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König LE, Rodriguez S, Hug C, Daneshvari S, Chung A, Bradshaw GA, Sahin A, Zhou G, Eisert RJ, Piccioni F, Das S, Kalocsay M, Sokolov A, Sorger P, Root DE, Albers MW. TYK2 as a novel therapeutic target in Alzheimer's Disease with TDP-43 inclusions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.04.595773. [PMID: 38895380 PMCID: PMC11185596 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.04.595773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a pathological feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) 1,2 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 3 , raising the possibility of common therapeutic targets. We previously established that cytoplasmic double-stranded RNA (cdsRNA) is spatially coincident with cytoplasmic pTDP-43 inclusions in neurons of patients with C9ORF72-mediated ALS 4 . CdsRNA triggers a type-I interferon (IFN-I)-based innate immune response in human neural cells, resulting in their death 4 . Here, we report that cdsRNA is also spatially coincident with pTDP-43 cytoplasmic inclusions in brain cells of patients with AD pathology and that type-I interferon response genes are significantly upregulated in brain regions affected by AD. We updated our machine-learning pipeline DRIAD-SP (Drug Repurposing In Alzheimer's Disease with Systems Pharmacology) to incorporate cryptic exon (CE) detection as a proxy of pTDP-43 inclusions and demonstrated that the FDA-approved JAK inhibitors baricitinib and ruxolitinib that block interferon signaling show a protective signal only in cortical brain regions expressing multiple CEs. Furthermore, the JAK family member TYK2 was a top hit in a CRISPR screen of cdsRNA-mediated death in differentiated human neural cells. The selective TYK2 inhibitor deucravacitinib, an FDA-approved drug for psoriasis, rescued toxicity elicited by cdsRNA. Finally, we identified CCL2, CXCL10, and IL-6 as candidate predictive biomarkers for cdsRNA-related neurodegenerative diseases. Together, we find parallel neuroinflammatory mechanisms between TDP-43 associated-AD and ALS and nominate TYK2 as a possible disease-modifying target of these incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
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2
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Dorrity TJ, Shin H, Gertie JA, Chung H. The Sixth Sense: Self-nucleic acid sensing in the brain. Adv Immunol 2024; 161:53-83. [PMID: 38763702 PMCID: PMC11186578 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.03.001] [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] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Our innate immune system uses pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) as a first line of defense to detect microbial ligands and initiate an immune response. Viral nucleic acids are key ligands for the activation of many PRRs and the induction of downstream inflammatory and antiviral effects. Initially it was thought that endogenous (self) nucleic acids rarely activated these PRRs, however emerging evidence indicates that endogenous nucleic acids are able to activate host PRRs in homeostasis and disease. In fact, many regulatory mechanisms are in place to finely control and regulate sensing of self-nucleic acids by PRRs. Sensing of self-nucleic acids is particularly important in the brain, as perturbations to nucleic acid sensing commonly leads to neuropathology. This review will highlight the role of nucleic acid sensors in the brain, both in disease and homeostasis. We also indicate the source of endogenous stimulatory nucleic acids where known and summarize future directions for the study of this growing field.
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Key Words
- Brain
- DNA sensing PRRs: cGAS, AIM2, TLR9
- Neurodegeneration: Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS), Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Stroke, Traumatic brain injury
- Neurodevelopment
- Neuroinflammation
- Nuecleic acid immunity
- Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)
- RNA sensing PRRs: MDA5, RIG-I, PKR, TLR3, TLR7/8
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Dorrity
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Heegwon Shin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jake A Gertie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hachung Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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3
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Cavalier AN, Clayton ZS, Wahl D, Hutton DA, McEntee CM, Seals DR, LaRocca TJ. Protective effects of apigenin on the brain transcriptome with aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 217:111889. [PMID: 38007051 PMCID: PMC10843586 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111889] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Brain aging is associated with reduced cognitive function that increases the risk for dementia. Apigenin is a bioactive plant compound that inhibits cellular aging processes and could protect against age-related cognitive dysfunction, but its mechanisms of action in the brain have not been comprehensively studied. We characterized brain transcriptome changes in young and old mice treated with apigenin in drinking water. We observed improved learning/memory in old treated mice, and our transcriptome analyses indicated that differentially expressed genes with aging and apigenin were primarily related to immune responses, inflammation, and cytokine regulation. Moreover, we found that genes/transcripts that were increased in old vs. young mice but downregulated with apigenin treatment in old animals were associated with immune activation/inflammation, whereas transcripts that were reduced with aging but increased with apigenin were related neuronal function and signaling. We also found that these transcriptome differences with aging and apigenin treatment were driven in part by glial cells. To follow up on these in vivo transcriptome findings, we studied aged astrocytes in vitro, and we found that apigenin reduced markers of inflammation and cellular senescence in these cells. Collectively, our data suggest that apigenin may protect against age-related cognitive dysfunction by suppressing neuro-inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa N Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Zachary S Clayton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - David A Hutton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Cali M McEntee
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Thomas J LaRocca
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
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4
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Webber CJ, Murphy CN, Rondón-Ortiz AN, van der Spek SJF, Kelly EX, Lampl NM, Chiesa G, Khalil AS, Emili A, Wolozin B. Human herpesvirus 8 ORF57 protein is able to reduce TDP-43 pathology: network analysis identifies interacting pathways. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2966-2980. [PMID: 37522762 PMCID: PMC10549787 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is thought to drive the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and some frontotemporal dementias. TDP-43 is normally a nuclear protein that in neurons translocates to the cytoplasm and can form insoluble aggregates upon activation of the integrated stress response (ISR). Viruses evolved to control the ISR. In the case of Herpesvirus 8, the protein ORF57 acts to bind protein kinase R, inhibit phosphorylation of eIF2α and reduce activation of the ISR. We hypothesized that ORF57 might also possess the ability to inhibit aggregation of TDP-43. ORF57 was expressed in the neuronal SH-SY5Y line and its effects on TDP-43 aggregation characterized. We report that ORF57 inhibits TDP-43 aggregation by 55% and elicits a 2.45-fold increase in the rate of dispersion of existing TDP-43 granules. These changes were associated with a 50% decrease in cell death. Proteomic studies were carried out to identify the protein interaction network of ORF57. We observed that ORF57 directly binds to TDP-43 as well as interacts with many components of the ISR, including elements of the proteostasis machinery known to reduce TDP-43 aggregation. We propose that viral proteins designed to inhibit a chronic ISR can be engineered to remove aggregated proteins and dampen a chronic ISR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea J Webber
