1
|
Coronel R, López-Alonso V, Gallego MI, Liste I. Low Levels of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Promote Neurogenesis and Decrease Gliogenesis in Human Neural Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14635. [PMID: 37834082 PMCID: PMC10572469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914635] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been widely studied due to its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the physiological functions of APP are still largely unexplored. APP is a transmembrane glycoprotein whose expression in humans is abundant in the central nervous system. Specifically, several studies have revealed the high expression of APP during brain development. Previous studies in our laboratory revealed that a transient increase in APP expression induces early cell cycle exit of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) and directs their differentiation towards glial cells (gliogenesis) while decreasing their differentiation towards neurons (neurogenesis). In the present study, we have evaluated the intrinsic cellular effects of APP down-expression (using siRNA) on cell death, cell proliferation, and cell fate specification of hNSCs. Our data indicate that APP silencing causes cellular effects opposite to those obtained in previous APP overexpression assays, inducing cell proliferation in hNS1 cells (a model line of hNSCs) and favoring neurogenesis instead of gliogenesis in these cells. In addition, we have analyzed the gene and protein expression levels of β-Catenin as a possible molecule involved in these cellular effects. These data could help to understand the biological role of APP, which is necessary to deepen the knowledge of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Coronel
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria López-Alonso
- Unidad de Biología Computacional, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain;
| | - Marta I. Gallego
- Unidad de Histología y Patología Mamaria, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain;
| | - Isabel Liste
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sokol DK, Lahiri DK. APPlications of amyloid-β precursor protein metabolites in macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1201744. [PMID: 37799731 PMCID: PMC10548831 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1201744] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolites of the Amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) proteolysis may underlie brain overgrowth in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We have found elevated APP metabolites (total APP, secreted (s) APPα, and α-secretase adamalysins in the plasma and brain tissue of children with ASD). In this review, we highlight several lines of evidence supporting APP metabolites' potential contribution to macrocephaly in ASD. First, APP appears early in corticogenesis, placing APP in a prime position to accelerate growth in neurons and glia. APP metabolites are upregulated in neuroinflammation, another potential contributor to excessive brain growth in ASD. APP metabolites appear to directly affect translational signaling pathways, which have been linked to single gene forms of syndromic ASD (Fragile X Syndrome, PTEN, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex). Finally, APP metabolites, and microRNA, which regulates APP expression, may contribute to ASD brain overgrowth, particularly increased white matter, through ERK receptor activation on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/Rho GTPase pathway, favoring myelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Department of Neurology, Section of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Coronel R, Bernabeu-Zornoza A, Palmer C, González-Sastre R, Rosca A, Mateos-Martínez P, López-Alonso V, Liste I. Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Regulates Gliogenesis and Neurogenesis of Human Neural Stem Cells by Several Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12964. [PMID: 37629148 PMCID: PMC10455174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have focused on the pathophysiological role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) because the proteolytic processing of APP to β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide is a central event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, many authors consider that alterations in the physiological functions of APP are likely to play a key role in AD. Previous studies in our laboratory revealed that APP plays an important role in the differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs), favoring glial differentiation (gliogenesis) and preventing their differentiation toward a neuronal phenotype (neurogenesis). In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of APP overexpression in hNSCs at a global gene level by a transcriptomic analysis using the massive RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Specifically, we have focused on differentially expressed genes that are related to neuronal and glial differentiation processes, as well as on groups of differentially expressed genes associated with different signaling pathways, in order to find a possible interaction between them and APP. Our data indicate a differential expression in genes related to Notch, Wnt, PI3K-AKT, and JAK-STAT signaling, among others. Knowledge of APP biological functions, as well as the possible signaling pathways that could be related to this protein, are essential to advance our understanding of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Coronel
