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Carmen-Orozco RP, Tsao W, Ye Y, Sinha IR, Chang K, Trinh VT, Chung W, Bowden K, Troncoso JC, Blackshaw S, Hayes LR, Sun S, Wong PC, Ling JP. Elevated nuclear TDP-43 induces constitutive exon skipping. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:45. [PMID: 38853250 PMCID: PMC11163724 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00732-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytoplasmic inclusions and loss of nuclear TDP-43 are key pathological features found in several neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting both gain- and loss-of-function mechanisms of disease. To study gain-of-function, TDP-43 overexpression has been used to generate in vitro and in vivo model systems. METHODS We analyzed RNA-seq datasets from mouse and human neurons overexpressing TDP-43 to explore species specific splicing patterns. We explored the dynamics between TDP-43 levels and exon repression in vitro. Furthermore we analyzed human brain samples and publicly available RNA datasets to explore the relationship between exon repression and disease. RESULTS Our study shows that excessive levels of nuclear TDP-43 protein lead to constitutive exon skipping that is largely species-specific. Furthermore, while aberrant exon skipping is detected in some human brains, it is not correlated with disease, unlike the incorporation of cryptic exons that occurs after loss of TDP-43. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the need for caution in interpreting TDP-43 overexpression data and stress the importance of controlling for exon skipping when generating models of TDP-43 proteinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogger P Carmen-Orozco
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - William Tsao
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Yingzhi Ye
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Irika R Sinha
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Koping Chang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vickie T Trinh
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - William Chung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kyra Bowden
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Juan C Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lindsey R Hayes
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Philip C Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jonathan P Ling
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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2
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Caldi Gomes L, Hänzelmann S, Hausmann F, Khatri R, Oller S, Parvaz M, Tzeplaeff L, Pasetto L, Gebelin M, Ebbing M, Holzapfel C, Columbro SF, Scozzari S, Knöferle J, Cordts I, Demleitner AF, Deschauer M, Dufke C, Sturm M, Zhou Q, Zelina P, Sudria-Lopez E, Haack TB, Streb S, Kuzma-Kozakiewicz M, Edbauer D, Pasterkamp RJ, Laczko E, Rehrauer H, Schlapbach R, Carapito C, Bonetto V, Bonn S, Lingor P. Multiomic ALS signatures highlight subclusters and sex differences suggesting the MAPK pathway as therapeutic target. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4893. [PMID: 38849340 PMCID: PMC11161513 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating motor neuron disease and lacks effective disease-modifying treatments. This study utilizes a comprehensive multiomic approach to investigate the early and sex-specific molecular mechanisms underlying ALS. By analyzing the prefrontal cortex of 51 patients with sporadic ALS and 50 control subjects, alongside four transgenic mouse models (C9orf72-, SOD1-, TDP-43-, and FUS-ALS), we have uncovered significant molecular alterations associated with the disease. Here, we show that males exhibit more pronounced changes in molecular pathways compared to females. Our integrated analysis of transcriptomes, (phospho)proteomes, and miRNAomes also identified distinct ALS subclusters in humans, characterized by variations in immune response, extracellular matrix composition, mitochondrial function, and RNA processing. The molecular signatures of human subclusters were reflected in specific mouse models. Our study highlighted the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as an early disease mechanism. We further demonstrate that trametinib, a MAPK inhibitor, has potential therapeutic benefits in vitro and in vivo, particularly in females, suggesting a direction for developing targeted ALS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Caldi Gomes
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Hänzelmann
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Hausmann
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Khatri
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sergio Oller
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mojan Parvaz
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Tzeplaeff
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Gebelin
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Bio-Organique, Université de Strasbourg, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Melanie Ebbing
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Holzapfel
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Serena Scozzari
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Johanna Knöferle
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia F Demleitner
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Deschauer
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Dufke
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc Sturm
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Qihui Zhou
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Pavol Zelina
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Sudria-Lopez
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Streb
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Endre Laczko
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Schlapbach
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Carapito
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Bio-Organique, Université de Strasbourg, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Paul Lingor
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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Koopman M, Güngördü L, Janssen L, Seinstra RI, Richmond JE, Okerlund N, Wardenaar R, Islam P, Hogewerf W, Brown AEX, Jorgensen EM, Nollen EAA. Rebalancing the motor circuit restores movement in a Caenorhabditis elegans model for TDP-43 toxicity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114204. [PMID: 38748878 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114204] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be caused by abnormal accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in the cytoplasm of neurons. Here, we use a C. elegans model for TDP-43-induced toxicity to identify the biological mechanisms that lead to disease-related phenotypes. By applying deep behavioral phenotyping and subsequent dissection of the neuromuscular circuit, we show that TDP-43 worms have profound defects in GABA neurons. Moreover, acetylcholine neurons appear functionally silenced. Enhancing functional output of repressed acetylcholine neurons at the level of, among others, G-protein-coupled receptors restores neurotransmission, but inefficiently rescues locomotion. Rebalancing the excitatory-to-inhibitory ratio in the neuromuscular system by simultaneous stimulation of the affected GABA- and acetylcholine neurons, however, not only synergizes the effects of boosting individual neurotransmitter systems, but instantaneously improves movement. Our results suggest that interventions accounting for the altered connectome may be more efficient in restoring motor function than those solely focusing on diseased neuron populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Koopman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lale Güngördü
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leen Janssen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renée I Seinstra
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janet E Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Nathan Okerlund
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Priota Islam
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wytse Hogewerf
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andre E X Brown
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erik M Jorgensen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and School of Biological Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ellen A A Nollen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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4
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Tsekrekou M, Giannakou M, Papanikolopoulou K, Skretas G. Protein aggregation and therapeutic strategies in SOD1- and TDP-43- linked ALS. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1383453. [PMID: 38855322 PMCID: PMC11157337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1383453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with severe socio-economic impact. A hallmark of ALS pathology is the presence of aberrant cytoplasmic inclusions composed of misfolded and aggregated proteins, including both wild-type and mutant forms. This review highlights the critical role of misfolded protein species in ALS pathogenesis, particularly focusing on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these misfolded proteins directly. Despite significant advancements in understanding ALS mechanisms, the disease remains incurable, with current treatments offering limited clinical benefits. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review focuses on the direct modulation of the misfolded proteins and presents recent discoveries in small molecules and peptides that inhibit SOD1 and TDP-43 aggregation, underscoring their potential as effective treatments to modify disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsekrekou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Giannakou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
- ResQ Biotech, Patras Science Park, Rio, Greece
- Institute for Bio-innovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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5
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Salzinger A, Ramesh V, Das Sharma S, Chandran S, Thangaraj Selvaraj B. Neuronal Circuit Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:792. [PMID: 38786016 PMCID: PMC11120636 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary neural circuit affected in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients is the corticospinal motor circuit, originating in upper motor neurons (UMNs) in the cerebral motor cortex which descend to synapse with the lower motor neurons (LMNs) in the spinal cord to ultimately innervate the skeletal muscle. Perturbation of these neural circuits and consequent loss of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to muscle wastage and impaired movement, is the key pathophysiology observed. Despite decades of research, we are still lacking in ALS disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we document the current research from patient studies, rodent models, and human stem cell models in understanding the mechanisms of corticomotor circuit dysfunction and its implication in ALS. We summarize the current knowledge about cortical UMN dysfunction and degeneration, altered excitability in LMNs, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and the non-cell autonomous role of glial cells in motor circuit dysfunction in relation to ALS. We further highlight the advances in human stem cell technology to model the complex neural circuitry and how these can aid in future studies to better understand the mechanisms of neural circuit dysfunction underpinning ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Vidya Ramesh
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Shreya Das Sharma
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish Thangaraj Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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6
