1
|
Wang W, Li S, Zhu Y, Cui X, Sheng Z, Wang H, Cheng Z. Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of Seed Oils from Trichosanthes kirilowii and T. laceribractea in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Comparative Analysis and Mechanism Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:861. [PMID: 39061929 PMCID: PMC11273834 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13070861] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) can accelerate amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in neuron cells, which further leads to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, there is an urgent need to find natural and safe antioxidants for preventing or treating such neurodegenerative diseases. The seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim and T. laceribractea Hayata have long been used for medicinal and edible purposes in China. However, the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities and underlying mechanisms of their seed oils still remain unclear. Herein, we examine the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of seed oils extracted from different germplasms, T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN) and T. laceribractea (ZJQT and SXHZ), on ROS levels and neuroprotective activities in C. elegans. The results demonstrated that the seed oils significantly reduced the ROS levels in C. elegans by 17.03-42.74%, with T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN) exhibiting significantly stronger ROS scavenging abilities than T. laceribractea (ZJQT and SXHZ). The seed oils from T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN) alleviated the production and aggregation of Aβ and the phosphorylation and polymerization of tau, suggesting a potential neuroprotective role. Conversely, seed oils from T. laceribractea (ZJQT and SXHZ) show minimal neuroprotective effects in C. elegans. These differential outcomes might stem from distinct mechanisms underlying antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, with the ctl-2 gene implicated as pivotal in mediating the significant neuroprotective effects of seed oils from T. kirilowii (YNHH and SDJN). Our findings have provided valuable insights into the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of T. kirilowii seed oils, paving the way for further research aimed at elucidating the underlying mechanisms and exploring their potential therapeutic applications in combating neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhou Cheng
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (W.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.S.); (H.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu YT, Lin HR, Chen XY, Sun ML, Wei CM, Xue MF, Gao YH, Tang WB, Zheng CY, Li S, Wang HB. Dendrobium officinale phenolic extract maintains proteostasis by regulating autophagy in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. Fitoterapia 2024; 175:105924. [PMID: 38537886 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105924] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and accumulating evidence suggested that proteostatic imbalance is a key feature of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine exhibits a multi-target therapeutic effect, making it highly suitable for addressing protein homeostasis imbalance in AD. Dendrobium officinale is a traditional Chinese herbs commonly used as tonic agent in China. In this study, we investigated protection effects of D. officinale phenolic extract (SH-F) and examined its underlying mechanisms by using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans models. We found that treatment with SH-F (50 μg/mL) alleviated Aβ and tau protein toxicity in worms, and also reduced aggregation of polyglutamine proteins to help maintain proteostasis. RNA sequencing results showed that SH-F treatment significantly affected the proteolytic process and autophagy-lysosomal pathway. Furthermore, we confirmed that SH-F showing maintainance of proteostasis was dependent on bec-1 by qRT-PCR analysis and RNAi methods. Finally, we identified active components of SH-F by LC-MS method, and found the five major compounds including koaburaside, tyramine dihydroferulate, N-p-trans-coumaroyltyramine, naringenin and isolariciresinol are the main bioactive components responsible for the anti-AD activity of SH-F. Our findings provide new insights to develop a treatment strategy for AD by targeting proteostasis, and SH-F could be an alternative drug for the treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ting Yu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Hong-Ru Lin
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xin-Yan Chen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Meng-Lu Sun
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Cong-Min Wei
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Meng-Fan Xue
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yi-Huai Gao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Substance Enterprises, Ningde, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Wen-Bo Tang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Substance Enterprises, Ningde, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Chun-Yuan Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Substance Enterprises, Ningde, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Shan Li
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Hong-Bing Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Romussi S, Giunti S, Andersen N, De Rosa MJ. C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:565-585. [PMID: 38509691 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329103] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romussi
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giunti
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Afsar A, Zhang L. Putative Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning the Inverse Roles of Mitochondrial Respiration and Heme Function in Lung Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:185. [PMID: 38534454 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Mitochondria serve as the major source of oxidative stress. Impaired mitochondria produce less adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be a major factor in the oxidative imbalance observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Well-balanced mitochondrial respiration is important for the proper functioning of cells and human health. Indeed, recent research has shown that elevated mitochondrial respiration underlies the development and therapy resistance of many types of cancer, whereas diminished mitochondrial respiration is linked to the pathogenesis of AD. Mitochondria govern several activities that are known to be changed in lung cancer, the largest cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Because of the significant dependence of lung cancer cells on mitochondrial respiration, numerous studies demonstrated that blocking mitochondrial activity is a potent strategy to treat lung cancer. Heme is a central factor in mitochondrial respiration/oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and its association with cancer is the subject of increased research in recent years. In neural cells, heme is a key component in mitochondrial respiration and the production of ATP. Here, we review the role of impaired heme metabolism in the etiology of AD. We discuss the numerous mitochondrial effects that may contribute to AD and cancer. In addition to emphasizing the significance of heme in the development of both AD and cancer, this review also identifies some possible biological connections between the development of the two diseases. This review explores shared biological mechanisms (Pin1, Wnt, and p53 signaling) in cancer and AD. In cancer, these mechanisms drive cell proliferation and tumorigenic functions, while in AD, they lead to cell death. Understanding these mechanisms may help advance treatments for both conditions. This review discusses precise information regarding common risk factors, such as aging, obesity, diabetes, and tobacco usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Afsar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bakota L, Brandt R. Why kiss-and-hop explains that tau does not stabilize microtubules and does not interfere with axonal transport (at physiological conditions). Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:47-52. [PMID: 37694806 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that is enriched in the axonal process of neurons. Post-translational modifications of tau have been implicated in the development of tauopathies characterized by defects in axonal transport, neuronal atrophy, and microtubule disassembly. Although tau is almost quantitatively bound to microtubules under physiological conditions, it does not significantly affect axonal transport. Furthermore, acute or chronic tau deficiency does not result in significant destabilization of neuronal microtubules, challenging the classical view that disease-related tau modifications directly cause axonal microtubule collapse. Here, we discuss how the rapid interaction kinetics of the tau-microtubule interaction, which we previously termed the kiss-and-hop interaction, explains why tau does not affect microtubule-dependent axonal transport but still allows tau to modulate microtubule polymerization. In contrast, tau modifications that slow down the kinetics of the tau-microtubule interaction and increase the residence time of tau at a microtubule interaction site can disrupt axonal transport and cause dendritic atrophy. We discuss the consequences of such a gain-of-toxicity mechanism in terms of the development of disease-modulating drugs that target the tau protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Bakota
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Roland Brandt
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu Y, Chen Y, Yu X, Zhang M, Li Z. Towards Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:443. [PMID: 38203614 PMCID: PMC10778690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The elevated occurrence of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), demands urgent disease-modifying therapeutics. Owing to the evolutionarily conserved molecular signalling pathways with mammalian species and facile genetic manipulation, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) emerges as a powerful and manipulative model system for mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we review several representative C. elegans models established for five common neurodegenerative diseases, which closely simulate disease phenotypes specifically in the gain-of-function aspect. We exemplify applications of high-throughput genetic and drug screenings to illustrate the potential of C. elegans to probe novel therapeutic targets. This review highlights the utility of C. elegans as a comprehensive and versatile platform for the dissection of neurodegenerative diseases at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhaoyu Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiang Y, MacNeil LT. Simple model systems reveal conserved mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:82. [PMID: 37950311 PMCID: PMC10638731 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00664-x] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of effective therapies that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Model organisms, including yeast, worms, and flies, provide simple systems with which to investigate the mechanisms of disease. The evolutionary conservation of cellular pathways regulating proteostasis and stress response in these organisms facilitates the study of genetic factors that contribute to, or protect against, neurodegeneration. Here, we review genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration and related cellular pathways identified in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on models of AD and related tauopathies. We further address the potential of simple model systems to better understand the fundamental mechanisms that lead to AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lesley T MacNeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu MC, Gao YH, Zhang C, Ma BT, Lin HR, Jiang JY, Xue MF, Li S, Wang HB. Liensinine and neferine exert neuroprotective effects via the autophagy pathway in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:386. [PMID: 37891552 PMCID: PMC10612239 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04183-6] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liensinine and neferine are the main bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Nelumbo nucifera, which commonly used as edible food and traditional medicine in Asia. It was reported that liensinine and neferine could inhibit the activities of acetylcholinesterase and cross the blood-brain barriers, suggesting their therapeutic potential for the management of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Here, we employed SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with the human Swedish amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation APP695 (APP695swe SH-SY5Y) as an in vitro model and transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of liensinine and neferine. RESULTS We found that liensinine and neferine could significantly improve the viability and reduce ROS levels in APP695swe SH-SY5Y cells, inhibit β-amyloid and tau-induced toxicity, and enhance stress resistance in nematodes. Moreover, liensinine and neferine had obviously neuroprotective effects by assaying chemotaxis, 5-hydroxytryptamine sensitivity and the integrity of injured neurons in nematodes. Preliminary mechanism studies revealed that liensinine and neferine could upregulate the expression of autophagy related genes (lgg-1, unc-51, pha-4, atg-9 and ced-9) and reduce the accumulation of β-amyloid induced autophagosomes, which suggested autophagy pathway played a key role in neuroprotective effects of these two alkaloids. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our findings provided a certain working foundation for the use of liensinine and neferine to treat Alzheimer's disease based on neuroprotective effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chen Wu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Ye-Hui Gao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Bo-Tian Ma
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Hong-Ru Lin
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Jin-Yun Jiang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Meng-Fan Xue
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Shan Li
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Hong-Bing Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Antonioni A, Raho EM, Lopriore P, Pace AP, Latino RR, Assogna M, Mancuso M, Gragnaniello D, Granieri E, Pugliatti M, Di Lorenzo F, Koch G. Frontotemporal Dementia, Where Do We Stand? A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11732. [PMID: 37511491 PMCID: PMC10380352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disease of growing interest, since it accounts for up to 10% of middle-age-onset dementias and entails a social, economic, and emotional burden for the patients and caregivers. It is characterised by a (at least initially) selective degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobe, generally leading to behavioural alterations, speech disorders, and psychiatric symptoms. Despite the recent advances, given its extreme heterogeneity, an overview that can bring together all the data currently available is still lacking. Here, we aim to provide a state of the art on the pathogenesis of this disease, starting with established findings and integrating them with more recent ones. In particular, advances in the genetics field will be examined, assessing them in relation to both the clinical manifestations and histopathological findings, as well as considering the link with other diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, the current diagnostic criteria will be explored, including neuroimaging methods, nuclear medicine investigations, and biomarkers on biological fluids. Of note, the promising information provided by neurophysiological investigations, i.e., electroencephalography and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, concerning the alterations in brain networks and neurotransmitter systems will be reviewed. Finally, current and experimental therapies will be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annibale Antonioni
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Doctoral Program in Translational Neurosciences and Neurotechnologies, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maria Raho
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Piervito Lopriore
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonia Pia Pace
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, University Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Azienda Sanitaria-Universitaria Friuli Centrale, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Raffaela Rita Latino
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Emergency Department, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133 Rome, Italy
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Gragnaniello
- Nuerology Unit, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Unit of Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Lorenzo
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Iit@Unife Center for Translational Neurophysiology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Section of Human Physiology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System to Study Human Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030478. [PMID: 36979413 PMCID: PMC10046667 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in science and technology have improved our quality of life, enabling us to tackle diseases and increase human life expectancy. However, longevity is accompanied by an accretion in the frequency of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, creating a growing burden, with pervasive social impact for human societies. The cost of managing such chronic disorders and the lack of effective treatments highlight the need to decipher their molecular and genetic underpinnings, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. In this effort, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a powerful tool to recapitulate several disease-related phenotypes and provides a highly malleable genetic model that allows the implementation of multidisciplinary approaches, in addition to large-scale genetic and pharmacological screens. Its anatomical transparency allows the use of co-expressed fluorescent proteins to track the progress of neurodegeneration. Moreover, the functional conservation of neuronal processes, along with the high homology between nematode and human genomes, render C. elegans extremely suitable for the study of human neurodegenerative disorders. This review describes nematode models used to study neurodegeneration and underscores their contribution in the effort to dissect the molecular basis of human diseases and identify novel gene targets with therapeutic potential.
Collapse
|
11
|
Moore KBE, Hung TJ, Fortin JS. Hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) and drug discovery in the context of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103487. [PMID: 36634842 PMCID: PMC9975055 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and extracellular β-amyloid (βA) plaques. No disease-modifying therapy is currently available to prevent the progression of, or cure, the disease. Misfolded hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) is considered a pivotal point in the pathogenesis of AD and other tauopathies. Compelling evidence suggests that it is a key driver of the accumulation of NFTs and can be directly correlated with the extent of dementia in patients with AD. Therefore, inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation-induced aggregation could be a viable strategy to discover and develop therapeutics for patients with AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendall B E Moore
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ta-Jung Hung
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jessica S Fortin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wen Y, Zhang L, Li N, Tong A, Zhao C. Nutritional assessment models for Alzheimer's disease: Advances and perspectives. FOOD FRONTIERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/fft2.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Wen
- College of Marine Sciences Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry Faculty of Sciences Ourense Spain
| | - Lizhu Zhang
- College of Food Science Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Na Li
- College of Food Science Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Aijun Tong
- College of Food Science Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Chao Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pham TD. Classification of Caenorhabditis Elegans Locomotion Behaviors With Eigenfeature-Enhanced Long Short-Term Memory Networks. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 20:206-216. [PMID: 35196241 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2022.3153668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal model for understanding behavior and networks of neurons. Experimental and quantitative analyses of neural circuits and behavior have led to system-level understanding of behavioral genetics and process of transformation from sensory integration in stimulus environments to behavioral outcomes. The ability to differentiate locomotion behavior between wild-type and mutant Caenorhabditis elegans strains allows precise inference on and gaining insights into genetic and environmental influences on behaviors. This paper presents an eigenfeature-enhanced deep-learning method for classifying the dynamics of locomotion behavior of wild-type and mutant Caenorhabditis elegans. Classification results obtained from public benchmark time-series data of eigenworms illustrate the superior performance of the new method over several existing classifiers. The proposed method has potential as a useful artificial-intelligence tool for automated identification of the nematode worm behavioral patterns aiming at elucidating molecular and genetic mechanisms that control the nervous system.
Collapse
|
14
|
Chauhan P, Wadhwa K, Singh G. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to evaluate neuroprotective potential of nano formulations. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.1018754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of neurodegenerative illnesses on society is significant, but the mechanisms leading to neuronal malfunction and death in these conditions remain largely unknown despite identifying essential disease genes. To pinpoint the mechanisms behind the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, several researchers have turned to nematode C. elegans instead of using mammals. Since C. elegans is transparent, free-living, and amenable to culture, it has several benefits. As a result, all the neurons in C. elegans can be easily identified, and their connections are understood. Human proteins linked to Neurodegeneration can be made to express in them. It is also possible to analyze how C. elegans orthologs of the genes responsible for human neurodegenerative diseases function. In this article, we focused at some of the most important C. elegans neurodegeneration models that accurately represent many elements of human neurodegenerative illness. It has been observed that studies using the adaptable C. elegans have helped us in better understanding of human diseases. These studies have used it to replicate several aspects of human neurodegeneration. A nanotech approach involves engineering materials or equipments interacting with biological systems at the molecular level to trigger physiological responses by increasing stimulation, responding, and interacting with target sites while minimizing side effects, thus revolutionizing the treatment and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Nanotechnologies are being used to treat neurological disorders and deliver nanoscale drugs. This review explores the current and future uses of these nanotechnologies as innovative therapeutic modalities in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases using C elegans as an experimental model.
