1
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Keeley O, Coyne AN. Nuclear and degradative functions of the ESCRT-III pathway: implications for neurodegenerative disease. Nucleus 2024; 15:2349085. [PMID: 38700207 PMCID: PMC11073439 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2349085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The ESCRT machinery plays a pivotal role in membrane-remodeling events across multiple cellular processes including nuclear envelope repair and reformation, nuclear pore complex surveillance, endolysosomal trafficking, and neuronal pruning. Alterations in ESCRT-III functionality have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In addition, mutations in specific ESCRT-III proteins have been identified in FTD/ALS. Thus, understanding how disruptions in the fundamental functions of this pathway and its individual protein components in the human central nervous system (CNS) may offer valuable insights into mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and identification of potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss ESCRT components, dynamics, and functions, with a focus on the ESCRT-III pathway. In addition, we explore the implications of altered ESCRT-III function for neurodegeneration with a primary emphasis on nuclear surveillance and endolysosomal trafficking within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Keeley
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa N. Coyne
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Ho PC, Hsieh TC, Tsai KJ. TDP-43 proteinopathy in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: From pathomechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102441. [PMID: 39069095 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Proteostasis failure is a common pathological characteristic in neurodegenerative diseases. Revitalizing clearance systems could effectively mitigate these diseases. The transactivation response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) plays a critical role as an RNA/DNA-binding protein in RNA metabolism and synaptic function. Accumulation of TDP-43 aggregates in the central nervous system is a hallmark of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Autophagy, a major and highly conserved degradation pathway, holds the potential for degrading aggregated TDP-43 and alleviating FTLD/ALS. This review explores the causes of TDP-43 aggregation, FTLD/ALS-related genes, key autophagy factors, and autophagy-based therapeutic strategies targeting TDP-43 proteinopathy. Understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms of TDP-43 proteinopathy can facilitate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chuan Ho
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Chi Hsieh
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Jer Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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3
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Ren K, Wang Q, Jiang D, Liu E, Alsmaan J, Jiang R, Rutkove SB, Tian F. A comprehensive review of electrophysiological techniques in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1435619. [PMID: 39280794 PMCID: PMC11393746 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1435619] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration, leading to widespread weakness and respiratory failure. While a variety of mechanisms have been proposed as causes of this disease, a full understanding remains elusive. Electrophysiological alterations, including increased motor axon excitability, likely play an important role in disease progression. There remains a critical need for non-animal disease models that can integrate electrophysiological tools to better understand underlying mechanisms, track disease progression, and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. This review explores the integration of electrophysiological technologies with ALS disease models. It covers cellular and clinical electrophysiological tools and their applications in ALS research. Additionally, we examine conventional animal models and highlight advancements in humanized models and 3D organoid technologies. By bridging the gap between these models, we aim to enhance our understanding of ALS pathogenesis and facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyuan Ren
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qinglong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Douglas Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ethan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Julie Alsmaan
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Arts and Science, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Arts and Science, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Feng Tian
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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4
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Bai D, Deng F, Jia Q, Ou K, Wang X, Hou J, Zhu L, Guo M, Yang S, Jiang G, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathogenic TDP-43 accelerates the generation of toxic exon1 HTT in Huntington's disease knock-in mice. Aging Cell 2024:e14325. [PMID: 39185703 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon1 of the HTT gene that encodes a polyglutamine tract in huntingtin protein. The formation of HTT exon1 fragments with an expanded polyglutamine repeat has been implicated as a key step in the pathogenesis of HD. It was reported that the CAG repeat length-dependent aberrant splicing of exon1 HTT results in a short polyadenylated mRNA that is translated into an exon1 HTT protein. Under normal conditions, TDP-43 is predominantly found in the nucleus, where it regulates gene expression. However, in various pathological conditions, TDP-43 is mislocalized in the cytoplasm. By investigating HD knock-in mice, we explore whether the pathogenic TDP-43 in the cytoplasm contributes to HD pathogenesis, through expressing the cytoplasmic TDP-43 without nuclear localization signal. We found that the cytoplasmic TDP-43 is increased in the HD mouse brain and that its mislocalization could deteriorate the motor and gait behavior. Importantly, the cytoplasmic TDP-43, via its binding to the intron1 sequence (GU/UG)n of the mouse Htt pre-mRNA, promotes the transport of exon1-intron1 Htt onto ribosome, resulting in the aberrant generation of exon1 Htt. Our findings suggest that cytoplasmic TDP-43 contributes to HD pathogenesis via its binding to and transport of nuclear un-spliced mRNA to the ribosome for the generation of a toxic protein product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Institute of Neurological Diseases, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuyu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen Testing Center of Medical Devices, In Vitro Diagnostic Reagents Testing Department, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingqing Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaili Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junqi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Longhong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingwei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Su Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guohui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Institute of Neurological Diseases, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Shihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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5
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Zhu L, Bai D, Wang X, Ou K, Li B, Jia Q, Tan Z, Liang J, He D, Yan S, Wang L, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Pathologic TDP-43 downregulates myelin gene expression in the monkey brain. Brain Pathol 2024:e13277. [PMID: 38779803 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13277] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that non-neuronal oligodendrocyte plays an important role in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. In patient's brain, the impaired myelin structure is a pathological feature with the observation of TDP-43 in cytoplasm of oligodendrocyte. However, the mechanism underlying the gain of function by TDP-43 in oligodendrocytes, which are vital for the axonal integrity, remains unclear. Recently, we found that the primate-specific cleavage of truncated TDP-43 fragments occurred in cytoplasm of monkey neural cells. This finding opened up the avenue to investigate the myelin integrity affected by pathogenic TDP-43 in oligodendrocytes. In current study, we demonstrated that the truncated TDP-35 in oligodendrocytes specifically, could lead to the dysfunctional demyelination in corpus callosum of monkey. As a consequence of the interaction of myelin regulatory factor with the accumulated TDP-35 in cytoplasm, the downstream myelin-associated genes expression was downregulated at the transcriptional level. Our study aims to investigate the potential effect on myelin structure injury, affected by the truncated TDP-43 in oligodendrocyte, which provided the additional clues on the gain of function during the progressive pathogenesis and symptoms in TDP-43 related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dazhang Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Institute of Neurological Diseases, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaili Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Jia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tan
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Liang
- Department of Medical Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dajian He
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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6
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De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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7
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Feichtner A, Enzler F, Kugler V, Hoppe K, Mair S, Kremser L, Lindner H, Huber RG, Stelzl U, Stefan E, Torres-Quesada O. Phosphorylation of the compartmentalized PKA substrate TAF15 regulates RNA-protein interactions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:162. [PMID: 38568213 PMCID: PMC10991009 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal-controlled second messengers alter molecular interactions of central signaling nodes for ensuring physiological signal transmission. One prototypical second messenger molecule which modulates kinase signal transmission is the cyclic-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The main proteinogenic cellular effectors of cAMP are compartmentalized protein kinase A (PKA) complexes. Their cell-type specific compositions precisely coordinate substrate phosphorylation and proper signal propagation which is indispensable for numerous cell-type specific functions. Here we present evidence that TAF15, which is implicated in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, represents a novel nuclear PKA substrate. In cross-linking and immunoprecipitation experiments (iCLIP) we showed that TAF15 phosphorylation alters the binding to target transcripts related to mRNA maturation, splicing and protein-binding related functions. TAF15 appears to be one of multiple PKA substrates that undergo RNA-binding dynamics upon phosphorylation. We observed that the activation of the cAMP-PKA signaling axis caused a change in the composition of a collection of RNA species that interact with TAF15. This observation appears to be a broader principle in the regulation of molecular interactions, as we identified a significant enrichment of RNA-binding proteins within endogenous PKA complexes. We assume that phosphorylation of RNA-binding domains adds another layer of regulation to binary protein-RNAs interactions with consequences to RNA features including binding specificities, localization, abundance and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Feichtner
