1
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Ury-Thiery V, Fichou Y, Alves I, Molinari M, Lecomte S, Feuillie C. Interaction of full-length Tau with negatively charged lipid membranes leads to polymorphic aggregates. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:17141-17153. [PMID: 39189914 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01343c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
The Tau protein is implicated in various diseases collectively known as tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The precise mechanism underlying Tau pathogenicity remains elusive. Recently, the role of lipids has garnered interest due to their implications in Tau aggregation, secretion, uptake, and pathogenic dysregulation. Previous investigations have highlighted critical aspects: (i) Tau's tendency to aggregate into fibers when interacting with negatively charged lipids, (ii) its ability to form structured species upon contact with anionic membranes, and (iii) the potential disruption of the membrane upon Tau binding. In this study, we examine the disease-associated P301L mutation of the 2N4R isoform of Tau and its effects on membranes composed on phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids. Aggregation studies and liposome leakage assays demonstrate Tau's ability to bind to anionic lipid vesicles, leading to membrane disruption. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) reveals the accumulation of Tau on the membrane surface without protein insertion, structuration, or lipid removal. Plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) demonstrates a strong binding of Tau on PS bilayers with an apparent Kd in the micromolar range, indicating the deposition of a thick protein layer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) real-time imaging allows the observation of partial lipid solubilization and the deposition of polymorphic aggregates in the form of thick patches and fibrillary structures resembling amyloid fibers, which could grow from a combination of extracted anionic phospholipids from the membrane and Tau protein. This study deepens our understanding of full-length Tau's multifaceted interactions with lipids, shedding light on potential mechanisms leading to the formation of pathogenic Tau assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Ury-Thiery
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Yann Fichou
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Isabel Alves
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Michael Molinari
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Cécile Feuillie
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
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2
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Decker ST, Funai K. Mitochondrial membrane lipids in the regulation of bioenergetic flux. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1963-1978. [PMID: 39178855 PMCID: PMC11374467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) occurs through and across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Mitochondrial membranes contain a distinct lipid composition, aided by lipid biosynthetic machinery localized in the IMM and class-specific lipid transporters that limit lipid traffic in and out of mitochondria. This unique lipid composition appears to be essential for functions of mitochondria, particularly OXPHOS, by its effects on direct lipid-to-protein interactions, membrane properties, and cristae ultrastructure. This review highlights the biological significance of mitochondrial lipids, with a particular spotlight on the role of lipids in mitochondrial bioenergetics. We describe pathways for the biosynthesis of mitochondrial lipids and provide evidence for their roles in physiology, their implications in human disease, and the mechanisms by which they regulate mitochondrial bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Thomas Decker
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Funai
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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3
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Li B, Dettmer U. Interactions of alpha-synuclein with membranes in Parkinson's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Neurobiol Dis 2024:106646. [PMID: 39181187 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, is marked by the presence of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, neuronal lesions containing large amounts of the synaptic protein alpha-synuclein (αS). While the underlying mechanisms of disease progression in PD remain unclear, increasing evidence supports the importance of interactions between αS and cellular membranes in PD pathology. Therefore, understanding the αS-membrane interplay in health and disease is crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies. In this review, we (1) discuss key scenarios of pathological αS-membrane interactions; (2) present in detail therapeutic strategies explicitly reported to modify αS-membrane interactions; and (3) introduce additional therapeutic strategies that may involve aspects of interfering with αS-membrane interaction. This way, we aim to provide a holistic perspective on this important aspect of disease-modifying strategies for PD and other α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Li
- Wycombe Abbey, Buckinghamshire HP11 1PE, UK
| | - Ulf Dettmer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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4
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Kamano S, Ozawa D, Ikenaka K, Nagai Y. Role of Lipids in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8935. [PMID: 39201619 PMCID: PMC11354291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168935] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein (αSyn) and its accumulation as Lewy bodies play a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanism by which αSyn aggregates in the brain remains unclear. Biochemical studies have demonstrated that αSyn interacts with lipids, and these interactions affect the aggregation process of αSyn. Furthermore, genetic studies have identified mutations in lipid metabolism-associated genes such as glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) and synaptojanin 1 (SYNJ1) in sporadic and familial forms of PD, respectively. In this review, we focus on the role of lipids in triggering αSyn aggregation in the pathogenesis of PD and propose the possibility of modulating the interaction of lipids with αSyn as a potential therapy for PD.
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Grants
- 24H00630 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 21H02840 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 17K19658 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 20H05927 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP16ek0109018 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- JP19ek0109222 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- 30-3 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- 30-9 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- 3-9 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
- 6-9 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumpei Kamano
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Osaka, Japan; (S.K.); (D.O.)
| | - Daisaku Ozawa
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Osaka, Japan; (S.K.); (D.O.)
| | - Kensuke Ikenaka
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Yoshitaka Nagai
- Department of Neurology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Osaka, Japan; (S.K.); (D.O.)
- Life Science Research Institute, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Osaka, Japan
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5
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Schepers J, Löser T, Behl C. Lipids and α-Synuclein: adding further variables to the equation. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1455817. [PMID: 39188788 PMCID: PMC11345258 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1455817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (αSyn) has been connected to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), that are collected under the umbrella term synucleinopathies. The membrane binding abilities of αSyn to negatively charged phospholipids have been well described and are connected to putative physiological functions of αSyn. Consequently, αSyn-related neurodegeneration has been increasingly connected to changes in lipid metabolism and membrane lipid composition. Indeed, αSyn aggregation has been shown to be triggered by the presence of membranes in vitro, and some genetic risk factors for PD and DLB are associated with genes coding for proteins directly involved in lipid metabolism. At the same time, αSyn aggregation itself can cause alterations of cellular lipid composition and brain samples of patients also show altered lipid compositions. Thus, it is likely that there is a reciprocal influence between cellular lipid composition and αSyn aggregation, which can be further affected by environmental or genetic factors and ageing. Little is known about lipid changes during physiological ageing and regional differences of the lipid composition of the aged brain. In this review, we aim to summarise our current understanding of lipid changes in connection to αSyn and discuss open questions that need to be answered to further our knowledge of αSyn related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Behl
- The Autophagy Lab, Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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6
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Agarwal A, Chandran A, Raza F, Ungureanu IM, Hilcenko C, Stott K, Bright NA, Morone N, Warren AJ, Lautenschläger J. VAMP2 regulates phase separation of α-synuclein. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:1296-1308. [PMID: 38951707 PMCID: PMC11322000 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01451-6] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αSYN), a pivotal synaptic protein implicated in synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, undergoes protein phase separation. We reveal that vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) orchestrates αSYN phase separation both in vitro and in cells. Electrostatic interactions, specifically mediated by VAMP2 via its juxtamembrane domain and the αSYN C-terminal region, drive phase separation. Condensate formation is specific for R-SNARE VAMP2 and dependent on αSYN lipid membrane binding. Our results delineate a regulatory mechanism for αSYN phase separation in cells. Furthermore, we show that αSYN condensates sequester vesicles and attract complexin-1 and -2, thus supporting a role in synaptic physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Agarwal
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aswathy Chandran
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Farheen Raza
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Protein and Cellular Sciences, GSK, Stevenage, UK
| | - Irina-Maria Ungureanu
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christine Hilcenko
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katherine Stott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas A Bright
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Alan J Warren
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janin Lautenschläger
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.
