1
|
Buck SA, Rubin SA, Kunkhyen T, Treiber CD, Xue X, Fenno LE, Mabry SJ, Sundar VR, Yang Z, Shah D, Ketchesin KD, Becker-Krail DD, Vasylieva I, Smith MC, Weisel FJ, Wang W, Erickson-Oberg MQ, O’Leary EI, Aravind E, Ramakrishnan C, Kim YS, Wu Y, Quick M, Coleman JA, MacDonald WA, Elbakri R, De Miranda BR, Palladino MJ, McCabe BD, Fish KN, Seney ML, Rayport S, Mingote S, Deisseroth K, Hnasko TS, Awatramani R, Watson AM, Waddell S, Cheetham CEJ, Logan RW, Freyberg Z. Sexually dimorphic mechanisms of VGLUT-mediated protection from dopaminergic neurodegeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560584. [PMID: 37873436 PMCID: PMC10592912 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) targets some dopamine (DA) neurons more than others. Sex differences offer insights, with females more protected from DA neurodegeneration. The mammalian vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT2 and Drosophila ortholog dVGLUT have been implicated as modulators of DA neuron resilience. However, the mechanisms by which VGLUT2/dVGLUT protects DA neurons remain unknown. We discovered DA neuron dVGLUT knockdown increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in a sexually dimorphic manner in response to depolarization or paraquat-induced stress, males being especially affected. DA neuron dVGLUT also reduced ATP biosynthetic burden during depolarization. RNA sequencing of VGLUT+ DA neurons in mice and flies identified candidate genes that we functionally screened to further dissect VGLUT-mediated DA neuron resilience across PD models. We discovered transcription factors modulating dVGLUT-dependent DA neuroprotection and identified dj-1β as a regulator of sex-specific DA neuron dVGLUT expression. Overall, VGLUT protects DA neurons from PD-associated degeneration by maintaining mitochondrial health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silas A. Buck
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sophie A. Rubin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tenzin Kunkhyen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Christoph D. Treiber
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Xiangning Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Lief E. Fenno
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Samuel J. Mabry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Varun R. Sundar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Zilu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Divia Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle D. Ketchesin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Darius D. Becker-Krail
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Iaroslavna Vasylieva
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Megan C. Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Florian J. Weisel
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wenjia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - M. Quincy Erickson-Oberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emma I. O’Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Eshan Aravind
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yoon Seok Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yanying Wu
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Matthias Quick
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Coleman
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | | | - Rania Elbakri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Briana R. De Miranda
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael J. Palladino
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Brian D. McCabe
- Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth N. Fish
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marianne L. Seney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Susana Mingote
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thomas S. Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | | | - Alan M. Watson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Scott Waddell
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | | | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
The midbrain dopamine (mDA) system is composed of molecularly and functionally distinct neuron subtypes that mediate specific behaviours and are linked to various brain diseases. Considerable progress has been made in identifying mDA neuron subtypes, and recent work has begun to unveil how these neuronal subtypes develop and organize into functional brain structures. This progress is important for further understanding the disparate physiological functions of mDA neurons and their selective vulnerability in disease, and will ultimately accelerate therapy development. This Review discusses recent advances in our understanding of molecularly defined mDA neuron subtypes and their circuits, ranging from early developmental events, such as neuron migration and axon guidance, to their wiring and function, and future implications for therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
3
|
Xia N, Cabin DE, Fang F, Reijo Pera RA. Parkinson's Disease: Overview of Transcription Factor Regulation, Genetics, and Cellular and Animal Models. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:894620. [PMID: 35600613 PMCID: PMC9115107 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.894620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, affecting nearly 7-10 million people worldwide. Over the last decade, there has been considerable progress in our understanding of the genetic basis of PD, in the development of stem cell-based and animal models of PD, and in management of some clinical features. However, there remains little ability to change the trajectory of PD and limited knowledge of the underlying etiology of PD. The role of genetics versus environment and the underlying physiology that determines the trajectory of the disease are still debated. Moreover, even though protein aggregates such as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites may provide diagnostic value, their physiological role remains to be fully elucidated. Finally, limitations to the model systems for probing the genetics, etiology and biology of Parkinson's disease have historically been a challenge. Here, we review highlights of the genetics of PD, advances in understanding molecular pathways and physiology, especially transcriptional factor (TF) regulators, and the development of model systems to probe etiology and potential therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ninuo Xia
