1
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Xing L, Huttner WB, Namba T. Role of cell metabolism in the pathophysiology of brain size-associated neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2024:106607. [PMID: 39029564 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell metabolism is a key regulator of human neocortex development and evolution. Several lines of evidence indicate that alterations in neural stem/progenitor cell (NPC) metabolism lead to abnormal brain development, particularly brain size-associated neurodevelopmental disorders, such as microcephaly. Abnormal NPC metabolism causes impaired cell proliferation and thus insufficient expansion of NPCs for neurogenesis. Therefore, the production of neurons, which is a major determinant of brain size, is decreased and the size of the brain, especially the size of the neocortex, is significantly reduced. This review discusses recent progress understanding NPC metabolism, focusing in particular on glucose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism (e.g., glutaminolysis and serine metabolism). We provide an overview of the contributions of these metabolic pathways to brain development and evolution, as well as to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various experimental models to study cell metabolism in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Takashi Namba
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Developmental Biology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan; International Center for Brain Science (ICBS), Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan.
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2
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Bertino F, Mukherjee D, Bonora M, Bagowski C, Nardelli J, Metani L, Zanin Venturini DI, Chianese D, Santander N, Salaroglio IC, Hentschel A, Quarta E, Genova T, McKinney AA, Allocco AL, Fiorito V, Petrillo S, Ammirata G, De Giorgio F, Dennis E, Allington G, Maier F, Shoukier M, Gloning KP, Munaron L, Mussano F, Salsano E, Pareyson D, di Rocco M, Altruda F, Panagiotakos G, Kahle KT, Gressens P, Riganti C, Pinton PP, Roos A, Arnold T, Tolosano E, Chiabrando D. Dysregulation of FLVCR1a-dependent mitochondrial calcium handling in neural progenitors causes congenital hydrocephalus. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101647. [PMID: 39019006 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Congenital hydrocephalus (CH), occurring in approximately 1/1,000 live births, represents an important clinical challenge due to the limited knowledge of underlying molecular mechanisms. The discovery of novel CH genes is thus essential to shed light on the intricate processes responsible for ventricular dilatation in CH. Here, we identify FLVCR1 (feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor 1) as a gene responsible for a severe form of CH in humans and mice. Mechanistically, our data reveal that the full-length isoform encoded by the FLVCR1 gene, FLVCR1a, interacts with the IP3R3-VDAC complex located on mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) that controls mitochondrial calcium handling. Loss of Flvcr1a in mouse neural progenitor cells (NPCs) affects mitochondrial calcium levels and energy metabolism, leading to defective cortical neurogenesis and brain ventricle enlargement. These data point to defective NPCs calcium handling and metabolic activity as one of the pathogenetic mechanisms driving CH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bertino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Dibyanti Mukherjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Brain Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Massimo Bonora
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Christoph Bagowski
- Prenatal Medicine Munich, Department of Molecular Genetics, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Livia Metani
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Diletta Isabella Zanin Venturini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Diego Chianese
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicolas Santander
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
| | - Iris Chiara Salaroglio
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Andreas Hentschel
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Elisa Quarta
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Tullio Genova
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Arpana Arjun McKinney
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna Lucia Allocco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Veronica Fiorito
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ammirata
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco De Giorgio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Evan Dennis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Garrett Allington
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Felicitas Maier
- Prenatal Medicine Munich, Department of Molecular Genetics, Munich, Germany
| | - Moneef Shoukier
- Prenatal Medicine Munich, Department of Molecular Genetics, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Luca Munaron
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Mussano
- Bone and Dental Bioengineering Laboratory, CIR Dental School, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Ettore Salsano
- Unit of Rare Neurological Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Pareyson
- Unit of Rare Neurological Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Maja di Rocco
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Rare Diseases, Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Georgia Panagiotakos
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristopher T Kahle
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Department of Pediatrics, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Center for Hydrocephalus and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pierre Gressens
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, NeuroDiderot, 75019 Paris, France
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo P Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; Brain and Mind Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Arnold
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Brain Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Deborah Chiabrando
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Di Bella DJ, Domínguez-Iturza N, Brown JR, Arlotta P. Making Ramón y Cajal proud: Development of cell identity and diversity in the cerebral cortex. Neuron 2024; 112:2091-2111. [PMID: 38754415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Since the beautiful images of Santiago Ramón y Cajal provided a first glimpse into the immense diversity and complexity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, neuroscience has been challenged and inspired to understand how these diverse cells are generated and how they interact with each other to orchestrate the development of this remarkable tissue. Some fundamental questions drive the field's quest to understand cortical development: what are the mechanistic principles that govern the emergence of neuronal diversity? How do extrinsic and intrinsic signals integrate with physical forces and activity to shape cell identity? How do the diverse populations of neurons and glia influence each other during development to guarantee proper integration and function? The advent of powerful new technologies to profile and perturb cortical development at unprecedented resolution and across a variety of modalities has offered a new opportunity to integrate past knowledge with brand new data. Here, we review some of this progress using cortical excitatory projection neurons as a system to draw out general principles of cell diversification and the role of cell-cell interactions during cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela J Di Bella
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Nuria Domínguez-Iturza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Juliana R Brown
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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4