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Caroline N Murphy
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alejandro N Rondón-Ortiz
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sophie J F van der Spek
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Elena X Kelly
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Noah M Lampl
- Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Giulio Chiesa
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ahmad S Khalil
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Emili
- Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Benjamin Wolozin
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Neurophotonics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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5
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You J, Youssef MMM, Santos JR, Lee J, Park J. Microglia and Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Disease-Associated States, Pathological Roles, and Therapeutic Potential. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1307. [PMID: 37887017 PMCID: PMC10603852 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Microglial and astrocytic reactivity is a prominent feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Microglia and astrocytes have been increasingly appreciated to play pivotal roles in disease pathogenesis. These cells can adopt distinct states characterized by a specific molecular profile or function depending on the different contexts of development, health, aging, and disease. Accumulating evidence from ALS rodent and cell models has demonstrated neuroprotective and neurotoxic functions from microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we focused on the recent advancements of knowledge in microglial and astrocytic states and nomenclature, the landmark discoveries demonstrating a clear contribution of microglia and astrocytes to ALS pathogenesis, and novel therapeutic candidates leveraging these cells that are currently undergoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin You
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Mohieldin M. M. Youssef
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Jhune Rizsan Santos
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jooyun Lee
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jeehye Park
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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6
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Benussi A, Borroni B. Advances in the treatment and management of frontotemporal dementia. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:621-639. [PMID: 37357688 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2228491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by a wide range of pathological conditions associated with the buildup of proteins such as tau and TDP-43. With a strong hereditary component, FTD often results from genetic variants in three genes - MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors explore abnormal protein accumulation in FTD and forthcoming treatments, providing a detailed analysis of new diagnostic advancements, including innovative markers. They analyze how these discoveries have influenced therapeutic strategies, particularly disease-modifying treatments, which could potentially transform FTD management. This comprehensive exploration of FTD from its molecular underpinnings to its therapeutic prospects offers a compelling overview of the current state of FTD research. EXPERT OPINION Notable challenges in FTD management involve identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and response monitoring. Genetic forms of FTD, particularly those linked to C9orf72 and GRN, show promise, with targeted therapies resulting in substantial progress in disease-modifying strategies. The potential of neuromodulation techniques, like tDCS and rTMS, is being explored, requiring further study. Ongoing trials and multi-disciplinary care highlight the continued push toward effective FTD treatments. With increasing understanding of FTD's molecular and clinical intricacies, the hope for developing effective interventions grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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7
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Nikolic A, Maule F, Bobyn A, Ellestad K, Paik S, Marhon SA, Mehdipour P, Lun X, Chen HM, Mallard C, Hay AJ, Johnston MJ, Gafuik CJ, Zemp FJ, Shen Y, Ninkovic N, Osz K, Labit E, Berger ND, Brownsey DK, Kelly JJ, Biernaskie J, Dirks PB, Derksen DJ, Jones SJM, Senger DL, Chan JA, Mahoney DJ, De Carvalho DD, Gallo M. macroH2A2 antagonizes epigenetic programs of stemness in glioblastoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3062. [PMID: 37244935 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-renewal is a crucial property of glioblastoma cells that is enabled by the choreographed functions of chromatin regulators and transcription factors. Identifying targetable epigenetic mechanisms of self-renewal could therefore represent an important step toward developing effective treatments for this universally lethal cancer. Here we uncover an epigenetic axis of self-renewal mediated by the histone variant macroH2A2. With omics and functional assays deploying patient-derived in vitro and in vivo models, we show that macroH2A2 shapes chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements to antagonize transcriptional programs of self-renewal. macroH2A2 also sensitizes cells to small molecule-mediated cell death via activation of a viral mimicry response. Consistent with these results, our analyses of clinical cohorts indicate that high transcriptional levels of this histone variant are associated with better prognosis of high-grade glioma patients. Our results reveal a targetable epigenetic mechanism of self-renewal controlled by macroH2A2 and suggest additional treatment approaches for glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nikolic
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francesca Maule
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Anna Bobyn
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katrina Ellestad
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Seungil Paik
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Parinaz Mehdipour
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xueqing Lun
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Huey-Miin Chen
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Claire Mallard
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander J Hay
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael J Johnston
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher J Gafuik
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Franz J Zemp
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yaoqing Shen
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicoletta Ninkovic
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katalin Osz
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elodie Labit
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Compararive Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - N Daniel Berger
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Duncan K Brownsey
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John J Kelly
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Compararive Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter B Dirks
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Darren J Derksen
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Steven J M Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Donna L Senger
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Chan
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marco Gallo
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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8