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Bernabeu-Zornoza
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Charlotte Palmer
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Rosa González-Sastre
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
- Unidad de Biología Computacional, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Andreea Rosca
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Patricia Mateos-Martínez
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Victoria López-Alonso
- Unidad de Biología Computacional, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Isabel Liste
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.-Z.); (C.P.); (R.G.-S.); (A.R.); (P.M.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wittrahm R, Takalo M, Kuulasmaa T, Mäkinen PM, Mäkinen P, Končarević S, Fartzdinov V, Selzer S, Kokkola T, Antikainen L, Martiskainen H, Kemppainen S, Marttinen M, Jeskanen H, Rostalski H, Rahunen E, Kivipelto M, Ngandu T, Natunen T, Lambert JC, Tanzi RE, Kim DY, Rauramaa T, Herukka SK, Soininen H, Laakso M, Pike I, Leinonen V, Haapasalo A, Hiltunen M. Protective Alzheimer's disease-associated APP A673T variant predominantly decreases sAPPβ levels in cerebrospinal fluid and 2D/3D cell culture models. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106140. [PMID: 37120095 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106140] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rare A673T variant was the first variant found within the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene conferring protection against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thereafter, different studies have discovered that the carriers of the APP A673T variant show reduced levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the plasma and better cognitive performance at high age. Here, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of APP A673T carriers and control individuals using a mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to identify differentially regulated targets in an unbiased manner. Furthermore, the APP A673T variant was introduced into 2D and 3D neuronal cell culture models together with the pathogenic APP Swedish and London mutations. Consequently, we now report for the first time the protective effects of the APP A673T variant against AD-related alterations in the CSF, plasma, and brain biopsy samples from the frontal cortex. The CSF levels of soluble APPβ (sAPPβ) and Aβ42 were significantly decreased on average 9-26% among three APP A673T carriers as compared to three well-matched controls not carrying the protective variant. Consistent with these CSF findings, immunohistochemical assessment of cortical biopsy samples from the same APP A673T carriers did not reveal Aβ, phospho-tau, or p62 pathologies. We identified differentially regulated targets involved in protein phosphorylation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in the CSF and plasma samples of APP A673T carriers. Some of the identified targets showed inverse levels in AD brain tissue with respect to increased AD-associated neurofibrillary pathology. In 2D and 3D neuronal cell culture models expressing APP with the Swedish and London mutations, the introduction of the APP A673T variant resulted in lower sAPPβ levels. Concomitantly, the levels of sAPPα were increased, while decreased levels of CTFβ and Aβ42 were detected in some of these models. Our findings emphasize the important role of APP-derived peptides in the pathogenesis of AD and demonstrate the effectiveness of the protective APP A673T variant to shift APP processing towards the non-amyloidogenic pathway in vitro even in the presence of two pathogenic mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Teemu Kuulasmaa
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petra M Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | - Stefan Selzer
- Proteome Sciences GmbH & Co. KG, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Tarja Kokkola
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Leila Antikainen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Henna Martiskainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Susanna Kemppainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Heli Jeskanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Eija Rahunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; The Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- U1167, University of Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Tuomas Rauramaa
- Department of Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Unit of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Sanna-Kaisa Herukka
- Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; NeuroCenter, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hilkka Soininen
- Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Markku Laakso
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Ian Pike
- Proteome Sciences plc, Hamilton House, London, WC1H 9BB, UK.
