1
|
Fernando KS, Chau Y. Multi-scale in silico analysis of the phase separation behavior of FUS mutants. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:12608-12617. [PMID: 39495179 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb01512f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is an intrinsically disordered RNA-binding protein that helps to regulate transcription and RNA transport while reversibly assembling into membraneless organelles (MLOs). Some mutations of FUS can promote irreversible aggregation, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. We previously reported a multi-scale computational framework combining a series of molecular dynamics simulations (MD) followed by lattice Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to describe the tendency and dynamics of the assembly and disassembly of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) using wild-type (WT)-FUS as an illustrative example. In this study, we utilized our computational model to simulate three FUS mutants widely experimented with glycine point mutation G156E, arginine point mutation R244C, and deletion of the C-terminal nuclear localization signal (ΔNLS). MD simulation results conveyed that G156E has improved sticker contact probability compared to WT-FUS, while R244C has slightly lower contact probability, which is also complemented by change of net interactions according to the molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) method. The MC simulation results revealed that G156E has a higher aggregation propensity than the WT-FUS, while ΔNLS has more liquid-like assemblies. R244C demonstrated higher dynamics at the beginning, while over the evolution of MC simulations, it tends to aggregate compared to WT-FUS. In addition, the G156E mutant has more stable protein aggregates, lacking the rapid dynamics shown in all other scenarios. From the peak height of radial distribution functions (RDFs) of the assemblies, the phase separation propensity in ascending order is ΔNLS < FUS-WT < R244C < G156E. Moreover, interpreting the dynamic assembly propensity (DAP) parameter over time, the fluidity of the assemblies in ascending order is G156E < FUS-WT < R244C < ΔNLS. The results obtained from this study support that the computational model is able to predict the effect of mutation down to single amino acid substitution on the phase separation behavior of FUS. This efficient in silico method can be generalized to investigate the phase separation propensity of other IDPs and their mutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalindu S Fernando
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Ying Chau
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Das A, Lakhani C, Terwagne C, Lin JST, Naito T, Raj T, Knowles DA. Leveraging functional annotations to map rare variants associated with Alzheimer's disease with gruyere. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.12.06.24318577. [PMID: 39677477 PMCID: PMC11643288 DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.06.24318577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2024]
Abstract
The increasing availability of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has begun to elucidate the contribution of rare variants (RVs), both coding and non-coding, to complex disease. Multiple RV association tests are available to study the relationship between genotype and phenotype, but most are restricted to per-gene models and do not fully leverage the availability of variant-level functional annotations. We propose Genome-wide Rare Variant EnRichment Evaluation ( gruyere ), a Bayesian probabilistic model that complements existing methods by learning global, trait-specific weights for functional annotations to improve variant prioritization. We apply gruyere to WGS data from the Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Sequencing Project, consisting of 7,966 cases and 13,412 controls, to identify AD-associated genes and annotations. Growing evidence suggests that disruption of microglial regulation is a key contributor to AD risk, yet existing methods have not had sufficient power to examine rare non-coding effects that incorporate such cell-type specific information. To address this gap, we 1) use predicted enhancer and promoter regions in microglia and other potentially relevant cell types (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neurons) to define per-gene non-coding RV test sets and 2) include cell-type specific variant effect predictions (VEPs) as functional annotations. gruyere identifies 15 significant genetic associations not detected by other RV methods and finds deep learning-based VEPs for splicing, transcription factor binding, and chromatin state are highly predictive of functional non-coding RVs. Our study establishes a novel and robust framework incorporating functional annotations, coding RVs, and cell-type associated non-coding RVs, to perform genome-wide association tests, uncovering AD-relevant genes and annotations.