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Milstead RA, Link CD, Xu Z, Hoeffer CA. TDP-43 knockdown in mouse model of ALS leads to dsRNA deposition, gliosis, and neurodegeneration in the spinal cord. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:5808-5816. [PMID: 36443249 PMCID: PMC10183735 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac461] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kilodaltons (TDP-43) is a DNA and RNA binding protein associated with severe neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primarily affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Partial knockdown of TDP-43 expression in a mouse model (the amiR-TDP-43 mice) leads to progressive, age-related motor dysfunction, as observed in ALS patients. Work in Caenorhabditis elegans suggests that TDP-43 dysfunction can lead to deficits in chromatin processing and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) accumulation, potentially activating the innate immune system and promoting neuroinflammation. To test this hypothesis, we used immunostaining to investigate dsRNA accumulation and other signs of CNS pathology in the spinal cords of amiR-TDP-43 mice. Compared with wild-type controls, TDP-43 knockdown animals show increases in dsRNA deposition in the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord. Additionally, animals with heavy dsRNA expression show markedly increased levels of astrogliosis and microgliosis. Interestingly, areas of high dsRNA expression and microgliosis overlap with regions of heavy neurodegeneration, indicating that activated microglia could contribute to the degeneration of spinal cord neurons. This study suggests that loss of TDP-43 function could contribute to neuropathology by increasing dsRNA deposition and subsequent innate immune system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Milstead
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303
| | - Christopher D Link
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303
- Linda Crnic Institute, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80217
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9
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Kinger S, Dubey AR, Kumar P, Jagtap YA, Choudhary A, Kumar A, Prajapati VK, Dhiman R, Mishra A. Molecular Chaperones' Potential against Defective Proteostasis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091302. [PMID: 37174703 PMCID: PMC10177248 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuronal degenerative condition identified via a build-up of mutant aberrantly folded proteins. The native folding of polypeptides is mediated by molecular chaperones, preventing their pathogenic aggregation. The mutant protein expression in ALS is linked with the entrapment and depletion of chaperone capacity. The lack of a thorough understanding of chaperones' involvement in ALS pathogenesis presents a significant challenge in its treatment. Here, we review how the accumulation of the ALS-linked mutant FUS, TDP-43, SOD1, and C9orf72 proteins damage cellular homeostasis mechanisms leading to neuronal loss. Further, we discuss how the HSP70 and DNAJ family co-chaperones can act as potential targets for reducing misfolded protein accumulation in ALS. Moreover, small HSPB1 and HSPB8 chaperones can facilitate neuroprotection and prevent stress-associated misfolded protein apoptosis. Designing therapeutic strategies by pharmacologically enhancing cellular chaperone capacity to reduce mutant protein proteotoxic effects on ALS pathomechanisms can be a considerable advancement. Chaperones, apart from directly interacting with misfolded proteins for protein quality control, can also filter their toxicity by initiating strong stress-response pathways, modulating transcriptional expression profiles, and promoting anti-apoptotic functions. Overall, these properties of chaperones make them an attractive target for gaining fundamental insights into misfolded protein disorders and designing more effective therapies against ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kinger
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Ankur Rakesh Dubey
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Akash Choudhary
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer 305817, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
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10
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Wahl D, Smith ME, McEntee CM, Cavalier AN, Osburn SC, Burke SD, Grant RA, Nerguizian D, Lark DS, Link CD, LaRocca TJ. The reverse transcriptase inhibitor 3TC protects against age-related cognitive dysfunction. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13798. [PMID: 36949552 PMCID: PMC10186603 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13798] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is the primary risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Major hallmarks of brain aging include neuroinflammation/immune activation and reduced neuronal health/function. These processes contribute to cognitive dysfunction (a key risk factor for Alzheimer's disease), but their upstream causes are incompletely understood. Age-related increases in transposable element (TE) transcripts might contribute to reduced cognitive function with brain aging, as the reverse transcriptase inhibitor 3TC reduces inflammation in peripheral tissues and TE transcripts have been linked with tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. However, the effects of 3TC on cognitive function with aging have not been investigated. Here, in support of a role for TE transcripts in brain aging/cognitive decline, we show that 3TC: (a) improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation in old wild-type mice; (b) preserves neuronal health with aging in mice and Caenorhabditis elegans; and (c) enhances cognitive function in a mouse model of tauopathy. We also provide insight on potential underlying mechanisms, as well as evidence of translational relevance for these observations by showing that TE transcripts accumulate with brain aging in humans, and that these age-related increases intersect with those observed in Alzheimer's disease. Collectively, our results suggest that TE transcript accumulation during aging may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, and that targeting these events with reverse transcriptase inhibitors like 3TC could be a viable therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Meghan E. Smith
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Cali M. McEntee
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Alyssa N. Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Shelby C. Osburn
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Samuel D. Burke
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Randy A. Grant
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - David Nerguizian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Daniel S. Lark
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Christopher D. Link
- Department of Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Thomas J. LaRocca
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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11
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Copley KE, Shorter J. Repetitive elements in aging and neurodegeneration. Trends Genet 2023; 39:381-400. [PMID: 36935218 PMCID: PMC10121923 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive elements (REs), such as transposable elements (TEs) and satellites, comprise much of the genome. Here, we review how TEs and (peri)centromeric satellite DNA may contribute to aging and neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Alterations in RE expression, retrotransposition, and chromatin microenvironment may shorten lifespan, elicit neurodegeneration, and impair memory and movement. REs may cause these phenotypes via DNA damage, protein sequestration, insertional mutagenesis, and inflammation. We discuss several TE families, including gypsy, HERV-K, and HERV-W, and how TEs interact with various factors, including transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) and the siRNA and piwi-interacting (pi)RNA systems. Studies of TEs in neurodegeneration have focused on Drosophila and, thus, further examination in mammals is needed. We suggest that therapeutic silencing of REs could help mitigate neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E Copley
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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12
