1
|
Bailly C. Covalent binding of withanolides to cysteines of protein targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116405. [PMID: 38969301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Withanolides represent an important category of natural products with a steroidal lactone core. Many of them contain an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety with a high reactivity toward sulfhydryl groups, including protein cysteine thiols. Different withanolides endowed with marked antitumor and anti-inflammatory have been shown to form stable covalent complexes with exposed cysteines present in the active site of oncogenic kinases (BTK, IKKβ, Zap70), metabolism enzymes (Prdx-1/6, Pin1, PHGDH), transcription factors (Nrf2, NFκB, C/EBPβ) and other structural and signaling molecules (GFAP, β-tubulin, p97, Hsp90, vimentin, Mpro, IPO5, NEMO, …). The present review analyzed the covalent complexes formed through Michael addition alkylation reactions between six major withanolides (withaferin A, physalin A, withangulatin A, 4β-hydroxywithanolide E, withanone and tubocapsanolide A) and key cysteine residues of about 20 proteins and the resulting biological effects. The covalent conjugation of the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system of withanolides with reactive protein thiols can occur with a large set of soluble and membrane proteins. It points to a general mechanism, well described with the leading natural product withaferin A, but likely valid for most withanolides harboring a reactive (electrophilic) enone moiety susceptible to react covalently with cysteinyl residues of proteins. The multiplicity of reactive proteins should be taken into account when studying the mechanism of action of new withanolides. Proteomic and network analyses shall be implemented to capture and compare the cysteine covalent-binding map for the major withanolides, so as to identify the protein targets at the origin of their activity and/or unwanted effects. Screening of the cysteinome will help understanding the mechanism of action and designing cysteine-reactive electrophilic drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, OncoLille Institute, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lille, F-59006 Lille, France; OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, F-59290 Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vaia Y, Bruschi F, Tagi VM, Tosi M, Montanari C, Zuccotti G, Tonduti D, Verduci E. Microbiota gut-brain axis: implications for pediatric-onset leukodystrophies. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1417981. [PMID: 39070252 PMCID: PMC11272617 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1417981] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are a group of diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the nervous system, leading to a gradual loss of previously acquired motor, sensory and/or cognitive functions. Leukodystrophies are amongst the most frequent childhood-onset neurodegenerative diseases and primarily affect the white matter of the brain, often resulting in neuro-motor disability. Notably, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and complications, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia, significantly impact patients' quality of life, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies. Gut dysbiosis, characterized by microbial imbalance, has been implicated in various GI disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between GI symptoms, Gut Microbiota (GM), and neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence underscores the profound influence of GM on neurological functions via the microbiota gut-brain axis. Animal models have demonstrated alterations in GM composition associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Our single-centre experience reveals a high prevalence of GI symptoms in leukodystrophy population, emphasizing the importance of gastroenterological assessment and nutritional intervention in affected children. The bidirectional relationship between GI disorders and neurodegeneration suggests a potential role of gut dysbiosis in disease progression. Prospective studies investigating the GM in leukodystrophies are essential to understand the role of gut-brain axis dysfunction in disease progression and identify novel therapeutic targets. In conclusion, elucidating the interplay between GI disorders, GM, and neurodegeneration holds promise for precision treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Vaia
- C.O.A.L.A. (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), Unit of Pediatric Neurology, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Bruschi
- C.O.A.L.A. (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), Unit of Pediatric Neurology, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Maria Tagi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Tosi
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Montanari
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- C.O.A.L.A. (Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies), Unit of Pediatric Neurology, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin NH, Jian WS, Snider N, Perng MD. Glial fibrillary acidic protein is pathologically modified in Alexander disease. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107402. [PMID: 38782207 PMCID: PMC11259701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe pathological events potentially involved in the disease pathogenesis of Alexander disease (AxD). This is a primary genetic disorder of astrocyte caused by dominant gain-of-function mutations in the gene coding for an intermediate filament protein glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Pathologically, this disease is characterized by the upregulation of GFAP and its accumulation as Rosenthal fibers. Although the genetic basis linking GFAP mutations with Alexander disease has been firmly established, the initiating events that promote GFAP accumulation and the role of Rosenthal fibers (RFs) in the disease process remain unknown. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that disease-associated mutations promote GFAP aggregation through aberrant posttranslational modifications. We found high molecular weight GFAP species in the RFs of AxD brains, indicating abnormal GFAP crosslinking as a prominent pathological feature of this disease. In vitro and cell-based studies demonstrate that cystine-generating mutations promote GFAP crosslinking by cysteine-dependent oxidation, resulting in defective GFAP assembly and decreased filament solubility. Moreover, we found GFAP was ubiquitinated in RFs of AxD patients and rodent models, supporting this modification as a critical factor linked to GFAP aggregation. Finally, we found that arginine could increase the solubility of aggregation-prone mutant GFAP by decreasing its ubiquitination and aggregation. Our study suggests a series of pathogenic events leading to AxD, involving interplay between GFAP aggregation and abnormal modifications by GFAP ubiquitination and oxidation. More important, our findings provide a basis for investigating new strategies to treat AxD by targeting abnormal GFAP modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Hsuan Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Syuan Jian
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Natasha Snider
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ming-Der Perng
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nowak I, Paździor M, Sarna R, Madej M. Molecular Mechanisms in the Design of Novel Targeted Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5436-5453. [PMID: 38920997 PMCID: PMC11202845 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a diverse group of diseases characterized by a progressive loss of neurological function due to damage to nerve cells in the central nervous system. In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in the expanding associated with increasing human life expectancy. Molecular mechanisms control many of the essential life processes of cells, such as replication, transcription, translation, protein synthesis and gene regulation. These are complex interactions that form the basis for understanding numerous processes in the organism and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, molecular basis refers to changes at the molecular level that cause damage to or degeneration of nerve cells. These may include protein aggregates leading to pathological structures in brain cells, impaired protein transport in nerve cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory processes or genetic mutations that impair nerve cell function. New medical therapies are based on these mechanisms and include gene therapies, reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress, and the use of miRNAs and regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to bring together the current state of knowledge regarding selected neurodegenerative diseases, presenting the underlying molecular mechanisms involved, which could be potential targets for new forms of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Nowak
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Marlena Paździor
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Robert Sarna
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcel Madej
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medykow Str., 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (M.P.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pajares MA, Pérez-Sala D. Type III intermediate filaments in redox interplay: key role of the conserved cysteine residue. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:849-860. [PMID: 38451193 PMCID: PMC11088922 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) are cytoskeletal elements involved in mechanotransduction and in the integration of cellular responses. They are versatile structures and their assembly and organization are finely tuned by posttranslational modifications. Among them, type III IFs, mainly vimentin, have been identified as targets of multiple oxidative and electrophilic modifications. A characteristic of most type III IF proteins is the presence in their sequence of a single, conserved cysteine residue (C328 in vimentin), that is a hot spot for these modifications and appears to play a key role in the ability of the filament network to respond to oxidative stress. Current structural models and experimental evidence indicate that this cysteine residue may occupy a strategic position in the filaments in such a way that perturbations at this site, due to chemical modification or mutation, impact filament assembly or organization in a structure-dependent manner. Cysteine-dependent regulation of vimentin can be modulated by interaction with divalent cations, such as zinc, and by pH. Importantly, vimentin remodeling induced by C328 modification may affect its interaction with cellular organelles, as well as the cross-talk between cytoskeletal networks, as seems to be the case for the reorganization of actin filaments in response to oxidants and electrophiles. In summary, the evidence herein reviewed delineates a complex interplay in which type III IFs emerge both as targets and modulators of redox signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María A. Pajares
