1
|
Kowalski A, Betzer C, Larsen ST, Gregersen E, Newcombe EA, Bermejo MC, Bendtsen VW, Diemer J, Ernstsen CV, Jain S, Bou AE, Langkilde AE, Nejsum LN, Klipp E, Edwards R, Kragelund BB, Jensen PH, Nissen P. Monomeric α-synuclein activates the plasma membrane calcium pump. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111122. [PMID: 37916890 PMCID: PMC10690453 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111122] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSN) is a membrane-associated and intrinsically disordered protein, well known for pathological aggregation in neurodegeneration. However, the physiological function of aSN is disputed. Pull-down experiments have pointed to plasma membrane Ca2+ -ATPase (PMCA) as a potential interaction partner. From proximity ligation assays, we find that aSN and PMCA colocalize at neuronal synapses, and we show that calcium expulsion is activated by aSN and PMCA. We further show that soluble, monomeric aSN activates PMCA at par with calmodulin, but independent of the autoinhibitory domain of PMCA, and highly dependent on acidic phospholipids and membrane-anchoring properties of aSN. On PMCA, the key site is mapped to the acidic lipid-binding site, located within a disordered PMCA-specific loop connecting the cytosolic A domain and transmembrane segment 3. Our studies point toward a novel physiological role of monomeric aSN as a stimulator of calcium clearance in neurons through activation of PMCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Kowalski
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- REPIN and Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Molecular NeurochemistryMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
- Present address:
ImmunAware ApSHørsholmDenmark
| | - Cristine Betzer
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Present address:
Region Midtjylland, Regionshospitalet GødstrupHerningDenmark
| | - Sigrid Thirup Larsen
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Emil Gregersen
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Present address:
Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhus NDenmark
| | - Estella A Newcombe
- REPIN and Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Montaña Caballero Bermejo
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, IBMPUniversity of ExtremaduraBadajozSpain
| | - Viktor Wisniewski Bendtsen
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Jorin Diemer
- Theoretical BiophysicsHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | | | - Shweta Jain
- Departments of Neurology and PhysiologyUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Alicia Espiña Bou
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | | | - Lene N Nejsum
- Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhus NDenmark
| | - Edda Klipp
- Theoretical BiophysicsHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Robert Edwards
- Departments of Neurology and PhysiologyUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- REPIN and Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Poul Henning Jensen
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Poul Nissen
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience – DANDRITEAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
O’Day DH. Calmodulin and Amyloid Beta as Coregulators of Critical Events during the Onset and Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021393. [PMID: 36674908 PMCID: PMC9863087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Calmodulin (CaM) and a diversity of CaM-binding proteins (CaMBPs) are involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the amyloidogenic pathway, AβPP1, BACE1 and PSEN-1 are all calcium-dependent CaMBPs as are the risk factor proteins BIN1 and TREM2. Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and calcineurin (CaN) are classic CaMBPs involved in memory and plasticity, two events impacted by AD. Coupled with these events is the production of amyloid beta monomers (Aβ) and oligomers (Aβo). The recent revelations that Aβ and Aβo each bind to both CaM and to a host of Aβ receptors that are also CaMBPs adds a new level of complexity to our understanding of the onset and progression of AD. Multiple Aβ receptors that are proven CaMBPs (e.g., NMDAR, PMCA) are involved in calcium homeostasis an early event in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Other CaMBPs that are Aβ receptors are AD risk factors while still others are involved in the amyloidogenic pathway. Aβ binding to receptors not only serves to control CaM's ability to regulate critical proteins, but it is also implicated in Aβ turnover. The complexity of the Aβ/CaM/CaMBP interactions is analyzed using two events: Aβ generation and NMDAR function. The interactions between Aβ, CaM and CaMBPs reveals a new level of complexity to critical events associated with the onset and progression of AD and may help to explain the failure to develop successful therapeutic treatments for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O’Day
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada;
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Macromolecular structures and proteins interacting with the microtubule associated tau protein. Neuroscience 2022; 518:70-82. [PMID: 35609757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies are characterized by the presence of filamentous forms of phosphorylated tau protein inside neurons. However, the causal relationship between the initial symptoms of a particular disease and the molecular events affecting tau and leading to the appearance of tangles of filamentous forms of this protein remains unknown. Even the main function (or functions) of tau inside neurons is debatable and controversial. Tau seems to be a multifunctional protein. I review here some of the most studied interactions of tau with different macromolecules and proteins, which can be classified according to the structural o functional unit within which the interaction works: Microtubule, Nuclear localization and DNA, Synaptic activity, RNA metabolism, Fats transport, Proteostasis, Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis, Mitochondria and Phosphorylation. Although this seems to be a broad spectrum of tau functions, interactome studies of tau reveal hundreds of plausible partners of tau, suggesting that it engages in an extensive network of interconnected regulatory interactions by means of its high capability to interact with all kinds of proteins and complex structures, combined with its vast number of post-translational modifications. I include also some thermodynamic data concerning the interaction of tau with some partners.
