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Yeh JY, Chao HC, Hong CL, Hung YC, Tzou FY, Hsiao CT, Li JL, Chen WJ, Chou CT, Tsai YS, Liao YC, Lin YC, Lin S, Huang SY, Kennerson M, Lee YC, Chan CC. A missense mutation in human INSC causes peripheral neuropathy. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1091-1114. [PMID: 38589651 PMCID: PMC11099080 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00062-w] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PAR3/INSC/LGN form an evolutionarily conserved complex required for asymmetric cell division in the developing brain, but its post-developmental function and disease relevance in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) remains unknown. We mapped a new locus for axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT2) and identified a missense mutation c.209 T > G (p.Met70Arg) in the INSC gene. Modeling the INSCM70R variant in Drosophila, we showed that it caused proprioceptive defects in adult flies, leading to gait defects resembling those in CMT2 patients. Cellularly, PAR3/INSC/LGN dysfunction caused tubulin aggregation and necrotic neurodegeneration, with microtubule-stabilizing agents rescuing both morphological and functional defects of the INSCM70R mutation in the PNS. Our findings underscore the critical role of the PAR3/INSC/LGN machinery in the adult PNS and highlight a potential therapeutic target for INSC-associated CMT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Yu Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hua-Chuan Chao
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Li Hong
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chien Hung
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fei-Yang Tzou
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Tsung Hsiao
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Lin Li
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jie Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Tapiei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ta Chou
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shuen Tsai
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chu Liao
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, HsinChu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, HsinChu, Taiwan
| | - Suewei Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yi Huang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Marina Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney Local Health District, Concord, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Yi-Chung Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Chiang Chan
- Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Omar Khudhur Z, Ziyad Abdulqadir S, Faqiyazdin Ahmed Mzury A, Aziz Rasoul A, Wasman Smail S, Ghayour MB, Abdolmaleki A. Epothilone B loaded in acellular nerve allograft enhanced sciatic nerve regeneration in rats. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024; 38:307-319. [PMID: 37857403 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12961] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epothilone B (EpoB) is a microtubule-stabilizing agent with neuroprotective properties. OBJECTIVES This study examines the regenerative properties of ANA supplemented with EpoB on a sciatic nerve deficit in male Wistar rats. METHODS For this purpose, the 10 mm nerve gap was filled with acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) containing EpoB at 0.1, 1, and 10 nM concentrations. The sensorimotor recovery was evaluated up to 16 weeks after the operation. Real-time PCR, histomorphometry analysis, and electrophysiological evaluation were also used to evaluate the process of nerve regeneration. RESULTS ANA/EpoB (0.1 nM) significantly improved sensorimotor recovery in rats compared to ANA, ANA/EpoB (1 nM), and ANA/EpoB (10 nM) groups. This led to reduced muscle atrophy, improved sciatic functional index, and thermal paw withdrawal reflex latency, indicating nerve regeneration and target organ reinnervation. The electrophysiological and histomorphometry findings also confirmed the ANA/EpoB regenerative properties (0.1 nM). EpoB only enhanced ANA regenerative properties at 0.1 nM, with no therapeutic effects at higher concentrations. CONCLUSION Totally, we concluded that ANA loaded with 0.1 nM EpoB can effectively reconstruct the transected sciatic nerve in rats, likely by enhancing axonal sprouting and extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikal Omar Khudhur
- Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Education, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | | | | | | | - Shukur Wasman Smail
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad B Ghayour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Arash Abdolmaleki
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Namin, Iran
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3
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Bakota L, Brandt R. Why kiss-and-hop explains that tau does not stabilize microtubules and does not interfere with axonal transport (at physiological conditions). Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:47-52. [PMID: 37694806 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that is enriched in the axonal process of neurons. Post-translational modifications of tau have been implicated in the development of tauopathies characterized by defects in axonal transport, neuronal atrophy, and microtubule disassembly. Although tau is almost quantitatively bound to microtubules under physiological conditions, it does not significantly affect axonal transport. Furthermore, acute or chronic tau deficiency does not result in significant destabilization of neuronal microtubules, challenging the classical view that disease-related tau modifications directly cause axonal microtubule collapse. Here, we discuss how the rapid interaction kinetics of the tau-microtubule interaction, which we previously termed the kiss-and-hop interaction, explains why tau does not affect microtubule-dependent axonal transport but still allows tau to modulate microtubule polymerization. In contrast, tau modifications that slow down the kinetics of the tau-microtubule interaction and increase the residence time of tau at a microtubule interaction site can disrupt axonal transport and cause dendritic atrophy. We discuss the consequences of such a gain-of-toxicity mechanism in terms of the development of disease-modulating drugs that target the tau protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Bakota
