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Wei S, Yang Y, Wang Y. Proximity Proteomics Revealed Aberrant mRNA Splicing Elicited by ALS-Linked Profilin-1 Mutants. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15141-15145. [PMID: 37787459 PMCID: PMC10689300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Profilin 1 (PFN1) is a cytoskeleton protein that modulates actin dynamics through binding to monomeric actin and polyproline-containing proteins. Mutations in PFN1 have been linked to the pathogenesis of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we employed an unbiased proximity labeling strategy in combination with proteomic analysis for proteome-wide profiling of proteins that differentially interact with mutant and wild-type (WT) PFN1 proteins in human cells. We uncovered 11 mRNA splicing proteins that are preferentially enriched in the proximity proteomes of the two ALS-linked PFN1 variants, C71G and M114T, over that of wild-type PFN1. We validated the preferential interactions of the ALS-linked PFN1 variants with two mRNA splicing factors, hnRNPC and U2AF2, by immunoprecipitation, followed with immunoblotting. We also found that the two ALS-linked PFN1 variants promoted the exonization of Alu elements in the mRNAs of MTO1, TCFL5, WRN and POLE genes in human cells. Together, we showed that the two ALS-linked PFN1 variants interacted preferentially with mRNA splicing proteins, which elicited aberrant exonization of the Alu elements in mRNAs. Thus, our work provided pivotal insights into the perturbations of ALS-linked PFN1 variants in RNA biology and their potential contributions to ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songbo Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - YenYu Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
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Wu Y, Wu S, Yang E, Zhang G, Shi Q, Liang J, Lian X, Xu J. Association of PFN1 Gene Polymorphisms with Bone Mineral Density, Bone Turnover Markers, and Osteoporotic Fractures in Chinese Population. Calcif Tissue Int 2023; 113:207-215. [PMID: 37401976 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-023-01102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have discovered an association between the PFN1 gene and Paget's disease. However, it is currently unknown whether the PFN1 gene is related to osteoporosis. This study was performed to investigate the association of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PFN1 gene with Bone Mineral Density (BMD) as well as bone turnover markers and osteoporotic fractures in Chinese subjects. A total of 2836 unrelated Chinese subjects comprising 1247 healthy subjects and 1589 osteoporotic fractures patients (Fracture group) were enrolled in this study. Seven tagSNPs (rs117337116, rs238243, rs6559, rs238242, rs78224458, rs4790714, and rs13204) of the PFN1 gene were genotyped. The BMD of the lumbar spine 1-4 (L1-4), femoral neck, and total hip as well as bone turnover markers, such as β-C-Terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (β-CTX) and Procollagen type 1 N-terminal Propeptide (P1NP), were measured. The association between 7 tagSNPs and BMD and bone turnover markers was analyzed in 1247 healthy subjects only. After age matching, we selected 1589 osteoporotic fracture patients (Fracture group) and 756 nonfracture controls (Control group, selected from 1247 healthy subjects) for a case-control study, respectively. For the case-control study, we used logistic regression to investigate the relationship between 7 tagSNPs and osteoporotic fractures risk. In the All group, the PFN1 haplotype GAT was associated with the β-CTX (P = 0.007). In the Female group, the PFN1 haplotype GAT was associated with the β-CTX (P = 0.005). In the Male group, the rs13204, the rs78224458, and the PFN1 haplotype GAC were associated with the BMD of the L1-4 (all P = 0.012); the rs13204, the rs78224458, and the PFN1 haplotype GAC were associated with the BMD of the femoral neck (all P = 0.012); the rs13204 and rs78224458 were associated with the BMD of the total hip (both P = 0.015); and the PFN1 haplotype GAT was associated with the β-CTX (P = 0.013). In the subsequent case-control study, the rs13204 and rs78224458 in the male group were associated with the risk of L1-4 fracture (P = 0.016 and 0.010, respectively) and total hip fracture (P = 0.013 and 0.016, respectively). Our study reveals that PFN1 gene polymorphisms are associated with BMD in Chinese males and β-CTX in Chinese people and confirmed the relationship between PFN1 gene polymorphisms and Chinese male osteoporotic fractures in a case-control study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengting Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Erzhu Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Guowang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaming Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - XiaoFeng Lian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - JianGuang Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
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Ayoubi R, McDowell I, Fotouhi M, Southern K, McPherson PS, Laflamme C. The identification of high-performing antibodies for Profilin-1 for use in Western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. F1000Res 2023; 12:348. [PMID: 37576538 PMCID: PMC10415725 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.132249.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Profilin-1, a member of the Profilin family, is a ubiquitously expressed protein that controls actin polymerization in a concentration-dependent manner. As mutations in the Profilin-1 gene have potential implications in neurodegenerative disease progression, well-characterized anti-Profilin-1 antibodies would be beneficial to the scientific community. In this study, we characterized sixteen Profilin-1 commercial antibodies for Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence applications, using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. We identified many high-performing antibodies and encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riham Ayoubi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Ian McDowell
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Maryam Fotouhi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Kathleen Southern
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Peter S. McPherson
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Carl Laflamme
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | | | - ABIF Consortium
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Structural Genomics Consortium, The Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
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Angelov T, Chamova T, Atemin S, Todorov T, Ormandzhiev S, Tourtourikov I, Todorova A, Devos D, Tournev I. Novel variant c.92T > G (p.Val31Gly) in the PFN1 gene (ALS18) responsible for a specific phenotype in a large Bulgarian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pedigree. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1094234. [PMID: 36846111 PMCID: PMC9947785 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1094234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of motor function, disability, and death. Variants in the PFN1 gene, encoding the Profilin-1 protein, are related to ALS18. Methods We present a pedigree consisting of 3 generations and 4 affected individuals, 3 of which carry a novel heterozygous variant: c.92T > G (p.Val31Gly) in the PFN1 gene. This variant was discovered through means of whole exome sequencing (WES) and targeted analysis of ALS-related genes. Results The mean age of onset in our pedigree was 59.75 (±10.11 SD) years with a significant difference between the first two generations (females) and the third (male) of 22.33 (±3.4 SD) years. For this ALS form, we observed a longer disease progression of 4 (±1.87 SD) years (three of four affected are still alive). Clinical manifestations displayed predominant impairment of the lower motor neuron (LMN) in one limb, with gradual involvement of other limbs. A novel heterozygous missense variant c.92T > G, p. Val31Gly (NM_005022.4) in exon 1 in the PFN1 gene was discovered through means of whole exome sequencing (WES). Segregation analysis in the family showed that the detected variant was inherited from the affected mother, and the affected aunt also turned out to be a variant carrier. Conclusions ALS18 is a very rare form of the disease. We report here a relatively large pedigree with a novel variant, leading to late onset (after 50 years), initial involvement of the lower limbs and relatively slow progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodor Angelov
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria,*Correspondence: Teodor Angelov ✉
| | - Teodora Chamova
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Slavena Atemin
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tihomir Todorov
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Ivan Tourtourikov
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica”, Sofia, Bulgaria,Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Albena Todorova
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica”, Sofia, Bulgaria,Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - David Devos
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Expert Center of Parkinson's Disease, LICEND COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Univ. Lille, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Team DVCD, INSERM UMRS_1172, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Ivailo Tournev
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria,Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria
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The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis M114T PFN1 Mutation Deregulates Alternative Autophagy Pathways and Mitochondrial Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105694. [PMID: 35628504 PMCID: PMC9143529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in profilin 1 (PFN1) have been identified in rare familial cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). PFN1 is involved in multiple pathways that could intervene in ALS pathology. However, the specific pathogenic role of PFN1 mutations in ALS is still not fully understood. We hypothesized that PFN1 could play a role in regulating autophagy pathways and that PFN1 mutations could disrupt this function. We used patient cells (lymphoblasts) or tissue (post-mortem) carrying PFN1 mutations (M114T and E117G), and designed experimental models expressing wild-type or mutant PFN1 (cell lines and novel PFN1 mice established by lentiviral transgenesis) to study the effects of PFN1 mutations on autophagic pathway markers. We observed no accumulation of PFN1 in the spinal cord of one E117G mutation carrier. Moreover, in patient lymphoblasts and transfected cell lines, the M114T mutant PFN1 protein was unstable and deregulated the RAB9-mediated alternative autophagy pathway involved in the clearance of damaged mitochondria. In vivo, motor neurons expressing M114T mutant PFN1 showed mitochondrial abnormalities. Our results demonstrate that the M114T PFN1 mutation is more deleterious than the E117G variant in patient cells and experimental models and suggest a role for the RAB9-dependent autophagic pathway in ALS.