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Unit of Neurosurgery, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kostes WW, Brafman DA. The Multifaceted Role of WNT Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease Onset and Age-Related Progression. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081204. [PMID: 37190113 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081204] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved WNT signaling pathway orchestrates numerous complex biological processes during development and is critical to the maintenance of tissue integrity and homeostasis in the adult. As it relates to the central nervous system, WNT signaling plays several roles as it relates to neurogenesis, synaptic formation, memory, and learning. Thus, dysfunction of this pathway is associated with multiple diseases and disorders, including several neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by several pathologies, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline. In this review, we will discuss the various epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies that demonstrate a precise link between aberrant WNT signaling and AD-associated pathologies. In turn, we will discuss the manner in which WNT signaling influences multiple molecular, biochemical, and cellular pathways upstream of these end-point pathologies. Finally, we will discuss how merging tools and technologies can be used to generate next generation cellular models to dissect the relationship between WNT signaling and AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William W Kostes
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - David A Brafman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Báez-Flores J, Rodríguez-Martín M, Lacal J. The therapeutic potential of neurofibromin signaling pathways and binding partners. Commun Biol 2023; 6:436. [PMID: 37081086 PMCID: PMC10119308 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin controls many cell processes, such as growth, learning, and memory. If neurofibromin is not working properly, it can lead to health problems, including issues with the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems and cancer. This review examines neurofibromin's binding partners, signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets. In addition, it summarizes the different post-translational modifications that can affect neurofibromin's interactions with other molecules. It is essential to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie neurofibromin variants in order to provide with functional connections between neurofibromin and its associated proteins for possible therapeutic targets based on its biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Diaz A, Martin-Jimenez C, Woo Y, Merino P, Torre E, Yepes M. Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Triggers Wingless/Int1-Independent Phosphorylation of the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6 in Cerebral Cortical Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 89:877-891. [PMID: 35964187 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is a serine proteinase found in excitatory synapses located in the II/III and V cortical layers. The synaptic release of uPA promotes the formation of synaptic contacts and the repair of synapses damaged by various forms of injury, and its abundance is decreased in the synapse of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Inactivation of the Wingless/Int1 (Wnt)-β-catenin pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD. Soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) prevents the phosphorylation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 (LRP6), and the resultant inactivation of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway prompts the amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) and causes synaptic loss. OBJECTIVE To study the role of neuronal uPA in the pathogenesis of AD. METHODS We used in vitro cultures of murine cerebral cortical neurons, a murine neuroblastoma cell line transfected with the APP-695 Swedish mutation (N2asw), and mice deficient on either plasminogen, or uPA, or its receptor (uPAR). RESULTS We show that uPA activates the Wnt-β-catenin pathway in cerebral cortical neurons by triggering the phosphorylation of LRP6 via a plasmin-independent mechanism that does not require binding of Wnt ligands (Wnts). Our data indicate that uPA-induced activation of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway protects the synapse from the harmful effects of soluble Aβ and prevents the amyloidogenic processing of AβPP by inhibiting the expression of β-secretase 1 (BACE1) and the ensuing generation of Aβ 40 and Aβ 42 peptides. CONCLUSION uPA protects the synapse and antagonizes the inhibitory effect of soluble Aβ on the Wnt-β-catenin pathway by providing an alternative pathway for LRP6 phosphorylation and β-catenin stabilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Diaz
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cynthia Martin-Jimenez
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yena Woo
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paola Merino
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Enrique Torre
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manuel Yepes
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ma S, Duan L, Dong H, Ma X, Guo X, Liu J, Li G, Yu Y, Xu Y, Yuan G, Zhao X, Tian G, Zhai S, Pan Y, Zhang Y. OLFML2A Downregulation Inhibits Glioma Proliferation Through Suppression of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:717917. [PMID: 34650914 PMCID: PMC8506028 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.717917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a highly heterogeneous and lethal tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. Through analysis of TCGA data, we identified that OLFML2A is a key promotor of gliomagenesis. However, the molecular function of OLFML2A and its underlying mechanism of action in glioma remain unclear. In this study, we found that OLFML2A expression was significantly upregulated in glioma specimens and positively correlated with pathological grades in glioma patients. Moreover, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of TCGA data revealed that glioma patients with higher OLFML2A expression had shorter overall survival. Importantly, OLFML2A knockdown in glioma cells inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, OLFML2A downregulation inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling by upregulating amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression and reducing stabilized β-catenin levels, leading to the repression of MYC, CD44, and CSKN2A2 expression. Furthermore, OLFML2A downregulation suppressed the growth of transplanted glioma subcutaneously and intracranially by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway-dependent cell proliferation. By uncovering the oncogenic effects in human and rodent gliomas, our data support OLFML2A as a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shize Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lei Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huateng Dong
