1
|
D'Antoni S, Spatuzza M, Bonaccorso CM, Catania MV. Role of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 in the pathophysiology of brain disorders: a glia perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105731. [PMID: 38763180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105731] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) is a widely expressed RNA binding protein involved in several steps of mRNA metabolism. Mutations in the FMR1 gene encoding FMRP are responsible for fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, and fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder in aging men. Although FMRP is mainly expressed in neurons, it is also present in glial cells and its deficiency or altered expression can affect functions of glial cells with implications for the pathophysiology of brain disorders. The present review focuses on recent advances on the role of glial subtypes, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia, in the pathophysiology of FXS and FXTAS, and describes how the absence or reduced expression of FMRP in these cells can impact on glial and neuronal functions. We will also briefly address the role of FMRP in radial glial cells and its effects on neural development, and gliomas and will speculate on the role of glial FMRP in other brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S D'Antoni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - M Spatuzza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - C M Bonaccorso
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, via Conte Ruggero 73, Troina 94018, Italy
| | - M V Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Musotto R, Wanderlingh U, D’Ascola A, Spatuzza M, Catania MV, De Pittà M, Pioggia G. Dynamics of astrocytes Ca 2+ signaling: a low-cost fluorescence customized system for 2D cultures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1320672. [PMID: 38322166 PMCID: PMC10844566 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1320672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In an effort to help reduce the costs of fluorescence microscopy and expand the use of this valuable technique, we developed a low-cost platform capable of visualising and analysing the spatio-temporal dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ signalling in astrocytes. The created platform, consisting of a specially adapted fluorescence microscope and a data analysis procedure performed with Imagej Fiji software and custom scripts, allowed us to detect relative changes of intracellular Ca2+ ions in astrocytes. To demonstrate the usefulness of the workflow, we applied the methodology to several in vitro astrocyte preparations, specifically immortalised human astrocyte cells and wild-type mouse cells. To demonstrate the reliability of the procedure, analyses were conducted by stimulating astrocyte activity with the agonist dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), alone or in the presence of the antagonist 2-methyl-6-phenylethyl-pyridine (MPEP).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Musotto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Ulderico Wanderlingh
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela D’Ascola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy
| | - Michela Spatuzza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Maurizio De Pittà
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neurosciences, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang W, Zhang M, Li J, Qu S, Zhou F, Liu M, Li L, Liu Z, Zen K. YTHDF1 mitigates acute kidney injury via safeguarding m 6A-methylated mRNAs in stress granules of renal tubules. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102921. [PMID: 37857002 PMCID: PMC10587769 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) presents a daunting challenge with limited therapeutic options. To explore the contribution of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in AKI development, we have investigated m6A-modified mRNAs within renal tubular cells subjected to injuries induced by diverse stressors. Notably, while the overall level of m6A-modified RNA remains unaltered in renal tubular cells facing stress, a distinct phenomenon emerges-mRNAs bearing m6A methylation exhibit a pronounced tendency to accumulate within stress granules (SGs), structures induced in response to these challenges. Cumulation of m6A-modified mRNA in SGs is orchestrated by YTHDF1, a m6A 'reader' closely associated with SGs. Strikingly, AKI patients and various mouse AKI models showcase elevated levels of renal tubular YTHDF1. Depleting YTHDF1 within renal tubular cells leads to a marked reduction in m6A-modified mRNA accumulation within SGs, accompanied by an escalation in cell apoptosis under stress challenges. The significance of YTHDF1's protective role is further underscored by findings in AKI mouse models triggered by cisplatin or renal ischemia-reperfusion treatments. In particular, renal tubular-specific YTHDF1 knockout mice exhibit heightened AKI severity when contrasted with their wild-type counterparts. Mechanistic insights reveal that YTHDF1 fulfills a crucial function by safeguarding m6A-modified mRNAs that favor cell survival-exemplified by SHPK1-within SGs amid stress-challenged renal tubular cells. Our findings collectively shed light on the pivotal role of YTHDF1 in shielding renal tubules against AKI, through its adeptness in recruiting and preserving m6A-modified mRNAs within stress-induced SGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Mingchao Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Shuang Qu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fenglian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Limin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China.
