1
|
Jacob SM, Lee S, Kim SH, Sharkey KA, Pfeffer G, Nguyen MD. Brain-body mechanisms contribute to sexual dimorphism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024:10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7. [PMID: 38965379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of human motor neuron disease. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized motor weakness and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis and death within 3-5 years. The disease is shaped by genetics, age, sex and environmental stressors, but no cure or routine biomarkers exist for the disease. Male individuals have a higher propensity to develop ALS, and a different manifestation of the disease phenotype, than female individuals. However, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain a mystery. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of ALS, examine the sexually dimorphic presentation of the disease and highlight the genetic variants and molecular pathways that might contribute to sex differences in humans and animal models of ALS. We advance the idea that sexual dimorphism in ALS arises from the interactions between the CNS and peripheral organs, involving vascular, metabolic, endocrine, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are strikingly different between male and female individuals. Finally, we review the response to treatments in ALS and discuss the potential to implement future personalized therapeutic strategies for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sukyoung Lee
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nementzik LR, Thumbadoo KM, Murray HC, Gordon D, Yang S, Blair IP, Turner C, Faull RLM, Curtis MA, McLean C, Nicholson GA, Swanson MEV, Scotter EL. Distribution of ubiquilin 2 and TDP-43 aggregates throughout the CNS in UBQLN2 p.T487I-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Brain Pathol 2024; 34:e13230. [PMID: 38115557 PMCID: PMC11007053 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13230] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the UBQLN2 gene cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The neuropathology of such UBQLN2-linked cases of ALS/FTD is characterised by aggregates of the ubiquilin 2 protein in addition to aggregates of the transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43). ALS and FTD without UBQLN2 mutations are also characterised by TDP-43 aggregates, that may or may not colocalise with wildtype ubiquilin 2. Despite this, the relative contributions of TDP-43 and ubiquilin 2 to disease pathogenesis remain largely under-characterised, as does their relative deposition as aggregates across the central nervous system (CNS). Here we conducted multiplex immunohistochemistry of three UBQLN2 p.T487I-linked ALS/FTD cases, three non-UBQLN2-linked (sporadic) ALS cases, and 8 non-neurodegenerative disease controls, covering 40 CNS regions. We then quantified ubiquilin 2 aggregates, TDP-43 aggregates and aggregates containing both proteins in regions of interest to determine how UBQLN2-linked and non-UBQLN2-linked proteinopathy differ. We find that ubiquilin 2 aggregates that are negative for TDP-43 are predominantly small and punctate and are abundant in the hippocampal formation, spinal cord, all tested regions of neocortex, medulla and substantia nigra in UBQLN2-linked ALS/FTD but not sporadic ALS. Curiously, the striatum harboured small punctate ubiquilin 2 aggregates in all cases examined, while large diffuse striatal ubiquilin 2 aggregates were specific to UBQLN2-linked ALS/FTD. Overall, ubiquilin 2 is mainly deposited in clinically unaffected regions throughout the CNS such that symptomology in UBQLN2-linked cases maps best to the aggregation of TDP-43.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura R. Nementzik
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Kyrah M. Thumbadoo
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Helen C. Murray
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - David Gordon
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Shu Yang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ian P. Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Clinton Turner
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, LabPlusAuckland City HospitalAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Richard L. M. Faull
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Maurice A. Curtis
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Catriona McLean
- Department of Anatomical PathologyAlfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Garth A. Nicholson
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
- Northcott Neuroscience LaboratoryANZAC Research InstituteSydneyAustralia
- Molecular Medicine LaboratoryConcord Repatriation General HospitalSydneyAustralia
| | - Molly E. V. Swanson
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Emma L. Scotter