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Ochoa E, Ramirez P, Gonzalez E, De Mange J, Ray WJ, Bieniek KF, Frost B. Pathogenic tau-induced transposable element-derived dsRNA drives neuroinflammation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabq5423. [PMID: 36608133 PMCID: PMC9821943 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq5423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Deposition of tau protein aggregates in the brain of affected individuals is a defining feature of "tauopathies," including Alzheimer's disease. Studies of human brain tissue and various model systems of tauopathy report that toxic forms of tau negatively affect nuclear and genomic architecture, identifying pathogenic tau-induced heterochromatin decondensation and consequent retrotransposon activation as a causal mediator of neurodegeneration. On the basis of their similarity to retroviruses, retrotransposons drive neuroinflammation via toxic intermediates, including double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We find that dsRNA and dsRNA sensing machinery are elevated in astrocytes of postmortem brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy and in brains of tau transgenic mice. Using a Drosophila model of tauopathy, we identify specific tau-induced retrotransposons that form dsRNA and find that pathogenic tau and heterochromatin decondensation causally drive dsRNA-mediated neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Our study suggests that pathogenic tau-induced heterochromatin decondensation and retrotransposon activation cause elevation of inflammatory, transposable element-derived dsRNA in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ochoa
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Paulino Ramirez
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Elias Gonzalez
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jasmine De Mange
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - William J. Ray
- The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Therapeutics Discovery Division, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin F. Bieniek
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Bess Frost
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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13
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Jeon YM, Kwon Y, Lee S, Kim HJ. Potential roles of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1047897. [PMID: 36875699 PMCID: PMC9974850 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1047897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major organelle involved in protein quality control and cellular homeostasis. ER stress results from structural and functional dysfunction of the organelle, along with the accumulation of misfolded proteins and changes in calcium homeostasis, it leads to ER stress response pathway such as unfolded protein response (UPR). Neurons are particularly sensitive to the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Thus, the ER stress is involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion disease and motor neuron disease (MND). Recently, the complex involvement of ER stress pathways has been demonstrated in experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/MND using pharmacological and genetic manipulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive response to ER stress. Here, we aim to provide recent evidence demonstrating that the ER stress pathway is an essential pathological mechanism of ALS. In addition, we also provide therapeutic strategies that can help treat diseases by targeting the ER stress pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mi Jeon
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghwi Kwon
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinrye Lee
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Jun Kim
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Republic of Korea
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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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Ng W, Ng SY. Remodeling of astrocyte secretome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: uncovering novel targets to combat astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:54. [PMID: 36567359 PMCID: PMC9791755 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset paralytic disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Motor neuron degeneration is typically caused by a combination of intrinsic neuronal (cell autonomous) defects as well as extrinsic (non-cell autonomous) factors such as astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Astrocytes are highly plastic cells that react to their microenvironment to mediate relevant responses. In neurodegeneration, astrocytes often turn reactive and in turn secrete a slew of factors to exert pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic effects. Various efforts have been carried out to characterize the diseased astrocyte secretome over the years, revealing that pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines and microRNAs are the main players in mediating neuronal death. As metabolomic technologies mature, these studies begin to shed light on neurotoxic metabolites such as secreted lipids. In this focused review, we will discuss changes in the astrocyte secretome during ALS. In particular, we will discuss the components of the reactive astrocyte secretome that contribute to neuronal death in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winanto Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
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16
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Riku Y, Yoshida M, Iwasaki Y, Sobue G, Katsuno M, Ishigaki S. TDP-43 Proteinopathy and Tauopathy: Do They Have Pathomechanistic Links? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415755. [PMID: 36555399 PMCID: PMC9779029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactivation response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) and tau are major pathological proteins of neurodegenerative disorders, of which neuronal and glial aggregates are pathological hallmarks. Interestingly, accumulating evidence from neuropathological studies has shown that comorbid TDP-43 pathology is observed in a subset of patients with tauopathies, and vice versa. The concomitant pathology often spreads in a disease-specific manner and has morphological characteristics in each primary disorder. The findings from translational studies have suggested that comorbid TDP-43 or tau pathology has clinical impacts and that the comorbid pathology is not a bystander, but a part of the disease process. Shared genetic risk factors or molecular abnormalities between TDP-43 proteinopathies and tauopathies, and direct interactions between TDP-43 and tau aggregates, have been reported. Further investigations to clarify the pathogenetic factors that are shared by a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders will establish key therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Riku
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 744-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: or
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yasushi Iwasaki
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Gen Sobue
- Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 744-8550, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 744-8550, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
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17
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Wahl D, Moreno JA, Santangelo KS, Zhang Q, Afzali MF, Walsh MA, Musci RV, Cavalier AN, Hamilton KL, LaRocca TJ. Nontransgenic Guinea Pig Strains Exhibit Hallmarks of Human Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:1766-1774. [PMID: 35323931 PMCID: PMC9434446 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Older age is the primary risk factor for most chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current preclinical models to study brain aging and AD are mainly transgenic and harbor mutations intended to mirror brain pathologies associated with human brain aging/AD (eg, by increasing production of the amyloid precursor protein, amyloid beta [Aβ], and/or phosphorylated tau, all of which are key pathological mediators of AD). Although these models may provide insight on pathophysiological processes in AD, none completely recapitulate the disease and its strong age-dependence, and there has been limited success in translating preclinical results and treatments to humans. Here, we describe 2 nontransgenic guinea pig (GP) models, a standard PigmEnTed (PET) strain, and lesser-studied Dunkin-Hartley (DH) strain, that may naturally mimic key features of brain aging and AD in humans. We show that brain aging in PET GP is transcriptomically similar to human brain aging, whereas older DH brains are transcriptomically more similar to human AD. Both strains/models also exhibit increased neurofilament light chain (NFL, a marker of neuronal damage) with aging, and DH animals display greater S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100β), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), and Aβ and phosphorylated tau-which are all important markers of neuroinflammation-associated AD. Collectively, our results suggest that both the PET and DH GP may be useful, nontransgenic models to study brain aging and AD, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie A Moreno