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, C.S.I.C., Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, C.S.I.C., Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pérez-Sala D, Quinlan RA. The redox-responsive roles of intermediate filaments in cellular stress detection, integration and mitigation. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102283. [PMID: 37989035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments are critical for cell and tissue homeostasis and for stress responses. Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments form versatile and dynamic assemblies that interconnect cellular organelles, participate in signaling and protect cells and tissues against stress. Here we have focused on their involvement in redox signaling and oxidative stress, which arises in numerous pathophysiological situations. We pay special attention to type III intermediate filaments, mainly vimentin, because it provides a physical interface for redox signaling, stress responses and mechanosensing. Vimentin possesses a single cysteine residue that is a target for multiple oxidants and electrophiles. This conserved residue fine tunes vimentin assembly, response to oxidative stress and crosstalk with other cellular structures. Here we integrate evidence from the intermediate filament and redox biology fields to propose intermediate filaments as redox sentinel networks of the cell. To support this, we appraise how vimentin detects and orchestrates cellular responses to oxidative and electrophilic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, C.S.I.C., 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Roy A Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Upper Mountjoy Science Site, Durham, United Kingdom; Biophysical Sciences Institute, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Phillips CL, Faridounnia M, Armao D, Snider NT. Stability dynamics of neurofilament and GFAP networks and protein fragments. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102266. [PMID: 37866019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) and GFAP are cytoskeletal intermediate filaments (IFs) that support cellular processes unfolding within the uniquely complex environments of neurons and astrocytes, respectively. This review highlights emerging concepts on the transitions between stable and destabilized IF networks in the nervous system. While self-association between transiently structured low-complexity IF domains promotes filament assembly, the opposing destabilizing actions of phosphorylation-mediated filament severing facilitate faster intracellular transport. Cellular proteases, including caspases and calpains, produce a variety of IF fragments, which may interact with N-degron and C-degron pathways of the protein degradation machinery. The rapid adoption of NF and GFAP-based clinical biomarker tests is contrasted with the lagging understanding of the dynamics between the native IF proteins and their fragments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Phillips
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Maryam Faridounnia
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Diane Armao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA; Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Natasha T Snider
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang JX, Xiao X, He XC, He BD, Liu CM, Teng ZQ. Agomir-331 Suppresses Reactive Gliosis and Neuroinflammation after Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2023; 12:2429. [PMID: 37887272 PMCID: PMC10605079 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury usually triggers glial scar formation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these pathological features are largely unknown. Using a mouse model of hippocampal stab injury (HSI), we observed that miR-331, a brain-enriched microRNA, was significantly downregulated in the early stage (0-7 days) of HSI. Intranasal administration of agomir-331, an upgraded product of miR-331 mimics, suppressed reactive gliosis and neuronal apoptosis and improved cognitive function in HSI mice. Finally, we identified IL-1β as a direct downstream target of miR-331, and agomir-331 treatment significantly reduced IL-1β levels in the hippocampus after acute injury. Our findings highlight, for the first time, agomir-331 as a pivotal neuroprotective agent for early rehabilitation of HSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X.-C.H.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X.-C.H.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China
| | - Xuan-Cheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X.-C.H.)
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bao-Dong He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X.-C.H.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X.-C.H.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X.-C.H.)
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pajares MA, Hernández-Gerez E, Pekny M, Pérez-Sala D. Alexander disease: the road ahead. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2156-2160. [PMID: 37056123 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.369097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein, a type III intermediate filament protein expressed in astrocytes. Both early (infantile or juvenile) and adult onsets of the disease are known and, in both cases, astrocytes present characteristic aggregates, named Rosenthal fibers. Mutations are spread along the glial fibrillary acidic protein sequence disrupting the typical filament network in a dominant manner. Although the presence of aggregates suggests a proteostasis problem of the mutant forms, this behavior is also observed when the expression of wild-type glial fibrillary acidic protein is increased. Additionally, several isoforms of glial fibrillary acidic protein have been described to date, while the impact of the mutations on their expression and proportion has not been exhaustively studied. Moreover, the posttranslational modification patterns and/or the protein-protein interaction networks of the glial fibrillary acidic protein mutants may be altered, leading to functional changes that may modify the morphology, positioning, and/or the function of several organelles, in turn, impairing astrocyte normal function and subsequently affecting neurons. In particular, mitochondrial function, redox balance and susceptibility to oxidative stress may contribute to the derangement of glial fibrillary acidic protein mutant-expressing astrocytes. To study the disease and to develop putative therapeutic strategies, several experimental models have been developed, a collection that is in constant growth. The fact that most cases of Alexander disease can be related to glial fibrillary acidic protein mutations, together with the availability of new and more relevant experimental models, holds promise for the design and assay of novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María A Pajares
