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Zhao Q, He W, Liu Z, Huang L, Yang X, Liu Y, Chen R, Min X, Yang Y. LASS2 enhances p53 protein stability and nuclear import to suppress liver cancer progression through interaction with MDM2/MDMX. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:414. [PMID: 37963859 PMCID: PMC10646090 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01709-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
LASS2 functions as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, but the underlying mechanism of its action remains largely unknown. Moreover, details on its role and the downstream mechanisms in Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and hepatoblastoma (HB), are rarely reported. Herein, LASS2 overexpression was found to significantly inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion and induce apoptosis in hepatoma cells with wild-type (HB cell line HepG2) and mutated p53 (HCC cell line HCCLM3 and CCA cell line HuCCT1). Gene set enrichment analysis determined the enrichment of the differentially expressed genes caused by LASS2 in the p53 signaling pathway. Moreover, the low expression of LASS2 in HCC and CCA tumor tissues was correlated with the advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and the protein expression of LASS2 positively correlated with acetylated p53 (Lys373) protein levels. At least to some extent, LASS2 exerts its tumor-suppressive effects in a p53-dependent manner, in which LASS2 interacts with MDM2/MDMX and causes dual inhibition to disrupt p53 degradation by MDM2/MDMX. In addition, LASS2 induces p53 phosphorylation at ser15 and acetylation at lys373 to promote translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus. These findings provide new insights into the LASS2-induced tumor suppression mechanism in liver cancer and suggest LASS2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhouheng Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Liangliang Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Center of Forensic Expertise, Affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xun Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
- School of Forensic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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Gaudioso Á, Moreno-Huguet P, Casas J, Schuchman EH, Ledesma MD. Modulation of Dietary Choline Uptake in a Mouse Model of Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119756. [PMID: 37298714 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene-encoding acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). ASMD impacts peripheral organs in all patients, including the liver and spleen. The infantile and chronic neurovisceral forms of the disease also lead to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration for which there is no effective treatment. Cellular accumulation of sphingomyelin (SM) is a pathological hallmark in all tissues. SM is the only sphingolipid comprised of a phosphocholine group linked to ceramide. Choline is an essential nutrient that must be obtained from the diet and its deficiency promotes fatty liver disease in a process dependent on ASM activity. We thus hypothesized that choline deprivation could reduce SM production and have beneficial effects in ASMD. Using acid sphingomyelinase knock-out (ASMko) mice, which mimic neurovisceral ASMD, we have assessed the safety of a choline-free diet and its effects on liver and brain pathological features such as altered sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid composition, inflammation and neurodegeneration. We found that the choline-free diet was safe in our experimental conditions and reduced activation of macrophages and microglia in the liver and brain, respectively. However, there was no significant impact on sphingolipid levels and neurodegeneration was not prevented, arguing against the potential of this nutritional strategy to assist in the management of neurovisceral ASMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Gaudioso
- Centro Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Teo JD, Marian OC, Spiteri AG, Nicholson M, Song H, Khor JXY, McEwen HP, Ge A, Sen MK, Piccio L, Fletcher JL, King NJC, Murray SS, Brüning JC, Don AS. Early microglial response, myelin deterioration and lethality in mice deficient for very long chain ceramide synthesis in oligodendrocytes. Glia 2023; 71:1120-1141. [PMID: 36583573 PMCID: PMC10952316 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24329] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The sphingolipids galactosylceramide (GalCer), sulfatide (ST) and sphingomyelin (SM) are essential for myelin stability and function. GalCer and ST are synthesized mostly from C22-C24 ceramides, generated by Ceramide Synthase 2 (CerS2). To clarify the requirement for C22-C24 sphingolipid synthesis in myelin biosynthesis and stability, we generated mice lacking CerS2 specifically in myelinating cells (CerS2ΔO/ΔO ). At 6 weeks of age, normal-appearing myelin had formed in CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice, however there was a reduction in myelin thickness and the percentage of myelinated axons. Pronounced loss of C22-C24 sphingolipids in myelin of CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice was compensated by greatly increased levels of C18 sphingolipids. A distinct microglial population expressing high levels of activation and phagocytic markers such as CD64, CD11c, MHC class II, and CD68 was apparent at 6 weeks of age in CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice, and had increased by 10 weeks. Increased staining for denatured myelin basic protein was also apparent in 6-week-old CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice. By 16 weeks, CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice showed pronounced myelin atrophy, motor deficits, and axon beading, a hallmark of axon stress. 90% of CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice died between 16 and 26 weeks of age. This study highlights the importance of sphingolipid acyl chain length for the structural integrity of myelin, demonstrating how a modest reduction in lipid chain length causes exposure of a denatured myelin protein epitope and expansion of phagocytic microglia, followed by axon pathology, myelin degeneration, and motor deficits. Understanding the molecular trigger for microglial activation should aid the development of therapeutics for demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Teo