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Deborah E. Cabin
- McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Great Falls, MT, United States
| | - Fang Fang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Renee A. Reijo Pera
- McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Great Falls, MT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miozzo F, Valencia-Alarcón EP, Stickley L, Majcin Dorcikova M, Petrelli F, Tas D, Loncle N, Nikonenko I, Bou Dib P, Nagoshi E. Maintenance of mitochondrial integrity in midbrain dopaminergic neurons governed by a conserved developmental transcription factor. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1426. [PMID: 35301315 PMCID: PMC8931002 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29075-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dysregulation of developmental transcription factors is implicated in dopaminergic neurodegeneration, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Drosophila Fer2 is a prime example of a developmental transcription factor required for the birth and maintenance of midbrain DA neurons. Using an approach combining ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and genetic epistasis experiments with PD-linked genes, here we demonstrate that Fer2 controls a transcriptional network to maintain mitochondrial structure and function, and thus confers dopaminergic neuroprotection against genetic and oxidative insults. We further show that conditional ablation of Nato3, a mouse homolog of Fer2, in differentiated DA neurons causes mitochondrial abnormalities and locomotor impairments in aged mice. Our results reveal the essential and conserved role of Fer2 homologs in the mitochondrial maintenance of midbrain DA neurons, opening new perspectives for modeling and treating PD. Mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Here, the authors find a conserved mechanism by which a single transcription factor controls mitochondrial health in dopaminergic neurons during the aging process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Miozzo
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Institute - CNR (IN-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Eva P Valencia-Alarcón
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Luca Stickley
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Michaëla Majcin Dorcikova
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | | | - Damla Tas
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.,The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Loncle
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.,Puma Biotechnology, Inc., Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Irina Nikonenko
- Department of Basic Neurosciences and the Center for Neuroscience, CMU, University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Peter Bou Dib
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emi Nagoshi
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coles C, Lasek AW. Binge-Like Ethanol Drinking Increases Otx2, Wnt1, and Mdk Gene Expression in the Ventral Tegmental Area of Adult Mice. Neurosci Insights 2021; 16:26331055211009850. [PMID: 33954290 PMCID: PMC8058803 DOI: 10.1177/26331055211009850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is associated with pathophysiological changes in the dopaminergic system. Orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) is a transcription factor important for the development of dopaminergic neurons residing in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a critical region of the brain involved in drug reinforcement. Previous studies have demonstrated that ethanol exposure during embryonic development reduces Otx2 mRNA levels in the central nervous system. We hypothesized that levels of OTX2 would be altered by binge-like ethanol consumption in adult animals. To test this, Otx2 mRNA and protein levels in the mouse VTA were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively, after mice drank ethanol for 4 days in a procedure that elicits binge levels of ethanol consumption (drinking in the dark). Expression of known and putative OTX2 transcriptional target genes (Sema3c, Wnt1, and Mdk) were also measured in the VTA after ethanol drinking. Otx2 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in the VTA 24 hours after the fourth drinking session and there was a corresponding increase in the expression of Mdk transcript. Interestingly, Wnt1 transcript was elevated in the VTA immediately after the fourth drinking session but returned to control levels 24 hours later. We next investigated if viral-mediated reduction of Otx2 in the mouse VTA would alter ethanol or sucrose intake. Lentiviral vectors expressing a shRNA targeting Otx2 or a control shRNA were injected into the VTA and mice were tested in the drinking in the dark protocol for ethanol and sucrose drinking. Reducing levels of OTX2 in the VTA did not alter ethanol or sucrose consumption. One limitation is that the extent of OTX2 reduction may not have been sufficient. Although OTX2 in the VTA may not play a role in binge-like drinking in adult mice, OTX2 could contribute to ethanol-induced transcriptional changes in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandre Coles
