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Sun Z, Kwon JS, Ren Y, Chen S, Walker CK, Lu X, Cates K, Karahan H, Sviben S, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Valdez C, Houlden H, Karch CM, Bateman RJ, Sato C, Mennerick SJ, Diamond MI, Kim J, Tanzi RE, Holtzman DM, Yoo AS. Modeling late-onset Alzheimer's disease neuropathology via direct neuronal reprogramming. Science 2024; 385:adl2992. [PMID: 39088624 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl2992] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is the most common form of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, modeling sporadic LOAD that endogenously captures hallmark neuronal pathologies such as amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau tangles, and neuronal loss remains an unmet need. We demonstrate that neurons generated by microRNA (miRNA)-based direct reprogramming of fibroblasts from individuals affected by autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) and LOAD in a three-dimensional environment effectively recapitulate key neuropathological features of AD. Reprogrammed LOAD neurons exhibit Aβ-dependent neurodegeneration, and treatment with β- or γ-secretase inhibitors before (but not subsequent to) Aβ deposit formation mitigated neuronal death. Moreover inhibiting age-associated retrotransposable elements in LOAD neurons reduced both Aβ deposition and neurodegeneration. Our study underscores the efficacy of modeling late-onset neuropathology of LOAD through high-efficiency miRNA-based neuronal reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Sun
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ji-Sun Kwon
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Program in Computational and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yudong Ren
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Program in Developmental, Regenerative, and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shawei Chen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Courtney K Walker
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xinguo Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kitra Cates
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Program in Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hande Karahan
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sanja Sviben
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - James A J Fitzpatrick
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Clarissa Valdez
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Henry Houlden
- UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Celeste M Karch
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Randall J Bateman
- Tracy Family SILQ Center for Neurodegenerative Biology, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chihiro Sato
- Tracy Family SILQ Center for Neurodegenerative Biology, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Steven J Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Marc I Diamond
- Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jungsu Kim
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Andrew S Yoo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Zhou J, Chuang Y', Redding-Ochoa J, Zhang R, Platero AJ, Barrett AH, Troncoso JC, Worley PF, Zhang W. The autophagy adaptor TRIAD3A promotes tau fibrillation by nested phase separation. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:1274-1286. [PMID: 39009640 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01461-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Multiple neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by aberrant proteinaceous accumulations of tau. Here, we report a RING-in-between-RING-type E3 ligase, TRIAD3A, that functions as an autophagy adaptor for tau. TRIAD3A(RNF216) is an essential gene with mutations causing age-progressive neurodegeneration. Our studies reveal that TRIAD3A E3 ligase catalyses mixed K11/K63 polyubiquitin chains and self-assembles into liquid-liquid phase separated (LLPS) droplets. Tau is ubiquitinated and accumulates within TRIAD3A LLPS droplets and, via LC3 interacting regions, targets tau for autophagic degradation. Unexpectedly, tau sequestered within TRIAD3A droplets rapidly converts to fibrillar aggregates without the transitional liquid phase of tau. In vivo studies show that TRIAD3A decreases the accumulation of phosphorylated tau in a tauopathy mouse model, and a disease-associated mutation of TRIAD3A increases accumulation of phosphorylated tau, exacerbates gliosis and increases pathological tau spreading. In human Alzheimer disease brain, TRIAD3A co-localizes with tau amyloid in multiple histological forms, suggesting a role in tau proteostasis. TRIAD3A is an autophagic adaptor that utilizes E3 ligase and LLPS as a mechanism to capture cargo and appears especially relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiechao Zhou
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yang 'an Chuang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and Brain Disease Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Javier Redding-Ochoa
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rongzhen Zhang
- Lab of Brewing Microbiology and Applied Enzymology, School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi City, People's Republic of China
| | - Alexander J Platero
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander H Barrett
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul F Worley
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Wenchi Zhang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Zhang C, Jia Q, Zhu L, Hou J, Wang X, Li D, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yang S, Tu Z, Yan XX, Yang W, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Suppressing UBE2N ameliorates Alzheimer's disease pathology through the clearance of amyloid beta. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39015037 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aging is one of the risk factors for the early onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously discovered that the age-dependent increase in Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 N (UBE2N) plays a role in the accumulation of misfolded proteins through K63 ubiquitination, which has been linked to AD pathogenesis. However, the impact of UBE2N on amyloid pathology and clearance has remained unknown. RESULTS We observed the elevated UBE2N during the amyloid beta (Aβ) generation in the brains of 5×FAD, APP/PS1 mice, and patients with AD, in comparison to healthy individuals. UBE2N overexpression exacerbated amyloid deposition in 5×FAD mice and senescent monkeys, whereas knocking down UBE2N via CRISPR/Cas9 reduced Aβ generation and cognitive deficiency. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of UBE2N ameliorated Aβ pathology and subsequent transcript defects in 5×FAD mice. DISCUSSION We have discovered that age-dependent expression of UBE2N is a critical regulator of AD pathology. Our findings suggest that UBE2N could serve as a potential pharmacological target for the advancement of AD therapeutics. HIGHLIGHTS Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 N (UBE2N) level was elevated during amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in AD mouse and patients' brains. UBE2N exacerbated Aβ generation in the AD mouse and senescent monkey. Drug inhibition of UBE2N ameliorated Aβ pathology and cognitive deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longhong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junqi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Su Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuchi Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Parra Bravo C, Naguib SA, Gan L. Cellular and pathological functions of tau. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00753-9. [PMID: 39014245 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Tau protein is involved in various cellular processes, including having a canonical role in binding and stabilization of microtubules in neurons. Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases marked by the abnormal accumulation of tau protein aggregates in neurons, as seen, for example, in conditions such as frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer disease. Mutations in tau coding regions or that disrupt tau mRNA splicing, tau post-translational modifications and cellular stress factors (such as oxidative stress and inflammation) increase the tendency of tau to aggregate and interfere with its clearance. Pathological tau is strongly implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and the propagation of tau aggregates is associated with disease severity. Recent technological advancements, including cryo-electron microscopy and disease models derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, have increased our understanding of tau-related pathology in neurodegenerative conditions. Substantial progress has been made in deciphering tau aggregate structures and the molecular mechanisms that underlie protein aggregation and toxicity. In this Review, we discuss recent insights into the diverse cellular functions of tau and the pathology of tau inclusions and explore the potential for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Parra Bravo
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah A Naguib
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA.
