1
|
Pan PY, Ke CC, Wang YY, Lin YH, Ku WC, Au CF, Chan CC, Huang CY, Lin YH. Proteomic profiling of TBC1 domain family member 21-null sperms reveals the critical roles of TEKT 1 in their tail defects. Dev Dyn 2024. [PMID: 38822685 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.716] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 7% of the males exhibit reduced fertility; however, the regulatory genes and pathways involved remain largely unknown. TBC1 domain family member 21 (TBC1D21) contains a conserved RabGAP catalytic domain that induces GDP/GTP exchange to inactivate Rabs by interacting with microtubules. We previously reported that Tbc1d21-null mice exhibit severe sperm tail defects with a disrupted axoneme, and that TBC1D21 interacts with RAB10. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying the Tbc1d21 loss-induced sperm tail defects remain unknown. RESULTS Murine sperm from wild-type and Tbc1d21-null mice were comparatively analyzed using proteomic assays. Over 1600 proteins were identified, of which 15 were significantly up-regulated in Tbc1d21-null sperm. Notably, several tektin (TEKT) family proteins, belonging to a type of intermediate filament critical for stabilizing the microtubular structure of cilia and flagella, were significantly up-regulated in Tbc1d21-/- sperm. We also found that TBC1D21 interacts with TEKT1. In addition, TEKT1 co-localized with RAB10 during sperm tail formation. Finally, we found Tbc1d21-null sperm exhibited abnormal accumulation of TEKT1 in the midpiece region, accompanied by disrupted axonemal structures. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal that TBC1D21 modulates TEKTs protein localization in the axonemal transport system during sperm tail formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yi Pan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chun Ke
- Department of Urology, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hua Lin
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Ku
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Fong Au
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chying-Chyuan Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxing Branch and Branch for Women and Children, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Huang
- Gynecologic Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Asperen JV, Kotaich F, Caillol D, Bomont P. Neurofilaments: Novel findings and future challenges. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102326. [PMID: 38401181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102326] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) are abundant cytoskeletal proteins that emerge as a critical hub for cell signalling within neurons. As we start to uncover essential roles of NFs in regulating microtubule and organelle dynamics, nerve conduction and neurotransmission, novel discoveries are expected to arise in genetics, with NFs identified as causal genes for various neurodegenerative diseases. This review will discuss how the latest advances in fundamental and translational research illuminate our understanding of NF biology, particularly their assembly, organisation, transport and degradation. We will emphasise the notion that filaments are not one entity and that future challenges will be to apprehend their diverse composition and structural heterogeneity and to scrutinize how this regulates signalling, sustains neuronal physiology and drives pathophysiology in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessy V van Asperen
- ERC Team, NeuroMyoGene Insitute, INMG-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Farah Kotaich
- ERC Team, NeuroMyoGene Insitute, INMG-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Damien Caillol
- ERC Team, NeuroMyoGene Insitute, INMG-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Pascale Bomont
- ERC Team, NeuroMyoGene Insitute, INMG-PGNM, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brill MS, Fassier C, Song Y. Editorial: Cytoskeletal alterations in aging and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1359465. [PMID: 38299006 PMCID: PMC10828968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1359465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Monika S. Brill
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Coralie Fassier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Yuyu Song
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Della Marina A, Hentschel A, Czech A, Schara-Schmidt U, Preusse C, Laner A, Abicht A, Ruck T, Weis J, Choueiri C, Lochmüller H, Kölbel H, Roos A. Novel Genetic and Biochemical Insights into the Spectrum of NEFL-Associated Phenotypes. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:625-645. [PMID: 38578900 PMCID: PMC11091643 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230230] [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] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Background NEFL encodes for the neurofilament light chain protein. Pathogenic variants in NEFL cause demyelinating, axonal and intermediate forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) which present with a varying degree of severity and somatic mutations have not been described yet. Currently, 34 different CMT-causing pathogenic variants in NEFL in 174 patients have been reported. Muscular involvement was also described in CMT2E patients mostly as a secondary effect. Also, there are a few descriptions of a primary muscle vulnerability upon pathogenic NEFL variants. Objectives To expand the current knowledge on the genetic landscape, clinical presentation and muscle involvement in NEFL-related neurological diseases by retrospective case study and literature review. Methods We applied in-depth phenotyping of new and already reported cases, molecular genetic testing, light-, electron- and Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering-microscopic studies and proteomic profiling in addition to in silico modelling of NEFL-variants. Results We report on a boy with a muscular phenotype (weakness, myalgia and cramps, Z-band alterations and mini-cores in some myofibers) associated with the heterozygous p.(Phe104Val) NEFL-variant, which was previously described in a neuropathy case. Skeletal muscle proteomics findings indicated affection of cytoskeletal proteins. Moreover, we report on two further neuropathic patients (16 years old girl and her father) both carrying the heterozygous p.(Pro8Ser) variant, which has been identified as 15% somatic mosaic in the father. While the daughter presented with altered neurophysiology,neurogenic clump feet and gait disturbances, the father showed clinically only feet deformities. As missense variants affecting proline at amino acid position 8 are leading to neuropathic manifestations of different severities, in silico modelling of these different amino acid substitutions indicated variable pathogenic impact correlating with disease onset. Conclusions Our findings provide new morphological and biochemical insights into the vulnerability of denervated muscle (upon NEFL-associated neuropathy) as well as novel genetic findings expanding the current knowledge on NEFL-related neuromuscular phenotypes and their clinical manifestations. Along this line, our data show that even subtle expression of somatic NEFL variants can lead to neuromuscular symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adela Della Marina
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hentschel
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Artur Czech
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Corinna Preusse
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Angela Abicht
- Medical Genetics Center, Munich, Germany
- Friedrich-Baur Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Catherine Choueiri
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kotaich F, Caillol D, Bomont P. Neurofilaments in health and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1275155. [PMID: 38164457 PMCID: PMC10758125 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1275155] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) are the most abundant component of mature neurons, that interconnect with actin and microtubules to form the cytoskeleton. Specifically expressed in the nervous system, NFs present the particularity within the Intermediate Filament family of being formed by four subunits, the neurofilament light (NF-L), medium (NF-M), heavy (NF-H) proteins and α-internexin or peripherin. Here, we review the current knowledge on NF proteins and neurofilaments, from their domain structures and their model of assembly to the dynamics of their transport and degradation along the axon. The formation of the filament and its behaviour are regulated by various determinants, including post-transcriptional (miRNA and RBP proteins) and post-translational (phosphorylation and ubiquitination) modifiers. Altogether, the complex set of modifications enable the neuron to establish a stable but elastic NF array constituting the structural scaffold of the axon, while permitting the local expression of NF proteins and providing the dynamics necessary to fulfil local demands and respond to stimuli and injury. Thus, in addition to their roles in mechano-resistance, radial axonal outgrowth and nerve conduction, NFs control microtubule dynamics, organelle distribution and neurotransmission at the synapse. We discuss how the studies of neurodegenerative diseases with NF aggregation shed light on the biology of NFs. In particular, the NEFL and NEFH genes are mutated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, the most common inherited neurological disorder of the peripheral nervous system. The clinical features of the CMT forms (axonal CMT2E, CMT2CC; demyelinating CMT1F; intermediate I-CMT) with symptoms affecting the central nervous system (CNS) will allow us to further investigate the physiological roles of NFs in the brain. Thus, NF-CMT mouse models exhibit various degrees of sensory-motor deficits associated with CNS symptoms. Cellular systems brought findings regarding the dominant effect of NF-L mutants on NF aggregation and transport, although these have been recently challenged. Neurofilament detection without NF-L in recessive CMT is puzzling, calling for a re-examination of the current model in which NF-L is indispensable for NF assembly. Overall, we discuss how the fundamental and translational fields are feeding each-other to increase but also challenge our knowledge of NF biology, and to develop therapeutic avenues for CMT and neurodegenerative diseases with NF aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pascale Bomont
- ERC team, NeuroMyoGene Institute-Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle, Inserm U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Smith G, Sweeney ST, O’Kane CJ, Prokop A. How neurons maintain their axons long-term: an integrated view of axon biology and pathology. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1236815. [PMID: 37564364 PMCID: PMC10410161 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1236815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Axons are processes of neurons, up to a metre long, that form the essential biological cables wiring nervous systems. They must survive, often far away from their cell bodies and up to a century in humans. This requires self-sufficient cell biology including structural proteins, organelles, and membrane trafficking, metabolic, signalling, translational, chaperone, and degradation machinery-all maintaining the homeostasis of energy, lipids, proteins, and signalling networks including reactive oxygen species and calcium. Axon maintenance also involves specialised cytoskeleton including the cortical actin-spectrin corset, and bundles of microtubules that provide the highways for motor-driven transport of components and organelles for virtually all the above-mentioned processes. Here, we aim to provide a conceptual overview of key aspects of axon biology and physiology, and the homeostatic networks they form. This homeostasis can be derailed, causing axonopathies through processes of ageing, trauma, poisoning, inflammation or genetic mutations. To illustrate which malfunctions of organelles or cell biological processes can lead to axonopathies, we focus on axonopathy-linked subcellular defects caused by genetic mutations. Based on these descriptions and backed up by our comprehensive data mining of genes linked to neural disorders, we describe the 'dependency cycle of local axon homeostasis' as an integrative model to explain why very different causes can trigger very similar axonopathies, providing new ideas that can drive the quest for strategies able to battle these devastating diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaynor Smith
- Cardiff University, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sean T. Sweeney
- Department of Biology, University of York and York Biomedical Research Institute, York, United Kingdom
| | - Cahir J. O’Kane
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Prokop