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7
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Ali A, Holman AP, Rodriguez A, Osborne L, Kurouski D. Elucidating the mechanisms of α-Synuclein-lipid interactions using site-directed mutagenesis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 198:106553. [PMID: 38839022 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106553] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) is a small protein that is involved in cell vesicle trafficking in neuronal synapses. A progressive aggregation of this protein is the expected molecular cause of Parkinson's disease, a disease that affects millions of people around the world. A growing body of evidence indicates that phospholipids can strongly accelerate α-syn aggregation and alter the toxicity of α-syn oligomers and fibrils formed in the presence of lipid vesicles. This effect is attributed to the presence of high copies of lysines in the N-terminus of the protein. In this study, we performed site-directed mutagenesis and replaced one out of two lysines at each of the five sites located in the α-syn N-terminus. Using several biophysical and cellular approaches, we investigated the extent to which six negatively charged fatty acids (FAs) could alter the aggregation properties of K10A, K23A, K32A, K43A, and K58A α-syn. We found that FAs uniquely modified the aggregation properties of K43A, K58A, and WT α-syn, as well as changed morphology of amyloid fibrils formed by these mutants. At the same time, FAs failed to cause substantial changes in the aggregation rates of K10A, K23A, and K32A α-syn, as well as alter the morphology and toxicity of the corresponding amyloid fibrils. Based on these results, we can conclude that K10, K23, and K32 amino acid residues play a critical role in protein-lipid interactions since their replacement on non-polar alanines strongly suppressed α-syn-lipid interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Aidan P Holman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Axell Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Luke Osborne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Dmitry Kurouski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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8
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Šneiderienė G, Czekalska MA, Xu CK, Jayaram AK, Krainer G, Arter WE, Peter QAE, Castellana-Cruz M, Saar KL, Levin A, Mueller T, Fiedler S, Devenish SRA, Fiegler H, Kumita JR, Knowles TPJ. α-Synuclein Oligomers Displace Monomeric α-Synuclein from Lipid Membranes. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17469-17482. [PMID: 38916260 PMCID: PMC11238581 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an increasingly prevalent and currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder linked to the accumulation of α-synuclein (αS) protein aggregates in the nervous system. While αS binding to membranes in its monomeric state is correlated to its physiological role, αS oligomerization and subsequent aberrant interactions with lipid bilayers have emerged as key steps in PD-associated neurotoxicity. However, little is known of the mechanisms that govern the interactions of oligomeric αS (OαS) with lipid membranes and the factors that modulate such interactions. This is in large part due to experimental challenges underlying studies of OαS-membrane interactions due to their dynamic and transient nature. Here, we address this challenge by using a suite of microfluidics-based assays that enable in-solution quantification of OαS-membrane interactions. We find that OαS bind more strongly to highly curved, rather than flat, lipid membranes. By comparing the membrane-binding properties of OαS and monomeric αS (MαS), we further demonstrate that OαS bind to membranes with up to 150-fold higher affinity than their monomeric counterparts. Moreover, OαS compete with and displace bound MαS from the membrane surface, suggesting that disruption to the functional binding of MαS to membranes may provide an additional toxicity mechanism in PD. These findings present a binding mechanism of oligomers to model membranes, which can potentially be targeted to inhibit the progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Šneiderienė
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Magdalena A. Czekalska
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
- Nencki
Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish
Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Catherine K. Xu
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Akhila K. Jayaram
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Georg Krainer
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Institute
of Molecular Biosciences (IMB), University
of Graz, Humboldtstraße
50, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - William E. Arter
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Quentin A. E. Peter
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Kadi Liis Saar
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Aviad Levin
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Fiedler
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sean R. A. Devenish
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heike Fiegler
- Fluidic
Analytics Limited, Unit A, The Paddocks Business Centre, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, United Kingdom
| | - Janet R. Kumita
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, United Kingdom
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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9
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Maltseva S, Kerr D, Turke M, Adams EJ, Lee KYC. Parkinson's disease-associated mutations in α-synuclein alters its lipid-bound state. Biophys J 2024; 123:1610-1619. [PMID: 38702883 PMCID: PMC11213968 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid-binding properties of α-synuclein play a central role in protein aggregation and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). α-Synuclein, an intrinsically disordered protein, binds to lipid membranes through the formation of two amphipathic helices that insert into the lipid bilayer. All disease-associated single point mutations have been identified to be within these helical regions of α-synuclein: V15A, A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D, A53T, and A53V. However, the effects of these mutations on the bound states of the two α helices of the protein have yet to be fully characterized. In this report, we use a tryptophan fluorescence assay to measure the binding of the α helices of these PD-associated mutants to lipid membranes within the lipid-depletion regime. We characterize the binding behavior of each helix, revealing that, generally, the PD-associated mutants shift the equilibrium bound state away from the N-terminal helix of the protein toward helix 2 at lower lipid concentrations. Altogether, our results indicate that disruption to the equilibrium binding of the two α helices of α-synuclein could play a role in PD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiya Maltseva
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniel Kerr
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Miah Turke
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erin J Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ka Yee C Lee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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10
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Masato A, Bubacco L. The αSynuclein half-life conundrum. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 196:106524. [PMID: 38705490 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106524] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
αSynuclein (αSyn) misfolding and aggregation frequently precedes neuronal loss associated with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and other Synucleinopathies. The progressive buildup of pathological αSyn species results from alterations on αSyn gene and protein sequence, increased local concentrations, variations in αSyn interactome and protein network. Therefore, under physiological conditions, it is mandatory to regulate αSyn proteostasis as an equilibrium among synthesis, trafficking, degradation and extracellular release. In this frame, a crucial parameter is protein half-life. It provides indications of the turnover of a specific protein and depends on mRNA synthesis and translation regulation, subcellular localization, function and clearance by the designated degradative pathways. For αSyn, the molecular mechanisms regulating its proteostasis in neurons have been extensively investigated in various cellular models, either using biochemical or imaging approaches. Nevertheless, a converging estimate of αSyn half-life has not emerged yet. Here, we discuss the challenges in studying αSyn proteostasis under physiological and pathological conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental strategies proposed so far, and the relevance of determining αSyn half-life from a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Masato
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Centro Studi per la Neurodegenerazione (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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11
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Makasewicz K, Linse S, Sparr E. Interplay of α-synuclein with Lipid Membranes: Cooperative Adsorption, Membrane Remodeling and Coaggregation. JACS AU 2024; 4:1250-1262. [PMID: 38665673 PMCID: PMC11040681 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a small neuronal protein enriched at presynaptic termini. It is hypothesized to play a role in neurotransmitter release and synaptic vesicle cycling, while the formation of α-synuclein amyloid fibrils is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, most notably Parkinson's Disease. The molecular mechanisms of both the physiological and pathological functions of α-synuclein remain to be fully understood, but in both cases, interactions with membranes play an important role. In this Perspective, we discuss several aspects of α-synuclein interactions with lipid membranes including cooperative adsorption, membrane remodeling and α-synuclein amyloid fibril formation in the presence of lipid membranes. We highlight the coupling between the different phenomena and their interplay in the context of physiological and pathological functions of α-synuclein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Makasewicz
- Division
of Physical Chemistry, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Linse
- Biochemistry
and Structural Biology, Lund University, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Sparr
- Department
of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
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12
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Farid I, Ali A, Holman AP, Osborne L, Kurouski D. Length and saturation of choline plasmalogens alter the aggregation rate of α-synuclein but not the toxicity of amyloid fibrils. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130632. [PMID: 38447831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130632] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Plasmalogens comprise a large fraction of the total phospholipids in plasma membranes. These molecules modulate membrane fluidity, produce inflammatory mediators mitigating effects of metabolic stresses. A growing body of evidence suggests that an onset of Parkinson's disease (PD), a severe neurodegenerative pathology, can be triggered by metabolic changes in plasma membranes. However, the role of plasmalogens in the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), an expected molecular cause of PD, remains unclear. In this study we examine the effect of choline plasmalogens (CPs), unique phospholipids that have a vinyl ether linkage at the sn-1 position of glycerol, on the aggregation rate of α-syn. We found that the length and saturation of fatty acids (FAs) in CPs change rates of protein aggregation. We also found drastic changes in the morphology of α-syn fibrils formed in the presence of different CPs compared to α-syn fibrils grown in the lipid-free environment. At the same time, we did not observe substantial changes in the secondary structure and toxicity of α-syn fibrils formed in the presence of different CPs. These results indicate that the length and saturation of FAs in CPs present in the plasma membrane can alter α-syn stability and modulate its aggregation properties, which, in turn can accelerate or delay the onset of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifrah Farid
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Aidan P Holman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Luke Osborne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Dmitry Kurouski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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13
