1
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Singh A, Panhelainen A, Voutilainen MH. Feasibility of combining alpha-synuclein aggregation and 6-OHDA in embryonic midbrain culture for modeling dopamine neuron degeneration. Neurosci Lett 2023; 816:137510. [PMID: 37802418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137510] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons and the presence of alpha-synuclein (αSyn)-positive Lewy body (LB) pathology. In this study, we attempted to recapitulate both these features in a novel in vitro model for PD. To achieve this, we combined the αSyn pre-formed fibril (PFF)-seeded LB-like pathology with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced mitochondrial toxicity in mouse embryonic midbrain cultures. To pilot the model for therapeutics testing, we assessed the effects of cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) on αSyn aggregation and neuron survival. PFF-seeded pathology did not lead to DA neuron loss even with the highest dose of PFFs. The combination of PFFs and 6-OHDA did not trigger additional neurodegeneration or LB-like pathology and instead presented DA neuron loss to a similar extent as with 6-OHDA only. CDNF did not affect the PFF-seeded αSyn pathology or the DA neuron survival in the combination model but showed a trend toward neuroprotection in the 6-OHDA-only cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Singh
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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2
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Hlushchuk I, Barut J, Airavaara M, Luk K, Domanskyi A, Chmielarz P. Cell Culture Media, Unlike the Presence of Insulin, Affect α-Synuclein Aggregation in Dopaminergic Neurons. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040563. [PMID: 35454152 PMCID: PMC9024760 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There are several links between insulin resistance and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. However, the direct influence of insulin signaling on abnormal α-synuclein accumulation—a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease—remains poorly explored. To our best knowledge, this work is the first attempt to investigate the direct effects of insulin signaling on pathological α-synuclein accumulation induced by the addition of α-synuclein preformed fibrils in primary dopaminergic neurons. We found that modifying insulin signaling through (1) insulin receptor inhibitor GSK1904529A, (2) SHIP2 inhibitor AS1949490 or (3) PTEN inhibitor VO-OHpic failed to significantly affect α-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic neurons, in contrast to the aggregation-reducing effects observed after the addition of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Subsequently, we tested different media formulations, with and without insulin. Again, removal of insulin from cell culturing media showed no effect on α-synuclein accumulation. We observed, however, a reduced α-synuclein aggregation in neurons cultured in neurobasal medium with a B27 supplement, regardless of the presence of insulin, in contrast to DMEM/F12 medium with an N2 supplement. The effects of culture conditions were present only in dopaminergic but not in primary cortical or hippocampal cells, indicating the unique sensitivity of the former. Altogether, our data contravene the direct involvement of insulin signaling in the modulation of α-synuclein aggregation in dopamine neurons. Moreover, we show that the choice of culturing media can significantly affect preformed fibril-induced α-synuclein phosphorylation in a primary dopaminergic cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Hlushchuk
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00790 Helsinki, Finland;
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Justyna Barut
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kelvin Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00790 Helsinki, Finland;
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (P.C.)
| | - Piotr Chmielarz
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (P.C.)
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3
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Li B, Yang S, Ye J, Chu S, Chen N, An Z. Flavin-containing monooxygenase 1 deficiency promotes neuroinflammation in dopaminergic neurons in mice. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136222. [PMID: 34500002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates an association between flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) and neurodegeneration, including Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the details of this association are unclear. We previously showed that the level of Fmo1 mRNA is decreased in an in vitro rotenone model of parkinsonism. To further explore the potential involvement of FMO1 deficiency in parkinsonism, we generated Fmo1 knockout (KO) mice and examined the survival of dopaminergic neurons and relative changes. Fmo1 KO mice exhibited loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons, decreased levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and Parkin proteins, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β and IL6) in the nigrostriatal region. Moreover, the protein levels of PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and p62, and the Microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II/I ratio were not significantly altered in Fmo1 KO mice (P > 0.05). FMO1 deficiency promotes neuroinflammation in dopaminergic neurons in mice, thus may plays a potential pathological role in dopaminergic neuronal loss. These findings may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongtinan Road, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongtinan Road, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Junrui Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Jia2 nanwei Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Jia2 nanwei Road, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Naihong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Jia2 nanwei Road, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Zhuoling An
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongtinan Road, Beijing 100020, China.