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Oana C. Marian
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alanna G. Spiteri
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Madeline Nicholson
- Department of Anatomy and PhysiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Huitong Song
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jasmine X. Y. Khor
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Holly P. McEwen
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anjie Ge
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Monokesh K. Sen
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Laura Piccio
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of NeurologyWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Jessica L. Fletcher
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchThe University of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Nicholas J. C. King
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Simon S. Murray
- Department of Anatomy and PhysiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Anthony S. Don
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
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Casadomé-Perales Á, Naya S, Fernández-Martínez E, Mille BG, Guerrero-Valero M, Peinado H, Guix FX, Dotti CG, Palomer E. Neuronal Prosurvival Role of Ceramide Synthase 2 by Olidogendrocyte-to-Neuron Extracellular Vesicle Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065986. [PMID: 36983060 PMCID: PMC10052063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is associated with notorious alterations in neurons, i.e., in gene expression, mitochondrial function, membrane degradation or intercellular communication. However, neurons live for the entire lifespan of the individual. One of the reasons why neurons remain functional in elderly people is survival mechanisms prevail over death mechanisms. While many signals are either pro-survival or pro-death, others can play both roles. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can signal both pro-toxicity and survival. We used young and old animals, primary neuronal and oligodendrocyte cultures and neuroblastoma and oligodendrocytic lines. We analysed our samples using a combination of proteomics and artificial neural networks, biochemistry and immunofluorescence approaches. We found an age-dependent increase in ceramide synthase 2 (CerS2) in cortical EVs, expressed by oligodendrocytes. In addition, we show that CerS2 is present in neurons via the uptake of oligodendrocyte-derived EVs. Finally, we show that age-associated inflammation and metabolic stress favour CerS2 expression and that oligodendrocyte-derived EVs loaded with CerS2 lead to the expression of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl2 in inflammatory conditions. Our study shows that intercellular communication is altered in the ageing brain, which favours neuronal survival through the transfer of oligodendrocyte-derived EVs containing CerS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Casadomé-Perales
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Naya
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Fernández-Martínez
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bea G Mille
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Guerrero-Valero
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc X Guix
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Bioengineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramón Llull (URL), 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos G Dotti
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernest Palomer
- Molecular Neuropathology Unit, Physiological and Pathological Processes Program, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Song H, McEwen HP, Duncan T, Lee JY, Teo JD, Don AS. Sphingosine kinase 2 is essential for remyelination following cuprizone intoxication. Glia 2021; 69:2863-2881. [PMID: 34399014 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutics that promote oligodendrocyte survival and remyelination are needed to restore neurological function in demyelinating diseases. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is an essential lipid metabolite that signals through five G-protein coupled receptors. S1P receptor agonists such as Fingolimod are valuable immunosuppressants used to treat multiple sclerosis, and promote oligodendrocyte survival. However, the role for endogenous S1P, synthesized by the enzyme sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2), in oligodendrocyte survival and myelination has not been established. This study investigated the requirement for SphK2 in oligodendrocyte survival and remyelination using the cuprizone mouse model of acute demyelination, followed by spontaneous remyelination. Oligodendrocyte density did not differ between untreated wild-type (WT) and SphK2 knockout (SphK2-/- ) mice. However, cuprizone treatment caused significantly greater loss of mature oligodendrocytes in SphK2-/- compared to WT mice. Following cuprizone withdrawal, spontaneous remyelination occurred in WT but not SphK2-/- mice, even though progenitor and mature oligodendrocyte density increased in both genotypes. Levels of cytotoxic sphingosine and ceramide were higher in the corpus callosum of SphK2-/- mice, and in contrast to WT mice, did not decline following cuprizone withdrawal in SphK2-/- mice. We also observed a significant reduction in myelin thickness with aging in SphK2-/- compared to WT mice. These results provide the first evidence that SphK2, the dominant enzyme catalyzing S1P synthesis in the adult brain, is essential for remyelination following a demyelinating insult and myelin maintenance with aging. We propose that persistently high levels of sphingosine and ceramide, a direct consequence of SphK2 deficiency, may block remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitong Song
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Holly P McEwen
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Duncan
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jun Yup Lee
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan D Teo
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony S Don
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Schmidt S, Gallego SF, Zelnik ID, Kovalchuk S, Albæk N, Sprenger RR, Øverup C, Pewzner-Jung Y, Futerman AH, Lindholm MW, Jensen ON, Ejsing CS. Silencing of ceramide synthase 2 in hepatocytes modulates plasma ceramide biomarkers predictive of cardiovascular death. Mol Ther 2021; 30:1661-1674. [PMID: 34400330 PMCID: PMC9077316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging clinical data show that three ceramide molecules, Cer d18:1/16:0, Cer d18:1/24:1, and Cer d18:1/24:0, are biomarkers of a fatal outcome in patients with cardiovascular disease. This finding raises basic questions about their metabolic origin, their contribution to disease pathogenesis, and the utility of targeting the underlying enzymatic machinery for treatment of cardiometabolic disorders. Here, we outline the development of a potent N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide engineered to silence ceramide synthase 2 specifically in hepatocytes in vivo. We demonstrate that this compound reduces the ceramide synthase 2 mRNA level and that this translates into efficient lowering of protein expression and activity as well as Cer d18:1/24:1 and Cer d18:1/24:0 levels in liver. Intriguingly, we discover that the hepatocyte-specific antisense oligonucleotide also triggers a parallel modulation of blood plasma ceramides, revealing that the biomarkers predictive of cardiovascular death are governed by ceramide biosynthesis in hepatocytes. Our work showcases a generic therapeutic framework for targeting components of the ceramide enzymatic machinery to disentangle their roles in disease causality and to explore their utility for treatment of cardiometabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Schmidt
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Sandra F Gallego
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Iris Daphne Zelnik
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sergey Kovalchuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Nanna Albæk
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Richard R Sprenger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Øverup
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Yael Pewzner-Jung
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Anthony H Futerman
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Marie W Lindholm
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Christer S Ejsing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate mediate the distinct effects of M1/M2-macrophage infusion on liver recovery after hepatectomy. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:324. [PMID: 33771984 PMCID: PMC7998020 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03616-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction is a life-threatening morbidity that lacks efficient therapy. Bioactive lipids involved in macrophage polarization crucially regulate tissue injury and regeneration. Herein, we investigate the key bioactive lipids that mediate the cytotherapeutic potential of polarized-macrophage for post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction. Untargeted lipidomics identified elevation of ceramide (CER) metabolites as signature lipid species relevant to M1/M2 polarization in mouse bone-marrow-derived-macrophages (BMDMs). M1 BMDMs expressed a CER-generation-metabolic pattern, leading to elevation of CER; M2 BMDMs expressed a CER-breakdown-metabolic pattern, resulting in upregulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). After infusing M1- or M2-polarized BMDMs into the mouse liver after hepatectomy, we found that M1-BMDM infusion increased M1 polarization and CER accumulation, resulting in exaggeration of hepatocyte apoptosis and liver dysfunction. Conversely, M2-BMDM infusion enhanced M2 polarization and S1P generation, leading to alleviation of liver dysfunction with improved hepatocyte proliferation. Treatment of exogenous CER and S1P or inhibition CER and S1P synthesis by siRNA targeting relevant enzymes further revealed that CER induced apoptosis while S1P promoted proliferation in post-hepatectomy primary hepatocytes. In conclusion, CER and S1P are uncovered as critical lipid mediators for M1- and M2-polarized BMDMs to promote injury and regeneration in the liver after hepatectomy, respectively. Notably, the upregulation of hepatic S1P induced by M2-BMDM infusion may have therapeutic potential for post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction.