Collapse
|
15
|
Guha S, Cheng A, Carroll T, King D, Koren SA, Swords S, Nehrke K, Johnson GVW. Selective disruption of Drp1-independent mitophagy and mitolysosome trafficking by an Alzheimer's disease relevant tau modification in a novel Caenorhabditis elegans model. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac104. [PMID: 35916724 PMCID: PMC9434186 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac104] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of inappropriately phosphorylated tau into neurofibrillary tangles is a defining feature of Alzheimer's disease, with Tau pT231 being an early harbinger of tau pathology. Previously, we demonstrated that expressing a single genomic copy of human phosphomimetic mutant tau (T231E) in Caenorhabditis elegans drove age-dependent neurodegeneration. A critical finding was that T231E, unlike wild-type tau, completely and selectively suppressed oxidative stress-induced mitophagy. Here, we used dynamic imaging approaches to analyze T231E-associated changes in mitochondria and mitolysosome morphology, abundance, trafficking, and stress-induced mitophagy as a function of mitochondrial fission mediator dynamin-related protein 1, which has been demonstrated to interact with hyper phosphorylated tau and contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, as well as Pink1, a well-recognized mediator of mitochondrial quality control that works together with Parkin to support stress-induced mitophagy. T231E impacted both mitophagy and mitolysosome neurite trafficking with exquisite selectivity, sparing macroautophagy as well as lysosome and autolysosome trafficking. Both oxidative-stress-induced mitophagy and the ability of T231E to suppress it were independent of drp-1, but at least partially dependent on pink-1. Organelle trafficking was more complicated, with drp-1 and pink-1 mutants exerting independent effects, but generally supported the idea that the mitophagy phenotype is of greater physiologic impact in T231E. Collectively, our results refine the mechanistic pathway through which T231E causes neurodegeneration, demonstrating pathologic selectivity for mutations that mimic tauopathy-associated post-translational modifications, physiologic selectivity for organelles that contain damaged mitochondria, and molecular selectivity for dynamin-related protein 1-independent, Pink1-dependent, perhaps adaptive, and mitophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Guha
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Anson Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Trae Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Dennisha King
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Shon A Koren
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Sierra Swords
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Keith Nehrke
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ganne A, Balasubramaniam M, Griffin WST, Shmookler Reis RJ, Ayyadevara S. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein: A Biomarker and Drug Target for Alzheimer’s Disease. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071354. [PMID: 35890250 PMCID: PMC9322874 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an intermediate filament structural protein involved in cytoskeleton assembly and integrity, expressed in high abundance in activated glial cells. GFAP is neuroprotective, as knockout mice are hypersensitive to traumatic brain injury. GFAP in cerebrospinal fluid is a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we present novel evidence that GFAP is markedly overexpressed and differentially phosphorylated in AD hippocampus, especially in AD with the apolipoprotein E [ε4, ε4] genotype, relative to age-matched controls (AMCs). Kinases that phosphorylate GFAP are upregulated in AD relative to AMC. A knockdown of these kinases in SH-SY5Y-APPSw human neuroblastoma cells reduced amyloid accrual and lowered protein aggregation and associated behavioral traits in C. elegans models of polyglutamine aggregation (as observed in Huntington’s disease) and of Alzheimer’s-like amyloid formation. In silico screening of the ChemBridge structural library identified a small molecule, MSR1, with stable and specific binding to GFAP. Both MSR1 exposure and GF AP-specific RNAi knockdown reduce aggregation with remarkably high concordance of aggregate proteins depleted. These data imply that GFAP and its phosphorylation play key roles in neuropathic aggregate accrual and provide valuable new biomarkers, as well as novel therapeutic targets to alleviate, delay, or prevent AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha Ganne
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Service, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.G.); (M.B.); (W.S.T.G.)
- Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | | | - W. Sue T. Griffin
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Service, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.G.); (M.B.); (W.S.T.G.)
- BioInformatics Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Robert J. Shmookler Reis
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Service, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.G.); (M.B.); (W.S.T.G.)
- Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- BioInformatics Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: (R.J.S.R.); (S.A.); Tel.: +1-501-526-5820 (R.J.S.R.); +1-501-526-7282 (S.A.)
| | - Srinivas Ayyadevara
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Service, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.G.); (M.B.); (W.S.T.G.)
- Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- BioInformatics Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: (R.J.S.R.); (S.A.); Tel.: +1-501-526-5820 (R.J.S.R.); +1-501-526-7282 (S.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Navarro-Hortal MD, Romero-Márquez JM, Osta S, Jiménez-Trigo V, Muñoz-Ollero P, Varela-López A. Natural Bioactive Products and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology: Lessons from Caenorhabditis elegans Transgenic Models. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10020028. [PMID: 35645249 PMCID: PMC9149938 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-dependent, progressive disorder affecting millions of people. Currently, the therapeutics for AD only treat the symptoms. Although they have been used to discover new products of interest for this disease, mammalian models used to investigate the molecular determinants of this disease are often prohibitively expensive, time-consuming and very complex. On the other hand, cell cultures lack the organism complexity involved in AD. Given the highly conserved neurological pathways between mammals and invertebrates, Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful tool for the investigation of the pathophysiology of human AD. Numerous models of both Tau- and Aβ-induced toxicity, the two prime components observed to correlate with AD pathology and the ease of performing RNA interference for any gene in the C. elegans genome, allow for the identification of multiple therapeutic targets. The effects of many natural products in main AD hallmarks using these models suggest promising health-promoting effects. However, the way in which they exert such effects is not entirely clear. One of the reasons is that various possible therapeutic targets have not been evaluated in many studies. The present review aims to explore shared therapeutical targets and the potential of each of them for AD treatment or prevention.
Collapse
|
18
|
Invited review: Unearthing the mechanisms of age-related neurodegenerative disease using Caenorhabditis elegans. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 267:111166. [PMID: 35176489 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111166] [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] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As human life expectancy increases, neurodegenerative diseases present a growing public health threat, for which there are currently few effective treatments. There is an urgent need to understand the molecular and genetic underpinnings of these disorders so new therapeutic targets can be identified. Here we present the argument that the simple nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful tool to rapidly study neurodegenerative disorders due to their short lifespan and vast array of genetic tools, which can be combined with characterization of conserved neuronal processes and behavior orthologous to those disrupted in human disease. We review how pre-existing C. elegans models provide insight into human neurological disease as well as an overview of current tools available to study neurodegenerative diseases in the worm, with an emphasis on genetics and behavior. We also discuss open questions that C. elegans may be particularly well suited for in future studies and how worms will be a valuable preclinical model to better understand these devastating neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang Y, Li H, Jin S, Lu Y, Peng Y, Zhao L, Wang X. Cannabidiol protects against Alzheimer's disease in C. elegans via ROS scavenging activity of its phenolic hydroxyl groups. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 919:174829. [PMID: 35181336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent discoveries have implicated the potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, how CBD affects such neurodegenerative disorders remains unclear. Herein, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as the model organism to elucidate the mechanism by which CBD ameliorates AD in vivo. CBD was found to alleviate the progression of Aβ-induced AD but not tau protein-induced AD or α-syn-induced Parkinson's disease. CBD inhibited the aggregation of Aβ in C. elegans. However, CBD failed to prevent the formation of β-sheet aggregation in vitro. Moreover, CBD was found to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo without inducing the overexpression of antioxidative genes. In addition, CBD treatment enhanced the worm resistance to oxidative stress, which was independent of the classical transcription factors DAF-16 and SKN-1. These results supported that the in vivo antioxidative activity of CBD was most likely due to its intrinsic antioxidative property. Furthermore, the phenolic hydroxyl groups of CBD were found to be critical for scavenging ROS in vitro and in vivo, alleviating the aggregation of Aβ in vivo, and ameliorating Aβ-associated neurotoxicity. These studies show that CBD protects against AD in C. elegans via the ROS scavenging activity of its phenolic hydroxyl groups, which provides insight for further structure-activity relationship studies of CBD as an AD therapeutic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Sha Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Yuyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Yinghua Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animal, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130112, China
| | - Lihui Zhao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China.
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China; Department of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Modeling Alzheimer's Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020288. [PMID: 35203497 PMCID: PMC8869312 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia. After decades of research, we know the importance of the accumulation of protein aggregates such as β-amyloid peptide and phosphorylated tau. We also know that mutations in certain proteins generate early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD), and many other genes modulate the disease in its sporadic form. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathology are still unclear. Because of ethical limitations, we need to use animal models to investigate these processes. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has received considerable attention in the last 25 years, since the first AD models overexpressing Aβ peptide were described. We review here the main results obtained using this model to study AD. We include works studying the basic molecular mechanisms of the disease, as well as those searching for new therapeutic targets. Although this model also has important limitations, the ability of this nematode to generate knock-out or overexpression models of any gene, single or combined, and to carry out toxicity, recovery or survival studies in short timeframes with many individuals and at low cost is difficult to overcome. We can predict that its use as a model for various diseases will certainly continue to increase.