Collapse
|
3
|
Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Riaz Z, Richardson GS, Jin H, Zenitsky G, Anantharam V, Kanthasamy A, Kanthasamy AG. Nuclear pore and nucleocytoplasmic transport impairment in oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration: relevance to molecular mechanisms in Pathogenesis of Parkinson's and other related neurodegenerative diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:87. [PMID: 39578912 PMCID: PMC11585115 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00774-0] [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: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are embedded in the nuclear envelope and facilitate the exchange of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. The dysfunction of the NPC and nuclear transport plays a significant role in aging and the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. Common features among these neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), encompass mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and the accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates in specific brain regions. The susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons to mitochondrial stress underscores the pivotal role of mitochondria in PD progression. Disruptions in mitochondrial-nuclear communication are exacerbated by aging and α-synuclein-induced oxidative stress in PD. The precise mechanisms underlying mitochondrial impairment-induced neurodegeneration in PD are still unclear. Evidence suggests that perturbations in dopaminergic neuronal nuclei are linked to PD-related neurodegeneration. These perturbations involve structural damage to the nuclear envelope and mislocalization of pivotal transcription factors, potentially driven by oxidative stress or α-synuclein pathology. The presence of protein aggregates, pathogenic mutations, and ongoing oxidative stress can exacerbate the dysfunction of NPCs, yet this mechanism remains understudied in the context of oxidative stress-induced PD. This review summarizes the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and dopaminergic neurodegeneration and outlines the current evidence for nuclear envelope and nuclear transport abnormalities in PD, particularly in oxidative stress. We highlight the potential role of nuclear pore and nucleocytoplasmic transport dysfunction in PD and stress the importance of systematically investigating NPC components in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Riaz
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Gabriel S Richardson
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Huajun Jin
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Gary Zenitsky
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Vellareddy Anantharam
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Arthi Kanthasamy
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Anumantha G Kanthasamy
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kalarikkal M, Saikia R, Oliveira L, Bhorkar Y, Lonare A, Varshney P, Dhamale P, Majumdar A, Joseph J. Nup358 restricts ER-mitochondria connectivity by modulating mTORC2/Akt/GSK3β signalling. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:4226-4251. [PMID: 39026009 PMCID: PMC11466962 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00204-8] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
ER-mitochondria contact sites (ERMCSs) regulate processes, including calcium homoeostasis, energy metabolism and autophagy. Previously, it was shown that during growth factor signalling, mTORC2/Akt gets recruited to and stabilizes ERMCSs. Independent studies showed that GSK3β, a well-known Akt substrate, reduces ER-mitochondria connectivity by disrupting the VAPB-PTPIP51 tethering complex. However, the mechanisms that regulate ERMCSs are incompletely understood. Here we find that annulate lamellae (AL), relatively unexplored subdomains of ER enriched with a subset of nucleoporins, are present at ERMCSs. Depletion of Nup358, an AL-resident nucleoporin, results in enhanced mTORC2/Akt activation, GSK3β inhibition and increased ERMCSs. Depletion of Rictor, a mTORC2-specific subunit, or exogenous expression of GSK3β, was sufficient to reverse the ERMCS-phenotype in Nup358-deficient cells. We show that growth factor-mediated activation of mTORC2 requires the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex, whereas, Nup358's association with this tether restricts mTORC2/Akt signalling and ER-mitochondria connectivity. Expression of a Nup358 fragment that is sufficient for interaction with the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex suppresses mTORC2/Akt activation and disrupts ERMCSs. Collectively, our study uncovers a novel role for Nup358 in controlling ERMCSs by modulating the mTORC2/Akt/GSK3β axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Misha Kalarikkal
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Rimpi Saikia
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Lizanne Oliveira
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Yashashree Bhorkar
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Akshay Lonare
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Pallavi Varshney
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Prathamesh Dhamale
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Amitabha Majumdar
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Jomon Joseph
- National Centre for Cell Science, S.P. Pune University Campus, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thompson EG, Spead O, Akerman SC, Curcio C, Zaepfel BL, Kent ER, Philips T, Vijayakumar BG, Zacco A, Zhou W, Nagappan G, Rothstein JD. A robust evaluation of TDP-43, poly GP, cellular pathology and behavior in a AAV-C9ORF72 (G 4C 2) 66 mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.27.607409. [PMID: 39253499 PMCID: PMC11383318 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.27.607409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the major genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (C9-ALS/FTD). Despite considerable efforts, the development of mouse models of C9-ALS/FTD useful for therapeutic development has proven challenging due to the intricate interplay of genetic and molecular factors underlying this neurodegenerative disorder, in addition to species differences. This study presents a robust investigation of the cellular pathophysiology and behavioral outcomes in a previously described AAV mouse model of C9-ALS expressing 66 G4C2 hexanucleotide repeats. Despite displaying key molecular ALS pathological markers including RNA foci, dipeptide repeat (DPR) protein aggregation, p62 positive stress granule formation as well as mild gliosis, the AAV-(G4C2)66 mouse model in this study exhibits negligible neuronal loss, no motor deficits, and functionally unimpaired TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43). While our findings indicate and support that this is a robust and pharmacologically tractable model for investigating the molecular mechanisms and cellular consequences of (G4C2) repeat driven DPR pathology, it is not suitable for investigating the development of disease associated neurodegeneration, TDP-43 dysfunction, gliosis, and motor performance. Our findings underscore the complexity of ALS pathogenesis involving genetic mutations and protein dysregulation and highlight the need for more comprehensive model systems that reliably replicate the multifaceted cellular and behavioral aspects of C9-ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily G. Thompson