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelly S Santangelo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Maryam F Afzali
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Maureen A Walsh
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert V Musci
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Alyssa N Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Karyn L Hamilton
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas J LaRocca
- Address correspondence to: Thomas J. LaRocca, PhD, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, 1582 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1582, USA. E-mail:
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18
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Cao MC, Scotter EL. Novel and known transcriptional targets of ALS/FTD protein TDP-43: Meta-analysis and interactive graphical database. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276263. [PMID: 35946434 PMCID: PMC9509890 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 proteinopathy is the major pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and tau-negative frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Mounting evidence implicates loss of normal TDP-43 RNA processing function as a key pathomechanism. However, the RNA targets of TDP-43 differ by report, and have never been formally collated or compared between models and disease, hampering understanding of TDP-43 function. Here, we conducted re-analysis and meta-analysis of publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets from six TDP-43-knockdown models, and TDP-43-immunonegative neuronal nuclei from ALS/ FTD brain, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and exon usage (DEU) events. There was little overlap in DEGs between knockdown models, but PFKP, STMN2, CFP, KIAA1324 and TRHDE were common targets and were also differentially expressed in TDP-43-immunonegative neurons. DEG enrichment analysis revealed diverse biological pathways including immune and synaptic functions. Common DEU events in human datasets included well-known targets POLDIP3 and STMN2, and novel targets EXD3, MMAB, DLG5 and GOSR2. Our interactive database https://phpstack-449938-2576646.cloudwaysapps.com/ allows further exploration of TDP-43 DEG and DEU targets. Together, these data identify TDP-43 targets that can be exploited therapeutically or to validate loss-of-function processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maize C Cao
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Emma L Scotter
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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19
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Huang J, Li C, Shang H. Astrocytes in Neurodegeneration: Inspiration From Genetics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:882316. [PMID: 35812232 PMCID: PMC9268899 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.882316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the discovery of numerous molecules and pathologies, the pathophysiology of various neurodegenerative diseases remains unknown. Genetics participates in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Neural dysfunction, which is thought to be a cell-autonomous mechanism, is insufficient to explain the development of neurodegenerative disease, implying that other cells surrounding or related to neurons, such as glial cells, are involved in the pathogenesis. As the primary component of glial cells, astrocytes play a variety of roles in the maintenance of physiological functions in neurons and other glial cells. The pathophysiology of neurodegeneration is also influenced by reactive astrogliosis in response to central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Furthermore, those risk-gene variants identified in neurodegenerations are involved in astrocyte activation and senescence. In this review, we summarized the relationships between gene variants and astrocytes in four neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD), and provided insights into the implications of astrocytes in the neurodegenerations.
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20
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Prater KE, Latimer CS, Jayadev S. Glial TDP-43 and TDP-43 induced glial pathology, focus on neurodegenerative proteinopathy syndromes. Glia 2022; 70:239-255. [PMID: 34558120 PMCID: PMC8722378 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 2006, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has driven rapidly evolving research in neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE). TDP-43 mislocalization or aggregation is the hallmark of TDP-43 proteinopathy and is associated with cognitive impairment that can be mapped to its regional deposition. Studies in human tissue and model systems demonstrate that TDP-43 may potentiate other proteinopathies such as the amyloid or tau pathology seen in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in the combination of AD+LATE. Despite this growing body of literature, there remain gaps in our understanding of whether there is heterogeneity in TDP-43 driven mechanisms across cell types. The growing observations of correlation between TDP-43 proteinopathy and glial pathology suggest a relationship between the two, including pathogenic glial cell-autonomous dysfunction and dysregulated glial immune responses to neuronal TDP-43. In this review, we discuss the available data on TDP-43 in glia within the context of the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD and highlight the current lack of information about glial TDP-43 interaction in AD+LATE. TDP-43 has proven to be a significant modulator of cognitive and neuropathological outcomes. A deeper understanding of its role in diverse cell types may provide relevant insights into neurodegenerative syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin S. Latimer
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Suman Jayadev
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195,Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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21
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Immune Signaling Kinases in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413280. [PMID: 34948077 PMCID: PMC8707599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons in adults, with a median survival of 3-5 years after appearance of symptoms, and with no curative treatment currently available. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is also an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease, displaying not only clinical overlap with ALS, but also significant similarities at genetic and pathologic levels. Apart from the progressive loss of neurons and the accumulation of protein inclusions in certain cells and tissues, both disorders are characterized by chronic inflammation mediated by activated microglia and astrocytes, with an early and critical impact of neurodegeneration along the disease course. Despite the progress made in the last two decades in our knowledge around these disorders, the underlying molecular mechanisms of such non-cell autonomous neuronal loss still need to be clarified. In particular, immune signaling kinases are currently thought to have a key role in determining the neuroprotective or neurodegenerative nature of the central and peripheral immune states in health and disease. This review provides a comprehensive and updated view of the proposed mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and ongoing clinical trials of immune-related kinases that have been linked to ALS and/or FTD, by covering the more established TBK1, RIPK1/3, RACK I, and EPHA4 kinases, as well as other emerging players in ALS and FTD immune signaling.
