1
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Mallik S, Poch D, Burick S, Schlieker C. Protein folding and quality control during nuclear transport. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 90:102407. [PMID: 39142062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The spatial separation of protein synthesis from the compartmental destiny of proteins led to the evolution of transport systems that are efficient and yet highly specific. Co-translational transport has emerged as a strategy to avoid cytosolic aggregation of folding intermediates and the need for energy-consuming unfolding strategies to enable transport through narrow conduits connecting compartments. While translation and compartmental translocation are at times tightly coordinated, we know very little about the temporal coordination of translation, protein folding, and nuclear import. Here, we consider the implications of co-translational engagement of nuclear import machinery. We propose that the dynamic interplay of karyopherins and intrinsically disordered nucleoporins create a favorable protein folding environment for cargo en route to the nuclear compartment while maintaining a barrier function of the nuclear pore complex. Our model is discussed in the context of neurological disorders that are tied to defects in nuclear transport and protein quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunanda Mallik
- Yale University, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dylan Poch
- Yale University, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sophia Burick
- Yale University, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christian Schlieker
- Yale University, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Wang H, Zeng R. Aberrant protein aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4826-4851. [PMID: 38869826 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12485-z] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. As its pathological mechanisms are not well understood, there are no efficient therapeutics for it at present. While it is highly heterogenous both etiologically and clinically, it has a common salient hallmark, i.e., aberrant protein aggregation (APA). The upstream pathogenesis and the downstream effects of APA in ALS are sophisticated and the investigation of this pathology would be of consequence for understanding ALS. In this paper, the pathomechanism of APA in ALS and the candidate treatment strategies for it are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaixiu Wang
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
- Beijing Ai-Si-Kang Medical Technology Co. Ltd., No. 18 11th St Economical & Technological Development Zone, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department Neurology, Shanxi Provincial Peoples Hospital: Fifth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
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3
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Provasek VE, Bacolla A, Rangaswamy S, Mitra J, Kodavati M, Yusuf IO, Malojirao VH, Vasquez V, Britz GW, Li GM, Xu Z, Mitra S, Garruto RM, Tainer JA, Hegde ML. RNA/DNA Binding Protein TDP43 Regulates DNA Mismatch Repair Genes with Implications for Genome Stability. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.594552. [PMID: 38798341 PMCID: PMC11118483 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.594552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
TDP43 is an RNA/DNA binding protein increasingly recognized for its role in neurodegenerative conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As characterized by its aberrant nuclear export and cytoplasmic aggregation, TDP43 proteinopathy is a hallmark feature in over 95% of ALS/FTD cases, leading to the formation of detrimental cytosolic aggregates and a reduction in nuclear functionality within neurons. Building on our prior work linking TDP43 proteinopathy to the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in neurons, the present investigation uncovers a novel regulatory relationship between TDP43 and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene expressions. Here, we show that TDP43 depletion or overexpression directly affects the expression of key MMR genes. Alterations include MLH1, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, and PMS2 levels across various primary cell lines, independent of their proliferative status. Our results specifically establish that TDP43 selectively influences the expression of MLH1 and MSH6 by influencing their alternative transcript splicing patterns and stability. We furthermore find aberrant MMR gene expression is linked to TDP43 proteinopathy in two distinct ALS mouse models and post-mortem brain and spinal cord tissues of ALS patients. Notably, MMR depletion resulted in the partial rescue of TDP43 proteinopathy-induced DNA damage and signaling. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis of the TCGA cancer database reveals significant associations between TDP43 expression, MMR gene expression, and mutational burden across multiple cancers. Collectively, our findings implicate TDP43 as a critical regulator of the MMR pathway and unveil its broad impact on the etiology of both neurodegenerative and neoplastic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent E Provasek
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Albino Bacolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Suganya Rangaswamy
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joy Mitra
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Manohar Kodavati
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Issa O Yusuf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Vikas H Malojirao
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Velmarini Vasquez
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gavin W Britz
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Guo-Min Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Sankar Mitra
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ralph M Garruto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902
| | - John A Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Muralidhar L Hegde
- Division of DNA Repair Research within the Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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4
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Oliveira NAS, Pinho BR, Pinto J, Guedes de Pinho P, Oliveira JMA. Edaravone counteracts redox and metabolic disruptions in an emerging zebrafish model of sporadic ALS. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 217:126-140. [PMID: 38531462 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.016] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which the death of motor neurons leads to loss of muscle function. Additionally, cognitive and circadian disruptions are common in ALS patients, contributing to disease progression and burden. Most ALS cases are sporadic, and environmental exposures contribute to their aetiology. However, animal models of these sporadic ALS cases are scarce. The small vertebrate zebrafish is a leading organism to model neurodegenerative diseases; previous studies have proposed bisphenol A (BPA) or β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) exposure to model sporadic ALS in zebrafish, damaging motor neurons and altering motor responses. Here we characterise the face and predictive validity of sporadic ALS models, showing their potential for the mechanistic study of ALS drugs. We phenotypically characterise the BPA and BMAA-induced models, going beyond motor activity and motor axon morphology, to include circadian, redox, proteostasis, and metabolomic phenotypes, and assessing their predictive validity for ALS modelling. BPA or BMAA exposure induced concentration-dependent activity impairments. Also, exposure to BPA but not BMAA induced motor axonopathy and circadian alterations in zebrafish larvae. Our further study of the BPA model revealed loss of habituation to repetitive startles, increased oxidative damage, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and metabolome abnormalities. The BPA-induced model shows predictive validity, since the approved ALS drug edaravone counteracted BPA-induced motor phenotypes, ER stress, and metabolic disruptions. Overall, BPA exposure is a promising model of ALS-related redox and ER imbalances, contributing to fulfil an unmet need for validated sporadic ALS models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno A S Oliveira
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Brígida R Pinho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Pinto
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge M A Oliveira
