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Burré J, Edwards RH, Halliday G, Lang AE, Lashuel HA, Melki R, Murayama S, Outeiro TF, Papa SM, Stefanis L, Woerman AL, Surmeier DJ, Kalia LV, Takahashi R. Research Priorities on the Role of α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis. Mov Disord 2024. [PMID: 38946200 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Various forms of Parkinson's disease, including its common sporadic form, are characterized by prominent α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation in affected brain regions. However, the role of αSyn in the pathogenesis and evolution of the disease remains unclear, despite vast research efforts of more than a quarter century. A better understanding of the role of αSyn, either primary or secondary, is critical for developing disease-modifying therapies. Previous attempts to hone this research have been challenged by experimental limitations, but recent technological advances may facilitate progress. The Scientific Issues Committee of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) charged a panel of experts in the field to discuss current scientific priorities and identify research strategies with potential for a breakthrough. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Burré
- Appel Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert H Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Neurology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Glenda Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, France
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Department of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- The Brain Bank for Neurodevelopmental, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Stella M Papa
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, and Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- First Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda L Woerman
- Department of Biology, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Prion Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Dalton James Surmeier
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorraine V Kalia
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Geertsma HM, Fisk ZA, Sauline L, Prigent A, Kurgat K, Callaghan SM, Henderson MX, Rousseaux MWC. A topographical atlas of α-synuclein dosage and cell type-specific expression in adult mouse brain and peripheral organs. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:65. [PMID: 38504090 PMCID: PMC10951202 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and presents pathologically with Lewy pathology and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Lewy pathology contains aggregated α-synuclein (αSyn), a protein encoded by the SNCA gene which is also mutated or duplicated in a subset of familial PD cases. Due to its predominant presynaptic localization, immunostaining for the protein results in a diffuse reactivity pattern, providing little insight into the types of cells expressing αSyn. As a result, insight into αSyn expression-driven cellular vulnerability has been difficult to ascertain. Using a combination of knock-in mice that target αSyn to the nucleus (SncaNLS) and in situ hybridization of Snca in wild-type mice, we systematically mapped the topography and cell types expressing αSyn in the mouse brain, spinal cord, retina, and gut. We find a high degree of correlation between αSyn protein and RNA levels and further identify cell types with low and high αSyn content. We also find high αSyn expression in neurons, particularly those involved in PD, and to a lower extent in non-neuronal cell types, notably those of oligodendrocyte lineage, which are relevant to multiple system atrophy pathogenesis. Surprisingly, we also found that αSyn is relatively absent from select neuron types, e.g., ChAT-positive motor neurons, whereas enteric neurons universally express some degree of αSyn. Together, this integrated atlas provides insight into the cellular topography of αSyn, and provides a quantitative map to test hypotheses about the role of αSyn in network vulnerability, and thus serves investigations into PD pathogenesis and other α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley M Geertsma
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Zoe A Fisk
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Lillian Sauline
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Alice Prigent
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Kevin Kurgat
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Steve M Callaghan
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Michael X Henderson
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| | - Maxime W C Rousseaux
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada.