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianli Liu
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanlong Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingkun Zhao
- Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guopeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shijia Zhai
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yawen Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yinian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qi J, Pan L, Yu Z, Ni W. The lncRNA RP3-439F8.1 promotes GBM cell proliferation and progression by sponging miR-139-5p to upregulate NR5A2. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 223:153319. [PMID: 33991848 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 5 Group A Member 2 (NR5A2, LRH-1) is an oncogene in a wide range of cancer types. Bioinformatics analysis on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors has revealed that the miR-139-5p-NR5A2 axis may be putatively regulated by the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) RP3-439F8.1. This led us to hypothesize the existence of a RP3-439F8.1-miR-139-5p-NR5A2 regulatory axis in GBM cells. METHODS Gene expression analysis was performed in GBM tumor samples and normal controls from our hospital, the Cancer Genome Atlas Glioblastoma Multiforme (TCGA-GBM) cohort, and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE7696). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, Matrigel Transwell, colony formation, and cell cycle assays were performed in T98 G and U251 cells in vitro. An orthotopic U251 xenograft murine model was employed to test the effects of RP3-439F8.1 knockdown in vivo. RESULTS NR5A2 was upregulated in the three independent GBM tumor cohorts. In vitro, NR5A2 overexpression enhanced GBM cell proliferation, colony formation, invasiveness, and G0-G1 cell cycle phase shift via co-activating β-catenin/TCF4 signaling, with no apparent effect upon apoptosis. In contrast, RP3-439F8.1 knockdown produced the opposite effects. RP3-439F8.1 knockdown reduced tumor progression in vivo, increasing overall survival in model mice. Further in vitro experiments revealed that RP3-439F8.1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate NR5A2 by sponging the microRNA miR-139-5p. These findings were clinically validated by a positive correlation between RP3-439F8.1 and NR5A2 and a negative correlation between RP3-439F8.1 and miR-139-5p in GBM tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports a tumorigenic role for RP3-439F8.1 in GBM through the RP3-439F8.1/miR-139-5p/NR5A2 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Zeran Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Engin AB, Engin A. Alzheimer's Disease and Protein Kinases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1275:285-321. [PMID: 33539020 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49844-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and accounts for more than 60-80% of all cases of dementia. Loss of pyramidal neurons, extracellular amyloid beta (Abeta) accumulated senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles that contain hyperphosphorylated tau constitute the main pathological alterations in AD.Synaptic dysfunction and extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hyperactivation contributes to excitotoxicity in patients with AD. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Abeta promoted neurodegeneration develop through the activation of protein kinase signaling cascade in AD. Furthermore, ultimate neuronal death in AD is under control of protein kinases-related signaling pathways. In this chapter, critical check-points within the cross-talk between neuron and protein kinases have been defined regarding the initiation and progression of AD. In this context, amyloid cascade hypothesis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, granulovacuolar degeneration, loss of Wnt signaling, Abeta-related synaptic alterations, prolonged calcium ions overload and NMDAR-related synaptotoxicity, damage signals hypothesis and type-3 diabetes are discussed briefly.In addition to clinical perspective of AD pathology, recommendations that might be effective in the treatment of AD patients have been reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Atilla Engin
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aghaizu ND, Jin H, Whiting PJ. Dysregulated Wnt Signalling in the Alzheimer's Brain. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E902. [PMID: 33255414 PMCID: PMC7761504 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signalling system is essential for both the developing and adult central nervous system. It regulates numerous cellular functions ranging from neurogenesis to blood brain barrier biology. Dysregulated Wnt signalling can thus have significant consequences for normal brain function, which is becoming increasingly clear in Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that is the most prevalent form of dementia. AD exhibits a range of pathophysiological manifestations including aberrant amyloid precursor protein processing, tau pathology, synapse loss, neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier breakdown, which have been associated to a greater or lesser degree with abnormal Wnt signalling. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of Wnt signalling in the CNS, and the research that implicates dysregulated Wnt signalling in the ageing brain and in AD pathogenesis. We also discuss the opportunities for therapeutic intervention in AD via modulation of the Wnt signalling pathway, and highlight some of the challenges and the gaps in our current understanding that need to be met to enable that goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nozie D. Aghaizu