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim SH, Nichols KD, Anderson EN, Liu Y, Ramesh N, Jia W, Kuerbis CJ, Scalf M, Smith LM, Pandey UB, Tibbetts RS. Axon guidance genes modulate neurotoxicity of ALS-associated UBQLN2. eLife 2023; 12:e84382. [PMID: 37039476 PMCID: PMC10147378 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the ubiquitin (Ub) chaperone Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) cause X-linked forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) through unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that aggregation-prone, ALS-associated mutants of UBQLN2 (UBQLN2ALS) trigger heat stress-dependent neurodegeneration in Drosophila. A genetic modifier screen implicated endolysosomal and axon guidance genes, including the netrin receptor, Unc-5, as key modulators of UBQLN2 toxicity. Reduced gene dosage of Unc-5 or its coreceptor Dcc/frazzled diminished neurodegenerative phenotypes, including motor dysfunction, neuromuscular junction defects, and shortened lifespan, in flies expressing UBQLN2ALS alleles. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) harboring UBQLN2ALS knockin mutations exhibited lysosomal defects while inducible motor neurons (iMNs) expressing UBQLN2ALS alleles exhibited cytosolic UBQLN2 inclusions, reduced neurite complexity, and growth cone defects that were partially reversed by silencing of UNC5B and DCC. The combined findings suggest that altered growth cone dynamics are a conserved pathomechanism in UBQLN2-associated ALS/FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hwa Kim
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| | - Kye D Nichols
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| | - Eric N Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghUnited States
| | - Yining Liu
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| | - Nandini Ramesh
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghUnited States
| | - Weiyan Jia
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| | - Connor J Kuerbis
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| | - Mark Scalf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Lloyd M Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Udai Bhan Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghUnited States
| | - Randal S Tibbetts
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McDowell I, Ayoubi R, Fotouhi M, Southern K, McPherson PS, Laflamme C. The identification of high-preforming antibodies for Ubiquilin-2 for use in Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. F1000Res 2023; 12:355. [PMID: 37359784 PMCID: PMC10285353 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131851.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquilin-2, a member of the ubiquilin protein family, plays a role in the regulation of various protein degradation pathways, and is mutated in some neurodegenerative diseases. Well-characterized anti-Ubiquilin-2 antibodies would advance reproducible research for Ubiquilin-2 and in turn, benefit the scientific community. In this study, we characterized ten Ubiquilin-2 commercial antibodies for Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. We identified many high-performing antibodies and encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian McDowell
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Riham Ayoubi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Maryam Fotouhi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Kathleen Southern
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Peter S. McPherson
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Carl Laflamme
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | | | - ABIF Consortium
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Picher-Martel V, Boutej H, Vézina A, Cordeau P, Kaneb H, Julien JP, Genge A, Dupré N, Kriz J. Distinct Plasma Immune Profile in ALS Implicates sTNFR-II in pAMPK/Leptin Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065065. [PMID: 36982140 PMCID: PMC10049559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a clinically highly heterogeneous disease with a survival rate ranging from months to decades. Evidence suggests that a systemic deregulation of immune response may play a role and affect disease progression. Here, we measured 62 different immune/metabolic mediators in plasma of sporadic ALS (sALS) patients. We show that, at the protein level, the majority of immune mediators including a metabolic sensor, leptin, were significantly decreased in the plasma of sALS patients and in two animal models of the disease. Next, we found that a subset of patients with rapidly progressing ALS develop a distinct plasma assess immune–metabolic molecular signature characterized by a differential increase in soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II (sTNF-RII) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 16 (CCL16) and further decrease in the levels of leptin, mostly dysregulated in male patients. Consistent with in vivo findings, exposure of human adipocytes to sALS plasma and/or sTNF-RII alone, induced a significant deregulation in leptin production/homeostasis and was associated with a robust increase in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Conversely, treatment with an AMPK inhibitor restored leptin production in human adipocytes. Together, this study provides evidence of a distinct plasma immune profile in sALS which affects adipocyte function and leptin signaling. Furthermore, our results suggest that targeting the sTNF-RII/AMPK/leptin pathway in adipocytes may help restore assess immune–metabolic homeostasis in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Picher-Martel
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
- CHU de Québec, Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Hejer Boutej
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Alexandre Vézina
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Pierre Cordeau
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Hannah Kaneb
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dupré