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Chatterjee D, D’Brant LY, Hiller BM, Marmion DJ, Sandoval IM, Luk KC, Manfredsson FP, Messer A, Kordower JH, Butler DC. ENGINEERED NANOBODIES WITH PROGRAMMABLE TARGET ANTIGEN PROTEOLYSIS (PTAP) FUSIONS REGULATE INTRACELLULAR ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN IN VITRO AND IN VIVO. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4088206. [PMID: 38585932 PMCID: PMC10996777 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4088206/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation and the formation of Lewy pathology (LP) is a foundational pathophysiological phenomenon in synucleinopathies. Delivering therapeutic single-chain and single-domain antibodies that bind pathogenic targets can disrupt intracellular aggregation. The fusion of antibody fragments to a negatively-charged proteasomal targeting motif (PEST) creates bifunctional constructs that enhance both solubility and turnover. With sequence-specific point mutations of PEST sequences that modulate proteasomal degradation efficiency, we report the creation of Programmable Target Antigen Proteolysis (PTAP) technology that can provide graded control over the levels of target antigens. We have previously demonstrated our lead anti-αSyn intrabody, VH14-PEST, is capable of reducing the pathological burden of synucleinopathy in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report a family of fully humanized VH14-PTAP constructs for controllable, therapeutic targeting of intracellular α-Syn. In cells, we demonstrate successful target engagement and efficacy of VH14-hPEST intrabodies, and validate proof-of-principle in human cells using 3D human organoids derived from PD-patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). In two synuclein-based rat models, PTAP intrabodies attenuated nigral αSyn pathology, preserved nigrostriatal dopaminergic tone, and slowed the propagation of αSyn pathology. These data demonstrate the potency of intracellular αSyn targeting as a method to alleviate pathology and highlight the potential clinical utility of PTAP intrabodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diptaman Chatterjee
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Lianna Y. D’Brant
- Regenerative Research Foundation, Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144
| | - Benjamin M. Hiller
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - David J. Marmion
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Ivette M. Sandoval
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013
| | - Kelvin C. Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19147
| | - Fredric P. Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013
| | - Anne Messer
- Regenerative Research Foundation, Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12208
| | - Jeffrey H. Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
- ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281
| | - David C. Butler
- Regenerative Research Foundation, Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12208
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14
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Ali A, Holman AP, Rodriguez A, Zhaliazka K, Osborne L, Kurouski D. Large Unilamellar Vesicles of Phosphatidic Acid Reduce the Toxicity of α-Synuclein Fibrils. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1334-1341. [PMID: 38373398 PMCID: PMC10915799 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe pathology that is caused by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta as well as other areas in the brain. These neurodegeneration processes are linked to the abrupt aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), a small protein that is abundant at presynaptic nerve termini, where it regulates cell vesicle trafficking. Due to the direct interactions of α-syn with cell membranes, a substantial amount of work was done over the past decade to understand the role of lipids in α-syn aggregation. However, the role of phosphatidic acid (PA), a negatively charged phospholipid with a small polar head, remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of PA large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) on α-syn aggregation. We found that PA LUVs with 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 FAs drastically reduced the toxicity of α-syn fibrils if were present in a 1:1 molar ratio with the protein. Our results also showed that the presence of these vehicles changed the rate of α-syn aggregation and altered the morphology and secondary structure of α-syn fibrils. These results indicate that PA LUVs can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce the toxicity of α-syn fibrils formed upon PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Aidan P. Holman
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Axell Rodriguez
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kiryl Zhaliazka
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Luke Osborne
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Dmitry Kurouski
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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15
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Ali A, Dou T, Holman AP, Hung A, Osborne L, Pickett D, Rodriguez A, Zhaliazka K, Kurouski D. The influence of zwitterionic and anionic phospholipids on protein aggregation. Biophys Chem 2024; 306:107174. [PMID: 38211368 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107174] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The progressive aggregation of misfolded proteins is the underlying molecular cause of numerous pathologies including Parkinson's disease and injection and transthyretin amyloidosis. A growing body of evidence indicates that protein deposits detected in organs and tissues of patients diagnosed with such pathologies contain fragments of lipid membranes. In vitro experiments also showed that lipid membranes could strongly change the aggregation rate of amyloidogenic proteins, as well as alter the secondary structure and toxicity of oligomers and fibrils formed in their presence. In this review, the effect of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) composed of zwitterionic and anionic phospholipids on the aggregation rate of insulin, lysozyme, transthyretin (TTR) and α- synuclein (α-syn) will be discussed. The manuscript will also critically review the most recent findings on the lipid-induced changes in the secondary structure of protein oligomers and fibrils, as well as reveal the extent to which lipids could alter the toxicity of protein aggregates formed in their presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Tianyi Dou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Aidan P Holman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Andrew Hung
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Luke Osborne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Davis Pickett
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Axell Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Kiryl Zhaliazka
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Dmitry Kurouski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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16
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Moors TE, Milovanovic D. Defining a Lewy Body: Running Up the Hill of Shifting Definitions and Evolving Concepts. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:17-33. [PMID: 38189713 PMCID: PMC10836569 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Lewy bodies (LBs) are pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) protein in the brain. While LBs were first described a century ago, their formation and morphogenesis mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we present a historical overview of LB definitions and highlight the importance of semantic clarity and precise definitions when describing brain inclusions. Recent breakthroughs in imaging revealed shared features within LB subsets and the enrichment of membrane-bound organelles in these structures, challenging the conventional LB formation model. We discuss the involvement of emerging concepts of liquid-liquid phase separation, where biomolecules demix from a solution to form dense condensates, as a potential LB formation mechanism. Finally, we emphasize the need for the operational definitions of LBs based on morphological characteristics and detection protocols, particularly in studies investigating LB formation mechanisms. A better understanding of LB organization and ultrastructure can contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim E. Moors
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dragomir Milovanovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neuroscience, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Saramowicz K, Siwecka N, Galita G, Kucharska-Lusina A, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Alpha-Synuclein Contribution to Neuronal and Glial Damage in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:360. [PMID: 38203531 PMCID: PMC10778752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010360] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the widespread accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein aggregates. αSyn aggregation disrupts critical cellular processes, including synaptic function, mitochondrial integrity, and proteostasis, which culminate in neuronal cell death. Importantly, αSyn pathology extends beyond neurons-it also encompasses spreading throughout the neuronal environment and internalization by microglia and astrocytes. Once internalized, glia can act as neuroprotective scavengers, which limit the spread of αSyn. However, they can also become reactive, thereby contributing to neuroinflammation and the progression of PD. Recent advances in αSyn research have enabled the molecular diagnosis of PD and accelerated the development of targeted therapies. Nevertheless, despite more than two decades of research, the cellular function, aggregation mechanisms, and induction of cellular damage by αSyn remain incompletely understood. Unraveling the interplay between αSyn, neurons, and glia may provide insights into disease initiation and progression, which may bring us closer to exploring new effective therapeutic strategies. Herein, we provide an overview of recent studies emphasizing the multifaceted nature of αSyn and its impact on both neuron and glial cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.S.); (N.S.); (G.G.); (A.K.-L.); (W.R.-K.)
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18
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Birol M, Muñoz IID, Rhoades E. The C-terminus of α-Synuclein Regulates its Dynamic Cellular Internalization by Neurexin 1β. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:br21. [PMID: 37729016 PMCID: PMC10848939 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-11-0496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of the disordered neuronal protein, α-Synuclein (αS), is the primary pathological feature of Parkinson's disease. Current hypotheses favor cell-to-cell spread of αS species as underlying disease progression, driving interest in identifying the molecular species and cellular processes involved in cellular internalization of αS. Prior work from our lab identified the chemically specific interaction between αS and the presynaptic adhesion protein neurexin-1β (N1β) to be capable of driving cellular internalization of both monomer and aggregated forms of αS. Here we explore the physical basis of N1β-driven internalization of αS. Specifically, we show that spontaneous internalization of αS by SH-SY5Y and HEK293 cells expressing N1β requires essentially all of the membrane-binding domain of αS; αS constructs truncated beyond residue 90 bind to N1β in the plasma membrane of HEK cells, but are not internalized. Interestingly, before internalization, αS and N1β codiffuse rapidly in the plasma membrane. αS constructs that are not internalized show very slow mobility themselves, as well as slow N1β diffusion. Finally, we find that truncated αS is capable of blocking internalization of full-length αS. Our results draw attention to the potential therapeutic value of blocking αS-N1β interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Birol
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Max Delbrück Institute for Molecular Medicine, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | | | - Elizabeth Rhoades
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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19
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Li HY, Liu DS, Zhang YB, Rong H, Zhang XJ. The interaction between alpha-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Biophys Chem 2023; 303:107122. [PMID: 37839353 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107122] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder with the hallmark of abnormal aggregates of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs). Currently, pathogenic α-syn and mitochondrial dysfunction have been considered as prominent roles that give impetus to the PD onset. This review describes the α-syn pathology and mitochondrial alterations in PD, and focuses on how α-syn interacts with multiple aspects of mitochondrial homeostasis in the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Li
- Department of Basic Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin 150000, PR China
| | - De-Shui Liu
- Department of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, PR China
| | - Ying-Bo Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, PR China
| | - Hua Rong
- Department of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jie Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin 150000, PR China; Heilongjiang Nursing College, Haerbin 150000, PR China.