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Roland Brandt
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
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4
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Tedeschi A, Larson MJE, Zouridakis A, Mo L, Bordbar A, Myers JM, Qin HY, Rodocker HI, Fan F, Lannutti JJ, McElroy CA, Nimjee SM, Peng J, Arnold WD, Moon LDF, Sun W. Harnessing cortical plasticity via gabapentinoid administration promotes recovery after stroke. Brain 2022; 145:2378-2393. [PMID: 35905466 PMCID: PMC9890504 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke causes devastating sensory-motor deficits and long-term disability due to disruption of descending motor pathways. Restoration of these functions enables independent living and therefore represents a high priority for those afflicted by stroke. Here, we report that daily administration of gabapentin, a clinically approved drug already used to treat various neurological disorders, promotes structural and functional plasticity of the corticospinal pathway after photothrombotic cortical stroke in adult mice. We found that gabapentin administration had no effects on vascular occlusion, haemodynamic changes nor survival of corticospinal neurons within the ipsilateral sensory-motor cortex in the acute stages of stroke. Instead, using a combination of tract tracing, electrical stimulation and functional connectivity mapping, we demonstrated that corticospinal axons originating from the contralateral side of the brain in mice administered gabapentin extend numerous collaterals, form new synaptic contacts and better integrate within spinal circuits that control forelimb muscles. Not only does gabapentin daily administration promote neuroplasticity, but it also dampens maladaptive plasticity by reducing the excitability of spinal motor circuitry. In turn, mice administered gabapentin starting 1 h or 1 day after stroke recovered skilled upper extremity function. Functional recovery persists even after stopping the treatment at 6 weeks following a stroke. Finally, chemogenetic silencing of cortical projections originating from the contralateral side of the brain transiently abrogated recovery in mice administered gabapentin, further supporting the conclusion that gabapentin-dependent reorganization of spared cortical pathways drives functional recovery after stroke. These observations highlight the strong potential for repurposing gabapentinoids as a promising treatment strategy for stroke repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tedeschi
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Discovery Theme on Chronic Brain Injury, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Molly J E Larson
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Antonia Zouridakis
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lujia Mo
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Arman Bordbar
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Julia M Myers
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hannah Y Qin
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Haven I Rodocker
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John J Lannutti
- Discovery Theme on Chronic Brain Injury, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Craig A McElroy
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shahid M Nimjee
- Discovery Theme on Chronic Brain Injury, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Juan Peng
- Center for Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lawrence D F Moon
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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5
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Kugler C, Blank N, Matuskova H, Thielscher C, Reichenbach N, Lin TC, Bradke F, Petzold GC. Pregabalin improves axon regeneration and motor outcome in a rodent stroke model. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac170. [PMID: 36072905 PMCID: PMC9443992 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Surviving neurons in the peri-infarct area are able to establish novel axonal projections to juxtalesional regions, but this regeneration is curtailed by a growth-inhibitory environment induced by cells such as reactive astrocytes in the glial scar. Here, we found that the astroglial synaptogenic cue thrombospondin-1 is upregulated in the peri-infarct area, and hence tested the effects of the anticonvulsant pregabalin, a blocker of the neuronal thrombospondin-1 receptor Alpha2delta1/2, in a mouse model of cortical stroke. Studying axonal projections after cortical stroke in mice by three-dimensional imaging of cleared whole-brain preparations, we found that pregabalin, when administered systemically for 5 weeks after stroke, augments novel peri-infarct motor cortex projections and improves skilled forelimb motor function. Thus, the promotion of axon elongation across the glial scar by pregabalin represents a promising target beyond the acute phase after stroke to improve structural and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof Kugler
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Nelli Blank
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Hana Matuskova
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Christian Thielscher
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Nicole Reichenbach
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Tien-Chen Lin
- Axon Growth and Regeneration Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Frank Bradke
- Axon Growth and Regeneration Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Gabor C Petzold
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- Division of Vascular Neurology, University Hospital Bonn , 53127 Bonn , Germany