- CHU de Québec, Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jasna Kriz
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-663-5000 (ext. 6732)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tamaki Y, Urushitani M. Molecular Dissection of TDP-43 as a Leading Cause of ALS/FTLD. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012508. [PMID: 36293362 PMCID: PMC9604209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA binding protein involved in pivotal cellular functions, especially in RNA metabolism. Hyperphosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions are identified in the brain and spinal cord in most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a substantial proportion of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) cases. TDP-43 dysfunctions and cytoplasmic aggregation seem to be the central pathogenicity in ALS and FTLD. Therefore, unraveling both the physiological and pathological mechanisms of TDP-43 may enable the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the current understanding of TDP-43 biology and pathology, describing the cellular processes involved in the pathogeneses of ALS and FTLD, such as post-translational modifications, RNA metabolism, liquid–liquid phase separation, proteolysis, and the potential prion-like propagation propensity of the TDP-43 inclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Tamaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin BC, Higgins NR, Phung TH, Monteiro MJ. UBQLN proteins in health and disease with a focus on UBQLN2 in ALS/FTD. FEBS J 2022; 289:6132-6153. [PMID: 34273246 PMCID: PMC8761781 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquilin (UBQLN) proteins are a dynamic and versatile family of proteins found in all eukaryotes that function in the regulation of proteostasis. Besides their canonical function as shuttle factors in delivering misfolded proteins to the proteasome and autophagy systems for degradation, there is emerging evidence that UBQLN proteins play broader roles in proteostasis. New information suggests the proteins function as chaperones in protein folding, protecting proteins prior to membrane insertion, and as guardians for mitochondrial protein import. In this review, we describe the evidence for these different roles, highlighting how different domains of the proteins impart these functions. We also describe how changes in the structure and phase separation properties of UBQLNs may regulate their activity and function. Finally, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms by which mutations in UBQLN2 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. We describe the animal model systems made for different UBQLN2 mutations and how lessons learnt from these systems provide fundamental insight into the molecular mechanisms by which UBQLN2 mutations drive disease pathogenesis through disturbances in proteostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Lin
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole R. Higgins
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trong H. Phung
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mervyn J. Monteiro
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mohan HM, Trzeciakiewicz H, Pithadia A, Crowley EV, Pacitto R, Safren N, Trotter B, Zhang C, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Basrur V, Paulson HL, Sharkey LM. RTL8 promotes nuclear localization of UBQLN2 to subnuclear compartments associated with protein quality control. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:176. [PMID: 35247097 PMCID: PMC9376861 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04170-z] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The brain-expressed ubiquilins (UBQLNs) 1, 2 and 4 are a family of ubiquitin adaptor proteins that participate broadly in protein quality control (PQC) pathways, including the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). One family member, UBQLN2, has been implicated in numerous neurodegenerative diseases including ALS/FTD. UBQLN2 typically resides in the cytoplasm but in disease can translocate to the nucleus, as in Huntington's disease where it promotes the clearance of mutant Huntingtin. How UBQLN2 translocates to the nucleus and clears aberrant nuclear proteins, however, is not well understood. In a mass spectrometry screen to discover UBQLN2 interactors, we identified a family of small (13 kDa), highly homologous uncharacterized proteins, RTL8, and confirmed the interaction between UBQLN2 and RTL8 both in vitro using recombinant proteins and in vivo using mouse brain tissue. Under endogenous and overexpressed conditions, RTL8 localizes to nucleoli. When co-expressed with UBQLN2, RTL8 promotes nuclear translocation of UBQLN2. RTL8 also facilitates UBQLN2's nuclear translocation during heat shock. UBQLN2 and RTL8 colocalize within ubiquitin-enriched subnuclear structures containing PQC components. The robust effect of RTL8 on the nuclear translocation and subnuclear localization of UBQLN2 does not extend to the other brain-expressed ubiquilins, UBQLN1 and UBQLN4. Moreover, compared to UBQLN1 and UBQLN4, UBQLN2 preferentially stabilizes RTL8 levels in human cell lines and in mouse brain, supporting functional heterogeneity among UBQLNs. As a novel UBQLN2 interactor that recruits UBQLN2 to specific nuclear compartments, RTL8 may regulate UBQLN2 function in nuclear protein quality control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harihar Milaganur Mohan
