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Potential Regulation of miRNA-29 and miRNA-9 by Estrogens in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Insightful Perspective. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020243. [PMID: 36831786 PMCID: PMC9954655 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding a link between a hormone and microRNAs (miRNAs) is of great importance since it enables the adjustment of genetic composition or cellular functions without needing gene-level interventions. The dicer-mediated cleavage of precursor miRNAs is an interface link between miRNA and its regulators; any disruption in this process can affect neurogenesis. Besides, the hormonal regulation of miRNAs can occur at the molecular and cellular levels, both directly, through binding to the promoter elements of miRNAs, and indirectly, via regulation of the signaling effects of the post-transcriptional processing proteins. Estrogenic hormones have many roles in regulating miRNAs in the brain. This review discusses miRNAs, their detailed biogenesis, activities, and both the general and estrogen-dependent regulations. Additionally, we highlight the relationship between miR-29, miR-9, and estrogens in the nervous system. Such a relationship could be a possible etiological route for developing various neurodegenerative disorders.
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Wu Y, Shao W, Todd TW, Tong J, Yue M, Koga S, Castanedes-Casey M, Librero AL, Lee CW, Mackenzie IR, Dickson DW, Zhang YJ, Petrucelli L, Prudencio M. Microglial lysosome dysfunction contributes to white matter pathology and TDP-43 proteinopathy in GRN-associated FTD. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109581. [PMID: 34433069 PMCID: PMC8491969 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN), which encodes progranulin (PGRN), are a major cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). GRN-associated FTD is characterized by TDP-43 inclusions and neuroinflammation, but how PGRN loss causes disease remains elusive. We show that Grn knockout (KO) mice have increased microgliosis in white matter and an accumulation of myelin debris in microglial lysosomes in the same regions. Accumulation of myelin debris is also observed in white matter of patients with GRN-associated FTD. In addition, our findings also suggest that PGRN insufficiency in microglia leads to impaired lysosomal-mediated clearance of myelin debris. Finally, Grn KO mice that are deficient in cathepsin D (Ctsd), a key lysosomal enzyme, have augmented myelin debris and increased neuronal TDP-43 pathology. Together, our data strongly imply that PGRN loss affects microglial activation and lysosomal function, resulting in the accumulation of myelin debris and contributing to TDP-43 pathology. Wu et al. show increased microgliosis in white matter of Grn knockout mice. Microglial lysosomes accumulate myelin debris in both Grn knockout mice and patients with GRN-associated FTD, and reducing cathespin D levels exacerbates both myelin debris accumulation and pTdp-43 aggregation. Thus, lysosomal dysfunction affects these pathologies in GRN-related FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Tiffany W Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Jimei Tong
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Mei Yue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Shunsuke Koga
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Ariston L Librero
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Chris W Lee
- Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA; Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA
| | - Ian R Mackenzie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Yong-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
| | - Mercedes Prudencio
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
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3
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Jiao B, Zhou L, Zhou Y, Weng L, Liao X, Tian Y, Guo L, Liu X, Yuan Z, Xiao X, Jiang Y, Wang X, Yang Q, Li C, Zhu Y, Zhou L, Zhang W, Wang J, Li Y, Gu W, Yang J, Xia J, Huang Q, Yin J, Xue J, Duan R, Tang B, Shen L. Identification of expanded repeats in NOTCH2NLC in neurodegenerative dementias. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 89:142.e1-142.e7. [PMID: 32081467 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
repeat expansion in the NOTCH2NLC gene has been identified to be associated with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID). Given the clinical overlap of dementia-dominant NIID with neurodegenerative dementia, we therefore hypothesized that the NOTCH2NLC repeat expansion might also contribute to these diseases. In the present study, repeat primed polymerase chain reaction (RP-PCR) and GC-rich PCR were conducted to detect the repeats of NOTCH2NLC in a cohort of 1004 patients with neurodegenerative dementias from mainland China. As a result, 4 sporadic patients were found to carry the NOTCH2NLC repeats expansion, totally accounting for 0.4% of all dementia individuals, and the accurate repeated sizes were 110, 133,120 and 76 respectively. Of 4 mutation carriers, three and one were clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) respectively. In addition, 3 out of them revealed leukoencephalopathy in T2-Flair imaging. This study revealed that although rare, the NOTCH2NLC repeat expansions may be associated with AD or FTD-like phenotype as well as leukoencephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yafang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Weng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinxin Liao
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yun Tian
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lina Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenhua Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuewen Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaling Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qijie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chenping Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenping Gu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Xia
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Xue
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ranhui Duan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.
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Ciani M, Bonvicini C, Scassellati C, Carrara M, Maj C, Fostinelli S, Binetti G, Ghidoni R, Benussi L. The Missing Heritability of Sporadic Frontotemporal Dementia: New Insights from Rare Variants in Neurodegenerative Candidate Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163903. [PMID: 31405128 PMCID: PMC6721049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common form of dementia among early-onset cases. Several genetic factors for FTD have been revealed, but a large proportion of FTD cases still have an unidentified genetic origin. Recent studies highlighted common pathobiological mechanisms among neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we investigated a panel of candidate genes, previously described to be associated with FTD and/or other neurodegenerative diseases by targeted next generation sequencing (NGS). We focused our study on sporadic FTD (sFTD), devoid of disease-causing mutations in GRN, MAPT and C9orf72. Since genetic factors have a substantially higher pathogenetic contribution in early onset patients than in late onset dementia, we selected patients with early onset (<65 years). Our study revealed that, in 50% of patients, rare missense potentially pathogenetic variants in genes previously associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Lewy body dementia (GBA, ABCA7, PARK7, FUS, SORL1, LRRK2, ALS2), confirming genetic pleiotropy in neurodegeneration. In parallel, a synergic genetic effect on FTD is suggested by the presence of variants in five different genes in one single patient. Further studies employing genome-wide approaches might highlight pathogenic variants in novel genes that explain the still missing heritability of FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ciani
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristian Bonvicini
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Carrara
- Service of Statistics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Maj
- Institute of Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Silvia Fostinelli
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuliano Binetti
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Ghidoni
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Benussi
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy.