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Houghton OH, Mizielinska S, Gomez-Suaga P. The Interplay Between Autophagy and RNA Homeostasis: Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:838402. [PMID: 35573690 PMCID: PMC9096704 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.838402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia are neurodegenerative disorders that lie on a disease spectrum, sharing genetic causes and pathology, and both without effective therapeutics. Two pathways that have been shown to play major roles in disease pathogenesis are autophagy and RNA homeostasis. Intriguingly, there is an increasing body of evidence suggesting a critical interplay between these pathways. Autophagy is a multi-stage process for bulk and selective clearance of malfunctional cellular components, with many layers of regulation. Although the majority of autophagy research focuses on protein degradation, it can also mediate RNA catabolism. ALS/FTD-associated proteins are involved in many stages of autophagy and autophagy-mediated RNA degradation, particularly converging on the clearance of persistent pathological stress granules. In this review, we will summarise the progress in understanding the autophagy-RNA homeostasis interplay and how that knowledge contributes to our understanding of the pathobiology of ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- O H Houghton
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Mizielinska
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - P Gomez-Suaga
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Cáceres, Spain
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Sadr AS, Abdollahpour Z, Aliahmadi A, Eslahchi C, Nekouei M, Kiaei L, Kiaei M, Ghassempour A. Detection of structural and conformational changes in ALS-causing mutant profilin-1 with hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and bioinformatics techniques. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:229-241. [PMID: 34302583 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) is a reliable method to survey the dynamic behavior of proteins and epitope mapping. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a quantifying tool to assay for HDX in the protein of interest. We combined HDX-MALDI-TOF MS and molecular docking/MD simulation to identify accessible amino acids and analyze their contribution into the structural changes of profilin-1 (PFN-1). The molecular docking/MD simulations are computational tools for enabling the analysis of the type of amino acids that may be involved via HDX identified under the lowest binding energy condition. Glycine to valine amino acid (G117V) substitution mutation is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This mutation is found to be in the actin-binding site of PFN-1 and prevents the dimerization/polymerization of actin and invokes a pathologic toxicity that leads to ALS. In this study, we sought to understand the PFN-1 protein dynamic behavior using purified wild type and mutant PFN-1 proteins. The data obtained from HDX-MALDI-TOF MS for PFN-1WT and PFN-1G117V at various time intervals, from seconds to hours, revealed multiple peaks corresponding to molecular weights from monomers to multimers. PFN-1/Benzaldehyde complexes identified 20 accessible amino acids to HDX that participate in the docking simulation in the surface of WT and mutant PFN-1. Consistent results from HDX-MALDI-TOF MS and docking simulation predict candidate amino acid(s) involved in the dimerization/polymerization of PFNG117V. This information may shed critical light on the structural and conformational changes with details of amino acid epitopes for mutant PFN-1s' dimerization, oligomerization, and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Shahir Sadr
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
- Computer Science Department, Mathematical Sciences Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Abdollahpour
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atousa Aliahmadi
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Changiz Eslahchi
- Computer Science Department, Mathematical Sciences Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Nekouei
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Lily Kiaei
- RockGen Therapeutics, LLC, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Mahmoud Kiaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
- Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
- RockGen Therapeutics, LLC, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Alireza Ghassempour
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran.
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Murk K, Ornaghi M, Schiweck J. Profilin Isoforms in Health and Disease - All the Same but Different. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681122. [PMID: 34458253 PMCID: PMC8387879 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Profilins are small actin binding proteins, which are structurally conserved throughout evolution. They are probably best known to promote and direct actin polymerization. However, they also participate in numerous cell biological processes beyond the roles typically ascribed to the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, most complex organisms express several profilin isoforms. Their cellular functions are far from being understood, whereas a growing number of publications indicate that profilin isoforms are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In this review, we will provide an overview of the profilin family and "typical" profilin properties including the control of actin dynamics. We will then discuss the profilin isoforms of higher animals in detail. In terms of cellular functions, we will focus on the role of Profilin 1 (PFN1) and Profilin 2a (PFN2a), which are co-expressed in the central nervous system. Finally, we will discuss recent findings that link PFN1 and PFN2a to neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Fragile X syndrome (FXS), Huntington's disease and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Murk
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Ornaghi
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Schiweck
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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ALS-linked PFN1 variants exhibit loss and gain of functions in the context of formin-induced actin polymerization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2024605118. [PMID: 34074767 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024605118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Profilin-1 (PFN1) plays important roles in modulating actin dynamics through binding both monomeric actin and proteins enriched with polyproline motifs. Mutations in PFN1 have been linked to the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, whether ALS-linked mutations affect PFN1 function has remained unclear. To address this question, we employed an unbiased proteomics analysis in mammalian cells to identify proteins that differentially interact with mutant and wild-type (WT) PFN1. These studies uncovered differential binding between two ALS-linked PFN1 variants, G118V and M114T, and select formin proteins. Furthermore, both variants augmented formin-mediated actin assembly relative to PFN1 WT. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed mutation-induced changes in the internal dynamic couplings within an alpha helix of PFN1 that directly contacts both actin and polyproline, as well as structural fluctuations within the actin- and polyproline-binding regions of PFN1. These data indicate that ALS-PFN1 variants have the potential for heightened flexibility in the context of the ternary actin-PFN1-polyproline complex during actin assembly. Conversely, PFN1 C71G was more severely destabilized than the other PFN1 variants, resulting in reduced protein expression in both transfected and ALS patient lymphoblast cell lines. Moreover, this variant exhibited loss-of-function phenotypes in the context of actin assembly. Perturbations in actin dynamics and assembly can therefore result from ALS-linked mutations in PFN1. However, ALS-PFN1 variants may dysregulate actin polymerization through different mechanisms that depend upon the solubility and stability of the mutant protein.