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salem D, Fecek RJ. Role of microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) in bipolar disorder pathophysiology and potential in lithium therapeutic mechanism. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:221. [PMID: 37353479 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) are life-long disorders that account for significant morbidity in afflicted patients. The etiology of BPAD is complex, combining genetic and environmental factors to increase the risk of disease. Genetic studies have pointed toward cytoskeletal dysfunction as a potential molecular mechanism through which BPAD may arise and have implicated proteins that regulate the cytoskeleton as risk factors. Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) is a giant cytoskeletal crosslinking protein that can coordinate the different aspects of the mammalian cytoskeleton with a wide variety of actions. In this review, we seek to highlight the functions of MACF1 in the nervous system and the molecular mechanisms leading to BPAD pathogenesis. We also offer a brief perspective on MACF1 and the role it may be playing in lithium's mechanism of action in treating BPAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Salem
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Department of Microbiology, Greensburg, USA
- University of Maryland Medical Center/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ronald J Fecek
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Department of Microbiology, Greensburg, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Theil D, Kuhle J, Brees D, Tritto E, Pognan F, Frieauff W, Penraat K, Meseck E, Valdez R, Hartmann A. Neurofilament Light Chain: A Translational Safety Biomarker for Drug-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity. Toxicol Pathol 2023; 51:135-147. [PMID: 37439009 DOI: 10.1177/01926233231180179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Branaplam is a splicing modulator previously under development as a therapeutic agent for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 and Huntington's disease. Branaplam increased the levels of survival motor neuron protein in preclinical studies and was well tolerated in early clinical studies; however, peripheral neurotoxicity was observed in a preclinical safety study in juvenile dogs. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentrations in dogs could serve as a monitoring biomarker for branaplam-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. A 30-week time-course investigative study in dogs treated with vehicle control (negative control), neurotoxic pyridoxine (positive control), or branaplam was conducted to assess neuropathology, nerve morphometry, electrophysiological measurements, gene expression profiles, and correlation to NfL serum concentrations. In branaplam-treated animals, a mild to moderate nerve fiber degeneration was observed in peripheral nerves correlating with increased serum NfL concentrations, but there were no observed signs or changes in electrophysiological parameters. Dogs with pyridoxine-induced peripheral axonal degeneration displayed clinical signs and electrophysiological changes in addition to elevated serum NfL. This study suggests that NfL may be useful as an exploratory biomarker to assist in detecting and monitoring treatment-related peripheral nerve injury, with or without clinical signs, associated with administration of branaplam and other compounds bearing a neurotoxic risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diethilde Theil
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelley Penraat
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily Meseck
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Reginald Valdez
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Amgen, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Giunti E, Collu R, Daley S, Querfurth H, Morin P, Killick R, Melamed RD, Xia W. Reduction of Phosphorylated Tau in Alzheimer's Disease Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neuro-Spheroids by Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Kinase Inhibitor Fasudil. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1695-1709. [PMID: 38007655 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230551] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most predominant form of dementia. Rho-associated coiled coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil, is one of the candidate drugs against the AD progression. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate possible changes of AD associated markers in three-dimensional neuro-spheroids (3D neuro-spheroids) generated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from AD patients or healthy control subjects (HC) and to determine the impact of pharmacological intervention with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil. METHODS We treated 3D neuro-spheroids with fasudil and tested the possible effect on AD markers by ELISA, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. RESULTS Transcriptomic analysis revealed a reduction in the expression of AKT serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (AKT1) in AD neuro-spheroids, compared to HC. This decrease was reverted in the presence of fasudil. Proteomic analysis showed up- and down-regulation of proteins related to AKT pathway in fasudil-treated neuro-spheroids. We found an evident increase of phosphorylated tau at four different residues (pTau181, 202, 231, and 396) in AD compared to HC-derived neuro-spheroids. This was accompanied by a decrease of secreted clusterin (clu) and an increase of intracellular clu levels in AD patient-derived neuro-spheroids. Increases of phosphorylated tau in AD patient-derived neuro-spheroids were suppressed in the presence of fasudil. CONCLUSIONS Fasudil modulates clu protein levels and enhances AKT1 that results in the suppression of AD associated tau phosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giunti
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roberto Collu
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Daley
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henry Querfurth
- Department of Neurology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Morin
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Killick
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel D Melamed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Weiming Xia
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dhasmana S, Dhasmana A, Narula AS, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM, Chauhan SC. The panoramic view of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A fatal intricate neurological disorder. Life Sci 2022; 288:120156. [PMID: 34801512 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurological disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. In the United States alone, there are 16,000-20,000 established cases of ALS. The early disease diagnosis is challenging due to many overlapping pathophysiologies with other neurological diseases. The etiology of ALS is unknown; however, it is divided into two categories: familial ALS (fALS) which occurs due to gene mutations & contributes to 5-10% of ALS, and sporadic ALS (sALS) which is due to environmental factors & contributes to 90-95% of ALS. There is still no curative treatment for ALS: palliative care and symptomatic treatment are therefore essential components in the management of these patients. In this review, we provide a panoramic view of ALS, which includes epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiologies, biomarkers, diagnosis, therapeutics (natural, synthetic, gene-based, pharmacological, stem cell, extracellular vesicles, and physical therapy), controversies (in the clinical trials of ALS), the scope of nanomedicine in ALS, and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Acharan S Narula
- Narula Research LLC, 107 Boulder Bluff, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Murali M Yallapu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bharucha-Goebel DX, Norato G, Saade D, Paredes E, Biancavilla V, Donkervoort S, Kaur R, Lehky T, Fink M, Armao D, Gray SJ, Waite M, Debs S, Averion G, Hu Y, Zein WM, Foley AR, Jain M, Bönnemann CG. Giant axonal neuropathy: cross sectional analysis of a large natural history cohort. Brain 2021; 144:3239-3250. [PMID: 34114613 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive, progressive neurodegenerative disease with early childhood onset that presents as a prominent sensorimotor neuropathy and commonly progresses to affect both the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system. The disease is caused by biallelic mutations in the GAN gene located on 16q23.2, leading to loss of functional gigaxonin, a substrate specific ubiquitin ligase adapter protein necessary for the regulation of intermediate filament turnover. Here, we report on cross-sectional data from the first study visit of a prospectively collected natural history study of 45 individuals, age range 3-21 years with genetically confirmed giant axonal neuropathy to describe and cross-correlate baseline clinical and functional cohort characteristics. We review causative variants distributed throughout the GAN gene in this cohort and identify a recurrent founder mutation in individuals with giant axonal neuropathy of Mexican descent as well as cases of recurrent uniparental isodisomy. Through cross correlation analysis of measures of strength, motor function, and electrophysiologic markers of disease severity, we identified the Motor Function Measure 32 (MFM-32) to have the strongest correlation across measures and age in individuals with giant axonal neuropathy. We analysed the Motor Function Measure 32 scores as they correspond to age and ambulatory status. Importantly, we identified and characterized a sub cohort of individuals with a milder form of giant axonal neuropathy and with a presentation similar to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Such a clinical presentation is distinct from the classic presentation of giant axonal neuropathy, and we demonstrate how the two groups diverge in performance on the Motor Function Measure 32 and other functional motor scales. We further present data on the first systematic clinical analysis of autonomic impairment in giant axonal neuropathy as performed on a subset of the natural history cohort. Our cohort of individuals with genetically confirmed giant axonal neuropathy is the largest reported to date and highlights the clinical heterogeneity and the unique phenotypic and functional characteristics of giant axonal neuropathy in relation to disease state. The present work is designed to serve as a foundation for a prospective natural history study and functions in concert with the ongoing gene therapy trial for children with giant axonal neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana X Bharucha-Goebel
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Children's National Hospital, Division of Neurology, Washington DC, USA
| | - Gina Norato
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Clinical Trials Unit, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dimah Saade
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eduardo Paredes
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Victoria Biancavilla
- National Institutes of Health, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sandra Donkervoort
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rupleen Kaur
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tanya Lehky
- National Institutes of Health, EMG Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Margaret Fink
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Diane Armao
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Melissa Waite
- National Institutes of Health, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Debs
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gilberto Averion
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ying Hu
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wadih M Zein
- National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - A Reghan Foley
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Minal Jain
- National Institutes of Health, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- National Institutes of Health, Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Khan MI, Hasan F, Mahmud KAHA, Adnan A. Viscoelastic Response of Neurofilaments: An Atomistic Simulation Approach. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040540. [PMID: 33917073 PMCID: PMC8067762 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Existent literature has limitations regarding the mechanical behavior of axonal cytoskeletal components in a high strain rate scenario, which is mainly due to limitations regarding the structure of some components such as tau protein and neurofilaments (NF). This study performs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on NFs to extract their strain rate-dependent behavior. It is found that they are highly stretchable and show multiple stages of unfolding. Furthermore, NFs show high tensile stiffness. Also, viscoelastic modeling shows that they correspond to simplified viscoelastic models. This study effectively enhances the existent axonal models focusing on axonal injury.