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Christoforidou E, Moody L, Joilin G, Simoes FA, Gordon D, Talbot K, Hafezparast M. An ALS-associated mutation dysregulates microglia-derived extracellular microRNAs in a sex-specific manner. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050638. [PMID: 38813848 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050638] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests the presence of microglial activation and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of adult motor neuron disease. However, few studies have investigated whether the miRNA dysregulation originates from microglia. Furthermore, TDP-43 (encoded by TARDBP), involved in miRNA biogenesis, aggregates in tissues of ∼98% of ALS cases. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether expression of the ALS-linked TDP-43M337V mutation in a transgenic mouse model dysregulates microglia-derived miRNAs. RNA sequencing identified several dysregulated miRNAs released by transgenic microglia and a differential miRNA release by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglia, which was more pronounced in cells from female mice. We validated the downregulation of three candidate miRNAs, namely, miR-16-5p, miR-99a-5p and miR-191-5p, by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and identified their predicted targets, which primarily include genes involved in neuronal development and function. These results suggest that altered TDP-43 function leads to changes in the miRNA population released by microglia, which may in turn be a source of the miRNA dysregulation observed in the disease. This has important implications for the role of neuroinflammation in ALS pathology and could provide potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Christoforidou
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Libby Moody
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Greig Joilin
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Fabio A Simoes
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - David Gordon
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Majid Hafezparast
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
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7
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Sung W, Kim JA, Kim YS, Park J, Oh KW, Sung JJ, Ki CS, Kim YE, Kim SH. An analysis of variants in TARDBP in the Korean population with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: comparison with previous data. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18805. [PMID: 37914747 PMCID: PMC10620191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45593-3] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The TARDBP gene variant is a known major cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with limited reports of Korean patients with ALS harboring the variants in TARDBP. This large cohort study introduces four ALS patients who share the p.M337V variant of the TARDBP, allowing for an investigation of clinical characteristics and prognosis by analyzing previously reported cases with the same variant. From November 2014 to August 2022, participants were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Seoul, Korea. Clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with ALS carrying the variant in TARDBP were evaluated. Previous articles demonstrating subjects' characteristics were reviewed. Four patients were identified with the pathogenic missense variant (c.1009A>G; p.M337V) in the TARDBP. The mean age of onset was 55 years old, and none of the patients showed severe cognitive impairment. Sixty-three patients carrying the p.M337V variant in TARDBP from this study and previous reports delineated young age of onset (51.6 years), high frequency of bulbar onset patients (61.9%), and low comorbidity of frontotemporal dementia. This study reveals the presence of pathogenic variant of TARDBP in Korea and emphasizes the importance of genetic screening of the TARDBP gene, in diagnosing ALS and evaluating prognosis among familial and simplex ALS patients in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjae Sung
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro 222, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ah Kim
- Department of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sung Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro 222, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinseok Park
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro 222, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Wook Oh
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro 222, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Young-Eun Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro 222, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Wangsimni-ro 222, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Theme 03 - In Vitro Experimental Models. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2023; 24:115-127. [PMID: 37966318 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2260193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
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9
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Huang YT, Crick HR, Chaytow H, van der Hoorn D, Alhindi A, Jones RA, Hector RD, Cobb SR, Gillingwater TH. Long-term muscle-specific overexpression of DOK7 in mice using AAV9-tMCK-DOK7. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:617-628. [PMID: 37637210 PMCID: PMC10457688 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction underlies several diseases, including congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) and motor neuron disease (MND). Molecular pathways governing NMJ stability are therefore of interest from both biological and therapeutic perspectives. Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is necessary for the formation and maintenance of post-synaptic elements of the NMJ, and downstream of tyrosine kinases 7 (DOK7) is crucial for activation of the MuSK pathway. Overexpression of DOK7 using AAV9 has been shown to ameliorate neuromuscular pathology in pre-clinical disease models of CMS and MND. However, long-term consequences of DOK7 expression have been sparsely investigated and targeted overexpression of DOK7 in skeletal muscle yet to be established. Here, we developed and characterized a novel AAV9-DOK7 facilitating forced expression of DOK7 under a skeletal muscle-specific promoter. AAV9-tMCK-DOK7 was systemically delivered to newborn mice that were monitored over 6 months. DOK7 overexpression was restricted to skeletal muscles. Body weight, blood biochemistry, and histopathological assessments were unaffected by AAV9-tMCK-DOK7 treatment. In contrast, forced expression of DOK7 resulted in enlargement of both the pre- and post-synaptic components of the NMJ, without causing denervation. We conclude that muscle-specific DOK7 overexpression can be achieved in a safe manner, with the capacity to target NMJs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Hannah R. Crick
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ross A. Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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10
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Alhindi A, Shand M, Smith HL, Leite AS, Huang YT, van der Hoorn D, Ridgway Z, Faller KME, Jones RA, Gillingwater TH, Chaytow H. Neuromuscular junction denervation and terminal Schwann cell loss in the hTDP-43 overexpression mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12925. [PMID: 37465879 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with complex aetiology. Despite evidence of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation and 'dying-back' pathology in models of SOD1-dependent ALS, evidence in other genetic forms of ALS is limited by a lack of suitable animal models. TDP-43, a key mediator protein in ALS, is overexpressed in neurons in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. We therefore aimed to comprehensively analyse NMJ pathology in this model of ALS. METHODS Expression of TDP-43 was assessed via western blotting. Immunohistochemistry techniques, alongside NMJ-morph quantification, were used to analyse motor neuron number, NMJ denervation status and terminal Schwann cell morphology. RESULTS We present a time course of progressive, region-specific motor neuron pathology in Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice. Thy1-driven hTDP-43 expression increased steadily, correlating with developing hindlimb motor weakness and associated motor neuron loss in the spinal cord with a median survival of 21 days. Pronounced NMJ denervation was observed in hindlimb muscles, mild denervation in cranial muscles but no evidence of denervation in either forelimb or trunk muscles. NMJ pathology was restricted to motor nerve terminals, with denervation following the same time course as motor neuron loss. Terminal Schwann cells were lost from NMJs in hindlimb muscles, directly correlating with denervation status. CONCLUSIONS Thy1-hTDP-43WT mice represent a severe model of ALS, with NMJ pathology/denervation of distal muscles and motor neuron loss, as observed in ALS patients. This model therefore provides an ideal platform to investigate mechanisms of dying-back pathology, as well as NMJ-targeting disease-modifying therapies in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Megan Shand
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah L Smith
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ana S Leite
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Medicine, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zara Ridgway
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kiterie M E Faller
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ross A Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh, UK
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11
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Christoforidou E, Simoes FA, Gordon D, Talbot K, Hafezparast M. Aberrant dynein function promotes TDP-43 aggregation and upregulation of p62 in male mice harboring transgenic human TDP-43. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37498094 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2239276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most TDP-43 mouse models of ALS do not display cytoplasmic mislocalisation or protein aggregation of TDP-43 in spinal motor neurons in vivo. Thus, we investigated whether a combination of defective dynein with a TDP-43 mutation could trigger TDP-43 pathology. METHODS Using immunohistochemical methods we examined the intracellular motor neuron pathology of the offspring of TDP-43WT and TDP-43M337V transgenic mice bred to heterozygous Loa mice, which carry an autosomal dominant mutation in dynein cytoplasmic 1 heavy chain 1 (Dync1h1). RESULTS These mice did not exhibit TDP-43 mislocalisation in spinal motor neurons, but the expression of mutant dynein in combination with wildtype human TDP-43 resulted in p62 upregulation and TDP-43 aggregation, thus partially recapitulating the human disease. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights into the possible relationship between dynein and TDP-43 and could prove useful in future studies looking to elucidate the mechanism behind the TDP-43 pathology observed in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Christoforidou
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK and
| | - Fabio A Simoes
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK and
| | - David Gordon
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Majid Hafezparast
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK and
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12
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Zeng J, Tang Y, Dong X, Li F, Wei G. Influence of ALS-linked M337V mutation on the conformational ensembles of TDP-43 321-340 peptide monomer and dimer. Proteins 2023. [PMID: 36841957 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26482] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
The transactive response (TAR) DNA/RNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) can self-assemble into both functional stress granules via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and pathogenic amyloid fibrillary aggregates that are closely linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Previous experimental studies reported that the low complexity domain (LCD) of TDP-43 plays an essential role in the LLPS and aggregation of the full-length protein, and it alone can also undergo LLPS to form liquid droplets mainly via intermolecular interactions in the 321-340 region. And the ALS-associated M337V mutation impairs LCD's LLPS and facilitates liquid-solid phase transition. However, the underlying atomistic mechanism is not well understood. Herein, as a first step to understand the M337V-caused LLPS disruption of TDP-43 LCD mediated by the 321-340 region and the fibrillization enhancement, we investigated the conformational properties of monomer/dimer of TDP-43321-340 peptide and its M337V mutant by performing extensive all-atom explicit-solvent replica exchange molecular dynamic simulations. Our simulations demonstrate that M337V mutation alters the residue regions with high helix/β-structure propensities and thus affects the conformational ensembles of both monomer and dimer. M337V mutation inhibits helix formation in the N-terminal Ala-rich region and the C-terminal mutation site region, while facilitating their long β-sheet formation, albeit with a minor impact on the average probability of both helix structure and β-structure. Further analysis of dimer system shows that M337V mutation disrupts inter-molecular helix-helix interactions and W334-W334 π-π stacking interactions which were reported to be important for the LLPS of TDP-43 LCD, whereas enhances the overall peptide residue-residue interactions and weakens peptide-water interactions, which is conducive to peptide fibrillization. This study provides mechanistic insights into the M337V-mutation-induced impairment of phase separation and facilitation of fibril formation of TDP-43 LCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyuan Zeng