Collapse
|
21
|
Russell JC, Lei H, Chaliparambil RK, Fish S, Markiewicz SM, Lee TI, Noori A, Kaeberlein M. Generation and characterization of a tractable C. elegans model of tauopathy. GeroScience 2021; 43:2621-2631. [PMID: 34536202 PMCID: PMC8599767 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease(AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease that results in deterioration of memory and cognitive function. As a currently untreatable disorder, AD has emerged as one of the defining biomedical challenges of our time. Thus, new approaches that can examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-related AD pathology are sorely needed. One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is the hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein. Caenorhabditis elegans have been previously used to study the genetic pathways impacted by tau proteotoxic stress; however, currently, available C. elegans tau models express the human protein solely in neurons, which are unresponsive to global RNA interference (RNAi). This limits powerful RNAi screening methods from being utilized effectively in these disease models. Our goal was to develop a C. elegans tau model that has pronounced tau-induced disease phenotypes in cells that can be modified by feeding RNAi methods. Towards this end, we generated a novel C. elegans transgenic line with codon-optimized human 0N4R V337M tau expressed in the body wall muscle under the myo-3 promoter. Immunoblotting experiments revealed that the expressed tau is phosphorylated on epitopes canonically associated with human AD pathology. The tau line has significantly reduced health metrics, including egg laying, growth rate, paralysis, thrashing frequency, crawling speed, and lifespan. These defects are suppressed by RNAi directed against the tau mRNA. Taken together, our results suggest that this alternative tau genetic model could be a useful tool for uncovering the mechanisms that influence the hyperphosphorylation and toxicity of human tau via RNAi screening and other approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Russell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Haoyi Lei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rahul K Chaliparambil
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Ting-I Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vignon A, Salvador-Prince L, Lehmann S, Perrier V, Torrent J. Deconstructing Alzheimer's Disease: How to Bridge the Gap between Experimental Models and the Human Pathology? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8769. [PMID: 34445475 PMCID: PMC8395727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovered more than a century ago, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not only still present in our societies but has also become the most common dementia, with 50 million people worldwide affected by the disease. This number is expected to double in the next generation, and no cure is currently available to slow down or stop the disease progression. Recently, some advances were made due to the approval of the aducanumab treatment by the American Food and Drug Administration. The etiology of this human-specific disease remains poorly understood, and the mechanisms of its development have not been completely clarified. Several hypotheses concerning the molecular mechanisms of AD have been proposed, but the existing studies focus primarily on the two main markers of the disease: the amyloid β peptides, whose aggregation in the brain generates amyloid plaques, and the abnormally phosphorylated tau proteins, which are responsible for neurofibrillary tangles. These protein aggregates induce neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which, in turn, lead to cognitive and behavioral deficits. The challenge is, therefore, to create models that best reproduce this pathology. This review aims at gathering the different existing AD models developed in vitro, in cellulo, and in vivo. Many models have already been set up, but it is necessary to identify the most relevant ones for our investigations. The purpose of the review is to help researchers to identify the most pertinent disease models, from the most often used to the most recently generated and from simple to complex, explaining their specificities and giving concrete examples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Vignon
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.V.); (L.S.-P.)
| | - Lucie Salvador-Prince
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.V.); (L.S.-P.)
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France;
| | - Véronique Perrier
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Joan Torrent
- INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (A.V.); (L.S.-P.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Giong HK, Subramanian M, Yu K, Lee JS. Non-Rodent Genetic Animal Models for Studying Tauopathy: Review of Drosophila, Zebrafish, and C. elegans Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8465. [PMID: 34445171 PMCID: PMC8395099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathy refers to a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer's disease, which correlate with the malfunction of microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT) due to abnormal hyperphosphorylation, leading to the formation of intracellular aggregates in the brain. Despite extensive efforts to understand tauopathy and develop an efficient therapy, our knowledge is still far from complete. To find a solution for this group of devastating diseases, several animal models that mimic diverse disease phenotypes of tauopathy have been developed. Rodents are the dominating tauopathy models because of their similarity to humans and established disease lines, as well as experimental approaches. However, powerful genetic animal models using Drosophila, zebrafish, and C. elegans have also been developed for modeling tauopathy and have contributed to understanding the pathophysiology of tauopathy. The success of these models stems from the short lifespans, versatile genetic tools, real-time in-vivo imaging, low maintenance costs, and the capability for high-throughput screening. In this review, we summarize the main findings on mechanisms of tauopathy and discuss the current tauopathy models of these non-rodent genetic animals, highlighting their key advantages and limitations in tauopathy research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Khoanh Giong
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Manivannan Subramanian
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Kweon Yu
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zanier ER, Barzago MM, Vegliante G, Romeo M, Restelli E, Bertani I, Natale C, Colnaghi L, Colombo L, Russo L, Micotti E, Fioriti L, Chiesa R, Diomede L. C. elegans detects toxicity of traumatic brain injury generated tau. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 153:105330. [PMID: 33711491 PMCID: PMC8039186 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with widespread tau pathology in about 30% of patients surviving late after injury. We previously found that TBI in mice induces the formation of an abnormal form of tau (tauTBI) which progressively spreads from the site of injury to remote brain regions. Intracerebral inoculation of TBI brain homogenates into naïve mice induced progressive tau pathology, synaptic loss and late cognitive decline, suggesting a pivotal role of tauTBI in post-TBI neurodegeneration. However, the possibility that tauTBI was a marker of TBI-associated neurodegeneration rather than a toxic driver of functional decline could not be excluded. Here we employed the nematode C. elegans as a biosensor to test the pathogenic role of TBI generated tau. The motility of this nematode depends on efficient neuromuscular transmission and is exceptionally sensitive to the toxicity of amyloidogenic proteins, providing a tractable model for our tests. We found that worms exposed to brain homogenates from chronic but not acute TBI mice, or from mice in which tauTBI had been transmitted by intracerebral inoculation, had impaired motility and neuromuscular synaptic transmission. Results were similar when worms were given brain homogenates from transgenic mice overexpressing tau P301L, a tauopathy mouse model, suggesting that TBI-induced and mutant tau have similar toxic properties. P301L brain homogenate toxicity was similar in wild-type and ptl-1 knock-out worms, indicating that the nematode tau homolog protein PTL-1 was not required to mediate the toxic effect. Harsh protease digestion to eliminate the protein component of the homogenates, pre-incubation with anti-tau antibodies or tau depletion by immunoprecipitation, abolished the toxicity. Homogenates of chronic TBI brains from tau knock-out mice were not toxic to C. elegans, whereas oligomeric recombinant tau was sufficient to impair their motility. This study indicates that tauTBI impairs motor activity and synaptic transmission in C. elegans and supports a pathogenic role of tauTBI in the long-term consequences of TBI. It also sets the groundwork for the development of a C. elegans-based platform for screening anti-tau compounds. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice induces a progressive tau pathology. Brain-injured tissue from chronic but not acute TBI mice impairs C. elegans motility. TBI tissue immunodepleted of tau or from tau knock-out mice has no toxic effect. Brain-injured tissue from TBI mice impairs neuromuscular transmission in worms. C. elegans is a tractable model for investigating tau toxicity generated by TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa R Zanier
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Monica Barzago
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Vegliante
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Romeo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Restelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bertani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmina Natale
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Colnaghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Colombo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Micotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luana Fioriti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Chiesa
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lo CH, Sachs JN. The role of wild-type tau in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES (WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF.) 2020; 2:1-17. [PMID: 33665646 PMCID: PMC7929479 DOI: 10.36069/jols/20201201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tau oligomers have recently emerged as the principal toxic species in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tauopathies. Tau oligomers are spontaneously self-assembled soluble tau proteins that are formed prior to fibrils, and they have been shown to play a central role in neuronal cell death and in the induction of neurodegeneration in animal models. As the therapeutic paradigm shifts to targeting toxic tau oligomers, this suggests the focus to study tau oligomerization in species that are less susceptible to fibrillization. While truncated and mutation containing tau as well as the isolated repeat domains are particularly prone to fibrillization, the wild-type (WT) tau proteins have been shown to be resistant to fibril formation in the absence of aggregation inducers. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the toxicity of WT tau both in vitro and in vivo, as well as its involvement in tau oligomerization and cell-to-cell propagation of pathology. Understanding the role of WT tau will enable more effective biomarker development and therapeutic discovery for treatment of AD and tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Jonathan N. Sachs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Caenorhabditis elegans Models to Investigate the Mechanisms Underlying Tau Toxicity in Tauopathies. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110838. [PMID: 33187241 PMCID: PMC7697895 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the genetic, biochemical, and structural determinants underlying tau aggregation is pivotal in the elucidation of the pathogenic process driving tauopathies and the design of effective therapies. Relevant information on the molecular basis of human neurodegeneration in vivo can be obtained using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). To this end, two main approaches can be applied: the overexpression of genes/proteins leading to neuronal dysfunction and death, and studies in which proteins prone to misfolding are exogenously administered to induce a neurotoxic phenotype. Thanks to the easy generation of transgenic strains expressing human disease genes, C. elegans allows the identification of genes and/or proteins specifically associated with pathology and the specific disruptions of cellular processes involved in disease. Several transgenic strains expressing human wild-type or mutated tau have been developed and offer significant information concerning whether transgene expression regulates protein production and aggregation in soluble or insoluble form, onset of the disease, and the degenerative process. C. elegans is able to specifically react to the toxic assemblies of tau, thus developing a neurodegenerative phenotype that, even when exogenously administered, opens up the use of this assay to investigate in vivo the relationship between the tau sequence, its folding, and its proteotoxicity. These approaches can be employed to screen drugs and small molecules that can interact with the biogenesis and dynamics of formation of tau aggregates and to analyze their interactions with other cellular proteins.
