1
|
Ma Z, Liu K, Li XR, Wang C, Liu C, Yan DY, Deng Y, Liu W, Xu B. Alpha-synuclein is involved in manganese-induced spatial memory and synaptic plasticity impairments via TrkB/Akt/Fyn-mediated phosphorylation of NMDA receptors. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:834. [PMID: 33033239 PMCID: PMC7545185 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03051-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) overexposure produces long-term cognitive deficits and reduces brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. However, it remains elusive whether Mn-dependent enhanced alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) expression, suggesting a multifaceted mode of neuronal toxicities, accounts for interference with BDNF/TrkB signaling. In this study, we used C57BL/6J WT and α-Syn knockout (KO) mice to establish a model of manganism and found that Mn-induced impairments in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity were related to the α-Syn protein. In addition, consistent with the long-term potentiation (LTP) impairments that were observed, α-Syn KO relieved Mn-induced degradation of PSD95, phosphorylated CaMKIIα, and downregulated SynGAP protein levels. We transfected HT22 cells with lentivirus (LV)-α-Syn shRNA, followed by BDNF and Mn stimulation. In vitro experiments indicated that α-Syn selectively interacted with TrkB receptors and inhibited BDNF/TrkB signaling, leading to phosphorylation and downregulation of GluN2B. The binding of α-Syn to TrkB and Fyn-mediated phosphorylation of GluN2B were negatively regulated by BDNF. Together, these findings indicate that Mn-dependent enhanced α-Syn expression contributes to further exacerbate BDNF protein-level reduction and to inhibit TrkB/Akt/Fyn signaling, thereby disturbing Fyn-mediated phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit at tyrosine. In KO α-Syn mice treated with Mn, spatial memory and LTP impairments were less pronounced than in WT mice. However, the same robust neuronal death was observed as a result of Mn-induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Ma
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuan Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Ru Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Ying Yan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Spencer B, Trinh I, Rockenstein E, Mante M, Florio J, Adame A, El-Agnaf OMA, Kim C, Masliah E, Rissman RA. Systemic peptide mediated delivery of an siRNA targeting α-syn in the CNS ameliorates the neurodegenerative process in a transgenic model of Lewy body disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 127:163-177. [PMID: 30849508 PMCID: PMC6588505 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders of the aging population are characterized by progressive accumulation of neuronal proteins such as α-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Amyloid ß (Aß) and Tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD) for which no treatments are currently available. The ability to regulate the expression at the gene transcription level would be beneficial for reducing the accumulation of these proteins or regulating expression levels of other genes in the CNS. Short interfering RNA molecules can bind specifically to target RNAs and deliver them for degradation. This approach has shown promise therapeutically in vitro and in vivo in mouse models of PD and AD and other neurological disorders; however, delivery of the siRNA to the CNS in vivo has been achieved primarily through intra-cerebral or intra-thecal injections that may be less amenable for clinical translation; therefore, alternative approaches for delivery of siRNAs to the brain is needed. Recently, we described a small peptide from the envelope protein of the rabies virus (C2-9r) that was utilized to deliver an siRNA targeting α-syn across the blood brain barrier (BBB) following intravenous injection. This approach showed reduced expression of α-syn and neuroprotection in a toxic mouse model of PD. However, since receptor-mediated delivery is potentially saturable, each allowing the delivery of a limited number of molecules, we identified an alternative peptide for the transport of nucleotides across the BBB based on the apolipoprotein B (apoB) protein targeted to the family of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDL-R). We used an 11-amino acid sequence from the apoB protein (ApoB11) that, when coupled with a 9-amino acid arginine linker, can transport siRNAs across the BBB to neuronal and glial cells. To examine the value of this peptide mediated oligonucleotide delivery system for PD, we delivered an siRNA targeting the α-syn (siα-syn) in a transgenic mouse model of PD. We found that ApoB11 was effective (comparable to C2-9r) at mediating the delivery of siα-syn into the CNS, co-localized to neurons and glial cells and reduced levels of α-syn protein translation and accumulation. Delivery of ApoB11/siα-syn was accompanied by protection from degeneration of selected neuronal populations in the neocortex, limbic system and striato-nigral system and reduced neuro-inflammation. Taken together, these results suggest that systemic delivery of oligonucleotides targeting α-syn using ApoB11 might be an interesting alternative strategy worth considering for the experimental treatment of synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Spencer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ivy Trinh
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Edward Rockenstein
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Adame
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Neurological Disorders Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Changyoun Kim
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratory of Neurogenetics National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Division of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bourdenx M, Koulakiotis NS, Sanoudou D, Bezard E, Dehay B, Tsarbopoulos A. Protein aggregation and neurodegeneration in prototypical neurodegenerative diseases: Examples of amyloidopathies, tauopathies and synucleinopathies. Prog Neurobiol 2015. [PMID: 26209472 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases that generate important health-related direct and indirect socio-economic costs. They are characterized by severe neuronal losses in several disease-specific brain regions associated with deposits of aggregated proteins. In Alzheimer's disease, β-amyloid peptide-containing plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau are the two main neuropathological lesions, while Parkinson's disease is defined by the presence of Lewy Bodies that are intraneuronal proteinaceous cytoplasmic inclusions. α-Synuclein has been identified as a major protein component of Lewy Bodies and heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. In the past few years, evidence has emerged to explain how these aggregate-prone proteins can undergo spontaneous self-aggregation, propagate from cell to cell, and mediate neurotoxicity. Current research now indicates that oligomeric forms are probably the toxic species. This article discusses recent progress in the understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms of protein aggregation, and emphasizes the pathophysiological molecular mechanisms leading to cellular toxicity. Finally, we present the putative direct link between β-amyloid peptide and tau in causing toxicity in Alzheimer's disease as well as α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease, along with some of the most promising therapeutic strategies currently in development for those incurable neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Bourdenx