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Li X, Morel JD, Sulc J, De Masi A, Lalou A, Benegiamo G, Poisson J, Liu Y, Von Alvensleben GVG, Gao AW, Bou Sleiman M, Auwerx J. Systems genetics of metabolic health in the BXD mouse genetic reference population. Cell Syst 2024; 15:497-509.e3. [PMID: 38866010 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.05.006] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Susceptibility to metabolic syndrome (MetS) is dependent on genetics, environment, and gene-by-environment interactions, rendering the study of underlying mechanisms challenging. The majority of experiments in model organisms do not incorporate genetic variation and lack specific evaluation criteria for MetS. Here, we derived a continuous metric, the metabolic health score (MHS), based on standard clinical parameters and defined its molecular signatures in the liver and circulation. In human UK Biobank, the MHS associated with MetS status and was predictive of future disease incidence, even in individuals without MetS. Using quantitative trait locus analyses in mice, we found two MHS-associated genetic loci and replicated them in unrelated mouse populations. Through a prioritization scheme in mice and human genetic data, we identified TNKS and MCPH1 as candidates mediating differences in the MHS. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms sustaining metabolic health across species and uncover likely regulators. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Li
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-David Morel
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Sulc
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessia De Masi
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amélia Lalou
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giorgia Benegiamo
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johanne Poisson
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giacomo V G Von Alvensleben
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arwen W Gao
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maroun Bou Sleiman
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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5
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Rajan A, Fame RM. Brain development and bioenergetic changes. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106550. [PMID: 38849103 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioenergetics describe the biochemical processes responsible for energy supply in organisms. When these changes become dysregulated in brain development, multiple neurodevelopmental diseases can occur, implicating bioenergetics as key regulators of neural development. Historically, the discovery of disease processes affecting individual stages of brain development has revealed critical roles that bioenergetics play in generating the nervous system. Bioenergetic-dependent neurodevelopmental disorders include neural tube closure defects, microcephaly, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, mTORopathies, and oncogenic processes. Developmental timing and cell-type specificity of these changes determine the long-term effects of bioenergetic disease mechanisms on brain form and function. Here, we discuss key metabolic regulators of neural progenitor specification, neuronal differentiation (neurogenesis), and gliogenesis. In general, transitions between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation are regulated in early brain development and in oncogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial maturity play key roles later in differentiation. We also discuss how bioenergetics interface with the developmental regulation of other key neural elements, including the cerebrospinal fluid brain environment. While questions remain about the interplay between bioenergetics and brain development, this review integrates the current state of known key intersections between these processes in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Rajan
- Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ryann M Fame
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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6
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Gkini V, Gómez-Lozano I, Heikinheimo O, Namba T. Dynamic changes in mitochondrial localization in human neocortical basal radial glial cells during cell cycle. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25630. [PMID: 38852043 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25630] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria play critical roles in neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and fate decisions. The subcellular localization of mitochondria in neural stem/progenitor cells during mitosis potentially influences the distribution of mitochondria to the daughter cells and thus their fates. Therefore, understanding the spatial dynamics of mitochondria provides important knowledge about brain development. In this study, we analyzed the subcellular localization of mitochondria in the fetal human neocortex with a particular focus on the basal radial glial cells (bRGCs), a neural stem/progenitor cell subtype attributed to the evolutionary expansion of the human neocortex. During interphase, bRGCs exhibit a polarized localization of mitochondria that is localized at the base of the process or the proximal part of the process. Thereafter, mitochondria in bRGCs at metaphase show unpolarized distribution in which the mitochondria are randomly localized in the cytoplasm. During anaphase and telophase, mitochondria are still localized evenly, but mainly in the periphery of the cytoplasm. Mitochondria start to accumulate at the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis. These results suggest that the mitochondrial localization in bRGCs is tightly regulated during the cell cycle, which may ensure the proper distribution of mitochondria to the daughter cells and, thus in turn, influence their fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Gkini
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Inés Gómez-Lozano
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Oskari Heikinheimo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Takashi Namba
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Vial Y, Nardelli J, Bonnard AA, Rousselot J, Souyri M, Gressens P, Cavé H, Drunat S. Mcph1, mutated in primary microcephaly, is also crucial for erythropoiesis. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2418-2440. [PMID: 38605277 PMCID: PMC11094029 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Microcephaly is a common feature in inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, prompting investigations into shared pathways between neurogenesis and hematopoiesis. To understand this association, we studied the role of the microcephaly gene Mcph1 in hematological development. Our research revealed that Mcph1-knockout mice exhibited congenital macrocytic anemia due to impaired terminal erythroid differentiation during fetal development. Anemia's cause is a failure to complete cell division, evident from tetraploid erythroid progenitors with DNA content exceeding 4n. Gene expression profiling demonstrated activation of the p53 pathway in Mcph1-deficient erythroid precursors, leading to overexpression of Cdkn1a/p21, a major mediator of p53-dependent cell cycle arrest. Surprisingly, fetal brain analysis revealed hypertrophied binucleated neuroprogenitors overexpressing p21 in Mcph1-knockout mice, indicating a shared pathophysiological mechanism underlying both erythroid and neurological defects. However, inactivating p53 in Mcph1-/- mice failed to reverse anemia and microcephaly, suggesting that p53 activation in Mcph1-deficient cells resulted from their proliferation defect rather than causing it. These findings shed new light on Mcph1's function in fetal hematopoietic development, emphasizing the impact of disrupted cell division on neurogenesis and erythropoiesis - a common limiting pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoann Vial
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Inserm UMR_S1131, F-75010, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, F-75019, Paris, France
| | | | - Adeline A Bonnard
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Inserm UMR_S1131, F-75010, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, F-75019, Paris, France
| | - Justine Rousselot
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, F-75019, Paris, France
| | - Michèle Souyri
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Inserm UMR_S1131, F-75010, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Gressens
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Cavé
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Inserm UMR_S1131, F-75010, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, F-75019, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Drunat
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, F-75019, Paris, France.