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Tang
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuewei Dong
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fangying Li
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Dubinski A, Gagné M, Peyrard S, Gordon D, Talbot K, Vande Velde C. Stress granule assembly in vivo is deficient in the CNS of mutant TDP-43 ALS mice. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:319-332. [PMID: 35994036 PMCID: PMC9840205 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Responding effectively to external stress is crucial for neurons. Defective stress granule dynamics has been hypothesized as one of the pathways that renders motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) more prone to early death. Specifically, it is thought that stress granules seed the cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions that are observed in the neurons of most ALS patients, as well as ~50% of all frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. In this study, we tested this hypothesis in an intact mammalian nervous system. We established an in vivo heat stress paradigm in mice that effectively triggers the eIF2α pathway and the formation of stress granules in the CNS. In non-transgenic mice, we report an age-dependent decline in the formation of heat-induced stress granules, with 18-month-old animals showing a significant impairment. Furthermore, although neuronal stress granules were robustly observed in non-transgenic mice and SOD1G93A mice, they were largely absent in age-matched TDP-43M337V animals. The observed defect in stress granule formation in TDP-43M337V mice correlated with deficits in expression of key protein components typically required for phase separation. Lastly, while TDP-43 was not localized to stress granules, we observed complete nuclear depletion of TDP-43 in a subset of neurons, with the highest proportion being in the TDP-43M337V mice. Overall, our results indicate that mutant TDP-43 expression is associated with defective stress granule assembly and increased TDP-43 nuclear depletion in the mammalian nervous system, which could be relevant to ALS/FTD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Dubinski
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Myriam Gagné
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sarah Peyrard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - David Gordon
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
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14
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Lépine S, Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Durcan TM. TDP-43 dysregulation and neuromuscular junction disruption in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:56. [PMID: 36575535 PMCID: PMC9793560 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron (MN) loss with a signature feature of cytoplasmic aggregates containing TDP-43, which are detected in nearly all patients. Mutations in the gene that encodes TDP-43 (TARBDP) are known to result in both familial and sporadic ALS. In ALS, disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) constitutes a critical event in disease pathogenesis, leading to denervation atrophy, motor impairments and disability. Morphological defects and impaired synaptic transmission at NMJs have been reported in several TDP-43 animal models and in vitro, linking TDP-43 dysregulation to the loss of NMJ integrity in ALS. Through the lens of the dying-back and dying-forward hypotheses of ALS, this review discusses the roles of TDP-43 related to synaptic function, with a focus on the potential molecular mechanisms occurring within MNs, skeletal muscles and glial cells that may contribute to NMJ disruption in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lépine
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 De La Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1 Canada
| | - Maria José Castellanos-Montiel
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Thomas Martin Durcan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4 Canada
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15
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Theme 03 - In Vitro Experimental Models. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2120679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Tansey MG, Wallings RL, Houser MC, Herrick MK, Keating CE, Joers V. Inflammation and immune dysfunction in Parkinson disease. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:657-673. [PMID: 35246670 PMCID: PMC8895080 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00684-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 183.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects peripheral organs as well as the central nervous system and involves a fundamental role of neuroinflammation in its pathophysiology. Neurohistological and neuroimaging studies support the presence of ongoing and end-stage neuroinflammatory processes in PD. Moreover, numerous studies of peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with PD suggest alterations in markers of inflammation and immune cell populations that could initiate or exacerbate neuroinflammation and perpetuate the neurodegenerative process. A number of disease genes and risk factors have been identified as modulators of immune function in PD and evidence is mounting for a role of viral or bacterial exposure, pesticides and alterations in gut microbiota in disease pathogenesis. This has led to the hypothesis that complex gene-by-environment interactions combine with an ageing immune system to create the 'perfect storm' that enables the development and progression of PD. We discuss the evidence for this hypothesis and opportunities to harness the emerging immunological knowledge from patients with PD to create better preclinical models with the long-term goal of enabling earlier identification of at-risk individuals to prevent, delay and more effectively treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malú Gámez Tansey
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Rebecca L Wallings
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Madelyn C Houser
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mary K Herrick
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cody E Keating
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Valerie Joers
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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17
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Gelon PA, Dutchak PA, Sephton CF. Synaptic dysfunction in ALS and FTD: anatomical and molecular changes provide insights into mechanisms of disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1000183. [PMID: 36263379 PMCID: PMC9575515 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic loss is a pathological feature of all neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). ALS is a disease of the cortical and spinal motor neurons resulting in fatal paralysis due to denervation of muscles. FTD is a form of dementia that primarily affects brain regions controlling cognition, language and behavior. Once classified as two distinct diseases, ALS and FTD are now considered as part of a common disease spectrum based on overlapping clinical, pathological and genetic evidence. At the cellular level, aggregation of common proteins and overlapping gene susceptibilities are shared in both ALS and FTD. Despite the convergence of these two fields of research, the underlying disease mechanisms remain elusive. However, recent discovers from ALS and FTD patient studies and models of ALS/FTD strongly suggests that synaptic dysfunction is an early event in the disease process and a unifying hallmark of these diseases. This review provides a summary of the reported anatomical and cellular changes that occur in cortical and spinal motor neurons in ALS and FTD tissues and models of disease. We also highlight studies that identify changes in the proteome and transcriptome of ALS and FTD models and provide a conceptual overview of the processes that contribute to synaptic dysfunction in these diseases. Due to space limitations and the vast number of publications in the ALS and FTD fields, many articles have not been discussed in this review. As such, this review focuses on the three most common shared mutations in ALS and FTD, the hexanucleuotide repeat expansion within intron 1 of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72), transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP or TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS), with the intention of highlighting common pathways that promote synaptic dysfunction in the ALS-FTD disease spectrum.
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18
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Chaytow H, Carroll E, Gordon D, Huang YT, van der Hoorn D, Smith HL, Becker T, Becker CG, Faller KME, Talbot K, Gillingwater TH. Targeting phosphoglycerate kinase 1 with terazosin improves motor neuron phenotypes in multiple models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EBioMedicine 2022; 83:104202. [PMID: 35963713 PMCID: PMC9482929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with heterogeneous aetiology and a complex genetic background. Effective therapies are therefore likely to act on convergent pathways such as dysregulated energy metabolism, linked to multiple neurodegenerative diseases including ALS. METHODS Activity of the glycolysis enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) was increased genetically or pharmacologically using terazosin in zebrafish, mouse and ESC-derived motor neuron models of ALS. Multiple disease phenotypes were assessed to determine the therapeutic potential of this approach, including axon growth and motor behaviour, survival and cell death following oxidative stress. FINDINGS We have found that targeting a single bioenergetic protein, PGK1, modulates motor neuron vulnerability in vivo. In zebrafish models of ALS, overexpression of PGK1 rescued motor axon phenotypes and improved motor behaviour. Treatment with terazosin, an FDA-approved compound with a known non-canonical action of increasing PGK1 activity, also improved these phenotypes. Terazosin treatment extended survival, improved motor phenotypes and increased motor neuron number in Thy1-hTDP-43 mice. In ESC-derived motor neurons expressing TDP-43M337V, terazosin protected against oxidative stress-induced cell death and increased basal glycolysis rates, while rescuing stress granule assembly. INTERPRETATION Our data demonstrate that terazosin protects motor neurons via multiple pathways, including upregulating glycolysis and rescuing stress granule formation. Repurposing terazosin therefore has the potential to increase the limited therapeutic options across all forms of ALS, irrespective of disease cause. FUNDING This work was supported by project grant funding from MND Scotland, the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, Medical Research Council Doctoral Student Training Fellowship [Ref: BST0010Z] and Academy of Medical Sciences grant [SGL023\1100].
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, UK; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research; Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily Carroll
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
| | - David Gordon
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, UK; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research; Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, UK; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research; Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah Louise Smith
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, UK; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research; Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas Becker
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, UK; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research; Edinburgh, UK; Center for Regenerative Therapies at the TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Catherina Gwynne Becker
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, UK; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research; Edinburgh, UK; Center for Regenerative Therapies at the TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Henry Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh, UK; Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research; Edinburgh, UK.