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Potential genetic modifiers of disease risk and age at onset in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration and GRN mutations: a genome-wide association study. Lancet Neurol 2018; 17:548-558. [PMID: 29724592 PMCID: PMC6237181 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss-of-function mutations in GRN cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Patients with GRN mutations present with a uniform subtype of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology at autopsy (FTLD-TDP type A); however, age at onset and clinical presentation are variable, even within families. We aimed to identify potential genetic modifiers of disease onset and disease risk in GRN mutation carriers. METHODS The study was done in three stages: a discovery stage, a replication stage, and a meta-analysis of the discovery and replication data. In the discovery stage, genome-wide logistic and linear regression analyses were done to test the association of genetic variants with disease risk (case or control status) and age at onset in patients with a GRN mutation and controls free of neurodegenerative disorders. Suggestive loci (p<1 × 10-5) were genotyped in a replication cohort of patients and controls, followed by a meta-analysis. The effect of genome-wide significant variants at the GFRA2 locus on expression of GFRA2 was assessed using mRNA expression studies in cerebellar tissue samples from the Mayo Clinic brain bank. The effect of the GFRA2 locus on progranulin concentrations was studied using previously generated ELISA-based expression data. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in HEK293T cells were done to test for a direct interaction between GFRA2 and progranulin. FINDINGS Individuals were enrolled in the current study between Sept 16, 2014, and Oct 5, 2017. After quality control measures, statistical analyses in the discovery stage included 382 unrelated symptomatic GRN mutation carriers and 1146 controls free of neurodegenerative disorders collected from 34 research centres located in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe. In the replication stage, 210 patients (67 symptomatic GRN mutation carriers and 143 patients with FTLD without GRN mutations pathologically confirmed as FTLD-TDP type A) and 1798 controls free of neurodegenerative diseases were recruited from 26 sites, 20 of which overlapped with the discovery stage. No genome-wide significant association with age at onset was identified in the discovery or replication stages, or in the meta-analysis. However, in the case-control analysis, we replicated the previously reported TMEM106B association (rs1990622 meta-analysis odds ratio [OR] 0·54, 95% CI 0·46-0·63; p=3·54 × 10-16), and identified a novel genome-wide significant locus at GFRA2 on chromosome 8p21.3 associated with disease risk (rs36196656 meta-analysis OR 1·49, 95% CI 1·30-1·71; p=1·58 × 10-8). Expression analyses showed that the risk-associated allele at rs36196656 decreased GFRA2 mRNA concentrations in cerebellar tissue (p=0·04). No effect of rs36196656 on plasma and CSF progranulin concentrations was detected by ELISA; however, co-immunoprecipitation experiments in HEK293T cells did suggest a direct binding of progranulin and GFRA2. INTERPRETATION TMEM106B-related and GFRA2-related pathways might be future targets for treatments for FTLD, but the biological interaction between progranulin and these potential disease modifiers requires further study. TMEM106B and GFRA2 might also provide opportunities to select and stratify patients for future clinical trials and, when more is known about their potential effects, to inform genetic counselling, especially for asymptomatic individuals. FUNDING National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Italian Ministry of Health, UK National Institute for Health Research, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, and the French National Research Agency.
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6
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Ederle H, Funk C, Abou-Ajram C, Hutten S, Funk EBE, Kehlenbach RH, Bailer SM, Dormann D. Nuclear egress of TDP-43 and FUS occurs independently of Exportin-1/CRM1. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7084. [PMID: 29728564 PMCID: PMC5935713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 and FUS are nuclear proteins with multiple functions in mRNA processing. They play key roles in ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and FTD (frontotemporal dementia), where they are partially lost from the nucleus and aggregate in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells. Defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport contribute to this pathology, hence nuclear import of both proteins has been studied in detail. However, their nuclear export routes remain poorly characterized and it is unclear whether aberrant nuclear export contributes to TDP-43 or FUS pathology. Here we show that predicted nuclear export signals in TDP-43 and FUS are non-functional and that both proteins are exported independently of the export receptor CRM1/Exportin-1. Silencing of Exportin-5 or the mRNA export factor Aly/REF, as well as mutations that abrogate RNA-binding do not impair export of TDP-43 and FUS. However, artificially enlarging TDP-43 or FUS impairs their nuclear egress, suggesting that they could leave the nucleus by passive diffusion. Finally, we found that inhibition of transcription causes accelerated nuclear egress of TDP-43, suggesting that newly synthesized RNA retains TDP-43 in the nucleus, limiting its egress into the cytoplasm. Our findings implicate reduced nuclear retention as a possible factor contributing to mislocalization of TDP-43 in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ederle
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christina Funk
- Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Plasma Technology IGVP, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Frauenhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claudia Abou-Ajram
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Saskia Hutten
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Eva B E Funk
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralph H Kehlenbach
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susanne M Bailer
- Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Plasma Technology IGVP, University of Stuttgart, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Frauenhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dorothee Dormann
- BioMedical Center (BMC), Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany.