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Ryan L, Rubinsztein DC. The autophagy of stress granules. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:59-72. [PMID: 38101818 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of stress granule (SG) biology has deepened considerably in recent years, and with this, increased understanding of links has been made between SGs and numerous neurodegenerative diseases. One of the proposed mechanisms by which SGs and any associated protein aggregates may become pathological is based upon defects in their autophagic clearance, and so the precise processes governing the degradation of SGs are important to understand. Mutations and disease-associated variants implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal lobar dementia compromise autophagy, whilst autophagy-inhibiting drugs or knockdown of essential autophagy proteins result in the persistence of SGs. In this review, we will consider the current knowledge regarding the autophagy of SG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ryan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, UK
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6
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Ma Y, Jia T, Qin F, He Y, Han F, Zhang C. Abnormal Brain Protein Abundance and Cross-tissue mRNA Expression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:510-518. [PMID: 37639066 PMCID: PMC10791788 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Due to the limitations of the present risk genes in understanding the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is necessary to find additional causative genes utilizing novel approaches. In this study, we conducted a two-stage proteome-wide association study (PWAS) using ALS genome-wide association study (GWAS) data (N = 152,268) and two distinct human brain protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) datasets (ROSMAP N = 376 and Banner N = 152) to identify ALS risk genes and prioritized candidate genes with Mendelian randomization (MR) and Bayesian colocalization analysis. Next, we verified the aberrant expression of risk genes in multiple tissues, including lower motor neurons, skeletal muscle, and whole blood. Six ALS risk genes (SCFD1, SARM1, TMEM175, BCS1L, WIPI2, and DHRS11) were found during the PWAS discovery phase, and SARM1 and BCS1L were confirmed during the validation phase. The following MR (p = 2.10 × 10-7) and Bayesian colocalization analysis (ROSMAP PP4 = 0.999, Banner PP4 = 0.999) confirmed the causal association between SARM1 and ALS. Further differential expression analysis revealed that SARM1 was markedly downregulated in lower motor neurons (p = 7.64 × 10-3), skeletal muscle (p = 9.34 × 10-3), and whole blood (p = 1.94 × 10-3). Our findings identified some promising protein candidates for future investigation as therapeutic targets. The dysregulation of SARM1 in multiple tissues provides a new way to explain ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Ma
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tingting Jia
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengqin Qin
- Department of Neurology, The 3Rd Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongji He
- Clinical Trial Center, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drugs, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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7
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Guzman BB, Son A, Litberg TJ, Huang Z, Dominguez D, Horowitz S. Emerging roles for G-quadruplexes in proteostasis. FEBS J 2023; 290:4614-4625. [PMID: 36017725 PMCID: PMC10071977 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
How nucleic acids interact with proteins, and how they affect protein folding, aggregation, and misfolding is a still-evolving area of research. Considerable effort is now focusing on a particular structure of RNA and DNA, G-quadruplexes, and their role in protein homeostasis and disease. In this state-of-the-art review, we track recent reports on how G-quadruplexes influence protein aggregation, proteolysis, phase separation, and protein misfolding diseases, and pose currently unanswered questions in the advance of this scientific field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan B Guzman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ahyun Son
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Theodore J Litberg
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Zijue Huang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Dominguez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Scott Horowitz
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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8
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Vinceti G, Gallingani C, Zucchi E, Martinelli I, Gianferrari G, Simonini C, Bedin R, Chiari A, Zamboni G, Mandrioli J. Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease Associated with C9ORF72 Hexanucleotide Expansion: Further Evidence for a Still Unsolved Association. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040930. [PMID: 37107688 PMCID: PMC10138077 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are recognized as part of a disease continuum (FTD-ALS spectrum), in which the most common genetic cause is chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) gene hexanucleotide repeat expansion. The clinical phenotype of patients carrying this expansion varies widely and includes diseases beyond the FTD-ALS spectrum. Although a few cases of patients with C9ORF72 expansion and a clinical or biomarker-supported diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been described, they have been considered too sparse to establish a definite association between the C9ORF72 expansion and AD pathology. Here, we describe a C9ORF72 family with pleomorphic phenotypical expressions: a 54-year-old woman showing cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbances with both neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers consistent with AD pathology, her 49-year-old brother with typical FTD-ALS, and their 63-year-old mother with the behavioral variant of FTD and CSF biomarkers suggestive of AD pathology. The young onset of disease in all three family members and their different phenotypes and biomarker profiles make the simple co-occurrence of different diseases an extremely unlikely explanation. Our report adds to previous findings and may contribute to further expanding the spectrum of diseases associated with C9ORF72 expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Vinceti
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Gallingani
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gianferrari
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Bedin
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiari
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zamboni
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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9
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Oliveira NAS, Pinho BR, Oliveira JMA. Swimming against ALS: How to model disease in zebrafish for pathophysiological and behavioral studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105138. [PMID: 36933816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105138] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive disability and motor impairment. Existing therapies provide modest improvements in patient survival, raising a need for new treatments for ALS. Zebrafish is a promising model animal for translational and fundamental research in ALS - it is an experimentally tractable vertebrate, with high homology to humans and an ample experimental toolbox. These advantages allow high-throughput study of behavioral and pathophysiological phenotypes. The last decade saw an increased interest in modelling ALS in zebrafish, leading to the current abundance and variety of available methods and models. Additionally, the rise of gene editing techniques and toxin combination studies has created novel opportunities for ALS studies in zebrafish. In this review, we address the relevance of zebrafish as a model animal for ALS studies, the strategies for model induction and key phenotypical evaluation. Furthermore, we discuss established and emerging zebrafish models of ALS, analyzing their validity, including their potential for drug testing, and highlighting research opportunities in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno A S Oliveira
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Brígida R Pinho
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge M A Oliveira
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Mitochondria and Neurobiology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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10