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Olivia Spead
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - S. Can Akerman
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Carrie Curcio
- Glaxo Smith Kline Research and Development, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Zaepfel
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Erica R. Kent
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Philips
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Balaji G. Vijayakumar
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Anna Zacco
- Glaxo Smith Kline Research and Development, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Weibo Zhou
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Guhan Nagappan
- Glaxo Smith Kline Research and Development, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Rothstein
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sirtori R, Gregoire M, Collins A, Santangelo S, Chatragadda B, Cullen R, Ratti A, Fallini C. Altered nuclear envelope homeostasis is a key pathogenic event in C9ORF72-linked ALS/FTD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.01.578318. [PMID: 38352403 PMCID: PMC10862841 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.01.578318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
ALS and FTD are complex neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, and cortical neurons in the frontal lobe. Although the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD is unclear, recent research spotlights nucleocytoplasmic transport impairment, DNA damage, and nuclear abnormalities as drivers of neuronal death. In this study, we show that loss of nuclear envelope (NE) integrity is a key pathology associated with nuclear pore complex (NPC) injury in C9ORF72 mutant neurons. Importantly, we show that mechanical stresses generated by cytoskeletal forces on the NE can lead to NPC injury, loss of nuclear integrity, and accumulation of DNA damage. Importantly, we demonstrate that restoring NE tensional homeostasis, by disconnecting the nucleus from the cytoskeleton, can rescue NPC injury and reduce DNA damage in C9ORF72 mutant cells. Together, our data suggest that modulation of NE homeostasis and repair may represent a novel and promising therapeutic target for ALS/FTD.
Collapse
|
8
|
Khalil B, Linsenmeier M, Smith CL, Shorter J, Rossoll W. Nuclear-import receptors as gatekeepers of pathological phase transitions in ALS/FTD. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38254150 PMCID: PMC10804745 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00698-1] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders on a disease spectrum that are characterized by the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aberrant phase transitions of prion-like RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The common accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and other nuclear RBPs in detergent-insoluble aggregates in the cytoplasm of degenerating neurons in ALS/FTD is connected to nuclear pore dysfunction and other defects in the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery. Recent advances suggest that beyond their canonical role in the nuclear import of protein cargoes, nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) can prevent and reverse aberrant phase transitions of TDP-43, FUS, and related prion-like RBPs and restore their nuclear localization and function. Here, we showcase the NIR family and how they recognize cargo, drive nuclear import, and chaperone prion-like RBPs linked to ALS/FTD. We also discuss the promise of enhancing NIR levels and developing potentiated NIR variants as therapeutic strategies for ALS/FTD and related neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Khalil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - Miriam Linsenmeier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A
| | - Courtney L Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Track, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A..
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A..
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Malik SC, Lin JD, Ziegler-Waldkirch S, Tholen S, Deshpande SS, Schwabenland M, Schilling O, Vlachos A, Meyer-Luehmann M, Schachtrup C. Tpr Misregulation in Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2757. [PMID: 38067185 PMCID: PMC10706632 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are highly dynamic macromolecular protein structures that facilitate molecular exchange across the nuclear envelope. Aberrant NPC functioning has been implicated in neurodegeneration. The translocated promoter region (Tpr) is a critical scaffolding nucleoporin (Nup) of the nuclear basket, facing the interior of the NPC. However, the role of Tpr in adult neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unknown. Using super-resolution (SR) and electron microscopy, we defined the different subcellular localizations of Tpr and phospho-Tpr (P-Tpr) in NSPCs in vitro and in vivo. Elevated Tpr expression and reduced P-Tpr nuclear localization accompany NSPC differentiation along the neurogenic lineage. In 5xFAD mice, an animal model of AD, increased Tpr expression in DCX+ hippocampal neuroblasts precedes increased neurogenesis at an early stage, before the onset of amyloid-β plaque formation. Whereas nuclear basket Tpr interacts with chromatin modifiers and NSPC-related transcription factors, P-Tpr interacts and co-localizes with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) at the nuclear chromatin of NSPCs. In hippocampal NSPCs in a mouse model of AD, aberrant Tpr expression was correlated with altered NPC morphology and counts, and Tpr was aberrantly expressed in postmortem human brain samples from patients with AD. Thus, we propose that altered levels and subcellular localization of Tpr in CNS disease affect Tpr functionality, which in turn regulates the architecture and number of NSPC NPCs, possibly leading to aberrant neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subash C. Malik
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (S.C.M.); (J.-D.L.); (S.S.D.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jia-Di Lin
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (S.C.M.); (J.-D.L.); (S.S.D.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Ziegler-Waldkirch
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.Z.-W.); (M.M.-L.)