Collapse
|
13
|
Prediction of Outcome After Endovascular Embolectomy in Anterior Circulation Stroke Using Biomarkers. Transl Stroke Res 2021; 13:65-76. [PMID: 33723754 PMCID: PMC8766380 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-021-00905-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a major public health problem that can cause a long-term disability or death due to brain damage. Serious stroke is frequently caused by a large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, which should be treated by endovascular embolectomy if possible. In this study, we investigated the use of the brain damage biomarkers tau, NFL, NSE, GFAp, and S100B to understand the progression of nervous tissue damage and their relationship to outcome in such stroke after endovascular treatment. Blood samples were taken from 90 patients pre-treatment and 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 3 months after endovascular treatment. Stroke-related neurological deficit was estimated using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and at 24 h. Neurological outcome was evaluated at 3 months. After stroke, tau, NFL, GFAp and S100B increased in a time dependent manner, while NSE remained constant over time. At 3 months, tau and GFAp levels were back to normal whereas NFL was still high. Tau, NFL and GFAp correlated well to outcome, as well as to infarct volume and NIHSS at 24 h. The best time for prediction of poor outcome was different for each biomarker. However, the combination of NIHSS at 24 h with either tau, NFL or GFAp at 48 h gave the best prediction. The use of biomarkers in the early setting after endovascular treatment of stroke will lead to a simplified and standardized way to estimate the nervous tissue damage and possibly complement the clinical judgement in foreseeing the need of rehabilitation measures.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zheng Y, Yang C, Zheng X, Guan Q, Yu S. Acrylamide treatment alters the level of Ca 2+ and Ca 2+-related protein kinase in spinal cords of rats. Toxicol Ind Health 2021; 37:113-123. [PMID: 33487136 DOI: 10.1177/0748233720971879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the neurological changes induced by acrylamide (ACR) poisoning and their underlying mechanisms within the spinal cords of male adult Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 9 rats per group). ACR was intraperitoneally injected to produce axonopathy according to the daily dosing schedules of 20 or 40 mg/kg/day of ACR for eight continuous weeks (three times per week). During the exposure period, body weights and gait scores were assessed, and the concentration of Ca2+ was calculated in 27 mice. Protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 (CDK5), and P35 were assessed by electrophoretic resolution and Western blotting. The contents of 3'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and calmodulin (CaM) were determined using ELISA kits, and the activities of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), PKA, and PKC were determined using the commercial Signa TECTPKAassay kits. Compared with control rats, treatment with 20 and 40 mg/kg of ACR decreased body weight and increased gait scores at 8 weeks. Intracellular Ca2+ levels increased significantly in treated rats; CaM, PKC, CDK5, and P35 levels were significantly decreased; and PKA and cAMP levels remained unchanged. CaMKII, PKA, and PKC activities increased significantly. The results indicated that ACR can damage neurofilaments by affecting the contents and activities of CaM, CaMKII, PKA, cAMP, PKC, CDK5, and P35, which could result in ACR toxic neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Zheng
- Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, West Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Yang
- Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, West Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu'e Zheng
- Shandong food and Drug Administration, SDFDA, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiangdong Guan
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sufang Yu
- School of Public Health, 12589Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bomont P. The dazzling rise of neurofilaments: Physiological functions and roles as biomarkers. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 68:181-191. [PMID: 33454158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last two years, neurofilaments (NFs) have become one of the most blazing topics in clinical neuroscience. NFs are major cytoskeletal constituents of neurons, can be detected in body fluids, and have recently emerged as universal biomarkers of neuronal injury and neurological diseases. This review will examine the evolving landscape of NFs, from their specific cellular functions within neurons to their broad clinical value as biomarkers. Particular attention will be given to the dynamic nature of the NF network and its novel roles in microtubule regulation, neurotransmission, and nanomedicine. Building from the initial evidence of causative mutations in NF genes in Charcot-Marie-Tooth diseases, the latest advances at the frontiers of basic and clinical sciences have expanded the scope and relevance of NFs for human health remarkably and have poised to fuel innovation in cell biology and neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Bomont
- ERC team, INMG, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR5310, University of Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Meregalli C, Fumagalli G, Alberti P, Canta A, Chiorazzi A, Monza L, Pozzi E, Carozzi VA, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Cavaletti G, Marmiroli P. Neurofilament light chain: a specific serum biomarker of axonal damage severity in rat models of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2517-2522. [PMID: 32333051 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02755-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a severe and long-lasting side effect of anticancer therapy, which can severely impair patients' quality of life. It is a sensory and length-dependent neuropathy, which predominantly affects large myelinated fibers. Easy and reliable monitoring of CIPN in patients is still an unmet clinical need. Since increasing clinical evidence supports the potential use of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker of axonal injury, in this study we measured serum NfL levels in animals chronically treated with cisplatin (CDDP) and paclitaxel (PTX), two antineoplastic drugs with different neuronal targets. Wistar rats were treated with CDDP (2 mg/kg i.p. twice/week for 4 weeks) or PTX (10 mg/kg i.v. once/week for 4 weeks). Repeated serum NfL quantification was obtained using the Single Molecule Array (Simoa) technology. The onset and progression of peripheral neurotoxicity were evaluated through neurophysiology, morphological assessments and intraepidermal nerve fibers density quantification. Our results showed that serum NfL measurements correlated with the severity of axonal damage. In fact, both treatments induced serum NfL increase, but higher levels were evidenced in PTX-treated animals, compared with CDDP-treated rats, affected by a milder neurotoxicity. Notably, also the timing of the NfL level increase was associated with the severity of morphological and functional alterations of axonal structure. Therefore, NfL could be a useful biomarker for axonal damage in order to follow the onset and severity of axonal degeneration and possibly limit the occurrence of serious PNS disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Meregalli
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Giulia Fumagalli
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Paola Alberti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Annalisa Canta
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Alessia Chiorazzi
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Laura Monza
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pozzi
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Valentina Alda Carozzi
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy.
| | - Paola Marmiroli
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bott CJ, Winckler B. Intermediate filaments in developing neurons: Beyond structure. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2020; 77:110-128. [PMID: 31970897 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal development relies on a highly choreographed progression of dynamic cellular processes by which newborn neurons migrate, extend axons and dendrites, innervate their targets, and make functional synapses. Many of these dynamic processes require coordinated changes in morphology, powered by the cell's cytoskeleton. Intermediate filaments (IFs) are the third major cytoskeletal elements in vertebrate cells, but are rarely considered when it comes to understanding axon and dendrite growth, pathfinding and synapse formation. In this review, we first introduce the many new and exciting concepts of IF function, discovered mostly in non-neuronal cells. These roles include dynamic rearrangements, crosstalk with microtubules and actin filaments, mechano-sensing and -transduction, and regulation of signaling cascades. We then discuss the understudied roles of neuronally expressed IFs, with a particular focus on IFs expressed during development, such as nestin, vimentin and α-internexin. Lastly, we illustrate how signaling modulation by the unconventional IF nestin shapes neuronal morphogenesis in unexpected and novel ways. Even though the first IF knockout mice were made over 20 years ago, the study of the cell biological functions of IFs in the brain still has much room for exciting new discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Bott
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Bettina Winckler
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Stone EJ, Uchida A, Brown A. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 2E/1F mutant neurofilament proteins assemble into neurofilaments. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2019; 76:423-439. [PMID: 31574566 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 2E/1F (CMT2E/1F) is a peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in neurofilament protein L (NFL), which is one of five neurofilament subunit proteins that co-assemble to form neurofilaments in vivo. Prior studies on cultured cells have shown that CMT2E/1F mutations disrupt neurofilament assembly and lead to protein aggregation, suggesting a possible disease mechanism. However, electron microscopy of axons in peripheral nerve biopsies from patients has revealed accumulations of neurofilament polymers of normal appearance and no evidence of protein aggregates. To reconcile these observations, we reexamined the assembly of seven CMT2E/1F NFL mutants in cultured cells. None of the mutants assembled into homopolymers in SW13vim- cells, but P8R, P22S, L268/269P, and P440/441L mutant NFL assembled into heteropolymers in the presence of neurofilament protein M (NFM) alone, and N98S, Q332/333P, and E396/397K mutant NFL assembled in the presence of NFM and peripherin. P8R, P22S, N98S, L268/269P, E396/397K, and P440/441L mutant NFL co-assembled into neurofilaments with endogenous NFL, NFM, and α-internexin in cultured neurons, although the N98S and E396/397K mutants showed reduced filament incorporation, and the Q332/333P mutant showed limited incorporation. We conclude that all the mutants are capable of assembling into neurofilaments, but for some of the mutants this was dependent on the identity of the other neurofilament proteins available for co-assembly, and most likely also their relative expression level. Thus, caution should be exercised when drawing conclusions about the assembly capacity of CMT2E/1F mutants based on transient transfections in cultured cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Stone
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Atsuko Uchida
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anthony Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kalatha T, Arnaoutoglou M, Koukoulidis T, Hatzifilippou E, Bouras E, Baloyannis S, Koutsouraki E. Does cognitive dysfunction correlate with neurofilament light polypeptide levels in the CSF of patients with multiple sclerosis? J Int Med Res 2019; 47:2187-2198. [PMID: 30982375 PMCID: PMC6567748 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519840550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether neurofilament light polypeptide (NfL) level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), currently a prognostic biomarker of neurodegeneration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), may be a potential biomarker of cognitive dysfunction in MS. Methods This observational case–control study included patients with MS. CSF levels of NfL were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cognitive function was measured with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT3), standardized to the Greek population. Results Of 39 patients enrolled (aged 42.7 ± 13.6 years), 36% were classified as cognitively impaired according to BICAMS z-scores (–0.34 ± 1.13). Relapsing MS was significantly better than progressive forms regarding BICAMS z-score (mean difference [MD] 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54, 2.24), Symbol Digit Modality Test score (MD 1.73; 95% CI 0.46, 3.0) and Greek Verbal Learning Test (MD 1.77; 95% CI 0.82, 2.72). An inversely proportional association between CSF NfL levels and BICAMS z-scores was found in progressive forms of MS (rp = –0.944). Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence for an association between CSF NfL levels and cognition in progressive forms of MS, which requires validation in larger samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaleia Kalatha
- 1 First Neurology Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marianthi Arnaoutoglou
- 1 First Neurology Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Koukoulidis
- 1 First Neurology Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Hatzifilippou
- 1 First Neurology Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Bouras
- 2 Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Baloyannis
- 1 First Neurology Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Effrosyni Koutsouraki