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019, Paris, France.
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Jiang YN, Gao Y, Lai X, Li X, Liu G, Ding M, Wang Z, Guo Z, Qin Y, Li X, Sun L, Wang ZQ, Zhou ZW. Microcephaly Gene Mcph1 Deficiency Induces p19ARF-Dependent Cell Cycle Arrest and Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4597. [PMID: 38731817 PMCID: PMC11083351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094597] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
MCPH1 has been identified as the causal gene for primary microcephaly type 1, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced brain size and delayed growth. As a multifunction protein, MCPH1 has been reported to repress the expression of TERT and interact with transcriptional regulator E2F1. However, it remains unclear whether MCPH1 regulates brain development through its transcriptional regulation function. This study showed that the knockout of Mcph1 in mice leads to delayed growth as early as the embryo stage E11.5. Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) revealed that the deletion of Mcph1 resulted in changes in the expression levels of a limited number of genes. Although the expression of some of E2F1 targets, such as Satb2 and Cdkn1c, was affected, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were not significantly enriched as E2F1 target genes. Further investigations showed that primary and immortalized Mcph1 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) exhibited cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence phenotype. Interestingly, the upregulation of p19ARF was detected in Mcph1 knockout MEFs, and silencing p19Arf restored the cell cycle and growth arrest to wild-type levels. Our findings suggested it is unlikely that MCPH1 regulates neurodevelopment through E2F1-mediated transcriptional regulation, and p19ARF-dependent cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence may contribute to the developmental abnormalities observed in primary microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Nan Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Yizhen Gao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Xianxin Lai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinjie Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Gen Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Mingmei Ding
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Zixiang Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Yinying Qin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Xin Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
| | - Litao Sun
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes and Biosafety, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China;
| | - Zhong-Wei Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (Y.-N.J.); (X.L.)
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9
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He H, Wang Y, Tang B, Dong Q, Wu C, Sun W, Wang J. Aging-induced MCPH1 translocation activates necroptosis and impairs hematopoietic stem cell function. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:510-526. [PMID: 38632351 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
DNA damage contributes to the aging of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we identified a heterogeneous functional role of microcephalin (MCPH1) in the nucleus and cytoplasm of mouse HSCs. In the nucleus, MCPH1 maintains genomic stability, whereas in the cytoplasm, it prevents necroptosis by binding with p-RIPK3. Aging triggers MCPH1 translocation from cytosol to nucleus, reducing its cytoplasmic retention and leading to the activation of necroptosis and deterioration of HSC function. Mechanistically, we found that KAT7-mediated lysine acetylation within the NLS motif of MCPH1 in response to DNA damage facilitates its nuclear translocation. Targeted mutation of these lysines inhibits MCPH1 translocation and, consequently, compromises necroptosis. The dysfunction of necroptosis signaling, in turn, improves the function of aged HSCs. In summary, our findings demonstrate that DNA damage-induced redistribution of MCPH1 promotes HSC aging and could have broader implications for aging and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing He
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Baixue Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiongye Dong
- Institute of Precision of Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chou Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanling Sun
- Department of Hematology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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10
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Garone C, De Giorgio F, Carli S. Mitochondrial metabolism in neural stem cells and implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. J Transl Med 2024; 22:238. [PMID: 38438847 PMCID: PMC10910780 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05041-w] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are cytoplasmic organelles having a fundamental role in the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) fate during neural development and maintenance.During embryonic and adult neurogenesis, NSCs undergo a metabolic switch from glycolytic to oxidative phosphorylation with a rise in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, changes in mitochondria shape and size, and a physiological augmentation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species which together drive NSCs to proliferate and differentiate. Genetic and epigenetic modifications of proteins involved in cellular differentiation (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin), proliferation (Wingless-type), and hypoxia (Mitogen-activated protein kinase)-and all connected by the common key regulatory factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1A-are deemed to be responsible for the metabolic shift and, consequently, NSC fate in physiological and pathological conditions.Both primary mitochondrial dysfunction due to mutations in nuclear DNA or mtDNA or secondary mitochondrial dysfunction in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and organelle interplay pathways can contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental or progressive neurodegenerative disorders.This review analyses the physiology and pathology of neural development starting from the available in vitro and in vivo models and highlights the current knowledge concerning key mitochondrial pathways involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Garone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UO Neuropsichiatria Dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy.