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7
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Christopher MA, Kyle SM, Katz DJ. Neuroepigenetic mechanisms in disease. Epigenetics Chromatin 2017; 10:47. [PMID: 29037228 PMCID: PMC5644115 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-017-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics allows for the inheritance of information in cellular lineages during differentiation, independent of changes to the underlying genetic sequence. This raises the question of whether epigenetic mechanisms also function in post-mitotic neurons. During the long life of the neuron, fluctuations in gene expression allow the cell to pass through stages of differentiation, modulate synaptic activity in response to environmental cues, and fortify the cell through age-related neuroprotective pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification permit these dynamic changes in gene expression throughout the life of a neuron. Accordingly, recent studies have revealed the vital importance of epigenetic players in the central nervous system and during neurodegeneration. Here, we provide a review of several of these recent findings, highlighting novel functions for epigenetics in the fields of Rett syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease research. Together, these discoveries underscore the vital importance of epigenetics in human neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Christopher
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7239, USA
| | - Stephanie M Kyle
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - David J Katz
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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8
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Guo X, Tang P, Chen L, Liu P, Hou C, Zhang X, Liu Y, Chong L, Li X, Li R. Amyloid β-Induced Redistribution of Transcriptional Factor EB and Lysosomal Dysfunction in Primary Microglial Cells. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:228. [PMID: 28769785 PMCID: PMC5515861 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired clearance of Amyloid β (Aβ) by microglia in the brain may be associated with the senile plaque formation, a pathological hallmark relevant to Alzheimer's disease. Microglial cells in the brain are not able to efficiently degrade Aβ, suggesting that microglial lysosome impairment may occur. However, the mechanism of Aβ-induced impairment of microglia remains poorly understood. We observed the effects of Aβ on the trafficking of nuclear transcriptional factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosome biogenesis, and the expression of a downstream osteoporosis-associated transmembrane protein 1 (OSTM1), a vital molecule involved in lysosome acidification in primary microglial cells. Aβ1−42 but not Aβ42−1 resulted in a significant release of tumor necrosis factor-α in primary microglia, but the total cellular TFEB was not changed. Further, Aβ induced a dose-dependent reduction of the TFEB in the nucleus of primary microglial cells, coincident with the increase in the plasma, as revealed by Western blot and confocal microscopy. In addition, a dramatic decrease of OSTM1 expression was observed in the Aβ-challenged microglial cells, along with the intracellular pH steady state, indicating the inadequate lysosomal acidification. These data suggest that Aβ might result in a lysosomal dysfunction via inhibiting nuclear TFEB translocation in microglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhi Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Chen Hou
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Li Chong
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, and the Third Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of MedicineXi'an, China
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9
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Hinz FI, Geschwind DH. Molecular Genetics of Neurodegenerative Dementias. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a023705. [PMID: 27940516 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative dementias are clinically heterogeneous, progressive diseases with frequently overlapping symptoms, such as cognitive impairments and behavior and movement deficits. Although a majority of cases appear to be sporadic, there is a large genetic component that has yet to be fully explained. Here, we review the recent genetic and genomic findings pertaining to Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and prion dementia. In this review, we describe causal and susceptibility genes identified for these dementias and discuss recent research pertaining to the molecular function of these genes. Of particular interest, there is a large overlap in clinical phenotypes, genes, and/or aggregating protein products involved in these diseases, as well as frequent comorbid presentation, indicating that these dementias may represent a continuum of syndromes rather than individual diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora I Hinz
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095.,Center for Autism Research and Treatment and Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024
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10
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Toxicity of Protein and DNA-AGEs in Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDDs) with Decisive Approaches to Stop the Deadly Consequences. PERSPECTIVES IN ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46248-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Götzl JK, Lang CM, Haass C, Capell A. Impaired protein degradation in FTLD and related disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2016; 32:122-139. [PMID: 27166223 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Impaired protein degradation has been discussed as a cause or consequence of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. More recently, evidence accumulated that dysfunctional protein degradation may play a role in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since in almost all neurodegenerative diseases, protein aggregates are disease-defining hallmarks, it is most likely that impaired protein degradation contributes to disease onset and progression. In the majority of FTD cases, the pathological protein aggregates contain either microtubuleassociated protein tau or TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP)-43. Aggregates are also positive for ubiquitin and p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) indicating that these aggregates are targeted for degradation. FTD-linked mutations in genes encoding three autophagy adaptor proteins, p62/SQSTM1, ubiquilin 2 and optineurin, indicate that impaired autophagy might cause FTD. Furthermore, the strongest evidence for lysosomal impairment in FTD is provided by the progranulin (GRN) gene, which is linked to FTD and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. In this review, we summarize the observations that have been made during the last years linking the accumulation of disease-associated proteins in FTD to impaired protein degradation pathways. In addition, we take resent findings for nucleocytoplasmic transport defects of TDP-43, as discussed for hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9orf72 into account and provide a hypothesis how the interplay of altered nuclear transport and protein degradation leads to the accumulation of protein deposits.