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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Perez-Villalba A, Sirerol-Piquer MS, Soriano-Cantón R, Folgado V, Pérez-Cañamás A, Kirstein M, Fariñas I, Pérez-Sánchez F. Dopaminergic neuron loss in mice due to increased levels of wild-type human α-Synuclein only takes place under conditions of accelerated aging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2490. [PMID: 38291230 PMCID: PMC10828501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53093-1] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the intricate pathogenic mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease (PD) and its multifactorial nature presents a significant challenge in disease modeling. To address this, we explore genetic models that better capture the disease's complexity. Given that aging is the primary risk factor for PD, this study investigates the impact of aging in conjunction with overexpression of wild-type human α-synuclein (α-Syn) in the dopaminergic system. This is achieved by introducing a novel transgenic mouse strain overexpressing α-Syn under the TH-promoter within the senescence-accelerated SAMP8 (P8) genetic background. Behavioral assessments, conducted at both 10 and 16 months of age, unveil motor impairments exclusive to P8 α-SynTg mice, a phenomenon conspicuously absent in α-SynTg mice. These findings suggest a synergistic interplay between heightened α-Syn levels and the aging process, resulting in motor deficits. These motor disturbances correlate with reduced dopamine (DA) levels, increased DA turnover, synaptic terminal loss, and notably, the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus. Furthermore, P8 α-SynTg mice exhibit alterations in gut transit time, mirroring early PD symptoms. In summary, P8 α-SynTg mice effectively replicate parkinsonian phenotypes by combining α-Syn transgene expression with accelerated aging. This model offers valuable insights into the understanding of PD and serves as a valuable platform for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Perez-Villalba
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior Phenotype (L.A.B.P.), Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Salomé Sirerol-Piquer
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Soriano-Cantón
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Virginia Folgado
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Azucena Pérez-Cañamás
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martina Kirstein
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Fariñas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Francisco Pérez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BioTecMed), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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Henrich MT, Oertel WH, Surmeier DJ, Geibl FF. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease - a key disease hallmark with therapeutic potential. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:83. [PMID: 37951933 PMCID: PMC10640762 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00676-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is strongly implicated in the etiology of idiopathic and genetic Parkinson's disease (PD). However, strategies aimed at ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction, including antioxidants, antidiabetic drugs, and iron chelators, have failed in disease-modification clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the cellular determinants of mitochondrial dysfunction, including impairment of electron transport chain complex 1, increased oxidative stress, disturbed mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, and cellular bioenergetic deficiency. In addition, we outline mitochondrial pathways to neurodegeneration in the current context of PD pathogenesis, and review past and current treatment strategies in an attempt to better understand why translational efforts thus far have been unsuccessful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin T Henrich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, 35039, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Wolfgang H Oertel
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - D James Surmeier
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Fanni F Geibl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, 35039, Marburg, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Calabresi P, Di Lazzaro G, Marino G, Campanelli F, Ghiglieri V. Advances in understanding the function of alpha-synuclein: implications for Parkinson's disease. Brain 2023; 146:3587-3597. [PMID: 37183455 PMCID: PMC10473562 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The critical role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease represents a pivotal discovery. Some progress has been made over recent years in identifying disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease that target alpha-synuclein. However, these treatments have not yet shown clear efficacy in slowing the progression of this disease. Several explanations exist for this issue. The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is complex and not yet fully clarified and the heterogeneity of the disease, with diverse genetic susceptibility and risk factors and different clinical courses, adds further complexity. Thus, a deep understanding of alpha-synuclein physiological and pathophysiological functions is crucial. In this review, we first describe the cellular and animal models developed over recent years to study the physiological and pathological roles of this protein, including transgenic techniques, use of viral vectors and intracerebral injections of alpha-synuclein fibrils. We then provide evidence that these tools are crucial for modelling Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, causing protein misfolding and aggregation, synaptic dysfunction, brain plasticity