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Li Y, Geng J, Rimal S, Wang H, Liu X, Lu B, Li S. The mTORC2/AKT/VCP axis is associated with quality control of the stalled translation of poly(GR) dipeptide repeats in C9-ALS/FTD. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102995. [PMID: 36764521 PMCID: PMC10011831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Expansion of G4C2 hexanucleotide repeats in the chromosome 9 ORF 72 (C9ORF72) gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). Dipeptide repeats generated by unconventional translation, especially the R-containing poly(GR), have been implicated in C9-ALS/FTD pathogenesis. Mutations in other genes, including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 KD (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and valosin-containing protein, have also been linked to ALS/FTD, and upregulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is observed at the early stage of ALS and FTD. Fundamental questions remain as to the relationships between these ALS/FTD genes and whether they converge on similar cellular pathways. Here, using biochemical, cell biological, and genetic analyses in Drosophila disease models, patient-derived fibroblasts, and mammalian cell culture, we show that mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2)/AKT signaling is activated by APP, TDP-43, and FUS and that mTORC2/AKT and its downstream target valosin-containing protein mediate the effect of APP, TDP-43, and FUS on the quality control of C9-ALS/FTD-associated poly(GR) translation. We also find that poly(GR) expression results in reduction of global translation and that the coexpression of APP, TDP-43, and FUS results in further reduction of global translation, presumably through the GCN2/eIF2α-integrated stress response pathway. Together, our results implicate mTORC2/AKT signaling and GCN2/eIF2α-integrated stress response as common signaling pathways underlying ALS/FTD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ji Geng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Suman Rimal
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Haochuan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangguo Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bingwei Lu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
| | - Shuangxi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
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11
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Colasuonno F, Price R, Moreno S. Upper and Lower Motor Neurons and the Skeletal Muscle: Implication for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2023; 236:111-129. [PMID: 37955773 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38215-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between motor neurons and the skeletal muscle during development and in pathologic contexts are addressed in this Chapter.We discuss the developmental interplay of muscle and nervous tissue, through neurotrophins and the activation of differentiation and survival pathways. After a brief overview on muscular regulatory factors, we focus on the contribution of muscle to early and late neurodevelopment. Such a role seems especially intriguing in relation to the epigenetic shaping of developing motor neuron fate choices. In this context, emphasis is attributed to factors regulating energy metabolism, which may concomitantly act in muscle and neural cells, being involved in common pathways.We then review the main features of motor neuron diseases, addressing the cellular processes underlying clinical symptoms. The involvement of different muscle-associated neurotrophic factors for survival of lateral motor column neurons, innervating MyoD-dependent limb muscles, and of medial motor column neurons, innervating Myf5-dependent back musculature is discussed. Among the pathogenic mechanisms, we focus on oxidative stress, that represents a common and early trait in several neurodegenerative disorders. The role of organelles primarily involved in reactive oxygen species scavenging and, more generally, in energy metabolism-namely mitochondria and peroxisomes-is discussed in the frame of motor neuron degeneration.We finally address muscular involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a multifactorial degenerative disorder, hallmarked by severe weight loss, caused by imbalanced lipid metabolism. Even though multiple mechanisms have been recognized to play a role in the disease, current literature generally assumes that the primum movens is neuronal degeneration and that muscle atrophy is only a consequence of such pathogenic event. However, several lines of evidence point to the muscle as primarily involved in the disease, mainly through its role in energy homeostasis. Data from different ALS mouse models strongly argue for an early mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle tissue, possibly leading to motor neuron disturbances. Detailed understanding of skeletal muscle contribution to ALS pathogenesis will likely lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Colasuonno
- Department of Experimental Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachel Price
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Biology, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Biology, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Che XQ, Lin GZ, Liu XH, Wang G, Zhao QH, Ren RJ. Genetic and Neuroimaging Analysis of SIGMAR1 for Frontotemporal Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:469-475. [PMID: 37545231 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221195] [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] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, Sigma nonopioid intracellular receptor 1 (SIGMAR1) variants have been shown harboring C9orf72 pathogenic repeat expansions in some frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. However, no SIGMAR1 genotype analysis has been reported in a cohort absent of C9orf72 pathogenic repeat expansions to date. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the contribution of SIGMAR1 independent of C9orf72 gene status to FTD spectrum syndromes. METHODS We directly sequencing the entire coding region and a minimum of 50 bp from each of the flanking introns of SIGMAR1 gene in 82 sporadic FTD patients (female: male = 42 : 40) and 417 controls. For the patient carrying SIGMAR1 variant, a follow-up 3T MR imaging was performed in the study. RESULTS Gene sequencing of SIGMAR1 revealed a rare 3'UTR nucleotide variation rs192856872 in a male patient with semantic dementia independent of C9orf72 gene status. The MR imaging showed asymmetrical atrophy in the anterior temporal lobes and the degeneration extends caudally into the posterior temporal lobes as the disease progresses. ESEFinder analysis showed new SRSF1 and SRSF1-IgM-BRCA1 binding sites with significant scores, which is predicted to affect normal splicing. CONCLUSION We found a novel SIGMAR1 variant independent of C9orf72 gene status associated with semantic dementia phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qian Che
- Department of Neurology & Neuroscience Institute, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Zhen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Neurology & Neuroscience Institute, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian-Hua Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Jing Ren
- Department of Neurology & Neuroscience Institute, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Proteostasis Deregulation in Neurodegeneration and Its Link with Stress Granules: Focus on the Scaffold and Ribosomal Protein RACK1. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162590. [PMID: 36010666 PMCID: PMC9406587 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of protein misfolding, deposition, and clearance has been the dominant topic in the last decades of investigation in the field of neurodegeneration. The impairment of protein synthesis, along with RNA metabolism and RNA granules, however, are significantly emerging as novel potential targets for the comprehension of the molecular events leading to neuronal deficits. Indeed, defects in ribosome activity, ribosome stalling, and PQC—all ribosome-related processes required for proteostasis regulation—can contribute to triggering stress conditions and promoting the formation of stress granules (SGs) that could evolve in the formation of pathological granules, usually occurring during neurodegenerating effects. In this review, the interplay between proteostasis, mRNA metabolism, and SGs has been explored in a neurodegenerative context with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although some defects in these same mechanisms can also be found in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which are discussed here. Finally, we highlight the role of the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) in these pathologies and note that, besides its well characterized function as a scaffold protein, it has an important role in translation and can associate to stress granules (SGs) determining cell fate in response to diverse stress stimuli.