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4
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Renko JM, Mahato AK, Visnapuu T, Valkonen K, Karelson M, Voutilainen MH, Saarma M, Tuominen RK, Sidorova YA. Neuroprotective Potential of a Small Molecule RET Agonist in Cultured Dopamine Neurons and Hemiparkinsonian Rats. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:1023-1046. [PMID: 34024778 PMCID: PMC8461720 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder where loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and dopamine depletion in the striatum cause characteristic motor symptoms. Currently, no treatment is able to halt the progression of PD. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) rescues degenerating dopamine neurons both in vitro and in animal models of PD. When tested in PD patients, however, the outcomes from intracranial GDNF infusion paradigms have been inconclusive, mainly due to poor pharmacokinetic properties. OBJECTIVE We have developed drug-like small molecules, named BT compounds that activate signaling through GDNF's receptor, the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase RET, both in vitro and in vivo and are able to penetrate through the blood-brain barrier. Here we evaluated the properties of BT44, a second generation RET agonist, in immortalized cells, dopamine neurons and rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD. METHODS We used biochemical, immunohistochemical and behavioral methods to evaluate the effects of BT44 on dopamine system in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS BT44 selectively activated RET and intracellular pro-survival AKT and MAPK signaling pathways in immortalized cells. In primary midbrain dopamine neurons cultured in serum-deprived conditions, BT44 promoted the survival of the neurons derived from wild-type, but not from RET knockout mice. BT44 also protected cultured wild-type dopamine neurons from MPP+-induced toxicity. In a rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD, BT44 reduced motor imbalance and seemed to protect dopaminergic fibers in the striatum. CONCLUSION BT44 holds potential for further development into a novel, possibly disease-modifying, therapy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanel Visnapuu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konsta Valkonen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia A Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Hlushchuk I, Ruskoaho H, Domanskyi A, Airavaara M, Välimäki MJ. Domain-Independent Inhibition of CBP/p300 Attenuates α-Synuclein Aggregation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2273-2279. [PMID: 34110772 PMCID: PMC8291498 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with failed proteostasis and accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates that compromise neuronal function and survival. In Parkinson's disease, a major pathological finding is Lewy bodies and neurites that are mainly composed of phosphorylated and aggregated α-synuclein and fragments of organelle membranes. Here, we analyzed a series of selective inhibitors acting on multidomain proteins CBP and p300 that contain both lysine acetyltransferase and bromodomains and are responsible for the recognition and enzymatic modification of lysine residues. By using high-affinity inhibitors, A-485, GNE-049, and SGC-CBP30, we explored the role of two closely related proteins, CBP and p300, as promising targets for selective attenuation of α-synuclein aggregation. Our data show that selective CBP/p300 inhibitors may alter the course of pathological α-synuclein accumulation in primary mouse embryonic dopaminergic neurons. Hence, drug-like CBP/p300 inhibitors provide an effective approach for the development of high-affinity drug candidates preventing α-synuclein aggregation via systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Hlushchuk
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 D, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki FI-00290, Finland
| | - Mika J. Välimäki
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
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6
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Fujiwara T, Kofuji T, Akagawa K. Disturbance of the reciprocal-interaction between the OXTergic and DAergic systems in the CNS causes atypical social behavior in syntaxin 1A knockout mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 413:113447. [PMID: 34224763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that oxytocin (OXT) modulates social behavior. Similarly, monoamines such as dopamine (DA) play a role in regulating social behavior. Previous studies have demonstrated that the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein syntaxin 1A (STX1A) regulates the secretion of OXT and monoamines, and that STX1A gene knockout (STX1A KO) mice exhibit atypical social behavior, such as deficient social recognition, due to reduced OXT release. In this study, we analyzed the neural mechanism regulating social behavior by OXT and/or DA using STX1A KO mice as a model animal. We found that OXT directly induced DA release from cultured DA neurons through OXT and V1a receptors. In STX1A KO mice, the atypical social behavior was partially improved by OXT administration, which was inhibited by D1 receptor blockade. In addition, the atypical social behavior in STX1A KO mice was partially improved by facilitation of DAergic signaling with the DA reuptake inhibitor GBR12909. Moreover, the amelioration by GBR12909 was inhibited by OXTR blockade. These results suggest that the reciprocal interaction between the DAergic and OXTergic neuronal systems in the CNS may be important in regulating social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Fujiwara