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19
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Hu L, Mao S, Lin L, Bai G, Liu B, Mao J. Stress granules in the spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The correlation and promising therapy. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 170:105749. [PMID: 35568100 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing genetic and biochemical evidence has broadened our view of the pathomechanisms that lead to Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two fatal neurodegenerative diseases with similar symptoms and causes. Stress granules are dynamic cytosolic storage hubs for mRNAs in response to stress exposures, that are evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic RNA granules in somatic cells. A lot of previous studies have shown that the impaired stress granules are crucial events in SMA/ALS pathogenesis. In this review, we described the key stress granules related RNA binding proteins (SMN, TDP-43, and FUS) involved in SMA/ALS, summarized the reported mutations in these RNA binding proteins involved in SMA/ALS pathogenesis, and discussed the mechanisms through which stress granules dynamics participate in the diseases. Meanwhile, we described the applications and limitation of current therapies targeting SMA/ALS. We futher proposed the promising targets on stress granules in the future therapeutic interventions of SMA/ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiDan Hu
- the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China.
| | - Shanshan Mao
- the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Li Lin
- the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Guannan Bai
- the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Bingjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianhua Mao
- the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
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20
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Koehler LC, Grese ZR, Bastos ACS, Mamede LD, Heyduk T, Ayala YM. TDP-43 Oligomerization and Phase Separation Properties Are Necessary for Autoregulation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:818655. [PMID: 35495061 PMCID: PMC9048411 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.818655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of TDP-43 protein homeostasis and dysfunction, in particular TDP-43 aggregation, are tied to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). TDP-43 is an RNA binding protein tightly controlling its own expression levels through a negative feedback loop, involving TDP-43 recruitment to the 3′ untranslated region of its own transcript. Aberrant TDP-43 expression caused by autoregulation defects are linked to TDP-43 pathology. Therefore, interactions between TDP-43 and its own transcript are crucial to prevent TDP-43 aggregation and loss of function. However, the mechanisms that mediate this interaction remain ill-defined. We find that a central RNA sequence in the 3′ UTR, which mediates TDP-43 autoregulation, increases the liquid properties of TDP-43 phase separation. Furthermore, binding to this RNA sequence induces TDP-43 condensation in human cell lysates, suggesting that this interaction promotes TDP-43 self-assembly into dynamic ribonucleoprotein granules. In agreement with these findings, our experiments show that TDP-43 oligomerization and phase separation, mediated by the amino and carboxy-terminal domains, respectively, are essential for TDP-43 autoregulation. According to our additional observations, CLIP34-associated phase separation and autoregulation may be efficiently controlled by phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain. Importantly, we find that specific ALS-associated TDP-43 mutations, mainly M337V, and a shortened TDP-43 isoform recently tied to motor neuron toxicity in ALS, disrupt the liquid properties of TDP-43-RNA condensates as well as autoregulatory function. In addition, we find that M337V decreases the cellular clearance of TDP-43 and other RNA binding proteins associated with ALS/FTD. These observations suggest that loss of liquid properties in M337V condensates strongly affects protein homeostasis. Together, this work provides evidence for the central role of TDP-43 oligomerization and liquid-liquid phase separation linked to RNA binding in autoregulation. These mechanisms may be impaired by TDP-43 disease variants and controlled by specific cellular signaling.
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Todd TW, Petrucelli L. Modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in rodents. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:231-251. [PMID: 35260846 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The efficient study of human disease requires the proper tools, one of the most crucial of which is an accurate animal model that faithfully recapitulates the human condition. The study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is no exception. Although the majority of ALS cases are considered sporadic, most animal models of this disease rely on genetic mutations identified in familial cases. Over the past decade, the number of genes associated with ALS has risen dramatically and, with each new genetic variant, there is a drive to develop associated animal models. Rodent models are of particular importance as they allow for the study of ALS in the context of a living mammal with a comparable CNS. Such models not only help to verify the pathogenicity of novel mutations but also provide critical insight into disease mechanisms and are crucial for the testing of new therapeutics. In this Review, we aim to summarize the full spectrum of ALS rodent models developed to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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22
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Bjork RT, Mortimore NP, Loganathan S, Zarnescu DC. Dysregulation of Translation in TDP-43 Proteinopathies: Deficits in the RNA Supply Chain and Local Protein Production. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:840357. [PMID: 35321094 PMCID: PMC8935057 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.840357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Local control of gene expression provides critical mechanisms for regulating development, maintenance and plasticity in the nervous system. Among the strategies known to govern gene expression locally, mRNA transport and translation have emerged as essential for a neuron’s ability to navigate developmental cues, and to establish, strengthen and remove synaptic connections throughout lifespan. Substantiating the role of RNA processing in the nervous system, several RNA binding proteins have been implicated in both developmental and age dependent neurodegenerative disorders. Of these, TDP-43 is an RNA binding protein that has emerged as a common denominator in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related disorders due to the identification of causative mutations altering its function and its accumulation in cytoplasmic aggregates observed in a significant fraction of ALS/FTD cases, regardless of etiology. TDP-43 is involved in multiple aspects of RNA processing including splicing, transport and translation. Given that one of the early events in disease pathogenesis is mislocalization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, several studies have focused on elucidating the pathogenic role of TDP-43 in cytoplasmic translation. Here we review recent findings describing TDP-43 translational targets and potential mechanisms of translation dysregulation in TDP-43 proteinopathies across multiple experimental models including cultured cells, flies, mice and patient derived neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed T. Bjork
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Mortimore
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Daniela C. Zarnescu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Daniela C. Zarnescu,
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23
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Yang C, Qiao T, Yu J, Wang H, Guo Y, Salameh J, Metterville J, Parsi S, Yusuf I, Brown RH, Cai H, Xu Z. Low-level overexpression of wild type TDP-43 causes late-onset, progressive neurodegeneration and paralysis in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0255710. [PMID: 35113871 PMCID: PMC8812852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modestly increased expression of transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) gene have been reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other neuromuscular diseases. However, whether this modest elevation triggers neurodegeneration is not known. Although high levels of TDP-43 overexpression have been modeled in mice and shown to cause early death, models with low-level overexpression that mimic the human condition have not been established. In this study, transgenic mice overexpressing wild type TDP-43 at less than 60% above the endogenous CNS levels were constructed, and their phenotypes analyzed by a variety of techniques, including biochemical, molecular, histological, behavioral techniques and electromyography. The TDP-43 transgene was expressed in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the cortex and predominantly in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord. The mice developed a reproducible progressive weakness ending in paralysis in mid-life. Detailed analysis showed ~30% loss of large pyramidal neurons in the layer V motor cortex; in the spinal cord, severe demyelination was accompanied by oligodendrocyte injury, protein aggregation, astrogliosis and microgliosis, and elevation of neuroinflammation. Surprisingly, there was no loss of lower motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord despite the complete paralysis of the hindlimbs. However, denervation was detected at the neuromuscular junction. These results demonstrate that low-level TDP-43 overexpression can cause diverse aspects of ALS, including late-onset and progressive motor dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Our findings suggest that persistent modest elevations in TDP-43 expression can lead to ALS and other neurological disorders involving TDP-43 proteinopathy. Because of the predictable and progressive clinical paralytic phenotype, this transgenic mouse model will be useful in preclinical trial of therapeutics targeting neurological disorders associated with elevated levels of TDP-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tao Qiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jia Yu
- Transgenics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yansu Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Johnny Salameh
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sepideh Parsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Issa Yusuf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Transgenics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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24
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TDP-43 pathology: from noxious assembly to therapeutic removal. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 211:102229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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25
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Jiang L, Zhang T, Lu K, Qi S. The progress in C9orf72 research: ALS/FTD pathogenesis, functions and structure. Small GTPases 2022; 13:56-76. [PMID: 33663328 PMCID: PMC9707547 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1892443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hexanucleotide repeat (GGGGCC) expansion in C9orf72 is accounted for a large proportion of the genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The hypotheses of how the massive G4C2 repeats in C9orf72 destroy the neurons and lead to ALS/FTD are raised and improving. As a multirole player, C9orf72 exerts critical roles in many cellular processes, including autophagy, membrane trafficking, immune response, and so on. Notably, the partners of C9orf72, through which C9orf72 participates in the cell activities, have been identified. Notably, the structures of the C9orf72-SMCR8-WDR41 complex shed light on its activity as GTPase activating proteins (GAP). In this manuscript, we reviewed the latest research progress in the C9orf72-mediated ALS/FTD, the physiological functions of C9orf72, and the putative function models of C9orf72/C9orf72-containing complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Jiang
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tizhong Zhang
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kefeng Lu
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,CONTACT Shiqian Qi Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
These authors contributed equally to this work.
