELOT: A machine learning approach for coarse-grained simulations of aggregation of block-copolymeric protein sequences. J Chem Phys 2015; 143:243123. [PMID: 26723608 PMCID: PMC4644154 DOI: 10.1063/1.4935066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the development and deployment of a coarse-graining method that is well suited for computer simulations of aggregation and phase separation of protein sequences with block-copolymeric architectures. Our algorithm, named CAMELOT for Coarse-grained simulations Aided by MachinE Learning Optimization and Training, leverages information from converged all atom simulations that is used to determine a suitable resolution and parameterize the coarse-grained model. To parameterize a system-specific coarse-grained model, we use a combination of Boltzmann inversion, non-linear regression, and a Gaussian process Bayesian optimization approach. The accuracy of the coarse-grained model is demonstrated through direct comparisons to results from all atom simulations. We demonstrate the utility of our coarse-graining approach using the block-copolymeric sequence from the exon 1 encoded sequence of the huntingtin protein. This sequence comprises of 17 residues from the N-terminal end of huntingtin (N17) followed by a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract. Simulations based on the CAMELOT approach are used to show that the adsorption and unfolding of the wild type N17 and its sequence variants on the surface of polyQ tracts engender a patchy colloid like architecture that promotes the formation of linear aggregates. These results provide a plausible explanation for experimental observations, which show that N17 accelerates the formation of linear aggregates in block-copolymeric N17-polyQ sequences. The CAMELOT approach is versatile and is generalizable for simulating the aggregation and phase behavior of a range of block-copolymeric protein sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiersten M Ruff
- Computational and Systems Biology Program and Center for Biological Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, USA
| | - Tyler S Harmon
- Department of Physics and Center for Biological Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, USA
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biological Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, CB 1097, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, USA
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Duarte-Silva S, Silva-Fernandes A, Neves-Carvalho A, Soares-Cunha C, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. Combined therapy with m-TOR-dependent and -independent autophagy inducers causes neurotoxicity in a mouse model of Machado-Joseph disease. Neuroscience 2015; 313:162-73. [PMID: 26601773 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A major pathological hallmark in several neurodegenerative disorders, like polyglutamine disorders (polyQ), including Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is the formation of protein aggregates. MJD is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene, resulting in an abnormal protein, which is prone to misfolding and forms cytoplasmic and nuclear aggregates within neurons, ultimately inducing neurodegeneration. Treatment of proteinopathies with drugs that up-regulate autophagy has shown promising results in models of polyQ diseases. Temsirolimus (CCI-779) inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR), while lithium chloride (LiCl) acts by inhibiting inositol monophosphatase, both being able to induce autophagy. We have previously shown that chronic treatment with LiCl (10.4 mg/kg) had limited effects in a transgenic MJD mouse model. Also, others have shown that CCI-779 had mild positive effects in a different mouse model of the disease. It has been suggested that the combination of mTOR-dependent and -independent autophagy inducers could be a more effective therapeutic approach. To further explore this avenue toward therapy, we treated CMVMJD135 transgenic mice with a conjugation of CCI-779 and LiCl, both at concentrations known to induce autophagy and not to be toxic. Surprisingly, this combined treatment proved to be deleterious to both wild-type (wt) and transgenic animals, failing to rescue their neurological symptoms and actually exerting neurotoxic effects. These results highlight the possible dangers of manipulating autophagy in the nervous system and suggest that a better understanding of the potential disruption in the autophagy pathway in MJD is required before successful long-term autophagy modulating therapies can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - A Silva-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - A Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - C Soares-Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - A Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - P Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Paine H. Does loss of the normal protein function contribute to the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/biohorizons/hzv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Ruff KM, Khan SJ, Pappu RV. A coarse-grained model for polyglutamine aggregation modulated by amphipathic flanking sequences. Biophys J 2015; 107:1226-1235. [PMID: 25185558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of proteins with expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts is directly relevant to the formation of neuronal intranuclear inclusions in Huntington's disease. In vitro studies have uncovered the effects of flanking sequences as modulators of the driving forces and mechanisms of polyQ aggregation in sequence segments associated with HD. Specifically, a seventeen-residue amphipathic stretch (N17) that is directly N-terminal to the polyQ tract in huntingtin decreases the overall solubility, destabilizes nonfibrillar aggregates, and accelerates fibril formation. Published results from atomistic simulations showed that the N17 module reduces the frequency of intermolecular association. Our reanalysis of these simulation results demonstrates that the N17 module also reduces interchain entanglements between polyQ domains. These two effects, which are observed on the smallest lengthscales, are incorporated into phenomenological pair potentials and used in coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations to investigate their impact on large-scale aggregation. We analyze the results from Brownian dynamics simulations using the framework of