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nouri P, Götz S, Rauser B, Irmler M, Peng C, Trümbach D, Kempny C, Lechermeier CG, Bryniok A, Dlugos A, Euchner E, Beckers J, Brodski C, Klümper C, Wurst W, Prakash N. Dose-Dependent and Subset-Specific Regulation of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation by LEF1-Mediated WNT1/b-Catenin Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:587778. [PMID: 33195246 PMCID: PMC7649324 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.587778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons, including the nigrostriatal subset that preferentially degenerates in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), strongly depend on an accurately balanced Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 1 (WNT1)/beta-catenin signaling pathway during their development. Loss of this pathway abolishes the generation of these neurons, whereas excessive WNT1/b-catenin signaling prevents their correct differentiation. The identity of the cells responding to this pathway in the developing mammalian ventral midbrain (VM) as well as the precise progression of WNT/b-catenin action in these cells are still unknown. We show that strong WNT/b-catenin signaling inhibits the differentiation of WNT/b-catenin-responding mdDA progenitors into PITX3+ and TH+ mdDA neurons by repressing the Pitx3 gene in mice. This effect is mediated by RSPO2, a WNT/b-catenin agonist, and lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), an essential nuclear effector of the WNT/b-catenin pathway, via conserved LEF1/T-cell factor binding sites in the Pitx3 promoter. LEF1 expression is restricted to a caudolateral mdDA progenitor subset that preferentially responds to WNT/b-catenin signaling and gives rise to a fraction of all mdDA neurons. Our data indicate that an attenuation of WNT/b-catenin signaling in mdDA progenitors is essential for their correct differentiation into specific mdDA neuron subsets. This is an important consideration for stem cell-based regenerative therapies and in vitro models of neuropsychiatric diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parivash Nouri
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| | - Sebastian Götz
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Benedict Rauser
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Changgeng Peng
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dietrich Trümbach
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christian Kempny
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| | - Carina G Lechermeier
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Agnes Bryniok
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| | - Andrea Dlugos
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| | - Ellen Euchner
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Experimental Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Claude Brodski
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Claudia Klümper
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Nilima Prakash
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics and Stem Cell Biology, Department Hamm 2, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Hamm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tubbs JD, Ding J, Baum L, Sham PC. Systemic neuro-dysregulation in depression: Evidence from genome-wide association. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 39:1-18. [PMID: 32896454 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the world's leading cause of disability. Greater understanding of the neurobiological basis of depression is necessary for developing novel treatments with improved efficacy and acceptance. Recently, major advances have been made in the search for genetic variants associated with depression which may help to elucidate etiological mechanisms. The present review has two major objectives. First, we offer a brief review of two major biological systems with strong evidence for involvement in depression pathology: neurotransmitter systems and the stress response. Secondly, we provide a synthesis of the functions of the 269 genes implicated by the most recent genome-wide meta-analysis, supporting the importance of these systems in depression and providing insights into other possible mechanisms involving neurodevelopment, neurogenesis, and neurodegeneration. Our goal is to undertake a broad, preliminary stock-taking of the most recent hypothesis-free findings and examine the weight of the evidence supporting these existing theories and highlighting novel directions. This qualitative review and accompanying gene function table provides a valuable resource and guide for basic and translational researchers, with suggestions for future mechanistic research, leveraging genetics to prioritize studies on the neurobiological processes involved in depression etiology and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Tubbs
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jiahong Ding
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Larry Baum
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pak C Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Centre of PanorOmic Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liang X, Li J, Antonecchia E, Ling Y, Li Z, Xiao W, Chu Q, Wan L, Hu X, Han S, Teuho J, Wan L, Xiao P, Kao CM, Knuuti J, D'Ascenzo N, Xie Q. NEMA-2008 and In-Vivo Animal and Plant Imaging Performance of the Large FOV Preclinical Digital PET/CT System Discoverist 180. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON RADIATION AND PLASMA MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1109/trpms.2020.2983221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
9
|
Cota-Coronado J, Sandoval-Ávila S, Gaytan-Dávila Y, Diaz N, Vega-Ruiz B, Padilla-Camberos E, Díaz-Martínez N. New transgenic models of Parkinson's disease using genome editing technology. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
|
10
|
Santiago M, Antunes C, Guedes M, Iacovino M, Kyba M, Reik W, Sousa N, Pinto L, Branco MR, Marques CJ. Tet3 regulates cellular identity and DNA methylation in neural progenitor cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2871-2883. [PMID: 31646359 PMCID: PMC7326798 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