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10
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Nekouei M, Aliahmadi A, Kiaei M, Ghassempour AR. Mutant Profilin1 Aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An in Vivo Biochemical Analysis. Basic Clin Neurosci 2021; 12:213-222. [PMID: 34925718 PMCID: PMC8672666 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.12.2.1631.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Profilin1 (PFN1) is a ubiquitously expressed protein known for its function as a regulator of actin polymerization and dynamics. A recent discovery linked mutant PFN1 to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is a fatal and progressive motor neuron disease. We have also demonstrated that Gly118Val mutation in PFN1 is a cause of ALS, and the formation of aggregates containing mutant PFN1 may be a mechanism for motor neuron death. Hence, we were interested in investigating the aggregation of PFN1 further and searching for co-aggregated proteins in our mouse model overexpressing mutant PFN1. METHODS We investigated protein aggregation in several tissues of transgenic and notransgenic mice using western blotting. To further understand the neurotoxicity of mutant PFN1, we conducted a pull-down assay using an insoluble fraction of spinal cord lysates from hPFN1G118V transgenic mice. For this assay, we expressed His6-tagged PFN1WT and PFN1G118V in E. coli and purified these proteins using the Ni-NTA column. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that mutant PFN1 forms aggregate in the brain and spinal cord of hPFN1G118V mice, while WT-PFN1 remains soluble. Among these tissues, spinal cord lysates were found to have PFN1 bands at higher molecular weights recognized with anti-PFN1. Moreover, the pull-down assay using His6-PFN1G118V showed that Myelin Binding Protein (MBP) was present in the insoluble fraction. CONCLUSION Our analysis of PFN1 aggregation in vivo revealed further details of mutant PFN1 aggregation and its possible complex formation with other proteins, providing new insights into the ALS mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Nekouei
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atousa Aliahmadi
- Department of Biology, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Kiaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Ali Reza Ghassempour
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Lattante S, Marangi G, Doronzio PN, Conte A, Bisogni G, Zollino M, Sabatelli M. High-Throughput Genetic Testing in ALS: The Challenging Path of Variant Classification Considering the ACMG Guidelines. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101123. [PMID: 32987860 PMCID: PMC7600768 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and screening of big patient cohorts with familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) led to the identification of a significant number of genetic variants, which are sometimes difficult to interpret. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) provided guidelines to help molecular geneticists and pathologists to interpret variants found in laboratory testing. We assessed the application of the ACMG criteria to ALS-related variants, combining data from literature with our experience. We analyzed a cohort of 498 ALS patients using massive parallel sequencing of ALS-associated genes and identified 280 variants with a minor allele frequency < 1%. Examining all variants using the ACMG criteria, thus considering the type of variant, inheritance, familial segregation, and possible functional studies, we classified 20 variants as “pathogenic”. In conclusion, ALS’s genetic complexity, such as oligogenic inheritance, presence of genes acting as risk factors, and reduced penetrance, needs to be considered when interpreting variants. The goal of this work is to provide helpful suggestions to geneticists and clinicians dealing with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lattante
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marangi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630154606
| | - Paolo Niccolò Doronzio
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Amelia Conte
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Complex Operational Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Giulia Bisogni
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Complex Operational Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Marcella Zollino
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy; (S.L.); (P.N.D.); (M.Z.)
- Complex Operational Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Mario Sabatelli
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Complex Operational Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy
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12
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Merlotti D, Materozzi M, Bianciardi S, Guarnieri V, Rendina D, Volterrani L, Bellan C, Mingiano C, Picchioni T, Frosali A, Orfanelli U, Cenci S, Gennari L. Mutation of PFN1 Gene in an Early Onset, Polyostotic Paget-like Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5835857. [PMID: 32392277 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Paget disease of bone (PDB) is a metabolic bone disease whose genetic cause remains unknown in up to 50% of familial patients. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to investigate the underlying genetic defect in a large pedigree with a severe, early onset, autosomal dominant form of PDB across 3 generations. METHODS Whole exome sequencing was performed in affected and unaffected family members, and then mutation screening was replicated in a sample of PDB patients with early-onset, polyostotic PDB. RESULTS We identified a frameshift D107Rfs*3 mutation in PFN1 (encoding for profilin 1, a highly conserved regulator of actin-polymerization and cell motility) causing the truncation of the C-terminal part of the protein. The mutation was also detected in a 17-year-old asymptomatic family member who upon biochemical and radiological analyses was indeed found to be affected. Sequencing of the entire PFN1 coding region in unrelated PDB patients identified the same mutation in 1 patient. All mutation carriers had a reduced response to bisphosphonates, requiring multiple zoledronate infusions to control bone pain and achieve biochemical remission over a long term. In vitro osteoclastogenesis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mutation carriers showed a higher number of osteoclasts with PDB-like features. A similar phenotype was observed upon PFN1 silencing in murine bone marrow-derived monocytes, suggesting that the frameshift PFN1 mutation confers a loss of function in profilin 1 activity that induces PDB-like features in the osteoclasts, likely due to enhanced cell motility and actin ring formation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that PFN1 mutation causes an early onset, polyostotic PDB-like disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Merlotti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Materozzi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Bianciardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Vito Guarnieri
- Medical Genetics Service, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Domenico Rendina
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences, Federico II University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Volterrani
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Cristiana Bellan
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Christian Mingiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Picchioni
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frosali
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Ugo Orfanelli
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Cenci
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Gennari
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
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13
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A Systematic Review of Genotype-Phenotype Correlation across Cohorts Having Causal Mutations of Different Genes in ALS. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10030058. [PMID: 32610599 PMCID: PMC7564886 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive deterioration of upper and lower motor neurons that eventually culminates in severe muscle atrophy, respiratory failure and death. There is a concerning lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms that lead to the onset of ALS and as a result there are no reliable biomarkers that aid in the early detection of the disease nor is there an effective treatment. This review first considers the clinical phenotypes associated with ALS, and discusses the broad categorisation of ALS and ALS-mimic diseases into upper and lower motor neuron diseases, before focusing on the genetic aetiology of ALS and considering the potential relationship of mutations of different genes to variations in phenotype. For this purpose, a systematic review is conducted collating data from 107 original published clinical studies on monogenic forms of the disease, surveying the age and site of onset, disease duration and motor neuron involvement. The collected data highlight the complexity of the disease's genotype-phenotype relationship, and thus the need for a nuanced approach to the development of clinical assays and therapeutics.