| | - Stefan Tholen
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.T.); (O.S.)
| | - Sachin S. Deshpande
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (S.C.M.); (J.-D.L.); (S.S.D.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marius Schwabenland
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Schilling
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.T.); (O.S.)
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Center BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModul Basics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Meyer-Luehmann
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.Z.-W.); (M.M.-L.)
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModul Basics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Schachtrup
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (S.C.M.); (J.-D.L.); (S.S.D.)
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModul Basics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sanad SM, Farouk R, Nassar SE, Alshahrani MY, Suliman M, Ezzat Ahmed A, Eid Elesawi I. The neuroprotective effect of quercetin nanoparticles in the therapy of neuronal damage stimulated by acrolein. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103792. [PMID: 37711970 PMCID: PMC10498005 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A gradual loss of neuronal function or structure causes neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Neurological damage might cause cell death. Acrolein is a high-risk air and water contaminant that causes neurodegenerative disorders. Quercetin has several strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders but has limited bioavailability inside the body. One of the hypotheses offered to improve quercetin's bioavailability is to convert it into quercetin nanoparticles. This study aims to comprehend the immunohistochemical devastation that might arise in the cerebellum because of acrolein treatment. Furthermore, the protective and ameliorative roles of quercetin nanoparticles against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced in mice by acrolein were assessed. Ninety male albino rats weighing 120 to 200 g were used in the present investigation. The animals were split up into the following six groups: the control group, the acrolein-treated group: animals were given acrolein (3 mg/kg) for 30 days, quercetin nanoparticles treated group: animals were given quercetin nanoparticles (30 mg/kg) for 30 days. The administration of acrolein was found to be connected to immunohistochemical abnormalities in the cerebellum. Marked differences were observed in Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-α, and GFAP expressions in the cerebellum. Treatment of rats with quercetin nanoparticles either before or after treatment with acrolein has been found to preserve the cerebellum tissues from the toxic impacts and oxidative stress induced by acrolein. This may open the door to more nanomedicine studies and a new avenue for employing nanoparticles as a therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samia M. Sanad
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Sharkia 44519, Egypt
| | - Reham Farouk
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Sharkia 44519, Egypt
| | - Safaa E. Nassar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Sharkia 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Y. Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, Abha 9088, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muath Suliman
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, Abha 9088, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413 Abha 9088, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Eid Elesawi
- Agricultural Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kuiper EFE, Prophet SM, Schlieker C. Coordinating nucleoporin condensation and nuclear pore complex assembly. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2534-2545. [PMID: 37620293 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is among the most elaborate protein complexes in eukaryotes. While ribosomes and proteasomes are known to require dedicated assembly machinery, our understanding of NPC assembly is at a relatively early stage. Defects in NPC assembly or homeostasis are tied to movement disorders, including dystonia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as aging, requiring a better understanding of these processes to enable therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss recent progress in the understanding of NPC assembly and highlight how related defects in human disorders can shed light on NPC biogenesis. We propose that the condensation of phenylalanine-glycine repeat nucleoporins needs to be carefully controlled during NPC assembly to prevent aberrant condensation, aggregation, or amyloid formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E F Elsiena Kuiper
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah M Prophet
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christian Schlieker