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Konopka A, Atkin JD. DNA Damage, Defective DNA Repair, and Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:786420. [PMID: 35572138 PMCID: PMC9093740 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.786420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA is under constant attack from both endogenous and exogenous sources, and when damaged, specific cellular signalling pathways respond, collectively termed the “DNA damage response.” Efficient DNA repair processes are essential for cellular viability, although they decline significantly during aging. Not surprisingly, DNA damage and defective DNA repair are now increasingly implicated in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord, leading to muscle wasting due to denervation. DNA damage is increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of ALS, and interestingly, the number of DNA damage or repair proteins linked to ALS is steadily growing. This includes TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), a DNA/RNA binding protein that is present in a pathological form in almost all (97%) cases of ALS. Hence TDP-43 pathology is central to neurodegeneration in this condition. Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) bears structural and functional similarities to TDP-43 and it also functions in DNA repair. Chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is also fundamental to ALS because mutations in C9orf72 are the most frequent genetic cause of both ALS and related condition frontotemporal dementia, in European and North American populations. Genetic variants encoding other proteins involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) have also been described in ALS, including FUS, SOD1, SETX, VCP, CCNF, and NEK1. Here we review recent evidence highlighting DNA damage and defective DNA repair as an important mechanism linked to neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Konopka
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie Medical School, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anna Konopka,
| | - Julie D. Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie Medical School, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Julie D. Atkin,
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Gianferrari G, Martinelli I, Zucchi E, Simonini C, Fini N, Vinceti M, Ferro S, Gessani A, Canali E, Valzania F, Sette E, Pugliatti M, Tugnoli V, Zinno L, Stano S, Santangelo M, De Pasqua S, Terlizzi E, Guidetti D, Medici D, Salvi F, Liguori R, Vacchiano V, Casmiro M, Querzani P, Currò Dossi M, Patuelli A, Morresi S, Longoni M, De Massis P, Rinaldi R, Borghi A, Amedei A, Mandrioli J. Epidemiological, Clinical and Genetic Features of ALS in the Last Decade: A Prospective Population-Based Study in the Emilia Romagna Region of Italy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040819. [PMID: 35453569 PMCID: PMC9031824 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased incidence rates of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been recently reported across various Western countries, although geographic and temporal variations in terms of incidence, clinical features and genetics are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to describe demographic, clinical feature and genotype–phenotype correlations of ALS cases over the last decade in the Emilia Romagna Region (ERR). From 2009 to 2019, our prospective population-based registry of ALS in the ERR of Northern Italy recorded 1613 patients receiving a diagnosis of ALS. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate was 3.13/100,000 population (M/F ratio: 1.21). The mean age at onset was 67.01 years; women, bulbar and respiratory phenotypes were associated with an older age, while C9orf72-mutated patients were generally younger. After peaking at 70–75 years, incidence rates, among women only, showed a bimodal distribution with a second slight increase after reaching 90 years of age. Familial cases comprised 12%, of which one quarter could be attributed to an ALS-related mutation. More than 70% of C9orf72-expanded patients had a family history of ALS/fronto-temporal dementia (FTD); 22.58% of patients with FTD at diagnosis had C9orf72 expansion (OR 6.34, p = 0.004). In addition to a high ALS incidence suggesting exhaustiveness of case ascertainment, this study highlights interesting phenotype–genotype correlations in the ALS population of ERR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gianferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (M.V.); (J.M.)
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Ph.D. Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-05-9396-1640; Fax: +39-05-9396-3775
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Nicola Fini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (M.V.); (J.M.)
- Department of Science of Public Health, Research Centre in Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ferro
- Department of Hospital Services, Emilia Romagna Regional Health Authority, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Gessani
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Elena Canali
- Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Sette
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, St. Anna Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (E.S.); (M.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, St. Anna Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (E.S.); (M.P.); (V.T.)
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valeria Tugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, St. Anna Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (E.S.); (M.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Lucia Zinno
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (L.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Stano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (L.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Mario Santangelo
- Department of Neurology, Carpi Hospital, 41014 Modena, Italy; (M.S.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Silvia De Pasqua
- Department of Neurology, Carpi Hospital, 41014 Modena, Italy; (M.S.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Emilio Terlizzi
- Department of Neurology, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (D.G.)
| | - Donata Guidetti
- Department of Neurology, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (D.G.)
| | - Doriana Medici
- Department of Neurology, Fidenza Hospital, 43036 Parma, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, University of Bologna and IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (R.L.); (V.V.)
| | - Veria Vacchiano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, University of Bologna and IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (R.L.); (V.V.)
| | - Mario Casmiro
- Department of Neurology, Faenza and Ravenna Hospital, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (M.C.); (P.Q.)
| | - Pietro Querzani
- Department of Neurology, Faenza and Ravenna Hospital, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (M.C.); (P.Q.)
| | - Marco Currò Dossi
- Department of Neurology, Infermi Hospital, 47923 Rimini, Italy; (M.C.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Alberto Patuelli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, “Morgagni-Pierantoni” Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Simonetta Morresi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | - Marco Longoni
- Department of Neurology, Infermi Hospital, 47923 Rimini, Italy; (M.C.D.); (M.L.)
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | | | - Rita Rinaldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Interaziendale Clinica Neurologica Metropolitana (NeuroMet), 40139 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Annamaria Borghi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- SOD of Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (M.V.); (J.M.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
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The Biogenesis of miRNAs and Their Role in the Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030572. [PMID: 35159383 PMCID: PMC8833997 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons. As there is no effective treatment for ALS, it is particularly important to screen key gene therapy targets. The identifications of microRNAs (miRNAs) have completely changed the traditional view of gene regulation. miRNAs are small noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent advances also indicate that miRNAs are biomarkers in many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in ALS pathogenesis and its application to gene therapy for ALS. The potential of miRNAs to target diverse pathways opens a new avenue for ALS therapy.
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17
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Regulation of spatially restricted gene expression: linking RNA localization and phase separation. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2591-2600. [PMID: 34821361 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210320] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Subcellular restriction of gene expression is crucial to the functioning of a wide variety of cell types. The cellular machinery driving spatially restricted gene expression has been studied for many years, but recent advances have highlighted novel mechanisms by which cells can generate subcellular microenvironments with specialized gene expression profiles. Particularly intriguing are recent findings that phase separation plays a role in certain RNA localization pathways. The burgeoning field of phase separation has revolutionized how we view cellular compartmentalization, revealing that, in addition to membrane-bound organelles, phase-separated cytoplasmic microenvironments - termed biomolecular condensates - are compositionally and functionally distinct from the surrounding cytoplasm, without the need for a lipid membrane. The coupling of phase separation and RNA localization allows for precise subcellular targeting, robust translational repression and dynamic recruitment of accessory proteins. Despite the growing interest in the intersection between RNA localization and phase separation, it remains to be seen how exactly components of the localization machinery, particularly motor proteins, are able to associate with these biomolecular condensates. Further studies of the formation, function, and transport of biomolecular condensates promise to provide a new mechanistic understanding of how cells restrict gene expression at a subcellular level.