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14
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Casterton RL, Hunt RJ, Fanto M. Pathomechanism Heterogeneity in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia Disease Spectrum: Providing Focus Through the Lens of Autophagy. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:2692-2713. [PMID: 32119873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) constitute aggressive neurodegenerative pathologies that lead to the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons and of neocortical areas, respectively. In the past decade, the identification of several genes that cause these disorders indicated that the two diseases overlap in a multifaceted spectrum of conditions. The autophagy-lysosome system has been identified as a main intersection for the onset and progression of neurodegeneration in ALS/FTD. Genetic evidence has revealed that several genes with a mechanistic role at different stages of the autophagy process are mutated in patients with ALS/FTD. Moreover, the three main proteins aggregating in ALS/FTD, including in sporadic cases, are also targeted by autophagy and affect this process. Here, we examine the varied dysfunctions and degrees of involvement of the autophagy-lysosome system that have been discovered in ALS/FTD. We argue that these findings shed light on the pathological mechanisms in the ALS/FTD spectrum and conclude that they have important consequences both for treatment options and for the basic biomolecular understanding of how this process intersects with RNA metabolism, the other major cellular process reported to be dysfunctional in part of the ALS/FTD spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Casterton
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, SE5 9NU London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel J Hunt
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, SE5 9NU London, United Kingdom
| | - Manolis Fanto
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, SE5 9NU London, United Kingdom; Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), 47, bd de l'hôpital, F-75013 Paris, France.
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15
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Much More Than a Scaffold: Cytoskeletal Proteins in Neurological Disorders. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020358. [PMID: 32033020 PMCID: PMC7072452 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent observations related to the structure of the cytoskeleton in neurons and novel cytoskeletal abnormalities involved in the pathophysiology of some neurological diseases are changing our view on the function of the cytoskeletal proteins in the nervous system. These efforts allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases and allow us to see beyond our current knowledge for the development of new treatments. The neuronal cytoskeleton can be described as an organelle formed by the three-dimensional lattice of the three main families of filaments: actin filaments, microtubules, and neurofilaments. This organelle organizes well-defined structures within neurons (cell bodies and axons), which allow their proper development and function through life. Here, we will provide an overview of both the basic and novel concepts related to those cytoskeletal proteins, which are emerging as potential targets in the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurological disorders.
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16
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Zou ZY, Chen SD, Feng SY, Liu CY, Cui M, Chen SF, Feng SM, Dong Q, Huang H, Yu JT. Familial flail leg ALS caused by PFN1 mutation. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:223-224. [PMID: 31401564 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-321366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Yu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shi-Dong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Yan Feng
- Department of Neurophysiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhenzhou, China
| | - Chang-Yun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mei Cui
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Fen Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Man Feng
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhenzhou, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huapin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Neurosciences, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Pinto-Costa R, Sousa MM. Profilin as a dual regulator of actin and microtubule dynamics. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2019; 77:76-83. [PMID: 31811707 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although originally identified as G-actin sequestering proteins, profilins are emerging as critical regulators of actin dynamics, capable of interacting with multiple acting binding proteins, and being able to link membrane lipids to cytoskeleton components. Recently, in addition to its actin, poly-proline, and phosphatidylinositol binding domains, profilin has been shown to contain residues specialized in microtubule binding. Here we will discuss in a critical perspective the emerging body of data supporting that profilins are central mediators of actin microfilament and microtubule interaction. We will also address the unanswered questions in the field, including the nature of the interaction of profilin with microtubules, and its effect on microtubule dynamics. These recent discoveries deepen our understanding on how different cytoskeleton components are integrated within cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica M Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Chi J, Chen J, Li Y, Huang Z, Wang L, Zhang Y. A Familial Phenotypic and Genetic Study of Mutations in PFN1 Associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurosci Bull 2019; 36:174-178. [PMID: 31802421 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jieshan Chi
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Junling Chen
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhiheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuhu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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19
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Brettle M, Stefen H, Djordjevic A, Fok SYY, Chan JW, van Hummel A, van der Hoven J, Przybyla M, Volkerling A, Ke YD, Delerue F, Ittner LM, Fath T. Developmental Expression of Mutant PFN1 in Motor Neurons Impacts Neuronal Growth and Motor Performance of Young and Adult Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:231. [PMID: 31611772 PMCID: PMC6776973 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment and no cure. Mutations in profilin 1 were identified as a cause of familial ALS (fALS) in 2012. We investigated the functional impact of mutant profilin 1 expression in spinal cords during mouse development. We developed a novel mouse model with the expression of profilin 1 C71G under the control of the Hb9 promoter, targeting expression to α-motor neurons in the spinal cord during development. Embryos of transgenic mice showed evidence of a significant reduction of brachial nerve diameter and a loss of Mendelian inheritance. Despite the lack of transgene expression, adult mice presented with significant motor deficits. Transgenic mice had a significant reduction in the number of motor neurons in the spinal cord. Further analysis of these motor neurons in aged transgenic mice revealed reduced levels of TDP-43 and ChAT expression. Although profilin 1 C71G was only expressed during development, adult mice presented with some ALS-associated pathology and motor symptoms. This study highlights the effect of profilin 1 during neurodevelopment and the impact that this may have in later ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merryn Brettle
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Biomedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Holly Stefen
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Djordjevic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandra Y Y Fok
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Biomedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Josephine W Chan
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Annika van Hummel
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia van der Hoven
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Volkerling
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Yazi D Ke
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Fath
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Zhao X, Yang F, Sun L, Zhang A. Association between NOS3 polymorphisms and osteonecrosis of the femoral head. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 47:1423-1427. [PMID: 31007072 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1593995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fuqiang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Eighty-ninth Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Weifang, China
| | - Luwei Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Ali Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Eighty-ninth Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Weifang, China
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21
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Nguyen DKH, Thombre R, Wang J. Autophagy as a common pathway in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurosci Lett 2019; 697:34-48. [PMID: 29626651 PMCID: PMC6170747 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases are associated with a decline in protein quality control systems including autophagy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron degenerative disease of complex etiology with increasing connections to other neurodegenerative conditions such as frontotemporal dementia. Among the diverse genetic causes for ALS, a striking feature is the common connection to autophagy and its associated pathways. There is a recurring theme of protein misfolding as in other neurodegenerative diseases, but importantly there is a distinct common thread among ALS genes that connects them to the cascade of autophagy. However, the roles of autophagy in ALS remain enigmatic and it is still unclear whether activation or inhibition of autophagy would be a reliable avenue to ameliorate the disease. The main evidence that links autophagy to different genetic forms of ALS is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao K H Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ravi Thombre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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22
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Nekouei M, Ghezellou P, Aliahmadi A, Arjmand S, Kiaei M, Ghassempour A. Changes in biophysical characteristics of PFN1 due to mutation causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:1975-1984. [PMID: 30203378 PMCID: PMC6230493 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0305-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Single amino acid mutations in profilin 1 (PFN1) have been found to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, we developed a mouse model for ALS using a PFN1 mutation (glycine 118 to valine, G118V), and we are now interested in understanding how PFN1 becomes toxically lethal with only one amino acid substitution. Therefore, we studied mutation-related changes in the PFN1 protein and hypothesized that such changes significantly disturb its structure. Initially, we expressed and studied the purified PFN1WT and PFN1G118V proteins from bacterial culture. We found that the PFN1G118V protein has a different mean residue ellipticity, as measured by far-UV circular dichroism, accompanied by a spectral shift. The intrinsic fluorescence of PFN1G118V showed a small fluctuation in maximum fluorescence absorption and intensity. Moreover, we examined the time course of PFN1 aggregation using SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and MALDI-TOF/TOF and found that compared with PFN1WT, PFN1G118V had an increased tendency to form aggregates. Dynamic light scattering data confirmed this, showing a larger size distribution for PFN1G118V. Our data explain why PFN1G118V tends to aggregate, a phenotype that may be the basis for its neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Nekouei
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Ghezellou
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atousa Aliahmadi
- Department of Biology, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sareh Arjmand
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Kiaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurology, Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Alireza Ghassempour
- Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, Iran.