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22
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Rossi S, Cozzolino M. Dysfunction of RNA/RNA-Binding Proteins in ALS Astrocytes and Microglia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113005. [PMID: 34831228 PMCID: PMC8616248 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurological disease that primarily affects motor neurons in the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. The process that leads to motor neuron degeneration is strongly influenced by non-motor neuronal events that occur in a variety of cell types. Among these, neuroinflammatory processes mediated by activated astrocytes and microglia play a relevant role. In recent years, it has become clear that dysregulation of essential steps of RNA metabolism, as a consequence of alterations in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), is a central event in the degeneration of motor neurons. Yet, a causal link between dysfunctional RNA metabolism and the neuroinflammatory processes mediated by astrocytes and microglia in ALS has been poorly defined. In this review, we will discuss the available evidence showing that RBPs and associated RNA processing are affected in ALS astrocytes and microglia, and the possible mechanisms involved in these events.
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23
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LaRocca TJ, Cavalier AN, Roberts CM, Lemieux MR, Ramesh P, Garcia MA, Link CD. Amyloid beta acts synergistically as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105493. [PMID: 34464705 PMCID: PMC8502211 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide is believed to play a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. However, the natural, evolutionarily selected functions of Aβ are incompletely understood. Here, we report that nanomolar concentrations of Aβ act synergistically with known cytokines to promote pro-inflammatory activation in primary human astrocytes (a cell type increasingly implicated in brain aging and AD). Using transcriptomics (RNA-seq), we show that Aβ can directly substitute for the complement component C1q in a cytokine cocktail previously shown to induce astrocyte immune activation. Furthermore, we show that astrocytes synergistically activated by Aβ have a transcriptional signature similar to neurotoxic "A1" astrocytes known to accumulate with age and in AD. Interestingly, we find that this biological action of Aβ at low concentrations is distinct from the transcriptome changes induced by the high/supraphysiological doses of Aβ often used in in vitro studies. Collectively, our results suggest an important, cytokine-like function for Aβ and a novel mechanism by which it may directly contribute to the neuroinflammation associated with brain aging and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J LaRocca
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America; Department of Health and Exercise Science, Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University (Current), Fort Collins, CO, United States of America.
| | - Alyssa N Cavalier
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America; Department of Health and Exercise Science, Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University (Current), Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Christine M Roberts
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Maddie R Lemieux
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Pooja Ramesh
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Micklaus A Garcia
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Christopher D Link
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America.
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24
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Wahl D, Cavalier AN, Smith M, Seals DR, LaRocca TJ. Healthy Aging Interventions Reduce Repetitive Element Transcripts. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 76:805-810. [PMID: 33257951 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcripts from noncoding repetitive elements (REs) in the genome may be involved in aging. However, they are often ignored in transcriptome studies on healthspan and lifespan, and their role in healthy aging interventions has not been characterized. Here, we analyze REs in RNA-seq datasets from mice subjected to robust healthspan- and lifespan-increasing interventions including calorie restriction, rapamycin, acarbose, 17-α-estradiol, and Protandim. We also examine RE transcripts in long-lived transgenic mice, and in mice subjected to a high-fat diet, and we use RNA-seq to investigate the influence of aerobic exercise on RE transcripts with aging in humans. We find that (a) healthy aging interventions/behaviors globally reduce RE transcripts, whereas aging and high-fat diet (an age-accelerating treatment) increase RE expression; and (b) reduced RE expression with healthy aging interventions is associated with biological/physiological processes mechanistically linked with aging. Our results suggest that RE transcript dysregulation and suppression are likely novel mechanisms underlying aging and healthy aging interventions, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.,Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
| | - Alyssa N Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.,Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
| | - Meghan Smith
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.,Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Thomas J LaRocca
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.,Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
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25
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Accelerated aging of the brain transcriptome by the common chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. Exp Gerontol 2021; 152:111451. [PMID: 34147619 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most common age-related diseases, and over one-third of cancer patients will receive chemotherapy. One frequently reported side effect of chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin (Doxo) is impaired cognitive function, commonly known as "chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI)", which may mimic accelerated brain aging. The biological mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of Doxo on the brain are unclear but could involve mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we characterized brain (hippocampal) transcriptome and cognitive/behavioral changes in young mice treated with Doxo +/- the mitochondrial therapeutic MitoQ. We found that Doxo altered transcriptome/biological processes related to synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter function, neuronal health and behavior, and that these gene expression changes were: 1) similar to key differences observed in transcriptome data on brain aging; and 2) associated with related, aging-like behavioral differences, such as decreased exploration time and impaired novel object recognition test (NOR, an index of learning/memory) performance. Interestingly, MitoQ partially prevented Doxo-induced transcriptome changes in the brain, but it had no effect on behavior or cognitive function. Collectively, our findings are consistent with the idea that chemotherapeutic agents could induce neuronal/gene expression and behavioral changes similar to those that occur during brain aging. In this context, mitochondrial therapeutics may have potential as treatments for CICI at the biological level, but their effects on behavior/cognitive function require further investigation.
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26
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Non-neuronal cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - from pathogenesis to biomarkers. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:333-348. [PMID: 33927394 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing motor neuron-centric view of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis could be an important factor in the failure to identify disease-modifying therapy for this neurodegenerative disorder. Non-neuronal cells have crucial homeostatic functions within the CNS and evidence of involvement of these cells in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS, is accumulating. Microglia and astrocytes, in crosstalk with peripheral immune cells, can exert both neuroprotective and adverse effects, resulting in a highly nuanced range of neuronal and non-neuronal cell interactions. This Review provides an overview of the diverse roles of non-neuronal cells in relation to the pathogenesis of ALS and the emerging potential of non-neuronal cell biomarkers to advance therapeutic development.