- 1 First Neurology Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Heikkinen A, Härönen H, Norman O, Pihlajaniemi T. Collagen XIII and Other ECM Components in the Assembly and Disease of the Neuromuscular Junction. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1653-1663. [PMID: 30768864 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alongside playing structural roles, the extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as an interaction platform for cellular homeostasis, organ development, and maintenance. The necessity of the ECM is highlighted by the diverse, sometimes very serious diseases that stem from defects in its components. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a large peripheral motor synapse differing from its central counterparts through the ECM included at the synaptic cleft. Such synaptic basal lamina (BL) is specialized to support NMJ establishment, differentiation, maturation, stabilization, and function and diverges in molecular composition from the extrasynaptic ECM. Mutations, toxins, and autoantibodies may compromise NMJ integrity and function, thereby leading to congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs), poisoning, and autoimmune diseases, respectively, and all these conditions may involve synaptic ECM molecules. With neurotransmission degraded or blocked, muscle function is impaired or even prevented. At worst, this can be fatal. The article reviews the synaptic BL composition required for assembly and function of the NMJ molecular machinery through the lens of studies primarily with mouse models but also with human patients. In-depth focus is given to collagen XIII, a postsynaptic-membrane-spanning but also shed ECM protein that in recent years has been revealed to be a significant component for the NMJ. Its deficiency in humans causes CMS, and autoantibodies against it have been recognized in autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Mouse models have exposed numerous details that appear to recapitulate human NMJ phenotypes relatively faithfully and thereby can be readily used to generate information necessary for understanding and ultimately treating human diseases. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Heikkinen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heli Härönen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Oula Norman
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Taina Pihlajaniemi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gárate F, Pertusa M, Arana Y, Bernal R. Non-invasive Neurite Mechanics in Differentiated PC12 Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:194. [PMID: 30052690 PMCID: PMC6043779 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal Fluctuations Spectroscopy (TFS) in combination with novel optical-based instrumentation was used to study mechanical properties of cell-cultured neurites with a spatial resolution limited only by the light diffraction. The analysis of thermal fluctuations together with a physical model of cellular elasticity allow us to determine relevant mechanical properties of neurite as axial tension σ, flexural rigidity B, plasma membrane tension γ, membrane bending rigidity K, and cytoskeleton to membrane-coupling ρbk, whose values are consistent with previously reported values measured using invasive approaches. The value obtained for the membrane-coupling parameter was used to estimate the average number of coupling elements between the plasma membrane and the cytoskeleton that fell in the range of 30 elements per area of the laser spot used to record the fluctuations. Furthermore, to expand the TFS analysis, we investigate the correlation between F-actin linear density and the mechanical features of PC12 neurites. Using a hybrid instrument that combines TFS and a simple fluorescent technique, our results show that the fluctuations are related with the F-actin concentration. These measurements have an advantage of not requiring the application of an external force, allowing as to directly establish a correlation between changes in the mechanical parameters and cytoskeleton-protein concentrations. The sensibility of our method was also tested by the application of TFS technique to PC12 neurite under Paraformaldehyde and Latrunculin-A effect. These results show a dramatic modification in the fluctuations that are consistent with the reported effect of these drugs, confirming the high sensitivity of this technique. Finally, the thermal fluctuation approach was applied to DRG axons to show that its utility is not limited to studies of PC12 neurites, but it is suitable to measure the general characteristic of various neuron-like cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gárate
- Cellular Mechanics Laboratory, Physics Department, SMAT-C, University of Santiago, Santiago, Chile.,Biophysics Laboratory, Physics Department, SMAT-C, University of Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Pertusa
- Department of Biology, Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yahaira Arana
- Cellular Mechanics Laboratory, Physics Department, SMAT-C, University of Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Bernal
- Cellular Mechanics Laboratory, Physics Department, SMAT-C, University of Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
McKeon A, Benarroch EE. Glial fibrillary acid protein: Functions and involvement in disease. Neurology 2018; 90:925-930. [PMID: 29653988 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000005534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McKeon
- From the Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fialova L, Bartos A, Svarcova J. Neurofilaments and tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in dementias and neuroinflammation. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2017; 161:286-295. [DOI: 10.5507/bp.2017.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
24
|
Olajide OJ, Ugbosanmi AT, Enaibe BU, Ogunrinola KY, Lewu SF, Asogwa NT, Akapa T, Imam A, Ibrahim A, Gbadamosi IT, Yawson EO. Cerebellar Molecular and Cellular Characterization in Rat Models of Alzheimer's Disease: Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Garcinia Biflavonoid Complex. Ann Neurosci 2017; 24:32-45. [PMID: 28827919 DOI: 10.1159/000464421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidences suggest that cerebellar degeneration may be associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, previous reports were mainly observational, lacking substantial characterization of cellular and molecular cerebellar features during AD progression. PURPOSE This study is aimed at characterizing the cerebellum in rat models of AD and assessing the corresponding neuroprotective mechanisms of Garcinia biflavonoid complex (GBc). METHODS Male Wistar rats were grouped and treated alone or in combination with PBS (ad libitum)/day, corn oil (CO; 2 mL/kgBw/day), GBc (200 mg/kgBw/day), sodium azide (NaN3) (15 mg/kgBw/day) and aluminium chloride (AlCl3) (100 mg/kgBw/day). Groups A and B received PBS and CO, respectively; C received GBc; D received NaN3; E received AlCl3; F received NaN3 then GBc subsequently; G received AlCl3 then GBc subsequently; H received NaN3 and GBc simultaneously while I received AlCl3 and GBc simultaneously. Following treatments, cerebellar cortices were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry and colorimetric assays. RESULTS Our data revealed that cryptic granule neurons and pyknotic Purkinje cell bodies (characterized by short dendritic/axonal processes) correspond to indistinctly demarcated cerebellar layers in rats treated with AlCl3 and NaN3. These correlates, with observed hypertrophic astrogliosis, increased the neurofilament deposition, depleted the antioxidant system-shown by expressed superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and cerebellar glucose bioenergetics dysfunction-exhibited in assayed lactate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. We further showed that GBc reverses cerebellar degeneration through modulation of neurochemical signaling pathways and stressor molecules that underlie AD pathogenesis. CONCLUSION Cellular, molecular and metabolic neurodegeneration within the cerebellum is associated with AlCl3 and NaN3-induced AD while GBc significantly inhibits corresponding neurotoxicity and is more efficacious when pre-administered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olayemi Joseph Olajide
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Anita Temi Ugbosanmi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Bernard Ufuoma Enaibe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Kehinde Yomi Ogunrinola
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Susan Folashade Lewu
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Tosan Akapa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Aminu Imam
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Abdulmumin Ibrahim
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel Olusola Yawson
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bonafede R, Mariotti R. ALS Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches: The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:80. [PMID: 28377696 PMCID: PMC5359305 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle paralysis determined by the degeneration of motoneurons in the motor cortex brainstem and spinal cord. The ALS pathogenetic mechanisms are still unclear, despite the wealth of studies demonstrating the involvement of several altered signaling pathways, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. To date, the proposed therapeutic strategies are targeted to one or a few of these alterations, resulting in only a minimal effect on disease course and survival of ALS patients. The involvement of different mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis underlines the need for a therapeutic approach targeted to multiple aspects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can support motoneurons and surrounding cells, reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration and release growth factors. On this basis, MSC have been proposed as promising candidates to treat ALS. However, due to the drawbacks of cell therapy, the possible therapeutic use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by stem cells is raising increasing interest. The present review summarizes the main pathological mechanisms involved in ALS and the related therapeutic approaches proposed to date, focusing on MSC therapy and their preclinical and clinical applications. Moreover, the nature and characteristics of EVs and their role in recapitulating the effect of stem cells are discussed, elucidating how and why these vesicles could provide novel opportunities for ALS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bonafede
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of VeronaVerona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rajan TS, Giacoppo S, Trubiani O, Diomede F, Piattelli A, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Conditioned medium of periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells exert anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse motoneurons. Exp Cell Res 2016; 349:152-161. [PMID: 27737733 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Conditioned medium derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) shows immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in preclinical models. Given the difficulty to harvest MSCs from bone marrow and adipose tissues, research has been focused to find alternative resources for MSCs, such as oral-derived tissues. Recently, we have demonstrated the protective effects of MSCs obtained from healthy human periodontal ligament tissue (hPDLSCs) in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. In the present in vitro study, we have investigated the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of conditioned medium obtained from hPDLSCs of Relapsing Remitting- Multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients on NSC34 mouse motoneurons stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Immunocytochemistry and western blotting were performed. Increased level of TLR4 and NFκB, and reduced level of IκB-α were observed in LPS-stimulated motoneurons, which were modulated by pre-conditioning with hPDLSC-conditioned medium. Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-10), neuroprotective markers (Nestin, NFL 70, NGF, GAP43), and apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, p21) were modulated. Moreover, extracellular vesicles of hPDLSC-conditioned medium showed the presence of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β. Our results demonstrate the immunosuppressive properties of hPDLSC-conditioned medium of RR-MS patients in motoneurons subjected to inflammation. Our findings warrant further preclinical and clinical studies to elucidate the autologous therapeutic efficacy of hPDLSC-conditioned medium in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oriana Trubiani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Diomede
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Adriano Piattelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Parlakian A, Paulin D, Izmiryan A, Xue Z, Li Z. Intermediate filaments in peripheral nervous system: Their expression, dysfunction and diseases. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2016; 172:607-613. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
28
|
Enriched retinal ganglion cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30552. [PMID: 27506453 PMCID: PMC4978994 DOI: 10.1038/srep30552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathies are characterised by a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that lead to vision impairment. Development of cell therapy requires a better understanding of the signals that direct stem cells into RGCs. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) represent an unlimited cellular source for generation of human RGCs in vitro. In this study, we present a 45-day protocol that utilises magnetic activated cell sorting to generate enriched population of RGCs via stepwise retinal differentiation using hESCs. We performed an extensive characterization of these stem cell-derived RGCs by examining the gene and protein expressions of a panel of neural/RGC markers. Furthermore, whole transcriptome analysis demonstrated similarity of the hESC-derived RGCs to human adult RGCs. The enriched hESC-RGCs possess long axons, functional electrophysiological profiles and axonal transport of mitochondria, suggestive of maturity. In summary, this RGC differentiation protocol can generate an enriched population of functional RGCs from hESCs, allowing future studies on disease modeling of optic neuropathies and development of cell therapies.