impairment and cell-to-cell spreading of alpha-synuclein species. In particular, we focus on the possibility of dissecting the pre- and postsynaptic effects of alpha-synuclein in both physiological and pathological conditions. Finally, we show how vulnerability of specific neuronal cell types may facilitate systemic dysfunctions leading to multiple network alterations. These functional alterations underlie diverse motor and non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease that occur before overt neurodegeneration. However, we now understand that therapeutic targeting of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease patients requires caution, since this protein exerts important physiological synaptic functions. Moreover, the interactions of alpha-synuclein with other molecules may induce synergistic detrimental effects. Thus, targeting only alpha-synuclein might not be enough. Combined therapies should be considered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calabresi
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Gioia Marino
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Federica Campanelli
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghiglieri
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, Università Telematica San Raffaele, Rome, 00166, Italy
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6
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Dues DJ, Nguyen APT, Becker K, Ma J, Moore DJ. Hippocampal subfield vulnerability to α-synuclein pathology precedes neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:125. [PMID: 37640722 PMCID: PMC10462636 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a salient feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The onset of dementia reflects the spread of Lewy pathology throughout forebrain structures. The mere presence of Lewy pathology, however, provides limited indication of cognitive status. Thus, it remains unclear whether Lewy pathology is the de facto substrate driving cognitive dysfunction in PD and DLB. Through application of α-synuclein fibrils in vivo, we sought to examine the influence of pathologic inclusions on cognition. Following stereotactic injection of α-synuclein fibrils within the mouse forebrain, we measured the burden of α-synuclein pathology at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-injection within subregions of the hippocampus and cortex. Under this paradigm, the hippocampal CA2/3 subfield was especially susceptible to α-synuclein pathology. Strikingly, we observed a drastic reduction of pathology in the CA2/3 subfield across time-points, consistent with the consolidation of α-synuclein pathology into dense somatic inclusions followed by neurodegeneration. Silver-positive degenerating neurites were observed prior to neuronal loss, suggesting that this might be an early feature of fibril-induced neurotoxicity and a precursor to neurodegeneration. Critically, mice injected with α-synuclein fibrils developed progressive deficits in spatial learning and memory. These findings support that the formation of α-synuclein inclusions in the mouse forebrain precipitate neurodegenerative changes that recapitulate features of Lewy-related cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J Dues
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - An Phu Tran Nguyen
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Katelyn Becker
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Jiyan Ma
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Darren J Moore
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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Dues DJ, Nguyen APT, Becker K, Ma J, Moore DJ. Hippocampal subfield vulnerability to α-synuclein pathology precedes neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.12.536572. [PMID: 37090590 PMCID: PMC10120695 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a salient feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The onset of dementia reflects the spread of Lewy pathology throughout forebrain structures. The mere presence of Lewy pathology, however, provides limited indication of cognitive status. Thus, it remains unclear whether Lewy pathology is the de facto substrate driving cognitive dysfunction in PD and DLB. Through application of α-synuclein fibrils in vivo , we sought to examine the influence of pathologic inclusions on cognition. Following stereotactic injection of α-synuclein fibrils within the mouse forebrain, we measured the burden of α-synuclein pathology at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-injection within subregions of the hippocampus and cortex. Under this paradigm, the hippocampal CA2/3 subfield was especially susceptible to α- synuclein pathology. Strikingly, we observed a drastic reduction of pathology in the CA2/3 subfield across time-points, consistent with the consolidation of α-synuclein pathology into dense somatic inclusions followed by neurodegeneration. Silver-positive degenerating neurites were observed prior to neuronal loss, suggesting that this might be an early feature of fibril-induced neurotoxicity and a precursor to neurodegeneration. Critically, mice injected with α-synuclein fibrils developed progressive deficits in spatial learning and memory. These findings support that the formation of α-synuclein inclusions in the mouse forebrain precipitate neurodegenerative changes that recapitulate features of Lewy-related cognitive dysfunction. Highlights Mice injected with α-synuclein fibrils develop hippocampal and cortical α- synuclein pathology with a dynamic regional burden at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-injection.Silver-positive neuronal processes are an early and enduring degenerative feature of the fibril model, while extensive neurodegeneration of the hippocampal CA2/3 subfield is detected at 6-months post-injection.Mice exhibit progressive hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory deficits.Forebrain injection of α-synuclein fibrils may be used to model aspects of Lewy-related cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J. Dues