| | - Ke Zen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hou XN, Tang C. The pros and cons of ubiquitination on the formation of protein condensates. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1084-1098. [PMID: 37294105 PMCID: PMC10423694 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination, a post-translational modification that attaches one or more ubiquitin (Ub) molecules to another protein, plays a crucial role in the phase-separation processes. Ubiquitination can modulate the formation of membrane-less organelles in two ways. First, a scaffold protein drives phase separation, and Ub is recruited to the condensates. Second, Ub actively phase-separates through the interactions with other proteins. Thus, the role of ubiquitination and the resulting polyUb chains ranges from bystanders to active participants in phase separation. Moreover, long polyUb chains may be the primary driving force for phase separation. We further discuss that the different roles can be determined by the lengths and linkages of polyUb chains which provide preorganized and multivalent binding platforms for other client proteins. Together, ubiquitination adds a new layer of regulation for the flow of material and information upon cellular compartmentalization of proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ni Hou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesCollege of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
| | - Chun Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesCollege of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
- Center for Quantitate BiologyPKU-Tsinghua Center for Life ScienceAcademy for Advanced Interdisciplinary StudiesPeking UniversityBeijing100871China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Witkin JM, Pandey KP, Smith JL. Clinical investigations of compounds targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 219:173446. [PMID: 35987339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological modulation of glutamate has long been considered to be of immense therapeutic utility. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are potential targets for safely altering glutamate-driven excitation. Data support the potential therapeutic use of mGluR modulators in the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders, pain, epilepsy, as well as neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. For each of the three mGluR groups, compounds have been constructed that produce either potentiation or functional blockade. PET ligands for mGlu5Rs have been studied in a range of patient populations and several mGlu5R antagonists have been tested for potential efficacy in patients including mavoglurant, diploglurant, basimglurant, GET 73, and ADX10059. Efficacy with mGlu5R antagonists has been reported in trials with patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease; data from patients with Parkinson's disease or Fragile X syndrome have not been as robust as hoped. Fenobam was approved for use as an anxiolytic prior to its recognition as an mGlu5R antagonist. mGlu2/3R agonists (pomaglumated methionil) and mGlu2R agonists (JNJ-40411813, AZD 8529, and LY2979165) have been studied in patients with schizophrenia with promising but mixed results. Antagonists of mGlu2/3Rs (decoglurant and TS-161) have been studied in depression where TS-161 has advanced into a planned Phase 2 study in treatment-resistant depression. The Group III mGluRs are the least developed of the mGluR receptor targets. The mGlu4R potentiator, foliglurax, did not meet its primary endpoint in patients with Parkinson's disease. Ongoing efforts to develop mGluR-targeted compounds continue to promise these glutamate modulators as medicines for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA; RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA.
| | - Kamal P Pandey
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jodi L Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Phase-Separated Subcellular Compartmentation and Related Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105491. [PMID: 35628304 PMCID: PMC9141834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In live cells, proteins and nucleic acids can associate together through multivalent interactions, and form relatively isolated phases that undertake designated biological functions and activities. In the past decade, liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) has gradually been recognized as a general mechanism for the intracellular organization of biomolecules. LLPS regulates the assembly and composition of dozens of membraneless organelles and condensates in cells. Due to the altered physiological conditions or genetic mutations, phase-separated condensates may undergo aberrant formation, maturation or gelation that contributes to the onset and progression of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. In this review, we summarize the properties of different membraneless organelles and condensates, and discuss multiple phase separation-regulated biological processes. Based on the dysregulation and mutations of several key regulatory proteins and signaling pathways, we also exemplify how aberrantly regulated LLPS may contribute to human diseases.
Collapse
|
7
|
Brašić JR, Goodman JA, Nandi A, Russell DS, Jennings D, Barret O, Martin SD, Slifer K, Sedlak T, Mathur AK, Seibyl JP, Berry-Kravis EM, Wong DF, Budimirovic DB. Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein and Cerebral Expression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5 in Men with Fragile X Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:314. [PMID: 35326270 PMCID: PMC8946825 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that a deficiency of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) mediates dysfunction of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) in the pathogenesis of fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most commonly known single-gene cause of inherited intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, animal and human studies regarding the link between FMRP and mGluR5 expression provide inconsistent or conflicting findings about the nature of those relationships. Since multiple clinical trials of glutamatergic agents in humans with FXS did not demonstrate the amelioration of the behavioral phenotype observed in animal models of FXS, we sought measure if mGluR5 expression is increased in men with FXS to form the basis for improved clinical trials. Unexpectedly marked reductions in mGluR5 expression were observed in cortical and subcortical regions in men with FXS. Reduced mGluR5 expression throughout the living brains of men with FXS provides a clue to examine FMRP and mGluR5 expression in FXS. In order to develop the findings of our previous study and to strengthen the objective tools for future clinical trials of glutamatergic agents in FXS, we sought to assess the possible value of measuring both FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression in men with FXS. We aimed to show the value of measurement of FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with FXS and related conditions. We administered 3-[18F]fluoro-5-(2-pyridinylethynyl)benzonitrile ([18F]FPEB), a specific mGluR5 radioligand for quantitative measurements of the density and the distribution of mGluR5s, to six men with the full mutation (FM) of FXS and to one man with allele size mosaicism for FXS (FXS-M). Utilizing the seven cortical and subcortical regions affected in neurodegenerative disorders as indicator variables, adjusted linear regression of mGluR5 expression and FMRP showed that mGluR5 expression was significantly reduced in the occipital cortex and the thalamus relative to baseline (anterior cingulate cortex) if FMRP levels are held constant (F(7,47) = 6.84, p < 0.001).These findings indicate the usefulness of cerebral mGluR5 expression measured by PET with [18F]FPEB and FMRP values in men with FXS and related conditions for assessments in community facilities within a hundred-mile radius of a production center with a cyclotron. These initial results of this pilot study advance our previous study regarding the measurement of mGluR5 expression by combining both FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression as tools for meaningful clinical trials of glutamatergic agents for men with FXS. We confirm the feasibility of this protocol as a valuable tool to measure FMRP levels and mGluR5 expression in clinical trials of individuals with FXS and related conditions and to provide the foundations to apply precision medicine to tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of individuals with FXS and related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Robert Brašić
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
| | - Jack Alexander Goodman
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT 06473, USA;
| | - Ayon Nandi
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
| | - David S. Russell
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Danna Jennings
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Denali Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Olivier Barret
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Samuel D. Martin
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Keith Slifer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Sedlak
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-General Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anil Kumar Mathur
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
| | - John P. Seibyl
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Dean F. Wong
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (A.K.M.); (D.F.W.)
- Laboratory of Central Nervous System (CNS) Neuropsychopharmacology and Multimodal, Imaging (CNAMI), Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|