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Luan T, Li Q, Huang Z, Feng Y, Xu D, Zhou Y, Hu Y, Wang T. Axonopathy Underlying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Unraveling Complex Pathways and Therapeutic Insights. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01267-2. [PMID: 39097850 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive axonopathy, jointly leading to the dying back of the motor neuron, disrupting both nerve signaling and motor control. In this review, we highlight the roles of axonopathy in ALS progression, driven by the interplay of multiple factors including defective trafficking machinery, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dysfunctional intracellular transport, caused by disruptions in microtubules, molecular motors, and adaptors, has been identified as a key contributor to disease progression. Aberrant protein aggregation involving TDP-43, FUS, SOD1, and dipeptide repeat proteins further amplifies neuronal toxicity. Mitochondrial defects lead to ATP depletion, oxidative stress, and Ca2+ imbalance, which are regarded as key factors underlying the loss of neuromuscular junctions and axonopathy. Mitigating these defects through interventions including neurotrophic treatments offers therapeutic potential. Collaborative research efforts aim to unravel ALS complexities, opening avenues for holistic interventions that target diverse pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongshu Luan
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qing Li
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yu Feng
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Duo Xu
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yiqing Hu
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Tong Wang
- The Brain Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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2
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Udine E, DeJesus-Hernandez M, Tian S, das Neves SP, Crook R, Finch NA, Baker MC, Pottier C, Graff-Radford NR, Boeve BF, Petersen RC, Knopman DS, Josephs KA, Oskarsson B, Da Mesquita S, Petrucelli L, Gendron TF, Dickson DW, Rademakers R, van Blitterswijk M. Abundant transcriptomic alterations in the human cerebellum of patients with a C9orf72 repeat expansion. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:73. [PMID: 38641715 PMCID: PMC11031479 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02720-2] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The most prominent genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a repeat expansion in the gene C9orf72. Importantly, the transcriptomic consequences of the C9orf72 repeat expansion remain largely unclear. Here, we used short-read RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to profile the cerebellar transcriptome, detecting alterations in patients with a C9orf72 repeat expansion. We focused on the cerebellum, since key C9orf72-related pathologies are abundant in this neuroanatomical region, yet TDP-43 pathology and neuronal loss are minimal. Consistent with previous work, we showed a reduction in the expression of the C9orf72 gene and an elevation in homeobox genes, when comparing patients with the expansion to both patients without the C9orf72 repeat expansion and control subjects. Interestingly, we identified more than 1000 alternative splicing events, including 4 in genes previously associated with ALS and/or FTLD. We also found an increase of cryptic splicing in C9orf72 patients compared to patients without the expansion and controls. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the expression level of select RNA-binding proteins is associated with cryptic splice junction inclusion. Overall, this study explores the presence of widespread transcriptomic changes in the cerebellum, a region not confounded by severe neurodegeneration, in post-mortem tissue from C9orf72 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Udine
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | | | - Shulan Tian
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Richard Crook
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - NiCole A Finch
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Matthew C Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Cyril Pottier
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Björn Oskarsson
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sandro Da Mesquita
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Tania F Gendron
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- VIB Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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3
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El-Agamy SE, Guillaud L, Kono K, Wu Y, Terenzio M. FMRP Long-Range Transport and Degradation Are Mediated by Dynlrb1 in Sensory Neurons. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100653. [PMID: 37739344 PMCID: PMC10625159 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein implicated in human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. FMRP mediates the localization and activity-dependent translation of its associated mRNAs through the formation of phase-separated condensates that are trafficked by microtubule-based motors in axons. Axonal transport and localized mRNA translation are critical processes for long-term neuronal survival and are closely linked to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. FMRP dynein-mediated axonal trafficking is still largely unexplored but likely to constitute a key process underlying FMRP spatiotemporal translational regulation. Here, we show that dynein light chain roadblock 1 (Dynlrb1), a subunit of the dynein complex, is a critical regulator of FMRP function. In sensory axons, FMRP associates with endolysosomal organelles, likely through annexin A11, and is retrogradely trafficked by the dynein complex in a Dynlrb1-dependent manner. Moreover, Dynlrb1 silencing induced FMRP granule accumulation and repressed the translation of microtubule-associated protein 1b, one of its primary mRNA targets. Our findings suggest that Dynlrb1 regulates FMRP function through the control of its transport and targeted degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Emad El-Agamy
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Laurent Guillaud
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Keiko Kono
- Membranology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yibo Wu
- YCI Laboratory for Next-Generation Proteomics, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; Chemical Biology Mass Spectrometry Platform (ChemBioMS), Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Terenzio
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan.