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Gaikwad S, Puangmalai N, Sonawane M, Montalbano M, Price R, Iyer MS, Ray A, Moreno S, Kayed R. Nasal tau immunotherapy clears intracellular tau pathology and improves cognitive functions in aged tauopathy mice. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj5958. [PMID: 38959324 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj5958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Pathological tau aggregates cause cognitive decline in neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). These aggregates are prevalent within intracellular compartments. Current tau immunotherapies have shown limited efficacy in clearing intracellular tau aggregates and improving cognition in clinical trials. In this study, we developed toxic tau conformation-specific monoclonal antibody-2 (TTCM2), which selectively recognized pathological tau aggregates in brain tissues from patients with AD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). TTCM2 potently inhibited tau-seeding activity, an essential mechanism underlying tauopathy progression. To effectively target intracellular tau aggregates and ensure rapid delivery to the brain, TTCM2 was loaded in micelles (TTCM2-ms) and administered through the intranasal route. We found that intranasally administered TTCM2-ms efficiently entered the brain in hTau-tauopathy mice, targeting pathological tau in intracellular compartments. Moreover, a single intranasal dose of TTCM2-ms effectively cleared pathological tau, elevated synaptic proteins, and improved cognitive functions in aged tauopathy mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that TTCM2-ms cleared intracellular, synaptic, and seed-competent tau aggregates through tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), an intracellular antibody receptor and E3 ubiquitin ligase known to facilitate proteasomal degradation of cytosolic antibody-bound proteins. TRIM21 was found to be essential for TTCM2-ms-mediated clearance of tau pathology. Our study collectively provides evidence of the effectiveness of nasal tau immunotherapy in targeting and clearing intracellular tau pathology through TRIM21 and enhancing cognition in aged tauopathy mice. This study could be valuable in designing effective tau immunotherapies for AD and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Gaikwad
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Minal Sonawane
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rachel Price
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre," Viale G. Marconi 446 00146 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre," Viale G. Marconi 446 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Ye J, Wan H, Chen S, Liu GP. Targeting tau in Alzheimer's disease: from mechanisms to clinical therapy. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1489-1498. [PMID: 38051891 PMCID: PMC10883484 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease affecting older adults. Primary features of Alzheimer's disease include extracellular aggregation of amyloid-β plaques and the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles, formed by tau protein, in the cells. While there are amyloid-β-targeting therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, these therapies are costly and exhibit potential negative side effects. Mounting evidence suggests significant involvement of tau protein in Alzheimer's disease-related neurodegeneration. As an important microtubule-associated protein, tau plays an important role in maintaining the stability of neuronal microtubules and promoting axonal growth. In fact, clinical studies have shown that abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein occurs before accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain. Various therapeutic strategies targeting tau protein have begun to emerge, and are considered possible methods to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, abnormalities in post-translational modifications of the tau protein, including aberrant phosphorylation, ubiquitination, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)ylation, acetylation, and truncation, contribute to its microtubule dissociation, misfolding, and subcellular missorting. This causes mitochondrial damage, synaptic impairments, gliosis, and neuroinflammation, eventually leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits. This review summarizes the recent findings on the underlying mechanisms of tau protein in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease and discusses tau-targeted treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwang Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huali Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sihua Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Co-innovation Center of Neurodegeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China and Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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7
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Yang J, Shen N, Shen J, Yang Y, Li HL. Complicated Role of Post-translational Modification and Protease-Cleaved Fragments of Tau in Alzheimer's Disease and Other Tauopathies. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:4712-4731. [PMID: 38114762 PMCID: PMC11236937 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03867-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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Tau, a microtubule-associated protein predominantly localized in neuronal axons, plays a crucial role in promoting microtubule assembly, stabilizing their structure, and participating in axonal transport. Perturbations in tau's structure and function are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as tauopathies, the most common disorder of which is Alzheimer's disease (AD). In tauopathies, it has been found that tau has a variety of post-translational modification (PTM) abnormalities and/or tau is cleaved into a variety of fragments by some specific proteolytic enzymes; however, the precise contributions of these abnormal modifications and fragments to disease onset and progression remain incompletely understood. Herein, we provide an overview about the involvement of distinctive abnormal tau PTMs and different tau fragments in the pathogenesis of AD and other tauopathies and discuss the involvement of proteolytic enzymes such as caspases, calpains, and asparagine endopeptidase in mediating tau cleavage while also addressing the intercellular transmission role played by tau. We anticipate that further exploration into PTMs and fragmented forms of tau will yield valuable insights for diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions targeting AD and other related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Naiting Shen