TET enzymes oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a process thought to be intermediary in an active DNA demethylation mechanism. Notably, 5hmC is highly abundant in the brain and in neuronal cells. Here, we interrogated the function of Tet3 in neural precursor cells (NPCs), using a stable and inducible knockdown system and an in vitro neural differentiation protocol. We show that Tet3 is upregulated during neural differentiation, whereas Tet1 is downregulated. Surprisingly, Tet3 knockdown led to a de-repression of pluripotency-associated genes such as Oct4, Nanog or Tcl1, with concomitant hypomethylation. Moreover, in Tet3 knockdown NPCs, we observed the appearance of OCT4-positive cells forming cellular aggregates, suggesting de-differentiation of the cells. Notably, Tet3 KD led to a genome-scale loss of DNA methylation and hypermethylation of a smaller number of CpGs that are located at neurogenesis-related genes and at imprinting control regions (ICRs) of Peg10, Zrsr1 and Mcts2 imprinted genes. Overall, our results suggest that TET3 is necessary to maintain silencing of pluripotency genes and consequently neural stem cell identity, possibly through regulation of DNA methylation levels in neural precursor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Santiago
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Claudia Antunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marta Guedes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Michelina Iacovino
- Lillehei Heart Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Michael Kyba
- Lillehei Heart Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Miguel R Branco
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - C Joana Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mesman S, Smidt MP. Acquisition of the Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuronal Identity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134638. [PMID: 32629812 PMCID: PMC7369932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) group of neurons comprises molecularly distinct subgroups, of which the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are the best known, due to the selective degeneration of the SN during Parkinson’s disease. However, although significant research has been conducted on the molecular build-up of these subsets, much is still unknown about how these subsets develop and which factors are involved in this process. In this review, we aim to describe the life of an mdDA neuron, from specification in the floor plate to differentiation into the different subsets. All mdDA neurons are born in the mesodiencephalic floor plate under the influence of both SHH-signaling, important for floor plate patterning, and WNT-signaling, involved in establishing the progenitor pool and the start of the specification of mdDA neurons. Furthermore, transcription factors, like Ngn2, Ascl1, Lmx1a, and En1, and epigenetic factors, like Ezh2, are important in the correct specification of dopamine (DA) progenitors. Later during development, mdDA neurons are further subdivided into different molecular subsets by, amongst others, Otx2, involved in the specification of subsets in the VTA, and En1, Pitx3, Lmx1a, and WNT-signaling, involved in the specification of subsets in the SN. Interestingly, factors involved in early specification in the floor plate can serve a dual function and can also be involved in subset specification. Besides the mdDA group of neurons, other systems in the embryo contain different subsets, like the immune system. Interestingly, many factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons are similarly involved in immune system development and vice versa. This indicates that similar mechanisms are used in the development of these systems, and that knowledge about the development of the immune system may hold clues for the factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons, which may be used in culture protocols for cell replacement therapies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Homeoprotein Neuroprotection of Embryonic Neuronal Cells. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0061-19.2019. [PMID: 31451602 PMCID: PMC6763833 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0061-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most homeoprotein transcription factors have a highly conserved internalization domain used in intercellular transfer. Internalization of homeoproteins ENGRAILED1 or ENGRAILED2 promotes the survival of adult dopaminergic cells, whereas that of OTX2 protects adult retinal ganglion cells. Here we characterize the in vitro neuroprotective activity of several homeoproteins in response to H2O2. Protection is observed with ENGRAILED1, ENGRAILED2, OTX2, GBX2, and LHX9 on midbrain and striatal embryonic neurons, whereas cell-permeable c-MYC shows no protective effects. Therefore, five homeoproteins belonging to three different classes (ANTENNAPEDIA, PAIRED, and LIM) share the ability to protect embryonic neurons from midbrain and striatum. Because midbrain and striatal neurons do not express the same repertoire of the four proteins, a lack of neuronal specificity together with a general protective activity can be proposed. Interestingly, hEN1 and GBX2 provided protection to primary midbrain astrocytes but not to non-neural cells, including mouse embryo fibroblasts, macrophages or HeLa cells. For the four proteins, protection against cell death correlated with a reduction in the number of H2O2-induced DNA break foci in midbrain and striatal neurons. In conclusion, within the limit of the number of cell types and homeoproteins tested, homeoprotein protection against oxidative stress-induced DNA breaks and death is specific to neurons and astrocytes but shows no homeoprotein or neuronal type specificity.