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23
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ALS-causing mutations in profilin-1 alter its conformational dynamics: A computational approach to explain propensity for aggregation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13102. [PMID: 30166578 PMCID: PMC6117255 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Profilin-1 (PFN1) is a 140-amino-acid protein with two distinct binding sites―one for actin and one for poly-L-proline (PLP). The best-described function of PFN1 is to catalyze actin elongation and polymerization. Thus far, eight DNA mutations in the PFN1 gene encoding the PFN1 protein are associated with human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We and others recently showed that two of these mutations (Gly118Val or G118V and Cys71Gly or C71G) cause ALS in rodents. In vitro studies suggested that Met114Thr and Thr109Met cause the protein to behave abnormally and cause neurotoxicity. The mechanism by which a single amino acid change in human PFN1 causes the degeneration of motor neurons is not known. In this study, we investigated the structural perturbations of PFN1 caused by each ALS-associated mutation. We used molecular dynamics simulations to assess how these mutations alter the secondary and tertiary structures of human PFN1. Herein, we present our in silico data and analysis on the effect of G118V and T109M mutations on PFN1 and its interactions with actin and PLP. The substitution of valine for glycine reduces the conformational flexibility of the loop region between the α-helix and β-strand and enhances the hydrophobicity of the region. Our in silico analysis of T109M indicates that this mutation alters the shape of the PLP-binding site and reduces the flexibility of this site. Simulation studies of PFN1 in its wild type (WT) and mutant forms (both G118V and T109M mutants) revealed differential fluctuation patterns and the formation of salt bridges and hydrogen bonds between critical residues that may shed light on differences between WT and mutant PFN1. In particular, we hypothesize that the flexibility of the actin- and PLP-binding sites in WT PFN1 may allow the protein to adopt slightly different conformations in its free and bound forms. These findings provide new insights into how each of these mutations in PFN1 might increase its propensity for misfolding and aggregation, leading to its dysfunction.
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24
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Liu X, He J, Gao FB, Gitler AD, Fan D. The epidemiology and genetics of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in China. Brain Res 2018; 1693:121-126. [PMID: 29501653 PMCID: PMC6486791 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder associated with loss of motor neurons. Previous knowledge of the disease has been mainly based on studies from Caucasian ALS patients of European descent. Here we review the epidemiological characteristics of ALS among the Chinese population in order to compare the similarities and differences between Chinese ALS cases and those from other countries. We describe a potential lower incidence and prevalence of ALS, a younger age of onset and a lower proportion of familial ALS cases in the Chinese population. Additionally, we highlight potential genetic differences between Chinese and Caucasian ALS patients. Most notably, the frequency of GGGGCC repeat expansions in C9ORF72 in Chinese ALS is significantly lower than in Caucasians. Since some conclusions might not be consistent across all of the studies around China to date, we suggest that it is necessary to carry out a prospective population-based study and large-scale gene sequencing around to better define epidemiological and genetic features of Chinese ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Ji He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Aaron D Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, PR China.
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25
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Del Poggetto E, Toto A, Aloise C, Di Piro F, Gori L, Malatesta F, Gianni S, Chiti F, Bemporad F. Stability of an aggregation-prone partially folded state of human profilin-1 correlates with aggregation propensity. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:10303-10313. [PMID: 29760185 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A set of missense mutations in the gene encoding profilin-1 has been linked to the onset of familial forms of ALS (fALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The pathogenic potential of these mutations is linked to the formation of intracellular inclusions of the mutant proteins and correlates with the mutation-induced destabilization of its native, fully folded state. However, the mechanism by which these mutations promote misfolding and self-assembly is yet unclear. Here, using temperature-jump and stopped-flow kinetic measurements, we show that, during refolding, WT profilin-1 transiently populates a partially folded (PF) state endowed with hydrophobic clusters exposed to the solvent and with no detectable secondary structure. We observed that this conformational state is marginally stable at neutral pH but becomes significantly populated at mildly acidic pH. Interestingly, the fALS-associated mutations did not cause a change in the refolding mechanism of profilin-1, but induced a stabilization of the PF state. In the presence of preformed profilin-1 aggregates, the PF state, unlike the unfolded and folded states, could interact with these aggregates via nonspecific hydrophobic interactions and also increase thioflavin-T fluorescence, revealing its amyloidogenic potential. Moreover, in the variants tested, we found a correlation between conformational stability of PF and aggregation propensity, defining this conformational state as an aggregation-prone folding intermediate. In conclusion, our findings indicate that mutation-induced stabilization of a partially folded state can enhance profilin-1 aggregation and thereby contribute to the pathogenicity of the mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Del Poggetto
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Viale G. B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Angelo Toto
- the Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli," Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy, and
| | - Chiara Aloise
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Viale G. B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Piro
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Viale G. B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Ludovica Gori
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Viale G. B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Malatesta
- the Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli," Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy, and
| | - Stefano Gianni
- the Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli," Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy, and.,the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti and Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Viale G. B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Bemporad
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Viale G. B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy,
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26
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Goutman SA, Chen KS, Paez-Colasante X, Feldman EL. Emerging understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 148:603-623. [PMID: 29478603 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64076-5.00039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, noncurable neurodegenerative disorder of the upper and lower motor neurons causing weakness and death within a few years of symptom onset. About 10% of patients with ALS have a family history of the disease; however, ALS-associated genetic mutations are also found in sporadic cases. There are over 100 ALS-associated mutations, and importantly, several genetic mutations, including C9ORF72, SOD1, and TARDBP, have led to mechanistic insight into this complex disease. In the clinical realm, knowledge of ALS genetics can also help explain phenotypic heterogeneity, aid in genetic counseling, and in the future may help direct treatment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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27
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Henty-Ridilla JL, Juanes MA, Goode BL. Profilin Directly Promotes Microtubule Growth through Residues Mutated in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Biol 2017; 27:3535-3543.e4. [PMID: 29129529 PMCID: PMC5772683 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Profilin is an abundant actin monomer-binding protein with critical actin regulatory roles in vivo [1, 2]. However, profilin also influences microtubule dynamics in cells, which may be mediated in part through its interactions with formins that in turn bind microtubules [3, 4]. Specific residues on human profilin-1 (PFN1) are mutated in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [5, 6]. However, the observation that some ALS-linked PFN1 mutants fail to alter cellular actin organization or dynamics [5-8] or in vitro actin-monomer affinity [9] has been perplexing, given that profilin is best understood as an actin regulator. Here, we investigated direct effects of profilin on microtubule dynamics and whether ALS-linked mutations in PFN1 disrupt such functions. We found that human, fly, and yeast profilin homologs all directly enhance microtubule growth rate by several-fold in vitro. Microtubule stimulatory effects were unaffected by mutations in the canonical actin- or poly-proline-binding sites of profilin. Instead, microtubule activities depended on specific surface residues on profilin mutated in ALS patients. Furthermore, microtubule effects were attenuated by increasing concentrations of actin monomers, suggesting competition between actin and microtubules for binding profilin. Consistent with these biochemical observations, a 2-fold increase in the expression level of wild-type PFN1, but not the ALS-linked PFN1 mutants, increased microtubule growth rates in cells. Together, these results demonstrate that profilin directly enhances the growth rate of microtubules. They further suggest that ALS-linked mutations in PFN1 may perturb cellular microtubule dynamics and/or the coordination between the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, leading to motor neuron degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Angeles Juanes
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Bruce L Goode
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA.