| | - F De Giorgio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Carli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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11
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Oluwole OG. The analyses of human MCPH1 DNA repair machinery and genetic variations. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20240917. [PMID: 38463519 PMCID: PMC10921449 DOI: 10.1515/med-2024-0917] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Causal mutations in the MCPH1 gene have been associated with disorders like microcephaly, and recently congenital hearing impairment. This study examined the MCPH1 DNA repair machinery and identified genetic variations of interest in gnomAD database to discuss the biological roles and effects of rare variants in MCPH1-related diseases. Notably, MCPH1 coordinates two of the seven known mechanisms of DNA repair which confirmed its roles in neurogenesis and chromatin condensation. A pathogenic missense variant in MCPH1 p.Gly753Arg, and two pathogenic frameshifts MCPH1 p.Asn189LysfsTer15 and p.Cys624Ter identified in this study, already had entries in ClinVar and were associated with microcephaly. A pathogenic frameshift in MCPH1 p.Val10SerfsTer5 with a loss-of-function flag and a pathogenic stop gained p.Ser571Ter variants with ultra-rare allele frequency (MAF ≤ 0.001) were identified but have not been linked to any phenotype. The predicted pathogenic ultra-rare variants identified in this study, warranty phenotypic discovery, and also positioned these variants or nearby deleterious variants candidate for screening in MCPH1-associated rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi G Oluwole
- Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Non-communicable Diseases Department, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
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12
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Huttner WB, Heide M, Mora-Bermúdez F, Namba T. Neocortical neurogenesis in development and evolution-Human-specific features. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25576. [PMID: 38189676 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25576] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In this review, we focus on human-specific features of neocortical neurogenesis in development and evolution. Two distinct topics will be addressed. In the first section, we discuss the expansion of the neocortex during human evolution and concentrate on the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B. We review the ability of ARHGAP11B to amplify basal progenitors and to expand a primate neocortex. We discuss the contribution of ARHGAP11B to neocortex expansion during human evolution and its potential implications for neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors. We then review the action of ARHGAP11B in mitochondria as a regulator of basal progenitor metabolism, and how it promotes glutaminolysis and basal progenitor proliferation. Finally, we discuss the increase in cognitive performance due to the ARHGAP11B-induced neocortical expansion. In the second section, we focus on neocortical development in modern humans versus Neanderthals. Specifically, we discuss two recent findings pointing to differences in neocortical neurogenesis between these two hominins that are due to a small number of amino acid substitutions in certain key proteins. One set of such proteins are the kinetochore-associated proteins KIF18a and KNL1, where three modern human-specific amino acid substitutions underlie the prolongation of metaphase during apical progenitor mitosis. This prolongation in turn is associated with an increased fidelity of chromosome segregation to the apical progenitor progeny during modern human neocortical development, with implications for the proper formation of radial units. Another such key protein is transketolase-like 1 (TKTL1), where a single modern human-specific amino acid substitution endows TKTL1 with the ability to amplify basal radial glia, resulting in an increase in upper-layer neuron generation. TKTL1's ability is based on its action in the pentose phosphate pathway, resulting in increased fatty acid synthesis. The data imply greater neurogenesis during neocortical development in modern humans than Neanderthals due to TKTL1, in particular in the developing frontal lobe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Heide
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Takashi Namba
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Andrews MG, Pearson CA. Toward an understanding of glucose metabolism in radial glial biology and brain development. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302193. [PMID: 37798120 PMCID: PMC10556723 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have sought to determine the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms underpinning the regulation of neural progenitor maintenance and differentiation. A series of precise temporal transitions within progenitor cell populations generates all the appropriate neural cell types while maintaining a pool of self-renewing progenitors throughout embryogenesis. Recent technological advances have enabled us to gain new insights at the single-cell level, revealing an interplay between metabolic state and developmental progression that impacts the timing of proliferation and neurogenesis. This can have long-term consequences for the developing brain's neuronal specification, maturation state, and organization. Furthermore, these studies have highlighted the need to reassess the instructive role of glucose metabolism in determining progenitor cell division, differentiation, and fate. This review focuses on glucose metabolism (glycolysis) in cortical progenitor cells and the emerging focus on glycolysis during neurogenic transitions. Furthermore, we discuss how the field can learn from other biological systems to improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal changes in glycolysis in progenitors and evaluate functional neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G Andrews
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Caroline A Pearson
- https://ror.org/02r109517 Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Farcy S, Hachour H, Bahi-Buisson N, Passemard S. Genetic Primary Microcephalies: When Centrosome Dysfunction Dictates Brain and Body Size. Cells 2023; 12:1807. [PMID: 37443841 PMCID: PMC10340463 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131807] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary microcephalies (PMs) are defects in brain growth that are detectable at or before birth and are responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders. Most are caused by biallelic or, more rarely, dominant mutations in one of the likely hundreds of genes encoding PM proteins, i.e., ubiquitous centrosome or microtubule-associated proteins required for the division of neural progenitor cells in the embryonic brain. Here, we provide an overview of the different types of PMs, i.e., isolated PMs with or without malformations of cortical development and PMs associated with short stature (microcephalic dwarfism) or sensorineural disorders. We present an overview of the genetic, developmental, neurological, and cognitive aspects characterizing the most representative PMs. The analysis of phenotypic similarities and differences among patients has led scientists to elucidate the roles of these PM proteins in humans. Phenotypic similarities indicate possible redundant functions of a few of these proteins, such as ASPM and WDR62, which play roles only in determining brain size and structure. However, the protein pericentrin (PCNT) is equally required for determining brain and body size. Other PM proteins perform both functions, albeit to different degrees. Finally, by comparing phenotypes, we considered the interrelationships among these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Farcy