Collapse
|
13
|
Wever I, von Oerthel L, Wagemans CMRJ, Smidt MP. EZH2 Influences mdDA Neuronal Differentiation, Maintenance and Survival. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 11:491. [PMID: 30705619 PMCID: PMC6344421 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade several components have been identified to be differentially expressed in subsets of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons. These differences in molecular profile have been implied to be involved in the selective degeneration of the SNc neurons in Parkinson’s disease. The emergence and maintenance of individual subsets is dependent on different transcriptional programs already present during development. In addition to the influence of transcription factors, recent studies have led to the hypothesis that modifications of histones might also influence the developmental program of neurons. In this study we focus on the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and its role in the development and maintenance of mdDA neurons. We generated two different conditional knock out (cKO) mice; an En1Cre driven cKO, for deletion of Ezh2 in mdDA progenitors and a Pitx3Cre driven cKO, to study the effect of post-mitotic deletion of Ezh2 on mdDA neurons maturation and neuronal survival. During development Ezh2 was found to be important for the generation of the proper amount of TH+ neurons. The loss of neurons primarily affected a rostrolateral population, which is also reflected in the analysis of the subset marks, Ahd2 and Cck. In contrast to early genetic ablation, post-mitotic deletion of Ezh2 did not lead to major developmental defects at E14.5. However, in 6 months old animals Cck was found ectopically in the rostral domain of mdDA neurons and Ahd2 expression was reduced in more mediocaudal positioned cells. In addition, Pitx3Cre driven deletion of Ezh2 led to a progressive loss of TH+ cells in the VTA and these animals display reduced climbing behavior. Together, our data demonstrates that Ezh2 is important for the generation of mdDA neurons during development and that during adult stages Ezh2 is important for the preservation of proper neuronal subset identity and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wever
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cindy M R J Wagemans
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Koh YH, Tan LY, Ng SY. Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids for Modeling Alpha Synuclein Propagation in Parkinson's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:413. [PMID: 30483063 PMCID: PMC6240766 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-associated, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairment and in some cases cognitive decline. Central to the disease pathogenesis of PD is a small, presynaptic neuronal protein known as alpha synuclein (a-syn), which tends to accumulate and aggregate in PD brains as Lewy bodies or Lewy neurites. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies confirm that a-syn aggregates can be propagated from diseased to healthy cells, and it has been suggested that preventing the spread of pathogenic a-syn species can slow PD progression. In this review, we summarize the works of recent literature elucidating mechanisms of a-syn propagation, and discussed the advantages in using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and/or induced neurons to study a-syn transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hui Koh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Yi Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,The Third Affliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fu H, Hardy J, Duff KE. Selective vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:1350-1358. [PMID: 30250262 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases have two general characteristics that are so fundamental we usually take them for granted. The first is that the pathology associated with the disease only affects particular neurons ('selective neuronal vulnerability'); the second is that the pathology worsens with time and impacts more regions in a stereotypical and predictable fashion. The mechanisms underpinning selective neuronal and regional vulnerability have been difficult to dissect, but the recent application of whole-genome technologies, the development of mouse models that reproduce spatial and temporal features of the pathology, and the identification of intrinsic morphological, electrophysiological, and biochemical properties of vulnerable neurons are beginning to shed some light on these fundamental features of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we detail our emerging understanding of the underlying biology of selective neuronal vulnerability and outline some of the areas in which our understanding is incomplete.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Fu
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain; and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Reta Lilla Weston Laboratories, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Karen E Duff