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12
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microRNA-132/212 deficiency enhances Aβ production and senile plaque deposition in Alzheimer's disease triple transgenic mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30953. [PMID: 27484949 PMCID: PMC4971468 DOI: 10.1038/srep30953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal regulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) metabolism (e.g., production, cleavage, clearance) plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among endogenous factors believed to participate in AD progression are the small regulatory non-coding microRNAs (miRs). In particular, the miR-132/212 cluster is severely reduced in the AD brain. In previous studies we have shown that miR-132/212 deficiency in mice leads to impaired memory and enhanced Tau pathology as seen in AD patients. Here we demonstrate that the genetic deletion of miR-132/212 promotes Aβ production and amyloid (senile) plaque formation in triple transgenic AD (3xTg-AD) mice. Using RNA-Seq and bioinformatics, we identified genes of the miR-132/212 network with documented roles in the regulation of Aβ metabolism, including Tau, Mapk, and Sirt1. Consistent with these findings, we show that the modulation of miR-132, or its target Sirt1, can directly regulate Aβ production in cells. Finally, both miR-132 and Sirt1 levels correlated with Aβ load in humans. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that the miR-132/212 network, including Sirt1 and likely other target genes, contributes to abnormal Aβ metabolism and senile plaque deposition in AD. This study strengthens the importance of miR-dependent networks in neurodegenerative disorders, and opens the door to multifactorial drug targets of AD by targeting Aβ and Tau.
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Huang H, Nie S, Cao M, Marshall C, Gao J, Xiao N, Hu G, Xiao M. Characterization of AD-like phenotype in aged APPSwe/PS1dE9 mice. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 38:303-322. [PMID: 27439903 PMCID: PMC5061676 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-016-9929-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic APPSwe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice that overproduce amyloid beta (Aβ) are extensively used in the studies of pathogenesis and experimental therapeutics and new drug screening for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, most of the current literature uses young or adult APP/PS1 mice. In order to provide a broader view of AD-like phenotype of this animal model, in this study, we systematically analyzed behavioral and pathological profiles of 24-month-old male APP/PS1 mice. Aged APP/PS1 mice had reference memory deficits as well as anxiety, hyperactivity, and social interaction impairment. Consistently, there was obvious deposition of amyloid plaques in the dorsal hippocampus with decreased expression of insulin-degrading enzyme, a proteolytic enzyme responsible for degradation of intracellular Aβ. Furthermore, decreases in hippocampal volume, neuronal number and synaptophysin expression, and astrocyte atrophy were also observed in aged APP/PS1 mice. This finding suggests that aged APP/PS1 mice can well replicate cognitive and noncognitive behavioral abnormalities, hippocampal atrophy, and neuronal and astrocyte degeneration in AD patients, to enable more objective and refined preclinical evaluation of therapeutic drugs and strategies for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
- Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Sipei Nie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Min Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Charles Marshall
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health, Hazard, KY, 41701, USA
| | - Junying Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Na Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China.
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Milanesi E, Pilotto A. Microarray gene and miRNA expression studies: looking for new therapeutic targets for frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Drug Dev Res 2015; 75:366-71. [PMID: 25195580 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) encompasses a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by behavioral, executive and language impairment, with a common overlap with parkinsonism and motor-neuron disease. Despite an increased understanding of its genetic background and molecular pathophysiology, FTLD is still an orphan disorder and there are currently no effective therapies available. In this brief overview we report the results obtained by several high-throughput and bioinformatic studies aimed at discovering impairment in the transcriptional profiles in brain and peripheral tissues from FTLD patients and in animal models. Taken together, all these results provide an interesting but still fragmentary list of genes and miRNAs whose role in FTLD should be thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Milanesi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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15
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D'Alton S, Lewis J. Therapeutic and diagnostic challenges for frontotemporal dementia. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:204. [PMID: 25191265 PMCID: PMC4137452 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search for therapeutic modifiers, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has traditionally been overshadowed by other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). A clinically and pathologically diverse condition, FTD has been galvanized by a number of recent discoveries such as novel genetic variants in familial and sporadic forms of disease and the identification of TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) as the defining constituent of inclusions in more than half of cases. In combination with an ever-expanding knowledge of the function and dysfunction of tau-a protein which is pathologically aggregated in the majority of the remaining cases-there exists a greater understanding of FTD than ever before. These advances may indicate potential approaches for the development of hypothetical therapeutics, but FTD remains highly complex and the roles of tau and TDP-43 in neurodegeneration are still wholly unclear. Here the challenges facing potential therapeutic strategies are discussed, which include sufficiently accurate disease diagnosis and sophisticated technology to deliver effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D'Alton
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jada Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
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16
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Newman M, Ebrahimie E, Lardelli M. Using the zebrafish model for Alzheimer's disease research. Front Genet 2014; 5:189. [PMID: 25071820 PMCID: PMC4075077 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models have been extensively used to investigate the cause and mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease. Despite many years of intensive research using these models we still lack a detailed understanding of the molecular events that lead to neurodegeneration. Although zebrafish lack the complexity of advanced cognitive behaviors evident in rodent models they have proven to be a very informative model for the study of human diseases. In this review we give an overview of how the zebrafish has been used to study Alzheimer’s disease. Zebrafish possess genes orthologous to those mutated in familial Alzheimer’s disease and research using zebrafish has revealed unique characteristics of these genes that have been difficult to observe in rodent models. The zebrafish is becoming an increasingly popular model for the investigation of Alzheimer’s disease and will complement studies using other models to help complete our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Newman
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Esmaeil Ebrahimie