Collapse
|
4
|
Berrocal M, Mata AM. The Plasma Membrane Ca 2+-ATPase, a Molecular Target for Tau-induced Cytosolic Calcium Dysregulation. Neuroscience 2022; 518:112-118. [PMID: 35469971 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is emerging as a prevalent feature of aging and aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of tauopathy. This disease is characterized by the combined presence of extracellular neuritic plaques composed by amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles of tau. The association of calcium dyshomeostasis with Aβ has been extensively studied, however its link with tau has been less investigated. Thus, this review will concentrate on the functional link between tau and the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump (PMCA) and other membrane proteins involved in the regulation of intracellular calcium and/or its association with neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Berrocal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana M Mata
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Adeniyi O, Baptista R, Bhowmick S, Cookson A, Nash RJ, Winters A, Shen J, Mur LAJ. Isolation and Characterisation of Quercitrin as a Potent Anti-Sickle Cell Anaemia Agent from Alchornea cordifolia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082177. [PMID: 35456270 PMCID: PMC9024604 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alchornea cordifolia Müll. Arg. (commonly known as Christmas Bush) has been used traditionally in Africa to treat sickle cell anaemia (a recessive disease, arising from the S haemoglobin (Hb) allele), but the active compounds are yet to be identified. Herein, we describe the use of sequential fractionation coupled with in vitro anti-sickling assays to purify the active component. Sickling was induced in HbSS genotype blood samples using sodium metabisulphite (Na2S2O5) or through incubation in 100% N2. Methanol extracts of A. cordifolia leaves and its sub-fractions showed >70% suppression of HbSS erythrocyte sickling. The purified compound demonstrated a 87.2 ± 2.39% significant anti-sickling activity and 93.1 ± 2.69% erythrocyte sickling-inhibition at 0.4 mg/mL. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and high-resolution mass spectroscopy identified it as quercitrin (quercetin 3-rhamnoside). Purified quercitrin also inhibited the polymerisation of isolated HbS and stabilized sickle erythrocytes membranes. Metabolomic comparisons of blood samples using flow-infusion electrospray-high resolution mass spectrometry indicated that quercitrin could convert HbSS erythrocyte metabolomes to be like HbAA. Sickling was associated with changes in antioxidants, anaerobic bioenergy, and arachidonic acid metabolism, all of which were reversed by quercitrin. The findings described could inform efforts directed to the development of an anti-sickling drug or quality control assessments of A. cordifolia preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olayemi Adeniyi
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (O.A.); (R.B.); (S.B.); (A.C.); (A.W.)
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Science Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti 360231, Nigeria
| | - Rafael Baptista
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (O.A.); (R.B.); (S.B.); (A.C.); (A.W.)
| | - Sumana Bhowmick
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (O.A.); (R.B.); (S.B.); (A.C.); (A.W.)
| | - Alan Cookson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (O.A.); (R.B.); (S.B.); (A.C.); (A.W.)
| | - Robert J. Nash
- PhytoQuest Ltd., Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth SY23 3EB, UK;
| | - Ana Winters
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (O.A.); (R.B.); (S.B.); (A.C.); (A.W.)
| | - Jianying Shen
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (L.A.J.M.)
| | - Luis A. J. Mur
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (O.A.); (R.B.); (S.B.); (A.C.); (A.W.)
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (L.A.J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Berrocal M, Saez L, Mata AM. Sorcin Activates the Brain PMCA and Blocks the Inhibitory Effects of Molecular Markers of Alzheimer's Disease on the Pump Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116055. [PMID: 34205207 PMCID: PMC8200006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since dysregulation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels is a common occurrence in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the study of proteins that can correct neuronal Ca2+ dysregulation is of great interest. In previous work, we have shown that plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA), a high-affinity Ca2+ pump, is functionally impaired in AD and is inhibited by amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and tau, two key components of pathological AD hallmarks. On the other hand, sorcin is a Ca2+-binding protein highly expressed in the brain, although its mechanism of action is far from being clear. Sorcin has been shown to interact with the intracellular sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), and other modulators of intracellular Ca2+ signaling, such as the ryanodine receptor or presenilin 2, which is closely associated with AD. The present work focuses on sorcin in search of new regulators of PMCA and antagonists of Aβ and tau toxicity. Results show sorcin as an activator of PMCA, which also prevents the inhibitory effects of Aβ and tau on the pump, and counteracts the neurotoxicity of Aβ and tau by interacting with them.
