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Atkinson RAK, Collins JM, Sreedharan J, King AE, Fernandez-Martos CM. Alterations to metabolic hormones in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia postmortem human tissue. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2024:nlae054. [PMID: 38917432 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae054] [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] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic changes are observed in patients with both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Although regulation of metabolic processes in the CNS is predominantly carried out within the hypothalamus, extra-hypothalamic CNS areas contain metabolic hormone receptors, including those for leptin (LEPR), insulin (INSR), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), indicating that they may play a role in biological processes underlying pathogenic disease processes. The status of these hormones within regions vulnerable in ALS/FTD is not well described. This study sought to determine whether the expression of these hormones and their receptors is altered in pathology-rich regions in cases of human FTD (superior frontal gyrus and insular cortex) and ALS (primary motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord) with TDP-43 pathology compared to matched healthy controls. LEPR mRNA was increased within the superior frontal gyrus of FTD cases and within primary motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord of ALS cases; INSR mRNA was increased in superior frontal gyrus and insular cortex of FTD cases. NPY protein was decreased in primary motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord of ALS cases. Our results demonstrate that metabolic hormones undergo complex alterations in ALS and FTD and suggest that these hormones could play critical roles in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A K Atkinson
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jessica M Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jemeen Sreedharan
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Carmen M Fernandez-Martos
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Department of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Universidad CEU-San Pablo, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Wang HLV, Xiang JF, Yuan C, Veire AM, Gendron TF, Murray ME, Tansey MG, Hu J, Gearing M, Glass JD, Jin P, Corces VG, McEachin ZT. pTDP-43 levels correlate with cell type specific molecular alterations in the prefrontal cortex of C9orf72 ALS/FTD patients. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.12.523820. [PMID: 36711601 PMCID: PMC9882184 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.12.523820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and familial frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). To identify molecular defects that take place in the dorsolateral frontal cortex of patients with C9orf72 ALS/FTD, we compared healthy controls with C9orf72 ALS/FTD donor samples staged based on the levels of cortical phosphorylated TAR DNA binding protein (pTDP-43), a neuropathological hallmark of disease progression. We identified distinct molecular changes in different cell types that take place during FTD development. Loss of neurosurveillance microglia and activation of the complement cascade take place early, when pTDP-43 aggregates are absent or very low, and become more pronounced in late stages, suggesting an initial involvement of microglia in disease progression. Reduction of layer 2-3 cortical projection neurons with high expression of CUX2/LAMP5 also occurs early, and the reduction becomes more pronounced as pTDP-43 accumulates. Several unique features were observed only in samples with high levels of pTDP-43, including global alteration of chromatin accessibility in oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes; higher ratios of premature oligodendrocytes; increased levels of the noncoding RNA NEAT1 in astrocytes and neurons, and higher amount of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6. Our findings reveal previously unknown progressive functional changes in major cell types found in the frontal cortex of C9orf72 ALS/FTD patients that shed light on the mechanisms underlying the pathology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Lin V. Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jian-Feng Xiang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Chenyang Yuan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Austin M. Veire
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224
| | | | | | - Malú G. Tansey
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32607
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32607
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Marla Gearing
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jonathan D. Glass
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Victor G. Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Zachary T. McEachin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
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3
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Văcăraş V, Vulturar R, Chiş A, Damian L. Inclusion body myositis, viral infections, and TDP-43: a narrative review. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:91. [PMID: 38693436 PMCID: PMC11062973 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous RNA-processing molecule TDP-43 is involved in neuromuscular diseases such as inclusion body myositis, a late-onset acquired inflammatory myopathy. TDP-43 solubility and function are disrupted in certain viral infections. Certain viruses, high viremia, co-infections, reactivation of latent viruses, and post-acute expansion of cytotoxic T cells may all contribute to inclusion body myositis, mainly in an age-shaped immune landscape. The virally induced senescent, interferon gamma-producing cytotoxic CD8+ T cells with increased inflammatory, and cytotoxic features are involved in the occurrence of inclusion body myositis in most such cases, in a genetically predisposed host. We discuss the putative mechanisms linking inclusion body myositis, TDP-43, and viral infections untangling the links between viruses, interferon, and neuromuscular degeneration could shed a light on the pathogenesis of the inclusion body myositis and other TDP-43-related neuromuscular diseases, with possible therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalie Văcăraş
- Department of Neurosciences, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, 43, Victor Babeş St, 400012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Neurology Department of Cluj, County Emergency Hospital, 3-5, Clinicilor St, 400347, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Romana Vulturar
- Department of Molecular Sciences, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 6, Pasteur St, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, University Babeş-Bolyai, 30, Fântânele St, 400294, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Association for Innovation in Rare Inflammatory, Metabolic, Genetic Diseases INNOROG, 30E, Făgetului St, 400497, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adina Chiş
- Department of Molecular Sciences, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 6, Pasteur St, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, University Babeş-Bolyai, 30, Fântânele St, 400294, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Association for Innovation in Rare Inflammatory, Metabolic, Genetic Diseases INNOROG, 30E, Făgetului St, 400497, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Laura Damian
- Association for Innovation in Rare Inflammatory, Metabolic, Genetic Diseases INNOROG, 30E, Făgetului St, 400497, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre for Rare Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases, Emergency, Clinical County Hospital Cluj, 2-4, Clinicilor St, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- CMI Reumatologie Dr. Damian, 6-8, Petru Maior St, 400002, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Yeh JY, Chao HC, Hong CL, Hung YC, Tzou FY, Hsiao CT, Li JL, Chen WJ, Chou CT, Tsai YS, Liao YC, Lin YC, Lin S, Huang SY, Kennerson M, Lee YC, Chan CC. A missense mutation in human INSC causes peripheral neuropathy. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1091-1114. [PMID: 38589651 PMCID: PMC11099080 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00062-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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PAR3/INSC/LGN form an evolutionarily conserved complex required for asymmetric cell division in the developing brain, but its post-developmental function and disease relevance in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) remains unknown. We mapped a new locus for axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT2) and identified a missense mutation c.209 T > G (p.Met70Arg) in the INSC gene. Modeling the INSCM70R variant in Drosophila, we showed that it caused proprioceptive defects in adult flies, leading to gait defects resembling those in CMT2 patients. Cellularly, PAR3/INSC/LGN dysfunction caused tubulin aggregation and necrotic neurodegeneration, with microtubule-stabilizing agents rescuing both morphological and functional defects of the INSCM70R mutation in the PNS. Our findings underscore the critical role of the PAR3/INSC/LGN machinery in the adult PNS and highlight a potential therapeutic target for INSC-associated CMT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Yu Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hua-Chuan Chao
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Li Hong
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chien Hung
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fei-Yang Tzou
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Tsung Hsiao
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Lin Li
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jie Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Tapiei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ta Chou
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shuen Tsai
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chu Liao
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, HsinChu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, HsinChu, Taiwan
| | - Suewei Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yi Huang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Marina Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney Local Health District, Concord, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Yi-Chung Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Chiang Chan
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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5
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Markovinovic A, Martín-Guerrero SM, Mórotz GM, Salam S, Gomez-Suaga P, Paillusson S, Greig J, Lee Y, Mitchell JC, Noble W, Miller CCJ. Stimulating VAPB-PTPIP51 ER-mitochondria tethering corrects FTD/ALS mutant TDP43 linked Ca 2+ and synaptic defects. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:32. [PMID: 38395965 PMCID: PMC10885568 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01742-x] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are clinically linked major neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP43) accumulations are hallmark pathologies of FTD/ALS and mutations in the gene encoding TDP43 cause familial FTD/ALS. There are no cures for FTD/ALS. FTD/ALS display damage to a broad range of physiological functions, many of which are regulated by signaling between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. This signaling is mediated by the VAPB-PTPIP51 tethering proteins that serve to recruit regions of ER to the mitochondrial surface so as to facilitate inter-organelle communications. Several studies have now shown that disrupted ER-mitochondria signaling including breaking of the VAPB-PTPIP51 tethers are features of FTD/ALS and that for TDP43 and other familial genetic FTD/ALS insults, this involves activation of glycogen kinase-3β (GSK3β). Such findings have prompted suggestions that correcting damage to ER-mitochondria signaling and the VAPB-PTPIP51 interaction may be broadly therapeutic. Here we provide evidence to support this notion. We show that overexpression of VAPB or PTPIP51 to enhance ER-mitochondria signaling corrects mutant TDP43 induced damage to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor delivery of Ca2+ to mitochondria which is a primary function of the VAPB-PTPIP51 tethers, and to synaptic function. Moreover, we show that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), an FDA approved drug linked to FTD/ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases therapy and whose precise therapeutic target is unclear, corrects TDP43 linked damage to the VAPB-PTPIP51 interaction. We also show that this effect involves inhibition of TDP43 mediated activation of GSK3β. Thus, correcting damage to the VAPB-PTPIP51 tethers may have therapeutic value for FTD/ALS and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Markovinovic
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK.
| | - Sandra M Martín-Guerrero
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Gábor M Mórotz
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Shaakir Salam
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Patricia Gomez-Suaga
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Sebastien Paillusson
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Jenny Greig
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Younbok Lee
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline C Mitchell
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Wendy Noble
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK
| | - Christopher C J Miller
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 9RX, London, UK.