- UMR144, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France;
- Inserm UMR-S 1163, Institut Imagine, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Hassina Hachour
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, DMU INOV-RDB, APHP, Hôpital Robert Debré, 75019 Paris, France;
| | - Nadia Bahi-Buisson
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, DMU MICADO, APHP, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, 75015 Paris, France;
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm UMR-S 1163, Institut Imagine, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Passemard
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, DMU INOV-RDB, APHP, Hôpital Robert Debré, 75019 Paris, France;
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm UMR 1141, NeuroDiderot, 75019 Paris, France
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15
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Gkini V, Namba T. Glutaminolysis and the Control of Neural Progenitors in Neocortical Development and Evolution. Neuroscientist 2023; 29:177-189. [PMID: 35057642 PMCID: PMC10018057 DOI: 10.1177/10738584211069060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiple types of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) contribute to the development of the neocortex, a brain region responsible for our higher cognitive abilities. Proliferative capacity of NPCs varies among NPC types, developmental stages, and species. The higher proliferative capacity of NPCs in the developing human neocortex is thought to be a major contributing factor why humans have the most expanded neocortex within primates. Recent studies have shed light on the importance of cell metabolism in the neocortical NPC proliferative capacity. Specifically, glutaminolysis, a metabolic pathway that converts glutamine to glutamate and then to α-ketoglutarate, has been shown to play a critical role in human NPCs, both in apical and basal progenitors. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of NPC metabolism, focusing especially on glutaminolysis, and discuss the role of NPC metabolism in neocortical development, evolution, and neurodevelopmental disorders, providing a broader perspective on a newly emerging research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Gkini
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE—Helsinki
Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Takashi Namba
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE—Helsinki
Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Takashi Namba, Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE
— Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, PO 63,
Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
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16
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Alsolami M, Aboalola D, Malibari D, Alghamdi T, Alshekhi W, Jad H, Rumbold-Hall R, Altowairqi AS, Bell SM, Alsiary RA. The emerging role of MCPH1/BRIT1 in carcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1047588. [PMID: 36845691 PMCID: PMC9951231 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1047588] [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: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The MCPH1 gene, also known as BRCT-repeat inhibitor of hTERT expression (BRIT1), has three BRCA1 carboxyl-terminal domains which is an important regulator of DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints and chromosome condensation. MCPH1/BRIT1 is also known as a tumour suppressor in different types of human cancer. The expression level of the MCPH1/BRIT1 gene is decreased at the DNA, RNA or protein level in a number of types of cancers including breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer compared to normal tissue. This review also showed that deregulation of MCPH1/BRIT1 is significantly associated with reduced overall survival in 57% (12/21) and relapsed free survival in 33% (7/21) of cancer types especially in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and renal clear cell carcinoma. A common finding of this study is that the loss of MCPH1/BRIT1 gene expression plays a key role in promoting genome instability and mutations supporting its function as a tumour suppressor gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Alsolami
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa Aboalola
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dolal Malibari
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Alghamdi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa Alshekhi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind Jad
- Oncology Department, Princess Nourah Cancer Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rea Rumbold-Hall
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR), St James’s University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ahlam S. Altowairqi
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR), St James’s University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra M. Bell
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR), St James’s University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rawiah Abdullah Alsiary
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Rawiah Abdullah Alsiary,
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17
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Wang Y, Zong W, Sun W, Chen C, Wang ZQ, Li T. The Central Domain of MCPH1 Controls Development of the Cerebral Cortex and Gonads in Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172715. [PMID: 36078123 PMCID: PMC9455054 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MCPH1 is the first gene identified to be responsible for the human autosomal recessive disorder primary microcephaly (MCPH). Mutations in the N-terminal and central domains of MCPH1 are strongly associated with microcephaly in human patients. A recent study showed that the central domain of MCPH1, which is mainly encoded by exon 8, interacts with E3 ligase βTrCP2 and regulates the G2/M transition of the cell cycle. In order to investigate the biological functions of MCPH1’s central domain, we constructed a mouse model that lacked the central domain of MCPH1 by deleting its exon 8 (designated as Mcph1-Δe8). Mcph1-Δe8 mice exhibited a reduced brain size and thinner cortex, likely caused by a compromised self-renewal capacity and premature differentiation of Mcph1-Δe8 neuroprogenitors during corticogenesis. Furthermore, Mcph1-Δe8 mice were sterile because of a loss of germ cells in the testis and ovary. The embryonic fibroblasts of Mcph1-Δe8 mice exhibited premature chromosome condensation (PCC). All of these findings indicate that Mcph1-Δe8 mice are reminiscent of MCPH1 complete knockout mice and Mcph1-ΔBR1 mice. Our study demonstrates that the central domain of MCPH1 represses microcephaly, and is essential for gonad development in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 250100, China
| | - Wen Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 250100, China
| | - Wenli Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 250100, China
| | - Chengyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 250100, China
| | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: (Z.-Q.W.); (T.L.); Tel.: +49-3641-656415 (Z.-Q.W.); +86-532-5863-2368 (T.L.); Fax: +49-3641-656413 (Z.-Q.W.)
| | - Tangliang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 250100, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Q.W.); (T.L.); Tel.: +49-3641-656415 (Z.-Q.W.); +86-532-5863-2368 (T.L.); Fax: +49-3641-656413 (Z.-Q.W.)