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jianying Shen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry, Hubei Province of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry, Hubei Province of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hong-Lian Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry, Hubei Province of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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8
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Majumder M, Dutta D. Oligodendrocyte Dysfunction in Tauopathy: A Less Explored Area in Tau-Mediated Neurodegeneration. Cells 2024; 13:1112. [PMID: 38994964 PMCID: PMC11240328 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131112] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) is the hallmark pathology in a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders collectively called tauopathies. Physiologically, tau is an inherent neuronal protein that plays an important role in the assembly of microtubules and axonal transport. However, disease-associated mutations of this protein reduce its binding to the microtubule components and promote self-aggregation, leading to formation of tangles in neurons. Tau is also expressed in oligodendrocytes, where it has significant developmental roles in oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin synthesis. Oligodendrocyte-specific tau pathology, in the form of fibrils and coiled coils, is evident in major tauopathies including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and Pick's disease (PiD). Multiple animal models of tauopathy expressing mutant forms of MAPT recapitulate oligodendroglial tau inclusions with potential to cause degeneration/malfunction of oligodendrocytes and affecting the neuronal myelin sheath. Till now, mechanistic studies heavily concentrated on elucidating neuronal tau pathology. Therefore, more investigations are warranted to comprehensively address tau-induced pathologies in oligodendrocytes. The present review provides the current knowledge available in the literature about the intricate relations between tau and oligodendrocytes in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Majumder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Debashis Dutta
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby’s Children Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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9
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Nguyen HD, Kim WK, Huong Vu G. Molecular mechanisms implicated in protein changes in the Alzheimer's disease human hippocampus. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 219:111930. [PMID: 38554950 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the specific biochemical pathways linked to changes in proteins in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) human hippocampus. Our data demonstrate a constant rise in the expression of four proteins (VGF, GFAP, HSPB1, and APP) across all eleven studies. Notably, UBC was the most centrally involved and had increased expression in the hippocampus tissue of individuals with AD. Modified proteins in the hippocampal tissue were found to activate the innate immune system and disrupt communication across chemical synapses. Four hub proteins (CD44, APP, ITGB2, and APOE) are connected to amyloid plaques, whereas two hub proteins (RPL24 and RPS23) are related to neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). The presence of modified proteins was discovered to trigger the activation of microglia and decrease the functioning of ribosomes and mitochondria in the hippocampus. Three significant microRNAs (hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, and hsa-miR-16-5p) and transcription factors (MYT1L, PIN1, and CSRNP3) have been discovered to improve our understanding of the alterations in proteins within the hippocampal tissues that lead to the progression of AD. These findings establish a path for possible treatments for AD to employ therapeutic strategies that specifically focus on the proteins or processes linked to the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Duc Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Louisiana, USA.
| | - Woong-Ki Kim
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Louisiana, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Giang Huong Vu
- Department of Public Health, Hong Bang Health Center, Hai Phong, Vietnam
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Santiago-Ruiz AN, Hugelier S, Bond CR, Lee EB, Lakadamyali M. Super-Resolution Imaging Uncovers Nanoscale Tau Aggregate Hyperphosphorylation Patterns in Human Alzheimer's Disease Brain Tissue. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.24.590893. [PMID: 38712162 PMCID: PMC11071528 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.24.590893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Tau aggregation plays a critical role in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), where tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are a key pathological hallmark. While much attention has been given to NFTs, emerging evidence underscores nano-sized pre-NFT tau aggregates as potentially toxic entities in AD. By leveraging DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy, we visualized and quantified nanoscale tau aggregates (nano-aggregates) in human postmortem brain tissues from intermediate and advanced AD, and Primary Age-Related Tauopathy (PART). Nano-aggregates were predominant across cases, with AD exhibiting a higher burden compared to PART. Hyperphosphorylated tau residues (p-T231, p-T181, and p-S202/T205) were present within nano-aggregates across all AD Braak stages and PART. Moreover, nano-aggregates displayed morphological differences between PART and AD, and exhibited distinct hyperphosphorylation patterns in advanced AD. These findings suggest that changes in nano-aggregate morphology and hyperphosphorylation patterns may exacerbate tau aggregation and AD progression. The ability to detect and profile nanoscale tau aggregates in human brain tissue opens new avenues for studying the molecular underpinnings of tauopathies.