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Despina Sanoudou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Benjamin Dehay
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Anthony Tsarbopoulos
- GAIA Research Center, Bioanalytical Department, The Goulandris Natural History Museum, Kifissia 14562, Greece; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Department of Pharmacology, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Athens 11527, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Boudreau RL, Rodríguez-Lebrón E, Davidson BL. RNAi medicine for the brain: progresses and challenges. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:R21-7. [PMID: 21459775 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi interference (RNAi) is a powerful gene silencing technology that has immense potential for treating a vast array of human ailments, for which suppressing disease-associated genes may provide clinical benefit. Here, we review the development of RNAi as a therapeutic modality for neurodegenerative diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). We overview promising preclinical data for the application of RNAi in the CNS and discuss key challenges (e.g. delivery and specificity) that remain as these approaches transition to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L Boudreau
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han Y, Khodr CE, Sapru MK, Pedapati J, Bohn MC. A microRNA embedded AAV α-synuclein gene silencing vector for dopaminergic neurons. Brain Res 2011; 1386:15-24. [PMID: 21338582 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (SNCA), an abundantly expressed presynaptic protein, is implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Since over-expression of human SNCA (hSNCA) leads to death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in human, rodent and fly brain, hSNCA gene silencing may reduce levels of toxic forms of SNCA and ameliorate degeneration of DA neurons in PD. To begin to develop a gene therapy for PD based on hSNCA gene silencing, two AAV gene silencing vectors were designed, and tested for efficiency and specificity of silencing, as well as toxicity in vitro. The same hSNCA silencing sequence (shRNA) was used in both vectors, but in one vector, the shRNA was embedded in a microRNA backbone and driven by a pol II promoter, and in the other the shRNA was not embedded in a microRNA and was driven by a pol III promoter. Both vectors silenced hSNCA to the same extent in 293T cells transfected with hSNCA. In DA PC12 cells, neither vector decreased expression of rat SNCA, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT) or the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT). However, the mir30 embedded vector was significantly less toxic to both PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells. Our in vitro data suggest that this miRNA-embedded silencing vector may be ideal for chronic in vivo SNCA gene silencing in DA neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Han
- Neurobiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Research Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University,Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Acsadi G, Li X, Murphy KJ, Swoboda KJ, Parker GC. Alpha-synuclein loss in spinal muscular atrophy. J Mol Neurosci 2010; 43:275-83. [PMID: 20640532 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-010-9422-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy, the most prevalent hereditary motor neuron disease, is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene. A significant reduction in the encoded SMN protein leads to the degeneration of motor neurons. However, the molecular events leading to this process are not well understood. The present study uses a previously developed neuronal cell culture model of spinal muscular atrophy for a multiplex transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, gene expression analysis was performed on in vitro cell cultures, as well as tissue samples of spinal muscular atrophy patients and transgenic mice. RNA and subsequent Western blot protein analyses suggest that low SMN levels are associated with significantly lower alpha-synuclein expression. Examination of two genes related to vesicular transport showed a similar though less dramatic decrease in expression. The 140-amino acid protein alpha-synuclein, dominant mutations of which have previously been associated with an autosomal dominant form of Parkinson's disease, is strongly expressed in select neurons of the brain. Although not well understood, the physiologic functions of alpha-synuclein have been linked to synaptic vesicular neurotransmitter release and neuroprotection, suggesting a possible contribution to Smn-deficient motor neuron pathology. Furthermore, alpha-synuclein may be a genetic modifier or biomarker of spinal muscular atrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyula Acsadi
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sen S, West AB. The therapeutic potential of LRRK2 and alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2009; 11:2167-87. [PMID: 19271991 PMCID: PMC2787962 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2009.2430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Current treatments for Parkinson's disease fail to modify disease progression, and the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain elusive. The identification of specific targets responsible for disease will aid in the development of relevant model systems and the discovery of neuroprotective and neurorestorative therapies. Two promising protein candidates, alpha-synuclein and LRRK2, offer unique insight into the molecular basis of disease and the potential to intervene in pathogenesis. Although multiple lines of evidence support alpha-synuclein and LRRK2 as robust targets for therapy, the connection between protein function and neurodegeneration is unclear. Technology capable of mitigating alpha-synuclein and LRRK2 disease-associated function will ultimately be required before the true value of these proteins as therapeutic targets can be discerned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Sen
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|