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide SA, Australia
| | - Michael Lardelli
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide SA, Australia
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17
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Pievani M, Paternicò D, Benussi L, Binetti G, Orlandini A, Cobelli M, Magnaldi S, Ghidoni R, Frisoni GB. Pattern of structural and functional brain abnormalities in asymptomatic granulin mutation carriers. Alzheimers Dement 2014; 10:S354-S363.e1. [PMID: 24418059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the patterns of brain atrophy, white matter (WM) tract changes, and functional connectivity (FC) abnormalities in asymptomatic granulin (GRN) mutation carriers. METHODS Ten cognitively normal subjects (five mutation carriers, GRN+; years to estimated disease onset: 12±7; five mutation noncarriers, GRN-) underwent a clinical and imaging (structural, diffusion tensor, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging) assessment. Brain atrophy was measured with cortical thickness analysis, WM abnormalities with tract-based spatial statistics, and FC with independent component analysis. RESULTS GRN+ showed smaller cortical thickness than GRN- in the right orbitofrontal and precentral gyrus and left rostral middle frontal gyrus. WM tracts abnormalities were limited to increased axial diffusivity in the right cingulum, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and corticospinal tract. There were no differences in FC of resting-state networks. CONCLUSION Brain atrophy and WM tract abnormalities in frontal-parietal circuits can be detected at least a decade before the estimated symptom onset in asymptomatic mutation carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pievani
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Neuroimaging and Telemedicine, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donata Paternicò
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Neuroimaging and Telemedicine, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Benussi
- NeuroBioGen Lab-Memory Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuliano Binetti
- NeuroBioGen Lab-Memory Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Orlandini
- Neuroradiology and Angiology Unit, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Milena Cobelli
- Neuroradiology and Angiology Unit, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Magnaldi
- Neuroradiology and Angiology Unit, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Ghidoni
- Proteomics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni B Frisoni
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Neuroimaging and Telemedicine, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE - Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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18
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Nguyen AD, Nguyen TA, Martens LH, Mitic LL, Farese RV. Progranulin: at the interface of neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2013; 24:597-606. [PMID: 24035620 PMCID: PMC3842380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Progranulin is a widely expressed, cysteine-rich, secreted glycoprotein originally discovered for its growth factor-like properties. Its subsequent identification as a causative gene for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a devastating early-onset neurodegenerative disease, has catalyzed a surge of new discoveries about progranulin function in the brain. More recently, progranulin was recognized as an adipokine involved in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, revealing its metabolic function. We review here progranulin biology in both neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. In particular, we highlight the growth factor-like, trophic, and anti-inflammatory properties of progranulin as potential unifying themes in these seemingly divergent conditions. We also discuss potential therapeutic options for raising progranulin levels to treat progranulin-deficient FTD, as well as the possible consequences of such treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Nguyen
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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19
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Milanesi E, Bonvicini C, Alberici A, Pilotto A, Cattane N, Premi E, Gazzina S, Archetti S, Gasparotti R, Cancelli V, Gennarelli M, Padovani A, Borroni B. Molecular signature of disease onset in granulin mutation carriers: a gene expression analysis study. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 34:1837-45. [PMID: 23419701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations within Granulin (GRN) gene are causative of autosomal dominant frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Though GRN mutations are inherited at birth, the disease onset usually occurs in the sixth decade of life. The objective of this study was to identify new genetic pathways linked to inherited GRN disease and involved in the shift from asymptomatic to symptomatic stages. Microarray gene expression analysis on leukocytes was carried out on 15 patients carrying GRN T272SfsX10 mutation, and their asymptomatic siblings with (n = 14) or without (n = 11) GRN mutation. The results were then validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and compared with those obtained in a cohort of FTLD without GRN mutation (n = 16). The association between candidate genes and damage of specific brain areas was investigated by voxel-based morphometry on magnetic resonance imaging scans (family-wise error-corrected). Leukocytes mRNA levels of TMEM40 and LY6G6F and other genes mainly involved in inflammation were significantly higher in patients carrying GRN mutations compared with asymptomatic carriers and other FTLD. The higher the levels of TMEM40 the greater is the damage of parietal lobule; the higher the LY6G6F gene expression the greater is the atrophy in superior frontal gyrus. Enhanced inflammation associated with the onset of GRN disease might be either related to disease pathogenetic mechanism leading to neurodegeneration or to a compensatory pathway that counteracts disease progression. The identification of specific molecular targets of GRN-FTLD disease is essential when considering future disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Milanesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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20
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Granulin mutation drives brain damage and reorganization from preclinical to symptomatic FTLD. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:2506-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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21
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Sun L, Eriksen JL. Recent insights into the involvement of progranulin in frontotemporal dementia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2012; 9:632-42. [PMID: 22654721 PMCID: PMC3263457 DOI: 10.2174/157015911798376361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Progranulin is a widely expressed protein that is involved in the regulation of multiple biological processes, including embryogenesis, host defense, and wound repair. In the central nervous system, progranulin is constitutively expressed at modest levels in neurons and microglia, but shows dramatic microglial immunoreactivity in degenerative diseases that exhibit prominent neuroinflammation. In addition to the role that PGRN plays in the periphery, its expression is of critical importance in brain health, as demonstrated by recent discovery that progranulin haploinsufficiency results in familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Since progranulin deficiency was first described, there has been an intense ongoing effort to decipher the mysterious role that this protein plays in dementia. This review provides an update on our understanding of the possible neuronal function and discusses the challenging problems related to progranulin expression within genetics, cell biology, and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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In silico study of Alzheimer’s disease in relation to FYN gene. Interdiscip Sci 2012; 4:153-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s12539-012-0123-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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23