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6
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Tziortzouda P, Steyaert J, Scheveneels W, Sicart A, Stoklund Dittlau K, Barbosa Correia AM, Burg T, Pal A, Hermann A, Van Damme P, Moens TG, Van Den Bosch L. PP2A and GSK3 act as modifiers of FUS-ALS by modulating mitochondrial transport. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:41. [PMID: 38363426 PMCID: PMC10873455 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02689-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease which currently lacks effective treatments. Mutations in the RNA-binding protein FUS are a common cause of familial ALS, accounting for around 4% of the cases. Understanding the mechanisms by which mutant FUS becomes toxic to neurons can provide insight into the pathogenesis of both familial and sporadic ALS. We have previously observed that overexpression of wild-type or ALS-mutant FUS in Drosophila motor neurons is toxic, which allowed us to screen for novel genetic modifiers of the disease. Using a genome-wide screening approach, we identified Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) as novel modifiers of FUS-ALS. Loss of function or pharmacological inhibition of either protein rescued FUS-associated lethality in Drosophila. Consistent with a conserved role in disease pathogenesis, pharmacological inhibition of both proteins rescued disease-relevant phenotypes, including mitochondrial trafficking defects and neuromuscular junction failure, in patient iPSC-derived spinal motor neurons (iPSC-sMNs). In FUS-ALS flies, mice, and human iPSC-sMNs, we observed reduced GSK3 inhibitory phosphorylation, suggesting that FUS dysfunction results in GSK3 hyperactivity. Furthermore, we found that PP2A acts upstream of GSK3, affecting its inhibitory phosphorylation. GSK3 has previously been linked to kinesin-1 hyperphosphorylation. We observed this in both flies and iPSC-sMNs, and we rescued this hyperphosphorylation by inhibiting GSK3 or PP2A. Moreover, increasing the level of kinesin-1 expression in our Drosophila model strongly rescued toxicity, confirming the relevance of kinesin-1 hyperphosphorylation. Our data provide in vivo evidence that PP2A and GSK3 are disease modifiers, and reveal an unexplored mechanistic link between PP2A, GSK3, and kinesin-1, that may be central to the pathogenesis of FUS-ALS and sporadic forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Tziortzouda
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolien Steyaert
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wendy Scheveneels
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adria Sicart
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adriana Margarida Barbosa Correia
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Instituto Superior Técnico-Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Thibaut Burg
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arun Pal
- Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (HLD-EMFL), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht Kossel", Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Fur Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas G Moens
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N5, Herestraat 49, PB 602, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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7
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Zhao S, Chen R, Gao Y, Lu Y, Bai X, Zhang J. Fundamental roles of the Optineurin gene in the molecular pathology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1319706. [PMID: 38178841 PMCID: PMC10764443 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1319706] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by multiple factors, including mutations in any one of several specific genes. Optineurin (OPTN) mutation is an essential cause of some familial and sporadic ALS. Besides, as a multifunctional protein, OPTN is highly expressed and conserved in the central nervous system. OPTN exerts its functions by interacting with various proteins, often acting as an adaptor to provide a link between two or more core proteins related to autophagy and inflammation, etc. OPTN mutation mainly results in its function deficiency, which alters these interactions, leading to functional impairment in many processes. Meanwhile, OPTN immunopositive inclusions are also confirmed in the cases of ALS due to C9ORF72, FUS, TARDBP, and SOD1 mutations. Therefore, OPTN gene may play fundamental roles in the molecular pathology of ALS in addition to OPTN mutation. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the ALS pathology of OPTN defect, such as mitophagy disorder, neuroinflammation, neuronal axonal degeneration, vesicular transport dysfunction, etc., which will provide a reference for research on the pathogenesis and treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Medical Research Center, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
- Chifeng Clinical Medical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, China
| | - Ranran Chen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Research Center, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
- Chifeng Clinical Medical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Neurology, Medical Research Center, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
- Chifeng Clinical Medical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, China
| | - Yanchao Lu
- Department of Neurology, Medical Research Center, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
- Chifeng Clinical Medical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Neurology, Medical Research Center, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
- Chifeng Clinical Medical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Medical Research Center, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
- Chifeng Clinical Medical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, China
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8
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Wang C, Cui Y, Xu T, Zhou Y, Yang R, Wang T. New insights into glycogen synthase kinase-3: A common target for neurodegenerative diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115923. [PMID: 37981175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a highly conserved protein serine/threonine kinase that plays a central role in a wide variety of cellular processes to coordinate catabolic and anabolic pathways and regulate cell growth and fate. There is increasing evidence showing that abnormal glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is associated with the pathogenesis and progression of many disorders, such as cancer, diabetes, psychiatric diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the regulatory role of GSK-3 in the occurrence and development of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, mainly focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The aim of this study is to provide new insight into the shared working mechanism of GSK-3 as a therapeutic target of multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China; Department of Health and Life Science, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China.
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9
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Godfrey RK, Alsop E, Bjork RT, Chauhan BS, Ruvalcaba HC, Antone J, Gittings LM, Michael AF, Williams C, Hala'ufia G, Blythe AD, Hall M, Sattler R, Van Keuren-Jensen K, Zarnescu DC. Modelling TDP-43 proteinopathy in Drosophila uncovers shared and neuron-specific targets across ALS and FTD relevant circuits. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:168. [PMID: 37864255 PMCID: PMC10588218 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01656-0] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprise a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases linked to TDP-43 proteinopathy, which at the cellular level, is characterized by loss of nuclear TDP-43 and accumulation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions that ultimately cause RNA processing defects including dysregulation of splicing, mRNA transport and translation. Complementing our previous work in motor neurons, here we report a novel model of TDP-43 proteinopathy based on overexpression of TDP-43 in a subset of Drosophila Kenyon cells of the mushroom body (MB), a circuit with structural characteristics reminiscent of vertebrate cortical networks. This model recapitulates several aspects of dementia-relevant pathological features including age-dependent neuronal loss, nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43, and behavioral deficits in working memory and sleep that occur prior to axonal degeneration. RNA immunoprecipitations identify several candidate mRNA targets of TDP-43 in MBs, some of which are unique to the MB circuit and others that are shared with motor neurons. Among the latter is the glypican Dally-like-protein (Dlp), which exhibits significant TDP-43 associated reduction in expression during aging. Using genetic interactions we show that overexpression of Dlp in MBs mitigates TDP-43 dependent working memory deficits, conistent with Dlp acting as a mediator of TDP-43 toxicity. Substantiating our findings in the fly model, we find that the expression of GPC6 mRNA, a human ortholog of dlp, is specifically altered in neurons exhibiting the molecular signature of TDP-43 pathology in FTD patient brains. These findings suggest that circuit-specific Drosophila models provide a platform for uncovering shared or disease-specific molecular mechanisms and vulnerabilities across the spectrum of TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Keating Godfrey
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Eric Alsop
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Reed T Bjork
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Brijesh S Chauhan
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive Crescent Building C4605, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Hillary C Ruvalcaba
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jerry Antone
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Lauren M Gittings
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Allison F Michael
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Christi Williams
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Grace Hala'ufia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Alexander D Blythe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Megan Hall
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | | | - Daniela C Zarnescu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive Crescent Building C4605, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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10
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Yu H, Xiong M, Zhang Z. The role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1209703. [PMID: 37781096 PMCID: PMC10540228 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1209703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) pose an increasingly prevalent threat to the well-being and survival of elderly individuals worldwide. NDDs include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and so on. They are characterized by progressive loss or dysfunction of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system and share several cellular and molecular mechanisms, including protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, gene mutations, and chronic neuroinflammation. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine kinase that is believed to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NDDs. Here we summarize the structure and physiological functions of GSK3β and explore its involvement in NDDs. We also discussed its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglu Yu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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11
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Gimenez J, Spalloni A, Cappelli S, Ciaiola F, Orlando V, Buratti E, Longone P. TDP-43 Epigenetic Facets and Their Neurodegenerative Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13807. [PMID: 37762112 PMCID: PMC10530927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its initial involvement in numerous neurodegenerative pathologies in 2006, either as a principal actor or as a cofactor, new pathologies implicating transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are regularly emerging also beyond the neuronal system. This reflects the fact that TDP-43 functions are particularly complex and broad in a great variety of human cells. In neurodegenerative diseases, this protein is often pathologically delocalized to the cytoplasm, where it irreversibly aggregates and is subjected to various post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, polyubiquitination, and cleavage. Until a few years ago, the research emphasis has been focused particularly on the impacts of this aggregation and/or on its widely described role in complex RNA splicing, whether related to loss- or gain-of-function mechanisms. Interestingly, recent studies have strengthened the knowledge of TDP-43 activity at the chromatin level and its implication in the regulation of DNA transcription and stability. These discoveries have highlighted new features regarding its own transcriptional regulation and suggested additional mechanistic and disease models for the effects of TPD-43. In this review, we aim to give a comprehensive view of the potential epigenetic (de)regulations driven by (and driving) this multitask DNA/RNA-binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Gimenez
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Alida Spalloni
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Sara Cappelli
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Francesca Ciaiola
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Orlando
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.C.); (E.B.)
| | - Patrizia Longone
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia (FSL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (P.L.)