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18
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Romero-Morales AI, Gama V. Revealing the Impact of Mitochondrial Fitness During Early Neural Development Using Human Brain Organoids. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:840265. [PMID: 35571368 PMCID: PMC9102998 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.840265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial homeostasis -including function, morphology, and inter-organelle communication- provides guidance to the intrinsic developmental programs of corticogenesis, while also being responsive to environmental and intercellular signals. Two- and three-dimensional platforms have become useful tools to interrogate the capacity of cells to generate neuronal and glia progeny in a background of metabolic dysregulation, but the mechanistic underpinnings underlying the role of mitochondria during human neurogenesis remain unexplored. Here we provide a concise overview of cortical development and the use of pluripotent stem cell models that have contributed to our understanding of mitochondrial and metabolic regulation of early human brain development. We finally discuss the effects of mitochondrial fitness dysregulation seen under stress conditions such as metabolic dysregulation, absence of developmental apoptosis, and hypoxia; and the avenues of research that can be explored with the use of brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivian Gama
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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19
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Mora-Bermúdez F, Huttner WB. What Are the Human-Specific Aspects of Neocortex Development? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:878950. [PMID: 35495057 PMCID: PMC9047014 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.878950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When considering what makes us human, the development of the neocortex, the seat of our higher cognitive abilities, is of central importance. Throughout this complex developmental process, neocortical stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) exert a priming role in determining neocortical tissue fate, through a series of cellular and molecular events. In this Perspective article, we address five questions of relevance for potentially human-specific aspects of NSPCs, (i) Are there human-specific NSPC subtypes? (ii) What is the functional significance of the known temporal differences in NSPC dynamics between human and other great apes? (iii) Are there functional interactions between the human-specific genes preferentially expressed in NSPCs? (iv) Do humans amplify certain metabolic pathways for NSPC proliferation? and finally (v) Have differences evolved during human evolution, notably between modern humans and Neandertals, that affect the performance of key genes operating in NSPCs? We discuss potential implications inherent to these questions, and suggest experimental approaches on how to answer them, hoping to provide incentives to further understand key issues of human cortical development.
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20
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Slater PG, Domínguez-Romero ME, Villarreal M, Eisner V, Larraín J. Mitochondrial function in spinal cord injury and regeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:239. [PMID: 35416520 PMCID: PMC11072423 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04261-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many people around the world suffer from some form of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury (SCI), which has an impact on quality and life expectancy. The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system (CNS), which in mammals is unable to regenerate, and to date, there is a lack of full functional recovery therapies for SCI. These injuries start with a rapid and mechanical insult, followed by a secondary phase leading progressively to greater damage. This secondary phase can be potentially modifiable through targeted therapies. The growing literature, derived from mammalian and regenerative model studies, supports a leading role for mitochondria in every cellular response after SCI: mitochondrial dysfunction is the common event of different triggers leading to cell death, cellular metabolism regulates the immune response, mitochondrial number and localization correlate with axon regenerative capacity, while mitochondrial abundance and substrate utilization regulate neural stem progenitor cells self-renewal and differentiation. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the cellular responses during the secondary phase of SCI, the mitochondrial contribution to each of them, as well as evidence of mitochondrial involvement in spinal cord regeneration, suggesting that a more in-depth study of mitochondrial function and regulation is needed to identify potential targets for SCI therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula G Slater
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Departamento de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Miguel E Domínguez-Romero
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Departamento de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Villarreal
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Departamento de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Eisner
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Departamento de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Larraín
- Center for Aging and Regeneration, Departamento de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
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21
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Tingler M, Philipp M, Burkhalter MD. DNA Replication proteins in primary microcephaly syndromes. Biol Cell 2022; 114:143-159. [PMID: 35182397 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Improper expansion of neural stem and progenitor cells during brain development manifests in primary microcephaly. It is characterized by a reduced head circumference, which correlates with a reduction in brain size. This often corresponds to a general underdevelopment of the brain and entails cognitive, behavioral and motoric retardation. In the past decade significant research efforts have been undertaken to identify genes and the molecular mechanisms underlying microcephaly. One such gene set encompasses factors required for DNA replication. Intriguingly, a growing body of evidence indicates that a substantial number of these genes mediate faithful centrosome and cilium function in addition to their canonical function in genome duplication. Here, we summarize, which DNA replication factors are associated with microcephaly syndromes and to which extent they impact on centrosomes and cilia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Tingler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Section of Pharmacogenomics, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, 72074, Germany
| | - Melanie Philipp
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Section of Pharmacogenomics, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, 72074, Germany
| | - Martin D Burkhalter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Section of Pharmacogenomics, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, 72074, Germany
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22
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Ossola C, Kalebic N. Roots of the Malformations of Cortical Development in the Cell Biology of Neural Progenitor Cells. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:817218. [PMID: 35069108 PMCID: PMC8766818 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.817218] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex is a structure that underlies various brain functions, including cognition and language. Mammalian cerebral cortex starts developing during the embryonic period with the neural progenitor cells generating neurons. Newborn neurons migrate along progenitors’ radial processes from the site of their origin in the germinal zones to the cortical plate, where they mature and integrate in the forming circuitry. Cell biological features of neural progenitors, such as the location and timing of their mitoses, together with their characteristic morphologies, can directly or indirectly regulate the abundance and the identity of their neuronal progeny. Alterations in the complex and delicate process of cerebral cortex development can lead to malformations of cortical development (MCDs). They include various structural abnormalities that affect the size, thickness and/or folding pattern of the developing cortex. Their clinical manifestations can entail a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as epilepsy, developmental delay, intellectual disability, or autism spectrum disorder. The recent advancements of molecular and neuroimaging techniques, along with the development of appropriate in vitro and in vivo model systems, have enabled the assessment of the genetic and environmental causes of MCDs. Here we broadly review the cell biological characteristics of neural progenitor cells and focus on those features whose perturbations have been linked to MCDs.