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Toni M, Arena C, Cioni C, Tedeschi G. Temperature- and chemical-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1276941. [PMID: 37854466 PMCID: PMC10579595 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1276941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout their lives, humans encounter a plethora of substances capable of inducing neurotoxic effects, including drugs, heavy metals and pesticides. Neurotoxicity manifests when exposure to these chemicals disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system, and some neurotoxic agents have been linked to neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The growing concern surrounding the neurotoxic impacts of both naturally occurring and man-made toxic substances necessitates the identification of animal models for rapid testing across a wide spectrum of substances and concentrations, and the utilization of tools capable of detecting nervous system alterations spanning from the molecular level up to the behavioural one. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is gaining prominence in the field of neuroscience due to its versatility. The possibility of analysing all developmental stages (embryo, larva and adult), applying the most common "omics" approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, etc.) and conducting a wide range of behavioural tests makes zebrafish an excellent model for neurotoxicity studies. This review delves into the main experimental approaches adopted and the main markers analysed in neurotoxicity studies in zebrafish, showing that neurotoxic phenomena can be triggered not only by exposure to chemical substances but also by fluctuations in temperature. The findings presented here serve as a valuable resource for the study of neurotoxicity in zebrafish and define new scenarios in ecotoxicology suggesting that alterations in temperature can synergistically compound the neurotoxic effects of chemical substances, intensifying their detrimental impact on fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Toni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Arena
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Cioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- CRC “Innovation for Well-Being and Environment” (I-WE), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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5
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Sanghai N, Tranmer GK. Biochemical and Molecular Pathways in Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Integrated View. Cells 2023; 12:2318. [PMID: 37759540 PMCID: PMC10527779 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are defined by a myriad of complex aetiologies. Understanding the common biochemical molecular pathologies among NDDs gives an opportunity to decipher the overlapping and numerous cross-talk mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Numerous interrelated pathways lead to the progression of neurodegeneration. We present evidence from the past pieces of literature for the most usual global convergent hallmarks like ageing, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity-induced calcium butterfly effect, defective proteostasis including chaperones, autophagy, mitophagy, and proteosome networks, and neuroinflammation. Herein, we applied a holistic approach to identify and represent the shared mechanism across NDDs. Further, we believe that this approach could be helpful in identifying key modulators across NDDs, with a particular focus on AD, PD, and ALS. Moreover, these concepts could be applied to the development and diagnosis of novel strategies for diverse NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitesh Sanghai
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
| | - Geoffrey K. Tranmer
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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Mei Y, Jiang Y, Zhang Z, Zhang H. Muscle and bone characteristics of a Chinese family with spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity predominant 1 (SMALED1) caused by a novel missense DYNC1H1 mutation. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:47. [PMID: 36882741 PMCID: PMC9990223 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01472-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity predominant (SMALED) is a type of non-5q spinal muscular atrophy characterised by weakness and atrophy of lower limb muscles without sensory abnormalities. SMALED1 can be caused by dynein cytoplasmic 1 heavy chain 1 (DYNC1H1) gene variants. However, the phenotype and genotype of SMALED1 may overlap with those of other neuromuscular diseases, making it difficult to diagnose clinically. Additionally, bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with SMALED1 have never been reported. METHODS We investigated a Chinese family in which 5 individuals from 3 generations had lower limb muscle atrophy and foot deformities. Clinical manifestations and biochemical and radiographic indices were analysed, and mutational analysis was performed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS A novel mutation in exon 4 of the DYNC1H1 gene (c.587T > C, p.Leu196Ser) was identified in the proband and his affected mother by WES. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the proband and 3 affected family members were carriers of this mutation. As leucine is a hydrophobic amino acid and serine is hydrophilic, the hydrophobic interaction resulting from mutation of amino acid residue 196 could influence the stability of the DYNC1H1 protein. Leg muscle magnetic resonance imaging of the proband revealed severe atrophy and fatty infiltration, and electromyographic recordings showed chronic neurogenic impairment of the lower extremities. Bone metabolism markers and BMD of the proband were all within normal ranges. None of the 4 patients had experienced fragility fractures. CONCLUSION This study identified a novel DYNC1H1 mutation and expands the spectrum of phenotypes and genotypes of DYNC1H1-related disorders. This is the first report of bone metabolism and BMD in patients with SMALED1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhao Mei
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center of Bone Disease, Department of Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200233, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunyi Jiang
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center of Bone Disease, Department of Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200233, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenlin Zhang
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center of Bone Disease, Department of Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200233, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center of Bone Disease, Department of Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200233, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Cozzi M, Ferrari V. Autophagy Dysfunction in ALS: from Transport to Protein Degradation. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1456-1481. [PMID: 35708843 PMCID: PMC9293831 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). Since the identification of the first ALS mutation in 1993, more than 40 genes have been associated with the disorder. The most frequent genetic causes of ALS are represented by mutated genes whose products challenge proteostasis, becoming unable to properly fold and consequently aggregating into inclusions that impose proteotoxic stress on affected cells. In this context, increasing evidence supports the central role played by autophagy dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of ALS. Indeed, in early stages of disease, high levels of proteins involved in autophagy are present in ALS MNs; but at the same time, with neurodegeneration progression, autophagy-mediated degradation decreases, often as a result of the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates in affected cells. Autophagy is a complex multistep pathway that has a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Several proteins are involved in its tight regulation, and importantly a relevant fraction of ALS-related genes encodes products that directly take part in autophagy, further underlining the relevance of this key protein degradation system in disease onset and progression. In this review, we report the most relevant findings concerning ALS genes whose products are involved in the several steps of the autophagic pathway, from phagophore formation to autophagosome maturation and transport and finally to substrate degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cozzi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmacologiche E Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Veronica Ferrari
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Farmacologiche E Biomolecolari, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Multiple roles for the cytoskeleton in ALS. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114143. [PMID: 35714755 PMCID: PMC10163623 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by more than sixty genes identified through classic linkage analysis and new sequencing methods. Yet no clear mechanism of onset, cure, or effective treatment is known. Popular discourse classifies the proteins encoded from ALS-related genes into four disrupted processes: proteostasis, mitochondrial function and ROS, nucleic acid regulation, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Surprisingly, the mechanisms detailing the contribution of the neuronal cytoskeletal in ALS are the least explored, despite involvement in these cell processes. Eight genes directly regulate properties of cytoskeleton function and are essential for the health and survival of motor neurons, including: TUBA4A, SPAST, KIF5A, DCTN1, NF, PRPH, ALS2, and PFN1. Here we review the properties and studies exploring the contribution of each of these genes to ALS.