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Markitantova Y, Simirskii V. Inherited Eye Diseases with Retinal Manifestations through the Eyes of Homeobox Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1602. [PMID: 32111086 PMCID: PMC7084737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal development is under the coordinated control of overlapping networks of signaling pathways and transcription factors. The paper was conceived as a review of the data and ideas that have been formed to date on homeobox genes mutations that lead to the disruption of eye organogenesis and result in inherited eye/retinal diseases. Many of these diseases are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity with already identified associated genes. We summarize the known key regulators of eye development, with a focus on the homeobox genes associated with monogenic eye diseases showing retinal manifestations. Recent advances in the field of genetics and high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies, including single-cell transcriptome analysis have allowed for deepening of knowledge of the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), as well as improve their diagnostics. We highlight some promising avenues of research involving molecular-genetic and cell-technology approaches that can be effective for IRDs therapy. The most promising neuroprotective strategies are aimed at mobilizing the endogenous cellular reserve of the retina.
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Simón MV, Prado Spalm FH, Vera MS, Rotstein NP. Sphingolipids as Emerging Mediators in Retina Degeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:246. [PMID: 31244608 PMCID: PMC6581011 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sphingolipids ceramide (Cer), sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), sphingosine (Sph), and ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) are key signaling molecules that regulate major cellular functions. Their roles in the retina have gained increasing attention during the last decade since they emerge as mediators of proliferation, survival, migration, neovascularization, inflammation and death in retina cells. As exacerbation of these processes is central to retina degenerative diseases, they appear as crucial players in their progression. This review analyzes the functions of these sphingolipids in retina cell types and their possible pathological roles. Cer appears as a key arbitrator in diverse retinal pathologies; it promotes inflammation in endothelial and retina pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and its increase is a common feature in photoreceptor death in vitro and in animal models of retina degeneration; noteworthy, inhibiting Cer synthesis preserves photoreceptor viability and functionality. In turn, S1P acts as a double edge sword in the retina. It is essential for retina development, promoting the survival of photoreceptors and ganglion cells and regulating proliferation and differentiation of photoreceptor progenitors. However, S1P has also deleterious effects, stimulating migration of Müller glial cells, angiogenesis and fibrosis, contributing to the inflammatory scenario of proliferative retinopathies and age related macular degeneration (AMD). C1P, as S1P, promotes photoreceptor survival and differentiation. Collectively, the expanding role for these sphingolipids in the regulation of critical processes in retina cell types and in their dysregulation in retina degenerations makes them attractive targets for treating these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Victoria Simón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Departamento De Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Facundo H Prado Spalm
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Departamento De Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Marcela S Vera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Departamento De Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Departamento De Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Yang F, Guan Y, Feng X, Rolfs A, Schlüter H, Luo J. Proteomics of the corpus callosum to identify novel factors involved in hypomyelinated Niemann-Pick Type C disease mice. Mol Brain 2019; 12:17. [PMID: 30866987 PMCID: PMC6417209 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0440-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypomyelination in the central nerves system (CNS) is one of the most obviously pathological features in Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NPC), which is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 or 2 (Npc1 or Npc2). Npc1 plays key roles in both neurons and oligodendrocytes during myelination, however, the linkage between the disturbed cholesterol transport and inhibited myelination is unrevealed. In this study, mass spectrometry (MS)-based differential quantitative proteomics was applied to compare protein composition in the corpus callosum between wild type (WT) and NPC mice. In total, 3009 proteins from both samples were identified, including myelin structural proteins, neuronal proteins, and astrocyte-specific proteins. In line to hypomyelination, our data revealed downregulation of myelin structural and indispensable proteins in Npc1 mutant mice. Notably, the reduced ceramide synthase 2 (Cers2), UDP glycosyltransferase 8 (Ugt8), and glycolipid transfer protein (Gltp) indicate the altered sphingolipid metabolism in the disease and the involvement of Gltp in myelination. The identification of most reported myelin structural proteins and proteins from other cell types advocates the use of the corpus callosum to investigate proteins in different cell types that regulate myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Strasse 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Yudong Guan
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xiao Feng
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Strasse 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Strasse 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jiankai Luo
- Albrecht-Kossel-Institute for Neuroregeneration, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Strasse 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany.