- Faculty of Health and Medical Care, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan; Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takefumi Kofuji
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan; Radioisotope Laboratory, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimio Akagawa
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Mahato AK, Sidorova YA. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors (GFLs) and small molecules targeting RET receptor for the treatment of pain and Parkinson's disease. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:147-160. [PMID: 32556722 PMCID: PMC7529621 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rearranged during transfection (RET), in complex with glial cell line-derived (GDNF) family receptor alpha (GFRα), is the canonical signaling receptor for GDNF family ligands (GFLs) expressed in both central and peripheral parts of the nervous system and also in non-neuronal tissues. RET-dependent signaling elicited by GFLs has an important role in the development, maintenance and survival of dopamine and sensory neurons. Both Parkinson's disease and neuropathic pain are devastating disorders without an available cure, and at the moment are only treated symptomatically. GFLs have been studied extensively in animal models of Parkinson's disease and neuropathic pain with remarkable outcomes. However, clinical trials with recombinant or viral vector-encoded GFL proteins have produced inconclusive results. GFL proteins are not drug-like; they have poor pharmacokinetic properties and activate multiple receptors. Targeting RET and/or GFRα with small molecules may resolve the problems associated with using GFLs as drugs and can result in the development of therapeutics for disease-modifying treatments against Parkinson's disease and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia A Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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8
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Airavaara M, Parkkinen I, Konovalova J, Albert K, Chmielarz P, Domanskyi A. Back and to the Future: From Neurotoxin-Induced to Human Parkinson's Disease Models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 91:e88. [PMID: 32049438 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity, and postural instability, as well as non-motor features like sleep disturbances, loss of ability to smell, depression, constipation, and pain. Motor symptoms are caused by depletion of dopamine in the striatum due to the progressive loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Approximately 10% of PD cases are familial arising from genetic mutations in α-synuclein, LRRK2, DJ-1, PINK1, parkin, and several other proteins. The majority of PD cases are, however, idiopathic, i.e., having no clear etiology. PD is characterized by progressive accumulation of insoluble inclusions, known as Lewy bodies, mostly composed of α-synuclein and membrane components. The cause of PD is currently attributed to cellular proteostasis deregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are likely interdependent. In addition, neuroinflammation is present in brains of PD patients, but whether it is the cause or consequence of neurodegeneration remains to be studied. Rodents do not develop PD or PD-like motor symptoms spontaneously; however, neurotoxins, genetic mutations, viral vector-mediated transgene expression and, recently, injections of misfolded α-synuclein have been successfully utilized to model certain aspects of the disease. Here, we critically review the advantages and drawbacks of rodent PD models and discuss approaches to advance pre-clinical PD research towards successful disease-modifying therapy. © 2020 The Authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Airavaara
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilmari Parkkinen
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Konovalova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katrina Albert
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Chmielarz
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Chmielarz P, Er Ş, Konovalova J, Bandres L, Hlushchuk I, Albert K, Panhelainen A, Luk K, Airavaara M, Domanskyi A. GDNF/RET Signaling Pathway Activation Eliminates Lewy Body Pathology in Midbrain Dopamine Neurons. Mov Disord 2020; 35:2279-2289. [PMID: 32964492 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with proteostasis disturbances and accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn), a cytosolic protein present in high concentrations at pre-synaptic neuronal terminals. It is a primary constituent of intracellular protein aggregates known as Lewy neurites or Lewy bodies. Progression of Lewy pathology caused by the prion-like self-templating properties of misfolded α-syn is a characteristic feature in the brains of PD patients. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes survival of mature dopamine (DA) neurons in vitro and in vivo. However, the data on its effect on Lewy pathology is controversial. OBJECTIVES We studied the effects of GDNF on misfolded α-syn accumulation in DA neurons. METHODS Lewy pathology progression was modeled by the application of α-syn preformed fibrils in cultured DA neurons and in the adult mice. RESULTS We discovered that GDNF prevented accumulation of misfolded α-syn in DA neurons in culture and in vivo. These effects were abolished by deletion of receptor tyrosine kinase rearranged during transfection (RET) or by inhibitors of corresponding signaling pathway. Expression of constitutively active RET protected DA neurons from fibril-induced α-syn accumulation. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we have shown the neurotrophic factor-mediated protection against the misfolded α-syn propagation in DA neurons, uncovered underlying receptors, and investigated the involved signaling pathways. These results demonstrate that activation of GDNF/RET signaling can be an effective therapeutic approach to prevent Lewy pathology spread at early stages of PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Chmielarz