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18
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Trnka F, Hoffmann C, Wang H, Sansevrino R, Rankovic B, Rost BR, Schmitz D, Schmidt HB, Milovanovic D. Aberrant Phase Separation of FUS Leads to Lysosome Sequestering and Acidification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:716919. [PMID: 34746121 PMCID: PMC8569517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.716919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the death of upper and lower motor neurons. While most cases of ALS are sporadic, some of the familial forms of the disease are caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the RNA-binding protein FUS. Under physiological conditions, FUS readily phase separates into liquid-like droplets in vivo and in vitro. ALS-associated mutations interfere with this process and often result in solid-like aggregates rather than fluid condensates. Yet, whether cells recognize and triage aberrant condensates remains poorly understood, posing a major barrier to the development of novel ALS treatments. Using a combination of ALS-associated FUS mutations, optogenetic manipulation of FUS condensation, chemically induced stress, and pH-sensitive reporters of organelle acidity, we systematically characterized the cause-effect relationship between the material state of FUS condensates and the sequestering of lysosomes. From our data, we can derive three conclusions. First, regardless of whether we use wild-type or mutant FUS, expression levels (i.e., high concentrations) play a dominant role in determining the fraction of cells having soluble or aggregated FUS. Second, chemically induced FUS aggregates recruit LAMP1-positive structures. Third, mature, acidic lysosomes accumulate only at FUS aggregates but not at liquid-condensates. Together, our data suggest that lysosome-degradation machinery actively distinguishes between fluid and solid condensates. Unraveling these aberrant interactions and testing strategies to manipulate the autophagosome-lysosome axis provides valuable clues for disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Trnka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Han Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Roberto Sansevrino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Branislava Rankovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin R Rost
- Laboratory of Network Dysfunction, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- Laboratory of Network Dysfunction, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - H Broder Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Dragomir Milovanovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
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Violi F, Solovyev N, Vinceti M, Mandrioli J, Lucio M, Michalke B. The study of levels from redox-active elements in cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients carrying disease-related gene mutations shows potential copper dyshomeostasis. Metallomics 2021; 12:668-681. [PMID: 32373852 DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00051e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a loss of function of motor neurons. The etiology of this disorder is still largely unknown. Gene-environment interaction arises as a possible key factor in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We assessed the levels of trace metals, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), of 9 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases and 40 controls by measuring their content in cerebrospinal fluid. The following trace element species were quantified using ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: univalent copper (Cu-I), divalent Cu (Cu-II), divalent Fe (Fe-II), trivalent Fe (Fe-III), divalent Mn (Mn-II), trivalent Mn (Mn-III), and also unidentified Mn species (Mn-unknown) were present in some samples. When computing the relative risks for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through an unconditional logistic regression model, we observed a weak and imprecise positive association for iron (Fe III, adjusted odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 0.46-4.76) and manganese (total-Mn and Mn-II; adjusted odds ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.74-1.67, and 1.13, 95% CI 0.79-1.61, respectively). Increased risk for copper was found both in the crude analysis (odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI 0.99-1.31) and in multivariable analysis after adjusting for sex, age, and year of storage (1.09, 95% CI 0.90-1.32). Our results suggest a possible positive association between Cu and genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, while they give little indication of involvement of Fe and Mn in disease, though some correlations found also for these elements deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Violi
- CREAGEN Research Center of Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Martins WK, Silva MDND, Pandey K, Maejima I, Ramalho E, Olivon VC, Diniz SN, Grasso D. Autophagy-targeted therapy to modulate age-related diseases: Success, pitfalls, and new directions. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100033. [PMID: 34909664 PMCID: PMC8663935 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a critical metabolic process that supports homeostasis at a basal level and is dynamically regulated in response to various physiological and pathological processes. Autophagy has some etiologic implications that support certain pathological processes due to alterations in the lysosomal-degradative pathway. Some of the conditions related to autophagy play key roles in highly relevant human diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases (15.5%), malignant and other neoplasms (9.4%), and neurodegenerative conditions (3.7%). Despite advances in the discovery of new strategies to treat these age-related diseases, autophagy has emerged as a therapeutic option after preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we discuss the pitfalls and success in regulating autophagy initiation and its lysosome-dependent pathway to restore its homeostatic role and mediate therapeutic effects for cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiac diseases. The main challenge for the development of autophagy regulators for clinical application is the lack of specificity of the repurposed drugs, due to the low pharmacological uniqueness of their target, including those that target the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK pathway. Then, future efforts must be conducted to deal with this scenery, including the disclosure of key components in the autophagy machinery that may intervene in its therapeutic regulation. Among all efforts, those focusing on the development of novel allosteric inhibitors against autophagy inducers, as well as those targeting autolysosomal function, and their integration into therapeutic regimens should remain a priority for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleska Kerllen Martins
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Maryana do Nascimento da Silva
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Kiran Pandey
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, Meyer Building, Room 823, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Ikuko Maejima
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 3718512, Japan
| | - Ercília Ramalho
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Vania Claudia Olivon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Physiology, UNIDERP, Av. Ceará, 333. Vila Miguel Couto, Campo Grande, MS, 79003-010, Brazil
| | - Susana Nogueira Diniz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Daniel Grasso
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Junín 954 p4, Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Argentina
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21
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Solomon DA, Smikle R, Reid MJ, Mizielinska S. Altered Phase Separation and Cellular Impact in C9orf72-Linked ALS/FTD. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:664151. [PMID: 33967699 PMCID: PMC8096919 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.664151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the C9orf72 repeat expansion mutation as causative for chromosome 9-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2011, a multitude of cellular pathways have been implicated. However, evidence has also been accumulating for a key mechanism of cellular compartmentalization—phase separation. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is fundamental for the formation of membraneless organelles including stress granules, the nucleolus, Cajal bodies, nuclear speckles and the central channel of the nuclear pore. Evidence has now accumulated showing that the formation and function of these membraneless organelles is impaired by both the toxic arginine rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), translated from the C9orf72 repeat RNA transcript, and the repeat RNA itself. Both the arginine rich DPRs and repeat RNA themselves undergo phase separation and disrupt the physiological phase separation of proteins involved in the formation of these liquid-like organelles. Hence abnormal phase separation may explain a number of pathological cellular phenomena associated with C9orf72-ALS/FTD. In this review article, we will discuss the principles of phase separation, phase separation of the DPRs and repeat RNA themselves and how they perturb LLPS associated with membraneless organelles and the functional consequences of this. We will then discuss how phase separation may impact the major pathological feature of C9orf72-ALS/FTD, TDP-43 proteinopathy, and how LLPS may be targeted therapeutically in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Solomon
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebekah Smikle
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Reid
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Mizielinska
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Tsai YL, Manley JL. Multiple ways to a dead end: diverse mechanisms by which ALS mutant genes induce cell death. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:631-646. [PMID: 33722167 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1886661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a deadly neuromuscular disorder caused by progressive motor neuron loss in the brain and spinal cord. Over the past decades, a number of genetic mutations have been identified that cause or are associated with ALS disease progression. Numerous genes harbor ALS mutations, and they encode proteins displaying a wide range of physiological functions, with limited overlap. Despite the divergent functions, mutations in these genes typically trigger protein aggregation, which can confer gain- and/or loss-of-function to a number of essential cellular processes. Nuclear processes such as mRNA splicing and the response to DNA damage are significantly affected in ALS patients. Cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria are damaged by ALS mutant proteins. Processes that maintain cellular homeostasis such as autophagy, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and nucleocytoplasmic transport, are also impaired by ALS mutations. Here, we review the multiple mechanisms by which mutations in major ALS-associated genes, such as TARDBP, C9ORF72 and FUS, lead to impairment of essential cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Lin Tsai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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23
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Kim W, Kim DY, Lee KH. RNA-Binding Proteins and the Complex Pathophysiology of ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052598. [PMID: 33807542 PMCID: PMC7961459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic analyses of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have identified disease-causing mutations and accelerated the unveiling of complex molecular pathogenic mechanisms, which may be important for understanding the disease and developing therapeutic strategies. Many disease-related genes encode RNA-binding proteins, and most of the disease-causing RNA or proteins encoded by these genes form aggregates and disrupt cellular function related to RNA metabolism. Disease-related RNA or proteins interact or sequester other RNA-binding proteins. Eventually, many disease-causing mutations lead to the dysregulation of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, the dysfunction of stress granules, and the altered dynamic function of the nucleolus as well as other membrane-less organelles. As RNA-binding proteins are usually components of several RNA-binding protein complexes that have other roles, the dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins tends to cause diverse forms of cellular dysfunction. Therefore, understanding the role of RNA-binding proteins will help elucidate the complex pathophysiology of ALS. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the function of disease-associated RNA-binding proteins and their role in the dysfunction of membrane-less organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanil Kim
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38610, Korea;
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.-Y.K.); (K.-H.L.); Tel.: +82-53-660-6880 (D.-Y.K.); +82-53-819-7743 (K.-H.L.)