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | | | - Amit Pithadia
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Emily V Crowley
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Regina Pacitto
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Nathaniel Safren
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.,Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Bryce Trotter
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Chengxin Zhang
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Xiaogen Zhou
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Venkatesha Basrur
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA. .,Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| | - Lisa M Sharkey
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA. .,Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
TDP-43 pathology: from noxious assembly to therapeutic removal. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 211:102229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
10
|
Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Peng G, Gu A, Niu H, Chen L, Chen Y, Zhou M, Zhang Y, Liu J, Cai L, Liang D, Liu X, Liu M. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked mutation in Ubiquilin 2 affects stress granule assembly via TIA-1. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 28:105-115. [PMID: 34750982 PMCID: PMC8673703 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The ubiquilin‐like protein ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration (ALS/FTD). The biological function of UBQLN2 has previously been shown to be related to stress granules (SGs). In this study, we aimed to clarify the regulatory relationship between UBQLN2 and SGs. Methods In this study, we transfected UBQLN2‐WT or UBQLN2‐P497H plasmids into cell lines (HEK293T, HeLa), and observed the process of SG dynamics by immunofluorescence. Meanwhile, immunoblot analyses the protein changes of stress granules related components. Results We observed that ubiquilin 2 colocalizes with the SG component proteins G3BP1, TIA‐1, ATXN2, and PABPC1. In cells expressing WT UBQLN2 or P497H mutants, in the early stages of SG formation under oxidative stress, the percentage of cells with SGs and the number of SGs per cell decreased to varying degrees. Between WT and mutant, there was no significant difference in eIF2α activity after stress treatment. Interestingly, the UBQLN2 P497H mutant downregulates the level of TIA‐1. In addition, the overexpression of the UBQLN2 P497H mutant inhibited the phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and affected the nucleoplasmic distribution of TDP‐43. Conclusions Ubiquilin 2 colocalizes with the SG component proteins G3BP1, TIA‐1, ATXN2, and PABPC1. It participates in regulating SG dynamics. And UBQLN2 mutation affects the assembly of stress granules by regulating TIA‐1. In addition, the overexpression of the UBQLN2 P497H mutant inhibited the phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and affected the nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of TDP‐43. These provide new insights into the role of UBQLN2 in oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangnan Peng
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Ao Gu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Hongyan Niu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Miaojin Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Yiti Zhang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Licong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Xionghao Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Mujun Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yamaguchi M, Lee IS, Jantrapirom S, Suda K, Yoshida H. Drosophila models to study causative genes for human rare intractable neurological diseases. Exp Cell Res 2021; 403:112584. [PMID: 33812867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila is emerging as a convenient model for investigating human diseases. Functional homologues of almost 75% of human disease-related genes are found in Drosophila. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease that causes defects in motoneurons. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most commonly found inherited neuropathies affecting both motor and sensory neurons. No effective therapy has been established for either of these diseases. In this review, after overviewing ALS, Drosophila models targeting several ALS-causing genes, including TDP-43, FUS and Ubiquilin2, are described with their genetic interactants. Then, after overviewing CMT, examples of Drosophila models targeting several CMT-causing genes, including mitochondria-related genes and FIG 4, are also described with their genetic interactants. In addition, we introduce Sotos syndrome caused by mutations in the epigenetic regulator gene NSD1. Lastly, several genes and pathways that commonly interact with ALS- and/or CMT-causing genes are described. In the case of ALS and CMT that have many causative genes, it may be not practical to perform gene therapy for each of the many disease-causing genes. The possible uses of the common genes and pathways as novel diagnosis markers and effective therapeutic targets are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan; Kansai Gakken Laboratory, Kankyo Eisei Yakuhin Co. Ltd., Seika-cho, Kyoto, 619-0237, Japan
| | - Im-Soon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Salinee Jantrapirom
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kojiro Suda