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11
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Arar S, Haque MA, Bhatt N, Zhao Y, Kayed R. Effect of Natural Osmolytes on Recombinant Tau Monomer: Propensity of Oligomerization and Aggregation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1366-1377. [PMID: 38503425 PMCID: PMC10995947 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00614] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathological misfolding and aggregation of the microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT), a full length Tau2N4R with 441aa, is considered the principal disease relevant constituent in tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD) with an imbalanced ratio in 3R/4R isoforms. The exact cellular fluid composition, properties, and changes that coincide with tau misfolding, seed formation, and propagation events remain obscure. The proteostasis network, along with the associated osmolytes, is responsible for maintaining the presence of tau in its native structure or dealing with misfolding. In this study, for the first time, the roles of natural brain osmolytes are being investigated for their potential effects on regulating the conformational stability of the tau monomer (tauM) and its propensity to aggregate or disaggregate. Herein, the effects of physiological osmolytes myo-inositol, taurine, trimethyl amine oxide (TMAO), betaine, sorbitol, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), and citrulline on tau's aggregation state were investigated. The overall results indicate the ability of sorbitol and GPC to maintain the monomeric form and prevent aggregation of tau, whereas myo-inositol, taurine, TMAO, betaine, and citrulline promote tau aggregation to different degrees, as revealed by protein morphology in atomic force microscopy images. Biochemical and biophysical methods also revealed that tau proteins adopt different conformations under the influence of these osmolytes. TauM in the presence of all osmolytes expressed no toxicity when tested by a lactate dehydrogenase assay. Investigating the conformational stability of tau in the presence of osmolytes may provide a better understanding of the complex nature of tau aggregation in AD and the protective and/or chaotropic nature of osmolytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Arar
- Mitchell
Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University
of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Departments
of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, The University
of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Md Anzarul Haque
- Mitchell
Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University
of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Departments
of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell
Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University
of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Departments
of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Institute
for Translational Sciences, University of
Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell
Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University
of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Departments
of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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12
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Abiose O, Rutledge J, Moran‐Losada P, Belloy ME, Wilson EN, He Z, Trelle AN, Channappa D, Romero A, Park J, Yutsis MV, Sha SJ, Andreasson KI, Poston KL, Henderson VW, Wagner AD, Wyss‐Coray T, Mormino EC. Post-translational modifications linked to preclinical Alzheimer's disease-related pathological and cognitive changes. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1851-1867. [PMID: 38146099 PMCID: PMC10984434 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13576] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study, we leverage proteomic techniques to identify communities of proteins underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk among clinically unimpaired (CU) older adults. METHODS We constructed a protein co-expression network using 3869 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins quantified by SomaLogic, Inc., in a cohort of participants along the AD clinical spectrum. We then replicated this network in an independent cohort of CU older adults and related these modules to clinically-relevant outcomes. RESULTS We discovered modules enriched for phosphorylation and ubiquitination that were associated with abnormal amyloid status, as well as p-tau181 (M4: β = 2.44, p < 0.001, M7: β = 2.57, p < 0.001) and executive function performance (M4: β = -2.00, p = 0.005, M7: β = -2.39, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION In leveraging CSF proteomic data from individuals spanning the clinical spectrum of AD, we highlight the importance of post-translational modifications for early cognitive and pathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide Abiose
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jarod Rutledge
- The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain ResilienceStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of GeneticsStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Patricia Moran‐Losada
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain ResilienceStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael E. Belloy
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Edward N. Wilson
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zihuai He
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics ResearchStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alexandra N. Trelle
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Divya Channappa
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - America Romero
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jennifer Park
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Maya V. Yutsis
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sharon J. Sha
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Katrin I. Andreasson
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kathleen L. Poston
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain ResilienceStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Victor W. Henderson
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Epidemiology & Population HealthStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Anthony D. Wagner
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PsychologyStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Tony Wyss‐Coray
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain ResilienceStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elizabeth C. Mormino
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
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13
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Bhatt N, Puangmalai N, Sengupta U, Jerez C, Kidd M, Gandhi S, Kayed R. C9orf72-associated dipeptide protein repeats form A11-positive oligomers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105628. [PMID: 38295729 PMCID: PMC10844744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 is one of the most common causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. The hexanucleotide expansion, formed by GGGGCC (G4C2) repeats, leads to the production of five dipeptide protein repeats (DPRs) via repeat-associated non-AUG translation. Among the five dipeptide repeats, Gly-Arg, Pro-Arg, and Gly-Ala form neuronal inclusions that contain aggregates of the peptides. Several studies have attempted to model DPR-associated toxicity using various repeat lengths, which suggests a unique conformation that is cytotoxic and is independent of the repeat length. However, the structural characteristics of DPR aggregates have yet to be determined. Increasing evidence suggests that soluble species, such as oligomers, are the main cause of toxicity in proteinopathies, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. To investigate the ability of DPRs to aggregate and form toxic oligomers, we adopted a reductionist approach using small dipeptide repeats of 3, 6, and 12. This study shows that DPRs, particularly glycine-arginine and proline-arginine, form oligomers that exhibit distinct dye-binding properties and morphologies. Importantly, we also identified toxic DPR oligomers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia postmortem brains that are morphologically similar to those generated recombinantly. This study demonstrates that, similar to soluble oligomers formed by various amyloid proteins, DPR oligomers are toxic, independent of their repeat length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Madison Kidd