Collapse
|
29
|
Neurofilament depletion improves microtubule dynamics via modulation of Stat3/stathmin signaling. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 132:93-110. [PMID: 27021905 PMCID: PMC4911381 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In neurons, microtubules form a dense array within axons, and the stability and function of this microtubule network is modulated by neurofilaments. Accumulation of neurofilaments has been observed in several forms of neurodegenerative diseases, but the mechanisms how elevated neurofilament levels destabilize axons are unknown so far. Here, we show that increased neurofilament expression in motor nerves of pmn mutant mice, a model of motoneuron disease, causes disturbed microtubule dynamics. The disease is caused by a point mutation in the tubulin-specific chaperone E (Tbce) gene, leading to an exchange of the most C-terminal amino acid tryptophan to glycine. As a consequence, the TBCE protein becomes instable which then results in destabilization of axonal microtubules and defects in axonal transport, in particular in motoneurons. Depletion of neurofilament increases the number and regrowth of microtubules in pmn mutant motoneurons and restores axon elongation. This effect is mediated by interaction of neurofilament with the stathmin complex. Accumulating neurofilaments associate with stathmin in axons of pmn mutant motoneurons. Depletion of neurofilament by Nefl knockout increases Stat3–stathmin interaction and stabilizes the microtubules in pmn mutant motoneurons. Consequently, counteracting enhanced neurofilament expression improves axonal maintenance and prolongs survival of pmn mutant mice. We propose that this mechanism could also be relevant for other neurodegenerative diseases in which neurofilament accumulation and loss of microtubules are prominent features.
Collapse
|
30
|
Tay A, Schweizer FE, Di Carlo D. Micro- and nano-technologies to probe the mechano-biology of the brain. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:1962-1977. [PMID: 27161943 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00349d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomechanical forces have been demonstrated to influence a plethora of neuronal functions across scales including gene expression, mechano-sensitive ion channels, neurite outgrowth and folding of the cortices in the brain. However, the detailed roles biomechanical forces may play in brain development and disorders has seen limited study, partly due to a lack of effective methods to probe the mechano-biology of the brain. Current techniques to apply biomechanical forces on neurons often suffer from low throughput and poor spatiotemporal resolution. On the other hand, newly developed micro- and nano-technologies can overcome these aforementioned limitations and offer advantages such as lower cost and possibility of non-invasive control of neuronal circuits. This review compares the range of conventional, micro- and nano-technological techniques that have been developed and how they have been or can be used to understand the effect of biomechanical forces on neuronal development and homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andy Tay
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, 117583 Singapore
| | - Felix E Schweizer
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Coumans JVF, Palanisamy SKA, McFarlane J, Moens PDJ. Proteomic and Microscopic Strategies towards the Analysis of the Cytoskeletal Networks in Major Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E581. [PMID: 27104521 PMCID: PMC4849037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental health disorders have become worldwide health priorities. It is estimated that in the next 20 years they will account for a 16 trillion United State dollars (US$) loss. Up to now, the underlying pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders remains elusive. Altered cytoskeleton proteins expression that may influence the assembly, organization and maintenance of cytoskeletal integrity has been reported in major depressive disorders, schizophrenia and to some extent bipolar disorders. The use of quantitative proteomics, dynamic microscopy and super-resolution microscopy to investigate disease-specific protein signatures holds great promise to improve our understanding of these disorders. In this review, we present the currently available quantitative proteomic approaches use in neurology, gel-based, stable isotope-labelling and label-free methodologies and evaluate their strengths and limitations. We also reported on enrichment/subfractionation methods that target the cytoskeleton associated proteins and discuss the need of alternative methods for further characterization of the neurocytoskeletal proteome. Finally, we present live cell imaging approaches and emerging dynamic microscopy technology that will provide the tools necessary to investigate protein interactions and their dynamics in the whole cells. While these areas of research are still in their infancy, they offer huge potential towards the understanding of the neuronal network stability and its modification across neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle V F Coumans
- School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - Suresh K A Palanisamy
- Center for Bioactive Discovery in Health and Aging, School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - Jim McFarlane
- Center for Bioactive Discovery in Health and Aging, School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - Pierre D J Moens
- Center for Bioactive Discovery in Health and Aging, School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Deek J, Chung PJ, Safinya CR. Neurofilament networks: Salt-responsive hydrogels with sidearm-dependent phase behavior. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1560-9. [PMID: 26993199 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofilaments (NFs) - the neuron-specific intermediate filament proteins - are assembled into 10nm wide filaments in a tightly controlled ratio of three different monomer types: NF-Low (NF-L), NF-Medium (NF-M), and NF-High (NF-H). Previous work on reconstituted bovine NF hydrogels has shown the dependence of network properties, including filament alignment and spacing, on the subunit composition. METHODS We use polarized optical microscopy and SAXS to explore the full salt-dependent phase behavior of reconstituted bovine NF networks as a function of various binary and ternary subunit ratios. RESULTS We observe three salt-induced liquid crystalline phases: the liquid-ordered B(G) and N(G) phases, and the disordered I(G) phase. We note the emergent sidearm roles, particularly that of NF-H in driving the parallel to cross-filament transition, and the counter-role of NF-M in suppressing the I(G) phase. CONCLUSIONS In copolymers of NF-LH, NF-H shifts the I(G) to N(G) transition to nearer physiological salt concentrations, as compared to NF-M in copolymers of NF-LM. For ternary mixtures, the role of NF-H is modulated by the ratio of NF-M, where beneath 10wt.% NF-M, NF-H drives the transition to the disordered phase, and above which NF-H increases interfilament spacing. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Understanding the role of individual subunits in regulating the network structure will enable us to understand the mechanisms that drive the dysfunction of these networks, as observed in diseased conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Deek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States.
| | - Peter J Chung
- Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States; Department of Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States; Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States.