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6
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Huang L, Peng Y, Tao X, Ding X, Li R, Jiang Y, Zuo W. Microtubule Organization Is Essential for Maintaining Cellular Morphology and Function. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1623181. [PMID: 35295719 PMCID: PMC8920689 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1623181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are highly dynamic polymers essential for a wide range of cellular physiologies, such as acting as directional railways for intracellular transport and position, guiding chromosome segregation during cell division, and controlling cell polarity and morphogenesis. Evidence has established that maintaining microtubule (MT) stability in neurons is vital for fundamental cellular and developmental processes, such as neurodevelopment, degeneration, and regeneration. To fulfill these diverse functions, the nervous system employs an arsenal of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to control MT organization and function. Subsequent studies have identified that the disruption of MT function in neurons is one of the most prevalent and important pathological features of traumatic nerve damage and neurodegenerative diseases and that this disruption manifests as a reduction in MT polymerization and concomitant deregulation of the MT cytoskeleton, as well as downregulation of microtubule-associated protein (MAP) expression. A variety of MT-targeting agents that reverse this pathological condition, which is regarded as a therapeutic opportunity to intervene the onset and development of these nervous system abnormalities, is currently under development. Here, we provide an overview of the MT-intrinsic organization process and how MAPs interact with the MT cytoskeleton to promote MT polymerization, stabilization, and bundling. We also highlight recent advances in MT-targeting therapeutic agents applied to various neurological disorders. Together, these findings increase our current understanding of the function and regulation of MT organization in nerve growth and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Huang
- The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 291 Donggu Road, Xiangshan County, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Yan Peng
- Hangzhou Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuetao Tao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Beilun District, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315807, China
| | - Rui Li
- The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 291 Donggu Road, Xiangshan County, Zhejiang 315000, China
- PCFM Lab, GD HPPC Lab, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 291 Donggu Road, Xiangshan County, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Wei Zuo
- The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 291 Donggu Road, Xiangshan County, Zhejiang 315000, China
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Wordeman L, Vicente JJ. Microtubule Targeting Agents in Disease: Classic Drugs, Novel Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5650. [PMID: 34830812 PMCID: PMC8616087 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) represent one of the most successful first-line therapies prescribed for cancer treatment. They interfere with microtubule (MT) dynamics by either stabilizing or destabilizing MTs, and in culture, they are believed to kill cells via apoptosis after eliciting mitotic arrest, among other mechanisms. This classical view of MTA therapies persisted for many years. However, the limited success of drugs specifically targeting mitotic proteins, and the slow growing rate of most human tumors forces a reevaluation of the mechanism of action of MTAs. Studies from the last decade suggest that the killing efficiency of MTAs arises from a combination of interphase and mitotic effects. Moreover, MTs have also been implicated in other therapeutically relevant activities, such as decreasing angiogenesis, blocking cell migration, reducing metastasis, and activating innate immunity to promote proinflammatory responses. Two key problems associated with MTA therapy are acquired drug resistance and systemic toxicity. Accordingly, novel and effective MTAs are being designed with an eye toward reducing toxicity without compromising efficacy or promoting resistance. Here, we will review the mechanism of action of MTAs, the signaling pathways they affect, their impact on cancer and other illnesses, and the promising new therapeutic applications of these classic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Jesus Vicente
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
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8
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Developmental defects in Huntington's disease show that axonal growth and microtubule reorganization require NUMA1. Neuron 2021; 110:36-50.e5. [PMID: 34793694 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Although the classic symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD) manifest in adulthood, neural progenitor cell behavior is already abnormal by 13 weeks' gestation. To determine how these developmental defects evolve, we turned to cell and mouse models. We found that layer II/III neurons that normally connect the hemispheres are limited in their growth in HD by microtubule bundling defects within the axonal growth cone, so that fewer axons cross the corpus callosum. Proteomic analyses of the growth cones revealed that NUMA1 (nuclear/mitotic apparatus protein 1) is downregulated in HD by miR-124. Suppressing NUMA1 in wild-type cells recapitulates the microtubule and axonal growth defects of HD, whereas raising NUMA1 levels with antagomiR-124 or stabilizing microtubules with epothilone B restores microtubule organization and rescues axonal growth. NUMA1 therefore regulates the microtubule network in the growth cone, and HD, which is traditionally conceived as a disease of intracellular trafficking, also disturbs the cytoskeletal network.