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9
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Hasan R, Humphrey J, Bettencourt C, Newcombe J, Lashley T, Fratta P, Raj T. Transcriptomic analysis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology reveals cellular alterations across multiple brain regions. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:383-401. [PMID: 34961893 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02399-9/figures/4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Nuclear loss and cytoplasmic aggregation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 represents the major FTLD pathology, known as FTLD-TDP. To date, there is no effective treatment for FTLD-TDP due to an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease development. Here we compared postmortem tissue RNA-seq transcriptomes from the frontal cortex, temporal cortex, and cerebellum between 28 controls and 30 FTLD-TDP patients to profile changes in cell-type composition, gene expression and transcript usage. We observed downregulation of neuronal markers in all three regions of the brain, accompanied by upregulation of microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, as well as endothelial cells and pericytes, suggesting shifts in both immune activation and within the vasculature. We validate our estimates of neuronal loss using neuropathological atrophy scores and show that neuronal loss in the cortex can be mainly attributed to excitatory neurons, and that increases in microglial and endothelial cell expression are highly correlated with neuronal loss. All our analyses identified a strong involvement of the cerebellum in the neurodegenerative process of FTLD-TDP. Altogether, our data provides a detailed landscape of gene expression alterations to help unravel relevant disease mechanisms in FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Hasan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Estelle and Daniel Maggin Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jack Humphrey
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Estelle and Daniel Maggin Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Conceição Bettencourt
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Jia Newcombe
- NeuroResource, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Tammaryn Lashley
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Towfique Raj
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Estelle and Daniel Maggin Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Hasan R, Humphrey J, Bettencourt C, Newcombe J, Lashley T, Fratta P, Raj T. Transcriptomic analysis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology reveals cellular alterations across multiple brain regions. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:383-401. [PMID: 34961893 PMCID: PMC10725322 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02399-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Nuclear loss and cytoplasmic aggregation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 represents the major FTLD pathology, known as FTLD-TDP. To date, there is no effective treatment for FTLD-TDP due to an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease development. Here we compared postmortem tissue RNA-seq transcriptomes from the frontal cortex, temporal cortex, and cerebellum between 28 controls and 30 FTLD-TDP patients to profile changes in cell-type composition, gene expression and transcript usage. We observed downregulation of neuronal markers in all three regions of the brain, accompanied by upregulation of microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, as well as endothelial cells and pericytes, suggesting shifts in both immune activation and within the vasculature. We validate our estimates of neuronal loss using neuropathological atrophy scores and show that neuronal loss in the cortex can be mainly attributed to excitatory neurons, and that increases in microglial and endothelial cell expression are highly correlated with neuronal loss. All our analyses identified a strong involvement of the cerebellum in the neurodegenerative process of FTLD-TDP. Altogether, our data provides a detailed landscape of gene expression alterations to help unravel relevant disease mechanisms in FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Hasan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Estelle and Daniel Maggin Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jack Humphrey
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Estelle and Daniel Maggin Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Conceição Bettencourt
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Jia Newcombe
- NeuroResource, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Tammaryn Lashley
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Towfique Raj
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Estelle and Daniel Maggin Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Verma S, Khurana S, Vats A, Sahu B, Ganguly NK, Chakraborti P, Gourie-Devi M, Taneja V. Neuromuscular Junction Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1502-1527. [PMID: 34997540 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons leading to skeletal muscle denervation. Earlier studies have shown that motor neuron degeneration begins in motor cortex and descends to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in a dying forward fashion. However, accumulating evidences support that ALS is a distal axonopathy where early pathological changes occur at the NMJ, prior to onset of clinical symptoms and propagates towards the motor neuron cell body supporting "dying back" hypothesis. Despite several evidences, series of events triggering NMJ disassembly in ALS are still obscure. Neuromuscular junction is a specialized tripartite chemical synapse which involves a well-coordinated communication among the presynaptic motor neuron, postsynaptic skeletal muscle, and terminal Schwann cells. This review provides comprehensive insight into the role of NMJ in ALS pathogenesis. We have emphasized the molecular alterations in cellular components of NMJ leading to loss of effective neuromuscular transmission in ALS. Further, we provide a preview into research involved in exploring NMJ as potential target for designing effective therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Verma
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi, India
| | - Shiffali Khurana
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India.,Department of Biomedical Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Vats
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bandana Sahu
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | - Vibha Taneja
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, India.