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ubiquitin Homeostasis Is Disrupted in TDP-43 and FUS Cell Models of ALS. iScience 2020; 23:101700. [PMID: 33196025 PMCID: PMC7644588 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A major feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology is the accumulation of ubiquitin (Ub) into intracellular inclusions. This sequestration of Ub may reduce the availability of free Ub, disrupting Ub homeostasis and ultimately compromising cellular function and survival. We previously reported significant disturbance of Ub homeostasis in neuronal-like cells expressing mutant SOD1. Here, we show that Ub homeostasis is also perturbed in neuronal-like cells expressing either TDP-43 or FUS. The expression of mutant TDP-43 and mutant FUS led to UPS dysfunction, which was associated with a redistribution of Ub and depletion of the free Ub pool. Redistribution of Ub is also a feature of sporadic ALS, with an increase in Ub signal associated with inclusions and no compensatory increase in Ub expression. Together, these findings suggest that alterations to Ub homeostasis caused by the misfolding and aggregation of ALS-associated proteins play an important role in the pathogenesis of ALS.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang S, Tatman M, Monteiro MJ. Overexpression of UBQLN1 reduces neuropathology in the P497S UBQLN2 mouse model of ALS/FTD. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:164. [PMID: 33028421 PMCID: PMC7539388 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in UBQLN2 cause X-linked dominant inheritance of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). UBQLN2 belongs to a family of four highly homologous proteins expressed in humans that play diverse roles in maintaining proteostasis, but whether one isoform can substitute for another is not known. Here, we tested whether overexpression of UBQLN1 can alleviate disease in the P497S UBQLN2 mouse model of ALS/FTD by crossing transgenic (Tg) mouse lines expressing the two proteins and characterizing the resulting genotypes using a battery of pathologic and behavioral tests. The pathologic findings revealed UBQLN1 overexpression dramatically reduced the burden of UBQLN2 inclusions, neuronal loss and disturbances in proteostasis in double Tg mice compared to single P497S Tg mice. The beneficial effects of UBQLN1 overexpression were primarily confirmed by behavioral improvements seen in rotarod performance and grip strength in male, but not female mice. Paradoxically, although UBQLN1 overexpression reduced pathologic signatures of disease in P497S Tg mice, female mice had larger percentage of body weight loss than males, and this correlated with a corresponding lack of behavioral improvements in the females. These findings lead us to speculate that methods to upregulate UBQLN1 expression may reduce pathogenicity caused by UBQLN2 mutations, but may also lead to gender-specific outcomes that will have to be carefully weighed with the therapeutic benefits of UBQLN1 upregulation.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zheng T, Yang Y, Castañeda CA. Structure, dynamics and functions of UBQLNs: at the crossroads of protein quality control machinery. Biochem J 2020; 477:3471-3497. [PMID: 32965492 PMCID: PMC7737201 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cells rely on protein homeostasis to maintain proper biological functions. Dysregulation of protein homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Ubiquilins (UBQLNs) are versatile proteins that engage with many components of protein quality control (PQC) machinery in cells. Disease-linked mutations of UBQLNs are most commonly associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other neurodegenerative disorders. UBQLNs play well-established roles in PQC processes, including facilitating degradation of substrates through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), autophagy, and endoplasmic-reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD) pathways. In addition, UBQLNs engage with chaperones to sequester, degrade, or assist repair of misfolded client proteins. Furthermore, UBQLNs regulate DNA damage repair mechanisms, interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and engage with cytoskeletal elements to regulate cell differentiation and development. Important to the myriad functions of UBQLNs are its multidomain architecture and ability to self-associate. UBQLNs are linked to numerous types of cellular puncta, including stress-induced biomolecular condensates, autophagosomes, aggresomes, and aggregates. In this review, we focus on deciphering how UBQLNs function on a molecular level. We examine the properties of oligomerization-driven interactions among the structured and intrinsically disordered segments of UBQLNs. These interactions, together with the knowledge from studies of disease-linked mutations, provide significant insights to UBQLN structure, dynamics and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongyin Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, U.S.A
| | - Yiran Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, U.S.A
| | - Carlos A. Castañeda
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, U.S.A
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, U.S.A