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38610, Korea;
- Correspondence: (D.-Y.K.); (K.-H.L.); Tel.: +82-53-660-6880 (D.-Y.K.); +82-53-819-7743 (K.-H.L.)
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24
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Mitochondrial dysfunction and traffic jams in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mitochondrion 2021; 58:102-110. [PMID: 33639271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive neuronal loss anatomically or physiologically and accumulation of protein in the cells. Mitochondria provide energy to these neuronal cells consuming 20% of the body's oxygen. Mitochondria are the dynamic membrane-bound cell organelles that function to generate ATP, regulate calcium homeostasis, and produce reactive oxygen species. Because of alterations in the electron transport chain, mutation, and environmental toxins, there is reduced ATP production, calcium dyshomeostasis, and increased oxidative stress, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS. ALS is described as the loss of upper and lower motor neurons resulting in progressive muscle denervation and loss of voluntary movements. There are multiple shreds of evidence in the literature regarding the mechanism involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and possible therapeutic targets to treat the condition. Moreover, different studies reported the role of different gene mutations and malfunctions in transport system responsible for the accumulation and aggregation of the proteins inside the brain cells. This accumulation and/or aggregation of proteins in the neuronal cells is known as neuronal traffic jam, which also plays the leading role in the progressive neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have elucidated the critical insights into mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal traffic jam; and its role in the initiation and progression of ALS. Moreover, the pharmacological targets and possible conducts to this scenario are also brought together.
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25
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Malnar M, Rogelj B. SFPQ regulates the accumulation of RNA foci and dipeptide repeat proteins from the expanded repeat mutation in C9orf72. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs.256602. [PMID: 33495278 PMCID: PMC7904093 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.256602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expanded GGGGCC repeat mutation in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The expansion is transcribed to sense and antisense RNA, which form RNA foci and bind cellular proteins. This mechanism of action is considered cytotoxic. Translation of the expanded RNA transcripts also leads to the accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs). The RNA-binding protein splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ), which is being increasingly associated with ALS and FTD pathology, binds to sense RNA foci. Here, we show that SFPQ plays an important role in the C9orf72 mutation. Overexpression of SFPQ resulted in higher numbers of both sense and antisense RNA foci and DPRs in transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Conversely, reduced SPFQ levels resulted in lower numbers of RNA foci and DPRs in both transfected HEK cells and C9orf72 mutation-positive patient-derived fibroblasts and lymphoblasts. Therefore, we have revealed a role of SFPQ in regulating the C9orf72 mutation that has implications for understanding and developing novel therapeutic targets for ALS and FTD. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Expression level modulation of the core paraspeckle protein SFPQ regulates sense and antisense RNA foci and dipeptide repeat protein accumulation in the C9orf72 mutation; SFPQ could be a therapeutic target in C9orf72 ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Malnar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia .,Biomedical Research Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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26
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Jagaraj CJ, Parakh S, Atkin JD. Emerging Evidence Highlighting the Importance of Redox Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:581950. [PMID: 33679322 PMCID: PMC7929997 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.581950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular redox state, or balance between cellular oxidation and reduction reactions, serves as a vital antioxidant defence system that is linked to all important cellular activities. Redox regulation is therefore a fundamental cellular process for aerobic organisms. Whilst oxidative stress is well described in neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), other aspects of redox dysfunction and their contributions to pathophysiology are only just emerging. ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, with few useful treatments. Hence there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutics in the future. Here, we discuss the increasing evidence for redox dysregulation as an important and primary contributor to ALS pathogenesis, which is associated with multiple disease mechanisms. Understanding the connection between redox homeostasis, proteins that mediate redox regulation, and disease pathophysiology in ALS, may facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, and lead to the design of better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jones Jagaraj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonam Parakh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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27
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Montalbano M, McAllen S, Cascio FL, Sengupta U, Garcia S, Bhatt N, Ellsworth A, Heidelman EA, Johnson OD, Doskocil S, Kayed R. TDP-43 and Tau Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Frontotemporal Dementia. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 146:105130. [PMID: 33065281 PMCID: PMC7703712 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteinaceous aggregates are major hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregates of post-translationally modified transactive response (TAR)-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies are characteristic features in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have also reported TDP-43 aggregation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). TDP-43 is an RNA/DNA binding protein (RBP) mainly present in the nucleus. In addition to several RBPs, TDP-43 has also been reported in stress granules in FTD and ALS pathologies. Despite knowledge of cytoplasmic mislocalization of TDP-43, the cellular effects of TDP-43 aggregates and their cytotoxic mechanism(s) remain to be clarified. We hypothesize that TDP-43 forms oligomeric assemblies that associate with tau, another key protein involved in ALS and FTD. However, no prior studies have investigated the interactions between TDP-43 oligomers and tau. It is therefore important to thoroughly investigate the cross-seeding properties and cellular localization of both TDP-43 and tau oligomers in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we demonstrate the effect of tau on the cellular localization of TDP-43 in WT and P301L tau-inducible cell models (iHEK) and in WT HEK-293 cells treated exogenously with soluble human recombinant tau oligomers (Exo-rTauO). We observed cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation o in the presence of tau in these cell models. We also studied the occurrence of TDP-43 oligomers in AD, ALS, and FTD human brain tissue using novel antibodies generated against TDP-43 oligomers as well as generic TDP-43 antibodies. Finally, we examined the cross-seeding property of AD, ALS, and FTD brain-derived TDP-43 oligomers (BDT43Os) on tau aggregation using biochemical and biophysical assays. Our results allow us to speculate that TDP-43/tau interactions might play a role in AD, ALS, and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Salome McAllen
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Filippa Lo Cascio
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Stephanie Garcia