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27
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Pathway from TDP-43-Related Pathology to Neuronal Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083843. [PMID: 33917673 PMCID: PMC8068029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transactivation response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is known to be a pathologic protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). TDP-43 is normally a nuclear protein, but affected neurons of ALS or FTLD patients exhibit mislocalization of nuclear TDP-43 and cytoplasmic inclusions. Basic studies have suggested gain-of-neurotoxicity of aggregated TDP-43 or loss-of-function of intrinsic, nuclear TDP-43. It has also been hypothesized that the aggregated TDP-43 functions as a propagation seed of TDP-43 pathology. However, a mechanistic discrepancy between the TDP-43 pathology and neuronal dysfunctions remains. This article aims to review the observations of TDP-43 pathology in autopsied ALS and FTLD patients and address pathways of neuronal dysfunction related to the neuropathological findings, focusing on impaired clearance of TDP-43 and synaptic alterations in TDP-43-related ALS and FTLD. The former may be relevant to intraneuronal aggregation of TDP-43 and exocytosis of propagation seeds, whereas the latter may be related to neuronal dysfunction induced by TDP-43 pathology. Successful strategies of disease-modifying therapy might arise from further investigation of these subcellular alterations.
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28
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Abstract
One of the best strategies for healthy brain aging is regular aerobic exercise. Commonly studied "anti-aging" compounds may mimic some effects of exercise on the brain, but novel approaches that target energy-sensing pathways similar to exercise probably will be more effective in this context. We review evidence in support of this hypothesis by focusing on biological hallmarks of brain aging.
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29
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Trajano GS, Blazevich AJ. Static Stretching Reduces Motoneuron Excitability: The Potential Role of Neuromodulation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2021; 49:126-132. [PMID: 33720914 PMCID: PMC7967995 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged static muscle stretching transiently reduces maximal muscle force, and this force loss has a strong neural component. In this review, we discuss the evidence suggesting that stretching reduces the motoneuron's ability to amplify excitatory drive. We propose a hypothetical model in which stretching causes physiological relaxation, reducing the brainstem-derived neuromodulatory drive necessary to maximize motoneuron discharge rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
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30
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Palomo V, Nozal V, Rojas-Prats E, Gil C, Martinez A. Protein kinase inhibitors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:1316-1335. [PMID: 32737989 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that causes the progressive loss of motoneurons and, unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for this disease. Interconnecting multiple pathological mechanisms are involved in the neuropathology of this disease, including abnormal aggregation of proteins, neuroinflammation and dysregulation of the ubiquitin proteasome system. Such complex mechanisms, together with the lack of reliable animal models of the disease have hampered the development of drugs for this disease. Protein kinases, a key pharmacological target in several diseases, have been linked to ALS as they play a central role in the pathology of many diseases. Therefore several inhibitors are being currently trailed for clinical proof of concept in ALS patients. In this review, we examine the recent literature on protein kinase inhibitors currently in pharmaceutical development for this diseaseas future therapy for AS together with their involvement in the pathobiology of ALS. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valle Palomo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Nozal
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Brunt VE, LaRocca TJ, Bazzoni AE, Sapinsley ZJ, Miyamoto-Ditmon J, Gioscia-Ryan RA, Neilson AP, Link CD, Seals DR. The gut microbiome-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide modulates neuroinflammation and cognitive function with aging. GeroScience 2020; 43:377-394. [PMID: 32862276 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with declines in cognitive performance, which are mediated in part by neuroinflammation, characterized by astrocyte activation and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines; however, the upstream drivers are unknown. We investigated the potential role of the gut microbiome-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in modulating neuroinflammation and cognitive function with aging. Study 1: In middle-aged and older humans (65 ± 7 years), plasma TMAO levels were inversely related to performance on NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery tests of memory and fluid cognition (both r2 = 0.07, p < 0.05). Study 2: In mice, TMAO concentrations in plasma and the brain increased in parallel with aging (r2 = 0.60), suggesting TMAO crosses the blood-brain barrier. The greater TMAO concentrations in old mice (27 months) were associated with higher brain pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of astrocyte activation vs. young adult mice (6 months). Study 3: To determine if TMAO independently induces an "aging-like" decline in cognitive function, young mice (6 months) were supplemented with TMAO in chow for 6 months. Compared with controls, TMAO-supplemented mice performed worse on the novel object recognition test, indicating impaired memory and learning, and had increased neuroinflammation and markers of astrocyte activation. Study 4: Human astrocytes cultured with TMAO vs. control media exhibited changes in cellular morphology and protein markers consistent with astrocyte activation, indicating TMAO directly acts on these cells. Our results provide translational insight into a novel pathway that modulates neuroinflammation and cognitive function with aging, and suggest that TMAO might be a promising target for prevention of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vienna E Brunt
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Thomas J LaRocca
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Department of Health and Exercise Science and the Center for Healthy Aging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Amy E Bazzoni
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Zachary J Sapinsley
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Jill Miyamoto-Ditmon
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Rachel A Gioscia-Ryan
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Andrew P Neilson
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Christopher D Link
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant St, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
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32
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LaRocca TJ, Cavalier AN, Wahl D. Repetitive elements as a transcriptomic marker of aging: Evidence in multiple datasets and models. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13167. [PMID: 32500641 PMCID: PMC7412685 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptomic markers of aging can be useful for studying age‐related processes and diseases. However, noncoding repetitive element (RE) transcripts, which may play an important role in aging, are commonly overlooked in transcriptome studies—and their potential as a transcriptomic marker of aging has not been evaluated. Here, we used multiple RNA‐seq datasets generated from human samples and Caenorhabditis elegans and found that most RE transcripts (a) accumulate progressively with aging; (b) can be used to accurately predict age; and (c) may be a good marker of biological age. The strong RE/aging correlations we observed are consistent with growing evidence that RE transcripts contribute directly to aging and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. LaRocca