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innrain 66, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Enzler
- Daniel Swarovski Research Laboratory, Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 66/66a, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Valentina Kugler
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innrain 66, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Hoppe
- Institute of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sophia Mair
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 66/66a, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Vascage, Center of Clinical Stroke Research, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Leopold Kremser
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Lindner
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roland G Huber
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Ulrich Stelzl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Schubertstrasse 1, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innrain 66, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Omar Torres-Quesada
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innrain 66, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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8
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Johnson CN, Sojitra KA, Sohn EJ, Moreno-Romero AK, Baudin A, Xu X, Mittal J, Libich DS. Insights into Molecular Diversity within the FUS/EWS/TAF15 Protein Family: Unraveling Phase Separation of the N-Terminal Low-Complexity Domain from RNA-Binding Protein EWS. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8071-8085. [PMID: 38492239 PMCID: PMC11156192 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12034] [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: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The FET protein family, comprising FUS, EWS, and TAF15, plays crucial roles in mRNA maturation, transcriptional regulation, and DNA damage response. Clinically, they are linked to Ewing family tumors and neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The fusion protein EWS::FLI1, the causative mutation of Ewing sarcoma, arises from a genomic translocation that fuses a portion of the low-complexity domain (LCD) of EWS (EWSLCD) with the DNA binding domain of the ETS transcription factor FLI1. This fusion protein modifies transcriptional programs and disrupts native EWS functions, such as splicing. The exact role of the intrinsically disordered EWSLCD remains a topic of active investigation, but its ability to phase separate and form biomolecular condensates is believed to be central to EWS::FLI1's oncogenic properties. Here, we used paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR, microscopy, and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to better understand the self-association and phase separation tendencies of the EWSLCD. Our NMR data and mutational analysis suggest that a higher density and proximity of tyrosine residues amplify the likelihood of condensate formation. MD simulations revealed that the tyrosine-rich termini exhibit compact conformations with unique contact networks and provided critical input on the relationship between contacts formed within a single molecule (intramolecular) and inside the condensed phase (intermolecular). These findings enhance our understanding of FET proteins' condensate-forming capabilities and underline differences between EWS, FUS, and TAF15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney N. Johnson
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Kandarp A Sojitra
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Erich J. Sohn
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Alma K. Moreno-Romero
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Antoine Baudin
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - David S. Libich
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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9
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Pan MT, Zhang H, Li XJ, Guo XY. Genetically modified non-human primate models for research on neurodegenerative diseases. Zool Res 2024; 45:263-274. [PMID: 38287907 PMCID: PMC11017080 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a group of debilitating neurological disorders that primarily affect elderly populations and include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Currently, there are no therapies available that can delay, stop, or reverse the pathological progression of NDs in clinical settings. As the population ages, NDs are imposing a huge burden on public health systems and affected families. Animal models are important tools for preclinical investigations to understand disease pathogenesis and test potential treatments. While numerous rodent models of NDs have been developed to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms, the limited success of translating findings from animal models to clinical practice suggests that there is still a need to bridge this translation gap. Old World non-human primates (NHPs), such as rhesus, cynomolgus, and vervet monkeys, are phylogenetically, physiologically, biochemically, and behaviorally most relevant to humans. This is particularly evident in the similarity of the structure and function of their central nervous systems, rendering such species uniquely valuable for neuroscience research. Recently, the development of several genetically modified NHP models of NDs has successfully recapitulated key pathologies and revealed novel mechanisms. This review focuses on the efficacy of NHPs in modeling NDs and the novel pathological insights gained, as well as the challenges associated with the generation of such models and the complexities involved in their subsequent analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tian Pan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China. E-mail:
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10
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Rayner SL, Hogan A, Davidson JM, Chapman T, Cheng F, Luu L, Wu S, Zhang S, Yang S, Blair I, Morsch M, Chung R, Lee A. Cyclin F can alter the turnover of TDP-43. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 192:106421. [PMID: 38286389 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that the SCFcyclin F complex directly mediates the poly-ubiquitylation of TDP-43, raising the question of whether cyclin F can be used to enhance the turnover of TDP-43. A hurdle to the use of cyclin F, however, is that the overexpression of cyclin F can lead to the initiation of cell death pathways. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to identify and evaluate a less toxic variant of cyclin F. To do so, we first confirmed and validated our previous findings that cyclin F binds to TDP-43 in an atypical manner. Additionally, we demonstrated that mutating the canonical substrate region in cyclin F (to generate cyclin FMRL/AAA) led to reduced binding affinity to known canonical substrates without impacting the interaction between cyclin F and TDP-43. Notably, both wild-type and cyclin FMRL/AAA effectively reduced the abundance of TDP-43 in cultured cells whilst cyclin FMRL/AAA also demonstrated reduced cell death compared to the wild-type control. The decrease in toxicity also led to a reduction in morphological defects in zebrafish embryos. These results suggest that cyclin F can be modified to enhance its targeting of TDP-43, which in turn reduces the toxicity associated with the overexpression of cyclin F. This study provides greater insights into the interaction that occurs between cyclin F and TDP-43 in cells and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Rayner
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alison Hogan
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennilee M Davidson
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Tyler Chapman
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Flora Cheng
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Luan Luu
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharlynn Wu
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Selina Zhang
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Shu Yang
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian Blair
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
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11
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Khalil B, Linsenmeier M, Smith CL, Shorter J, Rossoll W. Nuclear-import receptors as gatekeepers of pathological phase transitions in ALS/FTD. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38254150 PMCID: PMC10804745 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00698-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders on a disease spectrum that are characterized by the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aberrant phase transitions of prion-like RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The common accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and other nuclear RBPs in detergent-insoluble aggregates in the cytoplasm of degenerating neurons in ALS/FTD is connected to nuclear pore dysfunction and other defects in the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery. Recent advances suggest that beyond their canonical role in the nuclear import of protein cargoes, nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) can prevent and reverse aberrant phase transitions of TDP-43, FUS, and related prion-like RBPs and restore their nuclear localization and function. Here, we showcase the NIR family and how they recognize cargo, drive nuclear import, and chaperone prion-like RBPs linked to ALS/FTD. We also discuss the promise of enhancing NIR levels and developing potentiated NIR variants as therapeutic strategies for ALS/FTD and related neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Khalil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - Miriam Linsenmeier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A
| | - Courtney L Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Track, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A..
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A..