diffusion-limited cluster aggregation. When entanglements prevail, which is true in the absence of N17, small spherical clusters and large linear aggregates form on distinct timescales, in accord with in vitro experiments. Conversely, when entanglements are quenched and a barrier to intermolecular associations is introduced, both of which are attributable to N17, the timescales for forming small species and large linear aggregates become similar. Therefore, the combination of a reduction of interchain entanglements through homopolymeric polyQ and barriers to intermolecular associations appears to be sufficient for providing a minimalist phenomenological rationalization of in vitro observations regarding the effects of N17 on polyQ aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiersten M Ruff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biological Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Computational and Systems Biology Program, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Siddique J Khan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biological Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biological Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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Chen S, Zhang XJ, Xie WJ, Qiu HY, Liu H, Le WD. A New VMAT-2 Inhibitor NBI-641449 in the Treatment of Huntington Disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2015; 21:662-71. [PMID: 26122704 PMCID: PMC6495663 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the effectiveness of a new VMAT-2 inhibitor NBI-641449 in controlling hyperkinetic movements of Huntington disease (HD) and to investigate its possible therapeutic effects. METHODS We applied three different doses of NBI-641449 (1, 10, 100 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks in 4-month-old YAC128 mice and wild-type (WT) mice. Rotarod performance and locomotive activities were tested during the administration of the drug. The concentration of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites was quantified in the striatal tissues by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Neuron survival in striatum and huntingtin protein aggregates were assessed with immunostaining. Expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins were detected by immunoblotting. RESULTS Rotarod performance was significantly improved after treatment with low or middle dose of NBI-641449 in YAC128 mice. Open field test showed that NBI-641449 treatment could attenuate the increased horizontal activity (HACTV), total vertical movement, moving time, and moving distance in YAC128 mice. High dose of NBI-641449 might cause sedative effects in WT and YAC128 mice. HPLC showed that NBI-641449 caused a dose-dependent decrease of DA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid levels in the striatum. NeuN and DARPP-32 immunostaining revealed that NBI-641449 had no significant effect on the neuron survival in the striatum. However, NBI-641449 treatment reduced the huntingtin protein aggregates in the cortex of YAC128 mice. In addition, the levels of ER stress proteins were increased in YAC128 mice, which can be suppressed by NBI-641449. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that this new VMAT-2 inhibitor NBI-641449 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiao-Jie Zhang
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jie Xie
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Hong-Yan Qiu
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Dong Le
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center for Translational Research of Neurology Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Kalathur RKR, Giner-Lamia J, Machado S, Barata T, Ayasolla KRS, Futschik ME. The unfolded protein response and its potential role in Huntington's disease elucidated by a systems biology approach. F1000Res 2015; 4:103. [PMID: 26949515 PMCID: PMC4758378 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6358.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington ´s disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease with a fatal outcome. Although the disease-causing gene (huntingtin) has been known for over 20 years, the exact mechanisms leading to neuronal cell death are still controversial. One potential mechanism contributing to the massive loss of neurons observed in the brain of HD patients could be the unfolded protein response (UPR) activated by accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As an adaptive response to counter-balance accumulation of un- or misfolded proteins, the UPR upregulates transcription of chaperones, temporarily attenuates new translation, and activates protein degradation via the proteasome. However, persistent ER stress and an activated UPR can also cause apoptotic cell death. Although different studies have indicated a role for the UPR in HD, the evidence remains inconclusive. Here, we present extensive bioinformatic analyses that revealed UPR activation in different experimental HD models based on transcriptomic data. Accordingly, we have identified 53 genes, including RAB5A, HMGB1, CTNNB1, DNM1, TUBB, TSG101, EEF2, DYNC1H1, SLC12A5, ATG5, AKT1, CASP7 and SYVN1 that provide a potential link between UPR and HD. To further elucidate the potential role of UPR as a disease-relevant process, we examined its connection to apoptosis based on molecular interaction data, and identified a set of 40 genes including ADD1, HSP90B1, IKBKB, IKBKG, RPS3A and LMNB1, which seem to be at the crossroads between these two important cellular processes. Remarkably, we also found strong correlation of UPR gene expression with the length of the polyglutamine tract of Huntingtin, which is a critical determinant of age of disease onset in human HD patients pointing to the UPR as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. The study is complemented by a newly developed web-portal called UPR-HD (http://uprhd.sysbiolab.eu) that enables visualization and interactive analysis of UPR-associated gene expression across various HD models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joaquin Giner-Lamia
- Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Susana Machado
- Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Tania Barata
- Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | | | - Matthias E Futschik
- Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal; Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
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