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9
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Stern S, Hilton BJ, Burnside ER, Dupraz S, Handley EE, Gonyer JM, Brakebusch C, Bradke F. RhoA drives actin compaction to restrict axon regeneration and astrocyte reactivity after CNS injury. Neuron 2021; 109:3436-3455.e9. [PMID: 34508667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
An inhibitory extracellular milieu and neuron-intrinsic processes prevent axons from regenerating in the adult central nervous system (CNS). Here we show how the two aspects are interwoven. Genetic loss-of-function experiments determine that the small GTPase RhoA relays extracellular inhibitory signals to the cytoskeleton by adapting mechanisms set in place during neuronal polarization. In response to extracellular inhibitors, neuronal RhoA restricts axon regeneration by activating myosin II to compact actin and, thereby, restrain microtubule protrusion. However, astrocytic RhoA restricts injury-induced astrogliosis through myosin II independent of microtubules by activating Yes-activated protein (YAP) signaling. Cell-type-specific deletion in spinal-cord-injured mice shows that neuronal RhoA activation prevents axon regeneration, whereas astrocytic RhoA is beneficial for regenerating axons. These data demonstrate how extracellular inhibitors regulate axon regeneration, shed light on the capacity of reactive astrocytes to be growth inhibitory after CNS injury, and reveal cell-specific RhoA targeting as a promising therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Stern
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Brett J Hilton
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Emily R Burnside
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dupraz
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Emily E Handley
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica M Gonyer
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cord Brakebusch
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Biomedical Institute, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank Bradke
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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10
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Roy A, Pathak Z, Kumar H. Strategies to neutralize RhoA/ROCK pathway after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2021; 343:113794. [PMID: 34166685 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration is bungled following CNS injuries, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Inherent decay of permissive conditions restricts the regrowth of the mature CNS after an injury. Hypertrophic scarring, insignificant intrinsic axon-growth activity, and axon-growth inhibitory molecules such as myelin inhibitors and scar inhibitors constitute a significant hindrance to spinal cord repair. Besides these molecules, a combined absence of various mechanisms responsible for axonal regeneration is the main reason behind the dereliction of the adult CNS to regenerate. The neutralization of specific inhibitors/proteins by stymieing antibodies or encouraging enzymatic degradation results in improved axon regeneration. Previous efforts to induce regeneration after SCI have stimulated axonal development in or near lesion sites, but not beyond them. Several pathways are responsible for the axonal growth obstruction after a CNS injury, including SCI. Herein, we summarize the axonal, glial, and intrinsic factor which impedes the regeneration. We have also discussed the methods to stabilize microtubules and through this to maintain the proper cytoskeletal dynamics of growth cone as disorganized microtubules lead to the failure of axonal regeneration. Moreover, we primarily focus on diverse inhibitors of axonal growth and molecular approaches to counteract them and their downstream intracellular signaling through the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Zarna Pathak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
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