- Department of Health and Exercise Science Center for Healthy Aging Colorado State University Fort Collins CO USA
| | - Alyssa N. Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise Science Center for Healthy Aging Colorado State University Fort Collins CO USA
| | - Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise Science Center for Healthy Aging Colorado State University Fort Collins CO USA
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33
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Nguyen TM, Kabotyanski EB, Reineke LC, Shao J, Xiong F, Lee JH, Dubrulle J, Johnson H, Stossi F, Tsoi PS, Choi KJ, Ellis AG, Zhao N, Cao J, Adewunmi O, Ferreon JC, Ferreon ACM, Neilson JR, Mancini MA, Chen X, Kim J, Ma L, Li W, Rosen JM. The SINEB1 element in the long non-coding RNA Malat1 is necessary for TDP-43 proteostasis. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2621-2642. [PMID: 31863590 PMCID: PMC7049706 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a large proportion of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Here, we employed CRISPR to delete a short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) in Malat1, a cancer-associated lncRNA, to investigate its significance in cellular physiology. We show that Malat1 with a SINE deletion forms diffuse nuclear speckles and is frequently translocated to the cytoplasm. SINE-deleted cells exhibit an activated unfolded protein response and PKR and markedly increased DNA damage and apoptosis caused by dysregulation of TDP-43 localization and formation of cytotoxic inclusions. TDP-43 binds stronger to Malat1 without the SINE and is likely 'hijacked' by cytoplasmic Malat1 to the cytoplasm, resulting in the depletion of nuclear TDP-43 and redistribution of TDP-43 binding to repetitive element transcripts and mRNAs encoding mitotic and nuclear-cytoplasmic regulators. The SINE promotes Malat1 nuclear retention by facilitating Malat1 binding to HNRNPK, a protein that drives RNA nuclear retention, potentially through direct interactions of the SINE with KHDRBS1 and TRA2A, which bind to HNRNPK. Losing these RNA-protein interactions due to the SINE deletion likely creates more available TDP-43 binding sites on Malat1 and subsequent TDP-43 aggregation. These results highlight the significance of lncRNA TEs in TDP-43 proteostasis with potential implications in both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan M Nguyen
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena B Kabotyanski
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lucas C Reineke
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiaofang Shao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joo-Hyung Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julien Dubrulle
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hannah Johnson
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fabio Stossi
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Phoebe S Tsoi
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kyoung-Jae Choi
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alexander G Ellis
- Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oluwatoyosi Adewunmi
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Joel R Neilson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael A Mancini
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jongchan Kim
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wenbo Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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34
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Riku Y. Reappraisal of the anatomical spreading and propagation hypothesis about TDP-43 aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Neuropathology 2020; 40:426-435. [PMID: 32157757 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal inclusion of transactivation response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is known to be a pathologic hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). TDP-43, which is physiologically a nuclear protein, is mislocalized from the nucleus and aggregated within the cytoplasm of affected neurons in ALS and FTLD patients. Neuropathologic or experimental studies have addressed mechanisms underlying spreading of TDP-43 inclusions in the central nervous system of ALS and FTLD patients. On the basis of postmortem observations, it is hypothesized that TDP-43 inclusions spread along the neural projections. A centrifugal gradient of TDP-43 pathology in certain anatomical systems and axonal or synaptic aggregation of TDP-43 may support the hypothesis. Experimental studies have revealed cell-to-cell propagation of aggregated or truncated TDP-43, which indicates a direct transmission of TDP-43 inclusions to contiguous cells. However, discrepancies remain between the cell-to-cell propagation suggested in the experimental models and the anatomical spreading of TDP-43 aggregations based on postmortem observations. Trans-synaptic transmission, rather than the direct cell-to-cell transmission, may be consistent with the anatomical spreading of TDP-43 aggregations, but cellular mechanisms of trans-synaptic transmission of aggregated proteins remain to be elucidated. Moreover, the spreading of TDP-43 inclusions varies among patients and genetic backgrounds, which indicates host-dependent factors for spreading of TDP-43 aggregations. Perturbation of cellular TDP-43 clearance may be a possible factor modifying the aggregation and spreading. This review discusses postmortem and experimental evidence that address mechanisms of spreading of TDP-43 pathology in the central nervous system of ALS and FTLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Riku
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Neuropathology Raymond Escourolle, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Paris, France
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Glial Cells-The Strategic Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010261. [PMID: 31963681 PMCID: PMC7020059 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease, which is characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the motor cortex and the spinal cord and subsequently by muscle atrophy. To date, numerous gene mutations have been linked to both sporadic and familial ALS, but the effort of many experimental groups to develop a suitable therapy has not, as of yet, proven successful. The original focus was on the degenerating motor neurons, when researchers tried to understand the pathological mechanisms that cause their slow death. However, it was soon discovered that ALS is a complicated and diverse pathology, where not only neurons, but also other cell types, play a crucial role via the so-called non-cell autonomous effect, which strongly deteriorates neuronal conditions. Subsequently, variable glia-based in vitro and in vivo models of ALS were established and used for brand-new experimental and clinical approaches. Such a shift towards glia soon bore its fruit in the form of several clinical studies, which more or less successfully tried to ward the unfavourable prognosis of ALS progression off. In this review, we aimed to summarize current knowledge regarding the involvement of each glial cell type in the progression of ALS, currently available treatments, and to provide an overview of diverse clinical trials covering pharmacological approaches, gene, and cell therapies.
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