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain; and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Division of Integrative Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cota-Coronado JA, Sandoval-Ávila S, Gaytan-Dávila YP, Diaz NF, Vega-Ruiz B, Padilla-Camberos E, Díaz-Martínez NE. New transgenic models of Parkinson's disease using genome editing technology. Neurologia 2017; 35:486-499. [PMID: 29196142 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterised by selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which results in dopamine depletion, leading to a number of motor and non-motor symptoms. DEVELOPMENT In recent years, the development of new animal models using nuclease-based genome-editing technology (ZFN, TALEN, and CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases) has enabled the introduction of custom-made modifications into the genome to replicate key features of PD, leading to significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. CONCLUSIONS We review the most recent studies on this new generation of in vitro and in vivo PD models, which replicate the most relevant symptoms of the disease and enable better understanding of the aetiology and mechanisms of PD. This may be helpful in the future development of effective treatments to halt or slow disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Cota-Coronado
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, México
| | - S Sandoval-Ávila
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, México
| | - Y P Gaytan-Dávila
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, México
| | - N F Diaz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, México
| | - B Vega-Ruiz
- Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
| | - E Padilla-Camberos
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, México
| | - N E Díaz-Martínez
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, México.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Toledo EM, Gyllborg D, Arenas E. Translation of WNT developmental programs into stem cell replacement strategies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4716-4724. [PMID: 28547771 PMCID: PMC5727333 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling is a highly conserved pathway across species that is critical for normal development and is deregulated in multiple disorders including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Wnt signalling is critically required for midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development and maintenance. Understanding the molecular processes controlled by Wnt signalling may thus hold the key to understand the physiopathology and to develop novel therapies aimed at preventing the loss of mDA neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Pharmacological tools to activate Wnt signalling have been used to translate in vivo developmental processes into protocols for the generation of bona fide mDA neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, these protocols are currently being fine-tuned to generate mDA neurons for clinical trials in PD. At the same time, a vast amount of molecular details of Wnt signalling continues to emerge and remains to be implemented into new protocols. We hereby review novel pharmacological tools to activate Wnt signalling and how single-cell RNA-sequencing is contributing to unravel the complexity of this pathway in the developing human ventral midbrain, generating novel hypotheses and identifying new players and opportunities to further improve cell replacement therapy for PD. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique M Toledo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Daniel Gyllborg
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Ernest Arenas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kouwenhoven WM, von Oerthel L, Smidt MP. Pitx3 and En1 determine the size and molecular programming of the dopaminergic neuronal pool. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182421. [PMID: 28800615 PMCID: PMC5553812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are located in the ventral midbrain. These neurons form the substantia nigra (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Two transcription factors that play important roles in the process of terminal differentiation and subset-specification of mdDA neurons, are paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 (Pitx3), and homeobox transcription factor Engrailed 1 (En1). We previously investigated the single Pitx3KO and En1KO and observed important changes in the survival of mdDA neurons of the SNc and VTA as well as altered expression of pivotal rostral- and caudal-markers, Ahd2 and Cck, respectively. To refine our understanding of the regional-specific relationships between En1 and Pitx3 and their (combined) role in the programming mdDA neurons on the rostral-to-caudal axis, we created double En1tm1Alj/tm1Alj;Pitx3gfp/gfp (En1KO;Pitx3GFP/GFP) animals. Here we report, that in absence of En1 and Pitx3, only a limited number of mdDA neurons are present at E14.5. These mdDA neurons have a rudimentary dopaminergic cell fate, as they express Nurr1, Pbx3 and Otx2 but have lost their rostral or caudal subset identity. Furthermore, we report that the expression of Cck depends on En1 expression, while (in contrast) both Pitx3 and En1 are involved in the initiation of Ahd2 expression. Thus we reveal in this manuscript that regulated levels of Pitx3 and En1 control the size and rostral/caudal-identity of the mdDA neuronal population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brignani S, Pasterkamp RJ. Neuronal Subset-Specific Migration and Axonal Wiring Mechanisms in the Developing Midbrain Dopamine System. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:55. [PMID: 28740464 PMCID: PMC5502286 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The midbrain dopamine (mDA) system is involved in the control of cognitive and motor behaviors, and is associated with several psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. mDA neurons receive diverse afferent inputs and establish efferent connections with many brain areas. Recent studies have unveiled a high level of molecular and cellular heterogeneity within the mDA system with specific subsets of mDA neurons displaying select molecular profiles and connectivity patterns. During mDA neuron development, molecular differences between mDA neuron subsets allow the establishment of subset-specific afferent and efferent connections and functional roles. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent work defining novel mDA neuron subsets based on specific molecular signatures. Then, molecular cues are highlighted that control mDA neuron migration during embryonic development and that facilitate the formation of selective patterns of efferent connections. The review focuses largely on studies that show differences in these mechanisms between different subsets of mDA neurons and for which in vivo data is available, and is concluded by a section that discusses open questions and provides directions for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Brignani
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - R J Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Oliveira MAP, Balling R, Smidt MP, Fleming RMT. Embryonic development of selectively vulnerable neurons in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2017; 3:21. [PMID: 28685157 PMCID: PMC5484687 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-017-0022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A specific set of brainstem nuclei are susceptible to degeneration in Parkinson's disease. We hypothesise that neuronal vulnerability reflects shared phenotypic characteristics that confer selective vulnerability to degeneration. Neuronal phenotypic specification is mainly the cumulative result of a transcriptional regulatory program that is active during the development. By manual curation of the developmental biology literature, we comprehensively reconstructed an anatomically resolved cellular developmental lineage for the adult neurons in five brainstem regions that are selectively vulnerable to degeneration in prodromal or early Parkinson's disease. We synthesised the literature on transcription factors that are required to be active, or required to be inactive, in the development of each of these five brainstem regions, and at least two differentially vulnerable nuclei within each region. Certain transcription factors, e.g., Ascl1 and Lmx1b, seem to be required for specification of many brainstem regions that are susceptible to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease. Some transcription factors can even distinguish between differentially vulnerable nuclei within the same brain region, e.g., Pitx3 is required for specification of the substantia nigra pars compacta, but not the ventral tegmental area. We do not suggest that Parkinson's disease is a developmental disorder. In contrast, we consider identification of shared developmental trajectories as part of a broader effort to identify the molecular mechanisms that underlie the phenotypic features that are shared by selectively vulnerable neurons. Systematic in vivo assessment of fate determining transcription factors should be completed for all neuronal populations vulnerable to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. P. Oliveira
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Rudi Balling
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronan M. T. Fleming
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zheng M, Jiao L, Tang X, Xiang X, Wan X, Yan Y, Li X, Zhang G, Li Y, Jiang B, Cai H, Lin X. Tau haploinsufficiency causes prenatal loss of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and reduction of transcription factor orthodenticle homeobox 2 expression. FASEB J 2017; 31:3349-3358. [PMID: 28424350 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601303r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Homozygous tau knockout (Mapt-/-) mice develop age-dependent dopaminergic (DA) neuronal loss in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), supporting an important function of tau in maintaining the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDANs) during aging. However, it remains to be determined whether the microtubule-associated protein tau regulates the differentiation and survival of mDANs during embryonic developmental stages. Here, we show that tau haploinsufficiency in postnatal day 0 (P0) heterozygous (Mapt+/-) pups, but not a complete loss of tau in the Mapt-/- littermates, led to a significant reduction of DA neurons in the VTA. This selective loss of DA neurons correlated with a similar reduction in orthodenticle homeobox 2 (Otx2), which is restricted to VTA neurons at the postmitotic stage and selectively controls the neurogenesis and survival of specific neuronal subtypes of VTA. Moreover, the prenatal developmental cell death in the Mapt+/- VTA specifically increased, and the expression of microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-1A was significantly up-regulated in the P0 Mapt-/- , but not the Mapt+/- , pups. These results suggest that tau haploinsufficiency, without the compensation effect of MAP1A, induces reduction of Otx2 expression, increases prenatal cell death, and accordingly leads to selective loss of VTA DA neurons in the early postnatal stage. Our findings highlight the impact of tau haploinsufficiency on the survival of mDANs and indicate that tau may participate in midbrain development in a dose-dependent way.