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12
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Perlegos AE, Durkin J, Belfer SJ, Rodriguez A, Shcherbakova O, Park K, Luong J, Bonini NM, Kayser MS. TDP-43 impairs sleep in Drosophila through Ataxin-2-dependent metabolic disturbance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4457. [PMID: 38198547 PMCID: PMC10780954 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia are associated with substantial sleep disruption, which may accelerate cognitive decline and brain degeneration. Here, we define a role for trans-activation response element (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), a protein associated with human neurodegenerative disease, in regulating sleep using Drosophila. Expression of TDP-43 severely disrupts sleep, and the sleep deficit is rescued by Atx2 knockdown. Brain RNA sequencing revealed that Atx2 RNA interference regulates transcripts enriched for small-molecule metabolic signaling in TDP-43 brains. Focusing on these Atx2-regulated genes, we identified suppressors of the TDP-43 sleep phenotype enriched for metabolism pathways. Knockdown of Atx2 or treatment with rapamycin attenuated the sleep phenotype and mitigated the disruption of small-molecule glycogen metabolism caused by TDP-43. Our findings provide a connection between toxicity of TDP-43 and sleep disturbances and highlight key aspects of metabolism that interplay with TDP-43 toxicity upon Atx2 rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E. Perlegos
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jaclyn Durkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Samuel J. Belfer
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anyara Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Oksana Shcherbakova
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristen Park
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jenny Luong
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nancy M. Bonini
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew S. Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Chronobiology Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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13
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Zhu L, Deng F, Bai D, Hou J, Jia Q, Zhang C, Ou K, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Loss of TDP-43 mediates severe neurotoxicity by suppressing PJA1 gene transcription in the monkey brain. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:16. [PMID: 38194085 PMCID: PMC11072099 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05066-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The nuclear loss and cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43 (TAR DNA/RNA binding protein 43) are pathological hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Previously, we reported that the primate-specific cleavage of TDP-43 accounts for its cytoplasmic mislocalization in patients' brains. This prompted us to investigate further whether and how the loss of nuclear TDP-43 mediates neuropathology in primate brain. In this study, we report that TDP-43 knockdown at the similar effectiveness, induces more damage to neuronal cells in the monkey brain than rodent mouse. Importantly, the loss of TDP-43 suppresses the E3 ubiquitin ligase PJA1 expression in the monkey brain at transcriptional level, but yields an opposite upregulation of PJA1 in the mouse brain. This distinct effect is due to the species-dependent binding of nuclear TDP-43 to the unique promoter sequences of the PJA1 genes. Further analyses reveal that the reduction of PJA1 accelerates neurotoxicity, whereas overexpressing PJA1 diminishes neuronal cell death by the TDP-43 knockdown in vivo. Our findings not only uncover a novel primate-specific neurotoxic contribution to the loss of function theory of TDP-43 proteinopathy, but also underscore a potential therapeutic approach of PJA1 to the loss of nuclear TDP-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Fuyu Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Dazhang Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Junqi Hou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qingqing Jia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Kaili Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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14
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Baskerville V, Rapuri S, Mehlhop E, Coyne AN. SUN1 facilitates CHMP7 nuclear influx and injury cascades in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2024; 147:109-121. [PMID: 37639327 PMCID: PMC10766250 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently identified the aberrant nuclear accumulation of the ESCRT-III protein CHMP7 as an initiating event that leads to a significant injury to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) characterized by the reduction of specific nucleoporins from the neuronal NPC in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) and C9orf72 ALS/frontotemporal dementia (FTD)-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (iPSNs), a phenomenon also observed in post-mortem patient tissues. Importantly, this NPC injury is sufficient to contribute to TDP-43 dysfunction and mislocalization, a common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms and events that give rise to increased nuclear translocation and/or retention of CHMP7 to initiate this pathophysiological cascade remain largely unknown. Here, using an iPSN model of sALS, we demonstrate that impaired NPC permeability barrier integrity and interactions with the LINC complex protein SUN1 facilitate CHMP7 nuclear localization and the subsequent 'activation' of NPC injury cascades. Collectively, our data provide mechanistic insights in the pathophysiological underpinnings of ALS/FTD and highlight SUN1 as a potent contributor to and modifier of CHMP7-mediated toxicity in sALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Baskerville
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sampath Rapuri
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Emma Mehlhop
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alyssa N Coyne
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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15
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Asakawa K, Handa H, Kawakami K. In Vivo Optogenetic Phase Transition of an Intrinsically Disordered Protein. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2707:257-264. [PMID: 37668918 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3401-1_17] [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] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteins containing intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) control a wide variety of cellular processes by assembly of membrane-less organelles via IDR-mediated liquid-liquid phase separation. Dysregulated IDR-mediated phase transition has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by deposition of abnormal protein aggregates. Here, we describe a method to enhance interactions between the IDRs of the RNA/DNA-binding protein and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) by light to drive its phase transition in the motor neurons of zebrafish. The optically controlled TDP-43 phase transition in motor neurons, in vivo, provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of dysregulated TDP-43 phase transition on the physiology of motor neurons. This will help to address the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal TDP-43 phase transition and aggregation, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Asakawa
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Future Medical Research, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
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16
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Yuan Y, Bailey JM, Rivera-Lopez GM, Atchison WD. Preferential potentiation of AMPA-mediated currents in brainstem hypoglossal motoneurons by subchronic exposure of mice expressing the human superoxide dismutase 1 G93A gene mutation to neurotoxicant methylmercury in vivo. Neurotoxicology 2024; 100:72-84. [PMID: 38065418 PMCID: PMC10877233 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The exact causes of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neurological disorder due to loss of upper and/or lower motoneurons, remain elusive. Gene-environment interactions are believed to be an important factor in the development of ALS. We previously showed that in vivo exposure of mice overexpressing the human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1) gene mutation (hSOD1G93A; G93A), a mouse model for ALS, to environmental neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg) accelerated the onset of ALS-like phenotype. Here we examined the time-course of effects of MeHg on AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated currents in hypoglossal motoneurons in brainstem slices prepared from G93A, hSOD1wild-type (hWT) and non-carrier WT mice following in vivo exposure to MeHg. Mice were exposed daily to 3 ppm (approximately 0.7 mg/kg/day) MeHg via drinking water beginning at postnatal day 28 (P28) and continued until P47, 64 or 84, then acute brainstem slices were prepared, and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) or AMPA-evoked currents were examined using whole cell patch-clamp recording technique. Brainstem slices of untreated littermates were prepared at the same time points to serve as control. MeHg exposure had no significant effect on either sEPSCs or AMPA-evoked currents in slices from hWT or WT mice during any of those exposure time periods under our experimental conditions. MeHg also did not cause any significant effect on sEPSCs or AMPA-currents in G93A hypoglossal motoneurons at P47 and P64. However, at P84, MeHg significantly increased amplitudes of both sEPSCs and AMPA-evoked currents in hypoglossal motineurons from G93A mice (p < 0.05), but not the sEPSC frequency, suggesting a postsynaptic action on AMPARs. MeHg exposure did not cause any significant effect on GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Therefore, MeHg exposure in vivo caused differential effects on AMPARs in hypoglossal motoneurons from mice with different genetic backgrounds. MeHg appears to preferentially stimulate the AMPAR-mediated currents in G93A hypoglossal motoneurons in an exposure time-dependent manner, which may contribute to the AMPAR-mediated motoneuron excitotoxicity, thereby facilitating development of ALS-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA.
| | - Jordan M Bailey
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - Gretchen M Rivera-Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - William D Atchison
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
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17
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Wu Y, Chen Y, Yu X, Zhang M, Li Z. Towards Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:443. [PMID: 38203614 PMCID: PMC10778690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The elevated occurrence of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), demands urgent disease-modifying therapeutics. Owing to the evolutionarily conserved molecular signalling pathways with mammalian species and facile genetic manipulation, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) emerges as a powerful and manipulative model system for mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we review several representative C. elegans models established for five common neurodegenerative diseases, which closely simulate disease phenotypes specifically in the gain-of-function aspect. We exemplify applications of high-throughput genetic and drug screenings to illustrate the potential of C. elegans to probe novel therapeutic targets. This review highlights the utility of C. elegans as a comprehensive and versatile platform for the dissection of neurodegenerative diseases at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhaoyu Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.)