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12
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Pan H, Chai W, Liu X, Yu T, Sun L, Yan M. DYNC1H1 regulates NSCLC cell growth and metastasis by IFN-γ-JAK-STAT signaling and is associated with an aberrant immune response. Exp Cell Res 2021; 409:112897. [PMID: 34717919 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112897] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is urgent to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to ameliorate the clinical prognosis of patients with lung cancer. The functional significance and molecular mechanism of dynein cytoplasmic 1 heavy chain 1 (DYNC1H1) in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression is still elusive. In our current study, publicly available data and Western blotting experiments confirmed that DYNC1H1 expression was upregulated in lung cancer samples compared with noncancerous samples. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) results indicated that high DYNC1H1 expression in lung cancer tissues was significantly associated with clinical tumor stage and distal metastasis; moreover, its high expression was negatively correlated with prognosis. Functional experiments demonstrated that DYNC1H1 loss of function caused a significant decrease in cell viability and cell proliferative ability, inhibition of the cell cycle, and promotion of both migration potential and invasion potential in vitro. Animal experiments by tail vein injection of lung cancer cells showed that DYNC1H1 knockdown significantly decreased lung cancer metastasis. Mechanistically, the results from a human protein array showed changes in the IFN-γ-JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) immune data demonstrated that disturbance of the immune microenvironment might be involved in the impaired growth and metastatic ability mediated by DYNC1H1 loss in NSCLC. DYNC1H1 might serve as a promising biological marker of prognosis and a potential clinical therapeutic target for patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Pan
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenjun Chai
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Mingxia Yan
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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13
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Lake J, Storm CS, Makarious MB, Bandres-Ciga S. Genetic and Transcriptomic Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Situation and the Road Ahead. Cells 2021; 10:1030. [PMID: 33925602 PMCID: PMC8170880 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are etiologically and clinically heterogeneous conditions, often reflecting a spectrum of disease rather than well-defined disorders. The underlying molecular complexity of these diseases has made the discovery and validation of useful biomarkers challenging. The search of characteristic genetic and transcriptomic indicators for preclinical disease diagnosis, prognosis, or subtyping is an area of ongoing effort and interest. The next generation of biomarker studies holds promise by implementing meaningful longitudinal and multi-modal approaches in large scale biobank and healthcare system scale datasets. This work will only be possible in an open science framework. This review summarizes the current state of genetic and transcriptomic biomarkers in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, providing a comprehensive landscape of recent literature and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lake
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.L.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Catherine S. Storm
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
- UCL Movement Disorders Centre, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Mary B. Makarious
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.L.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Sara Bandres-Ciga
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.L.); (M.B.M.)
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14
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Zhang J, Wang H, Liu W, Wang J, Zhang J, Chang X, Huang S, Pang X, Guo J, Wang Q, Zhang W. A novel Q93H missense mutation in DCTN1 caused distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 7B and Perry syndrome from a Chinese family. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:3695-3705. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04962-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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15
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Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Chaineau M, Durcan TM. The Neglected Genes of ALS: Cytoskeletal Dynamics Impact Synaptic Degeneration in ALS. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:594975. [PMID: 33281562 PMCID: PMC7691654 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.594975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that selectively affects motor neurons (MNs) of the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Several genes have been linked to both familial (fALS) and sporadic (sALS) cases of ALS. Among all the ALS-related genes, a group of genes known to directly affect cytoskeletal dynamics (ALS2, DCTN1, PFN1, KIF5A, NF-L, NF-H, PRPH, SPAST, and TUBA4A) is of high importance for MN health and survival, considering that MNs are large polarized cells with axons that can reach up to 1 m in length. In particular, cytoskeletal dynamics facilitate the transport of organelles and molecules across the long axonal distances within the cell, playing a key role in synapse maintenance. The majority of ALS-related genes affecting cytoskeletal dynamics were identified within the past two decades, making it a new area to explore for ALS. The purpose of this review is to provide insights into ALS-associated cytoskeletal genes and outline how recent studies have pointed towards novel pathways that might be impacted in ALS. Further studies making use of extensive analysis models to look for true hits, the newest technologies such as CRIPSR/Cas9, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and axon sequencing, as well as the development of more transgenic animal models could potentially help to: differentiate the variants that truly act as a primary cause of the disease from the ones that act as risk factors or disease modifiers, identify potential interactions between two or more ALS-related genes in disease onset and progression and increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to cytoskeletal defects. Altogether, this information will give us a hint on the real contribution of the cytoskeletal ALS-related genes during this lethal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathilde Chaineau
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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16