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26
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The Cytotoxicity and Clearance of Mutant Huntingtin and Other Misfolded Proteins. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112835. [PMID: 34831058 PMCID: PMC8616338 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation are implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. One of these diseases is Huntington's, which is caused by increased glutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeats within the Huntingtin gene. Like other misfolded proteins, mutated Huntingtin proteins with polyglutamine expansions are prone to aggregation. Misfolded proteins exist as soluble monomers, small aggregates, or as large insoluble inclusion bodies. Misfolded protein aggregates are believed to be cytotoxic by stressing the protein degradation machinery, disrupting membrane structure, or sequestering other proteins. We recently showed that expression of misfolded proteins lowers cellular free ubiquitin levels, which compromises the protein degradation machinery. Therefore, the efficient degradation of misfolded proteins is critical to preserve cell health. Cells employ two major mechanisms to degrade misfolded proteins. The first is the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which ubiquitinates and degrades misfolded proteins with the assistance of segregase Cdc48/p97. The UPS pathway is mainly responsible for the clearance of misfolded proteins present as monomers or smaller aggregates. The second pathway is macroautophagy/autophagy, in which protein aggregates or inclusion bodies are recruited into an autophagosome before transport to the vacuole/lysosome for degradation. This review is focused on the current understanding of the cytotoxicity of misfolded proteins as well as their clearance pathways, with a particular emphasis on mutant Huntingtin.
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27
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Francois-Moutal L, Scott DD, Khanna M. Direct targeting of TDP-43, from small molecules to biologics: the therapeutic landscape. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1158-1166. [PMID: 34458829 PMCID: PMC8341936 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00110h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tar DNA binding (TDP)-43 proteinopathy, typically described as cytoplasmic accumulation of highly modified and misfolded TDP-43 molecules, is characteristic of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE). TDP-43 proposed proteinopathies include homeostatic imbalance between nuclear and cytoplasmic localization, aggregation of ubiquitinated and hyper-phosphorylated TDP-43, and an increase in protein truncation of cytoplasmic TDP-43. Given the therapeutic interest of targeting TDP-43, this review focuses on the current landscape of strategies, ranging from biologics to small molecules, that directly target TDP-43. Antibodies, peptides and compounds have been designed or found to recognize specific TDP-43 sequences but alleviate TDP-43 toxicity through different mechanisms. While two antibodies described here were able to induce degradation of pathological TDP-43, the peptides and small molecules were primarily designed to reduce aggregation of TDP-43. Furthermore, we discuss promising emerging therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liberty Francois-Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050 Tucson AZ 85724 USA +520-626-2204 +520-626-2147
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science Tucson AZ 85721 USA
| | - David Donald Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050 Tucson AZ 85724 USA +520-626-2204 +520-626-2147
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science Tucson AZ 85721 USA
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona 1501 North Campbell Drive, P.O. Box 245050 Tucson AZ 85724 USA +520-626-2204 +520-626-2147
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science Tucson AZ 85721 USA
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona Tucson USA
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28
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Chien HM, Lee CC, Huang JJT. The Different Faces of the TDP-43 Low-Complexity Domain: The Formation of Liquid Droplets and Amyloid Fibrils. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158213. [PMID: 34360978 PMCID: PMC8348237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a nucleic acid-binding protein that is involved in transcription and translation regulation, non-coding RNA processing, and stress granule assembly. Aside from its multiple functions, it is also known as the signature protein in the hallmark inclusions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) patients. TDP-43 is built of four domains, but its low-complexity domain (LCD) has become an intense research focus that brings to light its possible role in TDP-43 functions and involvement in the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases. Recent endeavors have further uncovered the distinct biophysical properties of TDP-43 under various circumstances. In this review, we summarize the multiple structural and biochemical properties of LCD in either promoting the liquid droplets or inducing fibrillar aggregates. We also revisit the roles of the LCD in paraspeckles, stress granules, and cytoplasmic inclusions to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Ming Chien
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei City 115, Taiwan; (H.-M.C.); (C.-C.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 115, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Taipei City 115, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chang Lee
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei City 115, Taiwan; (H.-M.C.); (C.-C.L.)
| | - Joseph Jen-Tse Huang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei City 115, Taiwan; (H.-M.C.); (C.-C.L.)
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 600, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei City 115, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-5572-8652
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29
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NMJ-Analyser identifies subtle early changes in mouse models of neuromuscular disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12251. [PMID: 34112844 PMCID: PMC8192785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the peripheral synapse formed between a motor neuron axon terminal and a muscle fibre. NMJs are thought to be the primary site of peripheral pathology in many neuromuscular diseases, but innervation/denervation status is often assessed qualitatively with poor systematic criteria across studies, and separately from 3D morphological structure. Here, we describe the development of ‘NMJ-Analyser’, to comprehensively screen the morphology of NMJs and their corresponding innervation status automatically. NMJ-Analyser generates 29 biologically relevant features to quantitatively define healthy and aberrant neuromuscular synapses and applies machine learning to diagnose NMJ degeneration. We validated this framework in longitudinal analyses of wildtype mice, as well as in four different neuromuscular disease models: three for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and one for peripheral neuropathy. We showed that structural changes at the NMJ initially occur in the nerve terminal of mutant TDP43 and FUS ALS models. Using a machine learning algorithm, healthy and aberrant neuromuscular synapses are identified with 95% accuracy, with 88% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Our results validate NMJ-Analyser as a robust platform for systematic and structural screening of NMJs, and pave the way for transferrable, and cross-comparison and high-throughput studies in neuromuscular diseases.
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30
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Alhindi A, Boehm I, Chaytow H. Small junction, big problems: Neuromuscular junction pathology in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). J Anat 2021; 241:1089-1107. [PMID: 34101196 PMCID: PMC9558162 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease with an extremely heterogeneous clinical and genetic phenotype. In our efforts to find therapies for ALS, the scientific community has developed a plethora of mouse models, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The peripheral nervous system, specifically the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is known to be affected in ALS patients and shows marked dysfunction across mouse models. Evidence of pathology at the NMJ includes denervated NMJs, changes in endplate size and loss of terminal Schwann cells. This review compares the temporal disease progression with severity of disease at the NMJ in mouse models with the most commonly mutated genes in ALS patients (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP and FUS). Despite variability, early NMJ dysfunction seems to be a common factor in models with SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations, while C9ORF72 models do not appear to follow the same pattern of pathology. Further work into determining the timing of NMJ pathology, particularly in newer ALS mouse models, will confirm its pivotal role in ALS pathogenesis and therefore highlight the NMJ as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ines Boehm
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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31
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Amen T, Kaganovich D. Stress granules inhibit fatty acid oxidation by modulating mitochondrial permeability. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109237. [PMID: 34133922 PMCID: PMC8220302 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of stress granules (SGs) is an essential aspect of the cellular response to many kinds of stress, but its adaptive role is far from clear. SG dysfunction is implicated in aging-onset neurodegenerative diseases, prompting interest in their physiological function. Here, we report that during starvation stress, SGs interact with mitochondria and regulate metabolic remodeling. We show that SG formation leads to a downregulation of fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) through the modulation of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), which import fatty acids (FAs) into mitochondria. The subsequent decrease in FAO during long-term starvation reduces oxidative damage and rations FAs for longer use. Failure to form SGs, whether caused by the genetic deletion of SG components or an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated mutation, translates into an inability to downregulate FAO. Because metabolic dysfunction is a common pathological element of neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, our findings provide a direction for studying the clinical relevance of SGs. Stress granules inhibit fatty acid oxidation Stress granules regulate VDAC levels Stress granules control mitochondrial permeability to fatty acids Stress granules redirect fatty acids to lipid droplets
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Affiliation(s)
- Triana Amen
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaganovich
- 1Base Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
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32
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Campos-Melo D, Hawley ZCE, Droppelmann CA, Strong MJ. The Integral Role of RNA in Stress Granule Formation and Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:621779. [PMID: 34095105 PMCID: PMC8173143 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.621779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are phase-separated, membraneless, cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assemblies whose primary function is to promote cell survival by condensing translationally stalled mRNAs, ribosomal components, translation initiation factors, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). While the protein composition and the function of proteins in the compartmentalization and the dynamics of assembly and disassembly of SGs has been a matter of study for several years, the role of RNA in these structures had remained largely unknown. RNA species are, however, not passive members of RNA granules in that RNA by itself can form homo and heterotypic interactions with other RNA molecules leading to phase separation and nucleation of RNA granules. RNA can also function as molecular scaffolds recruiting multivalent RBPs and their interactors to form higher-order structures. With the development of SG purification techniques coupled to RNA-seq, the transcriptomic landscape of SGs is becoming increasingly understood, revealing the enormous potential of RNA to guide the assembly and disassembly of these transient organelles. SGs are not only formed under acute stress conditions but also in response to different diseases such as viral infections, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Importantly, these granules are increasingly being recognized as potential precursors of pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we examine the current evidence in support of RNA playing a significant role in the formation of SGs and explore the concept of SGs as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Campos-Melo
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Zachary C E Hawley
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cristian A Droppelmann
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Strong
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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33
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying TDP-43 Pathology in Cellular and Animal Models of ALS and FTLD. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094705. [PMID: 33946763 PMCID: PMC8125728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are neurodegenerative disorders that exist on a disease spectrum due to pathological, clinical and genetic overlap. In up to 97% of ALS cases and ~50% of FTLD cases, the primary pathological protein observed in affected tissues is TDP-43, which is hyperphosphorylated, ubiquitinated and cleaved. The TDP-43 is observed in aggregates that are abnormally located in the cytoplasm. The pathogenicity of TDP-43 cytoplasmic aggregates may be linked with both a loss of nuclear function and a gain of toxic functions. The cellular processes involved in ALS and FTLD disease pathogenesis include changes to RNA splicing, abnormal stress granules, mitochondrial dysfunction, impairments to axonal transport and autophagy, abnormal neuromuscular junctions, endoplasmic reticulum stress and the subsequent induction of the unfolded protein response. Here, we review and discuss the evidence for alterations to these processes that have been reported in cellular and animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy.