Collapse
|
7
|
O’Day DH. Calmodulin Binding Proteins and Alzheimer's Disease: Biomarkers, Regulatory Enzymes and Receptors That Are Regulated by Calmodulin. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197344. [PMID: 33027906 PMCID: PMC7582761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The integral role of calmodulin in the amyloid pathway and neurofibrillary tangle formation in Alzheimer’s disease was first established leading to the “Calmodulin Hypothesis”. Continued research has extended our insight into the central function of the small calcium sensor and effector calmodulin and its target proteins in a multitude of other events associated with the onset and progression of this devastating neurodegenerative disease. Calmodulin’s involvement in the contrasting roles of calcium/CaM-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and calcineurin (CaN) in long term potentiation and depression, respectively, and memory impairment and neurodegeneration are updated. The functions of the proposed neuronal biomarker neurogranin, a calmodulin binding protein also involved in long term potentiation and depression, is detailed. In addition, new discoveries into calmodulin’s role in regulating glutamate receptors (mGluR, NMDAR) are overviewed. The interplay between calmodulin and amyloid beta in the regulation of PMCA and ryanodine receptors are prime examples of how the buildup of classic biomarkers can underly the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The role of calmodulin in the function of stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2) and adenosine A2A receptor, two other proteins linked to neurodegenerative events, is discussed. Prior to concluding, an analysis of how targeting calmodulin and its binding proteins are viable routes for Alzheimer’s therapy is presented. In total, calmodulin and its binding proteins are further revealed to be central to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O’Day
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada;
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tau and Alpha Synuclein Synergistic Effect in Neurodegenerative Diseases: When the Periphery Is the Core. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145030. [PMID: 32708732 PMCID: PMC7404325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145030] [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: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In neuronal cells, tau is a microtubule-associated protein placed in axons and alpha synuclein is enriched at presynaptic terminals. They display a propensity to form pathologic aggregates, which are considered the underlying cause of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Their functional impairment induces loss of axonal transport, synaptic and mitochondrial disarray, leading to a "dying back" pattern of degeneration, which starts at the periphery of cells. In addition, pathologic spreading of alpha-synuclein from the peripheral nervous system to the brain through anatomical connectivity has been demonstrated for Parkinson's disease. Thus, examination of the extent and types of tau and alpha-synuclein in peripheral tissues and their relation to brain neurodegenerative diseases is of relevance since it may provide insights into patterns of protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. Moreover, peripheral nervous tissues are easily accessible in-vivo and can play a relevant role in the early diagnosis of these conditions. Up-to-date investigations of tau species in peripheral tissues are scant and have mainly been restricted to rodents, whereas, more evidence is available on alpha synuclein in peripheral tissues. Here we aim to review the literature on the functional role of tau and alpha synuclein in physiological conditions and disease at the axonal level, their distribution in peripheral tissues, and discuss possible commonalities/diversities as well as their interaction in proteinopathies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Boczek T, Radzik T, Ferenc B, Zylinska L. The Puzzling Role of Neuron-Specific PMCA Isoforms in the Aging Process. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246338. [PMID: 31888192 PMCID: PMC6941135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The aging process is a physiological phenomenon associated with progressive changes in metabolism, genes expression, and cellular resistance to stress. In neurons, one of the hallmarks of senescence is a disturbance of calcium homeostasis that may have far-reaching detrimental consequences on neuronal physiology and function. Among several proteins involved in calcium handling, plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) is the most sensitive calcium detector controlling calcium homeostasis. PMCA exists in four main isoforms and PMCA2 and PMCA3 are highly expressed in the brain. The overall effects of impaired calcium extrusion due to age-dependent decline of PMCA function seem to accumulate with age, increasing the susceptibility to neurotoxic insults. To analyze the PMCA role in neuronal cells, we have developed stable transfected differentiated PC12 lines with down-regulated PMCA2 or PMCA3 isoforms to mimic age-related changes. The resting Ca2+ increased in both PMCA-deficient lines affecting the expression of several Ca2+-associated proteins, i.e., sarco/endoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), calmodulin, calcineurin, GAP43, CCR5, IP3Rs, and certain types of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). Functional studies also demonstrated profound changes in intracellular pH regulation and mitochondrial metabolism. Moreover, modification of PMCAs membrane composition triggered some adaptive processes to counterbalance calcium overload, but the reduction of PMCA2 appeared to be more detrimental to the cells than PMCA3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (T.R.); (B.F.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Tomasz Radzik
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (T.R.); (B.F.)
| | - Bozena Ferenc
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (T.R.); (B.F.)