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hurtle BT, Xie L, Donnelly CJ. Disrupting pathologic phase transitions in neurodegeneration. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168549. [PMID: 37395272 DOI: 10.1172/jci168549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid-like protein deposits found in aged and diseased human brains have revealed a relationship between insoluble protein accumulations and the resulting deficits in neurologic function. Clinically diverse neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, exhibit unique and disease-specific biochemical protein signatures and abnormal protein depositions that often correlate with disease pathogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that many pathologic proteins assemble into liquid-like protein phases through the highly coordinated process of liquid-liquid phase separation. Over the last decade, biomolecular phase transitions have emerged as a fundamental mechanism of cellular organization. Liquid-like condensates organize functionally related biomolecules within the cell, and many neuropathology-associated proteins reside within these dynamic structures. Thus, examining biomolecular phase transitions enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating toxicity across diverse neurodegenerative diseases. This Review explores the known mechanisms contributing to aberrant protein phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies and outlining potential therapeutic strategies to regulate these pathologic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan T Hurtle
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Longxin Xie
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cowburn D, Rout M. Improving the hole picture: towards a consensus on the mechanism of nuclear transport. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:871-886. [PMID: 37099395 PMCID: PMC10212546 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate the exchange of materials between the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm, playing a key role in the separation of nucleic acids and proteins into their required compartments. The static structure of the NPC is relatively well defined by recent cryo-EM and other studies. The functional roles of dynamic components in the pore of the NPC, phenylalanyl-glycyl (FG) repeat rich nucleoporins, is less clear because of our limited understanding of highly dynamic protein systems. These proteins form a 'restrained concentrate' which interacts with and concentrates nuclear transport factors (NTRs) to provide facilitated nucleocytoplasmic transport of cargoes. Very rapid on- and off-rates among FG repeats and NTRs supports extremely fast facilitated transport, close to the rate of macromolecular diffusion in cytoplasm, while complexes without specific interactions are entropically excluded, though details on several aspects of the transport mechanism and FG repeat behaviors remain to be resolved. However, as discussed here, new technical approaches combined with more advanced modeling methods will likely provide an improved dynamic description of NPC transport, potentially at the atomic level in the near future. Such advances are likely to be of major benefit in comprehending the roles the malfunctioning NPC plays in cancer, ageing, viral diseases, and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Cowburn
- Departments of Biochemistry and Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, U.S.A
| | - Michael Rout
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kumar MS, Stallworth KM, Murthy AC, Lim SM, Li N, Jain A, Munro JB, Fawzi NL, Lagier-Tourenne C, Bosco DA. Interactions between FUS and the C-terminal Domain of Nup62 are Sufficient for their Co-phase Separation into Amorphous Assemblies. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167972. [PMID: 36690069 PMCID: PMC10329203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167972] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Deficient nucleocytoplasmic transport is emerging as a pathogenic feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), including in ALS caused by mutations in Fused in Sarcoma (FUS). Recently, both wild-type and ALS-linked mutant FUS were shown to directly interact with the phenylalanine-glycine (FG)-rich nucleoporin 62 (Nup62) protein, where FUS WT/ Nup62 interactions were enriched within the nucleus but ALS-linked mutant FUS/ Nup62 interactions were enriched within the cytoplasm of cells. Nup62 is a central channel Nup that has a prominent role in forming the selectivity filter within the nuclear pore complex and in regulating effective nucleocytoplasmic transport. Under conditions where FUS phase separates into liquid droplets in vitro, the addition of Nup62 caused the synergistic formation of amorphous assemblies containing both FUS and Nup62. Here, we examined the molecular determinants of this process using recombinant FUS and Nup62 proteins and biochemical approaches. We demonstrate that the structured C-terminal domain of Nup62 containing an alpha-helical coiled-coil region plays a dominant role in binding FUS and is sufficient for inducing the formation of FUS/Nup62 amorphous assemblies. In contrast, the natively unstructured, F/G repeat-rich N-terminal domain of Nup62 modestly contributed to FUS/Nup62 phase separation behavior. Expression of individual Nup62 domain constructs in human cells confirmed that the Nup62 C-terminal domain is essential for localization of the protein to the nuclear envelope. Our results raise the possibility that interactions between FUS and the C-terminal domain of Nup62 can influence the function of Nup62 under physiological and/or pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Sundaram Kumar
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA 01605, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karly M Stallworth
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia C Murthy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Su Min Lim
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Aastha Jain
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - James B Munro
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Nicolas L Fawzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daryl A Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Maragakis NJ, Rothstein JD. The Evolving Landscape of Motor Neuron Disease Therapeutics. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1047-1049. [PMID: 36171516 PMCID: PMC9587153 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Maragakis
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|