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Hernández-Gerez
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Milos Pekny
- Laboratory of Astrocyte Biology and CNS Regeneration, Center for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moneo-Corcuera D, Viedma-Poyatos Á, Stamatakis K, Pérez-Sala D. Desmin Reorganization by Stimuli Inducing Oxidative Stress and Electrophiles: Role of Its Single Cysteine Residue. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1703. [PMID: 37760006 PMCID: PMC10525603 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The type III intermediate filament proteins vimentin and GFAP are modulated by oxidants and electrophiles, mainly through perturbation of their single cysteine residues. Desmin, the type III intermediate filament protein specific to muscle cells, is critical for muscle homeostasis, playing a key role in sarcomere organization and mitochondrial function. Here, we have studied the impact of oxidants and cysteine-reactive agents on desmin behavior. Our results show that several reactive species and drugs induce covalent modifications of desmin in vitro, of which its single cysteine residue, C333, is an important target. Moreover, stimuli eliciting oxidative stress or lipoxidation, including H2O2, 15-deoxy-prostaglandin J2, and CoCl2-elicited chemical hypoxia, provoke desmin disorganization in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts transfected with wild-type desmin, which is partially attenuated in cells expressing a C333S mutant. Notably, in cells lacking other cytoplasmic intermediate filaments, network formation by desmin C333S appears less efficient than that of desmin wt, especially when these proteins are expressed as fluorescent fusion constructs. Nevertheless, in these cells, the desmin C333S organization is also protected from disruption by oxidants. Taken together, our results indicate that desmin is a target for oxidative and electrophilic stress, which elicit desmin remodeling conditioned by the presence of its single cysteine residue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Moneo-Corcuera
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.M.-C.); (Á.V.-P.)
| | - Álvaro Viedma-Poyatos
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.M.-C.); (Á.V.-P.)
| | - Konstantinos Stamatakis
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM/CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.M.-C.); (Á.V.-P.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pérez-Sala D, Pajares MA. Appraising the Role of Astrocytes as Suppliers of Neuronal Glutathione Precursors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098059. [PMID: 37175763 PMCID: PMC10179008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolism and intercellular transfer of glutathione or its precursors may play an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress, a common hallmark of neurodegeneration. In the 1990s, several studies in the Neurobiology field led to the widely accepted notion that astrocytes produce large amounts of glutathione that serve to feed neurons with precursors for glutathione synthesis. This assumption has important implications for health and disease since a reduction in this supply from astrocytes could compromise the capacity of neurons to cope with oxidative stress. However, at first glance, this shuttling would imply a large energy expenditure to get to the same point in a nearby cell. Thus, are there additional underlying reasons for this expensive mechanism? Are neurons unable to import and/or synthesize the three non-essential amino acids that are the glutathione building blocks? The rather oxidizing extracellular environment favors the presence of cysteine (Cys) as cystine (Cis), less favorable for neuronal import. Therefore, it has also been proposed that astrocytic GSH efflux could induce a change in the redox status of the extracellular space nearby the neurons, locally lowering the Cis/Cys ratio. This astrocytic glutathione release would also increase their demand for precursors, stimulating Cis uptake, which these cells can import, further impacting the local decline of the Cis/Cys ratio, in turn, contributing to a more reduced extracellular environment and subsequently favoring neuronal Cys import. Here, we revisit the experimental evidence that led to the accepted hypothesis of astrocytes acting as suppliers of neuronal glutathione precursors, considering recent data from the Human Protein Atlas. In addition, we highlight some potential drawbacks of this hypothesis, mainly supported by heterogeneous cellular models. Finally, we outline additional and more cost-efficient possibilities by which astrocytes could support neuronal glutathione levels, including its shuttling in extracellular vesicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María A Pajares
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Coenzyme Q10: Role in Less Common Age-Related Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112293. [DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article we have reviewed the potential role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the pathogenesis and treatment of a number of less common age-related disorders, for many of which effective therapies are not currently available. For most of these disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation have been implicated in the disease process, providing a rationale for the potential therapeutic use of CoQ10, because of its key roles in mitochondrial function, as an antioxidant, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Disorders reviewed in the article include multi system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, sporadic adult onset ataxia, and pulmonary fibrosis, together with late onset versions of Huntington’s disease, Alexander disease, lupus, anti-phospholipid syndrome, lysosomal storage disorders, fibromyalgia, Machado-Joseph disease, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, and Leber’s optic neuropathy.
Collapse
|