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18
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Johnson CN, Sojitra KA, Sohn EJ, Moreno-Romero AK, Baudin A, Xu X, Mittal J, Libich DS. Insights into Molecular Diversity within the FET Family: Unraveling Phase Separation of the N-Terminal Low Complexity Domain from RNA-Binding Protein EWS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.27.564484. [PMID: 37961424 PMCID: PMC10634919 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.27.564484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The FET family proteins, which includes FUS, EWS, and TAF15, are RNA chaperones instrumental in processes such as mRNA maturation, transcriptional regulation, and the DNA damage response. These proteins have clinical significance: chromosomal rearrangements in FET proteins are implicated in Ewing family tumors and related sarcomas. Furthermore, point mutations in FUS and TAF15 are associated with neurodegenerative conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia. The fusion protein EWS::FLI1, the causative mutation of Ewing sarcoma, arises from a genomic translocation that fuses the low-complexity domain (LCD) of EWS (EWSLCD) with the DNA binding domain of the ETS transcription factor FLI1. This fusion not only alters transcriptional programs but also hinders native EWS functions like splicing. However, the precise function of the intrinsically disordered EWSLCD is still a topic of active investigation. Due to its flexible nature, EWSLCD can form transient interactions with itself and other biomolecules, leading to the formation of biomolecular condensates through phase separation - a mechanism thought to be central to the oncogenicity of EWS::FLI1. In our study, we used paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR, analytical ultracentrifugation, light microscopy, and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to better understand the self-association and phase separation tendencies of EWSLCD. Our aim was to elucidate the molecular events that underpin EWSLCD-mediated biomolecular condensation. Our NMR data suggest tyrosine residues primarily drive the interactions vital for EWSLCD phase separation. Moreover, a higher density and proximity of tyrosine residues amplify the likelihood of condensate formation. Atomistic MD simulations and hydrodynamic experiments revealed that the tyrosine-rich N and C-termini tend to populate compact conformations, establishing unique contact networks, that are connected by a predominantly extended, tyrosine-depleted, linker region. MD simulations provide critical input on the relationship between contacts formed within a single molecule (intramolecular) and inside the condensed phase (intermolecular), and changes in protein conformations upon condensation. These results offer deeper insights into the condensate-forming abilities of the FET proteins and highlights unique structural and functional nuances between EWS and its counterparts, FUS and TAF15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney N Johnson
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Kandarp A Sojitra
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Erich J Sohn
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Alma K Moreno-Romero
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Antoine Baudin
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - David S Libich
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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19
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Zeballos C MA, Moore HJ, Smith TJ, Powell JE, Ahsan NS, Zhang S, Gaj T. Mitigating a TDP-43 proteinopathy by targeting ataxin-2 using RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6492. [PMID: 37838698 PMCID: PMC10576788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The TDP-43 proteinopathies, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, are a devastating group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43. Here we demonstrate that RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins, a programmable class of gene silencing agents that includes the Cas13 family of enzymes and Cas7-11, can be used to mitigate TDP-43 pathology when programmed to target ataxin-2, a modifier of TDP-43-associated toxicity. In addition to inhibiting the aggregation and transit of TDP-43 to stress granules, we find that the in vivo delivery of an ataxin-2-targeting Cas13 system to a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy improved functional deficits, extended survival, and reduced the severity of neuropathological hallmarks. Further, we benchmark RNA-targeting CRISPR platforms against ataxin-2 and find that high-fidelity forms of Cas13 possess improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to Cas7-11 and a first-generation effector. Our results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR technology for TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alejandra Zeballos C
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hayden J Moore
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Tyler J Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Najah S Ahsan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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20
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Taylor M, Marx O, Norris A. TDP-1 and FUST-1 co-inhibit exon inclusion and control fertility together with transcriptional regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9610-9628. [PMID: 37587694 PMCID: PMC10570059 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is a multistep process and crosstalk among regulatory layers plays an important role in coordinating gene expression. To identify functionally relevant gene expression coordination, we performed a systematic reverse-genetic interaction screen in C. elegans, combining RNA binding protein (RBP) and transcription factor (TF) mutants to generate over 100 RBP;TF double mutants. We identified many unexpected double mutant phenotypes, including two strong genetic interactions between the ALS-related RBPs, fust-1 and tdp-1, and the homeodomain TF ceh-14. Losing any one of these genes alone has no effect on the health of the organism. However, fust-1;ceh-14 and tdp-1;ceh-14 double mutants both exhibit strong temperature-sensitive fertility defects. Both double mutants exhibit defects in gonad morphology, sperm function, and oocyte function. RNA-Seq analysis of double mutants identifies ceh-14 as the main controller of transcript levels, while fust-1 and tdp-1 control splicing through a shared role in exon inhibition. A skipped exon in the polyglutamine-repeat protein pqn-41 is aberrantly included in tdp-1 mutants, and genetically forcing this exon to be skipped in tdp-1;ceh-14 double mutants rescues their fertility. Together our findings identify a novel shared physiological role for fust-1 and tdp-1 in promoting C. elegans fertility and a shared molecular role in exon inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Taylor
- Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA
| | - Olivia Marx
- Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA
| | - Adam Norris
- Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA
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21
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Gastelum S, Michael AF, Bolger TA. Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a research tool for RNA-mediated human disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1814. [PMID: 37671427 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been used for decades as a powerful genetic tool to study a broad spectrum of biological topics. With its ease of use, economic utility, well-studied genome, and a highly conserved proteome across eukaryotes, it has become one of the most used model organisms. Due to these advantages, it has been used to study an array of complex human diseases. From broad, complex pathological conditions such as aging and neurodegenerative disease to newer uses such as SARS-CoV-2, yeast continues to offer new insights into how cellular processes are affected by disease and how affected pathways might be targeted in therapeutic settings. At the same time, the roles of RNA and RNA-based processes have become increasingly prominent in the pathology of many of these same human diseases, and yeast has been utilized to investigate these mechanisms, from aberrant RNA-binding proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to translation regulation in cancer. Here we review some of the important insights that yeast models have yielded into the molecular pathology of complex, RNA-based human diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gastelum
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Allison F Michael
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Timothy A Bolger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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22
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Zeballos C MA, Moore HJ, Smith TJ, Powell JE, Ahsan NS, Zhang S, Gaj T. Mitigating a TDP-43 proteinopathy by targeting ataxin-2 using RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.07.536072. [PMID: 37066174 PMCID: PMC10104115 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.07.536072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The TDP-43 proteinopathies, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, are a devastating group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43. Here we demonstrate that RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins, a programmable class of gene silencing agents that includes the Cas13 family of enzymes and Cas7-11, can be used to mitigate TDP-43 pathology when programmed to target ataxin-2, a modifier of TDP-43-associated toxicity. In addition to inhibiting the aggregation and transit of TDP-43 to stress granules, we find that the in vivo delivery of an ataxin-2-targeting Cas13 system to a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy improved functional deficits, extended survival, and reduced the severity of neuropathological hallmarks. Further, we benchmark RNA-targeting CRISPR platforms against ataxin-2 and find that high-fidelity forms of Cas13 possess improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to Cas7-11 and a first-generation effector. Our results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR technology for TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Alejandra Zeballos C
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hayden J. Moore
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Tyler J. Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E. Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Najah S. Ahsan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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23