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Morris HR, Waite AJ, Williams NM, Neal JW, Blake DJ. Recent advances in the genetics of the ALS-FTLD complex. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2012; 12:243-50. [PMID: 22477152 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-012-0268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is a clinical and pathological overlap between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). A number of autosomal-dominant genes have been described that primarily cause ALS or FTLD such as progranulin (GRN), valosin-containing protein (VCP), and TAR DNA-Binding Protein (TARDBP), and for each of these conditions there are a small number of cases with both ALS and FTLD. Two major genes were described in 2011, which cause FTLD and/or ALS within extended kindreds. Ubiquilin2 (UBQLN2) is responsible for X-linked FTLD/ALS. A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 causes chromosome 9p linked FTLD/ALS and is the most common cause of familial ALS accounting for about 40 % of familial cases. Both UBQLN2 and C9ORF72 mutations lead to TDP-43 positive neuropathology, and C9ORF72-positive cases have p62/ubiquitin-positive pathology, which is not stained by TDP-43 antibodies. Ubiquilin2 is one of a family of proteins thought to be important in targeting abnormal proteins for degradation via lysosomal and proteasomal routes. The pathogenic mechanism of the C9ORF72 expansion is unknown but may involve partial haploinsufficiency of C9ORF72 and/or the formations of toxic RNA inclusions. The identification of mutations in these genes represents an important step forward in our understanding of the clinical, pathological, and genetic spectrum of ALS/FTLD diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huw R Morris
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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24
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Intraneuronal Aβ accumulation and neurodegeneration: lessons from transgenic models. Life Sci 2012; 91:1148-52. [PMID: 22401905 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In the present review we summarize current knowledge on the concept of intraneuronal Aβ as a determinant for neuron loss and other pathological alterations in transgenic models for Alzheimer disease. MAIN METHODS We discuss the use of transgenic mouse and non-vertebrate transgenic models accumulating intracellular Aβ peptides and their impact on the ongoing discussion. KEY FINDINGS Intraneuronal Aβ accumulation in transgenic models is intimately linked to pathological alterations including neuron loss. One of the technical caveats for visualizing intraneuronal Aβ is the antibody used to unequivocally demonstrate its presence. Very often antibodies were used that recognize both Aβ and APP, leading to false positive results due to misinterpretation. SIGNIFICANCE Whereas a clear relationship between intraneuronal Aβ accumulation and neuron loss is evident in transgenic mouse models it remains an unresolved issue whether the concept of intraneuronal Aβ can be integrated into the human pathology as well.
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25
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Nicholson AM, Gass J, Petrucelli L, Rademakers R. Progranulin axis and recent developments in frontotemporal lobar degeneration. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2012; 4:4. [PMID: 22277331 PMCID: PMC3372369 DOI: 10.1186/alzrt102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that is the second most common form of dementia affecting individuals under age 65. The most common pathological subtype, FTLD with transactive response DNA-binding protein with a molecular weight of 43 kDa inclusions (FTLD-TDP), is often caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) encoding the progranulin protein (PGRN). GRN pathogenic mutations result in haploinsufficiency, usually by nonsense-mediated decay of the mRNA. Since the discovery of these mutations in 2006, several groups have published data and animal models that provide further insight into the genetic and functional relevance of PGRN in the context of FTLD-TDP. These studies were critical in initiating our understanding of the role of PGRN in neural development, degeneration, synaptic transmission, cell signaling, and behavior. Furthermore, recent publications have now identified the receptors for PGRN, which will hopefully lead to additional therapeutic targets. Additionally, drug screens have been conducted to identify pharmacological regulators of PGRN levels to be used as potential treatments for PGRN haploinsufficiency. Here we review recent literature describing relevant data on GRN genetics, cell culture experiments describing the potential role and regulators of PGRN in the central nervous system, animal models of PGRN deficiency, and potential PGRN-related FTLD therapies that are currently underway. The present review aims to underscore the necessity of further elucidation of PGRN biology in FTLD-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Nicholson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Genetic factors are now recognized to play an important role in most age-related dementias. Although other factors, including aging itself, contribute to dementia, in this review the authors focus on the role of specific disease-causing genes and genetic factors in the most common age-related dementias. They review each dementia within the context of a genes/environment continuum, with varying levels of genetic versus environmental influence. All major classes of dementia will be discussed but greatest attention will be given to the most common dementia, Alzheimer's disease, for which several new genetic factors were recently identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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27
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Prevalence and Demographic Features of Early-Onset Neurodegenerative Dementia in Brescia County, Italy. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2011; 25:341-4. [DOI: 10.1097/wad.0b013e3182147f80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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28
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Rossi G, Bastone A, Piccoli E, Mazzoleni G, Morbin M, Uggetti A, Giaccone G, Sperber S, Beeg M, Salmona M, Tagliavini F. New mutations in MAPT gene causing frontotemporal lobar degeneration: biochemical and structural characterization. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 33:834.e1-6. [PMID: 21943955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) can be sporadic or familial. The genes encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and progranulin (GRN) are the most relevant genes so far known causing the hereditary forms. Following genetic screening of patients affected by FTLD, we identified 2 new MAPT mutations, P364S and G366R, the former in a sporadic case. In the study we report the clinical and genetic features of the patients carrying these mutations, and the functional effects of the mutations, analyzed in vitro in order to investigate their pathogenic character. Both mutations resulted in reduced ability of tau to promote microtubule polymerization; the P364S protein variant also showed a high propensity to aggregate into filaments. These results suggest a high probability that these mutations are pathogenic. Our findings highlight the importance of genetic analysis also in sporadic forms of FTLD, and the role of in vitro studies to evaluate the pathologic features of new mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomina Rossi