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Smętna, Poland
| | - Şafak Er
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Konovalova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Bandres
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irena Hlushchuk
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katrina Albert
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Panhelainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kelvin Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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de Araújo Boleti AP, de Oliveira Flores TM, Moreno SE, Anjos LD, Mortari MR, Migliolo L. Neuroinflammation: An overview of neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases and of biotechnological studies. Neurochem Int 2020; 136:104714. [PMID: 32165170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is an important factor contributing to cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ischemic injury, and multiple sclerosis (MS). These diseases are characterized by inexorable progressive injury of neuron cells, and loss of motor or cognitive functions. Microglia, which are the resident macrophages in the brain, play an important role in both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we provide an updated discussion on the role of ROS and metabolic disease in the pathological mechanisms of activation of the microglial cells and release of cytotoxins, leading to the neurodegenerative process. In addition, we also discuss in vivo models, such as zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans, and provide new insights into therapeutics bioinspired by neuropeptides from venomous animals, supporting high throughput drug screening in the near future, searching for a complementary approach to elucidating crucial mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula de Araújo Boleti
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Taylla Michelle de Oliveira Flores
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Susana Elisa Moreno
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Lilian Dos Anjos
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departmento Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departmento Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ludovico Migliolo
- S-InovaBiotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
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11
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Mahato AK, Kopra J, Renko J, Visnapuu T, Korhonen I, Pulkkinen N, Bespalov MM, Domanskyi A, Ronken E, Piepponen TP, Voutilainen MH, Tuominen RK, Karelson M, Sidorova YA, Saarma M. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor Rearranged during transfection agonist supports dopamine neurons in Vitro and enhances dopamine release In Vivo. Mov Disord 2020; 35:245-255. [PMID: 31840869 PMCID: PMC7496767 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused by degeneration and progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. Currently, no cure for this disease is available. Existing drugs alleviate PD symptoms but fail to halt neurodegeneration. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is able to protect and repair dopamine neurons in vitro and in animal models of PD, but the clinical use of GDNF is complicated by its pharmacokinetic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the neuronal effects of a blood-brain-barrier penetrating small molecule GDNF receptor Rearranged in Transfection agonist, BT13, in the dopamine system. METHODS We characterized the ability of BT13 to activate RET in immortalized cells, to support the survival of cultured dopamine neurons, to protect cultured dopamine neurons against neurotoxin-induced cell death, to activate intracellular signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo, and to regulate dopamine release in the mouse striatum as well as BT13's distribution in the brain. RESULTS BT13 potently activates RET and downstream signaling cascades such as Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase and AKT in immortalized cells. It supports the survival of cultured dopamine neurons from wild-type but not from RET-knockout mice. BT13 protects cultured dopamine neurons from 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+ )-induced cell death only if they express RET. In addition, BT13 is absorbed in the brain, activates intracellular signaling cascades in dopamine neurons both in vitro and in vivo, and also stimulates the release of dopamine in the mouse striatum. CONCLUSION The GDNF receptor RET agonist BT13 demonstrates the potential for further development of novel disease-modifying treatments against PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Mahato
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Jaakko Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Juho‐Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Tanel Visnapuu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ilari Korhonen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Nita Pulkkinen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Maxim M. Bespalov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - T. Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Merja H. Voutilainen