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28
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Dombert B, Balk S, Lüningschrör P, Moradi M, Sivadasan R, Saal-Bauernschubert L, Jablonka S. BDNF/trkB Induction of Calcium Transients through Ca v2.2 Calcium Channels in Motoneurons Corresponds to F-actin Assembly and Growth Cone Formation on β2-Chain Laminin (221). Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:346. [PMID: 29163025 PMCID: PMC5670157 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous Ca2+ transients and actin dynamics in primary motoneurons correspond to cellular differentiation such as axon elongation and growth cone formation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor trkB support both motoneuron survival and synaptic differentiation. However, in motoneurons effects of BDNF/trkB signaling on spontaneous Ca2+ influx and actin dynamics at axonal growth cones are not fully unraveled. In our study we addressed the question how neurotrophic factor signaling corresponds to cell autonomous excitability and growth cone formation. Primary motoneurons from mouse embryos were cultured on the synapse specific, β2-chain containing laminin isoform (221) regulating axon elongation through spontaneous Ca2+ transients that are in turn induced by enhanced clustering of N-type specific voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (Cav2.2) in axonal growth cones. TrkB-deficient (trkBTK-/-) mouse motoneurons which express no full-length trkB receptor and wildtype motoneurons cultured without BDNF exhibited reduced spontaneous Ca2+ transients that corresponded to altered axon elongation and defects in growth cone morphology which was accompanied by changes in the local actin cytoskeleton. Vice versa, the acute application of BDNF resulted in the induction of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and Cav2.2 clustering in motor growth cones, as well as the activation of trkB downstream signaling cascades which promoted the stabilization of β-actin via the LIM kinase pathway and phosphorylation of profilin at Tyr129. Finally, we identified a mutual regulation of neuronal excitability and actin dynamics in axonal growth cones of embryonic motoneurons cultured on laminin-221/211. Impaired excitability resulted in dysregulated axon extension and local actin cytoskeleton, whereas upon β-actin knockdown Cav2.2 clustering was affected. We conclude from our data that in embryonic motoneurons BDNF/trkB signaling contributes to axon elongation and growth cone formation through changes in the local actin cytoskeleton accompanied by increased Cav2.2 clustering and local calcium transients. These findings may help to explore cellular mechanisms which might be dysregulated during maturation of embryonic motoneurons leading to motoneuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Dombert
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Balk
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Mehri Moradi
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Rajeeve Sivadasan
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Sibylle Jablonka
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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29
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Shahheydari H, Ragagnin A, Walker AK, Toth RP, Vidal M, Jagaraj CJ, Perri ER, Konopka A, Sultana JM, Atkin JD. Protein Quality Control and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Frontotemporal Dementia Continuum. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:119. [PMID: 28539871 PMCID: PMC5423993 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, has an important regulatory role in cellular function. Protein quality control mechanisms, including protein folding and protein degradation processes, have a crucial function in post-mitotic neurons. Cellular protein quality control relies on multiple strategies, including molecular chaperones, autophagy, the ubiquitin proteasome system, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) and the formation of stress granules (SGs), to regulate proteostasis. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the presence of misfolded protein aggregates, implying that protein quality control mechanisms are dysfunctional in these conditions. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are neurodegenerative diseases that are now recognized to overlap clinically and pathologically, forming a continuous disease spectrum. In this review article, we detail the evidence for dysregulation of protein quality control mechanisms across the whole ALS-FTD continuum, by discussing the major proteins implicated in ALS and/or FTD. We also discuss possible ways in which protein quality mechanisms could be targeted therapeutically in these disorders and highlight promising protein quality control-based therapeutics for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Shahheydari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Audrey Ragagnin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam K Walker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Reka P Toth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Vidal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cyril J Jagaraj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma R Perri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Konopka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica M Sultana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe UniversityMelbourne, VIC, Australia
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30
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Hensel N, Claus P. The Actin Cytoskeleton in SMA and ALS: How Does It Contribute to Motoneuron Degeneration? Neuroscientist 2017; 24:54-72. [PMID: 28459188 DOI: 10.1177/1073858417705059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping clinical phenotypes based on impaired motoneuron function. However, the pathomechanisms of both diseases are largely unknown, and it is still unclear whether they converge on the molecular level. SMA is a monogenic disease caused by low levels of functional Survival of Motoneuron (SMN) protein, whereas ALS involves multiple genes as well as environmental factors. Recent evidence argues for involvement of actin regulation as a causative and dysregulated process in both diseases. ALS-causing mutations in the actin-binding protein profilin-1 as well as the ability of the SMN protein to directly bind to profilins argue in favor of a common molecular mechanism involving the actin cytoskeleton. Profilins are major regulat ors of actin-dynamics being involved in multiple neuronal motility and transport processes as well as modulation of synaptic functions that are impaired in models of both motoneuron diseases. In this article, we review the current literature in SMA and ALS research with a focus on the actin cytoskeleton. We propose a common molecular mechanism that explains the degeneration of motoneurons for SMA and some cases of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- 1 Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,2 Niedersachsen Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- 1 Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,2 Niedersachsen Network on Neuroinfectiology (N-RENNT), Hannover, Germany.,3 Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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31
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Wei Q, Zhou Q, Chen Y, Ou R, Cao B, Xu Y, Yang J, Shang HF. Analysis of SOD1 mutations in a Chinese population with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case-control study and literature review. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44606. [PMID: 28291249 PMCID: PMC5349524 DOI: 10.1038/srep44606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the copper/zinc superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene has been identified in both familial ALS (FALS) and sporadic ALS (SALS), it has rarely been studied in Chinese patients with ALS, and there are few studies with large samples. This study sought to assess the prevalence of SOD1 mutations in Chinese ALS patients. We screened a cohort of 499 ALS patients (487 SALS and 12 FALS) from the Department of Neurology at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and analyzed all coding exons of SOD1 by Sanger sequencing. In addition, we reviewed the mutation frequencies of common ALS causative genes in Chinese populations. Eight missense mutations in SOD1 were found in 8 ALS individuals: two novel mutations (p.G73D and p.V120F) and six previously reported mutations. The frequencies of SOD1 mutations were 1.03% (5/487) in SALS and 25% (3/12) in FALS from Southwest China. A literature review indicated that the mutation rates of major ALS causative genes were 53.55% in FALS and 6.29% in SALS. In Chinese SALS and FALS, the highest mutation frequency was in the SOD1 gene. Our results suggest that SOD1 mutation is the most common cause of ALS in Chinese populations and that the mutation spectrum of ALS varies among different ethnic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- QianQian Wei