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12
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Sammeta SS, Banarase TA, Rahangdale SR, Wankhede NL, Aglawe MM, Taksande BG, Mangrulkar SV, Upaganlawar AB, Koppula S, Kopalli SR, Umekar MJ, Kale MB. Molecular understanding of ER-MT communication dysfunction during neurodegeneration. Mitochondrion 2023; 72:59-71. [PMID: 37495165 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.07.005] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Biological researchers are seeing organelles in a new light. These cellular entities have been believed to be singular and distinctive structures that performed specialized purposes for a very long time. But in recentpast years, scientists have learned that organelles become dynamic and make physical contact. Additionally, Biological processes are regulated by organelles interactions and its alteration play an important role in cell malfunctioning and several pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial-ER contact sites (MERCS) have received considerable attention in the domain of cell homeostasis and dysfunction, specifically in the area of neurodegeneration. This is largely due to the significant role of this subcellular compartment in a diverse array of vital cellular functions, including Ca2+ homeostasis, transport, bioenergetics and turnover, mitochondrial dynamics, apoptotic signaling, ER stress, and inflammation. A significant number of disease-associated proteins were found to physically interact with the ER-Mitochondria (ER-MT) interface, causing structural and/or functional alterations in this compartment. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the structure and functions of the ER-MT contact sites, as well as the possible repercussions of their alteration in notable neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and fronto-temporal dementia. The constraints and complexities in defining the nature and origin of the highlighted defects in ER-MT communication, as well as their concise contribution to the neurodegenerative process, are illustrated in particular. The possibility of using MERCS as a potential drug target to prevent neuronal damage and ultimately neurodegeneration is the topic of our final discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivkumar S Sammeta
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Trupti A Banarase
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Sandip R Rahangdale
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Nitu L Wankhede
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Manish M Aglawe
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Brijesh G Taksande
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Shubhada V Mangrulkar
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Aman B Upaganlawar
- SNJB's Shriman Sureshdada Jain College of Pharmacy, Neminagar, Chandwad, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sushruta Koppula
- College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju-Si, Chungcheongbuk Do 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Spandana Rajendra Kopalli
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Milind J Umekar
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Mayur B Kale
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
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13
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Lo Piccolo L, Umegawachi T, Yeewa R, Potikanond S, Nimlamool W, Prachayasittikul V, Gotoh Y, Yoshida H, Yamaguchi M, Jantrapirom S. A Novel Drosophila-based Drug Repurposing Platform Identified Fingolimod As a Potential Therapeutic for TDP-43 Proteinopathy. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1330-1346. [PMID: 37493896 PMCID: PMC10480388 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01406-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] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic changes to TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) leading to alteration of its homeostasis are a common feature shared by several progressive neurodegenerative diseases for which there is no effective therapy. Here, we developed Drosophila lines expressing either wild type TDP-43 (WT) or that carrying an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis /Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration-associating G384C mutation that recapitulate several aspects of the TDP-43 pathology. To identify potential therapeutics for TDP-43-related diseases, we implemented a drug repurposing strategy that involved three consecutive steps. Firstly, we evaluated the improvement of eclosion rate, followed by the assessment of locomotive functions at early and late developmental stages. Through this approach, we successfully identified fingolimod, as a promising candidate for modulating TDP-43 toxicity. Fingolimod exhibited several beneficial effects in both WT and mutant models of TDP-43 pathology, including post-transcriptional reduction of TDP-43 levels, rescue of pupal lethality, and improvement of locomotor dysfunctions. These findings provide compelling evidence for the therapeutic potential of fingolimod in addressing TDP-43 pathology, thereby strengthening the rationale for further investigation and consideration of clinical trials. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the utility of our Drosophila-based screening pipeline in identifying novel therapeutics for TDP-43-related diseases. These findings encourage further scale-up screening endeavors using this platform to discover additional compounds with therapeutic potential for TDP-43 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Lo Piccolo
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Centre (MSTR), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Ranchana Yeewa
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Saranyapin Potikanond
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Wutigri Nimlamool
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Virapong Prachayasittikul
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Yusuke Gotoh
- Platform Technology Research Unit, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Salinee Jantrapirom
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Drosophila Centre for Human Diseases and Drug Discovery (DHD), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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14
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Bhattacharya MRC. A nerve-wracking buzz: lessons from Drosophila models of peripheral neuropathy and axon degeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1166146. [PMID: 37614471 PMCID: PMC10442544 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1166146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of axons and their terminals occurs following traumatic, toxic, or genetically-induced insults. Common molecular mechanisms unite these disparate triggers to execute a conserved nerve degeneration cascade. In this review, we will discuss how models of peripheral nerve injury and neuropathy in Drosophila have led the way in advancing molecular understanding of axon degeneration and nerve injury pathways. Both neuron-intrinsic as well as glial responses to injury will be highlighted. Finally, we will offer perspective on what additional questions should be answered to advance these discoveries toward clinical interventions for patients with neuropathy.
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15
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Candia N, Ibacache A, Medina-Yáñez I, Olivares GH, Ramírez M, Vega-Macaya F, Couve A, Sierralta J, Olguín P. Identification of atlastin genetic modifiers in a model of hereditary spastic paraplegia in Drosophila. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1303-1315. [PMID: 37368047 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02577-7] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive dysfunction of corticospinal motor neurons. Mutations in Atlastin1/Spg3, a small GTPase required for membrane fusion in the endoplasmic reticulum, are responsible for 10% of HSPs. Patients with the same Atlastin1/Spg3 mutation present high variability in age at onset and severity, suggesting a fundamental role of the environment and genetic background. Here, we used a Drosophila model of HSPs to identify genetic modifiers of decreased locomotion associated with atlastin knockdown in motor neurons. First, we screened for genomic regions that modify the climbing performance or viability of flies expressing atl RNAi in motor neurons. We tested 364 deficiencies spanning chromosomes two and three and found 35 enhancer and four suppressor regions of the climbing phenotype. We found that candidate genomic regions can also rescue atlastin effects at synapse morphology, suggesting a role in developing or maintaining the neuromuscular junction. Motor neuron-specific knockdown of 84 genes spanning candidate regions of the second chromosome identified 48 genes required for climbing behavior in motor neurons and 7 for viability, mapping to 11 modifier regions. We found that atl interacts genetically with Su(z)2, a component of the Polycomb repressive complex 1, suggesting that epigenetic regulation plays a role in the variability of HSP-like phenotypes caused by atl alleles. Our results identify new candidate genes and epigenetic regulation as a mechanism modifying neuronal atl pathogenic phenotypes, providing new targets for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Candia
- Programa de Genética Humana, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Ibacache
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ignacio Medina-Yáñez
- Programa de Genética Humana, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo H Olivares
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Center for Integrative Biology (CIB), Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Ramírez
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
| | - Franco Vega-Macaya
- Programa de Genética Humana, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Couve
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jimena Sierralta
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Olguín
- Programa de Genética Humana, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile.
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Santiago, Chile.
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16
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Bernal AF, Mota N, Pamplona R, Area-Gomez E, Portero-Otin M. Hakuna MAM-Tata: Investigating the role of mitochondrial-associated membranes in ALS. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166716. [PMID: 37044239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease leading to selective and progressive motor neuron (MN) death. Despite significant heterogeneity in pathogenic and clinical terms, MN demise ultimately unifies patients. Across the many disturbances in neuronal biology present in the disease and its models, two common trends are loss of calcium homeostasis and dysregulations in lipid metabolism. Since both mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are essential in these functions, their intertwin through the so-called mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) should be relevant in this disease. In this review, we present a short overview of MAMs functional aspects and how its dysfunction could explain a substantial part of the cellular disarrangements in ALS's natural history. MAMs are hubs for lipid synthesis, integrating glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesteryl ester metabolism. These lipids are essential for membrane biology, so there should be a close coupling to cellular energy demands, a role that MAMs may partially fulfill. Not surprisingly, MAMs are also host part of calcium signaling to mitochondria, so their impairment could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, affecting oxidative phosphorylation and enhancing the vulnerability of MNs. We present data supporting that MAMs' maladaptation could be essential to MNs' vulnerability in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fernàndez Bernal
- Metabolic Pathophysiology Research Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Avda Rovira Roure 80, E25196 Lleida, Spain.
| | - Natàlia Mota
- Metabolic Pathophysiology Research Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Avda Rovira Roure 80, E25196 Lleida, Spain.
| | - Reinald Pamplona
- Metabolic Pathophysiology Research Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Avda Rovira Roure 80, E25196 Lleida, Spain.
| | - Estela Area-Gomez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas CSIC, C. Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Manuel Portero-Otin
- Metabolic Pathophysiology Research Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Edifici Biomedicina I, Avda Rovira Roure 80, E25196 Lleida, Spain.