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Shailee Gandhi
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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14
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Kumar M, Quittot N, Dujardin S, Schlaffner CN, Viode A, Wiedmer A, Beerepoot P, Chun JE, Glynn C, Fernandes AR, Donahue C, Steen JA, Hyman BT. Alzheimer proteopathic tau seeds are biochemically a forme fruste of mature paired helical filaments. Brain 2024; 147:637-648. [PMID: 38236720 PMCID: PMC10834235 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad378] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation prone molecules, such as tau, form both historically well characterized fibrillar deposits (neurofibrillary tangles) and recently identified phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) extract species called proteopathic seeds. Both can cause normal endogenous tau to undergo templated misfolding. The relationship of these seeds to the fibrils that define tau-related diseases is unknown. We characterized the aqueous extractable and sarkosyl insoluble fibrillar tau species derived from human Alzheimer brain using mass spectrometry and in vitro bioassays. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) including phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination are identified in both preparations. PBS extract seed competent tau can be distinguished from sarkosyl insoluble tau by the presence of overlapping, but less abundant, PTMs and an absence of some PTMs unique to the latter. The presence of ubiquitin and other PTMs on the PBS-extracted tau species correlates with the amount of tau in the seed competent size exclusion fractions, with the bioactivity and with the aggressiveness of clinical disease. These results demonstrate that the PTMs present on bioactive, seed competent PBS extract tau species are closely related to, but distinct from, the PTMs of mature paired helical filaments, consistent with the idea that they are a forme fruste of tau species that ultimately form fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Noé Quittot
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Simon Dujardin
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Christoph N Schlaffner
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arthur Viode
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anne Wiedmer
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Pieter Beerepoot
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua E Chun
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Calina Glynn
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Analiese R Fernandes
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Cameron Donahue
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Judith A Steen
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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15
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Puangmalai N, Bhatt N, Bittar A, Jerez C, Shchankin N, Kayed R. Traumatic brain injury derived pathological tau polymorphs induce the distinct propagation pattern and neuroinflammatory response in wild type mice. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 232:102562. [PMID: 38135105 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102562] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of the tau protein into neurofibrillary tangles constitutes a central feature of tauopathies. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as a potential risk factor, triggering the onset and progression of tauopathies. Our previous research revealed distinct polymorphisms in soluble tau oligomers originating from single versus repetitive mild TBIs. However, the mechanisms orchestrating the dissemination of TBI brain-derived tau polymorphs (TBI-BDTPs) remain elusive. In this study, we explored whether TBI-BDTPs could initiate pathological tau formation, leading to distinct pathogenic trajectories. Wild-type mice were exposed to TBI-BDTPs from sham, single-blast (SB), or repeated-blast (RB) conditions, and their memory function was assessed through behavioral assays at 2- and 8-month post-injection. Our findings revealed that RB-BDTPs induced cognitive and motor deficits, concurrently fostering the emergence of toxic tau aggregates within the injected hippocampus. Strikingly, this tau pathology propagated to cortical layers, intensifying over time. Importantly, RB-BDTP-exposed animals displayed heightened glial cell activation, NLRP3 inflammasome formation, and increased TBI biomarkers, particularly triggering the aggregation of S100B, which is indicative of a neuroinflammatory response. Collectively, our results shed light on the intricate mechanisms underlying TBI-BDTP-induced tau pathology and its association with neuroinflammatory processes. This investigation enhances our understanding of tauopathies and their interplay with neurodegenerative and inflammatory pathways following traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alice Bittar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nikita Shchankin
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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16
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Sengupta U, Kayed R. Tau Oligomers as Pathogenic Seeds: Preparation, Characterization, and Propagation In Vitro and In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:147-183. [PMID: 38512666 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Tau oligomers have been shown to be the main toxic tau species in several neurodegenerative disorders. To study tau oligomers, we have developed reagents and established methods for the reliable preparation, isolation, and detection of tau oligomers as well as their seeding and propagation both in vitro and in vivo. Detailed below are methods for isolation of tau oligomers from brain tissues and detection of tau oligomers using tau oligomer-specific antibodies by biochemical, immunohistochemical, and biophysical methods. Further, methods for evaluating the biological activity of the tau oligomers including their effects on synaptic function, seeding, and propagation in cell models and in vivo are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmi Sengupta
- George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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17
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Kalyaanamoorthy S, Opare SK, Xu X, Ganesan A, Rao PPN. Post-Translational Modifications in Tau and Their Roles in Alzheimer's Pathology. Curr Alzheimer Res 2024; 21:24-49. [PMID: 38623984 DOI: 10.2174/0115672050301407240408033046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau (also known as tau) has been shown to accumulate into paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, which are known hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Decades of research have shown that tau protein undergoes extensive post-translational modifications (PTMs), which can alter the protein's structure, function, and dynamics and impact the various properties such as solubility, aggregation, localization, and homeostasis. There is a vast amount of information describing the impact and role of different PTMs in AD pathology and neuroprotection. However, the complex interplay between these PTMs remains elusive. Therefore, in this review, we aim to comprehend the key post-translational modifications occurring in tau and summarize potential connections to clarify their impact on the physiology and pathophysiology of tau. Further, we describe how different computational modeling methods have helped in understanding the impact of PTMs on the structure and functions of the tau protein. Finally, we highlight the tau PTM-related therapeutics strategies that are explored for the development of AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanley Kojo Opare