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Overhoff M, De Bruyckere E, Kononenko NL. Mechanisms of neuronal survival safeguarded by endocytosis and autophagy. J Neurochem 2020; 157:263-296. [PMID: 32964462 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multiple aspects of neuronal physiology crucially depend on two cellular pathways, autophagy and endocytosis. During endocytosis, extracellular components either unbound or recognized by membrane-localized receptors (termed "cargo") become internalized into plasma membrane-derived vesicles. These can serve to either recycle the material back to the plasma membrane or send it for degradation to lysosomes. Autophagy also uses lysosomes as a terminal degradation point, although instead of degrading the plasma membrane-derived cargo, autophagy eliminates detrimental cytosolic material and intracellular organelles, which are transported to lysosomes by means of double-membrane vesicles, referred to as autophagosomes. Neurons, like all non-neuronal cells, capitalize on autophagy and endocytosis to communicate with the environment and maintain protein and organelle homeostasis. Additionally, the highly polarized, post-mitotic nature of neurons made them adopt these two pathways for cell-specific functions. These include the maintenance of the synaptic vesicle pool in the pre-synaptic terminal and the long-distance transport of signaling molecules. Originally discovered independently from each other, it is now clear that autophagy and endocytosis are closely interconnected and share several common participating molecules. Considering the crucial role of autophagy and endocytosis in cell type-specific functions in neurons, it is not surprising that defects in both pathways have been linked to the pathology of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the recent knowledge of the role of endocytosis and autophagy in neurons with a special focus on synaptic physiology and discuss how impairments in genes coding for autophagy and endocytosis proteins can cause neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Overhoff
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elodie De Bruyckere
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Natalia L Kononenko
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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17
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Proteomics analysis of FUS mutant human motoneurons reveals altered regulation of cytoskeleton and other ALS-linked proteins via 3'UTR binding. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11827. [PMID: 32678235 PMCID: PMC7366621 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) mutated RNA binding proteins acquire aberrant functions, leading to altered RNA metabolism with significant impact on encoded protein levels. Here, by taking advantage of a human induced pluripotent stem cell-based model, we aimed to gain insights on the impact of ALS mutant FUS on the motoneuron proteome. Label-free proteomics analysis by mass-spectrometry revealed upregulation of proteins involved in catabolic processes and oxidation–reduction, and downregulation of cytoskeletal proteins and factors directing neuron projection. Mechanistically, proteome alteration does not correlate with transcriptome changes. Rather, we observed a strong correlation with selective binding of mutant FUS to target mRNAs in their 3′UTR. Novel validated targets, selectively bound by mutant FUS, include genes previously involved in familial or sporadic ALS, such as VCP, and regulators of membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton remodeling, such as ASAP1. These findings unveil a novel mechanism by which mutant FUS might intersect other pathogenic pathways in ALS patients’ motoneurons.
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18
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Andrés-Benito P, Povedano M, Torres P, Portero-Otín M, Ferrer I. Altered Dynein Axonemal Assembly Factor 1 Expression in C-Boutons in Bulbar and Spinal Cord Motor-Neurons in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 78:416-425. [PMID: 30939186 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz019] [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: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyneins are major components of microtubules. Dynein assembly is modulated by a heterogeneous group of dynein axonemal assembly factors (DNAAFs). The present study analyzes dynein axonemal assembly factor 1 (DNAAF1) and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 50 (LRRC50), the corresponding encoded protein, in lower motor neurons in spinal cord of sALS postmortem samples and hSOD1-G93A transgenic mice compared with controls. DNAAF1 mRNA is significantly reduced in the anterior horn in sALS, and LRRC50 immunoreactivity is significantly reduced in C-boutons of the remaining motor neurons of the anterior horn, dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve, and hypoglossal nuclei at terminal stages of ALS. LRRC50 immunoreactivity has a perinuclear distribution in motor neurons in sALS thus suggesting a disorder of transport. The number of LRRC50-/S1R-immunoreactive structures is also significantly decreased in hSOD1-G93A transgenic mice at the age of 90 days (preclinical stages), and the number of motor neurons with LRRC50-immunoreactive structures is significantly reduced in animals aged 150 days (clinical stages). These observations suggest cholinergic denervation of motor neurons as a pathogenic factor in motor neuron disease. LRRC50 protein levels were not detected in human CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Andrés-Benito
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Spain.,Institute Carlos III, Biomedical Network Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Povedano
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Service of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Pascual Torres
- Departament Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Lleida, Spain
| | - Manuel Portero-Otín
- Departament Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Lleida, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Spain.,Institute Carlos III, Biomedical Network Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuropathology, Pathologic Anatomy Service, Bellvitge University Hospital, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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DYNLRB1 is essential for dynein mediated transport and neuronal survival. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 140:104816. [PMID: 32088381 PMCID: PMC7273200 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic dynein motor complex transports essential signals and organelles from the cell periphery to the perinuclear region, hence is critical for the survival and function of highly polarized cells such as neurons. Dynein Light Chain Roadblock-Type 1 (DYNLRB1) is thought to be an accessory subunit required for specific cargos, but here we show that it is essential for general dynein-mediated transport and sensory neuron survival. Homozygous Dynlrb1 null mice are not viable and die during early embryonic development. Furthermore, heterozygous or adult knockdown animals display reduced neuronal growth, and selective depletion of Dynlrb1 in proprioceptive neurons compromises their survival. Conditional depletion of Dynlrb1 in sensory neurons causes deficits in several signaling pathways, including β-catenin subcellular localization, and a severe impairment in the axonal transport of both lysosomes and retrograde signaling endosomes. Hence, DYNLRB1 is an essential component of the dynein complex, and given dynein's critical functions in neuronal physiology, DYNLRB1 could have a prominent role in the etiology of human neurodegenerative diseases.