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17
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Maddison DC, Mattedi F, Vagnoni A, Smith GA. Analysis of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Adult Drosophila Axons. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:75-83. [PMID: 36180217 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal survival depends on the generation of ATP from an ever-changing mitochondrial network. This requires a fine balance between the constant degradation of damaged mitochondria, biogenesis of new mitochondria, movement along microtubules, dynamic processes, and adequate functional capacity to meet firing demands. The distribution of mitochondria needs to be tightly controlled throughout the entire neuron, including its projections. Axons in particular can be enormous structures compared to the size of the cell soma, and how mitochondria are maintained in these compartments is poorly defined. Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons is associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases, with the axon being preferentially vulnerable to destruction. Drosophila offer a unique way to study these organelles in fully differentiated adult neurons in vivo. Here, we briefly review the regulation of neuronal mitochondria in health, aging, and disease and introduce two methodological approaches to study mitochondrial dynamics and transport in axons using the Drosophila wing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Maddison
- UK Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Mattedi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Vagnoni
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
| | - Gaynor Ann Smith
- UK Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
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18
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Nitta Y, Sugie A. Studies of neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila and the development of novel approaches for their analysis. Fly (Austin) 2022; 16:275-298. [PMID: 35765969 PMCID: PMC9336468 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2022.2087484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of Drosophila in neurodegenerative disease research has contributed to the identification of modifier genes for the pathology. The basis for neurodegenerative disease occurrence in Drosophila is the conservation of genes across species and the ability to perform rapid genetic analysis using a compact brain. Genetic findings previously discovered in Drosophila can reveal molecular pathologies involved in human neurological diseases in later years. Disease models using Drosophila began to be generated during the development of genetic engineering. In recent years, results of reverse translational research using Drosophila have been reported. In this review, we discuss research on neurodegenerative diseases; moreover, we introduce various methods for quantifying neurodegeneration in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Nitta
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sugie
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan,CONTACT Atsushi Sugie Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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19
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Hayes LR, Kalab P. Emerging Therapies and Novel Targets for TDP-43 Proteinopathy in ALS/FTD. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1061-1084. [PMID: 35790708 PMCID: PMC9587158 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear clearance and cytoplasmic mislocalization of the essential RNA binding protein, TDP-43, is a pathologic hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and related neurodegenerative disorders collectively termed "TDP-43 proteinopathies." TDP-43 mislocalization causes neurodegeneration through both loss and gain of function mechanisms. Loss of TDP-43 nuclear RNA processing function destabilizes the transcriptome by multiple mechanisms including disruption of pre-mRNA splicing, the failure of repression of cryptic exons, and retrotransposon activation. The accumulation of cytoplasmic TDP-43, which is prone to aberrant liquid-liquid phase separation and aggregation, traps TDP-43 in the cytoplasm and disrupts a host of downstream processes including the trafficking of RNA granules, local translation within axons, and mitochondrial function. In this review, we will discuss the TDP-43 therapy development pipeline, beginning with therapies in current and upcoming clinical trials, which are primarily focused on accelerating the clearance of TDP-43 aggregates. Then, we will look ahead to emerging strategies from preclinical studies, first from high-throughput genetic and pharmacologic screens, and finally from mechanistic studies focused on the upstream cause(s) of TDP-43 disruption in ALS/FTD. These include modulation of stress granule dynamics, TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, RNA metabolism, and correction of aberrant splicing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R Hayes
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dept. of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Petr Kalab
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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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: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [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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21
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Peggion C, Massimino ML, Bonadio RS, Lia F, Lopreiato R, Cagnin S, Calì T, Bertoli A. Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Tethering and Ca 2+ Fluxes by TDP-43 via GSK3β. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11853. [PMID: 34769284 PMCID: PMC8584823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs), tightly regulated by numerous tethering proteins that act as molecular and functional connections between the two organelles, are essential to maintain a variety of cellular functions. Such contacts are often compromised in the early stages of many neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). TDP-43, a nuclear protein mainly involved in RNA metabolism, has been repeatedly associated with ALS pathogenesis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Although TDP-43 neuropathological mechanisms are still unclear, the accumulation of the protein in cytoplasmic inclusions may underlie a protein loss-of-function effect. Accordingly, we investigated the impact of siRNA-mediated TDP-43 silencing on MERCs and the related cellular parameters in HeLa cells using GFP-based probes for MERCs quantification and aequorin-based probes for local Ca2+ measurements, combined with targeted protein and mRNA profiling. Our results demonstrated that TDP-43 down-regulation decreases MERCs density, thereby remarkably reducing mitochondria Ca2+ uptake after ER Ca2+ release. Thorough mRNA and protein analyses did not highlight altered expression of proteins involved in MERCs assembly or Ca2+-mediated ER-mitochondria cross-talk, nor alterations of mitochondrial density and morphology were observed by confocal microscopy. Further mechanistic inspections, however, suggested that the observed cellular alterations are correlated to increased expression/activity of GSK3β, previously associated with MERCs disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Peggion
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | | | - Raphael Severino Bonadio
- Department of Biology, CRIBI Biotechnology Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.S.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Federica Lia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Raffaele Lopreiato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Stefano Cagnin
- Department of Biology, CRIBI Biotechnology Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.S.B.); (S.C.)
- CIR-Myo Myology Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Tito Calì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (T.C.)
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (T.C.)
- CNR—Neuroscience Institute, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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22
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Structural Insight into Chromatin Recognition by Multiple Domains of the Tumor Suppressor RBBP1. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167224. [PMID: 34506790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167224] [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: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma-binding protein 1 (RBBP1) is involved in gene regulation, epigenetic regulation, and disease processes. RBBP1 contains five domains with DNA-binding or histone-binding activities, but how RBBP1 specifically recognizes chromatin is still unknown. An AT-rich interaction domain (ARID) in RBBP1 was proposed to be the key region for DNA-binding and gene suppression. Here, we first determined the solution structure of a tandem PWWP-ARID domain mutant of RBBP1 after deletion of a long flexible acidic loop L12 in the ARID domain. NMR titration results indicated that the ARID domain interacts with DNA with no GC- or AT-rich preference. Surprisingly, we found that the loop L12 binds to the DNA-binding region of the ARID domain as a DNA mimic and inhibits DNA binding. The loop L12 can also bind weakly to the Tudor and chromobarrel domains of RBBP1, but binds more strongly to the DNA-binding region of the histone H2A-H2B heterodimer. Furthermore, both the loop L12 and DNA can enhance the binding of the chromobarrel domain to H3K4me3 and H4K20me3. Based on these results, we propose a model of chromatin recognition by RBBP1, which highlights the unexpected multiple key roles of the disordered acidic loop L12 in the specific binding of RBBP1 to chromatin.
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23
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Martínez-González L, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Gómez-Almería M, Porras G, de Lago E, Martín-Requero Á, Martínez A. Tideglusib, a Non-ATP Competitive Inhibitor of GSK-3β as a Drug Candidate for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168975. [PMID: 34445680 PMCID: PMC8396476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common degenerative motor neuron disease in adults. About 97% of ALS patients present TDP-43 aggregates with post-translational modifications, such as hyperphosphorylation, in the cytoplasm of affected cells. GSK-3β is one of the protein kinases involved in TDP-43 phosphorylation. Up-regulation of its expression and activity is reported on spinal cord and cortex tissues of ALS patients. Here, we propose the repurposing of Tideglusib, an in-house non-ATP competitive GSK-3β inhibitor that is currently in clinical trials for autism and myotonic dystrophy, as a promising therapeutic strategy for ALS. With this aim we have evaluated the efficacy of Tideglusib in different experimental ALS models both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we observed that GSK-3β activity is increased in lymphoblasts from sporadic ALS patients, with a simultaneous increase in TDP-43 phosphorylation and cytosolic TDP-43 accumulation. Treatment with Tideglusib decreased not only phospho-TDP-43 levels but also recovered its nuclear localization in ALS lymphoblasts and in a human TDP-43 neuroblastoma model. Additionally, we found that chronic oral treatment with Tideglusib is able to reduce the increased TDP-43 phosphorylation in the spinal cord of Prp-hTDP-43A315T mouse model. Therefore, we consider Tideglusib as a promising drug candidate for ALS, being proposed to start a clinical trial phase II by the end of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreto Martínez-González
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto de Investigación en Neuroquίmica, Departamento de Bioquίmica y Biologίa Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (E.d.L.)
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto de Investigación en Neuroquίmica, Departamento de Bioquίmica y Biologίa Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (E.d.L.)
| | - Gracia Porras
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto de Investigación en Neuroquίmica, Departamento de Bioquίmica y Biologίa Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.G.-C.); (M.G.-A.); (E.d.L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Martín-Requero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (Á.M.-R.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-918-37-12 (ext. 4222) (Á.M.-R.); +34-918-37-31-12 (ext. 4437) (A.M.)
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.-G.); (G.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (Á.M.-R.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-918-37-12 (ext. 4222) (Á.M.-R.); +34-918-37-31-12 (ext. 4437) (A.M.)
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24
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Peters OM, Weiss A, Metterville J, Song L, Logan R, Smith GA, Schwarzschild MA, Mueller C, Brown RH, Freeman M. Genetic diversity of axon degenerative mechanisms in models of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 155:105368. [PMID: 33892050 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative movement disorder, associated with profound loss of dopaminergic neurons from the basal ganglia. Though loss of dopaminergic neuron cell bodies from the substantia nigra pars compacta is a well-studied feature, atrophy and loss of their axons within the nigrostriatal tract is also emerging as an early event in disease progression. Genes that drive the Wallerian degeneration, like Sterile alpha and toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif containing (Sarm1), are excellent candidates for driving this axon degeneration, given similarities in the morphology of axon degeneration after axotomy and in PD. In the present study we assessed whether Sarm1 contributes to loss of dopaminergic projections in mouse models of PD. In Sarm1 deficient mice, we observed a significant delay in the degeneration of severed dopaminergic axons distal to a 6-OHDA lesion of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) in the nigrostriatal tract, and an accompanying rescue of morphological, biochemical and behavioural phenotypes. However, we observed no difference compared to controls when striatal terminals were lesioned with 6-OHDA to induce a dying back form of neurodegeneration. Likewise, when PD phenotypes were induced using AAV-induced alpha-synuclein overexpression, we observed similar modest loss of dopaminergic terminals in Sarm1 knockouts and controls. Our data argues that axon degeneration after MFB lesion is Sarm1-dependent, but that other models for PD do not require Sarm1, or that Sarm1 acts with other redundant genetic pathways. This work adds to a growing body of evidence indicating Sarm1 contributes to some, but not all types of neurodegeneration, and supports the notion that while axon degeneration in many context appears morphologically similar, a diversity of axon degeneration programs exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen M Peters
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Lina Song
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert Logan
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, MA 02170, USA
| | - Gaynor A Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Michael A Schwarzschild
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Marc Freeman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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25
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Leal NS, Martins LM. Mind the Gap: Mitochondria and the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020227. [PMID: 33672391 PMCID: PMC7926795 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The way organelles are viewed by cell biologists is quickly changing. For many years, these cellular entities were thought to be unique and singular structures that performed specific roles. However, in recent decades, researchers have discovered that organelles are dynamic and form physical contacts. In addition, organelle interactions modulate several vital biological functions, and the dysregulation of these contacts is involved in cell dysfunction and different pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria–ER contact sites (MERCS) are among the most extensively studied and understood juxtapositioned interorganelle structures. In this review, we summarise the major biological and ultrastructural dysfunctions of MERCS in neurodegeneration, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease as well as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. We also propose an updated version of the MERCS hypothesis in Alzheimer’s disease based on new findings. Finally, we discuss the possibility of MERCS being used as possible drug targets to halt cell death and neurodegeneration.