Collapse
|
27
|
Tauopathy-associated tau modifications selectively impact neurodegeneration and mitophagy in a novel C. elegans single-copy transgenic model. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:65. [PMID: 33168053 PMCID: PMC7654055 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00410-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A defining pathological hallmark of the progressive neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the accumulation of misfolded tau with abnormal post-translational modifications (PTMs). These include phosphorylation at Threonine 231 (T231) and acetylation at Lysine 274 (K274) and at Lysine 281 (K281). Although tau is recognized to play a central role in pathogenesis of AD, the precise mechanisms by which these abnormal PTMs contribute to the neural toxicity of tau is unclear. Methods Human 0N4R tau (wild type) was expressed in touch receptor neurons of the genetic model organism C. elegans through single-copy gene insertion. Defined mutations were then introduced into the single-copy tau transgene through CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. These mutations included T231E, to mimic phosphorylation of a commonly observed pathological epitope, and K274/281Q, to mimic disease-associated lysine acetylation – collectively referred as “PTM-mimetics” – as well as a T231A phosphoablation mutant. Stereotypical touch response assays were used to assess behavioral defects in the transgenic strains as a function of age. Genetically-encoded fluorescent biosensors were expressed in touch neurons and used to measure neuronal morphology, mitochondrial morphology, mitophagy, and macro autophagy. Results Unlike existing tau overexpression models, C. elegans single-copy expression of tau did not elicit overt pathological phenotypes at baseline. However, strains expressing disease associated PTM-mimetics (T231E and K274/281Q) exhibited reduced touch sensation and neuronal morphological abnormalities that increased with age. In addition, the PTM-mimetic mutants lacked the ability to engage neuronal mitophagy in response to mitochondrial stress. Conclusions Limiting the expression of tau results in a genetic model where modifications that mimic pathologic tauopathy-associated PTMs contribute to cryptic, stress-inducible phenotypes that evolve with age. These findings and their relationship to mitochondrial stress provides a new perspective into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AD. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13024-020-00410-7.
Collapse
|
28
|
Caldwell KA, Willicott CW, Caldwell GA. Modeling neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:13/10/dmm046110. [PMID: 33106318 PMCID: PMC7648605 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of neurodegenerative diseases underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to define new drug targets and disease-modifying factors. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has served as the experimental subject for multiple transformative discoveries that have redefined our understanding of biology for ∼60 years. More recently, the considerable attributes of C. elegans have been applied to neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Transgenic nematodes with genes encoding normal and disease variants of proteins at the single- or multi-copy level under neuronal-specific promoters limits expression to select neuronal subtypes. The anatomical transparency of C. elegans affords the use of co-expressed fluorescent proteins to follow the progression of neurodegeneration as the animals age. Significantly, a completely defined connectome facilitates detailed understanding of the impact of neurodegeneration on organismal health and offers a unique capacity to accurately link cell death with behavioral dysfunction or phenotypic variation in vivo. Moreover, chemical treatments, as well as forward and reverse genetic screening, hasten the identification of modifiers that alter neurodegeneration. When combined, these chemical-genetic analyses establish critical threshold states to enhance or reduce cellular stress for dissecting associated pathways. Furthermore, C. elegans can rapidly reveal whether lifespan or healthspan factor into neurodegenerative processes. Here, we outline the methodologies employed to investigate neurodegeneration in C. elegans and highlight numerous studies that exemplify its utility as a pre-clinical intermediary to expedite and inform mammalian translational research. Summary: While unsurpassed as an experimental system for fundamental biology, Caenorhabditis elegans remains undervalued for its translational potential. Here, we highlight significant outcomes from, and resources available for, C. elegans-based research into neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA .,Departments of Neurobiology, Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, and Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Corey W Willicott
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.,Departments of Neurobiology, Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, and Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Keramidis I, Vourkou E, Papanikolopoulou K, Skoulakis EMC. Functional Interactions of Tau Phosphorylation Sites That Mediate Toxicity and Deficient Learning in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:569520. [PMID: 33192295 PMCID: PMC7609872 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.569520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylated Tau protein is the main component of the neurofibrillary tangles, characterizing degenerating neurons in Alzheimer’s disease and other Tauopathies. Expression of human Tau protein in Drosophila CNS results in increased toxicity, premature mortality and learning and memory deficits. Herein we use novel transgenic lines to investigate the contribution of specific phosphorylation sites previously implicated in Tau toxicity. These three different sites, Ser238, Thr245, and Ser262 were tested either by blocking their phosphorylation, by Ser/Thr to Ala substitution, or pseudophosphorylation, by changing Ser/Thr to Glu. We validate the hypothesis that phosphorylation at Ser262 is necessary for Tau-dependent learning deficits and a “facilitatory gatekeeper” to Ser238 occupation, which is linked to Tau toxicity. Importantly we reveal that phosphorylation at Thr245 acts as a “suppressive gatekeeper”, preventing phosphorylation of many sites including Ser262 and consequently of Ser238. Therefore, we elucidate novel interactions among phosphosites central to Tau mediated neuronal dysfunction and toxicity, likely driven by phosphorylation-dependent conformational plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iason Keramidis
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece
| | - Ergina Vourkou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece.,1st Department of Neurology, Memory and Movement Disorders Clinic, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Vari, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Paul D, Chipurupalli S, Justin A, Raja K, Mohankumar SK. Caenorhabditis elegans as a possible model to screen anti-Alzheimer's therapeutics. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2020; 106:106932. [PMID: 33091537 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2020.106932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is regarded as one of the significant health burdens, as the prevalence is raising worldwide and gradually reaching to epidemic proportions. Consequently, a number of scientific investigations have been initiated to derive therapeutics to combat AD with a concurrent advancement in pharmacological methods and experimental models. Whilst, the available experimental pharmacological approaches both in vivo and in vitro led to the development of AD therapeutics, the precise manner by which experimental models mimic either one or more biomarkers of human pathology of AD is gaining scientific attentions. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been regarded as an emerging model for various reasons, including its high similarities with the biomarkers of human AD. Our review supports the versatile nature of C. elegans and collates that it is a well-suited model to elucidate various molecular mechanisms by which AD therapeutics elicit their pharmacological effects. It is apparent that C. elegans is capable of establishing the pathological processes that links the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria dysfunctions in AD, exploring novel molecular cascades of AD pathogenesis and underpinning causal and consequential changes in the associated proteins and genes. In summary, C. elegans is a unique and feasible model for the screening of anti-Alzheimer's therapeutics and has the potential for further scientific exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepraj Paul
- TIFAC CORE in Herbal Drugs, Department of Pharmacognosy, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Rockland's, Ooty 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sandhya Chipurupalli
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Rockland's, Ooty 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Antony Justin
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Rockland's, Ooty 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kalpana Raja
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute of Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suresh K Mohankumar
- TIFAC CORE in Herbal Drugs, Department of Pharmacognosy, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Rockland's, Ooty 643001, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Liang JJH, McKinnon IA, Rankin CH. The contribution of C. elegans neurogenetics to understanding neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:527-548. [DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1803302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. H. Liang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Issa A. McKinnon
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Catharine H. Rankin
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lee Y, Jeong H, Park KH, Kim KW. Effects of NAD + in Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Neuronal Damage. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E993. [PMID: 32630651 PMCID: PMC7407593 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential cofactor that mediates numerous biological processes in all living cells. Multiple NAD+ biosynthetic enzymes and NAD+-consuming enzymes are involved in neuroprotection and axon regeneration. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has served as a model to study the neuronal role of NAD+ because many molecular components regulating NAD+ are highly conserved. This review focuses on recent findings using C. elegans models of neuronal damage pertaining to the neuronal functions of NAD+ and its precursors, including a neuroprotective role against excitotoxicity and axon degeneration as well as an inhibitory role in axon regeneration. The regulation of NAD+ levels could be a promising therapeutic strategy to counter many neurodegenerative diseases, as well as neurotoxin-induced and traumatic neuronal damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Lee