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20
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Reed AL, Mitchell W, Alexandrescu AT, Alder NN. Interactions of amyloidogenic proteins with mitochondrial protein import machinery in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1263420. [PMID: 38028797 PMCID: PMC10652799 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1263420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most mitochondrial proteins are targeted to the organelle by N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequences (MTSs, or "presequences") that are recognized by the import machinery and subsequently cleaved to yield the mature protein. MTSs do not have conserved amino acid compositions, but share common physicochemical properties, including the ability to form amphipathic α-helical structures enriched with basic and hydrophobic residues on alternating faces. The lack of strict sequence conservation implies that some polypeptides can be mistargeted to mitochondria, especially under cellular stress. The pathogenic accumulation of proteins within mitochondria is implicated in many aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Mechanistically, these diseases may originate in part from mitochondrial interactions with amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) or its cleavage product amyloid-β (Aβ), α-synuclein (α-syn), and mutant forms of huntingtin (mHtt), respectively, that are mediated in part through their associations with the mitochondrial protein import machinery. Emerging evidence suggests that these amyloidogenic proteins may present cryptic targeting signals that act as MTS mimetics and can be recognized by mitochondrial import receptors and transported into different mitochondrial compartments. Accumulation of these mistargeted proteins could overwhelm the import machinery and its associated quality control mechanisms, thereby contributing to neurological disease progression. Alternatively, the uptake of amyloidogenic proteins into mitochondria may be part of a protein quality control mechanism for clearance of cytotoxic proteins. Here we review the pathomechanisms of these diseases as they relate to mitochondrial protein import and effects on mitochondrial function, what features of APP/Aβ, α-syn and mHtt make them suitable substrates for the import machinery, and how this information can be leveraged for the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Reed
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Wayne Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrei T. Alexandrescu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Nathan N. Alder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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21
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Kumashiro M, Matsuo K. Characterization of membrane-interaction mechanisms of proteins using vacuum-ultraviolet circular dichroism spectroscopy. Chirality 2023; 35:826-837. [PMID: 37418251 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Protein-membrane interactions play an important role in various biological phenomena, such as material transport, demyelinating diseases, and antimicrobial activity. We combined vacuum-ultraviolet circular dichroism (VUVCD) spectroscopy with theoretical (e.g., molecular dynamics and neural networks) and polarization experimental (e.g., linear dichroism and fluorescence anisotropy) methods to characterize the membrane interaction mechanisms of three soluble proteins (or peptides). α1 -Acid glycoprotein has the drug-binding ability, but the combination of VUVCD and neural-network method revealed that the membrane interaction causes the extension of helix in the N-terminal region, which reduces the binding ability. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is an essential component of the myelin sheath with a multi-layered structure. Molecular dynamics simulations using a VUVCD-guided system showed that MBP forms two amphiphilic and three non-amphiphilic helices as membrane interaction sites. These multivalent interactions may allow MBP to interact with two opposing membrane leaflets, contributing to the formation of a multi-layered myelin structure. The antimicrobial peptide magainin 2 interacts with the bacterial membrane, causing damage to its structure. VUVCD analysis revealed that the M2 peptides assemble in the membrane and turn into oligomers with a β-strand structure. Linear dichroism and fluorescence anisotropy suggested that the oligomers are inserted into the hydrophobic core of the membrane, disrupting the bacterial membrane. Overall, our findings demonstrate that VUVCD and its combination with theoretical and polarization experimental methods pave the way for unraveling the molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena related to protein-membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munehiro Kumashiro
- Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Koichi Matsuo
- Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
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22
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Lai Y, Zhao C, Tian Z, Wang C, Fan J, Hu X, Tu J, Li T, Leitz J, Pfuetzner RA, Liu Z, Zhang S, Su Z, Burré J, Li D, Südhof TC, Zhu ZJ, Liu C, Brunger AT, Diao J. Neutral lysophosphatidylcholine mediates α-synuclein-induced synaptic vesicle clustering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310174120. [PMID: 37883437 PMCID: PMC10622907 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310174120] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-Syn) is a presynaptic protein that is involved in Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases and binds to negatively charged phospholipids. Previously, we reported that α-Syn clusters synthetic proteoliposomes that mimic synaptic vesicles. This vesicle-clustering activity depends on a specific interaction of α-Syn with anionic phospholipids. Here, we report that α-Syn surprisingly also interacts with the neutral phospholipid lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC). Even in the absence of anionic lipids, lysoPC facilitates α-Syn-induced vesicle clustering but has no effect on Ca2+-triggered fusion in a single vesicle-vesicle fusion assay. The A30P mutant of α-Syn that causes familial Parkinson disease has a reduced affinity to lysoPC and does not induce vesicle clustering. Taken together, the α-Syn-lysoPC interaction may play a role in α-Syn function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lai
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan610065, China
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
| | - Chunyu Zhao
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Zhiqi Tian
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45267
| | - Chuchu Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Jiaqi Fan
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan610065, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45267
| | - Jia Tu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Tihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan610065, China
| | - Jeremy Leitz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
| | - Richard A. Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
| | - Zhengtao Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Zhaoming Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Cryo-electron Microscopy Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan610065, China
| | - Jacqueline Burré
- Brain and Mind Research Institute and Appel Institute for Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10021
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200230, China
| | - Thomas C. Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
| | - Zheng-Jiang Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Axel T. Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
| | - Jiajie Diao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45267
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23
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Kragelj J, Ghosh R, Xiao Y, Dumarieh R, Lagasca D, Krishna S, Frederick KK. Spatially resolved DNP-assisted NMR illuminates the conformational ensemble of α-synuclein in intact viable cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.24.563877. [PMID: 37961511 PMCID: PMC10634803 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The protein α-syn adopts a wide variety of conformations including an intrinsically disordered monomeric form and an α-helical rich membrane-associated form that is thought to play an important role in cellular membrane processes. However, despite the high affinity of α-syn for membranes, evidence that the α-helical form of α-syn is adopted inside cells has thus far been indirect. In cell DNP-assisted solid state NMR on frozen samples has the potential to report directly on the entire conformational ensemble. Moreover, because the DNP polarization agent can be dispersed both homogenously and inhomogenously throughout the cellular biomass, in cell DNP-assisted solid state NMR experiments can report either quantitatively upon the structural ensemble or can preferentially report upon the structural ensemble with a spatial bias. Using DNP-assisted MAS NMR we establish that the spectra of purified α-syn in the membrane-associated and intrinsically disordered forms have distinguishable spectra. When the polarization agent is introduced into cells by electroporation and dispersed homogenously, a minority of the α-syn inside HEK293 cells adopts a highly α-helical rich conformation. Alteration of the spatial distribution of the polarization agent preferentially enhances the signal from molecules nearer to the cellular periphery, thus the α-helical rich population is preferentially adopted toward the cellular periphery. This demonstrates how selectively altering the spatial distribution of the DNP polarization agent can be a powerful tool for preferential reporting on specific structural ensembles, paving the way for more nuanced investigations into the conformations that proteins adopt in different areas of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaka Kragelj
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8816
- National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rupam Ghosh
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8816
| | - Yiling Xiao
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8816
| | - Rania Dumarieh
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8816
| | - Dominique Lagasca
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8816
| | - Sakshi Krishna
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8816
| | - Kendra K. Frederick
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8816
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Disease, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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24
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McClain SM, Milchberg MH, Rienstra CM, Murphy CJ. Biologically Representative Lipid-Coated Gold Nanoparticles and Phospholipid Vesicles for the Study of Alpha-Synuclein/Membrane Interactions. ACS NANO 2023; 17:20387-20401. [PMID: 37782491 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein is an intrinsically disordered protein whose formation of beta-sheet-rich protein aggregates in the brain is implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease. Due to its believed role in synaptic vesicle trafficking and neurotransmission, many studies have employed simple, synthetic model systems to investigate alpha-synuclein/membrane interactions in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the protein's native and pathogenic functions. Interestingly, these studies seem to suggest that alpha-synuclein interacts differently with rigid vesicle mimics in comparison to malleable vesicle mimics. However, the use of different mimic sizes and surface chemistries across existing studies makes it challenging to directly compare the effects of membrane mechanical properties on protein behavior observed thus far. In this work, we developed a synaptic vesicle mimic library comprising a range of both malleable and rigid synaptic vesicle mimics possessing the same size and biologically representative lipid surface chemistry. Limited proteolysis mass spectrometry experiments revealed distinct fragmentation patterns between rigid and malleable synaptic vesicle mimics. The N-terminal and C-terminal regions of alpha-synuclein were found to become less solvent-accessible upon binding to all synaptic vesicle mimics. Nevertheless, minor variations in digestion pattern were observed in the central region of the protein dependent upon mimic size, rigidity, and lipid composition. Higher binding affinities were observed for alpha-synuclein binding to rigid synaptic vesicle mimics compared to malleable synaptic vesicle mimics. Additionally, the binding affinity of alpha-synuclein toward small lipid vesicles and small lipid-coated gold nanoparticles without cholesterol was found to be lower than that of their respective malleable and rigid counterparts. Interestingly, the binding curves for the rigid synaptic vesicle mimics demonstrated a nontraditional peak and dip shape believed to arise from differences in alpha-synuclein orientation on the particle surface at different protein-to-particle incubation ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M McClain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Moses H Milchberg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Chad M Rienstra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Catherine J Murphy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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25
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Ramirez J, Pancoe SX, Rhoades E, Petersson EJ. The Effects of Lipids on α-Synuclein Aggregation In Vitro. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1476. [PMID: 37892158 PMCID: PMC10604467 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101476] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The small neuronal protein α-synuclein (αS) is found in pre-synaptic terminals and plays a role in vesicle recycling and neurotransmission. Fibrillar aggregates of αS are the hallmark of Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. In both health and disease, interactions with lipids influence αS's structure and function, prompting much study of the effects of lipids on αS aggregation. A comprehensive collection (126 examples) of aggregation rate data for various αS/lipid combinations was presented, including combinations of lipid variations and mutations or post-translational modifications of αS. These data were interpreted in terms of lipid structure to identify general trends. These tabulated data serve as a resource for the community to help in the interpretation of aggregation experiments with lipids and to be potentially used as inputs for computational models of lipid effects on aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ramirez
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Samantha X. Pancoe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rhoades
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - E. James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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26
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Galesic A, Pan B, Ramirez J, Rhoades E, Pratt MR, Petersson EJ. Combining non-canonical amino acid mutagenesis and native chemical ligation for multiply modifying proteins: A case study of α-synuclein post-translational modifications. Methods 2023; 218:101-109. [PMID: 37549799 PMCID: PMC10657485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Parkinson's disease associated protein α-synuclein (αS) has been found to contain numerous post-translational modifications (PTMs), in both physiological and pathological states. One PTM site of particular interest is serine 87, which is subject to both O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (gS) modification and phosphorylation (pS), with αS-pS87 enriched in Parkinson's disease. An often-overlooked aspect of these PTMs is their effect on the membrane-binding properties of αS, which are important to its role in regulating neurotransmitter release. Here, we show how one can study these effects by synthesizing αS constructs containing authentic PTMs and labels for single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements. We synthesize αS-gS87 and αS-pS87 by combining native chemical ligation with genetic code expansion approaches. We introduce the fluorophore by a click reaction with a non-canonical amino acid. Beyond the specific problem of PTM effects on αS, our studies highlight the value of this combination of methods for multiply modifying proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Galesic
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Buyan Pan
- Department of Chemistry; University of Pennsylvania; 231 South 34th Street; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer Ramirez
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rhoades
- Department of Chemistry; University of Pennsylvania; 231 South 34th Street; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew R. Pratt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - E. James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry; University of Pennsylvania; 231 South 34th Street; Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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27
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Uceda AB, Ramis R, Pauwels K, Adrover M, Mariño L, Frau J, Vilanova B. Understanding the effect of the membrane-mimetic micelles on the interplay between α-synuclein and Cu(II)/Cu(I) cations. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 247:112344. [PMID: 37542850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112344] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αS) is a presynaptic protein whose aggregates are considered as a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although its physiological function is still under debate, it is widely accepted that its functions are always mediated by its interaction with membranes. The association of αS with phospholipid membranes occurs concomitant to its folding from its monomeric, unfolded state towards an antiparallel amphipathic α-helix. Besides this, copper ions can also bind αS and modify its aggregation propensity. The effect of Cu(II) and Cu(I) on the lipid-αS affinity and on the structure of the membrane-bound αS have not yet been studied. This knowledge is relevant to understand the molecular pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, we have here studied the affinities between Cu(II) and Cu(I) and the micelle-bound αS, as well as the effect of these cations on the structure of micelle-bound αS. Cu(II) or Cu(I) did not affect the α-helical structure of the micelle-bound αS. However, while Cu(I) binds at the same sites of αS in the presence or in the absence of micelles, the micelle-bound αS displays different Cu(II) binding sites than unbound αS. In any case, sodium docecyl sulphate -micelles reduce the stability of the αS complexes with both Cu(II) and Cu(I). Finally, we have observed that the micelle-bound αS is still able to prevent the Cu(II)-catalysed oxidation of neuronal metabolites (e.g. ascorbic acid) and the formation of reactive oxygen species, thus this binding does not impair its biological function as part of the antioxidant machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Uceda
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdIsBa), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Rafael Ramis
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Kris Pauwels
- Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miquel Adrover
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdIsBa), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Mariño
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdIsBa), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Juan Frau
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdIsBa), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Bartolomé Vilanova
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdIsBa), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain.