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Raimo K. Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5EUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Yulia A. Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Viikinkaari 5DUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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12
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Ardashov OV, Pavlova AV, Mahato AK, Sidorova Y, Morozova EA, Korchagina DV, Salnikov GE, Genaev AM, Patrusheva OS, Li-Zhulanov NS, Tolstikova TG, Volcho KP, Salakhutdinov NF. A Novel Small Molecule Supports the Survival of Cultured Dopamine Neurons and May Restore the Dopaminergic Innervation of the Brain in the MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4337-4349. [PMID: 31464415 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that monoterpenoid (1R,2R,6S)-3-methyl-6-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-3-ene-1,2-diol 1 alleviates motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease in animal models. In the present study, we designed and synthesized monoepoxides of (1R,2R,6S)-3-methyl-6-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-3-ene-1,2-diol 1 and evaluated their biological activity in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease. We also assessed the ability of these compounds to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). According to these data, we chose epoxide 4, which potently restored the locomotor activity in MPTP-treated mice and efficiently penetrated the BBB, to further explore its potential mechanism of action. Epoxide 4 was found to robustly promote the survival of cultured dopamine neurons, protect dopamine neurons against toxin-induced degeneration, and trigger the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade in cells of neuronal origin. Meanwhile, neither the survival-promoting effect nor MAPK activation was observed in non-neuronal cells treated with epoxide 4. In the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease, compound 4 increased the density of dopamine neuron fibers in the striatum, which can highlight its potential to stimulate striatal reinnervation and thus halt disease progression. Taken together, these data indicate that epoxide 4 can be a promising compound for further development, not only as a symptomatic but also as a neuroprotective and neurorestorative drug for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V. Ardashov
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova, 2, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Alla V. Pavlova
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFe, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFe, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ekaterina A. Morozova
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Dina V. Korchagina
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Georgi E. Salnikov
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova, 2, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander M. Genaev
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Oksana S. Patrusheva
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Nikolay S. Li-Zhulanov
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova, 2, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Tat’yana G. Tolstikova
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Konstantin P. Volcho
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova, 2, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Nariman F. Salakhutdinov
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentiev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova, 2, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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13
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Stimulation of noradrenergic transmission by reboxetine is beneficial for a mouse model of progressive parkinsonism. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5262. [PMID: 30918302 PMCID: PMC6437187 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by motor deficits such as tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. These symptoms are directly caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. However, a wealth of clinical evidence indicates that the dopaminergic system is not the only system affected in PD. Postmortem studies of brains from PD patients have revealed the degeneration of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) to the same or even greater extent than that observed in the dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Moreover, studies performed on rodent models suggest that enhancement of noradrenergic transmission may attenuate the PD-like phenotype induced by MPTP administration, a neurotoxin-based PD model. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic treatment with either of two compounds targeting the noradrenergic system (reboxetine or atipamezole) possess the ability to reduce the progression of a PD-like phenotype in a novel mouse model of progressive dopaminergic neurodegeneration induced by the genetic inhibition of rRNA synthesis in dopaminergic neurons, mimicking a PD-like phenotype. The results showed that reboxetine improved the parkinsonian phenotype associated with delayed progression of SN/VTA dopaminergic neurodegeneration and higher dopamine content in the striatum. Moreover, the alpha1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine enhanced survival of TH+ neurons in primary cell cultures, supporting the putative neuroprotective effects of noradrenergic stimulation. Our results provide new insights regarding the possible influence of the noradrenergic system on dopaminergic neuron survival and strongly support the hypothesis regarding the neuroprotective role of noradrenaline.