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
| | - Hyeseon Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
| | - Kyung Hwan Park
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
- Convergence Program of Material Science for Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Van Pelt KM, Truttmann MC. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for studying aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE OF AGING 2020; 4:60-72. [PMID: 34327290 PMCID: PMC8317484 DOI: 10.1016/j.tma.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a heterogeneous group of aging-associated disorders characterized by the disruption of cellular proteostasis machinery and the misfolding of distinct protein species to form toxic aggregates in neurons. The increasing prevalence of NDs represents a growing healthcare burden worldwide, a concern compounded by the fact that few, if any, treatments exist to target the underlying cause of these diseases. Consequently, the application of a high-throughput, physiologically relevant model system to studies dissecting the molecular mechanisms governing ND pathology is crucial for identifying novel avenues for the development of targeted therapeutics. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has emerged as a powerful tool for the study of disease mechanisms due to its ease of genetic manipulation and swift cultivation, while providing a whole-animal system amendable to numerous molecular and biochemical techniques. To date, numerous C. elegans models have been generated for a variety of NDs, allowing for the large-scale in vivo study of protein-conformation disorders. Furthermore, the comparatively low barriers to entry in the development of transgenic worm models have facilitated the modeling of rare or "orphan" NDs, thereby providing unparalleled insight into the shared mechanisms underlying these pathologies. In this review, we summarize findings from a comprehensive collection of C. elegans neurodegenerative disease models of varying prevalence to emphasize shared mechanisms of proteotoxicity, and highlight the utility of these models in elucidating the molecular basis of ND pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate M. Van Pelt
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Matthias C. Truttmann
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Geriatrics Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Biophysical studies of protein misfolding and aggregation in in vivo models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Q Rev Biophys 2020; 49:e22. [PMID: 32493529 DOI: 10.1017/s0033583520000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD), are characterised by the formation of aberrant assemblies of misfolded proteins. The discovery of disease-modifying drugs for these disorders is challenging, in part because we still have a limited understanding of their molecular origins. In this review, we discuss how biophysical approaches can help explain the formation of the aberrant conformational states of proteins whose neurotoxic effects underlie these diseases. We discuss in particular models based on the transgenic expression of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau in AD, and α-synuclein in PD. Because biophysical methods have enabled an accurate quantification and a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein misfolding and aggregation in vitro, we expect that the further development of these methods to probe directly the corresponding mechanisms in vivo will open effective routes for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|
35
|
Ahmad W, Shabbiri K, Ahmad I. Prediction of human tau 3D structure, and interplay between O-β-GlcNAc and phosphorylation modifications in Alzheimer's disease: C. elegans as a suitable model to study these interactions in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 528:466-472. [PMID: 32499112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tau protein regulates, maintains and stabilizes microtubule assembly under normal physiological conditions. In certain pathological circumstances, tau is post-translationally modified predominantly via phosphorylation and glycosylation. Hyper-phosphorylation of tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD) resulted in aggregated neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formation. Unfortunately, absence of tau 3D structure makes difficult to understand exact mechanism involved in tau pathology. Here by using ab-initio modelling, we predicted a tau 3D structure that not only explains its binding with microtubules but also elucidates NFTs formation. O-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-β-GlcNAc) is thought to regulate tau phosphorylation on single or proximal Ser/Thr residues (called as Yin-Yang sites). In this study, we not only validate the previously described three-serine residues (208, 238 and 400) as Yin-Yang sites but also predicted 22 more possible Ser/Thr O-glycosylation sites. Among them seventeen residues were predicted as possible Yin-Yang sites and are proposed to mediate NFT formation in AD. These predicted Yin-Yang sites may act as attractive therapeutic targets for the drug development in AD. Predicted 3D structure of tau441 was highly accessible for phosphorylation and hyperphosphorylation, and showed higher surface accessibility for interplay between O-β-GlcNAc and phosphorylation modifications. Kinases and phosphatases involved in tau phosphorylation are conserved in human and other organisms. Homology modelling revealed conserved catalytic domain for both human and C. elegans O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), suggesting that transgenic C. elegans expressing human tau may be a suitable model system to study these modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - Khadija Shabbiri
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, GC University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lam I, Hallacli E, Khurana V. Proteome-Scale Mapping of Perturbed Proteostasis in Living Cells. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a034124. [PMID: 30910772 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a034124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteinopathies are degenerative diseases in which specific proteins adopt deleterious conformations, leading to the dysfunction and demise of distinct cell types. They comprise some of the most significant diseases of aging-from Alzheimer's disease to Parkinson's disease to type 2 diabetes-for which not a single disease-modifying or preventative strategy exists. Here, we survey approaches in tractable cellular and organismal models that bring us toward a more complete understanding of the molecular consequences of protein misfolding. These include proteome-scale profiling of genetic modifiers, as well as transcriptional and proteome changes. We describe assays that can capture protein interactomes in situ and distinct protein conformational states. A picture of cellular drivers and responders to proteotoxicity emerges from this work, distinguishing general alterations of proteostasis from cellular events that are deeply tied to the intrinsic function of the misfolding protein. These distinctions have consequences for the understanding and treatment of proteinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Lam
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Erinc Hallacli
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Vikram Khurana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.,New York Stem Cell Foundation - Robertson Investigator
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chen XY, Liao DC, Yu YT, Wei CM, Xuan LY, Li S, Wang HB. Coix seed oil prolongs lifespan and enhances stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biogerontology 2020; 21:245-256. [PMID: 31960183 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-020-09857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coix seed oil (CSO) has many beneficial effects, but there is limited research on its influence on the processes and mechanisms related to senescence. Here, we used Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model to investigate CSO's bioeffects on longevity. CSO (1 mg/mL) significantly extended the mean lifespan of C. elegans by over 22.79% and markedly improved stress resistance. Gene-specific mutant studies showed that the CSO-mediated increase in life expectancy was dependent on mev-1, hsf-1 and daf-16, but not daf-2. Furthermore, CSO significantly upregulated stress-inducible genes, including daf-16 and its downstream genes (sod-3, hsp-16.2 and gst-4). In addition, four major fatty acids, linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic, played leading roles in C. elegans' extended lifespan. Thus, CSO increased the life expectancy of, and enhanced the stress resistance in, C. elegans mainly through daf-16 and its downstream genes, but not through the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yan Chen
- Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - De-Chun Liao
- Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ying-Ting Yu
- Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cong-Min Wei
- Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ling-Yan Xuan
- Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shan Li
- Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Hong-Bing Wang