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26
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Layalle S, They L, Ourghani S, Raoul C, Soustelle L. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020904. [PMID: 33477509 PMCID: PMC7831090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons. Most ALS cases are sporadic but approximately 10% of ALS cases are due to inherited mutations in identified genes. ALS-causing mutations were identified in over 30 genes with superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and TAR DNA-binding protein (TARDBP, encoding TDP-43) being the most frequent. In the last few decades, Drosophila melanogaster emerged as a versatile model for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. In this review, we describe the different Drosophila ALS models that have been successfully used to decipher the cellular and molecular pathways associated with SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TDP-43. The study of the known fruit fly orthologs of these ALS-related genes yielded significant insights into cellular mechanisms and physiological functions. Moreover, genetic screening in tissue-specific gain-of-function mutants that mimic ALS-associated phenotypes identified disease-modifying genes. Here, we propose a comprehensive review on the Drosophila research focused on four ALS-linked genes that has revealed novel pathogenic mechanisms and identified potential therapeutic targets for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Layalle
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Laetitia They
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Sarah Ourghani
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Laurent Soustelle
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (L.S.)
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27
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Kim E, White MA, Phillips BU, Lopez-Cruz L, Kim H, Heath CJ, Lee JE, Saksida LM, Sreedharan J, Bussey TJ. Coexistence of perseveration and apathy in the TDP-43 Q331K knock-in mouse model of ALS-FTD. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:377. [PMID: 33149110 PMCID: PMC7643138 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01078-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Perseveration and apathy are two of the most common behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). Availability of a validated and behaviourally characterised animal model is crucial for translational research into BPSD in the FTD context. We behaviourally evaluated the male TDP-43Q331K mouse, an ALS-FTD model with a human-equivalent mutation (TDP-43Q331K) knocked into the endogenous Tardbp gene. We utilised a panel of behavioural tasks delivered using the rodent touchscreen apparatus, including progressive ratio (PR), extinction and visual discrimination/reversal learning (VDR) assays to examine motivation, response inhibition and cognitive flexibility, respectively. Relative to WT littermates, TDP-43Q331K mice exhibited increased responding under a PR schedule. While elevated PR responding is typically an indication of increased motivation for reward, a trial-by-trial response rate analysis revealed that TDP-43Q331K mice exhibited decreased maximal response rate and slower response decay rate, suggestive of reduced motivation and a perseverative behavioural phenotype, respectively. In the extinction assay, TDP-43Q331K mice displayed increased omissions during the early phase of each session, consistent with a deficit in activational motivation. Finally, the VDR task revealed cognitive inflexibility, manifesting as stimulus-bound perseveration. Together, our data indicate that male TDP-43Q331K mice exhibit a perseverative phenotype with some evidence of apathy-like behaviour, similar to BPSDs observed in human ALS-FTD patients. The TDP-43Q331K knock-in mouse therefore has features that recommend it as a useful platform to facilitate translational research into behavioural symptoms in the context of ALS-FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eosu Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew A White
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin U Phillips
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Lopez-Cruz
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Hyunjeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Christopher J Heath
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Lisa M Saksida
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute & Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jemeen Sreedharan
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Timothy J Bussey
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute & Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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28
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Agudelo A, St Amand V, Grissom L, Lafond D, Achilli T, Sahin A, Reenan R, Stilwell G. Age-dependent degeneration of an identified adult leg motor neuron in a Drosophila SOD1 model of ALS. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio049692. [PMID: 32994185 PMCID: PMC7595701 DOI: 10.1242/bio.049692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss leading to paralysis and inevitable death in affected individuals. Using a gene replacement strategy to introduce disease mutations into the orthologous Drosophila sod1 (dsod1) gene, here, we characterize changes at the neuromuscular junction using longer-lived dsod1 mutant adults. Homozygous dsod1H71Y/H71Y or dsod1null/null flies display progressive walking defects with paralysis of the third metathoracic leg. In dissected legs, we assessed age-dependent changes in a single identified motor neuron (MN-I2) innervating the tibia levitator muscle. At adult eclosion, MN-I2 of dsod1H71Y/H71Y or sod1null/null flies is patterned similar to wild-type flies indicating no readily apparent developmental defects. Over the course of 10 days post-eclosion, MN-I2 shows an overall reduction in arborization with bouton swelling and loss of the post-synaptic marker discs-large (dlg) in mutant dsod1 adults. In addition, increases in polyubiquitinated proteins correlate with the timing and extent of MN-I2 changes. Because similar phenotypes are observed between flies homozygous for either dsod1H71Y or dsod1null alleles, we conclude these NMJ changes are mainly associated with sod loss-of-function. Together these studies characterize age-related morphological and molecular changes associated with axonal retraction in a Drosophila model of ALS that recapitulate an important aspect of the human disease.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Agudelo
- Department of Biology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI, 02908 USA
| | - Victoria St Amand
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912 USA
| | - Lindsey Grissom
- Department of Biology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI, 02908 USA
| | - Danielle Lafond
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912 USA
| | - Toni Achilli
- Department of Biology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI, 02908 USA
| | - Asli Sahin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912 USA
| | - Robert Reenan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912 USA
| | - Geoff Stilwell
- Department of Biology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI, 02908 USA
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29
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Recent Advances on the Role of GSK3β in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100675. [PMID: 32993098 PMCID: PMC7600609 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Although several studies on genes involved in ALS have substantially expanded and improved our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain poorly understood. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a multifunctional serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a critical role in the regulation of various cellular signaling pathways. Dysregulation of GSK3β activity in neuronal cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous research indicates that GSK3β inactivation plays a neuroprotective role in ALS pathogenesis. GSK3β activity shows an increase in various ALS models and patients. Furthermore, GSK3β inhibition can suppress the defective phenotypes caused by SOD, TDP-43, and FUS expression in various models. This review focuses on the most recent studies related to the therapeutic effect of GSK3β in ALS and provides an overview of how the dysfunction of GSK3β activity contributes to ALS pathogenesis.
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30
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Palomo V, Nozal V, Rojas-Prats E, Gil C, Martinez A. Protein kinase inhibitors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1316-1335. [PMID: 32737989 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that causes the progressive loss of motoneurons and, unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for this disease. Interconnecting multiple pathological mechanisms are involved in the neuropathology of this disease, including abnormal aggregation of proteins, neuroinflammation and dysregulation of the ubiquitin proteasome system. Such complex mechanisms, together with the lack of reliable animal models of the disease have hampered the development of drugs for this disease. Protein kinases, a key pharmacological target in several diseases, have been linked to ALS as they play a central role in the pathology of many diseases. Therefore several inhibitors are being currently trailed for clinical proof of concept in ALS patients. In this review, we examine the recent literature on protein kinase inhibitors currently in pharmaceutical development for this diseaseas future therapy for AS together with their involvement in the pathobiology of ALS. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valle Palomo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Nozal
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Xu F, Kula-Eversole E, Iwanaszko M, Hutchison AL, Dinner A, Allada R. Circadian Clocks Function in Concert with Heat Shock Organizing Protein to Modulate Mutant Huntingtin Aggregation and Toxicity. Cell Rep 2020; 27:59-70.e4. [PMID: 30943415 PMCID: PMC7237104 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases commonly involve the disruption of circadian rhythms. Studies indicate that mutant Huntingtin (mHtt), the cause of Huntington’s disease (HD), disrupts circadian rhythms often before motor symptoms are evident. Yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which mHtt impairs circadian rhythmicity and whether circadian clocks can modulate HD pathogenesis. To address this question, we used a Drosophila HD model. We found that both environmental and genetic perturbations of the circadian clock alter mHtt-mediated neurodegeneration. To identify potential genetic pathways that mediate these effects, we applied a behavioral platform to screen for clock-regulated HD suppressors, identifying a role for Heat Shock Protein 70/90 Organizing Protein (Hop). Hop knockdown paradoxically reduces mHtt aggregation and toxicity. These studies demonstrate a role for the circadian clock in a neurodegenerative disease model and reveal a clock-regulated molecular and cellular pathway that links clock function to neurodegenerative disease. Disruption of circadian rhythms is frequently observed across a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, Xu et al. demonstrate that perturbation of circadian clocks alters the toxicity of the mutant Huntingtin protein, the cause of Huntington’s disease (HD). Moreover, they reveal a key mechanistic link between the clock and HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangke Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Marta Iwanaszko
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alan L Hutchison
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aaron Dinner
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ravi Allada
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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32