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14
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McWilliams TG, Howard L, Wyatt S, Davies AM. TNF superfamily member APRIL enhances midbrain dopaminergic axon growth and contributes to the nigrostriatal projection in vivo. Exp Neurol 2017; 298:97-103. [PMID: 28911883 PMCID: PMC5703168 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We have studied the role of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily member APRIL in the development of embryonic mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. In culture, soluble APRIL enhanced axon growth during a window of development between E12 and E14 when nigrostriatal axons are growing to their targets in the striatum in vivo. April transcripts were detected in both the striatum and midbrain during this period and at later stages. The axon growth–enhancing effect of APRIL was similar to that of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), but in contrast to GDNF, APRIL did not promote the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. The effect of APRIL on axon growth was prevented by function-blocking antibodies to one of its receptors, BCMA (TNFRSF13A), but not by function-blocking antibodies to the other APRIL receptor, TACI (TNFRSF13B), suggesting that the effects of APRIL on axon growth are mediated by BCMA. In vivo, there was a significant reduction in the density of midbrain dopaminergic projections to the striatum in April −/− embryos compared with wild type littermates at E14. These findings demonstrate that APRIL is a physiologically relevant factor for the nigrostriatal projection. Given the importance of the degeneration of dopaminergic nigrostriatal connections in the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson's disease, our findings contribute to our understanding of the factors that establish nigrostriatal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G McWilliams
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Howard
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Wyatt
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Alun M Davies
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
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15
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Chmielarz P, Konovalova J, Najam SS, Alter H, Piepponen TP, Erfle H, Sonntag KC, Schütz G, Vinnikov IA, Domanskyi A. Dicer and microRNAs protect adult dopamine neurons. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2813. [PMID: 28542144 PMCID: PMC5520729 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression implicated in neuronal development, differentiation, aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Several miRs have been linked to PD-associated genes, apoptosis and stress response pathways, suggesting that deregulation of miRs may contribute to the development of the neurodegenerative phenotype. Here, we investigate the cell-autonomous role of miR processing RNAse Dicer in the functional maintenance of adult dopamine (DA) neurons. We demonstrate a reduction of Dicer in the ventral midbrain and altered miR expression profiles in laser-microdissected DA neurons of aged mice. Using a mouse line expressing tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 recombinase under control of the DA transporter promoter, we show that a tissue-specific conditional ablation of Dicer in DA neurons of adult mice led to decreased levels of striatal DA and its metabolites without a reduction in neuronal body numbers in hemizygous mice (DicerHET) and to progressive loss of DA neurons with severe locomotor deficits in nullizygous mice (DicerCKO). Moreover, we show that pharmacological stimulation of miR biosynthesis promoted survival of cultured DA neurons and reduced their vulnerability to thapsigargin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our data demonstrate that Dicer is crucial for maintenance of adult DA neurons, whereas a stimulation of miR production can promote neuronal survival, which may have direct implications for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Chmielarz
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Brain Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Julia Konovalova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Syeda Sadia Najam
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heike Alter
- Molecular Biology of the Cell I Division, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Holger Erfle
- ViroQuant-CellNetworks RNAi Screening Facility, BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai C Sonntag
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Günther Schütz