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28
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Ramezani M, Wagenknecht-Wiesner A, Wang T, Holowka DA, Eliezer D, Baird BA. Alpha synuclein modulates mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake from ER during cell stimulation and under stress conditions. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:137. [PMID: 37741841 PMCID: PMC10518018 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (a-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein prevalent in neurons, and aggregated forms are associated with synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite the biomedical importance and extensive studies, the physiological role of a-syn and its participation in etiology of PD remain uncertain. We showed previously in model RBL cells that a-syn colocalizes with mitochondrial membranes, depending on formation of N-terminal helices and increasing with mitochondrial stress1. We have now characterized this colocalization and functional correlates in RBL, HEK293, and N2a cells. We find that expression of a-syn enhances stimulated mitochondrial uptake of Ca2+ from the ER, depending on formation of its N-terminal helices but not on its disordered C-terminal tail. Our results are consistent with a-syn acting as a tether between mitochondria and ER, and we show increased contacts between these two organelles using structured illumination microscopy. We tested mitochondrial stress caused by toxins related to PD, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP/MPP+) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) and found that a-syn prevents recovery of stimulated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. The C-terminal tail, and not N-terminal helices, is involved in this inhibitory activity, which is abrogated when phosphorylation site serine-129 is mutated (S129A). Correspondingly, we find that MPTP/MPP+ and CCCP stress is accompanied by both phosphorylation (pS129) and aggregation of a-syn. Overall, our results indicate that a-syn can participate as a tethering protein to modulate Ca2+ flux between ER and mitochondria, with potential physiological significance. A-syn can also prevent cellular recovery from toxin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which may represent a pathological role of a-syn in the etiology of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meraj Ramezani
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | | | - Tong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - David A Holowka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Barbara A Baird
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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29
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Roeters SJ, Strunge K, Pedersen KB, Golbek TW, Bregnhøj M, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Dong M, Nielsen J, Otzen DE, Schiøtt B, Weidner T. Elevated concentrations cause upright alpha-synuclein conformation at lipid interfaces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5731. [PMID: 37723164 PMCID: PMC10507035 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The amyloid aggregation of α-synuclein (αS), related to Parkinson's disease, can be catalyzed by lipid membranes. Despite the importance of lipid surfaces, the 3D-structure and orientation of lipid-bound αS is still not known in detail. Here, we report interface-specific vibrational sum-frequency generation (VSFG) experiments that reveal how monomeric αS binds to an anionic lipid interface over a large range of αS-lipid ratios. To interpret the experimental data, we present a frame-selection method ("ViscaSelect") in which out-of-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations are used to generate structural hypotheses that are compared to experimental amide-I spectra via excitonic spectral calculations. At low and physiological αS concentrations, we derive flat-lying helical structures as previously reported. However, at elevated and potentially disease-related concentrations, a transition to interface-protruding αS structures occurs. Such an upright conformation promotes lateral interactions between αS monomers and may explain how lipid membranes catalyze the formation of αS amyloids at elevated protein concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Roeters
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Kris Strunge
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kasper B Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thaddeus W Golbek
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Bregnhøj
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Yuge Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Yin Wang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Janni Nielsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Daniel E Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Birgit Schiøtt
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Tobias Weidner
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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30
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Hnath B, Chen J, Reynolds J, Choi E, Wang J, Zhang D, Sha CM, Dokholyan NV. Big versus small: The impact of aggregate size in disease. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4686. [PMID: 37243896 PMCID: PMC10273386 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Protein aggregation results in an array of different size soluble oligomers and larger insoluble fibrils. Insoluble fibrils were originally thought to cause neuronal cell deaths in neurodegenerative diseases due to their prevalence in tissue samples and disease models. Despite recent studies demonstrating the toxicity associated with soluble oligomers, many therapeutic strategies still focus on fibrils or consider all types of aggregates as one group. Oligomers and fibrils require different modeling and therapeutic strategies, targeting the toxic species is crucial for successful study and therapeutic development. Here, we review the role of different-size aggregates in disease, and how factors contributing to aggregation (mutations, metals, post-translational modifications, and lipid interactions) may promote oligomers opposed to fibrils. We review two different computational modeling strategies (molecular dynamics and kinetic modeling) and how they are used to model both oligomers and fibrils. Finally, we outline the current therapeutic strategies targeting aggregating proteins and their strengths and weaknesses for targeting oligomers versus fibrils. Altogether, we aim to highlight the importance of distinguishing the difference between oligomers and fibrils and determining which species is toxic when modeling and creating therapeutics for protein aggregation in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Hnath
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringPenn State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jiaxing Chen
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joshua Reynolds
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringPenn State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Esther Choi
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Medical Scientist Training ProgramPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dongyan Zhang
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Congzhou M. Sha
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Medical Scientist Training ProgramPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Engineering Science and MechanicsPenn State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringPenn State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PharmacologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Engineering Science and MechanicsPenn State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyPenn State College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of ChemistryPenn State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
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31
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Uceda AB, Frau J, Vilanova B, Adrover M. Tyrosine Nitroxidation Does Not Affect the Ability of α-Synuclein to Bind Anionic Micelles, but It Diminishes Its Ability to Bind and Assemble Synaptic-like Vesicles. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1310. [PMID: 37372040 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration and the accumulation of neuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies, which are formed by aggregated and post-translationally modified α-synuclein (αS). Oxidative modifications such as the formation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) or di-tyrosine are found in αS deposits, and they could be promoted by the oxidative stress typical of PD brains. Many studies have tried to elucidate the molecular mechanism correlating nitroxidation, αS aggregation, and PD. However, it is unclear how nitroxidation affects the physiological function of αS. To clarify this matter, we synthetized an αS with its Tyr residues replaced by 3-NT. Its study revealed that Tyr nitroxidation had no effect on either the affinity of αS towards anionic micelles nor the overall structure of the micelle-bound αS, which retained its α-helical folding. Nevertheless, we observed that nitroxidation of Y39 lengthened the disordered stretch bridging the two consecutive α-helices. Conversely, the affinity of αS towards synaptic-like vesicles diminished as a result of Tyr nitroxidation. Additionally, we also proved that nitroxidation precluded αS from performing its physiological function as a catalyst of the clustering and the fusion of synaptic vesicles. Our findings represent a step forward towards the completion of the puzzle that must explain the molecular mechanism behind the link between αS-nitroxidation and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Uceda
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juan Frau
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Bartolomé Vilanova
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Miquel Adrover
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), E-07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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32
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Kim M, Bezprozvanny I. Potential direct role of synuclein in dopamine transport and its implications for Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 671:18-25. [PMID: 37290280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by dysfunction and death of dopaminergic neurons. Mutations in the gene encoding α-synuclein (ASYN) have been linked with familial PD (FPD). Despite important role of ASYN in PD pathology, its normal biological function has not been clarified, although direct action of ASYN in synaptic transmission and dopamine (DA+) release have been proposed. In the present report we propose a novel hypothesis that ASYN functions as DA+/H+ exchanger that can facilitate transport of dopamine across synaptic vesicle (SV) membrane by taking advantage of proton gradient between SV lumen and cytoplasm. According to this hypothesis, normal physiological role of ASYN consists of fine-tuning levels of dopamine in the SVs based on cytosolic concentration of dopamine and intraluminal pH. This hypothesis is based on similarity in domain structure of ASYN and pHILP, a designed peptide developed to mediate loading of lipid nanoparticles with the cargo molecules. We reason that carboxy-terminal acidic loop D2b domain in both ASYN and pHILP binds cargo molecules. By mimicking DA+ association with E/D residues in D2b domain of ASYN using Tyrosine replacement approach (TR) we have been able to estimate that ASYN is able to transfer 8-12 molecules of dopamine across SV membrane on each DA+/H+ exchange cycle. Our results suggest that familial PD mutations (A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D, A53T and A53E) will interfere with different steps of the exchange cycle, resulting in partial loss of dopamine transport function phenotype. We also predict that similar impairment in ASYN DA+/H+ exchange function also occurs as a result on neuronal aging due to changes in SV lipid composition and size and also dissipation of pH gradient across SV membrane. Proposed novel functional role of ASYN provides novel insights into its biological role and its role in PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meewhi Kim
- Dept of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Dept of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA; Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, St Petersburg State Polytechnical Universty, St Petersburg, 195251, Russian Federation.