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - QingQing Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - YongPing Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - RuWei Ou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bei Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - YaQian Xu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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32
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Fil D, DeLoach A, Yadav S, Alkam D, MacNicol M, Singh A, Compadre CM, Goellner JJ, O’Brien CA, Fahmi T, Basnakian AG, Calingasan NY, Klessner JL, Beal FM, Peters OM, Metterville J, Brown RH, Ling KK, Rigo F, Ozdinler PH, Kiaei M. Mutant Profilin1 transgenic mice recapitulate cardinal features of motor neuron disease. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:686-701. [PMID: 28040732 PMCID: PMC5968635 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent identification of profilin1 mutations in 25 familial ALS cases has linked altered function of this cytoskeleton-regulating protein to the pathogenesis of motor neuron disease. To investigate the pathological role of mutant profilin1 in motor neuron disease, we generated transgenic lines of mice expressing human profilin1 with a mutation at position 118 (hPFN1G118V). One of the mouse lines expressing high levels of mutant human PFN1 protein in the brain and spinal cord exhibited many key clinical and pathological features consistent with human ALS disease. These include loss of lower (ventral horn) and upper motor neurons (corticospinal motor neurons in layer V), mutant profilin1 aggregation, abnormally ubiquitinated proteins, reduced choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) enzyme expression, fragmented mitochondria, glial cell activation, muscle atrophy, weight loss, and reduced survival. Our investigations of actin dynamics and axonal integrity suggest that mutant PFN1 protein is associated with an abnormally low filamentous/globular (F/G)-actin ratio that may be the underlying cause of severe damage to ventral root axons resulting in a Wallerian-like degeneration. These observations indicate that our novel profilin1 mutant mouse line may provide a new ALS model with the opportunity to gain unique perspectives into mechanisms of neurodegeneration that contribute to ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fil
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
| | | | | | - Duah Alkam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
| | | | | | | | - Joseph J. Goellner
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR,
USA
| | - Charles A. O’Brien
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR,
USA
| | | | - Alexei G. Basnakian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Noel Y. Calingasan
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New
York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jodi L. Klessner
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of
Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 6011, USA
| | - Flint M. Beal
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New
York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Owen M. Peters
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School,
Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School,
Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School,
Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen K.Y. Ling
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New
York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New
York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - P. Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of
Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 6011, USA
| | - Mahmoud Kiaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Physiology and Biophysics
- Center for Translational Neuroscience
- Department of Neurology
- Department of Geriatrics, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences,
AR, USA
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33
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Profilin1 biology and its mutation, actin(g) in disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 74:967-981. [PMID: 27669692 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2372-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Profilins were discovered in the 1970s and were extensively studied for their significant physiological roles. Profilin1 is the most prominent isoform and has drawn special attention due to its role in the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and its link to conditions such as cancer and vascular hypertrophy. Recently, multiple mutations in the profilin1 gene were linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we will discuss the physiological and pathological roles of profilin1. We will further highlight the cytoskeletal function and dysfunction caused by profilin1 dysregulation. Finally, we will discuss the implications of mutant profilin1 in various diseases with an emphasis on its contribution to the pathogenesis of ALS.
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34
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Zufiría M, Gil-Bea FJ, Fernández-Torrón R, Poza JJ, Muñoz-Blanco JL, Rojas-García R, Riancho J, López de Munain A. ALS: A bucket of genes, environment, metabolism and unknown ingredients. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 142:104-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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35
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Riva N, Agosta F, Lunetta C, Filippi M, Quattrini A. Recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2016; 263:1241-54. [PMID: 27025851 PMCID: PMC4893385 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
ALS is a relentlessly progressive and fatal disease, with no curative therapies available to date. Symptomatic and palliative care, provided in a multidisciplinary context, still remains the cornerstone of ALS management. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease has advanced greatly over the past years, giving new hope for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here, we have reviewed the most recent studies that have contributed to improving both clinical management and our understanding of ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Riva
- Neuropathology Unit, INSPE and Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Niguarda Ca Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Neuropathology Unit, INSPE and Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan, Italy
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36
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Mutation Screening of the CHCHD10 Gene in Chinese Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3189-3194. [PMID: 27056076 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9888-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain-containing protein 10 gene (CHCHD10), involved in mitochondrial function, have recently been reported as a causative gene of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to obtain the mutation prevalence of CHCHD10 and the phenotypes with mutations in Chinese ALS patients. A cohort of 499 ALS patients including 487 sporadic ALS (SALS) and 12 familial ALS (FALS), from the Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, were screened for mutations of all exons of the CHCHD10 gene by Sanger sequencing. Novel candidate mutations or variants were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 466 healthy individuals. All patients identified with mutations of CHCHD10 gene were screened for mutations of the common ALS causative genes including C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, PFN1, and SQSTM1. Three heterozygous variants, including two missense mutations (c.275A > G (p.Y92C) and c.306G > C (p.Q102H)) and a synonymous change c.306G > A (p.Q102Q), were found in exon 3 of CHCHD10 in three alive SALS individuals (with the longest disease duration of 8.6 years), all of which were not detected in healthy controls. No mutation in CHCHD10 was identified in FALS patients. No mutation was found in the aforementioned common ALS causative genes in the patients who carried CHCHD10 mutations. The mutation frequency of CHCHD10 (0.4 %, 2/487) in a Chinese SALS population suggests CHCHD10 gene mutation appears to be an uncommon cause of ALS in Chinese populations. CHCHD10 mutations are associated with a slow progression and long disease duration.