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Li F, Chen Y, Tang Y, Liu X, Wei G. Dissecting the Effect of ALS Mutation G335D on the Early Aggregation of the TDP-43 Amyloidogenic Core Peptide: Helix-to-β-Sheet Transition and Conformational Shift. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:3579-3590. [PMID: 37218694 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) into fibrillary deposits is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The 311-360 fragment of TDP-43 (TDP-43311-360), the amyloidogenic core region, can spontaneously aggregate into fibrils, and the ALS-associated mutation G335D has an enhanced effect on TDP-43311-360 fibrillization. However, the molecular mechanism underlying G335D-enhanced aggregation at atomic level remains largely unknown. By utilizing all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) and replica exchange with solute tempering 2 (REST2) simulations, we investigated influences of G335D on the dimerization (the first step of aggregation) and conformational ensemble of the TDP-43311-360 peptide. Our simulations show that G335D mutation increases inter-peptide interactions, especially inter-peptide hydrogen-bonding interactions in which the mutant site has a relatively large contribution, and enhances the dimerization of TDP-43311-360 peptides. The α-helix regions in the NMR-resolved conformation of the TDP-43311-360 monomer (321-330 and 335-343) play an essential role in the formation of the dimer. G335D mutation induces helix unfolding and promotes α-to-β conversion. G335D mutation alters the conformational distribution of TDP-43311-360 dimers and causes population shift from helix-rich to β-sheet-rich conformations, which facilitates the fibrillization of the TDP-43311-360 peptide. Our MD and REST2 simulation results suggest that the 321-330 region is of paramount importance to α-to-β transition and could be the initiation site for TDP-43311-360 fibrillization. Our work reveals the mechanism underlying the enhanced aggregation propensity of the G335D TDP-43311-360 peptide, which provides atomistic insights into the G335D mutation-caused pathogenicity of TDP-43 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangying Li
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Tang
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianshi Liu
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
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24
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Liang Y, Willey S, Chung YC, Lo YM, Miao S, Rundell S, Tu LC, Bong D. Intracellular RNA and DNA tracking by uridine-rich internal loop tagging with fluorogenic bPNA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2987. [PMID: 37225690 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38579-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The most widely used method for intracellular RNA fluorescence labeling is MS2 labeling, which generally relies on the use of multiple protein labels targeted to multiple RNA (MS2) hairpin structures installed on the RNA of interest (ROI). While effective and conveniently applied in cell biology labs, the protein labels add significant mass to the bound RNA, which potentially impacts steric accessibility and native RNA biology. We have previously demonstrated that internal, genetically encoded, uridine-rich internal loops (URILs) comprised of four contiguous UU pairs (8 nt) in RNA may be targeted with minimal structural perturbation by triplex hybridization with 1 kD bifacial peptide nucleic acids (bPNAs). A URIL-targeting strategy for RNA and DNA tracking would avoid the use of cumbersome protein fusion labels and minimize structural alterations to the RNA of interest. Here we show that URIL-targeting fluorogenic bPNA probes in cell media can penetrate cell membranes and effectively label RNAs and RNPs in fixed and live cells. This method, which we call fluorogenic U-rich internal loop (FLURIL) tagging, was internally validated through the use of RNAs bearing both URIL and MS2 labeling sites. Notably, a direct comparison of CRISPR-dCas labeled genomic loci in live U2OS cells revealed that FLURIL-tagged gRNA yielded loci with signal to background up to 7X greater than loci targeted by guide RNA modified with an array of eight MS2 hairpins. Together, these data show that FLURIL tagging provides a versatile scope of intracellular RNA and DNA tracking while maintaining a light molecular footprint and compatibility with existing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Liang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sydney Willey
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yu-Chieh Chung
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yi-Meng Lo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shiqin Miao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Rundell
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Li-Chun Tu
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Dennis Bong
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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25
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Taylor M, Marx O, Norris A. TDP-1 and FUST-1 co-inhibit exon inclusion and control fertility together with transcriptional regulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.18.537345. [PMID: 37131843 PMCID: PMC10153140 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.18.537345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression is a multistep, carefully controlled process, and crosstalk between regulatory layers plays an important role in coordinating gene expression. To identify functionally relevant coordination between transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation, we performed a systematic reverse-genetic interaction screen in C. elegans . We combined RNA binding protein (RBP) and transcription factor (TF) mutants, creating over 100 RBP; TF double mutants. This screen identified a variety of unexpected double mutant phenotypes, including two strong genetic interactions between the ALS-related RBPs, fust-1 and tdp-1 , and the homeodomain TF ceh-14 . Losing any one of these genes alone has no significant effect on the health of the organism. However, fust-1; ceh-14 and tdp-1; ceh-14 double mutants both exhibit strong temperature-sensitive fertility defects. Both double mutants exhibit defects in gonad morphology, sperm function, and oocyte function. RNA-seq analysis of double mutants identifies ceh-14 as the main controller of transcript levels, while fust-1 and tdp-1 control splicing through a shared role in exon inhibition. We identify a cassette exon in the polyglutamine-repeat protein pqn-41 which tdp-1 inhibits. Loss of tdp-1 causes the pqn-41 exon to be aberrantly included, and forced skipping of this exon in tdp-1; ceh-14 double mutants rescues fertility. Together our findings identify a novel shared physiological role for fust-1 and tdp-1 in promoting C. elegans fertility in a ceh-14 mutant background and reveal a shared molecular function of fust-1 and tdp-1 in exon inhibition.
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26
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Bustos LM, Sattler R. The Fault in Our Astrocytes - cause or casualties of proteinopathies of ALS/FTD and other neurodegenerative diseases? FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1075805. [PMID: 39165755 PMCID: PMC11334001 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1075805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases fall under the class of diseases known as proteinopathies, whereby the structure and localization of specific proteins become abnormal. These aberrant proteins often aggregate within cells which disrupts vital homeostatic and physiological cellular functions, ultimately contributing to cell death. Although neurodegenerative disease research is typically neurocentric, there is evidence supporting the role of non-neuronal cells in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Specifically, the role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases has been an ever-growing area of research. Astrocytes are one of the most abundant cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) and provide an array of essential homeostatic functions that are disrupted in neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocytes can exhibit a reactive phenotype that is characterized by molecular changes, as well as changes in morphology and function. In neurodegenerative diseases, there is potential for reactive astrocytes to assume a loss-of-function phenotype in homeostatic operations such as synapse maintenance, neuronal metabolic support, and facilitating cell-cell communication between glia and neurons. They are also able to concurrently exhibit gain-of-function phenotypes that can be destructive to neural networks and the astrocytes themselves. Additionally, astrocytes have been shown to internalize disease related proteins and reflect similar or exacerbated pathology that has been observed in neurons. Here, we review several major neurodegenerative disease-specific proteinopathies and what is known about their presence in astrocytes and the potential consequences regarding cell and non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette M. Bustos
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Rita Sattler
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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27
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Therapeutic Effect of Rapamycin on TDP-43-Related Pathogenesis in Ischemic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010676. [PMID: 36614118 PMCID: PMC9820757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010676] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability across the world, and its detrimental impact should not be underestimated. Therapies are available and effective for ischemic stroke (e.g., thrombolytic recanalization and mechanical thrombectomy); however, there are limitations to therapeutic interventions. Recanalization therapy has developed dramatically, while the use of adjunct neuroprotective agents as complementary therapies remains deficient. Pathological TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) has been identified as a major component of insoluble aggregates in numerous neurodegenerative pathologies, including ALS, FTLD and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we show that increased pathological TDP-43 fractions accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function and increased gliosis were observed in an ischemic stroke rat model, suggesting a pathological role of TDP-43 in ischemic stroke. In ischemic rats administered rapamycin, the insoluble TDP-43 fraction was significantly decreased in the ischemic cortex region, accompanied by a recovery of mitochondrial function, the attenuation of cellular apoptosis, a reduction in infarct areas and improvements in motor defects. Accordingly, our results suggest that rapamycin provides neuroprotective benefits not only by ameliorating pathological TDP-43 levels, but also by reversing mitochondrial function and attenuating cell apoptosis in ischemic stroke.