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Albarran E, Sun Y, Liu Y, Raju K, Dong A, Li Y, Wang S, Südhof TC, Ding JB. Postsynaptic synucleins mediate endocannabinoid signaling. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:997-1007. [PMID: 37248337 PMCID: PMC10244176 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are among the most powerful modulators of synaptic transmission throughout the nervous system, and yet little is understood about the release of endocannabinoids from postsynaptic compartments. Here we report an unexpected finding that endocannabinoid release requires synucleins, key contributors to Parkinson's disease. We show that endocannabinoids are released postsynaptically by a synuclein-dependent and SNARE-dependent mechanism. Specifically, we found that synuclein deletion blocks endocannabinoid-dependent synaptic plasticity; this block is reversed by postsynaptic expression of wild-type but not of mutant α-synuclein. Whole-cell recordings and direct optical monitoring of endocannabinoid signaling suggest that the synuclein deletion specifically blocks endocannabinoid release. Given the presynaptic role of synucleins in regulating vesicle lifecycle, we hypothesize that endocannabinoids are released via a membrane interaction mechanism. Consistent with this hypothesis, postsynaptic expression of tetanus toxin light chain, which cleaves synaptobrevin SNAREs, also blocks endocannabinoid-dependent signaling. The unexpected finding that endocannabinoids are released via a synuclein-dependent mechanism is consistent with a general function of synucleins in membrane trafficking and adds a piece to the longstanding puzzle of how neurons release endocannabinoids to induce synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Albarran
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karthik Raju
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Sui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jun B Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Buzzatto MV, Berberián MV, Di Bartolo AL, Masone D, Tomes CN. α-Synuclein is required for sperm exocytosis at a post-fusion stage. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125988. [PMID: 37287458 PMCID: PMC10242118 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm acrosome is a large dense-core granule whose contents are secreted by regulated exocytosis at fertilization through the opening of numerous fusion pores between the acrosomal and plasma membranes. In other cells, the nascent pore generated when the membrane surrounding a secretory vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane may have different fates. In sperm, pore dilation leads to the vesiculation and release of these membranes, together with the granule contents. α-Synuclein is a small cytosolic protein claimed to exhibit different roles in exocytic pathways in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Here, we scrutinized its function in human sperm. Western blot revealed the presence of α-synuclein and indirect immunofluorescence its localization to the acrosomal domain of human sperm. Despite its small size, the protein was retained following permeabilization of the plasma membrane with streptolysin O. α-Synuclein was required for acrosomal release, as demonstrated by the inability of an inducer to elicit exocytosis when permeabilized human sperm were loaded with inhibitory antibodies to human α-synuclein. The antibodies halted calcium-induced secretion when introduced after the acrosome docked to the cell membrane. Two functional assays, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies revealed that the stabilization of open fusion pores was responsible for the secretion blockage. Interestingly, synaptobrevin was insensitive to neurotoxin cleavage at this point, an indication of its engagement in cis SNARE complexes. The very existence of such complexes during AE reflects a new paradigm. Recombinant α-synuclein rescued the inhibitory effects of the anti-α-synuclein antibodies and of a chimeric Rab3A-22A protein that also inhibits AE after fusion pore opening. We applied restrained molecular dynamics simulations to compare the energy cost of expanding a nascent fusion pore between two model membranes and found it higher in the absence than in the presence of α-synuclein. Hence, our results suggest that α-synuclein is essential for expanding fusion pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Vanina Buzzatto
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Berberián
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Básicas (ICB)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ary Lautaro Di Bartolo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Diego Masone
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia Nora Tomes
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Di Bartolo AL, Caparotta M, Masone D. Intrinsic Disorder in α-Synuclein Regulates the Exocytotic Fusion Pore Transition. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37192400 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, it is widely accepted that intrinsic disorder is strongly related to the cell cycle, during mitosis, differentiation, and apoptosis. Of particular interest are hybrid proteins possessing both structured and unstructured domains that are critical in human health and disease, such as α-synuclein. In this work, we describe how α-synuclein interacts with the nascent fusion pore as it evolves toward expansion. We unveil the key role played by its intrinsically disordered region as a thermodynamic regulator of the nucleation-expansion energy barrier. By analyzing a truncated variant of α-synuclein that lacks the disordered region, we find that the landscape of protein interactions with PIP2 and POPS lipids is highly altered, ultimately increasing the energy cost for the fusion pore to transit from nucleation to expansion. We conclude that the intrinsically disordered region in full-length α-synuclein recognizes and allocates pivotal protein:lipid interactions during membrane remodeling in the first stages of the fusion pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ary Lautaro Di Bartolo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Caparotta
- Quantum Theory Project, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Diego Masone
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
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Stephens AD, Villegas AF, Chung CW, Vanderpoorten O, Pinotsi D, Mela I, Ward E, McCoy TM, Cubitt R, Routh AF, Kaminski CF, Kaminski Schierle GS. α-Synuclein fibril and synaptic vesicle interactions lead to vesicle destruction and increased lipid-associated fibril uptake into iPSC-derived neurons. Commun Biol 2023; 6:526. [PMID: 37188797 PMCID: PMC10185682 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04884-1] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Monomeric alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is a well characterised protein that importantly binds to lipids. aSyn monomers assemble into amyloid fibrils which are localised to lipids and organelles in insoluble structures found in Parkinson's disease patient's brains. Previous work to address pathological aSyn-lipid interactions has focused on using synthetic lipid membranes, which lack the complexity of physiological lipid membranes. Here, we use physiological membranes in the form of synaptic vesicles (SV) isolated from rodent brain to demonstrate that lipid-associated aSyn fibrils are more easily taken up into iPSC-derived cortical i3Neurons. Lipid-associated aSyn fibril characterisation reveals that SV lipids are an integrated part of the fibrils and while their fibril morphology differs from aSyn fibrils alone, the core fibril structure remains the same, suggesting the lipids lead to the increase in fibril uptake. Furthermore, SV enhance the aggregation rate of aSyn, yet increasing the SV:aSyn ratio causes a reduction in aggregation propensity. We finally show that aSyn fibrils disintegrate SV, whereas aSyn monomers cause clustering of SV using small angle neutron scattering and high-resolution imaging. Disease burden on neurons may be impacted by an increased uptake of lipid-associated aSyn which could enhance stress and pathology, which in turn may have fatal consequences for neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amberley D Stephens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ana Fernandez Villegas
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chyi Wei Chung
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Oliver Vanderpoorten
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorothea Pinotsi
- Scientific Center for Optical and Electron Microscopy, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ioanna Mela
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edward Ward
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas M McCoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Alexander F Routh
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clemens F Kaminski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Ramezani M, Wagenknecht-Wiesner A, Wang T, Holowka DA, Eliezer D, Baird BA. Alpha Synuclein Modulates Mitochondrial Ca 2+ Uptake from ER During Cell Stimulation and Under Stress Conditions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.23.537965. [PMID: 37163091 PMCID: PMC10168219 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.23.537965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (a-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein prevalent in neurons, and aggregated forms are associated with synucleinopathies including Parkinson' disease (PD). Despite the biomedical importance and extensive studies, the physiological role of a-syn and its participation in etiology of PD remain uncertain. We showed previously in model RBL cells that a-syn colocalizes with mitochondrial membranes, depending on formation of N-terminal helices and increasing with mitochondrial stress. 1 We have now characterized this colocalization and functional correlates in RBL, HEK293, and N2a cells. We find that expression of a-syn enhances stimulated mitochondrial uptake of Ca 2+ from the ER, depending on formation of its N-terminal helices but not on its disordered C-terminal tail. Our results are consistent with a-syn acting as a tether between mitochondria and ER, and we show increased contacts between these two organelles using structured illumination microscopy. We tested mitochondrial stress caused by toxins related to PD, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP/MPP+) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), and found that a-syn prevents recovery of stimulated mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake. The C-terminal tail, and not N-terminal helices, is involved in this inhibitory activity, which is abrogated when phosphorylation site serine-129 is mutated (S129A). Correspondingly, we find that MPTP/MPP+ and CCCP stress is accompanied by both phosphorylation (pS129) and aggregation of a-syn. Overall, our results indicate that a-syn can participate as a tethering protein to modulate Ca 2+ flux between ER and mitochondria, with potential physiological significance. A-syn can also prevent cellular recovery from toxin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which may represent a pathological role of a-syn in the etiology of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meraj Ramezani
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | | | - Tong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - David A. Holowka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Barbara A. Baird
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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Interfacial properties of α-synuclein's Parkinsonian variants. Biophys Chem 2023; 297:107006. [PMID: 37019052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Human alpha-synuclein (αS) is associated with the occurrence of Parkinson's disease. In the past decade, six autosomally dominant mutations have been identified in αS (SNCA) gene that translate into A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D, A53E, and A53T mutations in the protein. These mutations alter the electrostatics and hydrophobicity of a cardinal region of the protein. A comprehensive comparison of interfacial properties of these Parkinsonian αS variants is crucial to understand their membrane dynamics. Here, we investigated the interfacial activity of these αS variants at air-aqueous interface. All the αS variants were found to possess comparable surface activity of ∼20-22 mN/m. Compression/expansion isotherms reveal a very distinct behaviour of the A30P variant compared to others. The Blodgett-deposited films were analysed using CD and LD spectroscopy as well as the atomic force microscopy. All the variants adopted predominantly α-helical conformation in these films. Atomic force microscopy of the Langmuir-Blodgett films revealed self-assembly at the interface. The lipid-penetration activity was also investigated using zwitterionic and negatively charged lipid monolayers.