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Liachko NF, Saxton AD, McMillan PJ, Strovas TJ, Keene CD, Bird TD, Kraemer BC. Genome wide analysis reveals heparan sulfate epimerase modulates TDP-43 proteinopathy. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008526. [PMID: 31834878 PMCID: PMC6934317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological phosphorylated TDP-43 protein (pTDP) deposition drives neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP). However, the cellular and genetic mechanisms at work in pathological TDP-43 toxicity are not fully elucidated. To identify genetic modifiers of TDP-43 neurotoxicity, we utilized a Caenorhabditis elegans model of TDP-43 proteinopathy expressing human mutant TDP-43 pan-neuronally (TDP-43 tg). In TDP-43 tg C. elegans, we conducted a genome-wide RNAi screen covering 16,767 C. elegans genes for loss of function genetic suppressors of TDP-43-driven motor dysfunction. We identified 46 candidate genes that when knocked down partially ameliorate TDP-43 related phenotypes; 24 of these candidate genes have conserved homologs in the human genome. To rigorously validate the RNAi findings, we crossed the TDP-43 transgene into the background of homozygous strong genetic loss of function mutations. We have confirmed 9 of the 24 candidate genes significantly modulate TDP-43 transgenic phenotypes. Among the validated genes we focused on, one of the most consistent genetic modifier genes protecting against pTDP accumulation and motor deficits was the heparan sulfate-modifying enzyme hse-5, the C. elegans homolog of glucuronic acid epimerase (GLCE). We found that knockdown of human GLCE in cultured human cells protects against oxidative stress induced pTDP accumulation. Furthermore, expression of glucuronic acid epimerase is significantly decreased in the brains of FTLD-TDP cases relative to normal controls, demonstrating the potential disease relevance of the candidate genes identified. Taken together these findings nominate glucuronic acid epimerase as a novel candidate therapeutic target for TDP-43 proteinopathies including ALS and FTLD-TDP. The protein TDP-43 forms aggregates in disease-affected neurons in patients with ALS and FTLD-TDP. In addition, mutations in the human gene coding for TDP-43 can cause inherited ALS. By expressing human mutant TDP-43 protein in C. elegans neurons, we have modelled aspects of ALS pathobiology. This animal model exhibits severe motor dysfunction, progressive neurodegeneration, and accumulation of abnormally modified TDP-43 protein. To identify genes controlling TDP-43 neurotoxicity in C. elegans, we have conducted a genome-wide reverse genetic screen and found 46 genes that participate in TDP-43 neurotoxicity. We demonstrated that one of them, glucuronic acid epimerase, is decreased in patients with FTLD-TDP suggesting inhibitors of glucuronic acid epimerase could have therapeutic value for ALS and FTLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F. Liachko
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Aleen D. Saxton
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Pamela J. McMillan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Strovas
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Thomas D. Bird
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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33
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White MA, Lin Z, Kim E, Henstridge CM, Pena Altamira E, Hunt CK, Burchill E, Callaghan I, Loreto A, Brown-Wright H, Mead R, Simmons C, Cash D, Coleman MP, Sreedharan J. Sarm1 deletion suppresses TDP-43-linked motor neuron degeneration and cortical spine loss. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:166. [PMID: 31661035 PMCID: PMC6819591 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0800-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects the motor system and shares many features with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Evidence suggests that ALS is a 'dying-back' disease, with peripheral denervation and axonal degeneration occurring before loss of motor neuron cell bodies. Distal to a nerve injury, a similar pattern of axonal degeneration can be seen, which is mediated by an active axon destruction mechanism called Wallerian degeneration. Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (Sarm1) is a key gene in the Wallerian pathway and its deletion provides long-term protection against both Wallerian degeneration and Wallerian-like, non-injury induced axonopathy, a retrograde degenerative process that occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases where axonal transport is impaired. Here, we explored whether Sarm1 signalling could be a therapeutic target for ALS by deleting Sarm1 from a mouse model of ALS-FTD, a TDP-43Q331K, YFP-H double transgenic mouse. Sarm1 deletion attenuated motor axon degeneration and neuromuscular junction denervation. Motor neuron cell bodies were also significantly protected. Deletion of Sarm1 also attenuated loss of layer V pyramidal neuronal dendritic spines in the primary motor cortex. Structural MRI identified the entorhinal cortex as the most significantly atrophic region, and histological studies confirmed a greater loss of neurons in the entorhinal cortex than in the motor cortex, suggesting a prominent FTD-like pattern of neurodegeneration in this transgenic mouse model. Despite the reduction in neuronal degeneration, Sarm1 deletion did not attenuate age-related behavioural deficits caused by TDP-43Q331K. However, Sarm1 deletion was associated with a significant increase in the viability of male TDP-43Q331K mice, suggesting a detrimental role of Wallerian-like pathways in the earliest stages of TDP-43Q331K-mediated neurodegeneration. Collectively, these results indicate that anti-SARM1 strategies have therapeutic potential in ALS-FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A White
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Eugene Kim
- BRAIN Centre (Biomarker Research And Imaging for Neuroscience), Department of Neuroimaging, IoPPN, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Emiliano Pena Altamira
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Camille K Hunt
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Ella Burchill
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Isobel Callaghan
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Andrea Loreto
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Heledd Brown-Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Mead
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Camilla Simmons
- BRAIN Centre (Biomarker Research And Imaging for Neuroscience), Department of Neuroimaging, IoPPN, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Cash
- BRAIN Centre (Biomarker Research And Imaging for Neuroscience), Department of Neuroimaging, IoPPN, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael P Coleman
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jemeen Sreedharan
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK.
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34
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Sedghi M, Moslemi AR, Cabrera-Serrano M, Ansari B, Ghasemi M, Baktashian M, Fattahpour A, Tajsharghi H. Recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth and multiple sclerosis associated with a variant in MCM3AP. Brain Commun 2019; 1:fcz011. [PMID: 32954258 PMCID: PMC7425404 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in MCM3AP, encoding the germinal-centre associated nuclear protein, have been associated with progressive polyneuropathy with or without intellectual disability and ptosis in some cases, and with a complex phenotype with immunodeficiency, skin changes and myelodysplasia. MCM3AP encoded protein functions as an acetyltransferase that acetylates the replication protein, MCM3, and plays a key role in the regulation of DNA replication. In this study, we report a novel variant in MCM3AP (p.Ile954Thr), in a family including three affected individuals with characteristic features of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy and multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory condition of the central nervous system without known genetic cause. The affected individuals were homozygous for a missense MCM3AP variant, located at the Sac3 domain, which was predicted to affect conserved amino acid likely important for the function of the germinal-centre associated nuclear protein. Our data support further expansion of the clinical spectrum linked to MCM3AP variant and highlight that MCM3AP should be considered in patients with accompaniment of recessive motor axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sedghi
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali-Reza Moslemi
- Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Macarena Cabrera-Serrano
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Behnaz Ansari
- Department of neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Ghasemi
- Department of neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Baktashian
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Fattahpour
- Radiology Resident, Department of Radiology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Homa Tajsharghi
- Division of Biomedicine, School of Health Science, University of Skovde, SE-541 28 Skovde, Sweden
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35
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Peters OM, Lewis EA, Osterloh JM, Weiss A, Salameh JS, Metterville J, Brown RH, Freeman MR. Loss of Sarm1 does not suppress motor neuron degeneration in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:3761-3771. [PMID: 30010873 PMCID: PMC6196650 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon degeneration occurs in all neurodegenerative diseases, but the molecular pathways regulating axon destruction during neurodegeneration are poorly understood. Sterile Alpha and TIR Motif Containing 1 (Sarm1) is an essential component of the prodegenerative pathway driving axon degeneration after axotomy and represents an appealing target for therapeutic intervention in neurological conditions involving axon loss. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by rapid, progressive motor neuron degeneration and muscle atrophy, causing paralysis and death. Patient tissue and animal models of ALS show destruction of upper and lower motor neuron cell bodies and loss of their associated axons. Here, we investigate whether loss of Sarm1 can mitigate motor neuron degeneration in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. We found no change in survival, behavioral, electrophysiogical or histopathological outcomes in SOD1G93A mice null for Sarm1. Blocking Sarm1-mediated axon destruction alone is therefore not sufficient to suppress SOD1G93A-induced neurodegeneration. Our data suggest the molecular pathways driving axon loss in ALS may be Sarm1-independent or involve genetic pathways that act in a redundant fashion with Sarm1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen M Peters
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lewis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jeannette M Osterloh
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Johnny S Salameh
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marc R Freeman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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36
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Trias E, Beilby PR, Kovacs M, Ibarburu S, Varela V, Barreto-Núñez R, Bradford SC, Beckman JS, Barbeito L. Emergence of Microglia Bearing Senescence Markers During Paralysis Progression in a Rat Model of Inherited ALS. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:42. [PMID: 30873018 PMCID: PMC6403180 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age is a recognized risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a paralytic disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons and neuroinflammation. A hallmark of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells. Yet, the pathogenic role of cellular senescence in ALS remains poorly understood. In rats bearing the ALS-linked SOD1G93A mutation, microgliosis contribute to motor neuron death, and its pharmacologic downregulation results in increased survival. Here, we have explored whether gliosis and motor neuron loss were associated with cellular senescence in the spinal cord during paralysis progression. In the lumbar spinal cord of symptomatic SOD1G93A rats, numerous cells displayed nuclear p16INK4a as well as loss of nuclear Lamin B1 expression, two recognized senescence-associated markers. The number of p16INK4a-positive nuclei increased by four-fold while Lamin B1-negative nuclei increased by 1,2-fold, respect to non-transgenic or asymptomatic transgenic rats. p16INK4a-positive nuclei and Lamin B1-negative nuclei were typically localized in a subset of hypertrophic Iba1-positive microglia, occasionally exhibiting nuclear giant multinucleated cell aggregates and abnormal nuclear morphology. Next, we analyzed senescence markers in cell cultures of microglia obtained from the spinal cord of symptomatic SOD1G93A rats. Although microglia actively proliferated in cultures, a subset of them developed senescence markers after few days in vitro and subsequent passages. Senescent SOD1G93A microglia in culture conditions were characterized by large and flat morphology, senescence-associated beta-Galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity as well as positive labeling for p16INK4a, p53, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and nitrotyrosine, suggesting a senescent-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Remarkably, in the degenerating lumbar spinal cord other cell types, including ChAT-positive motor neurons and GFAP-expressing astrocytes, also displayed nuclear p16INK4a staining. These results suggest that cellular senescence is closely associated with inflammation and motor neuron loss occurring after paralysis onset in SOD1G93A rats. The emergence of senescent cells could mediate key pathogenic mechanisms in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela R Beilby
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Samuel C Bradford
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Joseph S Beckman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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37