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Anna Ellsworth
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Eric A Heidelman
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Omar D Johnson
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Samantha Doskocil
- Neuroscience Summer Undergraduate Research Program, NSURP Program 2018, University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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28
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Mediani L, Galli V, Carrà AD, Bigi I, Vinet J, Ganassi M, Antoniani F, Tiago T, Cimino M, Mateju D, Cereda C, Pansarasa O, Alberti S, Mandrioli J, Carra S. BAG3 and BAG6 differentially affect the dynamics of stress granules by targeting distinct subsets of defective polypeptides released from ribosomes. Cell Stress Chaperones 2020; 25:1045-1058. [PMID: 32696179 PMCID: PMC7591658 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-020-01141-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic ribonucleoprotein granules induced by environmental stresses. They play an important role in the stress response by integrating mRNA stability, translation, and signaling pathways. Recent work has connected SG dysfunction to neurodegenerative diseases. In these diseases, SG dynamics are impaired because of mutations in SG proteins or protein quality control factors. Impaired SG dynamics and delayed SG dissolution have also been observed for SGs that accumulate misfolding-prone defective ribosomal products (DRiPs). DRiP accumulation inside SGs is controlled by a surveillance system referred to as granulostasis and encompasses the molecular chaperones VCP and the HSPB8-BAG3-HSP70 complex. BAG3 is a member of the BAG family of proteins, which includes five additional members. One of these proteins, BAG6, is functionally related to BAG3 and able to assist degradation of DRiPs. However, whether BAG6 is involved in granulostasis is unknown. We report that BAG6 is not recruited into SGs induced by different types of stress, nor does it affect SG dynamics. BAG6 also does not replace BAG3's function in SG granulostasis. We show that BAG3 and BAG6 target different subsets of DRiPs, and BAG3 binding to DRiPs is mediated by HSPB8 and HSP70. Our data support the idea that SGs are sensitive to BAG3-HSP70-bound DRiPs but not to BAG6-bound DRiPs. Additionally, only BAG3 is strongly upregulated in the stress recovery phase, when SGs dissolve. These data exclude a role for BAG6 in granulostasis and point to a more specialized function in the clearance of a specific subset of DRiPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mediani
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Veronica Galli
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Arianna Dorotea Carrà
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bigi
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jonathan Vinet
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Ganassi
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Antoniani
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tatiana Tiago
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Cimino
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniel Mateju
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Genomic and post-Genomic Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simon Alberti
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, St. Agostino Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Serena Carra
- Centre for Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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29
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Fort-Aznar L, Ugbode C, Sweeney ST. Retrovirus reactivation in CHMP2BIntron5 models of frontotemporal dementia. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:2637-2646. [PMID: 32628265 PMCID: PMC7530534 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most prevalent form of pre-senile dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can overlap genetically, pathologically and clinically with FTD indicating the two conditions are ends of a spectrum and may share common pathological mechanisms. FTD-ALS causing mutations are known to be involved in endosomal trafficking and RNA regulation. Using an unbiased genome-wide genetic screen to identify mutations affecting an FTD-ALS-related phenotype in Drosophila caused by CHMP2BIntron5 expression, we have uncovered repressors of retrovirus (RV) activity as modifiers of CHMP2BIntron5 toxicity. We report that neuronal expression of CHMP2BIntron5 causes an increase in the activity of the endogenous Drosophila RV, gypsy, in the nervous system. Genetically blocking Drosophila gypsy activation and pharmacologically inhibiting viral reverse transcriptase activity prevents degenerative phenotypes observed in fly and rat neurons. These findings directly link endosomal dysfunction to RV de-repression in an FTD-ALS model without TDP-43 pathology. These observations may contribute an understanding to previous discoveries of RV activation in ALS affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fort-Aznar
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Chris Ugbode
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sean T Sweeney
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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30
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Abildgaard MH, Brynjólfsdóttir SH, Frankel LB. The Autophagy-RNA Interplay: Degradation and Beyond. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 45:845-857. [PMID: 32828649 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved degradation pathway that ensures nutrient recycling and removal of unwanted substrates. This process has a fundamental role in stress adaptation and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Here, we discuss emerging aspects of the autophagy-RNA interplay, including autophagy-mediated degradation of RNA, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. Beyond degradation, we review new roles for autophagy players in the secretion and intracellular transport of RNA and related complexes. We discuss the physiological importance of these events for RNA homeostasis and gene expression programs, as well as their implications for disease, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Lastly, we examine how post-transcriptional regulation of autophagy, through specialized processing and selective translation of key transcripts, challenges and updates our current view of autophagy complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa B Frankel
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark; Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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31
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Bajc Česnik A, Motaln H, Rogelj B. The Impact of ALS-Associated Genes hnRNPA1, MATR3, VCP and UBQLN2 on the Severity of TDP-43 Aggregation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081791. [PMID: 32731393 PMCID: PMC7465640 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cytoplasmic inclusions of RNA-binding protein TDP-43. Despite decades of research and identification of more than 50 genes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the cause of TDP-43 translocation from the nucleus and its aggregation in the cytoplasm still remains unknown. Our study addressed the impact of selected ALS-associated genes on TDP-43 aggregation behavior in wild-type and aggregation prone TDP-43 in vitro cell models. These were developed by deleting TDP-43 nuclear localization signal and stepwise shortening its low-complexity region. The SH-SY5Y cells were co-transfected with the constructs of aggregation-prone TDP-43 and wild-type or mutant ALS-associated genes hnRNPA1, MATR3, VCP or UBQLN2. The investigated genes displayed a unique impact on TDP-43 aggregation, generating distinct types of cytoplasmic inclusions, similar to those already described as resembling prion strains, which could represent the basis for neurodegenerative disease heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bajc Česnik
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.B.Č.); (H.M.)