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Uceda AB, Frau J, Vilanova B, Adrover M. On the effect of methionine oxidation on the interplay between α-synuclein and synaptic-like vesicles. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 229:92-104. [PMID: 36584779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human alpha-synuclein (αS) is an intrinsically disordered protein highly expressed in dopaminergic neurons. Its amyloid aggregates are the major component of Lewy bodies, which are considered a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). αS has four different Met, which are particularly sensitive to oxidation, as most of them are found as Met sulfoxide (MetO) in the αS deposits. Consequently, researchers have invested mounting efforts trying to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the links between oxidative stress, αS aggregation and PD. However, it has not been described yet the effect of Met oxidation on the physiological function of αS. Trying to shed light on this aspect, we have here studied a synthetic αS that displayed all its Met replaced by MetO moieties (αS-MetO). Our study has allowed to prove that MetO diminishes the affinity of αS towards anionic micelles (SDS), although the micelle-bound fraction of αS-MetO still adopts an α-helical folding resembling that of the lipid-bound αS. MetO also diminishes the affinity of αS towards synaptic-like vesicles, and its hindering effect is much more pronounced than that displayed on the αS-micelle affinity. Additionally, we have also demonstrated that MetO impairs the physiological function of αS as a catalyst of the clustering and the fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs). Our findings provide a new understanding on how Met oxidation affects one of the most relevant biological functions attributed to αS that is to bind and cluster SVs along the neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Uceda
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juan Frau
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Bartolomé Vilanova
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Miquel Adrover
- Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Departament de Química, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Kumari S, Taliyan R, Dubey SK. Comprehensive Review on Potential Signaling Pathways Involving the Transfer of α-Synuclein from the Gut to the Brain That Leads to Parkinson's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:590-602. [PMID: 36724408 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neurological disease after Alzheimer's. Primarily, old age males are more affected than females. The aggregates of oligomeric forms of α-synuclein cause the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Further, it leads to dopamine shortage in the striatum region. According to recent preclinical studies, environmental factors like pesticides, food supplements, pathogens, etc. enter the body through the mouth or nose and ultimately reach the gut. Further, these factors get accumulated in enteric nervous system which leads to misfolding of α-synuclein gene, and aggregation of this gene results in Lewy pathology in the gut and reaches to the brain through the vagus nerve. This evidence showed a strong bidirectional connection between the gut and the brain, which leads to gastrointestinal problems in Parkinson patients. Moreover, several studies reveal that patients with Parkinson experience more gastrointestinal issues in the early stages of the disease, such as constipation, increased motility, gut inflammation, etc. This review article focuses on the transmission of α-synuclein and the mechanisms involved in the link between the gut and the brain in Parkinson's disease. Also, this review explores the various pathways involved in Parkinson and current therapeutic approaches for the improvement of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Kumari
- Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science─Pilani, Pilani, 333031 Rajasthan, India
| | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science─Pilani, Pilani, 333031 Rajasthan, India
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a-Synuclein and lipids in erythrocytes of Gaucher disease carriers and patients before and after enzyme replacement therapy. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277602. [PMID: 36735655 PMCID: PMC9897572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that patients with Gaucher disease, as well as carriers of the disease have an increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease. A plethora of evidence suggests that disturbed α-Synuclein homeostasis is the link between Gaucher disease and Parkinson's disease. The pathogenic mechanism linking these entities is still a topic of debate and both gain- and loss-of-function theories have been put forward, which however are not mutually exclusive. In the present study we expanded our previous studies to include not only Gaucher disease patients but also Gaucher disease carriers and Gaucher disease patients following Enzyme Replacement Therapy. In these groups we investigated α-Synuclein in red blood cell membranes in association with lipid abnormalities described in Gaucher disease. These included glucosylceramide and its species, glucosylsphingosine, glucosylcholesterol and plasmalogens. Increased oligomerization of α-Synuclein in red blood cell membranes was observed not only in Gaucher disease patients but also in carriers of the disease. There were no qualitative differences in the lipids identified in the groups studied. However, significant quantitative differences compared to controls were observed in Gaucher disease patients but not in Gaucher disease carriers. Enzyme Replacement Therapy reversed the biochemical defects and normalized α-Synuclein homeostasis, providing for the first time evidence in human subjects that such homeostatic dysregulation is reversible. Further studies investigating α-Synuclein status during the differentiation of erythroid progenitors could provide new data on the pathogenic mechanism of α-Synuclein oligomerization in this system.
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Sohrabi T, Mirzaei-Behbahani B, Zadali R, Pirhaghi M, Morozova-Roche LA, Meratan AA. Common Mechanisms Underlying α-Synuclein-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease. J Mol Biol 2023:167992. [PMID: 36736886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurological movement disorder characterized by the selective and irreversible loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta resulting in dopamine deficiency in the striatum. While most cases are sporadic or environmental, about 10% of patients have a positive family history with a genetic cause. The misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) as a casual factor in the pathogenesis of PD has been supported by a great deal of literature. Extensive studies of mechanisms underpinning degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons induced by α-syn dysfunction suggest a complex process that involves multiple pathways, including mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress, impaired calcium homeostasis through membrane permeabilization, synaptic dysfunction, impairment of quality control systems, disruption of microtubule dynamics and axonal transport, endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi dysfunction, nucleus malfunction, and microglia activation leading to neuroinflammation. Among them mitochondrial dysfunction has been considered as the most primary target of α-syn-induced toxicity, leading to neuronal cell death in both sporadic and familial forms of PD. Despite reviewing many aspects of PD pathogenesis related to mitochondrial dysfunction, a systemic study on how α-syn malfunction/aggregation damages mitochondrial functionality and leads to neurodegeneration is missing in the literature. In this review, we give a detailed molecular overview of the proposed mechanisms by which α-syn, directly or indirectly, contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction. This may provide valuable insights for development of new therapeutic approaches in relation to PD. Antioxidant-based therapy as a potential strategy to protect mitochondria against oxidative damage, its challenges, and recent developments in the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Sohrabi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran
| | - Behnaz Mirzaei-Behbahani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran
| | - Ramin Zadali
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mitra Pirhaghi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Akbar Meratan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran.