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20
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Tian WT, Liu LH, Zhou HY, Zhang C, Zhan FX, Zhu ZY, Chen SD, Luan XH, Cao L. New phenotype of DCTN1-related spectrum: early-onset dHMN plus congenital foot deformity. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:200-209. [PMID: 32023010 PMCID: PMC7034498 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical and genetic features of two patients with different phenotypes due to various Dynactin 1 (DCTN1) gene mutations and further explore the phenotype-genotype relationship. METHODS Patient 1 is a 23-year-old man with congenital foot deformity and life-long distal muscle weakness and atrophy. Patient 2 is a 48-year-old woman with adult-onset progressive weakness, lower limbs atrophy, and pyramid bundle signs. Electrophysiology test showed normal nerve conduction velocity of both patients and neurogenic changes in needle electromyography. Open sural nerve biopsy for Patient 1 showed slight loss of myelinated nerve fibers. Both patients were performed with whole-exome sequencing followed by functional study of identified variants. RESULTS Two mutations in DCTN1 gene were identified in Patient 1 (c.626dupC) and Patient 2 (c.3823C>T), respectively. In vitro, the wild type mostly located in cytoplasm and colocalized with α-tubulin. However, c.626dupC tended to be trapped into nuclear and the c.3823C>T formed cytoplasmic aggregates, both losing colocalization with α-tubulin. Western blotting showed a truncated mutant with less molecular weight of c.626dupC was expressed. INTERPRETATION We identify two novel DCTN1 mutations causing different phenotypes: (1) early-onset distal hereditary motor neuropathy plus congenital foot malformation and (2) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, respectively. We provide the initial evidence that foot developmental deficiency probably arises from subcellular localizing abnormality of Dynactin 1, revealing DCTN1-related spectrum is still expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wo-Tu Tian
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Hua Liu
- Department of Neurology, Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Jurong People's Hospital, Jurong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-Xia Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Yu Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Di Chen
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Hua Luan
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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21
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Perrone B, La Cognata V, Sprovieri T, Ungaro C, Conforti FL, Andò S, Cavallaro S. Alternative Splicing of ALS Genes: Misregulation and Potential Therapies. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:1-14. [PMID: 31385134 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00717-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's disease affect a rapidly increasing population worldwide. Although common pathogenic mechanisms have been identified (e.g., protein aggregation or dysfunction, immune response alteration and axonal degeneration), the molecular events underlying timing, dosage, expression, and location of RNA molecules are still not fully elucidated. In particular, the alternative splicing (AS) mechanism is a crucial player in RNA processing and represents a fundamental determinant for brain development, as well as for the physiological functions of neuronal circuits. Although in recent years our knowledge of AS events has increased substantially, deciphering the molecular interconnections between splicing and ALS remains a complex task and still requires considerable efforts. In the present review, we will summarize the current scientific evidence outlining the involvement of AS in the pathogenic processes of ALS. We will also focus on recent insights concerning the tuning of splicing mechanisms by epigenomic and epi-transcriptomic regulation, providing an overview of the available genomic technologies to investigate AS drivers on a genome-wide scale, even at a single-cell level resolution. In the future, gene therapy strategies and RNA-based technologies may be utilized to intercept or modulate the splicing mechanism and produce beneficial effects against ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Perrone
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Mangone, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Sprovieri
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Mangone, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Carmine Ungaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Mangone, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Luisa Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Catania, Italy.
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22
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Bercier V, Hubbard JM, Fidelin K, Duroure K, Auer TO, Revenu C, Wyart C, Del Bene F. Dynactin1 depletion leads to neuromuscular synapse instability and functional abnormalities. Mol Neurodegener 2019; 14:27. [PMID: 31291987 PMCID: PMC6617949 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-019-0327-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dynactin subunit 1 is the largest subunit of the dynactin complex, an activator of the molecular motor protein complex dynein. Reduced levels of DCTN1 mRNA and protein have been found in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, and mutations have been associated with disease, but the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis is still unknown. METHODS We characterized a Dynactin1a depletion model in the zebrafish embryo and combined in vivo molecular analysis of primary motor neuron development with live in vivo axonal transport assays in single cells to investigate ALS-related defects. To probe neuromuscular junction (NMJ) function and organization we performed paired motor neuron-muscle electrophysiological recordings and GCaMP calcium imaging in live, intact larvae, and the synapse structure was investigated by electron microscopy. RESULTS Here we show that Dynactin1a depletion is sufficient to induce defects in the development of spinal cord motor neurons and in the function of the NMJ. We observe synapse instability, impaired growth of primary motor neurons, and higher failure rates of action potentials at the NMJ. In addition, the embryos display locomotion defects consistent with NMJ dysfunction. Rescue of the observed phenotype by overexpression of wild-type human DCTN1-GFP indicates a cell-autonomous mechanism. Synaptic accumulation of DCTN1-GFP, as well as ultrastructural analysis of NMJ synapses exhibiting wider synaptic clefts, support a local role for Dynactin1a in synaptic function. Furthermore, live in vivo analysis of axonal transport and cytoskeleton dynamics in primary motor neurons show that the phenotype reported here is independent of modulation of these processes. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a novel role for Dynactin1 in ALS pathogenesis, where it acts cell-autonomously to promote motor neuron synapse stability independently of dynein-mediated axonal transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Bercier
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
- Present Address: VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeffrey M. Hubbard
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Kevin Fidelin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, F-75013 Paris, France
- Present Address: Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Karine Duroure
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Thomas O. Auer
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
- Present Address: Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Revenu
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Claire Wyart
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Filippo Del Bene
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
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23
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Extracellular RNAs as Biomarkers of Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133148. [PMID: 31252669 PMCID: PMC6651127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in the research for underlying mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has led to the development of potentially effective treatment, and hence increased the need for useful biomarkers that may enable early diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. The deposition of abnormal proteins is a pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, including β-amyloid in AD, α-synuclein in PD, and the transactive response DNA/RNA binding protein of 43kDa (TDP-43) in ALS. Furthermore, progression of the disease process accompanies the spreading of abnormal proteins. Extracellular proteins and RNAs, including mRNA, micro RNA, and circular RNA, which are present as a composite of exosomes or other forms, play a role in cell–cell communication, and the role of extracellular molecules in the cell-to-cell spreading of pathological processes in neurodegenerative diseases is now in the spotlight. Therefore, extracellular proteins and RNAs are considered potential biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular ALS, in which RNA dysregulation has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis. Here, we review extracellular proteins and RNAs that have been scrutinized as potential biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss the possibility of extracellular RNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring biomarkers of sporadic ALS.