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - An Phu Tran Nguyen
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Katelyn Becker
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Jiyan Ma
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Darren J. Moore
- Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Interneuronal In Vivo Transfer of Synaptic Proteins. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040569. [PMID: 36831238 PMCID: PMC9954582 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuron-to-neuron transfer of pathogenic α-synuclein species is a mechanism of likely relevance to Parkinson's disease development. Experimentally, interneuronal α-synuclein spreading from the low brainstem toward higher brain regions can be reproduced by the administration of AAV vectors encoding for α-synuclein into the mouse vagus nerve. The aim of this study was to determine whether α-synuclein's spreading ability is shared by other proteins. Given α-synuclein synaptic localization, experiments involved intravagal injections of AAVs encoding for other synaptic proteins, β-synuclein, VAMP2, or SNAP25. Administration of AAV-VAMP2 or AAV-SNAP25 caused robust transduction of either of the proteins in the dorsal medulla oblongata but was not followed by interneuronal VAMP2 or SNAP25 transfer and caudo-rostral spreading. In contrast, AAV-mediated β-synuclein overexpression triggered its spreading to more frontal brain regions. The aggregate formation was investigated as a potential mechanism involved in protein spreading, and consistent with this hypothesis, results showed that overexpression of β-synuclein, but not VAMP2 or SNAP25, in the dorsal medulla oblongata was associated with pronounced protein aggregation. Data indicate that interneuronal protein transfer is not a mere consequence of increased expression or synaptic localization. It is rather promoted by structural/functional characteristics of synuclein proteins that likely include their tendency to form aggregate species.
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Zheng R, Yan Y, Pu J, Zhang B. Physiological and Pathological Functions of Neuronal Hemoglobin: A Key Underappreciated Protein in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169088. [PMID: 36012351 PMCID: PMC9408843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of Hemoglobin (Hb) is not restricted to erythrocytes but is also present in neurons. Hb is selectively enriched in vulnerable mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons of Parkinson's disease (PD) instead of resistant neurons. Controversial results of neuronal Hb levels have been reported in postmortem brains of PD patients: although neuronal Hb levels may decline in PD patients, elderly men with higher Hb levels have an increased risk of developing PD. α-synuclein, a key protein involved in PD pathology, interacts directly with Hb protein and forms complexes in erythrocytes and brains of monkeys and humans. These complexes increase in erythrocytes and striatal cytoplasm, while they decrease in striatal mitochondria with aging. Besides, the colocalization of serine 129-phosphorylated (Pser129) α-synuclein and Hb β chains have been found in the brains of PD patients. Several underlying molecular mechanisms involving mitochondrial homeostasis, α-synuclein accumulation, iron metabolism, and hormone-regulated signaling pathways have been investigated to assess the relationship between neuronal Hb and PD development. The formation of fibrils with neuronal Hb in various neurodegenerative diseases may indicate a common fibrillization pathway and a widespread target that could be applied in neurodegeneration therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiali Pu
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (B.Z.); Fax: +86-571-8778-4752 (J.P. & B.Z.)
| | - Baorong Zhang
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (B.Z.); Fax: +86-571-8778-4752 (J.P. & B.Z.)
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10
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Bellucci A, Longhena F, Spillantini MG. The Role of Rab Proteins in Parkinson's Disease Synaptopathy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081941. [PMID: 36009486 PMCID: PMC9406004 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, the brain is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system, leading to dyshomeostasis of the basal ganglia network activity that is linked to motility dysfunction. PD mostly arises as an age-associated sporadic disease, but several genetic forms also exist. Compelling evidence supports that synaptic damage and dysfunction characterize the very early phases of either sporadic or genetic forms of PD and that this early PD synaptopathy drives retrograde terminal-to-cell body degeneration, culminating in neuronal loss. The Ras-associated binding protein (Rab) family of small GTPases, which is involved in the maintenance of neuronal vesicular trafficking, synaptic architecture and function in the central nervous system, has recently emerged among the major players in PD synaptopathy. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the main findings supporting the involvement of Rabs in either sporadic or genetic PD pathophysiology, and we highlight how Rab alterations participate in the onset of early synaptic damage and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0303-717-380
| | - Francesca Longhena
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Clifford Albutt Building, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Maria Grazia Spillantini
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Clifford Albutt Building, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
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