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Motaln
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.B.Č.); (H.M.)
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.B.Č.); (H.M.)
- Biomedical Research Institute BRIS, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-477-3611
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Zakharova M. Modern approaches in gene therapy of motor neuron diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2634-2655. [PMID: 32638429 DOI: 10.1002/med.21705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by muscle weakness, loss of ambulation, respiratory insufficiency, leading to an early death. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are the most common and fatal motor neuron diseases. The last 3 years became very successful for novel gene therapy approaches in SMA in infants. Two innovative drugs-nusinersen (Spinraza) and onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma) have been approved by health authorities. The numerous molecular and genetic overlaps between different neurodegenerative diseases are of great importance in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, including viral vector therapy and RNA modulating approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zakharova
- Sixth Neurology Department (Department of Neuroinfectious Diseases), Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
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Shariati A, Nemati R, Sadeghipour Y, Yaghoubi Y, Baghbani R, Javidi K, Zamani M, Hassanzadeh A. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for neurodegenerative disease: A promising frontier. Eur J Cell Biol 2020; 99:151097. [PMID: 32800276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2020.151097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are a variety of diseases including Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's diseases (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) along with some other less common diseases generally described by the advanced deterioration of central or peripheral nervous system, structurally or functionally. In the last two decades, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) due to their unique assets encompassing self-renewal, multipotency and accessibility in association with low ethical concern open new frontiers in the context of neurodegenerative diseases therapy. Interestingly, MSCs can be differentiated into endodermal and ectodermal lineages (e.g., neurons, oligodendrocyte, and astrocyte), and thus could be employed to advance cell-based therapeutic strategy. Additionally, as inflammation ordinarily ensues as a local response provoked by microglia in the neurodegenerative diseases, MSCs therapy because of their pronounced immunomodulatory properties is noticed as a rational approach for their treatment. Recently, varied types of studies have been mostly carried out in vitro and rodent models using MSCs upon their procurement from various sources and expansion. The promising results of the studies in rodent models have motivated researchers to design and perform several clinical trials, with a speedily rising number. In the current review, we aim to deliver a brief overview of MSCs sources, expansion strategies, and their immunosuppressive characteristics and discuss credible functional mechanisms exerted by MSCs to treat neurodegenerative disorders, covering AD, PD, ALS, MS, and HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shariati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Nemati
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
| | - Yasin Sadeghipour
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Yoda Yaghoubi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reza Baghbani
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
| | - Kamran Javidi
- School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
| | - Majid Zamani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Fallini C, Khalil B, Smith CL, Rossoll W. Traffic jam at the nuclear pore: All roads lead to nucleocytoplasmic transport defects in ALS/FTD. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 140:104835. [PMID: 32179176 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal late-onset neurodegenerative disease that specifically affects the function and survival of spinal and cortical motor neurons. ALS shares many genetic, clinical, and pathological characteristics with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and these diseases are now recognized as presentations of a disease spectrum known as ALS/FTD. The molecular determinants of neuronal loss in ALS/FTD are still debated, but the recent discovery of nucleocytoplasmic transport defects as a common denominator of most if not all forms of ALS/FTD has dramatically changed our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of this disease. Loss of nuclear pores and nucleoporin aggregation, altered nuclear morphology, and impaired nuclear transport are some of the most prominent features that have been identified using a variety of animal, cellular, and human models of disease. Here, we review the experimental evidence linking nucleocytoplasmic transport defects to the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD and propose a unifying view on how these defects may lead to a vicious cycle that eventually causes neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fallini
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Bilal Khalil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Courtney L Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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Kilchert C, Sträßer K, Kunetsky V, Änkö ML. From parts lists to functional significance-RNA-protein interactions in gene regulation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1582. [PMID: 31883228 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of canonical RNA binding proteins facilitate diverse and essential RNA processing steps in cells forming a central regulatory point in gene expression. However, recent discoveries including the identification of a large number of noncanonical proteins bound to RNA have changed our view on RNA-protein interactions merely as necessary steps in RNA biogenesis. As the list of proteins interacting with RNA has expanded, so has the scope of regulation through RNA-protein interactions. In addition to facilitating RNA metabolism, RNA binding proteins help to form subcellular structures and membraneless organelles, and provide means to recruit components of macromolecular complexes to their sites of action. Moreover, RNA-protein interactions are not static in cells but the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are highly dynamic in response to cellular cues. The identification of novel proteins in complex with RNA and ways cells use these interactions to control cellular functions continues to broaden the scope of RNA regulation in cells and the current challenge is to move from cataloguing the components of RNPs into assigning them functions. This will not only facilitate our understanding of cellular homeostasis but may bring in key insights into human disease conditions where RNP components play a central role. This review brings together the classical view of regulation accomplished through RNA-protein interactions with the novel insights gained from the identification of RNA binding interactomes. We discuss the challenges in combining molecular mechanism with cellular functions on the journey towards a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory functions of RNA-protein interactions in cells. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications aRNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Kilchert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Sträßer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vladislav Kunetsky
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Minna-Liisa Änkö
- Centre for Reproductive Health and Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Ryskalin L, Busceti CL, Fornai F. Molecular Mechanisms Linking ALS/FTD and Psychiatric Disorders, the Potential Effects of Lithium. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:450. [PMID: 31680867 PMCID: PMC6797817 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered proteostasis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, abnormal unfolded protein response (UPR), mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy impairment are interconnected events, which contribute to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In recent years, the mood stabilizer lithium was shown to potentially modify ALS/FTD beyond mood disorder-related pathology. The effects of lithium are significant in ALS patients carrying genetic variations in the UNC13 presynaptic protein, which occur in ALS/FTD and psychiatric disorders as well. In the brain, lithium modulates a number of biochemical pathways involved in synaptic plasticity, proteostasis, and neuronal survival. By targeting UPR-related events, namely ER stress, excitotoxicity and autophagy dysfunction, lithium produces plastic effects. These are likely to relate to neuroprotection, which was postulated for mood and motor neuron disorders. In the present manuscript, we try to identify and discuss potential mechanisms through which lithium copes concomitantly with ER stress, UPR and autophagy dysfunctions related to UNC13 synaptic alterations and aberrant RNA and protein processing. This may serve as a paradigm to provide novel insights into the neurobiology of ALS/FTD featuring early psychiatric disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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