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aravindhan Ganesan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Praveen P N Rao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Bodily TA, Ramanathan A, Wei S, Karkisaval A, Bhatt N, Jerez C, Haque MA, Ramil A, Heda P, Wang Y, Kumar S, Leite M, Li T, Zhao J, Lal R. In pursuit of degenerative brain disease diagnosis: Dementia biomarkers detected by DNA aptamer-attached portable graphene biosensor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311565120. [PMID: 37956285 PMCID: PMC10666025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311565120] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a brain disease which results in irreversible and progressive loss of cognition and motor activity. Despite global efforts, there is no simple and reliable diagnosis or treatment option. Current diagnosis involves indirect testing of commonly inaccessible biofluids and low-resolution brain imaging. We have developed a portable, wireless readout-based Graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) biosensor platform that can detect viruses, proteins, and small molecules with single-molecule sensitivity and specificity. We report the detection of three important amyloids, namely, Amyloid beta (Aβ), Tau (τ), and α-Synuclein (αS) using DNA aptamer nanoprobes. These amyloids were isolated, purified, and characterized from the autopsied brain tissues of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. The limit of detection (LoD) of the sensor is 10 fM, 1-10 pM, 10-100 fM for Aβ, τ, and αS, respectively. Synthetic as well as autopsied brain-derived amyloids showed a statistically significant sensor response with respect to derived thresholds, confirming the ability to define diseased vs. nondiseased states. The detection of each amyloid was specific to their aptamers; Aβ, τ, and αS peptides when tested, respectively, with aptamers nonspecific to them showed statistically insignificant cross-reactivity. Thus, the aptamer-based GFET biosensor has high sensitivity and precision across a range of epidemiologically significant AD and PD variants. This portable diagnostic system would allow at-home and POC testing for neurodegenerative diseases globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anirudh Ramanathan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Shanhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Abhijith Karkisaval
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Md Anzarul Haque
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Armando Ramil
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Prachi Heda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL61820
| | - Mikayla Leite
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Tie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
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19
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Hu J, Sha W, Yuan S, Wu J, Huang Y. Aggregation, Transmission, and Toxicity of the Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau: A Complex Comprehension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15023. [PMID: 37834471 PMCID: PMC10573976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is an intrinsically disordered protein containing a few short and transient secondary structures. Tau physiologically associates with microtubules (MTs) for its stabilization and detaches from MTs to regulate its dynamics. Under pathological conditions, tau is abnormally modified, detaches from MTs, and forms protein aggregates in neuronal and glial cells. Tau protein aggregates can be found in a number of devastating neurodegenerative diseases known as "tauopathies", such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), etc. However, it is still unclear how the tau protein is compacted into ordered protein aggregates, and the toxicity of the aggregates is still debated. Fortunately, there has been considerable progress in the study of tau in recent years, particularly in the understanding of the intercellular transmission of pathological tau species, the structure of tau aggregates, and the conformational change events in the tau polymerization process. In this review, we summarize the concepts of tau protein aggregation and discuss the views on tau protein transmission and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Wenchi Sha
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shuangshuang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yunpeng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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20
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Bhopatkar AA, Kayed R. Flanking regions, amyloid cores, and polymorphism: the potential interplay underlying structural diversity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105122. [PMID: 37536631 PMCID: PMC10482755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-sheet-rich amyloid core is the defining feature of protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Recent investigations have revealed that there exist multiple examples of the same protein, with the same sequence, forming a variety of amyloid cores with distinct structural characteristics. These structural variants, termed as polymorphs, are hypothesized to influence the pathological profile and the progression of different neurodegenerative diseases, giving rise to unique phenotypic differences. Thus, identifying the origin and properties of these structural variants remain a focus of studies, as a preliminary step in the development of therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the potential role of the flanking regions of amyloid cores in inducing polymorphism. These regions, adjacent to the amyloid cores, show a preponderance for being structurally disordered, imbuing them with functional promiscuity. The dynamic nature of the flanking regions can then manifest in the form of conformational polymorphism of the aggregates. We take a closer look at the sequences flanking the amyloid cores, followed by a review of the polymorphic aggregates of the well-characterized proteins amyloid-β, α-synuclein, Tau, and TDP-43. We also consider different factors that can potentially influence aggregate structure and how these regions can be viewed as novel targets for therapeutic strategies by utilizing their unique structural properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anukool A Bhopatkar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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21
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Sun Z, Kwon JS, Ren Y, Chen S, Cates K, Lu X, Walker CK, Karahan H, Sviben S, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Valdez C, Houlden H, Karch CM, Bateman RJ, Sato C, Mennerick SJ, Diamond MI, Kim J, Tanzi RE, Holtzman DM, Yoo AS. Endogenous recapitulation of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology through human 3D direct neuronal reprogramming. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.24.542155. [PMID: 37292658 PMCID: PMC10245934 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.24.542155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects elderly individuals, and is characterized by hallmark neuronal pathologies including extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition, intracellular tau tangles, and neuronal death. However, recapitulating these age-associated neuronal pathologies in patient-derived neurons has remained a significant challenge, especially for late-onset AD (LOAD), the most common form of the disorder. Here, we applied the high efficiency microRNA-mediated direct neuronal reprogramming of fibroblasts from AD patients to generate cortical neurons in three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel and self-assembled neuronal spheroids. Our findings indicate that neurons and spheroids reprogrammed from both autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) and LOAD patients exhibited AD-like phenotypes linked to neurons, including extracellular Aβ deposition, dystrophic neurites with hyperphosphorylated, K63-ubiquitin-positive, seed-competent tau, and spontaneous neuronal death in culture. Moreover, treatment with β- or γ-secretase inhibitors in LOAD patient-derived neurons and spheroids before Aβ deposit formation significantly lowered Aβ deposition, as well as tauopathy and neurodegeneration. However, the same treatment after the cells already formed Aβ deposits only had a mild effect. Additionally, inhibiting the synthesis of age-associated retrotransposable elements (RTEs) by treating LOAD neurons and spheroids with the reverse transcriptase inhibitor, lamivudine, alleviated AD neuropathology. Overall, our results demonstrate that direct neuronal reprogramming of AD patient fibroblasts in a 3D environment can capture age-related neuropathology and reflect the interplay between Aβ accumulation, tau dysregulation, and neuronal death. Moreover, miRNA-based 3D neuronal conversion provides a human-relevant AD model that can be used to identify compounds that can potentially ameliorate AD-associated pathologies and neurodegeneration.