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34
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Mechanism and effect of stress granule formation in cancer and its potential roles in breast cancer therapy. Genes Dis 2021; 9:659-667. [PMID: 35782985 PMCID: PMC9243343 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress granules are non-membranous cytoplasmic foci induced by various stress conditions. It is a protective strategy used by cells to suppress overall translation during stress. In cancer cells, it was thought that the formation of stress granules could protect them from apoptosis and induces resistance towards anti-cancer drugs or radiation treatment which makes the stress granules a potential target for cancer treatment. However, most of our understanding of stress granules are still in the stage of molecular and cell biology, and a transitional gap for its actual effect on clinical settings remains. In this review, we summarize the mechanism and effect of stress granules formation in cancer and try to illuminate its potential applications in cancer therapy, using breast cancer as an example.
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35
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Hervás R, Oroz J. Mechanistic Insights into the Role of Molecular Chaperones in Protein Misfolding Diseases: From Molecular Recognition to Amyloid Disassembly. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239186. [PMID: 33276458 PMCID: PMC7730194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-dependent alterations in the proteostasis network are crucial in the progress of prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which are characterized by the presence of insoluble protein deposits in degenerating neurons. Because molecular chaperones deter misfolded protein aggregation, regulate functional phase separation, and even dissolve noxious aggregates, they are considered major sentinels impeding the molecular processes that lead to cell damage in the course of these diseases. Indeed, members of the chaperome, such as molecular chaperones and co-chaperones, are increasingly recognized as therapeutic targets for the development of treatments against degenerative proteinopathies. Chaperones must recognize diverse toxic clients of different orders (soluble proteins, biomolecular condensates, organized protein aggregates). It is therefore critical to understand the basis of the selective chaperone recognition to discern the mechanisms of action of chaperones in protein conformational diseases. This review aimed to define the selective interplay between chaperones and toxic client proteins and the basis for the protective role of these interactions. The presence and availability of chaperone recognition motifs in soluble proteins and in insoluble aggregates, both functional and pathogenic, are discussed. Finally, the formation of aberrant (pro-toxic) chaperone complexes will also be disclosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Hervás
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA;
| | - Javier Oroz
- Rocasolano Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council (IQFR-CSIC), Serrano 119, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-915619400
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Lin Y, Zhou X, Kato M, Liu D, Ghaemmaghami S, Tu BP, McKnight SL. Redox-mediated regulation of an evolutionarily conserved cross-β structure formed by the TDP43 low complexity domain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:28727-28734. [PMID: 33144500 PMCID: PMC7682574 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012216117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A methionine-rich low complexity (LC) domain is found within a C-terminal region of the TDP43 RNA-binding protein. Self-association of this domain leads to the formation of labile cross-β polymers and liquid-like droplets. Treatment with H2O2 caused phenomena of methionine oxidation and droplet melting that were reversed upon exposure of the oxidized protein to methionine sulfoxide reductase enzymes. Morphological features of the cross-β polymers were revealed by H2O2-mediated footprinting. Equivalent TDP43 LC domain footprints were observed in polymerized hydrogels, liquid-like droplets, and living cells. The ability of H2O2 to impede cross-β polymerization was abrogated by the prominent M337V amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-causing mutation. These observations may offer insight into the biological role of TDP43 in facilitating synapse-localized translation as well as aberrant aggregation of the protein in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9152
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9152
| | - Masato Kato
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9152
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 263-8555 Chiba, Japan
| | - Daifei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9152
| | | | - Benjamin P Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9152
| | - Steven L McKnight
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9152;
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de Boer EMJ, Orie VK, Williams T, Baker MR, De Oliveira HM, Polvikoski T, Silsby M, Menon P, van den Bos M, Halliday GM, van den Berg LH, Van Den Bosch L, van Damme P, Kiernan MC, van Es MA, Vucic S. TDP-43 proteinopathies: a new wave of neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 92:jnnp-2020-322983. [PMID: 33177049 PMCID: PMC7803890 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-322983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inclusions of pathogenic deposits containing TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are evident in the brain and spinal cord of patients that present across a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, the majority of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (up to 97%) and a substantial proportion of patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (~45%) exhibit TDP-43 positive neuronal inclusions, suggesting a role for this protein in disease pathogenesis. In addition, TDP-43 inclusions are evident in familial ALS phenotypes linked to multiple gene mutations including the TDP-43 gene coding (TARDBP) and unrelated genes (eg, C9orf72). While TDP-43 is an essential RNA/DNA binding protein critical for RNA-related metabolism, determining the pathophysiological mechanisms through which TDP-43 mediates neurodegeneration appears complex, and unravelling these molecular processes seems critical for the development of effective therapies. This review highlights the key physiological functions of the TDP-43 protein, while considering an expanding spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases associated with pathogenic TDP-43 deposition, and dissecting key molecular pathways through which TDP-43 may mediate neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Maria Johanna de Boer
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Viyanti K Orie
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy Williams
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark R Baker
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hugo M De Oliveira
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tuomo Polvikoski
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew Silsby
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Parvathi Menon
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mehdi van den Bos
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael A van Es
- Department of Neurology, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Steve Vucic
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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McAlary L, Chew YL, Lum JS, Geraghty NJ, Yerbury JJ, Cashman NR. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Proteins, Proteostasis, Prions, and Promises. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:581907. [PMID: 33328890 PMCID: PMC7671971 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.581907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons that innervate muscle, resulting in gradual paralysis and culminating in the inability to breathe or swallow. This neuronal degeneration occurs in a spatiotemporal manner from a point of onset in the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting that there is a molecule that spreads from cell-to-cell. There is strong evidence that the onset and progression of ALS pathology is a consequence of protein misfolding and aggregation. In line with this, a hallmark pathology of ALS is protein deposition and inclusion formation within motor neurons and surrounding glia of the proteins TAR DNA-binding protein 43, superoxide dismutase-1, or fused in sarcoma. Collectively, the observed protein aggregation, in conjunction with the spatiotemporal spread of symptoms, strongly suggests a prion-like propagation of protein aggregation occurs in ALS. In this review, we discuss the role of protein aggregation in ALS concerning protein homeostasis (proteostasis) mechanisms and prion-like propagation. Furthermore, we examine the experimental models used to investigate these processes, including in vitro assays, cultured cells, invertebrate models, and murine models. Finally, we evaluate the therapeutics that may best prevent the onset or spread of pathology in ALS and discuss what lies on the horizon for treating this currently incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Stephen Lum
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas John Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin John Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil R. Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Sieverding K, Ulmer J, Bruno C, Satoh T, Tsao W, Freischmidt A, Akira S, Wong PC, Ludolph AC, Danzer KM, Lobsiger CS, Brenner D, Weishaupt JH. Hemizygous deletion of Tbk1 worsens neuromuscular junction pathology in TDP-43 G298S transgenic mice. Exp Neurol 2020; 335:113496. [PMID: 33038415 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the genes TARDBP (encoding the TDP-43 protein) and TBK1 can cause familial ALS. Neuronal cytoplasmatic accumulations of the misfolded, hyperphosphorylated RNA-binding protein TDP-43 are the pathological hallmark of most ALS cases and have been suggested to be a key aspect of ALS pathogenesis. Pharmacological induction of autophagy has been shown to reduce mutant TDP-43 aggregates and alleviate motor deficits in mice. TBK1 is exemplary for several other ALS genes that regulate autophagy. Consequently, we employed double mutant mice with both a heterozygous Tbk1 deletion and transgenic expression of human TDP-43G298S to test the hypothesis that impaired autophagy reduces intracellular clearance of an aggregation-prone protein and enhances toxicity of mutant TDP-43. The heterozygous deletion of Tbk1 did not change expression or cellular distribution of TDP-43 protein, motor neuron loss or reactive gliosis in the spinal cord of double-mutant mice at the age of 19 months. However, it aggravated muscle denervation and, albeit to a small and variable degree, motor dysfunction in TDP-43G298S transgenic mice, as similarly observed in the SOD1G93A transgenic mouse model for ALS before. Conclusively, our findings suggest that TBK1 mutations can affect the neuromuscular synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johannes Ulmer
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Clara Bruno
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Takashi Satoh
- Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - William Tsao
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | | | - Shizuo Akira
- Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Philip C Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | | | - Karin M Danzer
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian S Lobsiger
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany.