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23
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Kristofova M, Ori A, Wang ZQ. Multifaceted Microcephaly-Related Gene MCPH1. Cells 2022; 11:cells11020275. [PMID: 35053391 PMCID: PMC8774270 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MCPH1, or BRIT1, is often mutated in human primary microcephaly type 1, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a smaller brain size at birth, due to its dysfunction in regulating the proliferation and self-renewal of neuroprogenitor cells. In the last 20 years or so, genetic and cellular studies have identified MCPH1 as a multifaceted protein in various cellular functions, including DNA damage signaling and repair, the regulation of chromosome condensation, cell-cycle progression, centrosome activity and the metabolism. Yet, genetic and animal model studies have revealed an unpredicted essential function of MPCH1 in gonad development and tumorigenesis, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. These studies have begun to shed light on the role of MPCH1 in controlling various pathobiological processes of the disorder. Here, we summarize the biological functions of MCPH1, and lessons learnt from cellular and mouse models of MCPH1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Kristofova
- Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.K.); (A.O.)
| | - Alessandro Ori
- Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.K.); (A.O.)
| | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany; (M.K.); (A.O.)
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Bachstrasse 18k, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-656415; Fax: +49-3641-656335
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24
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FASN-dependent de novo lipogenesis is required for brain development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2112040119. [PMID: 34996870 PMCID: PMC8764667 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112040119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fate and behavior of neural progenitor cells are tightly regulated during mammalian brain development. Metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, that are required for supplying energy and providing molecular building blocks to generate cells govern progenitor function. However, the role of de novo lipogenesis, which is the conversion of glucose into fatty acids through the multienzyme protein fatty acid synthase (FASN), for brain development remains unknown. Using Emx1Cre-mediated, tissue-specific deletion of Fasn in the mouse embryonic telencephalon, we show that loss of FASN causes severe microcephaly, largely due to altered polarity of apical, radial glia progenitors and reduced progenitor proliferation. Furthermore, genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of FASN in human embryonic stem cell-derived forebrain organoids identifies a conserved role of FASN-dependent lipogenesis for radial glia cell polarity in human brain organoids. Thus, our data establish a role of de novo lipogenesis for mouse and human brain development and identify a link between progenitor-cell polarity and lipid metabolism.
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25
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Brunetti D, Dykstra W, Le S, Zink A, Prigione A. Mitochondria in neurogenesis: Implications for mitochondrial diseases. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1289-1297. [PMID: 34089537 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles with recognized key roles in cellular homeostasis, including bioenergetics, redox, calcium signaling, and cell death. Mitochondria are essential for neuronal function, given the high energy demands of the human brain. Consequently, mitochondrial diseases affecting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) commonly exhibit neurological impairment. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondria are important not only for mature postmitotic neurons but also for the regulation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) during the process of neurogenesis. These recent findings put mitochondria as central regulator of cell fate decisions during brain development. OXPHOS mutations may disrupt the function of NPCs and thereby impair the metabolic programming required for neural fate commitment. Promoting the mitochondrial function of NPCs could therefore represent a novel interventional approach against incurable mitochondrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Brunetti
- Mitochondrial Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "C. Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Werner Dykstra
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Le
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annika Zink
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandro Prigione
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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26
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Iwata R, Vanderhaeghen P. Regulatory roles of mitochondria and metabolism in neurogenesis. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:231-240. [PMID: 34171617 PMCID: PMC8415079 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) undergo massive molecular and cellular changes during neuronal differentiation. These include mitochondria and metabolism remodelling, which were thought to be mostly permissive cues, but recent work indicates that they are causally linked to neurogenesis. Striking remodelling of mitochondria occurs right after mitosis of NSCs, which influences the postmitotic daughter cells towards self-renewal or differentiation. The transitioning to neuronal fate requires metabolic rewiring including increased oxidative phosphorylation activity, which drives transcriptional and epigenetic effects to influence cell fate. Mitochondria metabolic pathways also contribute in an essential way to the regulation of NSC proliferation and self-renewal. The influence of mitochondria and metabolism on neurogenesis is conserved from fly to human systems, but also displays striking differences linked to cell context or species. These new findings have important implications for our understanding of neurodevelopmental diseases and possibly human brain evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Iwata
- VIB KULeuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, 3000, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Brussels, 1070, Belgium
| | - Pierre Vanderhaeghen
- VIB KULeuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, 3000, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Brussels, 1070, Belgium.