| | - Cyrus R Safinya
- Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States; Department of Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States; Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gárate F, Betz T, Pertusa M, Bernal R. Time-resolved neurite mechanics by thermal fluctuation assessments. Phys Biol 2015; 12:066020. [PMID: 26717293 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/12/6/066020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of simple noninvasive measurements, the knowledge of temporal and spatial variations of axons mechanics remains scarce. By extending thermal fluctuation spectroscopy (TFS) to long protrusions, we determine the transverse amplitude thermal fluctuation spectra that allow direct and simultaneous access to three key mechanics parameters: axial tension, bending flexural rigidity and plasma membrane tension. To test our model, we use PC12 cell protrusions-a well-know biophysical model of axons-in order to simplify the biological system under scope. For instance, axial and plasma membrane tension are found in the range of nano Newton and tens of pico Newtons per micron respectively. Furthermore, our results shows that the TFS technique is capable to distinguish quasi-identical protrusions. Another advantage of our approach is the time resolved nature of the measurements. Indeed, in the case of long term experiments on PC12 protrusions, TFS has revealed large temporal, correlated variations of the protrusion mechanics, displaying extraordinary feedback control over the axial tension in order to maintain a constant tension value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gárate
- Departamento de Física and SMAT-C, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, 9170124 Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
A Stochastic Multiscale Model That Explains the Segregation of Axonal Microtubules and Neurofilaments in Neurological Diseases. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004406. [PMID: 26285012 PMCID: PMC4540448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The organization of the axonal cytoskeleton is a key determinant of the normal function of an axon, which is a long thin projection of a neuron. Under normal conditions two axonal cytoskeletal polymers, microtubules and neurofilaments, align longitudinally in axons and are interspersed in axonal cross-sections. However, in many neurotoxic and neurodegenerative disorders, microtubules and neurofilaments segregate apart from each other, with microtubules and membranous organelles clustered centrally and neurofilaments displaced to the periphery. This striking segregation precedes the abnormal and excessive neurofilament accumulation in these diseases, which in turn leads to focal axonal swellings. While neurofilament accumulation suggests an impairment of neurofilament transport along axons, the underlying mechanism of their segregation from microtubules remains poorly understood for over 30 years. To address this question, we developed a stochastic multiscale model for the cross-sectional distribution of microtubules and neurofilaments in axons. The model describes microtubules, neurofilaments and organelles as interacting particles in a 2D cross-section, and is built upon molecular processes that occur on a time scale of seconds or shorter. It incorporates the longitudinal transport of neurofilaments and organelles through this domain by allowing stochastic arrival and departure of these cargoes, and integrates the dynamic interactions of these cargoes with microtubules mediated by molecular motors. Simulations of the model demonstrate that organelles can pull nearby microtubules together, and in the absence of neurofilament transport, this mechanism gradually segregates microtubules from neurofilaments on a time scale of hours, similar to that observed in toxic neuropathies. This suggests that the microtubule-neurofilament segregation can be a consequence of the selective impairment of neurofilament transport. The model generates the experimentally testable prediction that the rate and extent of segregation will be dependent on the sizes of the moving organelles as well as the density of their traffic. The shape and function of axons is dependent on a dynamic system of microscopic intracellular protein polymers (microtubules, neurofilaments and microfilaments) that comprise the axonal cytoskeleton. Neurofilaments are cargoes of intracellular transport that move along microtubule tracks, and they accumulate abnormally in axons in many neurotoxic and neurodegenerative disorders. Intriguingly, it has been reported that neurofilaments and microtubules, which are normally interspersed in axonal cross-sections, often segregate apart from each other in these disorders, which is something that is never observed in healthy axons. Here we describe a stochastic multiscale computational model that explains the mechanism of this striking segregation and offers insights into the mechanism of neurofilament accumulation in disease.
Collapse
|
35
|
NMDA Receptors and Oxidative Stress Induced by the Major Metabolites Accumulating in HMG Lyase Deficiency Mediate Hypophosphorylation of Cytoskeletal Proteins in Brain From Adolescent Rats: Potential Mechanisms Contributing to the Neuropathology of This Disease. Neurotox Res 2015; 28:239-52. [PMID: 26174040 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurological symptoms and cerebral abnormalities are commonly observed in patients with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase (HMG lyase) deficiency, which is biochemically characterized by predominant tissue accumulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric (HMG), 3-methylglutaric (MGA), and 3-methylglutaconic (MGT) acids. Since the pathogenesis of this disease is poorly known, the present study evaluated the effects of these compounds on the cytoskeleton phosphorylating system in rat brain. HMG, MGA, and MGT caused hypophosphorylation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and of the neurofilament subunits NFL, NFM, and NFH. HMG-induced hypophosphorylation was mediated by inhibiting the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) on Ser55 residue of NFL and c-Jun kinase (JNK) by acting on KSP repeats of NFM and NFH subunits. We also evidenced that the subunit NR2B of NMDA receptor and Ca(2+) was involved in HMG-elicited hypophosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins. Furthermore, the antioxidants L-NAME and TROLOX fully prevented both the hypophosphorylation and the inhibition of PKA and JNK caused by HMG, suggesting that oxidative damage may underlie these effects. These findings indicate that the main metabolites accumulating in HMG lyase deficiency provoke hypophosphorylation of cytoskeleton neural proteins with the involvement of NMDA receptors, Ca(2+), and reactive species. It is presumed that these alterations may contribute to the neuropathology of this disease.
Collapse
|
36
|
Laurin Y, Savarin P, Robert CH, Takahashi M, Eyer J, Prevost C, Sacquin-Mora S. Investigating the Structural Variability and Binding Modes of the Glioma Targeting NFL-TBS.40–63 Peptide on Tubulin. Biochemistry 2015; 54:3660-9. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoann Laurin
- Laboratoire
de Biochimie Théorique, UPR 9080 CNRS Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique,13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Savarin
- Université
Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CSPBAT, UMR 7244 CNRS, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Charles H. Robert
- Laboratoire
de Biochimie Théorique, UPR 9080 CNRS Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique,13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Masayuki Takahashi
- School
of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institue of Technology 2-12-1-M6-14
Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550 Japan
| | - Joel Eyer
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie & Transgenèse, UPRES EA 3143, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Chantal Prevost
- Laboratoire
de Biochimie Théorique, UPR 9080 CNRS Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique,13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Sacquin-Mora
- Laboratoire
de Biochimie Théorique, UPR 9080 CNRS Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique,13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Grevesse T, Dabiri BE, Parker KK, Gabriele S. Opposite rheological properties of neuronal microcompartments predict axonal vulnerability in brain injury. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9475. [PMID: 25820512 PMCID: PMC4377573 DOI: 10.1038/srep09475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pathological changes in axonal morphology have emerged as important features of traumatic brain injury (TBI), the mechanical vulnerability of the axonal microcompartment relative to the cell body is not well understood. We hypothesized that soma and neurite microcompartments exhibit distinct mechanical behaviors, rendering axons more sensitive to a mechanical injury. In order to test this assumption, we combined protein micropatterns with magnetic tweezer rheology to probe the viscoelastic properties of neuronal microcompartments. Creep experiments revealed two opposite rheological behaviors within cortical neurons: the cell body was soft and characterized by a solid-like response, whereas the neurite compartment was stiffer and viscous-like. By using pharmacological agents, we demonstrated that the nucleus is responsible for the solid-like behavior and the stress-stiffening response of the soma, whereas neurofilaments have a predominant contribution in the viscous behavior of the neurite. Furthermore, we found that the neurite is a mechanosensitive compartment that becomes softer and adopts a pronounced viscous state on soft matrices. Together, these findings highlight the importance of the regionalization of mechanical and rigidity-sensing properties within neuron microcompartments in the preferential damage of axons during traumatic brain injury and into potential mechanisms of axonal outgrowth after injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grevesse
- Mechanobiology &Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, CIRMAP, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Borna E Dabiri
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Mechanobiology &Soft Matter Group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, CIRMAP, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang H, Wu M, Zhan C, Ma E, Yang M, Yang X, Li Y. Neurofilament proteins in axonal regeneration and neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2015; 7:620-6. [PMID: 25745454 PMCID: PMC4346988 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament protein is a component of the mature neuronal cytoskeleton, and it interacts with the zygosome, which is mediated by neurofilament-related proteins. Neurofilament protein regulates enzyme function and the structure of linker proteins. In addition, neurofilament gene expression plays an important role in nervous system development. Previous studies have shown that neurofilament gene transcriptional regulation is crucial for neurofilament protein expression, especially in axonal regeneration and degenerative diseases. Post-transcriptional regulation increased neurofilament protein gene transcription during axonal regeneration, ultimately resulting in a pattern of neurofilament protein expression. An expression imbalance of post-transcriptional regulatory proteins and other disorders could lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or other neurodegenerative diseases. These findings indicated that after transcription, neurofilament protein regulated expression of related proteins and promoted regeneration of damaged axons, suggesting that regulation disorders could lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Minfei Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Chuanjun Zhan
- Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Enyuan Ma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beihua University Affiliated Hospital, Jilin 132000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Maoguang Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yingpu Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lavrnja I, Savic D, Parabucki A, Dacic S, Laketa D, Pekovic S, Stojiljkovic M. Effect of stab injury in the rat cerebral cortex on temporal pattern of expression of neuronal cytoskeletal proteins: an immunohistochemical study. Acta Histochem 2015; 117:155-62. [PMID: 25592752 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence now points to the critical role of the cytoskeleton in neurodegeneration. In the present study, using an immunohistochemical approach, we have shown that cortical stab injury (CSI) in adult Wistar rats significantly affects temporal pattern of expression of neurofilament proteins (NFs), a major cytoskeleton components of neurons, and microtubule-associated proteins (MAP2). At 3 days post-injury (dpi) most of the NFs immunoreactivity was found in pyknotic neurons and in fragmentized axonal processes in the perilesioned cortex. These cytoskeletal alterations became more pronounced by 10dpi. At the subcellular level CSI also showed significant impact on NFs and MAP-2 expression. Thus, at 3dpi most of the dendrites disappeared, while large neuronal somata appeared like open circles pointing to membrane disintegration. Conversely, at 10dpi neuronal perikarya and a few new apical dendrites were strongly labeled. Since aberrant NF phosphorylation is a pathological hallmark of many human neurodegenerative disorders, as well as is found after stressor stimuli, the present results shed light into the expression of neurofilaments after the stab brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irena Lavrnja
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Danijela Savic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Parabucki
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Dacic
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Laketa
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Pekovic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Stojiljkovic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gene coexpression networks reveal key drivers of phenotypic divergence in porcine muscle. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:50. [PMID: 25651817 PMCID: PMC4328970 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Domestication of the wild pig has led to obese and lean phenotype breeds, and evolutionary genome research has sought to identify the regulatory mechanisms underlying this phenotypic diversity. However, revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle phenotype variation based on differentially expressed genes has proved to be difficult. To characterize the mechanisms regulating muscle phenotype variation under artificial selection, we aimed to provide an integrated view of genome organization by weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Results Our analysis was based on 20 publicly available next-generation sequencing datasets of lean and obese pig muscle generated from 10 developmental stages. The evolution of the constructed coexpression modules was examined using the genome resequencing data of 37 domestic pigs and 11 wild boars. Our results showed the regulation of muscle development might be more complex than had been previously acknowledged, and is regulated by the coordinated action of muscle, nerve and immunity related genes. Breed-specific modules that regulated muscle phenotype divergence were identified, and hundreds of hub genes with major roles in muscle development were determined to be responsible for key functional distinctions between breeds. Our evolutionary analysis showed that the role of changes in the coding sequence under positive selection in muscle phenotype divergence was minor. Conclusions Muscle phenotype divergence was found to be regulated by the divergence of coexpression network modules under artificial selection, and not by changes in the coding sequence of genes. Our results present multiple lines of evidence suggesting links between modules and muscle phenotypes, and provide insights into the molecular bases of genome organization in muscle development and phenotype variation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1238-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
41
|
Larivière R, Gaudet R, Gentil BJ, Girard M, Conte TC, Minotti S, Leclerc-Desaulniers K, Gehring K, McKinney RA, Shoubridge EA, McPherson PS, Durham HD, Brais B. Sacs knockout mice present pathophysiological defects underlying autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:727-39. [PMID: 25260547 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS [MIM 270550]) is an early-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the SACS gene. Over 170 SACS mutations have been reported worldwide and are thought to cause loss of function of sacsin, a poorly characterized and massive 520 kDa protein. To establish an animal model and to examine the pathophysiological basis of ARSACS, we generated Sacs knockout (Sacs(-/-)) mice. Null animals displayed an abnormal gait with progressive motor, cerebellar and peripheral nerve dysfunctions highly reminiscent of ARSACS. These clinical features were accompanied by an early onset, progressive loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells followed by spinal motor neuron loss and peripheral neuropathy. Importantly, loss of sacsin function resulted in abnormal accumulation of non-phosphorylated neurofilament (NF) bundles in the somatodendritic regions of vulnerable neuronal populations, a phenotype also observed in an ARSACS brain. Moreover, motor neurons cultured from Sacs(-/-) embryos exhibited a similar NF rearrangement with significant reduction in mitochondrial motility and elongated mitochondria. The data points to alterations in the NF cytoskeleton and defects in mitochondrial dynamics as the underlying pathophysiological basis of ARSACS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Larivière
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Motion and
| | - Rébecca Gaudet
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Motion and
| | - Benoit J Gentil
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
| | - Martine Girard
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
| | | | - Sandra Minotti
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
| | | | - Kalle Gehring
- Groupe de Recherche Axé sur la Structure des Protéines, Department of Biochemistry and
| | - R Anne McKinney
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
| | - Eric A Shoubridge
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
| | - Peter S McPherson
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
| | - Heather D Durham
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
| | - Bernard Brais
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Motion and
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Häggmark A, Mikus M, Mohsenchian A, Hong MG, Forsström B, Gajewska B, Barańczyk-Kuźma A, Uhlén M, Schwenk JM, Kuźma-Kozakiewicz M, Nilsson P. Plasma profiling reveals three proteins associated to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2014; 1:544-53. [PMID: 25356426 PMCID: PMC4184557 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult motor neuron disease leading to muscular paralysis and death within 3–5 years from onset. Currently, there are no reliable and sensitive markers able to substantially shorten the diagnosis delay. The objective of the study was to analyze a large number of proteins in plasma from patients with various clinical phenotypes of ALS in search for novel proteins or protein profiles that could serve as potential indicators of disease. Methods Affinity proteomics in the form of antibody suspension bead arrays were applied to profile plasma samples from 367 ALS patients and 101 controls. The plasma protein content was directly labeled and protein profiles obtained using 352 antibodies from the Human Protein Atlas targeting 278 proteins. A focused bead array was then built to further profile eight selected protein targets in all available samples. Results Disease-associated significant differences were observed and replicated for profiles from antibodies targeting the proteins: neurofilament medium polypeptide (NEFM), solute carrier family 25 (SLC25A20), and regulator of G-protein signaling 18 (RGS18). Interpretation Upon further validation in several independent cohorts with inclusion of a broad range of other neurological disorders as controls, the alterations of these three protein profiles in plasma could potentially provide new molecular markers of disease that contribute to the quest of understanding ALS pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Häggmark
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Mikus
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Atefeh Mohsenchian
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mun-Gwan Hong
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Forsström
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Beata Gajewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland ; Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Barańczyk-Kuźma
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland ; Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mathias Uhlén
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jochen M Schwenk
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Kuźma-Kozakiewicz
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland ; Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw Warsaw, Poland
| | - Peter Nilsson
- SciLifeLab, School of Biotechnology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Signaling mechanisms and disrupted cytoskeleton in the diphenyl ditelluride neurotoxicity. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2014; 2014:458601. [PMID: 25050142 PMCID: PMC4090446 DOI: 10.1155/2014/458601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from our group supports that diphenyl ditelluride (PhTe)2 neurotoxicity depends on modulation of signaling pathways initiated at the plasma membrane. The (PhTe)2-evoked signal is transduced downstream of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA), or metabotropic glutamate receptors activation via different kinase pathways (protein kinase A, phospholipase C/protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt signaling pathway). Among the most relevant cues of misregulated signaling mechanisms evoked by (PhTe)2 is the cytoskeleton of neural cells. The in vivo and in vitro exposure to (PhTe)2 induce hyperphosphorylation/hypophosphorylation of neuronal and glial intermediate filament (IF) proteins (neurofilaments and glial fibrillary acidic protein, resp.) in different brain structures of young rats. Phosphorylation of IFs at specific sites modulates their association/disassociation and interferes with important physiological roles, such as axonal transport. Disrupted cytoskeleton is a crucial marker of neurodegeneration and is associated with reactive astrogliosis and apoptotic cell death. This review focuses the current knowledge and important results on the mechanisms of (PhTe)2 neurotoxicity with special emphasis on the cytoskeletal proteins and their differential regulation by kinases/phosphatases and Ca2+-mediated mechanisms in developmental rat brain. We propose that the disrupted cytoskeletal homeostasis could support brain damage provoked by this neurotoxicant.