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Gasperini L, Rossi A, Cornella N, Peroni D, Zuccotti P, Potrich V, Quattrone A, Macchi P. The hnRNP RALY regulates PRMT1 expression and interacts with the ALS-linked protein FUS: implication for reciprocal cellular localization. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:3067-3081. [PMID: 30354839 PMCID: PMC6340211 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-02-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The RBP associated with lethal yellow mutation (RALY) is a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family whose transcriptome and interactome have been recently characterized. RALY binds poly-U rich elements within several RNAs and regulates the expression as well as the stability of specific transcripts. Here we show that RALY binds PRMT1 mRNA and regulates its expression. PRMT1 catalyzes the arginine methylation of Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), an RNA-binding protein that interacts with RALY. We demonstrate that RALY down-regulation decreases protein arginine N-methyltransferase 1 levels, thus reducing FUS methylation. It is known that mutations in the FUS nuclear localization signal (NLS) retain the protein to the cytosol, promote aggregate formation, and are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Confirming that inhibiting FUS methylation increases its nuclear import, we report that RALY knockout enhances FUS NLS mutants’ nuclear translocation, hence decreasing aggregate formation. Furthermore, we characterize the RNA-dependent interaction of RALY with FUS in motor neurons. We show that mutations in FUS NLS as well as in RALY NLS reciprocally alter their localization and interaction with target mRNAs. These data indicate that RALY’s activity is impaired in FUS pathology models, raising the possibility that RALY might modulate disease onset and/or progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gasperini
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rossi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Nicola Cornella
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Peroni
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, CIBIO-Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Paola Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, CIBIO-Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Potrich
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, CIBIO-Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, CIBIO-Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Paolo Macchi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
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ATG5 overexpression is neuroprotective and attenuates cytoskeletal and vesicle-trafficking alterations in axotomized motoneurons. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:626. [PMID: 29799519 PMCID: PMC5967323 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0682-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Injured neurons should engage endogenous mechanisms of self-protection to limit neurodegeneration. Enhancing efficacy of these mechanisms or correcting dysfunctional pathways may be a successful strategy for inducing neuroprotection. Spinal motoneurons retrogradely degenerate after proximal axotomy due to mechanical detachment (avulsion) of the nerve roots, and this limits recovery of nervous system function in patients after this type of trauma. In a previously reported proteomic analysis, we demonstrated that autophagy is a key endogenous mechanism that may allow motoneuron survival and regeneration after distal axotomy and suture of the nerve. Herein, we show that autophagy flux is dysfunctional or blocked in degenerated motoneurons after root avulsion. We also found that there were abnormalities in anterograde/retrograde motor proteins, key secretory pathway factors, and lysosome function. Further, LAMP1 protein was missorted and underglycosylated as well as the proton pump v-ATPase. In vitro modeling revealed how sequential disruptions in these systems likely lead to neurodegeneration. In vivo, we observed that cytoskeletal alterations, induced by a single injection of nocodazole, were sufficient to promote neurodegeneration of avulsed motoneurons. Besides, only pre-treatment with rapamycin, but not post-treatment, neuroprotected after nerve root avulsion. In agreement, overexpressing ATG5 in injured motoneurons led to neuroprotection and attenuation of cytoskeletal and trafficking-related abnormalities. These discoveries serve as proof of concept for autophagy-target therapy to halting the progression of neurodegenerative processes.