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Hanqing Jin
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Paul J. Whiting
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- ARUK Drug Discovery Institute (DDI), University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jia L, Piña-Crespo J, Li Y. Restoring Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Brain 2019; 12:104. [PMID: 31801553 PMCID: PMC6894260 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an aging-related neurological disorder characterized by synaptic loss and dementia. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an essential signal transduction pathway that regulates numerous cellular processes including cell survival. In brain, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is not only crucial for neuronal survival and neurogenesis, but it plays important roles in regulating synaptic plasticity and blood-brain barrier integrity and function. Moreover, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibits amyloid-β production and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the brain. Critically, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is greatly suppressed in AD brain via multiple pathogenic mechanisms. As such, restoring Wnt/β-catenin signaling represents a unique opportunity for the rational design of novel AD therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jia
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Juan Piña-Crespo
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yonghe Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sokol DK, Maloney B, Westmark CJ, Lahiri DK. Novel Contribution of Secreted Amyloid-β Precursor Protein to White Matter Brain Enlargement in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 31024350 PMCID: PMC6469489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most replicated neuroanatomical finding in autism is the tendency toward brain overgrowth, especially in younger children. Research shows that both gray and white matter are enlarged. Proposed mechanisms underlying brain enlargement include abnormal inflammatory and neurotrophic signals that lead to excessive, aberrant dendritic connectivity via disrupted pruning and cell adhesion, and enlargement of white matter due to excessive gliogenesis and increased myelination. Amyloid-β protein precursor (βAPP) and its metabolites, more commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), are also dysregulated in autism plasma and brain tissue samples. This review highlights findings that demonstrate how one βAPP metabolite, secreted APPα, and the ADAM family α-secretases, may lead to increased brain matter, with emphasis on increased white matter as seen in autism. sAPPα and the ADAM family α-secretases contribute to the anabolic, non-amyloidogenic pathway, which is in contrast to the amyloid (catabolic) pathway known to contribute to Alzheimer disease. The non-amyloidogenic pathway could produce brain enlargement via genetic mechanisms affecting mRNA translation and polygenic factors that converge on molecular pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase/MAPK and mechanistic target of rapamycin/mTOR), promoting neuroinflammation. A novel mechanism linking the non-amyloidogenic pathway to white matter enlargement is proposed: α-secretase and/or sAPPα, activated by ERK receptor signaling activates P13K/AKt/mTOR and then Rho GTPases favoring myelination via oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) activation of cofilin. Applying known pathways in AD to autism should allow further understanding and provide options for new drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Coronel R, Palmer C, Bernabeu-Zornoza A, Monteagudo M, Rosca A, Zambrano A, Liste I. Physiological effects of amyloid precursor protein and its derivatives on neural stem cell biology and signaling pathways involved. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1661-1671. [PMID: 31169172 PMCID: PMC6585543 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.257511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathological implication of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in Alzheimer's disease has been widely documented due to its involvement in the generation of amyloid-β peptide. However, the physiological functions of APP are still poorly understood. APP is considered a multimodal protein due to its role in a wide variety of processes, both in the embryo and in the adult brain. Specifically, APP seems to play a key role in the proliferation, differentiation and maturation of neural stem cells. In addition, APP can be processed through two canonical processing pathways, generating different functionally active fragments: soluble APP-α, soluble APP-β, amyloid-β peptide and the APP intracellular C-terminal domain. These fragments also appear to modulate various functions in neural stem cells, including the processes of proliferation, neurogenesis, gliogenesis or cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these effects are still unclear. In this review, we summarize the physiological functions of APP and its main proteolytic derivatives in neural stem cells, as well as the possible signaling pathways that could be implicated in these effects. The knowledge of these functions and signaling pathways involved in the onset or during the development of Alzheimer's disease is essential to advance the understanding of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and in the search for potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Coronel
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Charlotte Palmer
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Bernabeu-Zornoza
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Monteagudo
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreea Rosca
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Zambrano
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Liste
- Unidad de Regeneración Neural, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|