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28
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Lépine S, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Durcan TM. TDP-43 dysregulation and neuromuscular junction disruption in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:56. [PMID: 36575535 PMCID: PMC9793560 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron (MN) loss with a signature feature of cytoplasmic aggregates containing TDP-43, which are detected in nearly all patients. Mutations in the gene that encodes TDP-43 (TARBDP) are known to result in both familial and sporadic ALS. In ALS, disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) constitutes a critical event in disease pathogenesis, leading to denervation atrophy, motor impairments and disability. Morphological defects and impaired synaptic transmission at NMJs have been reported in several TDP-43 animal models and in vitro, linking TDP-43 dysregulation to the loss of NMJ integrity in ALS. Through the lens of the dying-back and dying-forward hypotheses of ALS, this review discusses the roles of TDP-43 related to synaptic function, with a focus on the potential molecular mechanisms occurring within MNs, skeletal muscles and glial cells that may contribute to NMJ disruption in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lépine
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 De La Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1 Canada
| | - Maria José Castellanos-Montiel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Thomas Martin Durcan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
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29
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Khalil B, Chhangani D, Wren MC, Smith CL, Lee JH, Li X, Puttinger C, Tsai CW, Fortin G, Morderer D, Gao J, Liu F, Lim CK, Chen J, Chou CC, Croft CL, Gleixner AM, Donnelly CJ, Golde TE, Petrucelli L, Oskarsson B, Dickson DW, Zhang K, Shorter J, Yoshimura SH, Barmada SJ, Rincon-Limas DE, Rossoll W. Nuclear import receptors are recruited by FG-nucleoporins to rescue hallmarks of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:80. [PMID: 36482422 PMCID: PMC9733332 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00585-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is a hallmark of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) disease spectrum, causing both nuclear loss-of-function and cytoplasmic toxic gain-of-function phenotypes. While TDP-43 proteinopathy has been associated with defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport, this process is still poorly understood. Here we study the role of karyopherin-β1 (KPNB1) and other nuclear import receptors in regulating TDP-43 pathology. METHODS We used immunostaining, immunoprecipitation, biochemical and toxicity assays in cell lines, primary neuron and organotypic mouse brain slice cultures, to determine the impact of KPNB1 on the solubility, localization, and toxicity of pathological TDP-43 constructs. Postmortem patient brain and spinal cord tissue was stained to assess KPNB1 colocalization with TDP-43 inclusions. Turbidity assays were employed to study the dissolution and prevention of aggregation of recombinant TDP-43 fibrils in vitro. Fly models of TDP-43 proteinopathy were used to determine the effect of KPNB1 on their neurodegenerative phenotype in vivo. RESULTS We discovered that several members of the nuclear import receptor protein family can reduce the formation of pathological TDP-43 aggregates. Using KPNB1 as a model, we found that its activity depends on the prion-like C-terminal region of TDP-43, which mediates the co-aggregation with phenylalanine and glycine-rich nucleoporins (FG-Nups) such as Nup62. KPNB1 is recruited into these co-aggregates where it acts as a molecular chaperone that reverses aberrant phase transition of Nup62 and TDP-43. These findings are supported by the discovery that Nup62 and KPNB1 are also sequestered into pathological TDP-43 aggregates in ALS/FTD postmortem CNS tissue, and by the identification of the fly ortholog of KPNB1 as a strong protective modifier in Drosophila models of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Our results show that KPNB1 can rescue all hallmarks of TDP-43 pathology, by restoring its solubility and nuclear localization, and reducing neurodegeneration in cellular and animal models of ALS/FTD. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a novel NLS-independent mechanism where, analogous to its canonical role in dissolving the diffusion barrier formed by FG-Nups in the nuclear pore, KPNB1 is recruited into TDP-43/FG-Nup co-aggregates present in TDP-43 proteinopathies and therapeutically reverses their deleterious phase transition and mislocalization, mitigating neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Khalil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Deepak Chhangani
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Melissa C Wren
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Courtney L Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Track, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jannifer H Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Track, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Xingli Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Chih-Wei Tsai
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Gael Fortin
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Dmytro Morderer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Junli Gao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Feilin Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Chun Kim Lim
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jingjiao Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Geriatric Department, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ching-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Cara L Croft
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda M Gleixner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | | | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shige H Yoshimura
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Diego E Rincon-Limas
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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30
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Hall RA, Wallace EW. Post-transcriptional control of fungal cell wall synthesis. Cell Surf 2022; 8:100074. [PMID: 35097244 PMCID: PMC8783092 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi hide from their hosts by camouflage, obscuring immunogenic cell wall components such as beta-glucan with innocuous coverings such as mannoproteins and alpha-glucan that are less readily recognised by the host. Attempts to understand how such processes are regulated have met with varying success. Typically studies focus on understanding the transcriptional response of fungi to either their reservoir environment or the host. However, such approaches do not fully address this research question, due to the layers of post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation that occur within a cell. Although in animals the impact of post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation has been well characterised, our knowledge of these processes in the fungal kingdom is more limited. Mutations in RNA-binding proteins, like Ssd1 and Candida albicans Slr1, affect cell wall composition and fungal virulence indicating that post-transcriptional regulation plays a key role in these processes. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of fungal post-transcriptional regulation, and link this to potential mechanisms of immune evasion by drawing on studies from model yeast and plant pathogenic fungi. We highlight several RNA-binding proteins that regulate cell wall synthesis and could be involved in local translation of cell wall components. Expanding our knowledge on post-transcriptional regulation in human fungal pathogens is essential to fully comprehend fungal virulence strategies and for the design of novel antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Hall
- Kent Fungal Group, Division of Natural Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Edward W.J. Wallace
- Institute for Cell Biology and SynthSys, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, United Kingdom
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31
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Cha SJ, Yoon JH, Han YJ, Kim K. Knockdown of glutathione S-transferase leads to mislocalization and accumulation of cabeza, a drosophila homolog of FUS, in the brain. J Neurogenet 2022:1-5. [DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2022.2149747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Joo Cha
- Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
| | - Ja Hoon Yoon
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
| | - Yeo Jeong Han
- Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
| | - Kiyoung Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
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32
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Khamaysa M, Pradat PF. Status of ALS Treatment, Insights into Therapeutic Challenges and Dilemmas. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1601. [PMID: 36294741 PMCID: PMC9605458 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an extremely heterogeneous disease of motor neurons that eventually leads to death. Despite impressive advances in understanding the genetic, molecular, and pathological mechanisms of the disease, the only drug approved to date by both the FDA and EMA is riluzole, with a modest effect on survival. In this opinion view paper, we will discuss how to address some challenges for drug development in ALS at the conceptual, technological, and methodological levels. In addition, socioeconomic and ethical issues related to the legitimate need of patients to benefit quickly from new treatments will also be addressed. In conclusion, this brief review takes a more optimistic view, given the recent approval of two new drugs in some countries and the development of targeted gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Khamaysa
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, 75006 Paris, France
- Centre Référent SLA, Département de Neurologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry-Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK
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33
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Dennys C, Baggio C, Rodrigo R, Roussel F, Kulinich A, Heintzman S, Fox A, Kolb SJ, Shaw PJ, Ethell IM, Pellecchia M, Meyer KC. EphA4 targeting agents protect motor neurons from cell death induced by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -astrocytes. iScience 2022; 25:104877. [PMID: 36034213 PMCID: PMC9404653 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease that progressively destroys motor neurons (MNs). Earlier studies identified EphA4, a receptor tyrosine kinase, as a possible disease-modifying gene. The complex interplay between the EphA4 receptor and its ephrin ligands in motor neurons and astrocytes has not yet been fully elucidated and includes a putative pro-apoptotic activity of the unbound receptor compared to ephrin-bound receptor. We recently reported that astrocytes from patients with ALS induce cell death in co-cultured MNs. Here we found that first-generation synthetic EphA4 agonistic agent 123C4, effectively protected MNs when co-cultured with reactive astrocytes from patients with ALS from multiple subgroups (sALS and mutant SOD1). Newer generation and more potent EphA4 agonistic agents 150D4, 150E8, and 150E7 provided effective protection at a lower therapeutic dose. Combined, the data suggest that the development of EphA4 agonistic agents provides potentially a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Dennys
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Florence Roussel
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Anna Kulinich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Sarah Heintzman
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Fox
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Kathrin C. Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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34
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Proteostasis Deregulation in Neurodegeneration and Its Link with Stress Granules: Focus on the Scaffold and Ribosomal Protein RACK1. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162590. [PMID: 36010666 PMCID: PMC9406587 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of protein misfolding, deposition, and clearance has been the dominant topic in the last decades of investigation in the field of neurodegeneration. The impairment of protein synthesis, along with RNA metabolism and RNA granules, however, are significantly emerging as novel potential targets for the comprehension of the molecular events leading to neuronal deficits. Indeed, defects in ribosome activity, ribosome stalling, and PQC—all ribosome-related processes required for proteostasis regulation—can contribute to triggering stress conditions and promoting the formation of stress granules (SGs) that could evolve in the formation of pathological granules, usually occurring during neurodegenerating effects. In this review, the interplay between proteostasis, mRNA metabolism, and SGs has been explored in a neurodegenerative context with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although some defects in these same mechanisms can also be found in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which are discussed here. Finally, we highlight the role of the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) in these pathologies and note that, besides its well characterized function as a scaffold protein, it has an important role in translation and can associate to stress granules (SGs) determining cell fate in response to diverse stress stimuli.