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22
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Moore K, Sengupta U, Puangmalai N, Bhatt N, Kayed R. Polymorphic Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers: Characterization and Differential Detection with Novel Corresponding Antibodies. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2691-2705. [PMID: 36707462 PMCID: PMC9883140 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of characteristic proteinaceous aggregates. Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies can be characterized as synucleinopathies due to the abnormal accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein (α-Syn). Studies have shown amyloidogenic proteins such as α-Syn and tau can exist as polymorphic aggregates, a theory widely studied mostly in their fibrillar morphology. It is now well understood that an intermediate state of aggregates, oligomers, are the most toxic species. We have shown α-Syn, when modified by different physiological inducers, result in distinct oligomeric conformations of α-Syn. Polymorphic α-Syn oligomers exhibit distinct properties such as aggregate size, conformation, and differentially interact with tau. In this study, we confirm α-Syn oligomeric polymorphs furthermore using in-house novel α-Syn toxic conformation monoclonal antibodies (SynTCs). It is unclear the biological relevance of α-Syn oligomeric polymorphisms. Utilizing a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays, we characterize α-Syn oligomeric polymorphs. We found α-Syn oligomeric polymorphs exhibit distinct immunoreactivity and SynTCs exhibit differential selectivity and binding affinity for α-Syn species. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments suggest distinct α-Syn:SynTC binding enthalpies in a species-specific manner. Additionally, we found SynTCs differentially reduce α-Syn oligomeric polymorph-mediated neurotoxicity and propagation in primary cortical neurons in a polymorph-specific manner. These studies demonstrate the biological significance of polymorphic α-Syn oligomers along with the importance of polymorph-specific antibodies that target toxic α-Syn aggregates. Monoclonal antibodies that can target the conformational heterogeneity of α-Syn oligomeric species and reduce their mediated toxicity have promising immunotherapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Moore
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA.
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23
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The Involvement of Post-Translational Modifications in Regulating the Development and Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3617-3632. [PMID: 36877359 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03277-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been recently reported to be involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In detail, PTMs include phosphorylation, glycation, acetylation, sumoylation, ubiquitination, methylation, nitration, and truncation, which are associated with pathological functions of AD-related proteins, such as β-amyloid (Aβ), β-site APP-cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1), and tau protein. In particular, the roles of aberrant PTMs in the trafficking, cleavage, and degradation of AD-associated proteins, leading to the cognitive decline of the disease, are summarized under AD conditions. By summarizing these research progress, the gaps will be filled between PMTs and AD, which will facilitate the discovery of potential biomarkers, leading to the establishment of novel clinical intervention methods against AD.
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24
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Sato Y, Terawaki S, Oikawa D, Shimizu K, Okina Y, Ito H, Tokunaga F. Involvement of heterologous ubiquitination including linear ubiquitination in Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1089213. [PMID: 36726375 PMCID: PMC9884707 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1089213] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive accumulation of ubiquitin-positive cytoplasmic inclusions leads to proteinopathy and neurodegeneration. Along with the seven types of Lys-linked ubiquitin chains, the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC)-mediated Met1-linked linear ubiquitin chain, which activates the canonical NF-κB pathway, is also involved in cytoplasmic inclusions of tau in AD and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 in ALS. Post-translational modifications, including heterologous ubiquitination, affect proteasomal and autophagic degradation, inflammatory responses, and neurodegeneration. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SHARPIN and RBCK1 (which encodes HOIL-1L), components of LUBAC, were recently identified as genetic risk factors of AD. A structural biological simulation suggested that most of the SHARPIN SNPs that cause an amino acid replacement affect the structure and function of SHARPIN. Thus, the aberrant LUBAC activity is related to AD. Protein ubiquitination and ubiquitin-binding proteins, such as ubiquilin 2 and NEMO, facilitate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and linear ubiquitination seems to promote efficient LLPS. Therefore, the development of therapeutic approaches that target ubiquitination, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and inhibitors of ubiquitin ligases, including LUBAC, is expected to be an additional effective strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sato
- Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan,Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Seigo Terawaki
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan,Department of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Oikawa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kouhei Shimizu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Okina
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Ito
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tokunaga
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan,*Correspondence: Fuminori Tokunaga,
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25
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Hamzé R, Delangre E, Tolu S, Moreau M, Janel N, Bailbé D, Movassat J. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease: Shared Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Common Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315287. [PMID: 36499613 PMCID: PMC9739879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease is increasing alarmingly with the aging of the population. Numerous epidemiological data suggest that there is a strong association between type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of dementia. These diseases are both degenerative and progressive and share common risk factors. The amyloid cascade plays a key role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. The accumulation of amyloid beta peptides gradually leads to the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins, which then form neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in neurodegeneration and cerebral atrophy. In Alzheimer's disease, apart from these processes, the alteration of glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in the brain seems to induce early neuronal loss and the impairment of synaptic plasticity, years before the clinical manifestation of the disease. The large amount of evidence on the existence of insulin resistance in the brain during Alzheimer's disease has led to the description of this disease as "type 3 diabetes". Available animal models have been valuable in the understanding of the relationships between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, but to date, the mechanistical links are poorly understood. In this non-exhaustive review, we describe the main molecular mechanisms that may link these two diseases, with an emphasis on impaired insulin and IGF-1 signaling. We also focus on GSK3β and DYRK1A, markers of Alzheimer's disease, which are also closely associated with pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and type 2 diabetes, and thus may represent common therapeutic targets for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rim Hamzé