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37
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Del Poggetto E, Bemporad F, Tatini F, Chiti F. Mutations of Profilin-1 Associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Promote Aggregation Due to Structural Changes of Its Native State. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:2553-63. [PMID: 26226631 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The PFN1 gene, coding for profilin-1, has recently been associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), as three mutations, namely C71G, M114T, and G118V, have been found in patients with familial forms of the disease and another, E117G, has been proposed to be a moderate risk factor for disease onset. In this work, we have purified the four profilin-1 variants along with the wild-type protein. The resulting aggregates appear to be fibrillar, to have a weak binding to ThT, and to possess a significant amount of intermolecular β-sheet structure. Using ThT fluorescence assays, far-UV circular dichroism, and dynamic light scattering, we found that all four variants have an aggregation propensity higher than that of the wild-type counterpart. In particular, the C71G mutation was found to induce the most dramatic change in aggregation, followed by the G118V and M114T substitutions and then the E117G mutation. Such a propensity was found not to strictly correlate with the conformational stability in this group of profilin-1 variants, determined using both urea-induced denaturation at equilibrium and folding/unfolding kinetics. However, it correlated with structural changes of the folded states, as monitored with far-UV circular dichroism, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, ANS binding, acrylamide quenching, and dynamic light scattering. Overall, the results suggest that all four mutations increase the tendency of profilin-1 to aggregate and that such aggregation behavior is largely determined by the mutation-induced structural changes occurring in the folded state of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Del Poggetto
- Department
of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, I-50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Bemporad
- Department
of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, I-50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Tatini
- Institute
of Applied Physics Nello Carrara, National Research Council, Via
Madonna del Piano 10, I-50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department
of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, I-50134, Florence, Italy
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Freischmidt A, Schöpflin M, Feiler MS, Fleck AK, Ludolph AC, Weishaupt JH. Profilin 1 with the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated mutation T109M displays unaltered actin binding and does not affect the actin cytoskeleton. BMC Neurosci 2015; 16:77. [PMID: 26572741 PMCID: PMC4647582 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-015-0214-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The recent identification of several mutations in PFN1, a protein involved in actin dynamics, strengthens the hypothesis that pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is linked to cytoskeletal defects. Impaired actin binding is a common denominator of several PFN1 mutations associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although further mechanisms may also contribute to the death of motor neurons. In this study we examine the actin binding properties of PFN1 carrying the causal T109M mutation and its effects on the actin cytoskeleton. Methods Actin binding of PFN1 T109M was examined by co-immunoprecipitation experiments, a split luciferase complementation assay and a pulldown assay with recombinant PFN1. The actin cytoskeleton was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and by ultracentrifuge separation of globular and filamentous actin fractions followed by Western blotting. Results Using different technical approaches we show that PFN1 T109M displays unaltered actin binding. Furthermore we show that the actin cytoskeleton is not affected by PFN1 carrying the T109M mutation. Conclusion Our data suggest that actin independent mechanisms contribute to the pathogenicity of PFN1 T109M and possibly other PFN1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Freischmidt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Marcel Schöpflin
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Marisa S Feiler
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Ann-Katrin Fleck
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Novel mutations support a role for Profilin 1 in the pathogenesis of ALS. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:1602.e17-27. [PMID: 25499087 PMCID: PMC4357530 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding profilin 1 (PFN1) have recently been shown to cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. We sequenced the PFN1 gene in a cohort of ALS patients (n = 485) and detected 2 novel variants (A20T and Q139L), as well as 4 cases with the previously identified E117G rare variant (∼ 1.2%). A case-control meta-analysis of all published E117G ALS+/- frontotemporal dementia cases including those identified in this report was significant p = 0.001, odds ratio = 3.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.6-6.7), demonstrating this variant to be a susceptibility allele. Postmortem tissue from available patients displayed classic TAR DNA-binding protein 43 pathology. In both transient transfections and in fibroblasts from a patient with the A20T change, we showed that this novel PFN1 mutation causes protein aggregation and the formation of insoluble high molecular weight species which is a hallmark of ALS pathology. Our findings show that PFN1 is a rare cause of ALS and adds further weight to the underlying genetic heterogeneity of this disease.
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PFN1 mutations are also rare in the Catalan population with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2014; 261:2387-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7501-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Profilin 1 associates with stress granules and ALS-linked mutations alter stress granule dynamics. J Neurosci 2014; 34:8083-97. [PMID: 24920614 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0543-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the PFN1 gene encoding profilin 1 are a rare cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Profilin 1 is a well studied actin-binding protein but how PFN1 mutations cause ALS is unknown. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has one PFN1 ortholog. We expressed the ALS-linked profilin 1 mutant proteins in yeast, demonstrating a loss of protein stability and failure to restore growth to profilin mutant cells, without exhibiting gain-of-function toxicity. This model provides for simple and rapid screening of novel ALS-linked PFN1 variants. To gain insight into potential novel roles for profilin 1, we performed an unbiased, genome-wide synthetic lethal screen with yeast cells lacking profilin (pfy1Δ). Unexpectedly, deletion of several stress granule and processing body genes, including pbp1Δ, were found to be synthetic lethal with pfy1Δ. Mutations in ATXN2, the human ortholog of PBP1, are a known ALS genetic risk factor and ataxin 2 is a stress granule component in mammalian cells. Given this genetic interaction and recent evidence linking stress granule dynamics to ALS pathogenesis, we hypothesized that profilin 1 might also associate with stress granules. Here we report that profilin 1 and related protein profilin 2 are novel stress granule-associated proteins in mouse primary cortical neurons and in human cell lines and that ALS-linked mutations in profilin 1 alter stress granule dynamics, providing further evidence for the potential role of stress granules in ALS pathogenesis.
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Soong BW, Lin KP, Guo YC, Lin CCK, Tsai PC, Liao YC, Lu YC, Wang SJ, Tsai CP, Lee YC. Extensive molecular genetic survey of Taiwanese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:2423.e1-6. [PMID: 24908169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Identification of genetic mutations has been of burgeoning importance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and spectrum of mutations in major ALS-causing genes in a Taiwanese ALS cohort of Han Chinese origin. Mutational analyses of the SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, OPTN, VCP, UBQLN2, SQSTM1, PFN1, HNRNPA1, and HNRNPA2B1 genes were carried out by direct sequencing in 161 unrelated patients with ALS, including 30 with familial ALS (FALS) and 131 with sporadic ALS (SALS). The CAG repeat size in ATXN2 and the GGGGCC repeat expansion in C9ORF72 of the patients were also investigated. Mutations were identified in 33 patients (20.5%, 33/161), including 22 with FALS and 11 with SALS. Mutations were identified most frequently in SOD1 (7.5%). Three mutations are novel, including SOD1 p.G10A, SOD1 p.D83N, and OPTN p.L494W. These findings broaden the spectrum of ALS-causing mutations and are indispensable for designing optimal strategies of mutational analysis and genetic counseling of ALS for patients of Chinese origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Wen Soong
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kon-Ping Lin
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Cherng Guo
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chou-Ching K Lin
- Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chu Liao
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Lu
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuu-Jiun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Piao Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chung Lee
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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43
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Guardians of the actin monomer. Eur J Cell Biol 2013; 92:316-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2013.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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