- Division of Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
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29
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Koppel J, Campagne F, Vingtdeux V, Dreses-Werringloer U, Ewers M, Rujescu D, Hampel H, Gordon ML, Christen E, Chapuis J, Greenwald BS, Davies P, Marambaud P. CALHM1 P86L polymorphism modulates CSF Aβ levels in cognitively healthy individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Med 2011; 17:974-9. [PMID: 21629967 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2011.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) gene codes for a novel cerebral calcium channel controlling intracellular calcium homeostasis and amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide metabolism, a key event in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The P86L polymorphism in CALHM1 (rs2986017) initially was proposed to impair CALHM1 functionally and to lead to an increase in Aβ accumulation in vitro in cell lines. Recently, it was reported that CALHM1 P86L also may influence Aβ metabolism in vivo by increasing Aβ levels in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although the role of CALHM1 in AD risk remains uncertain, concordant data have now emerged showing that CALHM1 P86L is associated with an earlier age at onset of AD. Here, we have analyzed the association of CALHM1 P86L with CSF Aβ in samples from 203 AD cases and 46 young cognitively healthy individuals with a positive family history of AD. We failed to detect an association between the CALHM1 polymorphism and CSF Aβ levels in AD patients. Our data, however, revealed a significant association of CALHM1 P86L with elevated CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 in the normal cohort at risk for AD. This work shows that CALHM1 modulates CSF Aβ levels in presymptomatic individuals, strengthening the notion that CALHM1 is involved in AD pathogenesis. These data further demonstrate the utility of endophenotype-based approaches focusing on CSF biomarkers for the identification or validation of risk factors for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Koppel
- Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer's Disease, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
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Zhang L, Wei WS, Li YJ, Wang Y. A rat model of mild cognitive impairment associated with vascular factor. Neuropathology 2011; 31:112-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2010.01137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target mRNAs leading to their translational inhibition or sometimes degradation. MiRNAs are predicted to control the activity of at least 20-30% of human protein-coding genes. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) including the brain and spinal cord. Although we are currently in the initial stages of understanding how this novel class of gene regulators is involved in neurological biological functions, a growing body of exciting evidence suggests that miRNAs are important regulators of diverse biological processes such as cell differentiation, growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Moreover, miRNAs are key modulators of both CNS development and plasticity. Some miRNAs have been implicated in several neurological disorders such as traumatic CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, several studies suggested the possibility of miRNA involvement in neurodegeneration. Identifying the roles of miRNAs and their target genes and signaling pathways in neurological disorders will be critical for future research. miRNAs may represent a new layer of regulators for neurobiology and a novel class of therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. 46202, USA
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Carrasquillo MM, Nicholson AM, Finch N, Gibbs JR, Baker M, Rutherford NJ, Hunter TA, DeJesus-Hernandez M, Bisceglio GD, Mackenzie IR, Singleton A, Cookson MR, Crook JE, Dillman A, Hernandez D, Petersen RC, Graff-Radford NR, Younkin SG, Rademakers R. Genome-wide screen identifies rs646776 near sortilin as a regulator of progranulin levels in human plasma. Am J Hum Genet 2010; 87:890-7. [PMID: 21087763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2010.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Revised: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest progranulin (GRN) is a neurotrophic factor. Loss-of-function mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting ∼10% of early-onset dementia patients. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we previously showed that GRN is detectable in human plasma and can be used to predict GRN mutation status. This study also showed a wide range in plasma GRN levels in non-GRN mutation carriers, including controls. We have now performed a genome-wide association study of 313,504 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 533 control samples and identified on chromosome 1p13.3 two SNPs with genome-wide significant association with plasma GRN levels (top SNP rs646776; p = 1.7 × 10⁻³⁰). The association of rs646776 with plasma GRN levels was replicated in two independent series of 508 controls (p = 1.9 × 10⁻¹⁹) and 197 FTLD patients (p = 6.4 × 10⁻¹²). Overall, each copy of the minor C allele decreased GRN levels by ∼15%. SNP rs646776 is located near sortilin (SORT1), and the minor C allele of rs646776 was previously associated with increased SORT1 mRNA levels. Supporting these findings, overexpression of SORT1 in cultured HeLa cells dramatically reduced GRN levels in the conditioned media, whereas knockdown of SORT1 increased extracellular GRN levels. In summary, we identified significant association of a locus on chromosome 1p13.3 with plasma GRN levels through an unbiased genome-wide screening approach and implicated SORT1 as an important regulator of GRN levels. This finding opens avenues for future research into GRN biology and the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Carlesimo GA, Perri R, Caltagirone C. Category cued recall following controlled encoding as a neuropsychological tool in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: a review of the evidence. Neuropsychol Rev 2010; 21:54-65. [PMID: 21086049 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-010-9153-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aim of the present review paper was to evaluate the hypothesis (included in the proposal of new research criteria for Alzheimer's disease; Dubois et al., Lancet Neurology, 6, 734-746, 2007) that a neuropsychological tool which provides support for the semantic encoding of memorandum at the time of study and supplies category cues at the time of retrieval (i.e. the Grober-Buschke paradigm) is more effective than traditional measures of free recall in 1) differentiating patients affected by the amnestic form of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or by mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) from healthy matches, 2) predicting the conversion of individuals with MCI to AD, and 3) differentiating AD patients from individuals affected by other forms of dementia. Results of the review are controversial regarding the superiority of the Grober-Buschke procedure in differentiating individuals affected by AD or MCI from healthy individuals. The only study that evaluated this issue directly found that the Grober-Buschke procedure was more sensitive and specific than more traditional memory tests in predicting the conversion of MCI patients to AD. Finally, two studies reported that patients affected by AD or other forms of dementia showed different performance patterns in the free and cued recall tasks of the Grober-Buschke procedure. In conclusion, although encouraging results are reported in the few studies that investigated the ability of this procedure to predict the evolution of individuals with amnestic MCI and to differentiate AD patients from patients with other forms of cortical and subcortical dementia, more experimental work is needed to confirm these positive findings.