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35
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Strope TA, Birky CJ, Wilkins HM. The Role of Bioenergetics in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9212. [PMID: 36012480 PMCID: PMC9409169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioenergetic and mitochondrial dysfunction are common hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. Decades of research describe how genetic and environmental factors initiate changes in mitochondria and bioenergetics across Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mitochondria control many cellular processes, including proteostasis, inflammation, and cell survival/death. These cellular processes and pathologies are common across neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence suggests that mitochondria and bioenergetic disruption may drive pathological changes, placing mitochondria as an upstream causative factor in neurodegenerative disease onset and progression. Here, we discuss evidence of mitochondrial and bioenergetic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and address how mitochondria can drive common pathological features of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A. Strope
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS 66205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Cole J. Birky
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS 66205, USA
| | - Heather M. Wilkins
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS 66205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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36
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Yin P, Bai D, Deng F, Zhang C, Jia Q, Zhu L, Chen L, Li B, Guo X, Ye J, Tan Z, Wang L, Li S, Li XJ. SQSTM1-mediated clearance of cytoplasmic mutant TARDBP/TDP-43 in the monkey brain. Autophagy 2022; 18:1955-1968. [PMID: 34936539 PMCID: PMC9466617 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.2013653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic accumulation and aggregates of TARDBP/TDP-43 (TAR DNA binding protein) are a pathological hallmark in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. We previously reported that the primate specific cleavage of TARDBP accounts for its cytoplasmic mislocalization in the primate brains, prompting us to further investigate how the cytoplasmic TARDBP mediates neuropathology. Here we reported that cytoplasmic mutant TARDBP reduced SQSTM1 expression selectively in the monkey brain, when compared with the mouse brain, by inducing SQSTM1 mRNA instability via its binding to the unique 3'UTR sequence (GU/UG)n of the primate SQSTM1 transcript. Overexpression of SQSTM1 could diminish the cytoplasmic C-terminal TARDBP accumulation in the monkey brain by augmenting macroautophagy/autophagy activity. Our findings provide additional clues for the pathogenesis of cytoplasmic TARDBP and a potential therapy for mutant TARDBP-mediated neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dazhang Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuyu Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Jia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Laiqiang Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmeng Ye
- Guangdong Landao Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tan
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of Cns Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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37
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Ishiguro A, Ishihama A. Essential Roles and Risks of G-Quadruplex Regulation: Recognition Targets of ALS-Linked TDP-43 and FUS. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:957502. [PMID: 35898304 PMCID: PMC9309350 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.957502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A non-canonical DNA/RNA structure, G-quadruplex (G4), is a unique structure formed by two or more guanine quartets, which associate through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding leading to form a square planar arrangement. A set of RNA-binding proteins specifically recognize G4 structures and play certain unique physiological roles. These G4-binding proteins form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) through a physicochemical phenomenon called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). G4-containing RNP granules are identified in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but extensive studies have been performed in eukaryotes. We have been involved in analyses of the roles of G4-containing RNAs recognized by two G4-RNA-binding proteins, TDP-43 and FUS, which both are the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causative gene products. These RNA-binding proteins play the essential roles in both G4 recognition and LLPS, but they also carry the risk of agglutination. The biological significance of G4-binding proteins is controlled through unique 3D structure of G4, of which the risk of conformational stability is influenced by environmental conditions such as monovalent metals and guanine oxidation.
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38
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Lambert-Smith IA, Saunders DN, Yerbury JJ. Progress in biophysics and molecular biology proteostasis impairment and ALS. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 174:3-27. [PMID: 35716729 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that results from the loss of both upper and lower motor neurons. It is the most common motor neuron disease and currently has no effective treatment. There is mounting evidence to suggest that disturbances in proteostasis play a significant role in ALS pathogenesis. Proteostasis is the maintenance of the proteome at the right level, conformation and location to allow a cell to perform its intended function. In this review, we present a thorough synthesis of the literature that provides evidence that genetic mutations associated with ALS cause imbalance to a proteome that is vulnerable to such pressure due to its metastable nature. We propose that the mechanism underlying motor neuron death caused by defects in mRNA metabolism and protein degradation pathways converges on proteostasis dysfunction. We propose that the proteostasis network may provide an effective target for therapeutic development in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella A Lambert-Smith
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Darren N Saunders
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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39
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Disease Modeling of Rare Neurological Disorders in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073946. [PMID: 35409306 PMCID: PMC9000079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are those which affect a small number of people compared to the general population. However, many patients with a rare disease remain undiagnosed, and a large majority of rare diseases still have no form of viable treatment. Approximately 40% of rare diseases include neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders. In order to understand the characteristics of rare neurological disorders and identify causative genes, various model organisms have been utilized extensively. In this review, the characteristics of model organisms, such as roundworms, fruit flies, and zebrafish, are examined, with an emphasis on zebrafish disease modeling in rare neurological disorders.
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40
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New pathogenic insights from large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Protein Cell 2022; 13:707-720. [PMID: 35334073 PMCID: PMC9233730 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-022-00912-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are essential for investigating the pathogenesis and developing the treatment of human diseases. Identification of genetic mutations responsible for neurodegenerative diseases has enabled the creation of a large number of small animal models that mimic genetic defects found in the affected individuals. Of the current animal models, rodents with genetic modifications are the most commonly used animal models and provided important insights into pathogenesis. However, most of genetically modified rodent models lack overt neurodegeneration, imposing challenges and obstacles in utilizing them to rigorously test the therapeutic effects on neurodegeneration. Recent studies that used CRISPR/Cas9-targeted large animal (pigs and monkeys) have uncovered important pathological events that resemble neurodegeneration in the patient’s brain but could not be produced in small animal models. Here we highlight the unique nature of large animals to model neurodegenerative diseases as well as the limitations and challenges in establishing large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, with focus on Huntington disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson diseases. We also discuss how to use the important pathogenic insights from large animal models to make rodent models more capable of recapitulating important pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases.