- Molecular Biology of the Cell I Division, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilya A Vinnikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Molecular Biology of the Cell I Division, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Molecular Biology of the Cell I Division, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Saarenpää T, Kogan K, Sidorova Y, Mahato AK, Tascón I, Kaljunen H, Yu L, Kallijärvi J, Jurvansuu J, Saarma M, Goldman A. Zebrafish GDNF and its co-receptor GFRα1 activate the human RET receptor and promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons in vitro. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176166. [PMID: 28467503 PMCID: PMC5415192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a ligand that activates, through co-receptor GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) and receptor tyrosine kinase “RET”, several signaling pathways crucial in the development and sustainment of multiple neuronal populations. We decided to study whether non-mammalian orthologs of these three proteins have conserved their function: can they activate the human counterparts? Using the baculovirus expression system, we expressed and purified Danio rerio RET, and its binding partners GFRα1 and GDNF, and Drosophila melanogaster RET and two isoforms of co-receptor GDNF receptor-like. Our results report high-level insect cell expression of post-translationally modified and dimerized zebrafish RET and its binding partners. We also found that zebrafish GFRα1 and GDNF are comparably active as mammalian cell-produced ones. We also report the first measurements of the affinity of the complex to RET in solution: at least for zebrafish, the Kd for GFRα1-GDNF binding RET is 5.9 μM. Surprisingly, we also found that zebrafish GDNF as well as zebrafish GFRα1 robustly activated human RET signaling and promoted the survival of cultured mouse dopaminergic neurons with comparable efficiency to mammalian GDNF, unlike E. coli-produced human proteins. These results contradict previous studies suggesting that mammalian GFRα1 and GDNF cannot bind and activate non-mammalian RET and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuulia Saarenpää
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konstantin Kogan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Igor Tascón
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heidi Kaljunen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liying Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kallijärvi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Jurvansuu
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Goldman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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17
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Runeberg-Roos P, Piccinini E, Penttinen AM, Mätlik K, Heikkinen H, Kuure S, Bespalov MM, Peränen J, Garea-Rodríguez E, Fuchs E, Airavaara M, Kalkkinen N, Penn R, Saarma M. Developing therapeutically more efficient Neurturin variants for treatment of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:335-345. [PMID: 27425888 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease midbrain dopaminergic neurons degenerate and die. Oral medications and deep brain stimulation can relieve the initial symptoms, but the disease continues to progress. Growth factors that might support the survival, enhance the activity, or even regenerate degenerating dopamine neurons have been tried with mixed results in patients. As growth factors do not pass the blood-brain barrier, they have to be delivered intracranially. Therefore their efficient diffusion in brain tissue is of crucial importance. To improve the diffusion of the growth factor neurturin (NRTN), we modified its capacity to attach to heparan sulfates in the extracellular matrix. We present four new, biologically fully active variants with reduced heparin binding. Two of these variants are more stable than WT NRTN in vitro and diffuse better in rat brains. We also show that one of the NRTN variants diffuses better than its close homolog GDNF in monkey brains. The variant with the highest stability and widest diffusion regenerates dopamine fibers and improves the conditions of rats in a 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease more potently than GDNF, which previously showed modest efficacy in clinical trials. The new NRTN variants may help solve the major problem of inadequate distribution of NRTN in human brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Runeberg-Roos
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland.
| | - Elisa Piccinini
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Anna-Maija Penttinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Kert Mätlik
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Hanna Heikkinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Satu Kuure
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Maxim M Bespalov
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Johan Peränen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Enrique Garea-Rodríguez
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Nisse Kalkkinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Richard Penn
- CNS Therapeutics Inc., 332 Minnesota Street, Ste W1750, St. Paul, MN 55101, USA
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, PB 56 (Viikinkaari 5D), FIN-00014, Finland
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18
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Piltonen M, Planken A, Leskelä O, Myöhänen T, Hänninen AL, Auvinen P, Alitalo K, Andressoo JO, Saarma M, Männistö P. Vascular endothelial growth factor C acts as a neurotrophic factor for dopamine neurons in vitro and in vivo. Neuroscience 2011; 192:550-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.06.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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