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Mackenzie IR, Rademakers R, Neumann M. TDP-43 and FUS in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Lancet Neurol 2010; 9:995-1007. [PMID: 20864052 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(10)70195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 693] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal intracellular protein aggregates comprise a key characteristic in most neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The seminal discoveries of accumulation of TDP-43 in most cases of ALS and the most frequent form of FTD, frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions, followed by identification of FUS as the novel pathological protein in a small subset of patients with ALS and various FTD subtypes provide clear evidence that these disorders are related. The creation of a novel molecular classification of ALS and FTD based on the identity of the predominant protein abnormality has, therefore, been possible. The striking functional and structural similarities of TDP-43 and FUS, which are both DNA/RNA binding proteins, imply that abnormal RNA metabolism is a pivotal event, but the mechanisms leading to TDP-43 and FUS accumulation and the resulting neurodegeneration are currently unknown. Nonetheless, TDP-43 and FUS are promising candidates for the development of novel biomarker assays and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Ra Mackenzie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Newman M, Verdile G, Martins RN, Lardelli M. Zebrafish as a tool in Alzheimer's disease research. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2010; 1812:346-52. [PMID: 20920580 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2010.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disease. Despite many years of intensive research our understanding of the molecular events leading to this pathology is far from complete. No effective treatments have been defined and questions surround the validity and utility of existing animal models. The zebrafish (and, in particular, its embryos) is a malleable and accessible model possessing a vertebrate neural structure and genome. Zebrafish genes orthologous to those mutated in human familial Alzheimer's disease have been defined. Work in zebrafish has permitted discovery of unique characteristics of these genes that would have been difficult to observe with other models. In this brief review we give an overview of Alzheimer's disease and transgenic animal models before examining the current contribution of zebrafish to this research area. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Zebrafish Models of Neurological Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Newman
- Discipline of Genetics, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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MicroRNAs as effectors of brain function with roles in ischemia and injury, neuroprotection, and neurodegeneration. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2010; 30:1564-76. [PMID: 20606686 PMCID: PMC2932764 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2010.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small RNAs that function as regulators of posttranscriptional gene expression. MicroRNAs are encoded by genes, and processed to form ribonucleoprotein complexes that bind to messenger RNA (mRNA) targets to repress translation or degrade mRNA transcripts. The microRNAs are particularly abundant in the brain where they serve as effectors of neuronal development and maintenance of the neuronal phenotype. They are also expressed in dendrites where they regulate spine structure and function as effectors in synaptic plasticity. MicroRNAs have been evaluated for their roles in brain ischemia, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury, and in functional recovery after ischemia. They also serve as mediators in the brain's response to ischemic preconditioning that leads to endogenous neuroprotection. In addition, microRNAs are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Huntington, Parkinson, and Prion disease. The discovery of microRNAs has expanded the potential for human diseases to arise from genetic mutations in microRNA genes or sequences within their target mRNAs. This review discusses microRNA discovery, biogenesis, mechanisms of gene regulation, their expression and function in the brain, and their roles in brain ischemia and injury, neuroprotection, and neurodegeneration.
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Abstract
A diagnosis of dementia is devastating at any age but diagnosis in younger patients presents a particular challenge. The differential diagnosis is broad as late presentation of metabolic disease is common and the burden of inherited dementia is higher in these patients than in patients with late-onset dementia. The presentation of the common degenerative diseases of late life, such as Alzheimer's disease, can be different when presenting in the fifth or sixth decade. Moreover, many of the young-onset dementias are treatable. The identification of causative genes for many of the inherited degenerative dementias has led to an understanding of the molecular pathology, which is also applicable to later-onset sporadic disease. This understanding offers the potential for future treatments to be tailored to a specific diagnosis of both young-onset and late-onset dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N Rossor
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegeneration, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.
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Murray ME, Meschia JF, Dickson DW, Ross OA. Genetics of Vascular Dementia. MINERVA PSICHIATRICA 2010; 51:9-25. [PMID: 25705074 PMCID: PMC4332411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Genetic studies are transforming the way we diagnose, evaluate and treat patients. The era of genome-wide association studies promised to discover common risk variants in heterogeneous disorders where previous small-scale association studies had on the whole failed. However, as we enter the post-association era a degree of disappoint is felt regarding the lack of risk factors with large effect for a number of disorders including vascular disease. Vascular disorders are sporadic by nature, though a familial component has been observed. This review will focus on vascular dementia, the genetic risk factors for vascular disorders and highlight how new technologies may overcome the limitations of genome-wide association and nominate those genes that influence disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James F. Meschia
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Owen A. Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Eriksen JL. The enigmatic roles of microglial versus neuronal progranulin in neurological disease. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 119:107-9. [PMID: 20012633 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-009-0623-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Eriksen
- Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
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Miranda HV, Outeiro TF. The sour side of neurodegenerative disorders: the effects of protein glycation. J Pathol 2009; 221:13-25. [DOI: 10.1002/path.2682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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