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11
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Glucosylceramide acyl chain length is sensed by the glycolipid transfer protein. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209230. [PMID: 30550553 PMCID: PMC6294359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycolipid transfer protein, GLTP, can be found in the cytoplasm, and it has a FFAT-like motif (two phenylalanines in an acidic tract) that targets it to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We have previously shown that GLTP can bind to a transmembrane ER protein, vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein A (VAP-A), which is involved in a wide range of ER functions. We have addressed the mechanisms that might regulate the association between GLTP and the VAP proteins by studying the capacity of GLTP to recognize different N-linked acyl chain species of glucosylceramide. We used surface plasmon resonance and a lipid transfer competition assay to show that GLTP prefers shorter N-linked fully saturated acyl chain glucosylceramides, such as C8, C12, and C16, whereas long C18, C20, and C24-glucosylceramides are all bound more weakly and transported more slowly than their shorter counterparts. Changes in the intrinsic GLTP tryptophan fluorescence blueshifts, also indicate a break-point between C16- and C18-glucosylceramide in the GLTP sensing ability. It has long been postulated that GLTP would be a sensor in the sphingolipid synthesis machinery, but how this mechanistically occurs has not been addressed before. It is unclear what proteins the GLTP VAP association would influence. Here we found that if GLTP has a bound GlcCer the association with VAP-A is weaker. We have also used a formula for identifying putative FFAT-domains, and we identified several potential VAP-interactors within the ceramide and sphingolipid synthesis pathways that could be candidates for regulation by GLTP.
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12
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Bickert A, Kern P, van Uelft M, Herresthal S, Ulas T, Gutbrod K, Breiden B, Degen J, Sandhoff K, Schultze JL, Dörmann P, Hartmann D, Bauer R, Willecke K. Inactivation of ceramide synthase 2 catalytic activity in mice affects transcription of genes involved in lipid metabolism and cell division. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2018; 1863:734-749. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Jin H, Wang C, Gu D, Zhang Y, Fan S, Xing S, Wang H, Ruan H, Yang C, Lv Y, Feng H, Yao M, Qin W. Liver-specific deletion of LASS2 delayed regeneration of mouse liver after partial hepatectomy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:1176-1183. [PMID: 28958935 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.09.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of liver regeneration is critical for patients with liver diseases. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver regeneration are still incompletely defined. Here, we assessed roles of LASS2 in liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy (PHx) in mice. Our results showed that protein level of LASS2 remarkably increased during liver regeneration after PHx in wildtype (WT) mice. Comparing to WT mice, liver regeneration index after PHx was significantly decreased from day 1 to day 5 in liver-specific LASS2 knockout (LASS2-LKO) mice. Interestingly, liver mass of LASS2-LKO mice could sufficiently recover at day 14 after PHx. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot analyses revealed that proliferation markers, such as PCNA and Ki67, were potently reduced during liver regeneration in LASS2-LKO mice. In addition, several cell cycle related molecules, such as cyclin A, CDK2 and p-Rb, were decreased in LASS2-LKO mice after PHx. Co-immunoprecipitation assay further revealed a decreased formation of CDK4/cyclin D1 complex after PHx in LASS2-LKO mice. However, phosphorylation of Akt was significantly activated from day 2 after PHx in LASS2-LKO mice when compared with that in WT mice, which may explain the recovery of liver mass at the late stage of liver regeneration in LASS2-LKO mice. Taken together, we conclude that LASS2 plays an important role in efficient liver regeneration in response to PHx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dishui Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yurong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shaohua Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shunpeng Xing
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haoyu Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hugang Feng
- Department of Life Science, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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14
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Garić D, De Sanctis JB, Wojewodka G, Houle D, Cupri S, Abu-Arish A, Hanrahan JW, Hajduch M, Matouk E, Radzioch D. Fenretinide differentially modulates the levels of long- and very long-chain ceramides by downregulating Cers5 enzyme: evidence from bench to bedside. J Mol Med (Berl) 2017; 95:1053-1064. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-017-1564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Rieck M, Kremser C, Jobin K, Mettke E, Kurts C, Gräler M, Willecke K, Kolanus W. Ceramide synthase 2 facilitates S1P-dependent egress of thymocytes into the circulation in mice. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:677-684. [PMID: 28198542 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Well-defined gradients of the lipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) direct chemotactic egress of mature thymocytes from the thymus into the circulation. Although it is known that these gradients result from low S1P levels in the thymic parenchyma and high S1P concentrations at the exit sites and in the plasma, the biochemical mechanisms that regulate these differential S1P levels remain unclear. Several studies demonstrated that ceramide synthase 2 (Cers2) regulates the levels of the S1P precursor sphingosine. We, therefore, investigated whether Cers2 is involved in the regulation of S1P gradients and S1P-dependent egress into the circulation. By analyzing Cers2-deficient mice, we demonstrate that Cers2 limits the levels of S1P in thymus and blood to maintain functional S1P gradients that mediate thymocyte emigration into the circulation. This function is specific for Cers2, as we also show that Cers4 is not involved in the regulation of thymic egress. Our study identified Cers2 as an important regulator of S1P-dependent thymic egress, and thus contributes to the understanding of how S1P gradients are maintained in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rieck
- Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christiane Kremser
- Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Jobin
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Mettke
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Kurts
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Gräler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), and the Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Waldemar Kolanus
- Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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16
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Brüggen B, Kremser C, Bickert A, Ebel P, Vom Dorp K, Schultz K, Dörmann P, Willecke K, Dedek K. Defective ceramide synthases in mice cause reduced amplitudes in electroretinograms and altered sphingolipid composition in retina and cornea. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:1700-13. [PMID: 27086873 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Complex sphingolipids are strongly expressed in neuronal tissue and contain ceramides in their backbone. Ceramides are synthesized by six ceramide synthases (CerS1-6). Although it is known that each tissue has a unique profile of ceramide synthase expression and ceramide synthases are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, the expression of ceramide synthase isoforms has not been investigated in the retina. Here we demonstrate CerS1, CerS2 and CerS4 expression in mouse retina and cornea, with CerS4 ubiquitously expressed in all retinal neurons and Müller cells. To test whether ceramide synthase deficiency affects retinal function, we compared electroretinograms and retina morphology between wild-type and CerS1-, CerS2- and CerS4-deficient mice. Electroretinograms were strongly reduced in amplitude in ceramide synthase-deficient mice, suggesting that signalling in the outer retina is affected. However, the number of photoreceptors and cone outer segment length were unaltered and no changes in retinal layer thickness or synaptic structures were found. Mass spectrometric analyses of ceramides, hexosyl-ceramides and sphingomyelins showed that C20 to C24 acyl-containing species were decreased whereas C16-containing species were increased in the retina of ceramide synthase-deficient mice. Similar but smaller changes were also found in the cornea. Thus, we hypothesize that the replacement of very long-chain fatty acyl residues by shorter C16 residues may affect the electrical properties of retina and cornea, and alter receptor-mediated signal transduction, vesicle-mediated synaptic transmission or corneal light transmission. Future studies need to identify the molecular targets of ceramides or derived sphingolipids in light signal transduction and transmission in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Brüggen
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Bickert
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Ebel
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Vom Dorp
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Konrad Schultz
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karin Dedek
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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17
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Wegner MS, Schiffmann S, Parnham MJ, Geisslinger G, Grösch S. The enigma of ceramide synthase regulation in mammalian cells. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 63:93-119. [PMID: 27180613 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide synthases (CerS) are key enzymes in the lipid metabolism of eukaryotic cells. Their products, ceramides (Cer), are components of cellular membranes but also mediate signaling functions in physiological processes such as proliferation, skin barrier function and cerebellar development. In pathophysiological processes such as multiple sclerosis and tumor progression, ceramide levels are altered, which can be ascribed, partly, to dysregulation of CerS gene transcription. Most publications deal with the effects of altered ceramide levels on physiological and pathophysiological processes, but the regulation of the appropriate CerS is frequently not investigated. This is insufficient for the clarification of the role of ceramides, because most ceramide species are generated by at least two CerS. The mechanisms of CerS regulation are manifold and it seems that each CerS isoform is regulated individually. For this reason, we discuss the different CerS separately in this review. From transcriptional regulation to alteration of protein activity, the possibilities to influence CerS are diverse. Furthermore, CerS are influenced by a variety of molecules including hormones and lipids. Without claiming completeness, we provide a résumé of the regulatory mechanisms for each CerS in mammalian cells and how dysregulation of these mechanisms during physiological processes may lead to pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe-Susanna Wegner
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael John Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Grösch
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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18
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Couttas TA, Kain N, Suchowerska AK, Quek LE, Turner N, Fath T, Garner B, Don AS. Loss of ceramide synthase 2 activity, necessary for myelin biosynthesis, precedes tau pathology in the cortical pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 43:89-100. [PMID: 27255818 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The anatomical progression of neurofibrillary tangle pathology throughout Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis runs inverse to the pattern of developmental myelination, with the disease preferentially affecting thinly myelinated regions. Myelin is comprised 80% of lipids, and the prototypical myelin lipids, galactosylceramide, and sulfatide are critical for neurological function. We observed severe depletion of galactosylceramide and sulfatide in AD brain tissue, which can be traced metabolically to the loss of their biosynthetic precursor, very long chain ceramide. The synthesis of very long chain ceramides is catalyzed by ceramide synthase 2 (CERS2). We demonstrate a significant reduction in CERS2 activity as early as Braak stage I/II in temporal cortex, and Braak stage III/IV in hippocampus and frontal cortex, indicating that loss of myelin-specific ceramide synthase activity precedes neurofibrillary tangle pathology in cortical regions. These findings open a new vista on AD pathogenesis by demonstrating a defect in myelin lipid biosynthesis at the preclinical stages of the disease. We posit that, over time, this defect contributes significantly to myelin deterioration, synaptic dysfunction, and neurological decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Couttas