- Putuo District People's Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Markaki M, Tavernarakis N. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for human diseases. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 63:118-125. [PMID: 31951916 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans offers unique advantages that enable a comprehensive delineation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying devastating human pathologies such as stroke, ischemia and age-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Genetic models of human diseases that closely simulate several disease-related phenotypes have been established in the worm. These models allow the implementation of multidisciplinary approaches, in addition to large-scale genetic and pharmacological screenings, designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms mediating pathogenesis and to identify targets and drugs for emergent therapeutic interventions. Such strategies have already provided valuable insights, highly relevant to human health and quality of life. This article considers the potential of C. elegans as a versatile platform for systematic dissection of the molecular basis of human disease, focusing on neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Markaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece; Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 70013, Crete, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Woo JAA, Liu T, Fang CC, Cazzaro S, Kee T, LePochat P, Yrigoin K, Penn C, Zhao X, Wang X, Liggett SB, Kang DE. Activated cofilin exacerbates tau pathology by impairing tau-mediated microtubule dynamics. Commun Biol 2019; 2:112. [PMID: 30911686 PMCID: PMC6430779 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0359-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. While the accumulation of Aβ is pivotal to the etiology of AD, both the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and the F-actin severing protein cofilin are necessary for the deleterious effects of Aβ. However, the molecular link between tau and cofilin remains unclear. In this study, we found that cofilin competes with tau for direct microtubule binding in vitro, in cells, and in vivo, which inhibits tau-induced microtubule assembly. Genetic reduction of cofilin mitigates tauopathy and synaptic defects in Tau-P301S mice and movement deficits in tau transgenic C. elegans. The pathogenic effects of cofilin are selectively mediated by activated cofilin, as active but not inactive cofilin selectively interacts with tubulin, destabilizes microtubules, and promotes tauopathy. These results therefore indicate that activated cofilin plays an essential intermediary role in neurotoxic signaling that promotes tauopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-A. A. Woo
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Tian Liu
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Cenxiao C. Fang
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Sara Cazzaro
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Teresa Kee
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Patrick LePochat
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Ksenia Yrigoin
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Courtney Penn
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Xingyu Zhao
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Xinming Wang
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - Stephen B. Liggett
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
| | - David E. Kang
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613 USA
- James A. Haley Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Croft CL, Cruz PE, Ryu DH, Ceballos-Diaz C, Strang KH, Woody BM, Lin WL, Deture M, Rodríguez-Lebrón E, Dickson DW, Chakrabarty P, Levites Y, Giasson BI, Golde TE. rAAV-based brain slice culture models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease inclusion pathologies. J Exp Med 2019; 216:539-555. [PMID: 30770411 PMCID: PMC6400529 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20182184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been challenging to produce ex vivo models of the inclusion pathologies that are hallmark pathologies of many neurodegenerative diseases. Using three-dimensional mouse brain slice cultures (BSCs), we have developed a paradigm that rapidly and robustly recapitulates mature neurofibrillary inclusion and Lewy body formation found in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, respectively. This was achieved by transducing the BSCs with recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) that express α-synuclein or variants of tau. Notably, the tauopathy BSC model enables screening of small molecule therapeutics and tracking of neurodegeneration. More generally, the rAAV BSC "toolkit" enables efficient transduction and transgene expression from neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, alone or in combination, with transgene expression lasting for many months. These rAAV-based BSC models provide a cost-effective and facile alternative to in vivo studies, and in the future can become a widely adopted methodology to explore physiological and pathological mechanisms related to brain function and dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Croft
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Pedro E Cruz
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Daniel H Ryu
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Carolina Ceballos-Diaz
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Kevin H Strang
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Brittany M Woody
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Wen-Lang Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Michael Deture
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Edgardo Rodríguez-Lebrón
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Paramita Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Yona Levites
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Benoit I Giasson
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Castellani RJ, Perry G. Tau Biology, Tauopathy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Diagnostic Challenges. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 67:447-467. [PMID: 30584140 PMCID: PMC6398540 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the pathobiology of tau protein, given its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Tau is an important microtubule associated protein, required for the assembly of tubulin into microtubules and maintaining structural integrity of axons. Tau has other diverse cellular functions involving signal transduction, cellular proliferation, developmental neurobiology, neuroplasticity, and synaptic activity. Alternative splicing results in tau isoforms with differing microtubule binding affinity, differing representation in pathological inclusions in certain disease states, and differing roles in developmental biology and homeostasis. Tau haplotypes confer differing susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Tau phosphorylation is a normal metabolic process, critical in controlling tau's binding to microtubules, and is ongoing within the brain at all times. Tau may be hyperphosphorylated, and may aggregate as detectable fibrillar deposits in tissues, in both aging and neurodegenerative disease. The hypothesis that p-tau is neurotoxic has prompted constructs related to isomers, low-n assembly intermediates or oligomers, and the "tau prion". Human postmortem studies have elucidated broad patterns of tauopathy, with tendencies for those patterns to differ as a function of disease phenotype. However, there is extensive overlap, not only between genuine neurodegenerative diseases, but also between aging and disease. Recent studies highlight uniqueness to pathological patterns, including a pattern attributed to repetitive head trauma, although clinical correlations have been elusive. The diagnostic process for tauopathies and neurodegenerative diseases in general is challenging in many respects, and may be particularly problematic for postmortem evaluation of former athletes and military service members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudy J. Castellani
- Departments of Pathology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ahmad W. Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase suppression induces human tau phosphorylation by increasing whole body glucose levels in a C. elegans model of Alzheimer's Disease. Exp Brain Res 2018; 236:2857-2866. [PMID: 30056470 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5341-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The microtubule associated tau protein becomes hyperphosphorylated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). While hyperphosphorylation promotes neurodegeneration, the cause and consequences of this abnormal modification are poorly understood. As impaired energy metabolism is an important hallmark of AD progression, we tested whether it could trigger phosphorylation of human tau protein in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of AD. We found that inhibition of a mitochondrial enzyme of energy metabolism, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) results in elevated whole-body glucose levels as well as increased phosphorylation of tau. Hyperglycemia and tau phosphorylation were induced by either RNAi suppression of the dld-1 gene or by inhibition of the DLD enzyme by the inhibitor, 2-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA). Although the calcium ionophore A23187 could reduce tau phosphorylation induced by either chemical or genetic suppression of DLD, it was unable to reduce tau phosphorylation induced by hyperglycemia. While inhibition of the dld-1 gene or treatment with MICA partially reversed the inhibition of acetylcholine neurotransmission by tau, neither treatment affected tau inhibited mobility. Conclusively, any abnormalities in energy metabolism were found to significantly affect the AD disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
V363I and V363A mutated tau affect aggregation and neuronal dysfunction differently in C. elegans. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 117:226-234. [PMID: 29936232 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene have been linked to a heterogeneous group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders commonly called tauopathies. From patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration with distinct atypical clinical phenotypes, we recently identified two new mutations on the same codon, in position 363 of the MAPT gene, which resulted in the production of Val-to-Ala (tauV363A) or Val-to-Ile (tauV363I) mutated tau. These substitutions specifically affected microtubule polymerization and propensity of tau to aggregate in vitro suggesting that single amino acid modification may dictate the fate of the neuropathology. To clarify whether tauV363A and tauV363I affect protein misfolding differently in vivo driving certain phenotypes, we generated new transgenic C. elegans strains. Human 2N4R tau carrying the mutation was expressed in all the neurons of worms. The behavioral defects, misfolding and proteotoxicity caused by the tauV363A and tauV363I mutated proteins were compared to that induced by the expression of wild-type tau (tauwt). Pan-neuronal expression of human 2N4R tauWT in worms resulted in a neuromuscular defect with characteristics of a neurodegenerative phenotype. This defect was worsened by the expression of mutated proteins which drive distinct neuronal dysfunctions and synaptic impairments involving, in transgenic worms expressing tauV363A (V363A) also a pharyngeal defect never linked before to other mutations. The two mutations differently affected the tau phosphorylation and misfolding propensities: tauV363I was highly phosphorylated on epitopes corresponding to Thr231 and Ser202/Thr205, and accumulated as insoluble tau assemblies whereas tauV363A showed a greater propensity to form soluble oligomeric assemblies. These findings uphold the role of a single amino acid substitution in specifically affecting the ability of tau to form soluble and insoluble assemblies, opening up new perspectives in the pathogenic mechanism underlying tauopathies.