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Feneberg E, Gordon D, Thompson AG, Finelli MJ, Dafinca R, Candalija A, Charles PD, Mäger I, Wood MJ, Fischer R, Kessler BM, Gray E, Turner MR, Talbot K. An ALS-linked mutation in TDP-43 disrupts normal protein interactions in the motor neuron response to oxidative stress. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 144:105050. [PMID: 32800996 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 pathology is a key feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the mechanisms linking TDP-43 to altered cellular function and neurodegeneration remain unclear. We have recently described a mouse model in which human wild-type or mutant TDP-43 are expressed at low levels and where altered stress granule formation is a robust phenotype of TDP-43M337V/- expressing cells. In the present study we use this model to investigate the functional connectivity of human TDP-43 in primary motor neurons under resting conditions and in response to oxidative stress. The interactome of human TDP-43WT or TDP-43M337V was compared by mass spectrometry, and gene ontology enrichment analysis identified pathways dysregulated by the M337V mutation. We found that under normal conditions the interactome of human TDP-43WT was enriched for proteins involved in transcription, translation and poly(A)-RNA binding. In response to oxidative stress, TDP-43WT recruits proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum and endosomal-extracellular transport pathways, interactions which are reduced in the presence of the M337V mutation. Specifically, TDP-43M337V impaired protein-protein interactions involved in stress granule formation including reduced binding to the translation initiation factors Poly(A)-binding protein and Eif4a1 and the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone Grp78. The M337V mutation also affected interactions involved in endosomal-extracellular transport and this this was associated with reduced extracellular vesicle secretion in primary motor neurons from TDP-43M337V/- mice and in human iPSCs-derived motor neurons. Taken together, our analysis highlights a TDP-43 interaction network in motor neurons and demonstrates that an ALS associated mutation may alter the interactome to drive aberrant pathways involved in the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Feneberg
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - David Gordon
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander G Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Mattéa J Finelli
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Candalija
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Philip D Charles
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Imre Mäger
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Roman Fischer
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom; Lead Contact.
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Chen S, Liao Q, Lu K, Zhou J, Huang C, Bi F. Riluzole Exhibits No Therapeutic Efficacy on a Transgenic Rat model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Neurovasc Res 2020; 17:275-285. [PMID: 32271694 DOI: 10.2174/1567202617666200409125227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disorder clinically characterized by motor system dysfunction, with intraneuronal accumulation of the TAR DNAbinding protein 43 (TDP-43) being a pathological hallmark. Riluzole is a primarily prescribed medicine for ALS patients, while its therapeutical efficacy appears limited. TDP-43 transgenic mice are existing animal models for mechanistic/translational research into ALS. METHODS We developed a transgenic rat model of ALS expressing a mutant human TDP-43 transgene (TDP-43M337V) and evaluated the therapeutic effect of Riluzole on this model. Relative to control, rats with TDP-43M337V expression promoted by the neurofilament heavy subunit (NEF) gene or specifically in motor neurons promoted by the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene showed progressive worsening of mobility and grip strength, along with loss of motor neurons, microglial activation, and intraneuronal accumulation of TDP-43 and ubiquitin aggregations in the spinal cord. RESULTS Compared to vehicle control, intragastric administration of Riluzole (30 mg/kg/d) did not mitigate the behavioral deficits nor alter the neuropathologies in the transgenics. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that transgenic rats recapitulate the basic neurological and neuropathological characteristics of human ALS, while Riluzole treatment can not halt the development of the behavioral and histopathological phenotypes in this new transgenic rodent model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Liao
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Lu
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinxia Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cao Huang
- Department of Pathology Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Fangfang Bi
- Department of Neurology, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Herrando-Grabulosa M, Gaja-Capdevila N, Vela JM, Navarro X. Sigma 1 receptor as a therapeutic target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1336-1352. [PMID: 32761823 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult disease causing a progressive loss of upper and lower motoneurons, muscle paralysis and early death. ALS has a poor prognosis of 3-5 years after diagnosis with no effective cure. The aetiopathogenic mechanisms involved include glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, protein misfolding, mitochondrial alterations, disrupted axonal transport and inflammation. Sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (sigma 1 receptor) is a protein expressed in motoneurons, mainly found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) on the mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) or in close contact with cholinergic postsynaptic sites. MAMs are sites that allow the assembly of several complexes implicated in essential survival cell functions. The sigma 1 receptor modulates essential mechanisms for motoneuron survival including excitotoxicity, calcium homeostasis, ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review updates sigma 1 receptor mechanisms and its alterations in ALS, focusing on MAM modulation, which may constitute a novel target for therapeutic strategies. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Institute of Neurosciences, Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Gaja-Capdevila
- Institute of Neurosciences, Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Vela
- Esteve Pharmaceuticals S.A., Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institute of Neurosciences, Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Institut Guttmann de Neurorehabilitació, Badalona, Spain
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43
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Williamson MG, Finelli MJ, Sleigh JN, Reddington A, Gordon D, Talbot K, Davies KE, Oliver PL. Neuronal over-expression of Oxr1 is protective against ALS-associated mutant TDP-43 mislocalisation in motor neurons and neuromuscular defects in vivo. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3584-3599. [PMID: 31642482 PMCID: PMC6927465 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A common pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the related neurodegenerative disorder frontotemporal dementia, is the cellular mislocalization of transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43). Additionally, multiple mutations in the TARDBP gene (encoding TDP-43) are associated with familial forms of ALS. While the exact role for TDP-43 in the onset and progression of ALS remains unclear, the identification of factors that can prevent aberrant TDP-43 localization and function could be clinically beneficial. Previously, we discovered that the oxidation resistance 1 (Oxr1) protein could alleviate cellular mislocalization phenotypes associated with TDP-43 mutations, and that over-expression of Oxr1 was able to delay neuromuscular abnormalities in the hSOD1G93A ALS mouse model. Here, to determine whether Oxr1 can protect against TDP-43-associated phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, we used the same genetic approach in a newly described transgenic mouse expressing the human TDP-43 locus harbouring an ALS disease mutation (TDP-43M337V). We show in primary motor neurons from TDP-43M337V mice that genetically-driven Oxr1 over-expression significantly alleviates cytoplasmic mislocalization of mutant TDP-43. We also further quantified newly-identified, late-onset neuromuscular phenotypes of this mutant line, and demonstrate that neuronal Oxr1 over-expression causes a significant reduction in muscle denervation and neuromuscular junction degeneration in homozygous mutants in parallel with improved motor function and a reduction in neuroinflammation. Together these data support the application of Oxr1 as a viable and safe modifier of TDP-43-associated ALS phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Williamson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Mattéa J Finelli
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - James N Sleigh
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Amy Reddington
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - David Gordon
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Peter L Oliver
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK.,MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
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Besnard-Guérin C. Cytoplasmic localization of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-related TDP-43 proteins modulates stress granule formation. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:3995-4008. [PMID: 32343854 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TDP-43 is an RNA/DNA-binding protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Under pathological conditions, TDP-43 exported from the nucleus accumulates in the cytoplasm, forming inclusion bodies. However, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to such aggregation are unclear. The pathogenic processes that lead to aggregation in ALS were investigated by analysing the effects of wildtype human TDP-43 or with mutations in the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) or those associated with ALS in stress granule formation. TDP-43 (WT, ∆NLS or G348C), with or without a GFP-tag, was expressed in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma or HeLa cells and stress granules induced by oxidative stress or heat shock. Stress granule formation was altered in cells strongly expressing GFP-TDP-∆NLS, or untagged TDP-43-∆NLS in the cytoplasm but not the negative controls, GFP or GFP-UtrCH. In contrast, there was no reduction in stress granule formation by cells that expressed untagged TDP-43 (WT or G348C) in the nucleus upon stress induction. GFP labelling of TDP-43 (WT or G348C) promotes high cytoplasmic expression and nuclear aggregation. Stress granule formation was impaired in cells expressing GFP-TDP-43 (WT or G348C) in the cytoplasm. Overall, these results suggest that stress granule formation may be inhibited by high levels of TDP-43 protein in the cytoplasm. As stress granules serve a protective function, their deregulation may promote neurodegeneration due to an aberrant stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Besnard-Guérin
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM), Paris, France