- Team Biology and Pathology of the Endocrine Pancreas, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Etienne Delangre
- Team Biology and Pathology of the Endocrine Pancreas, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Stefania Tolu
- Team Biology and Pathology of the Endocrine Pancreas, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Manon Moreau
- Team Degenerative Process, Stress and Aging, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Janel
- Team Degenerative Process, Stress and Aging, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Danielle Bailbé
- Team Biology and Pathology of the Endocrine Pancreas, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Jamileh Movassat
- Team Biology and Pathology of the Endocrine Pancreas, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-57-27-77-82; Fax: +33-1-57-27-77-91
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26
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Dhakal S, Robang AS, Bhatt N, Puangmalai N, Fung L, Kayed R, Paravastu AK, Rangachari V. Distinct neurotoxic TDP-43 fibril polymorphs are generated by heterotypic interactions with α-Synuclein. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102498. [PMID: 36116552 PMCID: PMC9587012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid aggregates of specific proteins constitute important pathological hallmarks in many neurodegenerative diseases, defining neuronal degeneration and disease onset. Recently, increasing numbers of patients show comorbidities and overlaps between multiple neurodegenerative diseases, presenting distinct phenotypes. Such overlaps are often accompanied by colocalizations of more than one amyloid protein, prompting the question of whether direct interactions between different amyloid proteins could generate heterotypic amyloids. To answer this question, we investigated the effect of α-synuclein (αS) on the DNA-binding protein TDP-43 aggregation inspired by their coexistence in pathologies such as Lewy body dementia and limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy. We previously showed αS and prion-like C-terminal domain (PrLD) of TDP-43 synergistically interact to generate toxic heterotypic aggregates. Here, we extend these studies to investigate whether αS induces structurally and functionally distinct polymorphs of PrLD aggregates. Using αS-PrLD heterotypic aggregates generated in two different stoichiometric proportions, we show αS can affect PrLD fibril forms. PrLD fibrils show distinctive residue level signatures determined by solid state NMR, dye-binding capability, proteinase K (PK) stability, and thermal stability toward SDS denaturation. Furthremore, by gold nanoparticle labeling and transmission electron microscopy, we show the presence of both αS and PrLD proteins within the same fibrils, confirming the existence of heterotypic amyloid fibrils. We also observe αS and PrLD colocalize in the cytosol of neuroblastoma cells and show that the heterotypic PrLD fibrils selectively induce synaptic dysfunction in primary neurons. These findings establish the existence of heterotypic amyloid and provide a molecular basis for the observed overlap between synucleinopathies and TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Dhakal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA; Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Alicia S Robang
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Leiana Fung
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Anant K Paravastu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Vijayaraghavan Rangachari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA; Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA.
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27
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Yan Y, Wang X, Chaput D, Shin MK, Koh Y, Gan L, Pieper AA, Woo JAA, Kang DE. X-linked ubiquitin-specific peptidase 11 increases tauopathy vulnerability in women. Cell 2022; 185:3913-3930.e19. [PMID: 36198316 PMCID: PMC9588697 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Although women experience significantly higher tau burden and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) than men, the underlying mechanism for this vulnerability has not been explained. Here, we demonstrate through in vitro and in vivo models, as well as human AD brain tissue, that X-linked ubiquitin specific peptidase 11 (USP11) augments pathological tau aggregation via tau deubiquitination initiated at lysine-281. Removal of ubiquitin provides access for enzymatic tau acetylation at lysines 281 and 274. USP11 escapes complete X-inactivation, and female mice and people both exhibit higher USP11 levels than males. Genetic elimination of usp11 in a tauopathy mouse model preferentially protects females from acetylated tau accumulation, tau pathology, and cognitive impairment. USP11 levels also strongly associate positively with tau pathology in females but not males. Thus, inhibiting USP11-mediated tau deubiquitination may provide an effective therapeutic opportunity to protect women from increased vulnerability to AD and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Xinming Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dale Chaput
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Min-Kyoo Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yeojung Koh
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Cleveland, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, OH, USA; Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jung-A A Woo
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - David E Kang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Louis Strokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
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28
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Bittar A, Al-Lahham R, Bhatt N, Moore K, Montalbano M, Jerez C, Fung L, McAllen S, Ellsworth A, Kayed R. Passive Immunotherapy Targeting Tau Oligomeric Strains Reverses Tauopathy Phenotypes in Aged Human-Tau Mice in a Mouse Model-Specific Manner. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:1103-1122. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Tau oligomers are one of the most toxic species, displaying prion-like strains which have different conformations resulting in different tauopathies. Passive immunotherapy targeting different tau species is a promising therapeutic approach. Age is one of the greatest risk factors; however, most immunotherapy studies are done in young to middle-aged mice tauopathy models, which is not representative of the many clinical trials done with older humans with established tauopathies. Objective: We utilized two different clones of tau oligomer monoclonal antibodies (TOMAs) in aged Htau and JNPL3 mouse models to investigate the potential of passive immunotherapy. Methods: Aged mice received a single intravenous injection of 120 μg/animal of either TOMA1, TOMA3 clones or a non-specific IgG. Their cognitive functions were assessed one-week post-injection using Y-maze and novel object recognition tests. Brain tissues were analyzed using biochemical and immunological assays. Results: TOMA 1 and 3 rescues cognitive phenotypes in aged animals in a mouse model-specific manner, indicative by a reduction in tau oligomers levels. The TOMAs were shown to have strong reactivity with different tau oligomeric species in the different mouse models in vitro and ex vivo. Conclusion: This is the first study testing tau passive immunotherapy in aged animals and supports our previous reports on of the role of oligomeric tau in disease progression further validating the potential of TOMAs to rescue the late-stage disease pathology and phenotype. Moreover, this study suggests that multiple tau oligomeric strains exist in aged animals; therefore, it is of great importance to further characterize these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bittar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rabab Al-Lahham
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kenya Moore
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Leiana Fung
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Anna Ellsworth
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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