- Bioinspired Institute, and the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Suk TR, Rousseaux MWC. The role of TDP-43 mislocalization in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:45. [PMID: 32799899 PMCID: PMC7429473 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00397-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery as a primary component in cytoplasmic aggregates in post-mortem tissue of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) has remained a central focus to understand the disease. TDP-43 links both familial and sporadic forms of ALS as mutations are causative for disease and cytoplasmic aggregates are a hallmark of nearly all cases, regardless of TDP-43 mutational status. Research has focused on the formation and consequences of cytosolic protein aggregates as drivers of ALS pathology through both gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms. Not only does aggregation sequester the normal function of TDP-43, but these aggregates also actively block normal cellular processes inevitably leading to cellular demise in a short time span. Although there may be some benefit to therapeutically targeting TDP-43 aggregation, this step may be too late in disease development to have substantial therapeutic benefit. However, TDP-43 pathology appears to be tightly linked with its mislocalization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, making it difficult to decouple the consequences of nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mislocalization from protein aggregation. Studies focusing on the effects of TDP-43 mislocalization have demonstrated both gain- and loss-of-function consequences including altered splicing regulation, over responsiveness to cellular stressors, increases in DNA damage, and transcriptome-wide changes. Additionally, mutations in TARDBP confer a baseline increase in cytoplasmic TDP-43 thus suggesting that small changes in the subcellular localization of TDP-43 could in fact drive early pathology. In this review, we bring forth the theme of protein mislocalization as a key mechanism underlying ALS, by highlighting the importance of maintaining subcellular proteostasis along with the gain- and loss-of-functional consequences when TDP-43 localization is dysregulated. Additional research, focusing on early events in TDP-43 pathogenesis (i.e. to the protein mislocalization stage) will provide insight into disease mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and novel biomarkers for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terry R. Suk
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Maxime W. C. Rousseaux
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Eric Poulin Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mishra PS, Boutej H, Soucy G, Bareil C, Kumar S, Picher-Martel V, Dupré N, Kriz J, Julien JP. Transmission of ALS pathogenesis by the cerebrospinal fluid. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:65. [PMID: 32381112 PMCID: PMC7206749 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00943-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could provide a spreading route for pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we have examined the effects of intraventricular infusion during 2 weeks of pooled CSF samples from sporadic ALS patients or control CSF samples into transgenic mice expressing human TDP43WT which do not develop pathological phenotypes. Infusion of ALS-CSF, but not of control CSF, triggered motor and cognitive dysfunction, as well as ALS-like pathological changes including TDP43 proteinopathy, neurofilament disorganization and neuroinflammation. In addition, the neuron-specific translational profiles from peptide analyses of immunoprecipitated ribosomes revealed dysregulation of multiple protein networks in response to ALS-CSF altering cytoskeletal organization, vesicle trafficking, mitochondrial function, and cell metabolism. With normal mice, similar ALS-CSF infusion induced mild motor dysfunction but without significant TDP43 pathology in spinal neurons. We conclude that the CSF from sporadic ALS contains factors that can transmit and disseminate disease including TDP43 proteinopathy into appropriate recipient animal model expressing human TDP43. These findings open new research avenues for the discovery of etiogenic factors for sporadic ALS and for the testing of drugs aiming to neutralize the ALS-CSF toxicity.
Collapse
|
18
|
Renaud L, Picher-Martel V, Codron P, Julien JP. Key role of UBQLN2 in pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:103. [PMID: 31319884 PMCID: PMC6889556 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0758-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquilin-2 (UBQLN2) is a member of the ubiquilin family, actively implicated in the degradation of misfolded and redundant proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system and macroautophagy. UBQLN2 received much attention after the discovery of gene mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). The abnormal presence of positive UBQLN2 inclusion in the cytosol of degenerating motor neurons of familial and sporadic forms of ALS patients has been newly related to neurodegeneration. Only recently, data have emerged on its role in liquid-liquid phase separation, in stress granule development and in the formation of secondary amyloid structures. Furthermore, several animal models are available to investigate its involvement in TDP-43 pathology and neuroinflammation in ALS. This review addresses the molecular pathogenetic pathways involving UBQLN2 abnormalities which are converging toward defects in clearance mechanisms. UBQLN2.
Collapse
|