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Sharma M, Burré J. α-Synuclein in synaptic function and dysfunction. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:153-166. [PMID: 36567199 PMCID: PMC9877183 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a neuronal protein that is enriched in presynaptic terminals. Under physiological conditions, it binds to synaptic vesicle membranes and functions in neurotransmitter release, although the molecular details remain unclear, and it is controversial whether α-synuclein inhibits or facilitates neurotransmitter release. Pathologically, in synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), α-synuclein forms aggregates that recruit monomeric α-synuclein and spread throughout the brain, which triggers neuronal dysfunction at molecular, cellular, and organ levels. Here, we present an overview of the effects of α-synuclein on SNARE-complex assembly, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic vesicle pool homeostasis, and discuss how the observed divergent effects of α-synuclein on neurotransmitter release can be reconciled. We also discuss how gain-of-function versus loss-of-function of α-synuclein may contribute to pathogenesis in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Sharma
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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44
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Myers AJ, Brahimi A, Jenkins IJ, Koob AO. The Synucleins and the Astrocyte. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020155. [PMID: 36829434 PMCID: PMC9952504 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Synucleins consist of three proteins exclusively expressed in vertebrates. α-Synuclein (αS) has been identified as the main proteinaceous aggregate in Lewy bodies, a pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. Less is understood about β-synuclein (βS) and γ-synuclein (γS), although it is known βS can interact with αS in vivo to inhibit aggregation. Likewise, both γS and βS can inhibit αS's propensity to aggregate in vitro. In the central nervous system, βS and αS, and to a lesser extent γS, are highly expressed in the neural presynaptic terminal, although they are not strictly located there, and emerging data have shown a more complex expression profile. Synapse loss and astrocyte atrophy are early aspects of degenerative diseases of the brain and correlate with disease progression. Synucleins appear to be involved in synaptic transmission, and astrocytes coordinate and organize synaptic function, with excess αS degraded by astrocytes and microglia adjacent to the synapse. βS and γS have also been observed in the astrocyte and may provide beneficial roles. The astrocytic responsibility for degradation of αS as well as emerging evidence on possible astrocytic functions of βS and γS, warrant closer inspection on astrocyte-synuclein interactions at the synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J. Myers
- Neuroscience Program, Health Science Research Facility, University of Vermont, 149 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Ayat Brahimi
- Biology Department, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Imani J. Jenkins
- Biology Department, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Andrew O. Koob
- Biology Department, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-860-768-5780
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Gao V, Briano JA, Komer LE, Burré J. Functional and Pathological Effects of α-Synuclein on Synaptic SNARE Complexes. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167714. [PMID: 35787839 PMCID: PMC10472340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is an abundant protein at the neuronal synapse that has been implicated in Parkinson's disease for over 25 years and characterizes the hallmark pathology of a group of neurodegenerative diseases now known as the synucleinopathies. Physiologically, α-synuclein exists in an equilibrium between a synaptic vesicle membrane-bound α-helical multimer and a cytosolic largely unstructured monomer. Through its membrane-bound state, α-synuclein functions in neurotransmitter release by modulating several steps in the synaptic vesicle cycle, including synaptic vesicle clustering and docking, SNARE complex assembly, and homeostasis of synaptic vesicle pools. These functions have been ascribed to α-synuclein's interactions with the synaptic vesicle SNARE protein VAMP2/synaptobrevin-2, the synaptic vesicle-attached synapsins, and the synaptic vesicle membrane itself. How α-synuclein affects these processes, and whether disease is due to loss-of-function or gain-of-toxic-function of α-synuclein remains unclear. In this review, we provide an in-depth summary of the existing literature, discuss possible reasons for the discrepancies in the field, and propose a working model that reconciles the findings in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Gao
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Juan A Briano
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren E Komer
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. https://www.twitter.com/lauren_komer
| | - Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute & Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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The Consequences of GBA Deficiency in the Autophagy-Lysosome System in Parkinson's Disease Associated with GBA. Cells 2023; 12:cells12010191. [PMID: 36611984 PMCID: PMC9818455 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GBA gene variants were the first genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. GBA encodes the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA), which is involved in sphingolipid metabolism. GBA exhibits a complex physiological function that includes not only the degradation of its substrate glucosylceramide but also the metabolism of other sphingolipids and additional lipids such as cholesterol, particularly when glucocerebrosidase activity is deficient. In the context of Parkinson's disease associated with GBA, the loss of GBA activity has been associated with the accumulation of α-synuclein species. In recent years, several hypotheses have proposed alternative and complementary pathological mechanisms to explain why lysosomal enzyme mutations lead to α-synuclein accumulation and become important risk factors in Parkinson's disease etiology. Classically, loss of GBA activity has been linked to a dysfunctional autophagy-lysosome system and to a subsequent decrease in autophagy-dependent α-synuclein turnover; however, several other pathological mechanisms underlying GBA-associated parkinsonism have been proposed. This review summarizes and discusses the different hypotheses with a special focus on autophagy-dependent mechanisms, as well as autophagy-independent mechanisms, where the role of other players such as sphingolipids, cholesterol and other GBA-related proteins make important contributions to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis.
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Pancoe SX, Wang YJ, Shimogawa M, Perez RM, Giannakoulias S, Petersson EJ. Effects of Mutations and Post-Translational Modifications on α-Synuclein In Vitro Aggregation. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167859. [PMID: 36270580 PMCID: PMC9922159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar aggregates of the α-synuclein (αS) protein are the hallmark of Parkinson's Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. Characterization of the effects of mutations and post-translational modifications (PTMs) on the αS aggregation rate can provide insight into the mechanism of fibril formation, which remains elusive in spite of intense study. A comprehensive collection (375 examples) of mutant and PTM aggregation rate data measured using the fluorescent probe thioflavin T is presented, as well as a summary of the effects of fluorescent labeling on αS aggregation (20 examples). A curated set of 131 single mutant de novo aggregation experiments are normalized to wild type controls and analyzed in terms of structural data for the monomer and fibrillar forms of αS. These tabulated data serve as a resource to the community to help in interpretation of aggregation experiments and to potentially be used as inputs for computational models of aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha X Pancoe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yanxin J Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marie Shimogawa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ryann M Perez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sam Giannakoulias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - E James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Mahakud AK, Shaikh J, Rifa Iqbal VV, Gupta A, Tiwari A, Saleem M. Amyloids on Membrane Interfaces: Implications for Neurodegeneration. J Membr Biol 2022; 255:705-722. [PMID: 35670831 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Membrane interfaces are vital for various cellular processes, and their involvement in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease has taken precedence in recent years. The amyloidogenic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases interact with the neuronal membrane through various means, which has implications for both the onset and progression of the disease. The parameters that regulate the interaction between the membrane and the amyloids remain poorly understood. The review focuses on the various aspects of membrane interactions of amyloids, particularly amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and Tau involved in Alzheimer's and α-synuclein involved in Parkinson's disease. The genetic, cell biological, biochemical, and biophysical studies that form the basis for our current understanding of the membrane interactions of Aβ peptides, Tau, and α-synuclein are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaresh Kumar Mahakud
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Jafarulla Shaikh
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - V V Rifa Iqbal
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Abhinav Gupta
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Anuj Tiwari
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Mohammed Saleem
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India. .,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.
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Wang H, Mörman C, Sternke-Hoffmann R, Huang CY, Prota A, Ma P, Luo J. Cu 2+ ions modulate the interaction between α-synuclein and lipid membranes. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 236:111945. [PMID: 35952593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
α-synuclein protein aggregates are the major constituent of Lewy bodies, which is a main pathogenic hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Both lipid membranes and Cu2+ ions can bind to α-synuclein and modulate its aggregation propensity and toxicity. However, the synergistic effect of copper ions and lipid membranes on α-synuclein remains to be explored. Here, we investigate how Cu2+ and α-synuclein simultaneously influence the lipidic structure of lipidic cubic phase(LCP) matrix by using small-angle X-ray scattering. α-Syn proteins destabilize the cubic-Pn3m phase of LCP that can be further recovered after the addition of Cu2 ions even at a low stoichiometric ratio. By using circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance, we also study how lipid membranes and Cu2+ ions impact the secondary structures of α-synuclein at an atomic level. Although the secondary structure of α-synuclein with lipid membranes is not significantly changed to a large extent in the presence of Cu2+ ions, lipid membranes promote the interaction between α-synuclein C-terminus and Cu2+ ions. The modulation of Cu2+ ions and lipid membranes on α-synuclein dynamics and structure may play an important role in the molecular pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Wang
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Mörman
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland; Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Chia-Ying Huang
- Swiss Light Source at Paul Scherrer Institut, Forschungstrasse 111, Villigen-PSI, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Prota
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Pikyee Ma
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Jinghui Luo
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
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50
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Galper J, Kim WS, Dzamko N. LRRK2 and Lipid Pathways: Implications for Parkinson's Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1597. [PMID: 36358947 PMCID: PMC9687231 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations in the LRRK2 gene, encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase 2, are a common risk factor for Parkinson's disease. How LRRK2 alterations lead to cell pathology is an area of ongoing investigation, however, multiple lines of evidence suggest a role for LRRK2 in lipid pathways. It is increasingly recognized that in addition to being energy reservoirs and structural entities, some lipids, including neural lipids, participate in signaling cascades. Early investigations revealed that LRRK2 localized to membranous and vesicular structures, suggesting an interaction of LRRK2 and lipids or lipid-associated proteins. LRRK2 substrates from the Rab GTPase family play a critical role in vesicle trafficking, lipid metabolism and lipid storage, all processes which rely on lipid dynamics. In addition, LRRK2 is associated with the phosphorylation and activity of enzymes that catabolize plasma membrane and lysosomal lipids. Furthermore, LRRK2 knockout studies have revealed that blood, brain and urine exhibit lipid level changes, including alterations to sterols, sphingolipids and phospholipids, respectively. In human LRRK2 mutation carriers, changes to sterols, sphingolipids, phospholipids, fatty acyls and glycerolipids are reported in multiple tissues. This review summarizes the evidence regarding associations between LRRK2 and lipids, and the functional consequences of LRRK2-associated lipid changes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Galper
- Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Woojin S Kim
- Brain and Mind Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Nicolas Dzamko
- Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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