Collapse
|
44
|
Carpanini SM, McKie L, Thomson D, Wright AK, Gordon SL, Roche SL, Handley MT, Morrison H, Brownstein D, Wishart TM, Cousin MA, Gillingwater TH, Aligianis IA, Jackson IJ. A novel mouse model of Warburg Micro syndrome reveals roles for RAB18 in eye development and organisation of the neuronal cytoskeleton. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:711-22. [PMID: 24764192 PMCID: PMC4036478 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.015222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in RAB18 have been shown to cause the heterogeneous autosomal recessive disorder Warburg Micro syndrome (WARBM). Individuals with WARBM present with a range of clinical symptoms, including ocular and neurological abnormalities. However, the underlying cellular and molecular pathogenesis of the disorder remains unclear, largely owing to the lack of any robust animal models that phenocopy both the ocular and neurological features of the disease. We report here the generation and characterisation of a novel Rab18-mutant mouse model of WARBM. Rab18-mutant mice are viable and fertile. They present with congenital nuclear cataracts and atonic pupils, recapitulating the characteristic ocular features that are associated with WARBM. Additionally, Rab18-mutant cells exhibit an increase in lipid droplet size following treatment with oleic acid. Lipid droplet abnormalities are a characteristic feature of cells taken from WARBM individuals, as well as cells taken from individuals with other neurodegenerative conditions. Neurological dysfunction is also apparent in Rab18-mutant mice, including progressive weakness of the hind limbs. We show that the neurological defects are, most likely, not caused by gross perturbations in synaptic vesicle recycling in the central or peripheral nervous system. Rather, loss of Rab18 is associated with widespread disruption of the neuronal cytoskeleton, including abnormal accumulations of neurofilament and microtubule proteins in synaptic terminals, and gross disorganisation of the cytoskeleton in peripheral nerves. Global proteomic profiling of peripheral nerves in Rab18-mutant mice reveals significant alterations in several core molecular pathways that regulate cytoskeletal dynamics in neurons. The apparent similarities between the WARBM phenotype and the phenotype that we describe here indicate that the Rab18-mutant mouse provides an important platform for investigation of the disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Carpanini
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.,The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lisa McKie
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Derek Thomson
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Ann K. Wright
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Sarah L. Gordon
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Sarah L. Roche
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Mark T. Handley
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Harris Morrison
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David Brownstein
- Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Thomas M. Wishart
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Michael A. Cousin
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Authors for correspondence (; )
| | - Irene A. Aligianis
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.,The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK.,Authors for correspondence (; )
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Guo M, Ehrlicher AJ, Mahammad S, Fabich H, Jensen MH, Moore JR, Fredberg JJ, Goldman RD, Weitz DA. The role of vimentin intermediate filaments in cortical and cytoplasmic mechanics. Biophys J 2014; 105:1562-8. [PMID: 24094397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of a cell determine many aspects of its behavior, and these mechanics are largely determined by the cytoskeleton. Although the contribution of actin filaments and microtubules to the mechanics of cells has been investigated in great detail, relatively little is known about the contribution of the third major cytoskeletal component, intermediate filaments (IFs). To determine the role of vimentin IF (VIF) in modulating intracellular and cortical mechanics, we carried out studies using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (mEFs) derived from wild-type or vimentin(-/-) mice. The VIFs contribute little to cortical stiffness but are critical for regulating intracellular mechanics. Active microrheology measurements using optical tweezers in living cells reveal that the presence of VIFs doubles the value of the cytoplasmic shear modulus to ∼10 Pa. The higher levels of cytoplasmic stiffness appear to stabilize organelles in the cell, as measured by tracking endogenous vesicle movement. These studies show that VIFs both increase the mechanical integrity of cells and localize intracellular components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Guo
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Orts-Del’Immagine A, Kastner A, Tillement V, Tardivel C, Trouslard J, Wanaverbecq N. Morphology, distribution and phenotype of polycystin kidney disease 2-like 1-positive cerebrospinal fluid contacting neurons in the brainstem of adult mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87748. [PMID: 24504595 PMCID: PMC3913643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian spinal cord and medulla oblongata harbor unique neurons that remain in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-cNs). These neurons were shown recently to express a polycystin member of the TRP channels family (PKD2L1) that potentially acts as a chemo- or mechanoreceptor. Recent studies carried out in young rodents indicate that spinal CSF-cNs express immature neuronal markers that appear to persist even in adult cells. Nevertheless, little is known about the phenotype and morphological properties of medullar CSF-cNs. Using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy techniques on tissues obtained from three-month old PKD2L1:EGFP transgenic mice, we analyzed the morphology, distribution, localization and phenotype of PKD2L1(+) CSF-cNs around the brainstem and cervical spinal cord central canal. We show that PKD2L1(+) CSF-cNs are GABAergic neurons with a subependymal localization, projecting a dendrite towards the central canal and an axon-like process running through the parenchyma. These neurons display a primary cilium on the soma and the dendritic process appears to bear ciliary-like structures in contact with the CSF. PKD2L1(+) CSF-cNs present a conserved morphology along the length of the medullospinal central canal with a change in their density, localization and dendritic length according to the rostro-caudal axis. At adult stages, PKD2L1(+) medullar CSF-cNs appear to remain in an intermediate state of maturation since they still exhibit characteristics of neuronal immaturity (DCX positive, neurofilament 160 kDa negative) along with the expression of a marker representative of neuronal maturation (NeuN). In addition, PKD2L1(+) CSF-cNs express Nkx6.1, a homeodomain protein that enables the differentiation of ventral progenitors into somatic motoneurons and interneurons. The present study provides valuable information on the cellular properties of this peculiar neuronal population that will be crucial for understanding the physiological role of CSF-cNs in mammals and their link with the stem cells contained in the region surrounding the medullospinal central canal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Orts-Del’Immagine
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Laboratoire de Physiologie et Physiopathologie du Système Nerveux Somato-moteur et Neurovégétatif (PPSN) - EA 4674, Faculté des Sciences St. Jérôme, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Kastner
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Laboratoire de Physiologie et Physiopathologie du Système Nerveux Somato-moteur et Neurovégétatif (PPSN) - EA 4674, Faculté des Sciences St. Jérôme, Marseille, France
| | - Vanessa Tillement
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Laboratoire de Physiologie et Physiopathologie du Système Nerveux Somato-moteur et Neurovégétatif (PPSN) - EA 4674, Faculté des Sciences St. Jérôme, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Tardivel
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Laboratoire de Physiologie et Physiopathologie du Système Nerveux Somato-moteur et Neurovégétatif (PPSN) - EA 4674, Faculté des Sciences St. Jérôme, Marseille, France
| | - Jérôme Trouslard
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Laboratoire de Physiologie et Physiopathologie du Système Nerveux Somato-moteur et Neurovégétatif (PPSN) - EA 4674, Faculté des Sciences St. Jérôme, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Wanaverbecq
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Laboratoire de Physiologie et Physiopathologie du Système Nerveux Somato-moteur et Neurovégétatif (PPSN) - EA 4674, Faculté des Sciences St. Jérôme, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Koros C, Kitraki E. Effect of cytosine arabinoside on cerebellar neurofilaments during development: A sexual dimorphism. Toxicol Rep 2014; 1:650-657. [PMID: 28962278 PMCID: PMC5598478 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reports suggest that the resistance of neuronal cytoskeleton to drug toxicity may vary with age and gender. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of cytosine arabinoside (AraC) treatment on neurofilament (NF) levels and phosphorylation status in the developing cerebellum of male, female and testosterone propionate (1.25 mg/rat)-androgenized female rats. AraC (200 mg/kg bw) was administered from postnatal day (PND) 14–16 and changes in the level and phosphorylation of NFs were detected at PND 16 by Western blot analysis. The drug had no effect in male pups, while it increased the non-phosphorylated NF subunits of medium and low molecular weight in females. Androgenization of females prevented the AraC-induced increase in NF subunits. The levels of estrogen receptor beta (ER-β), known to mediate neuroprotective actions of estrogens in the brain, were significantly higher in the developing female cerebellum, as compared to males and androgenized females. These data show that the neurofilament cytoskeleton in the developing rat cerebellum exhibits resistance to AraC that appears sexually dimorphic. In young males the resistance is exemplified by a lack of responsiveness, whereas in juvenile females it is presented by an androgenization-sensitive NF upregulation.
Collapse
|
48
|
Prokop A. The intricate relationship between microtubules and their associated motor proteins during axon growth and maintenance. Neural Dev 2013; 8:17. [PMID: 24010872 PMCID: PMC3846809 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-8-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hallmarks of neurons are their slender axons which represent the longest cellular processes of animals and which act as the cables that electrically wire the brain, and the brain to the body. Axons extend along reproducible paths during development and regeneration, and they have to be maintained for the lifetime of an organism. Both axon extension and maintenance essentially depend on the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton. For this, MTs organize into parallel bundles that are established through extension at the leading axon tips within growth cones, and these bundles then form the architectural backbones, as well as the highways for axonal transport essential for supply and intracellular communication. Axon transport over these enormous distances takes days or even weeks and is a substantial logistical challenge. It is performed by kinesins and dynein/dynactin, which are molecular motors that form close functional links to the MTs they walk along. The intricate machinery which regulates MT dynamics, axonal transport and the motors is essential for nervous system development and function, and its investigation has huge potential to bring urgently required progress in understanding the causes of many developmental and degenerative brain disorders. During the last years new explanations for the highly specific properties of axonal MTs and for their close functional links to motor proteins have emerged, and it has become increasingly clear that motors play active roles also in regulating axonal MT networks. Here, I will provide an overview of these new developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Prokop
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Serum and cerebrospinal fluid light neurofilaments and antibodies against them in clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2013; 262:113-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
50
|
Samantaray S, Knaryan VH, Shields DC, Banik NL. Critical role of calpain in spinal cord degeneration in Parkinson's disease. J Neurochem 2013; 127:880-90. [PMID: 23875735 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to midbrain nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), the mechanism of damage in non-dopaminergic sites within the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, is not well-understood. Thus, to understand the comprehensive pathophysiology underlying this devastating disease, postmortem spinal cord tissue samples (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments) from patients with PD were analyzed compared to age-matched normal subjects or Alzheimer's disease for selective molecular markers of neurodegeneration and inflammation. Distal axonal degeneration, relative abundance of both sensory and motor neuron death, selective loss of ChAT(+) motoneurons, reactive astrogliosis, microgliosis, increased cycloxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression, and infiltration of T cells were observed in spinal cord of PD patients compared to normal subjects. Biochemical analyses of spinal cord tissues revealed associated inflammatory and proteolytic events (elevated levels of Cox-2, expression and activity of μ- and m-calpain, degradation of axonal neurofilament protein, and concomitantly low levels of endogenous inhibitor - calpastatin) in spinal cord of PD patients. Thus, pathologically upregulated calpain activity in spinal cords of patients with PD may contribute to inflammatory response-mediated neuronal death, leading to motor dysfunction. We proposed calpain over-activation and calpain-calpastatin dysregulation driving in a cascade of inflammatory responses (microglial activation and T cell infiltration) and degenerative pathways culminating in axonal degeneration and neuronal death in spinal cord of Parkinson's disease patients. This may be one of the crucial mechanisms in the degenerative process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Supriti Samantaray
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, P.O. Box 250606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Varduhi H Knaryan
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, P.O. Box 250606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Donald C Shields
- Department of Neurosurgery, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 7-420, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Naren L Banik
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, P.O. Box 250606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|