| | - Ludmila Zylinska
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (T.R.); (B.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-272-5680
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Berrocal M, Caballero-Bermejo M, Gutierrez-Merino C, Mata AM. Methylene Blue Blocks and Reverses the Inhibitory Effect of Tau on PMCA Function. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143521. [PMID: 31323781 PMCID: PMC6678728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) is a synthetic phenothiazine dye that, in the last years, has generated much debate about whether it could be a useful therapeutic drug for tau-related pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanism of action is far from clear. Recently we reported that MB activates the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) in membranes from human and pig tissues and from cells cultures, and that it could protect against inactivation of PMCA by amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). The purpose of the present study is to further examine whether the MB could also modulate the inhibitory effect of tau, another key molecular marker of AD, on PMCA activity. By using kinetic assays in membranes from several tissues and cell cultures, we found that this phenothiazine was able to block and even to completely reverse the inhibitory effect of tau on PMCA. The results of this work point out that MB could mediate the toxic effect of tau related to the deregulation of calcium homeostasis by blocking the impairment of PMCA activity by tau. We then could conclude that MB could interfere with the toxic effects of tau by restoring the function of PMCA pump as a fine tuner of calcium homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Berrocal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Montaña Caballero-Bermejo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Carlos Gutierrez-Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana M Mata
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Berrocal M, Corbacho I, Gutierrez-Merino C, Mata AM. Methylene blue activates the PMCA activity and cross-interacts with amyloid β-peptide, blocking Aβ-mediated PMCA inhibition. Neuropharmacology 2018; 139:163-172. [PMID: 30003902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The phenothiazine methylene blue (MB) is attracting increasing attention because it seems to have beneficial effects in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among other factors, the presence of neuritic plaques of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregates, neurofibrilar tangles of tau and perturbation of cytosolic Ca2+ are important players of the disease. It has been proposed that MB decreases the formation of neuritic plaques due to Aβ aggregation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect is far from clear. In this work, we show that MB stimulates the Ca2+-ATPase activity of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) in human tissues from AD-affected brain and age-matched controls and also from pig brain and cell cultures. In addition, MB prevents and even blocks the inhibitory effect of Aβ on PMCA activity. Functional analysis with mutants and fluorescence experiments strongly suggest that MB binds to PMCA, at the C-terminal tail, in a site located close to the last transmembrane helix and also that MB binds to the peptide. Besides, Aβ increases PMCA affinity for MB. These results point out a novel molecular basis of MB action on Aβ and PMCA as mediator of its beneficial effect on AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Berrocal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
| | - Isaac Corbacho
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
| | - Carlos Gutierrez-Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
| | - Ana M Mata
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kneynsberg A, Combs B, Christensen K, Morfini G, Kanaan NM. Axonal Degeneration in Tauopathies: Disease Relevance and Underlying Mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:572. [PMID: 29089864 PMCID: PMC5651019 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a diverse group of diseases featuring progressive dying-back neurodegeneration of specific neuronal populations in association with accumulation of abnormal forms of the microtubule-associated protein tau. It is well-established that the clinical symptoms characteristic of tauopathies correlate with deficits in synaptic function and neuritic connectivity early in the course of disease, but mechanisms underlying these critical pathogenic events are not fully understood. Biochemical in vitro evidence fueled the widespread notion that microtubule stabilization represents tau's primary biological role and that the marked atrophy of neurites observed in tauopathies results from loss of microtubule stability. However, this notion contrasts with the mild phenotype associated with tau deletion. Instead, an analysis of cellular hallmarks common to different tauopathies, including aberrant patterns of protein phosphorylation and early degeneration of axons, suggests that alterations in kinase-based signaling pathways and deficits in axonal transport (AT) associated with such alterations contribute to the loss of neuronal connectivity triggered by pathogenic forms of tau. Here, we review a body of literature providing evidence that axonal pathology represents an early and common pathogenic event among human tauopathies. Observations of axonal degeneration in animal models of specific tauopathies are discussed and similarities to human disease highlighted. Finally, we discuss potential mechanistic pathways other than microtubule destabilization by which disease-related forms of tau may promote axonopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kneynsberg
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Benjamin Combs
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Kyle Christensen
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Gerardo Morfini
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mata AM. Functional interplay between plasma membrane Ca 2+-ATPase, amyloid β-peptide and tau. Neurosci Lett 2017; 663:55-59. [PMID: 28780168 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis is involved in Alzheimeŕs disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of toxic aggregates of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles of tau. Alteration of calcium signaling has been linked to Aβ and tau pathologies, although the understanding of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms is far from clear. This review summarizes the functional inhibition of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) by Aβ and tau, and its modulation by calmodulin and the ionic nature of phospholipids. The data obtained until now in our laboratory suggest that PMCA injury linked to Aβ and tau can be significantly involved in the cascade of events leading to intracellular calcium overload associated to AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Mata
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|