Collapse
|
44
|
Dourlen P, Chapuis J, Lambert JC. Using High-Throughput Animal or Cell-Based Models to Functionally Characterize GWAS Signals. CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS 2018; 6:107-115. [PMID: 30147999 PMCID: PMC6096908 DOI: 10.1007/s40142-018-0141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The advent of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) constituted a breakthrough in our understanding of the genetic architecture of multifactorial diseases. For Alzheimer's disease (AD), more than 20 risk loci have been identified. However, we are now facing three new challenges: (i) identifying the functional SNP or SNPs in each locus, (ii) identifying the causal gene(s) in each locus, and (iii) understanding these genes' contribution to pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS To address these issues and thus functionally characterize GWAS signals, a number of high-throughput strategies have been implemented in cell-based and whole-animal models. Here, we review high-throughput screening, high-content screening, and the use of the Drosophila model (primarily with reference to AD). SUMMARY We describe how these strategies have been successfully used to functionally characterize the genes in GWAS-defined risk loci. In the future, these strategies should help to translate GWAS data into knowledge and treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Dourlen
- INSERM U1167, RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- University Lille, U1167-Excellence Laboratory LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Julien Chapuis
- INSERM U1167, RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- University Lille, U1167-Excellence Laboratory LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- INSERM U1167, RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- University Lille, U1167-Excellence Laboratory LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Shen P, Yue Y, Zheng J, Park Y. Caenorhabditis elegans: A Convenient In Vivo Model for Assessing the Impact of Food Bioactive Compounds on Obesity, Aging, and Alzheimer's Disease. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol 2018; 9:1-22. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-food-030117-012709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Shen
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Yiren Yue
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | | | - Yeonhwa Park
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Manalo RVM, Medina PMB. Caffeine Protects Dopaminergic Neurons From Dopamine-Induced Neurodegeneration via Synergistic Adenosine-Dopamine D2-Like Receptor Interactions in Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:137. [PMID: 29563862 PMCID: PMC5845907 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that caffeine reduces the risk of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. However, caffeine is also known to promote dopamine signaling, which seemingly contradicts this observed effect. To this end, the study aimed to clarify the mechanism of caffeine neuroprotection in vivo when excess dopamine is present. Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (UA57) overproducing dopamine was exposed to caffeine for 7 days and monitored by observing GFP-tagged dopaminergic (DA) neurons via fluorescence microscopy. Caffeine (10 mM) prevented neuronal cell loss in 96% of DA neurons, with a mean GFP intensity that is 40% higher than control (0.1% DMSO). To confirm if cAMP plays a role in the observed neuroprotection by caffeine, cAMP levels were elevated via forskolin (10 μM), an adenylyl cyclase activator. Forskolin (10 μM) exposure did not confer neuroprotection and was similar to control (0.1% DMSO) at the 7th day, suggesting that cAMP is not the sole secondary messenger utilized. Rotigotine (160 μM), a dopamine D2-like receptor (DOP2R) agonist, was not able to confer significant neuroprotection to the nematodes. This suggests that DOP2R activation is necessary but insufficient to mimic neuroprotection by caffeine. Lastly, co-administration of caffeine (10 mM) with olanzapine (160 μM), a DOP2R antagonist, eliminated neuroprotection. This suggests that the protective effect must involve both adenosine receptor antagonism and activation of DOP2Rs. Taken together, we show that caffeine protects DA neurons from dopamine-induced neurodegeneration and acts by modulating adenosine receptor-DOP2R interactions in C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael V M Manalo
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Paul M B Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Griffin EF, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA. Genetic and Pharmacological Discovery for Alzheimer's Disease Using Caenorhabditis elegans. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:2596-2606. [PMID: 29022701 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The societal burden presented by Alzheimer's disease warrants both innovative and expedient means by which its underlying molecular causes can be both identified and mechanistically exploited to discern novel therapeutic targets and strategies. The conserved characteristics, defined neuroanatomy, and advanced technological application of Caenorhabditis elegans render this metazoan an unmatched tool for probing neurotoxic factors. In addition, its short lifespan and importance in the field of aging make it an ideal organism for modeling age-related neurodegenerative disease. As such, this nematode system has demonstrated its value in predicting functional modifiers of human neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review how C. elegans has been utilized to model Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, we present how the causative neurotoxic peptides, amyloid-β and tau, contribute to disease-like neurodegeneration in C. elegans and how they translate to human disease. Furthermore, we describe how a variety of transgenic animal strains, each with distinct utility, have been used to identify both genetic and pharmacological modifiers of toxicity in C. elegans. As technological advances improve the prospects for intervention, the rapidity, unparalleled accuracy, and scale that C. elegans offers researchers for defining functional modifiers of neurodegeneration should speed the discovery of improved therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward F. Griffin
- Department
of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Kim A. Caldwell
- Department
of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Guy A. Caldwell
- Department
of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Departments
of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental
Therapeutics, The University of Alabama School of Medicine at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pir GJ, Choudhary B, Mandelkow E. Caenorhabditis elegans models of tauopathy. FASEB J 2017; 31:5137-5148. [PMID: 29191965 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of the tauopathies, which include the neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), corticobasal degeneration, frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), is the abnormal accumulation of post-translationally modified, insoluble tau. The result is a loss of neurons, decreased mental function, and complete dependence of patients on others. Aggregation of tau, which under physiologic conditions is a highly soluble protein, is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Indeed one of the strongest lines of evidence is the MAPT gene polymorphisms that lead to the familial forms of tauopathy. Extensive research in animal models over the years has contributed some of the most important findings regarding the pathogenesis of these diseases. Despite this, the precise molecular mechanisms that lead to abnormal tau folding, accumulation, and spreading remain unknown. Owing to the fact that most of the biochemical pathways are conserved, Caenorhabditis elegans provides an alternative approach to identify cellular mechanisms and druggable genes that operate in such disorders. Many human genes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases have counterparts in C. elegans, making it an excellent model in which to study their pathogenesis. In this article, we review some of the important findings gained from C. elegans tauopathy models.-Pir, G. J., Choudhary, B., Mandelkow, E. Caenorhabditiselegans models of tauopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Jeelani Pir
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany; .,Max-Planck-Institute for Metabolism Research-Cologne, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bikash Choudhary
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute for Metabolism Research-Cologne, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Mandelkow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute for Metabolism Research-Cologne, Hamburg, Germany.,Caesar Research Center, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ma L, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Cheng B, Peng A, Huang K. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for target identification and drug screening against neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 819:169-180. [PMID: 29208474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been widely used as a model system because of its small size, transparent body, short generation time and lifespan (~3 days and 3 weeks, respectively), completely sequenced genome and tractability to genetic manipulation. Protein misfolding and aggregation are key pathological features in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Animal models, including C. elegans, have been extensively used to discover and validate new drugs against neurodegenerative diseases. The well-defined and genetically tractable nervous system of C. elegans offers an effective model to explore basic mechanistic pathways of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent progress in high-throughput drug screening also provides a powerful approach for identifying chemical modulators of biological processes. Here, we summarize the latest progress of using C. elegans as a model system for target identification and drug screening in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yudan Zhao
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Biao Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China
| | - Anlin Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Center for Biomedicine Research, Wuhan Institute of Biotechnology, Wuhan 430075, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang C, Saar V, Leung KL, Chen L, Wong G. Human amyloid β peptide and tau co-expression impairs behavior and causes specific gene expression changes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 109:88-101. [PMID: 28982592 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid plaques consisting of Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles formed by aggregation of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau. We generated a novel invertebrate model of AD by crossing Aβ1-42 (strain CL2355) with either pro-aggregating tau (strain BR5270) or anti-aggregating tau (strain BR5271) pan-neuronal expressing transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. The lifespan and progeny viability of the double transgenic strains were significantly decreased compared with wild type N2 (P<0.0001). In addition, co-expression of these transgenes interfered with neurotransmitter signaling pathways, caused deficits in chemotaxis associative learning, increased protein aggregation visualized by Congo red staining, and increased neuronal loss. Global transcriptomic RNA-seq analysis revealed 248 up- and 805 down-regulated genes in N2 wild type versus Aβ1-42+pro-aggregating tau animals, compared to 293 up- and 295 down-regulated genes in N2 wild type versus Aβ1-42+anti-aggregating tau animals. Gene set enrichment analysis of Aβ1-42+pro-aggregating tau animals uncovered up-regulated annotation clusters UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (5 genes, P<4.2E-4), protein phosphorylation (5 genes, P<2.60E-02), and aging (5 genes, P<8.1E-2) while the down-regulated clusters included nematode cuticle collagen (36 genes, P<1.5E-21). RNA interference of 13 available top up-regulated genes in Aβ1-42+pro-aggregating tau animals revealed that F-box family genes and nep-4 could enhance life span deficits and chemotaxis deficits while Y39G8C.2 (TTBK2) could suppress these behaviors. Comparing the list of regulated genes from C. elegans to the top 60 genes related to human AD confirmed an overlap of 8 genes: patched homolog 1, PTCH1 (ptc-3), the Rab GTPase activating protein, TBC1D16 (tbc-16), the WD repeat and FYVE domain-containing protein 3, WDFY3 (wdfy-3), ADP-ribosylation factor guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2, ARFGEF2 (agef-1), Early B-cell Factor, EBF1 (unc-3), d-amino-acid oxidase, DAO (daao-1), glutamate receptor, metabotropic 1, GRM1 (mgl-2), prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 2, P4HA2 (dpy-18 and phy-2). Taken together, our C. elegans double transgenic model provides insight on the fundamental neurobiologic processes underlying human AD and recapitulates selected transcriptomic changes observed in human AD brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyin Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Macau
| | - Valeria Saar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Macau
| | - Ka Lai Leung
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Macau
| | - Liang Chen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Macau
| | - Garry Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, 999078, Macau.
| |
Collapse
|