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nupur Kain
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra K Suchowerska
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lake-Ee Quek
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nigel Turner
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Fath
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Garner
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony S Don
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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19
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Sugimoto M, Shimizu Y, Yoshioka T, Wakabayashi M, Tanaka Y, Higashino K, Numata Y, Sakai S, Kihara A, Igarashi Y, Kuge Y. Histological analyses by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-imaging mass spectrometry reveal differential localization of sphingomyelin molecular species regulated by particular ceramide synthase in mouse brains. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2015; 1851:1554-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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Marsching C, Rabionet M, Mathow D, Jennemann R, Kremser C, Porubsky S, Bolenz C, Willecke K, Gröne HJ, Hopf C, Sandhoff R. Renal sulfatides: sphingoid base-dependent localization and region-specific compensation of CerS2-dysfunction. J Lipid Res 2014; 55:2354-69. [PMID: 25267995 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m051839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian kidneys are rich in sulfatides. Papillary sulfatides, especially, contribute to renal adaptation to chronic metabolic acidosis. Due to differences in their cer-amide (Cer) anchors, the structural diversity of renal sulfatides is large. However, the underling biological function of this complexity is not understood. As a compound's function and its tissue location are intimately connected, we analyzed individual renal sulfatide distributions of control and Cer synthase 2 (CerS)2-deficient mice by imaging MS (IMS) and by LC-MS(2) (in controls for the cortex, medulla, and papillae separately). To explain locally different structures, we compared our lipid data with regional mRNA levels of corresponding anabolic enzymes. The combination of IMS and in source decay-LC-MS(2) analyses revealed exclusive expression of C20-sphingosine-containing sulfatides within the renal papillae, whereas conventional C18-sphingosine-containing compounds were predominant in the medulla, and sulfatides with a C18-phytosphingosine were restricted to special cortical structures. CerS2 deletion resulted in bulk loss of sulfatides with C23/C24-acyl chains, but did not lead to decreased urinary pH, as previously observed in sulfatide-depleted kidneys. The reasons may be the almost unchanged C22-sulfatide levels and constant total renal sulfatide levels due to compensation with C16- to C20-acyl chain-containing compounds. Intriguingly, CerS2-deficient kidneys were completely depleted of phytosphingosine-containing cortical sulfatides without any compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Marsching
- Center for Applied Research "Applied Biomedical Mass Spectrometry" (ABIMAS), Mannheim, Germany Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group within Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany Institute of Medical Technology, University of Heidelberg and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mariona Rabionet
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group within Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Mathow
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Christiane Kremser
- Molecular Genetics, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Christian Bolenz
- University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Molecular Genetics, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Center for Applied Research "Applied Biomedical Mass Spectrometry" (ABIMAS), Mannheim, Germany German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Hopf
- Center for Applied Research "Applied Biomedical Mass Spectrometry" (ABIMAS), Mannheim, Germany Institute of Medical Technology, University of Heidelberg and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group within Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology
| | - Roger Sandhoff
- Center for Applied Research "Applied Biomedical Mass Spectrometry" (ABIMAS), Mannheim, Germany Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group within Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany Instrumental Analytics and Bioanalytics, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
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21
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Ceramide synthase 4 deficiency in mice causes lipid alterations in sebum and results in alopecia. Biochem J 2014; 461:147-58. [PMID: 24738593 DOI: 10.1042/bj20131242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Five ceramide synthases (CerS2-CerS6) are expressed in mouse skin. Although CerS3 has been shown to fulfill an essential function during skin development, neither CerS6- nor CerS2-deficient mice show an obvious skin phenotype. In order to study the role of CerS4, we generated CerS4-deficient mice (Cers4-/-) and CerS4-specific antibodies. With these biological tools we analysed the tissue distribution and determined the cell-type specific expression of CerS4 in suprabasal epidermal layers of footpads as well as in sebaceous glands of the dorsal skin. Loss of CerS4 protein leads to an altered lipid composition of the sebum, which is more solidified and therefore might cause progressive hair loss due to physical blocking of the hair canal. We also noticed a strong decrease in C20 1,2-alkane diols consistent with the decrease of wax diesters in the sebum of Cers4-/- mice. Cers4-/- mice at 12 months old display additional epidermal tissue destruction due to dilated and obstructed pilary canals. Mass spectrometric analyses additionally show a strong decrease in C20-containing sphingolipids.