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41
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Gois AM, Bispo JM, Lins LC, Medeiros KA, Souza MF, Santos ER, Santos JF, Ribeiro AM, Silva RH, Paixão MO, Leopoldino JF, Marchioro M, Santos JR, Mendonça DM. Motor behavioral abnormalities and histopathological findings in middle aged male Wistar rats inoculated with cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbeha.2022.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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42
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Jiang LL, Guan WL, Wang JY, Zhang SX, Hu HY. RNA-assisted sequestration of RNA-binding proteins by cytoplasmic inclusions of the C-terminal 35-kDa fragment of TDP-43. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274331. [PMID: 35142363 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is a nuclear splicing factor functioning in pre-mRNA processing. Its C-terminal 35-kDa fragment (TDP-35) forms inclusions or aggregates in cytoplasm, and sequesters full-length TDP-43 into the inclusions through binding with RNA. We extended the research to investigate whether TDP-35 inclusions sequester other RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and how RNA-binding specificity exerts the function in this sequestration process. We have characterized TIA1 (T-cell restricted intracellular antigen-1) and other RBPs that can be sequestered into the TDP-35 inclusions through specific RNA binding, and found that this sequestration leads to dysfunction of TIA1 in maturation of target pre-mRNA. Moreover, we directly visualized the dynamic sequestration of TDP-43 by the cytoplasmic TDP-35 inclusions by live-cell imaging. Our results demonstrate that TDP-35 sequesters some specific RBPs and this sequestration is assisted by binding with sequence-specific RNA. This study provides further evidence in supporting the hijacking hypothesis for RNA-assisted sequestration and will be beneficial to further understanding of the TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Liang Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
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43
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Prater KE, Latimer CS, Jayadev S. Glial TDP-43 and TDP-43 induced glial pathology, focus on neurodegenerative proteinopathy syndromes. Glia 2022; 70:239-255. [PMID: 34558120 PMCID: PMC8722378 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 2006, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has driven rapidly evolving research in neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE). TDP-43 mislocalization or aggregation is the hallmark of TDP-43 proteinopathy and is associated with cognitive impairment that can be mapped to its regional deposition. Studies in human tissue and model systems demonstrate that TDP-43 may potentiate other proteinopathies such as the amyloid or tau pathology seen in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in the combination of AD+LATE. Despite this growing body of literature, there remain gaps in our understanding of whether there is heterogeneity in TDP-43 driven mechanisms across cell types. The growing observations of correlation between TDP-43 proteinopathy and glial pathology suggest a relationship between the two, including pathogenic glial cell-autonomous dysfunction and dysregulated glial immune responses to neuronal TDP-43. In this review, we discuss the available data on TDP-43 in glia within the context of the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD and highlight the current lack of information about glial TDP-43 interaction in AD+LATE. TDP-43 has proven to be a significant modulator of cognitive and neuropathological outcomes. A deeper understanding of its role in diverse cell types may provide relevant insights into neurodegenerative syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin S. Latimer
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Suman Jayadev
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195,Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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Yang W, Chen X, Li S, Li XJ. Genetically modified large animal models for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:218. [PMID: 34933675 PMCID: PMC8690884 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00729-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent a large group of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Although this group of diseases show heterogeneous clinical and pathological phenotypes, they share important pathological features characterized by the age-dependent and progressive degeneration of nerve cells that is caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins. The association of genetic mutations with neurodegeneration diseases has enabled the establishment of various types of animal models that mimic genetic defects and have provided important insights into the pathogenesis. However, most of genetically modified rodent models lack the overt and selective neurodegeneration seen in the patient brains, making it difficult to use the small animal models to validate the effective treatment on neurodegeneration. Recent studies of pig and monkey models suggest that large animals can more faithfully recapitulate pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the important differences in animal models for modeling pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to assist the use of animal models to better understand the pathogenesis and to develop effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xiusheng Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Bonifacino T, Zerbo RA, Balbi M, Torazza C, Frumento G, Fedele E, Bonanno G, Milanese M. Nearly 30 Years of Animal Models to Study Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Historical Overview and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212236. [PMID: 34830115 PMCID: PMC8619465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, multigenic, multifactorial, and non-cell autonomous neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron loss. Several genetic mutations lead to ALS development and many emerging gene mutations have been discovered in recent years. Over the decades since 1990, several animal models have been generated to study ALS pathology including both vertebrates and invertebrates such as yeast, worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Although these models show different peculiarities, they are all useful and complementary to dissect the pathological mechanisms at the basis of motor neuron degeneration and ALS progression, thus contributing to the development of new promising therapeutics. In this review, we describe the up to date and available ALS genetic animal models, classified by the different genetic mutations and divided per species, pointing out their features in modeling, the onset and progression of the pathology, as well as their specific pathological hallmarks. Moreover, we highlight similarities, differences, advantages, and limitations, aimed at helping the researcher to select the most appropriate experimental animal model, when designing a preclinical ALS study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Arianna Zerbo
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (T.B.); (R.A.Z.); (M.B.); (C.T.); (G.F.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Genoa, Italy
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Biomolecular Modifications Linked to Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Determining Promising Biomarkers Related to Oxidative Stress. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9091667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction–oxidation reactions are essential to cellular homeostasis. Oxidative stress transcends physiological antioxidative system damage to biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, and modifies their structures. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. The cells present in the central nervous system, including motor neurons, are vulnerable to oxidative stress. Neurodegeneration has been demonstrated to be caused by oxidative biomolecular modifications. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. Recent progress in research on the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in ALS has led to the development of disease-modifying therapies, including edaravone. However, the clinical effects of edaravone remain limited, and ALS is a heretofore incurable disease. The reason for the lack of reliable biomarkers and the precise underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS remain unclear. As extracellular proteins and RNAs present in body fluids and represent intracellular pathological neurodegenerative processes, extracellular proteins and/or RNAs are predicted to promise diagnosis, prediction of disease course, and therapeutic biomarkers for ALS. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS, and promising biomarkers indicating the mechanism to determine whether therapy targeting oxidative stress can be fundamental for ALS.
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Yin P, Bai D, Zhu L, Deng F, Guo X, Li B, Chen L, Li S, Li XJ. Cytoplasmic TDP-43 impairs the activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113833. [PMID: 34363810 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113833] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic inclusions of nuclear TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are a pathologic hallmark in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTD), and other neurological disorders. We reported that expressing mutant TDP-43(M337V) in rhesus monkeys can mimic the cytoplasmic mislocalization of mutant TDP-43 seen in patient brains. Here we investigated how cytoplasmic mutant TDP-43 mediates neuropathology. We found that C-terminal TDP-43 fragments are primarily localized in the cytoplasm and that the age-dependent elevated UBE2N promotes the accumulation of cytoplasmic C-terminal TDP-43 via K63 ubiquitination. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry revealed that cytoplasmic mutant TDP-43 interacts with proteasome assembly proteins PSMG2 and PSD13, which might lead to the impairment of the proteasomal activity. Our findings suggest that cytoplasmic TDP-43 may participate in age-dependent accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain by inhibiting the UPS activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Dazhang Bai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Longhong Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fuyu Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Laiqiang Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Edgar S, Ellis M, Abdul-Aziz NA, Goh KJ, Shahrizaila N, Kennerson ML, Ahmad-Annuar A. Mutation analysis of SOD1, C9orf72, TARDBP and FUS genes in ethnically-diverse Malaysian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neurobiol Aging 2021; 108:200-206. [PMID: 34404558 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72 as major ALS-related genes in both European and Asian populations. However, significant differences exist in the mutation frequencies of these genes between various ancestral backgrounds. This study aims to identify the frequency of mutations in the common causative ALS genes in a multi-ethnic Malaysian cohort. We screened 101 Malaysian ALS patients including 3 familial and 98 sporadic cases for mutations in the coding regions of SOD1, FUS, and TARDBP by Sanger sequencing. The C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion was screened using the repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction assay. Mutations were found in 5.9% (6 of 101) of patients including 3.0% (3 of 101) of patients with the previously reported SOD1 missense mutations (p.V48A and p.N87S) and 3.0% (3 of 101) of patients with the C9orf72 repeat expansion. No mutations were found in the FUS and TARDBP genes. This study is the first to report the mutation frequency in an ethnically diverse Malaysian ALS population and warrants further investigation to reveal novel genes and disease pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Edgar
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Melina Ellis
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nur Adilah Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khean-Jin Goh
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nortina Shahrizaila
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marina L Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Azlina Ahmad-Annuar
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Lotz SK, Blackhurst BM, Reagin KL, Funk KE. Microbial Infections Are a Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:691136. [PMID: 34305533 PMCID: PMC8292681 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.691136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, comprise a family of disorders characterized by progressive loss of nervous system function. Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized to be associated with many neurodegenerative diseases but whether it is a cause or consequence of the disease process is unclear. Of growing interest is the role of microbial infections in inciting degenerative neuroinflammatory responses and genetic factors that may regulate those responses. Microbial infections cause inflammation within the central nervous system through activation of brain-resident immune cells and infiltration of peripheral immune cells. These responses are necessary to protect the brain from lethal infections but may also induce neuropathological changes that lead to neurodegeneration. This review discusses the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which microbial infections may increase susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. Elucidating these mechanisms is critical for developing targeted therapeutic approaches that prevent the onset and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kristen E. Funk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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Glutathione in the Nervous System as a Potential Therapeutic Target to Control the Development and Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071011. [PMID: 34201812 PMCID: PMC8300718 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the motor neurons responsible for regulating muscle movement. However, the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of ALS remain poorly understood. A deficiency in the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione (GSH) in the nervous system appears to be involved in several neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the loss of neuronal cells. Impaired antioxidant defense systems, and the accumulation of oxidative damage due to increased dysfunction in GSH homeostasis are known to be involved in the development and progression of ALS. Aberrant GSH metabolism and redox status following oxidative damage are also associated with various cellular organelles, including the mitochondria and nucleus, and are crucial factors in neuronal toxicity induced by ALS. In this review, we provide an overview of the implications of imbalanced GSH homeostasis and its molecular characteristics in various experimental models of ALS.
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