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Prasad A, Bharathi V, Sivalingam V, Girdhar A, Patel BK. Molecular Mechanisms of TDP-43 Misfolding and Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:25. [PMID: 30837838 PMCID: PMC6382748 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 407] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a versatile RNA/DNA binding protein involved in RNA-related metabolism. Hyper-phosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43 deposits act as inclusion bodies in the brain and spinal cord of patients with the motor neuron diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). While the majority of ALS cases (90-95%) are sporadic (sALS), among familial ALS cases 5-10% involve the inheritance of mutations in the TARDBP gene and the remaining (90-95%) are due to mutations in other genes such as: C9ORF72, SOD1, FUS, and NEK1 etc. Strikingly however, the majority of sporadic ALS patients (up to 97%) also contain the TDP-43 protein deposited in the neuronal inclusions, which suggests of its pivotal role in the ALS pathology. Thus, unraveling the molecular mechanisms of the TDP-43 pathology seems central to the ALS therapeutics, hence, we comprehensively review the current understanding of the TDP-43's pathology in ALS. We discuss the roles of TDP-43's mutations, its cytoplasmic mis-localization and aberrant post-translational modifications in ALS. Also, we evaluate TDP-43's amyloid-like in vitro aggregation, its physiological vs. pathological oligomerization in vivo, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and potential prion-like propagation propensity of the TDP-43 inclusions. Finally, we describe the various evolving TDP-43-induced toxicity mechanisms, such as the impairment of endocytosis and mitotoxicity etc. and also discuss the emerging strategies toward TDP-43 disaggregation and ALS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Basant K. Patel
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
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Carty M, Bowie AG. SARM: From immune regulator to cell executioner. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 161:52-62. [PMID: 30633870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SARM is the fifth and most conserved member of the Toll/Il-1 Receptor (TIR) adaptor family. However, unlike the other TIR adaptors, MyD88, Mal, TRIF and TRAM, SARM does not participate in transducing signals downstream of TLRs. By contrast SARM inhibits TLR signalling by interacting with the adaptors TRIF and MyD88. In addition, SARM also has positive roles in innate immunity by activating specific transcriptional programs following immune challenge. SARM has a pivotal role in activating different forms of cell death following cellular stress and viral infection. Many of these functions of mammalian SARM are also reflected in SARM orthologues in lower organisms such as C. elegans and Drosophila. SARM expression is particularly enriched in neurons of the CNS and SARM has a critical role in neuronal death and in axon degeneration. Recent fascinating molecular insights have been revealed as to the molecular mechanism of SARM mediated axon degeneration. SARM has been shown to deplete NAD+ by possessing intrinsic NADase activity in the TIR domain of the protein. This activity can be activated experimentally by forced dimerization of the TIR domain. It is thought that this activity of SARM is normally switched off by the axo-protective activities of NMNAT2 which maintain low levels of the NAD+ precursor NMN. Therefore, there is now great excitement in the field of SARM research as targeting this enzymatic activity of SARM may lead to the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Carty
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Andrew G Bowie
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Yanagi KS, Wu Z, Amaya J, Chapkis N, Duffy AM, Hajdarovic KH, Held A, Mathur AD, Russo K, Ryan VH, Steinert BL, Whitt JP, Fallon JR, Fawzi NL, Lipscombe D, Reenan RA, Wharton KA, Hart AC. Meta-analysis of Genetic Modifiers Reveals Candidate Dysregulated Pathways in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuroscience 2019; 396:A3-A20. [PMID: 30594291 PMCID: PMC6549511 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that has significant overlap with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Mutations in specific genes have been identified that can cause and/or predispose patients to ALS. However, the clinical variability seen in ALS patients suggests that additional genes impact pathology, susceptibility, severity, and/or progression of the disease. To identify molecular pathways involved in ALS, we undertook a meta-analysis of published genetic modifiers both in patients and in model organisms, and undertook bioinformatic pathway analysis. From 72 published studies, we generated a list of 946 genes whose perturbation (1) impacted ALS in patient populations, (2) altered defects in laboratory models, or (3) modified defects caused by ALS gene ortholog loss of function. Herein, these are all called modifier genes. We found 727 modifier genes that encode proteins with human orthologs. Of these, 43 modifier genes were identified as modifiers of more than one ALS gene/model, consistent with the hypothesis that shared genes and pathways may underlie ALS. Further, we used a gene ontology-based bioinformatic analysis to identify pathways and associated genes that may be important in ALS. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive survey of ALS modifier genes. This work suggests that shared molecular mechanisms may underlie pathology caused by different ALS disease genes. Surprisingly, few ALS modifier genes have been tested in more than one disease model. Understanding genes that modify ALS-associated defects will help to elucidate the molecular pathways that underlie ALS and provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Yanagi
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Zhijin Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Joshua Amaya
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Natalie Chapkis
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Amanda M Duffy
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Kaitlyn H Hajdarovic
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Aaron Held
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Arjun D Mathur
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Kathryn Russo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Veronica H Ryan
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Beatrice L Steinert
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Joshua P Whitt
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Justin R Fallon
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Nicolas L Fawzi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Robert A Reenan
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Kristi A Wharton
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
| | - Anne C Hart
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States.
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Singh A, Paul MS, Dutta D, Mutsuddi M, Mukherjee A. Regulation of notch signaling by a chromatin modeling protein Hat-trick. Development 2019; 146:dev.170837. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.170837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Notch signaling plays pleiotropic role in astounding variety of cellular processes including cell fate determination, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. The increasingly complex regulatory mechanisms of Notch signaling account for the multitude of functions exhibited by Notch during development. We identified Hat-trick (Htk), a DNA binding protein, as an interacting partner of Notch-ICD in a yeast two-hybrid screen and their physical interaction was further validated by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. htk genetically interacts with Notch pathway components in trans-heterozygous combinations. Loss of htk function in htk mutant somatic clones showed down-regulation of Notch targets, whereas over-expression of htk caused ectopic expression of Notch target, without affecting the level of Notch protein. Immunocytochemical analysis has demonstrated that Htk co-localizes with over-expressed Notch-ICD in the same nuclear compartment. We have shown here that Htk cooperates with Notch-ICD and Suppressor of Hairless to form activation complex and binds to the regulatory sequences of Notch downstream targets, Enhancer of Split complex genes to direct their expression. Taken together, our results suggest a novel mode of regulation of Notch signaling by a chromatin modeling protein Htk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Singh
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Maimuna S. Paul
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Debdeep Dutta
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mousumi Mutsuddi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashim Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Duda P, Wiśniewski J, Wójtowicz T, Wójcicka O, Jaśkiewicz M, Drulis-Fajdasz D, Rakus D, McCubrey JA, Gizak A. Targeting GSK3 signaling as a potential therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:833-848. [PMID: 30244615 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1526925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is at the center of cellular signaling and controls various aspects of brain functions, including development of the nervous system, neuronal plasticity and onset of neurodegenerative disorders. Areas covered: In this review, recent efforts in elucidating the roles of GSK3 in neuronal plasticity and development of brain pathologies; Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and age-related neurodegeneration are described. The effect of microglia and astrocytes on development of the pathological states is also discussed. Expert opinion: GSK3β and its signaling pathway partners hold great promise as therapeutic target(s) for a multitude of neurological disorders. Activity of the kinase is often elevated in brain disorders. However, due to the wide range of GSK3 cellular targets, global inhibition of the kinase leads to severe side-effects and GSK3 inhibitors rarely reach Phase-2 clinical trials. Thus, a selective modulation of a specific cellular pool of GSK3 or specific down- or upstream partners of the kinase might provide more efficient anti-neurodegenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Duda
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Janusz Wiśniewski
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Tomasz Wójtowicz
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Olga Wójcicka
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Michał Jaśkiewicz
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Dominika Drulis-Fajdasz
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - James A McCubrey
- b Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology , University of Wroclaw , Wroclaw , Poland
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Şentürk M, Bellen HJ. Genetic strategies to tackle neurological diseases in fruit flies. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 50:24-32. [PMID: 29128849 PMCID: PMC5940587 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is a genetic model organism that has contributed to the discovery of numerous genes whose human homologues are associated with diseases. The development of sophisticated genetic tools to manipulate its genome accelerates the discovery of the genetic basis of undiagnosed human diseases and the elucidation of molecular pathogenic events of known and novel diseases. Here, we discuss various approaches used in flies to assess the function of the fly homologues of disease-associated genes. We highlight how systematic and combinatorial approaches based on recently established methods provide us with integrated tool sets that can be applied to the study of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mümine Şentürk
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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43
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Zhang K, Coyne AN, Lloyd TE. Drosophila models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with defects in RNA metabolism. Brain Res 2018; 1693:109-120. [PMID: 29752901 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila Melanogaster has been widely used to study neurodegenerative diseases. The conservation of nervous system biology coupled with the rapid life cycle and powerful genetic tools in the fly have enabled the identification of novel therapeutic targets that have been validated in vertebrate model systems and human patients. A recent example is in the study of the devastating motor neuron degenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in genes that regulate RNA metabolism are a major cause of inherited ALS, and functional analysis of these genes in the fly nervous system has shed light on how mutations cause disease. Importantly, unbiased genetic screens have identified key pathways that contribute to ALS pathogenesis such as nucleocytoplasmic transport and stress granule assembly. In this review, we will discuss the utilization of Drosophila models of ALS with defects in RNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Neurology, 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
| | - Thomas E Lloyd
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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44