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Wong P, Ho WY, Yen YC, Sanford E, Ling SC. The vulnerability of motor and frontal cortex-dependent behaviors in mice expressing ALS-linked mutation in TDP-43. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 92:43-60. [PMID: 32422502 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
TDP-43 aggregates are the defining pathological hallmark for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Strikingly, these TDP-43 proteinopathies are also found in other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and are prevalent in the brains of old-aged humans. Furthermore, disease-causal mutations in TDP-43 have been identified for ALS and FTD. Collectively, the evidence indicates that TDP-43 dysfunctions lead to motor and cognitive deficits. To determine whether the mouse line expressing an ALS-linked mutation in TDP-43 (Q331K) can be used to study ALS-FTD spectrum disorders, we performed a systematic and longitudinal behavioral assessment that covered motor and cognitive functions. Deficits in motor and cognitive abilities were observed as early as 3 months of age and persisted through to 12 months of age. Within the cognitive modalities, the hippocampus-mediated spatial learning and memory, and contextual fear conditioning, were normal; whereas the frontal cortex-mediated working memory and cognitive flexibility were impaired. Biochemically, the human TDP-43 transgene downregulates endogenous mouse TDP-43 mRNA and protein, resulting in human TDP-43 protein that is comparable with the physiological level in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, Q331K TDP-43 is largely retained at the nucleus without apparent aggregates. Taken together, our data suggest that motor and frontal cortex may be more vulnerable to disease-linked mutation in TDP-43 and, this mouse model may be used to assess ALS-FTD-related spectrum diseases and the molecular underpinnings associated with the phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wan Yun Ho
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi-Chun Yen
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emma Sanford
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuo-Chien Ling
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Neurobiology/Ageing Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Program in Neuroscience and Behavior Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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Sleigh JN, Tosolini AP, Gordon D, Devoy A, Fratta P, Fisher EMC, Talbot K, Schiavo G. Mice Carrying ALS Mutant TDP-43, but Not Mutant FUS, Display In Vivo Defects in Axonal Transport of Signaling Endosomes. Cell Rep 2020; 30:3655-3662.e2. [PMID: 32187538 PMCID: PMC7090381 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease resulting from a complex interplay between genetics and environment. Impairments in axonal transport have been identified in several ALS models, but in vivo evidence remains limited, thus their pathogenetic importance remains to be fully resolved. We therefore analyzed the in vivo dynamics of retrogradely transported, neurotrophin-containing signaling endosomes in nerve axons of two ALS mouse models with mutations in the RNA processing genes TARDBP and FUS. TDP-43M337V mice, which show neuromuscular pathology without motor neuron loss, display axonal transport perturbations manifesting between 1.5 and 3 months and preceding symptom onset. Contrastingly, despite 20% motor neuron loss, transport remained largely unaffected in FusΔ14/+ mice. Deficiencies in retrograde axonal transport of signaling endosomes are therefore not shared by all ALS-linked genes, indicating that there are mechanistic distinctions in the pathogenesis of ALS caused by mutations in different RNA processing genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Sleigh
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Andrew P Tosolini
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - David Gordon
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Anny Devoy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, University College London Campus, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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47
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Hergesheimer RC, Chami AA, de Assis DR, Vourc'h P, Andres CR, Corcia P, Lanznaster D, Blasco H. The debated toxic role of aggregated TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a resolution in sight? Brain 2020; 142:1176-1194. [PMID: 30938443 PMCID: PMC6487324 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is an RNA/DNA binding protein that forms phosphorylated and ubiquitinated aggregates in the cytoplasm of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a hallmark of this disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative condition affecting the upper and lower motor neurons. Even though the aggregative property of TDP-43 is considered a cornerstone of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, there has been major controversy regarding the functional link between TDP-43 aggregates and cell death. In this review, we attempt to reconcile the current literature surrounding this debate by discussing the results and limitations of the published data relating TDP-43 aggregates to cytotoxicity, as well as therapeutic perspectives of TDP-43 aggregate clearance. We point out key data suggesting that the formation of TDP-43 aggregates and the capacity to self-template and propagate among cells as a 'prion-like' protein, another pathological property of TDP-43 aggregates, are a significant cause of motor neuronal death. We discuss the disparities among the various studies, particularly with respect to the type of models and the different forms of TDP-43 used to evaluate cellular toxicity. We also examine how these disparities can interfere with the interpretation of the results pertaining to a direct toxic effect of TDP-43 aggregates. Furthermore, we present perspectives for improving models in order to better uncover the toxic role of aggregated TDP-43. Finally, we review the recent studies on the enhancement of the cellular clearance mechanisms of autophagy, the ubiquitin proteasome system, and endocytosis in an attempt to counteract TDP-43 aggregation-induced toxicity. Altogether, the data available so far encourage us to suggest that the cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43 is key for the neurodegeneration observed in motor neurons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The corresponding findings provide novel avenues toward early therapeutic interventions and clinical outcomes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna A Chami
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | | | - Patrick Vourc'h
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - Christian R Andres
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Neurologie, Tours, France
| | | | - Hélène Blasco
- UMR 1253, iBRAIN, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
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48
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Neuromuscular Diseases Due to Chaperone Mutations: A Review and Some New Results. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041409. [PMID: 32093037 PMCID: PMC7073051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle and the nervous system depend on efficient protein quality control, and they express chaperones and cochaperones at high levels to maintain protein homeostasis. Mutations in many of these proteins cause neuromuscular diseases, myopathies, and hereditary motor and sensorimotor neuropathies. In this review, we cover mutations in DNAJB6, DNAJB2, αB-crystallin (CRYAB, HSPB5), HSPB1, HSPB3, HSPB8, and BAG3, and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which they cause neuromuscular disease. In addition, previously unpublished results are presented, showing downstream effects of BAG3 p.P209L on DNAJB6 turnover and localization.
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The N-terminal of NBPF15 causes multiple types of aggregates and mediates phase transition. Biochem J 2020; 477:445-458. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The neuroblastoma breakpoint family (NBPF) consists of 24 members that play an important role in neuroblastoma and other cancers. NBPF is an evolutionarily recent gene family that encodes several repeats of Olduvai domain and an abundant N-terminal region. The function and biochemical properties of both Olduvai domain and the N-terminal region remain enigmatic. Human NBPF15 encodes a 670 AA protein consisting of six clades of Olduvai domains. In this study, we synthesized and expressed full-length NBPF15, and purified a range of NBPF15 truncations which were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), superdex200 (S200), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and crystallography. We found that proteins containing both the N-terminal region and Olduvai domain are heterogeneous with multiple types of aggregates, and some of them underwent a liquid-to-solid phase transition, probably because of the entanglement within the N-terminal coiled-coil. Proteins that contain only the Olduvai domain are homogeneous extended monomers, and those with the conserved clade 1 (CON1) have manifested a tendency to crystallize. We suggest that the entanglements between the mosaic disorder-ordered segments in NBPF15 N terminus have triggered the multiple types of aggregates and phase transition of NBPF15 proteins, which could be associated with Olduvai-related cognitive dysfunction diseases.
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50
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Loganathan S, Lehmkuhl EM, Eck RJ, Zarnescu DC. To Be or Not To Be…Toxic-Is RNA Association With TDP-43 Complexes Deleterious or Protective in Neurodegeneration? Front Mol Biosci 2020; 6:154. [PMID: 31998750 PMCID: PMC6965497 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43) is a nucleic acid binding protein associated with insoluble cytoplasmic aggregates in several neurodegenerative disorders, including 97% of the ALS cases. In healthy individuals, TDP-43 is primarily localized to the nucleus; it can shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and is involved in several aspects of RNA processing including transcription, splicing, RNA stability, transport, localization, stress granule (SG) formation, and translation. Upon stress, TDP-43 aggregates in the cytoplasm and associates with several types of RNA and protein assemblies, resulting in nuclear depletion of TDP-43. Under conditions of prolonged stress, cytoplasmic TDP-43 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and becomes less mobile. Evidence exists to support a scenario in which insoluble TDP-43 complexes sequester RNA and/or proteins causing disturbances in both ribostasis and proteostasis, which in turn contribute to neurodegeneration. However, the relationship between RNA binding and TDP-43 toxicity remains unclear. Recent studies provide conflicting views on the role of RNA in TDP-43 toxicity, with some finding RNA as a toxic factor whereby RNA binding contributes to TDP-43 toxicity, while others find RNA to be a protective factor that inhibits TDP-43 aggregation. Here we review and discuss these recent reports, which ultimately highlight the importance of understanding the heterogeneity of TDP-43 assemblies and collectively point to solubilizing TDP-43 as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik M Lehmkuhl
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Randall J Eck
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Daniela C Zarnescu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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