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27
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Pinson A, Huttner WB. Neocortex expansion in development and evolution-from genes to progenitor cell biology. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 73:9-18. [PMID: 34098196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionary expansion of the neocortex, the seat of higher cognitive functions in humans, is primarily due to an increased and prolonged proliferation of neural progenitor cells during development. Basal progenitors, and in particular basal radial glial cells, are thought to have a key role in the increased generation of neurons that constitutes a foundation of neocortex expansion. Recent studies have identified primate-specific and human-specific genes and changes in gene expression that promote increased proliferative capacity of cortical progenitors. In many cases, the cell biological basis underlying this increase has been uncovered. Model systems such as mouse, ferret, nonhuman primates, and cerebral organoids have been used to establish the relevance of these genes for neocortex expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneline Pinson
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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28
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Heide M, Huttner WB. Human-Specific Genes, Cortical Progenitor Cells, and Microcephaly. Cells 2021; 10:1209. [PMID: 34063381 PMCID: PMC8156310 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, human-specific genes have received increasing attention as potential major contributors responsible for the 3-fold difference in brain size between human and chimpanzee. Accordingly, mutations affecting these genes may lead to a reduction in human brain size and therefore, may cause or contribute to microcephaly. In this review, we will concentrate, within the brain, on the cerebral cortex, the seat of our higher cognitive abilities, and focus on the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B and on the gene family comprising the three human-specific genes NOTCH2NLA, -B, and -C. These genes are thought to have significantly contributed to the expansion of the cerebral cortex during human evolution. We will summarize the evolution of these genes, as well as their expression and functional role during human cortical development, and discuss their potential relevance for microcephaly. Furthermore, we will give an overview of other human-specific genes that are expressed during fetal human cortical development. We will discuss the potential involvement of these genes in microcephaly and how these genes could be studied functionally to identify a possible role in microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heide
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Pfotenhauerstr. 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Wieland B. Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Pfotenhauerstr. 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
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29
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Namba T, Nardelli J, Gressens P, Huttner WB. Metabolic Regulation of Neocortical Expansion in Development and Evolution. Neuron 2020; 109:408-419. [PMID: 33306962 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The neocortex, the seat of our higher cognitive abilities, has expanded in size during the evolution of certain mammals such as primates, including humans. This expansion occurs during development and is linked to the proliferative capacity of neural stem and progenitor cells (NPCs) in the neocortex. A number of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors have been implicated in increasing NPC proliferative capacity. However, NPC metabolism has only recently emerged as major regulator of NPC proliferation. In this Perspective, we summarize recent insights into the role of NPC metabolism in neocortical development and neurodevelopmental disorders and its relevance for neocortex evolution. We discuss certain human-specific genes and microcephaly-implicated genes that operate in, or at, the mitochondria of NPCs and stimulate their proliferation by promoting glutaminolysis. We also discuss other metabolic pathways and develop a perspective on how metabolism mechanistically regulates NPC proliferation in neocortical development and how this contributed to neocortex evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Namba
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Pierre Gressens
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, 75019 Paris, France.
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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30
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Cicconi A, Rai R, Xiong X, Broton C, Al-Hiyasat A, Hu C, Dong S, Sun W, Garbarino J, Bindra RS, Schildkraut C, Chen Y, Chang S. Microcephalin 1/BRIT1-TRF2 interaction promotes telomere replication and repair, linking telomere dysfunction to primary microcephaly. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5861. [PMID: 33203878 PMCID: PMC7672075 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres protect chromosome ends from inappropriately activating the DNA damage and repair responses. Primary microcephaly is a key clinical feature of several human telomere disorder syndromes, but how microcephaly is linked to dysfunctional telomeres is not known. Here, we show that the microcephalin 1/BRCT-repeats inhibitor of hTERT (MCPH1/BRIT1) protein, mutated in primary microcephaly, specifically interacts with the TRFH domain of the telomere binding protein TRF2. The crystal structure of the MCPH1-TRF2 complex reveals that this interaction is mediated by the MCPH1 330YRLSP334 motif. TRF2-dependent recruitment of MCPH1 promotes localization of DNA damage factors and homology directed repair of dysfunctional telomeres lacking POT1-TPP1. Additionally, MCPH1 is involved in the replication stress response, promoting telomere replication fork progression and restart of stalled telomere replication forks. Our work uncovers a previously unrecognized role for MCPH1 in promoting telomere replication, providing evidence that telomere replication defects may contribute to the onset of microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cicconi
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Rekha Rai
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Xuexue Xiong
- grid.507739.fState 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 China
| | - Cayla Broton
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA ,grid.5386.8000000041936877XTri- Institutional MD/PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Amer Al-Hiyasat
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Chunyi Hu
- grid.507739.fState 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 China
| | - Siying Dong
- grid.507739.fState 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 China
| | - Wenqi Sun
- grid.507739.fState 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 China
| | - Jennifer Garbarino
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Ranjit S. Bindra
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Experimental Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Carl Schildkraut
- grid.251993.50000000121791997Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Yong Chen
- grid.507739.fState 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 China
| | - Sandy Chang
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520 USA
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