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White MA, Kim E, Duffy A, Adalbert R, Phillips BU, Peters OM, Stephenson J, Yang S, Massenzio F, Lin Z, Andrews S, Segonds-Pichon A, Metterville J, Saksida LM, Mead R, Ribchester RR, Barhomi Y, Serre T, Coleman MP, Fallon JR, Bussey TJ, Brown RH, Sreedharan J. TDP-43 gains function due to perturbed autoregulation in a Tardbp knock-in mouse model of ALS-FTD. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:552-563. [PMID: 29556029 PMCID: PMC5884423 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD) constitutes a devastating disease spectrum characterized by 43-kDa TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) pathology. Understanding how TDP-43 contributes to neurodegeneration will help direct therapeutic efforts. Here we have created a TDP-43 knock-in mouse with a human-equivalent mutation in the endogenous mouse Tardbp gene. TDP-43Q331K mice demonstrate cognitive dysfunction and a paucity of parvalbumin interneurons. Critically, TDP-43 autoregulation is perturbed, leading to a gain of TDP-43 function and altered splicing of Mapt, another pivotal dementia-associated gene. Furthermore, a new approach to stratify transcriptomic data by phenotype in differentially affected mutant mice revealed 471 changes linked with improved behavior. These changes included downregulation of two known modifiers of neurodegeneration, Atxn2 and Arid4a, and upregulation of myelination and translation genes. With one base change in murine Tardbp, this study identifies TDP-43 misregulation as a pathogenic mechanism that may underpin ALS-FTD and exploits phenotypic heterogeneity to yield candidate suppressors of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A White
- The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eosu Kim
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Amanda Duffy
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robert Adalbert
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin U Phillips
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Owen M Peters
- The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- School of Biosciences, Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jodie Stephenson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sujeong Yang
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesca Massenzio
- The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lisa M Saksida
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Molecular Medicine Research Group, Robarts Research Institute & Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Richard Mead
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Youssef Barhomi
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Thomas Serre
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael P Coleman
- The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Justin R Fallon
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Timothy J Bussey
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Molecular Medicine Research Group, Robarts Research Institute & Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jemeen Sreedharan
- The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Pleiotropic Functions of the Chromodomain-Containing Protein Hat-trick During Oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:1067-1077. [PMID: 29367451 PMCID: PMC5844294 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.300526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin-remodeling proteins have a profound role in the transcriptional regulation of gene expression during development. Here, we have shown that the chromodomain-containing protein Hat-trick is predominantly expressed within the oocyte nucleus, specifically within the heterochromatinized karyosome, and that a mild expression is observed in follicle cells. Colocalization of Hat-trick with Heterochromatin Protein 1 and synaptonemal complex component C(3)G along with the diffused karyosome after hat-trick downregulation shows the role of this protein in heterochromatin clustering and karyosome maintenance. Germline mosaic analysis reveals that hat-trick is required for maintaining the dorso-ventral patterning of eggs by regulating the expression of Gurken. The increased incidence of double-strand breaks (DSBs), delayed DSB repair, defects in karyosome formation, altered Vasa mobility, and, consequently, misexpression and altered localization of Gurken in hat-trick mutant egg chambers clearly suggest a putative involvement of Hat-trick in the early stages of oogenesis. In addition, based on phenotypic observations in hat-trick mutant egg chambers, we speculate a substantial role of hat-trick in cystoblast proliferation, oocyte determination, nurse cell endoreplication, germ cell positioning, cyst encapsulation, and nurse cell migration. Our results demonstrate that hat-trick has profound pleiotropic functions during oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.
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Loss of the Drosophila m-AAA mitochondrial protease paraplegin results in mitochondrial dysfunction, shortened lifespan, and neuronal and muscular degeneration. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:304. [PMID: 29467464 PMCID: PMC5833341 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0365-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The progressive accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria is implicated in aging and in common diseases of the elderly. To oppose this occurrence, organisms employ a variety of strategies, including the selective degradation of oxidatively damaged and misfolded mitochondrial proteins. Genetic studies in yeast indicate that the ATPase Associated with diverse cellular Activities (AAA+) family of mitochondrial proteases account for a substantial fraction of this protein degradation, but their metazoan counterparts have been little studied, despite the fact that mutations in the genes encoding these proteases cause a variety of human diseases. To begin to explore the biological roles of the metazoan mitochondrial AAA+ protease family, we have created a CRISPR/Cas9 allele of the Drosophila homolog of SPG7, which encodes an inner membrane-localized AAA+ protease known as paraplegin. Drosophila SPG7 mutants exhibited shortened lifespan, progressive locomotor defects, sensitivity to chemical and environmental stress, and muscular and neuronal degeneration. Ultrastructural examination of photoreceptor neurons indicated that the neurodegenerative phenotype of SPG7 mutants initiates at the synaptic terminal. A variety of mitochondrial defects accompanied the degenerative phenotypes of SPG7 mutants, including altered axonal transport of mitochondria, accumulation of electron-dense material in the matrix of flight muscle mitochondria, reduced activities of respiratory chain complexes I and II, and severely swollen and dysmorphic mitochondria in the synaptic terminals of photoreceptors. Drosophila SPG7 mutants recapitulate key features of human diseases caused by mutations in SPG7, and thus provide a foundation for the identification of Drosophila paraplegin substrates and strategies that could be used to ameliorate the symptoms of these diseases.
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Huang C, Wu J, Xu L, Wang J, Chen Z, Yang R. Regulation of HSF1 protein stabilization: An updated review. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 822:69-77. [PMID: 29341886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a transcriptional factor that determines the efficiency of heat shock responses (HSRs) in the cell. Given its function has been extensively studied in recent years, HSF1 is considered a potential target for the treatment of disorders associated with protein aggregation. The activity of HSF1 is traditionally regulated at the transcriptional level in which the transactivation domain of HSF1 is modified by extensive array of pos-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, sumoylation, and acetylation. Recently, HSF1 is also reported to be regulated at the monomeric level. For example, in neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease the expression levels of the monomeric HSF1 are found to be reduced markedly. Methylene blue (MB) and riluzole, two clinical available drugs, increase the amount of the monomeric HSF1 in both cells and animals. Since the monomeric HSF1 not only determines the efficiency of HSRs, but exerts protective effects in a trimerization-independent manner, increasing the amount of the monomeric HSF1 via stabilization of HSF1 may be an alternative strategy for the amplification of HSR. However, to date we have no outlined knowledges about HSF1 protein stabilization, though studies regarding the regulation of the monomeric HSF1 have been documented in recent years. Here, we summarize the regulation of the monomeric HSF1 by some previously reported factors, such as synuclein, Huntingtin (Htt), TDP-43, unfolded protein response (UPR), MB and doxorubicin (DOX), as well as their possible mechanisms, aiming to push the understanding about HSF1 protein stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, #118 Wansheng Street, Suzhou 215021, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Danyang People's Hospital, #2 Xinmin Western Road, Danyang 212300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jili Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Invasive Technology Department, Nantong First People's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, # 6 North Road Hai'er Xiang, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongrong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu Province, #20Xisi Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Carey KT, Wickramasinghe VO. Regulatory Potential of the RNA Processing Machinery: Implications for Human Disease. Trends Genet 2018; 34:279-290. [PMID: 29329719 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Splicing and nuclear export of mRNA are critical steps in the gene expression pathway. While RNA processing factors can perform general, essential functions for intron removal and bulk export of mRNA, emerging evidence highlights that the core RNA splicing and export machineries also display regulatory potential. Here, we discuss recent insights into how this regulatory potential can selectively alter gene expression and regulate important biological processes. We also highlight the participation of RNA processing pathways in the cellular response to DNA damage at multiple levels. These findings have important implications for the contribution of selective mRNA processing and export to the development of human cancers and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstyn T Carey
- RNA Biology and Cancer Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Vihandha O Wickramasinghe
- RNA Biology and Cancer Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), like other neurodegenerative diseases, remains incurable, but gene mutations linked to ALS are providing clues as to how to target therapies. It is important for researchers to keep abreast of the rapid influx of new data in ALS, and we aim to summarize the major genetic advances made in the field over the past 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS Significant variation in seven genes has recently been found in ALS: TBK1, CCNF, GLE1, MATR3, TUBA4A, CHCHD10 and NEK1. These have mostly been identified through large exome screening studies, though traditional linkage approaches and candidate gene screening remain important. We briefly update C9orf72 research, noting in particular the development of reagents to better understand the normal role of C9orf72 protein. SUMMARY Striking advances in our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity of ALS continue to be made, year on year. These implicate proteostasis, RNA export, nuclear transport, the cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, the cell cycle and DNA repair. Functional studies to integrate these hits are needed. By building a web of knowledge with interlinked genes and mechanisms, it is hoped we can better understand ALS and work toward effective therapies.
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Azuma Y, Mizuta I, Tokuda T, Mizuno T. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Model. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1076:79-95. [PMID: 29951816 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0529-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and the spinal cord. Due to the progressive neurodegeneration, ALS leads to paralysis and death caused by respiratory failure 2-5 years after the onset of symptoms. There is no effective cure available. Most ALS cases are sporadic, without family history, whereas 10% of the cases are familial. Identification of variants in more than 30 different loci has provided insight into the pathogenic molecular mechanisms mediating disease pathogenesis. Studies of a Drosophila melanogaster model for each of the ALS genes can contribute to uncovering pathophysiological mechanism of ALS and finding targets of the disease-modifying therapy. In this review, we focus on three ALS-causing genes: TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Azuma
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Ikuko Mizuta
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiko Tokuda
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Molecular Pathobiology of Brain Diseases, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mizuno
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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