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The Histochem Cell Biol conspectus: the year 2013 in review. Histochem Cell Biol 2014; 141:337-63. [PMID: 24610091 PMCID: PMC7087837 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-014-1207-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we provide a brief synopsis of all manuscripts published in Histochem Cell Biol in the year 2013. For ease of reference, we have divided the manuscripts into the following categories: Advances in Methodologies; Molecules in Health and Disease; Organelles, Subcellular Structures and Compartments; Golgi Apparatus; Intermediate Filaments and Cytoskeleton; Connective Tissue and Extracellular Matrix; Autophagy; Stem Cells; Musculoskeletal System; Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems; Gastrointestinal Tract; Central Nervous System; Peripheral Nervous System; Excretory Glands; Kidney and Urinary Bladder; and Male and Female Reproductive Systems. We hope that the readership will find this annual journal synopsis of value and serve as a quick, categorized reference guide for “state-of-the-art” manuscripts in the areas of histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and cell biology.
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23
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Park JW, Park WJ, Futerman AH. Ceramide synthases as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2013; 1841:671-81. [PMID: 24021978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ceramide is located at a key hub in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway and also acts as an important cellular signaling molecule. Ceramide contains one acyl chain which is attached to a sphingoid long chain base via an amide bond, with the acyl chain varying in length and degree of saturation. The identification of a family of six mammalian ceramide synthases (CerS) that synthesize ceramide with distinct acyl chains, has led to significant advances in our understanding of ceramide biology, including further delineation of the role of ceramide in various pathophysiologies in both mice and humans. Since ceramides, and the complex sphingolipids generated from ceramide, are implicated in disease, the CerS might potentially be novel targets for therapeutic intervention in the diseases in which the ceramide acyl chain length is altered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled New Frontiers in Sphingolipid Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Won Park
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 158-710, South Korea
| | - Woo-Jae Park
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South Korea
| | - Anthony H Futerman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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24
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Schiffmann S, Birod K, Männich J, Eberle M, Wegner MS, Wanger R, Hartmann D, Ferreiros N, Geisslinger G, Grösch S. Ceramide metabolism in mouse tissue. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:1886-94. [PMID: 23792024 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides with different N-acyl chains can act as second messengers in various signaling pathways. They are involved in cell processes such as apoptosis, differentiation and inflammation. Ceramide synthases (CerS) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of ceramides and dihydroceramides. Six isoenzymes (CerS1-6) catalyze the N-acylation of the sphingoid bases, albeit with strictly acyl-Coenzyme A (CoA) chain length specificity. We analyzed the mRNA expression, the protein expression, the specific activity of the CerS, and acyl-CoA, dihydroceramide and ceramide levels in different tissues by LC-MS/MS. Our data indicate that each tissue express a distinct composition of CerS, whereby the CerS mRNA expression levels do not correlate with the respective protein expression levels in the tissues. Furthermore, we found a highly significant negative correlation between the protein expression level of CerS6 and the C16:0-acyl-CoA amounts as well as between the protein expression of CerS2 and C24:0-acyl-CoA amounts. These data indicate that in mouse tissues low substrate availability is compensated by higher CerS protein expression level and vice versa. Apart from the expression level and the specific activity of the CerS, other enzymes of the sphingolipid pathway also influence the composition of ceramides with distinct chain lengths in each cell. Acyl-CoA availability seems to be less important for ceramide composition and might be compensated for by CerS expression/activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schiffmann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main 60590, Germany.
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