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Webster CP, Smith EF, Shaw PJ, De Vos KJ. Protein Homeostasis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Therapeutic Opportunities? Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:123. [PMID: 28512398 PMCID: PMC5411428 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein homeostasis (proteostasis), the correct balance between production and degradation of proteins, is essential for the health and survival of cells. Proteostasis requires an intricate network of protein quality control pathways (the proteostasis network) that work to prevent protein aggregation and maintain proteome health throughout the lifespan of the cell. Collapse of proteostasis has been implicated in the etiology of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult onset motor neuron disorder. Here, we review the evidence linking dysfunctional proteostasis to the etiology of ALS and discuss how ALS-associated insults affect the proteostasis network. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic benefit of proteostasis network modulation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Webster
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Emma F Smith
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Kurt J De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
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Kuźma-Kozakiewicz M, Kaźmierczak B, Chudy A, Gajewska B, Barańczyk-Kuźma A. Alteration of Motor Protein Expression Involved in Bidirectional Transport in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. NEURODEGENER DIS 2016; 16:235-44. [PMID: 26954557 DOI: 10.1159/000443664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) is a fatal motor neuron degenerative disease of unclear pathogenesis. Disturbances of intracellular transport are possible causes of the disease. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the expression of motor proteins involved in the anterograde (kinesins KIF1B, KIF5C) and retrograde (KIFC3, dynactin subunits DCTN1 and DCTN3) intracellular transport in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS PBMCs were obtained from 74 SALS patients with different clinical phenotypes, 65 blood donors (healthy control I), and 29 cases with other neurological diseases (disease control II) divided into subgroups IIA (atypical parkinsonism) and IIB (ALS-mimicking disorders). mRNA expression was studied by real-time qPCR, and protein level by Western blotting. RESULTS In SALS, KIF5C and KIFC3 expression was significantly lower and DCTN1 higher than in control I, and dependent of age. KIF1B expression was significantly higher in SALS than in subgroup IIB, whereas DCTN1 and DCTN3 were higher in SALS than in subgroup IIA. All changes in the studied proteins were statistically significant in classic ALS but not in progressive muscular atrophy. CONCLUSION In SALS, and especially in classic ALS, the changes in motor protein expression may alter bidirectional intracellular transport in PBMCs. More studies are needed to find out whether the levels of KIF5C and DCTN1 may be useful in ALS diagnosis, and whether KIF1B expression may discriminate ALS from ALS-mimicking disorders.
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Tey S, Ahmad-Annuar A, Drew AP, Shahrizaila N, Nicholson GA, Kennerson ML. Mutation analysis of genes within the dynactin complex in a cohort of hereditary peripheral neuropathies. Clin Genet 2016; 90:127-33. [PMID: 26662454 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic dynein-dynactin genes are attractive candidates for neurodegenerative disorders given their functional role in retrograde transport along neurons. The cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain (DYNC1H1) gene has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, and dynactin 1 (DCTN1) genes have been implicated in a wide spectrum of disorders including motor neuron disease, Parkinson's disease, spinobulbar muscular atrophy and hereditary spastic paraplegia. However, the involvement of other dynactin genes with inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPN) namely, hereditary sensory neuropathy, hereditary motor neuropathy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is under reported. We screened eight genes; DCTN1-6 and ACTR1A and ACTR1B in 136 IPN patients using whole-exome sequencing and high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis. Eight non-synonymous variants (including one novel variant) and three synonymous variants were identified. Four variants have been reported previously in other studies, however segregation analysis within family members excluded them from causing IPN in these families. No variants of disease significance were identified in this study suggesting the dynactin genes are unlikely to be a common cause of IPNs. However, with the ease of querying gene variants from exome data, these genes remain worthwhile candidates to assess unsolved IPN families for variants that may affect the function of the proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tey
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Ahmad-Annuar
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A P Drew
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - N Shahrizaila
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - G A Nicholson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - M L Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Profilin 1 associates with stress granules and ALS-linked mutations alter stress granule dynamics. J Neurosci 2014; 34:8083-97. [PMID: 24920614 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0543-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the PFN1 gene encoding profilin 1 are a rare cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Profilin 1 is a well studied actin-binding protein but how PFN1 mutations cause ALS is unknown. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has one PFN1 ortholog. We expressed the ALS-linked profilin 1 mutant proteins in yeast, demonstrating a loss of protein stability and failure to restore growth to profilin mutant cells, without exhibiting gain-of-function toxicity. This model provides for simple and rapid screening of novel ALS-linked PFN1 variants. To gain insight into potential novel roles for profilin 1, we performed an unbiased, genome-wide synthetic lethal screen with yeast cells lacking profilin (pfy1Δ). Unexpectedly, deletion of several stress granule and processing body genes, including pbp1Δ, were found to be synthetic lethal with pfy1Δ. Mutations in ATXN2, the human ortholog of PBP1, are a known ALS genetic risk factor and ataxin 2 is a stress granule component in mammalian cells. Given this genetic interaction and recent evidence linking stress granule dynamics to ALS pathogenesis, we hypothesized that profilin 1 might also associate with stress granules. Here we report that profilin 1 and related protein profilin 2 are novel stress granule-associated proteins in mouse primary cortical neurons and in human cell lines and that ALS-linked mutations in profilin 1 alter stress granule dynamics, providing further evidence for the potential role of stress granules in ALS pathogenesis.
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Recent progress in the genetics of motor neuron disease. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:103-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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