-Zheng, M., Jiao, L., Tang, X., Xiang, X., Wan, X., Yan, Y., Li, X., Zhang, G., Li, Y., Jiang, B., Cai, H., Lin, X. Tau haploinsufficiency causes prenatal loss of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and reduction of transcription factor orthodenticle homeobox 2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meige Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luyan Jiao
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Tang
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianhong Xiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Wan
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingjian Li
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonglin Li
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Transgenics Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; and
| | - Xian Lin
- Department of Anatomy, Research Center for Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Identification of Multiple QTLs Linked to Neuropathology in the Engrailed-1 Heterozygous Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31701. [PMID: 27550741 PMCID: PMC4994027 DOI: 10.1038/srep31701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease are attributed to degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (DNs). Heterozygosity for Engrailed-1 (En1), one of the key factors for programming and maintenance of DNs, results in a parkinsonian phenotype featuring progressive degeneration of DNs in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), decreased striatal dopamine levels and swellings of nigro-striatal axons in the SwissOF1-En1+/− mouse strain. In contrast, C57Bl/6-En1+/− mice do not display this neurodegenerative phenotype, suggesting that susceptibility to En1 heterozygosity is genetically regulated. Our goal was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulate the susceptibility to PD-like neurodegenerative changes in response to loss of one En1 allele. We intercrossed SwissOF1-En1+/− and C57Bl/6 mice to obtain F2 mice with mixed genomes and analyzed number of DNs in SNpc and striatal axonal swellings in 120 F2-En1+/− 17 week-old male mice. Linkage analyses revealed 8 QTLs linked to number of DNs (p = 2.4e-09, variance explained = 74%), 7 QTLs linked to load of axonal swellings (p = 1.7e-12, variance explained = 80%) and 8 QTLs linked to size of axonal swellings (p = 7.0e-11, variance explained = 74%). These loci should be of prime interest for studies of susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease-like damage in rodent disease models and considered in clinical association studies in PD.
Collapse
|
23
|
Neuroprotective Transcription Factors in Animal Models of Parkinson Disease. Neural Plast 2015; 2016:6097107. [PMID: 26881122 PMCID: PMC4736191 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6097107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of transcription factors, including En1/2, Foxa1/2, Lmx1a/b, Nurr1, Otx2, and Pitx3, with key roles in midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development, also regulate adult mDA neuron survival and physiology. Mouse models with targeted disruption of some of these genes display several features reminiscent of Parkinson disease (PD), in particular the selective and progressive loss of mDA neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The characterization of these animal models has provided valuable insights into various mechanisms of PD pathogenesis. Therefore, the dissection of the mechanisms and survival signalling pathways engaged by these transcription factors to protect mDA neuron from degeneration can suggest novel therapeutic strategies. The work on En1/2-mediated neuroprotection also highlights the potential of protein transduction technology for neuroprotective approaches in PD.
Collapse
|
24
|
Anderegg A, Poulin JF, Awatramani R. Molecular heterogeneity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons--Moving toward single cell resolution. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3714-26. [PMID: 26505674 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since their discovery, midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons have been researched extensively, in part because of their diverse functions and involvement in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Over the last few decades, reports have emerged that midbrain DA neurons were not a homogeneous group, but that DA neurons located in distinct anatomical locations within the midbrain had distinctive properties in terms of physiology, function, and vulnerability. Accordingly, several studies focused on identifying heterogeneous gene expression across DA neuron clusters. Here we review the importance of understanding DA neuron heterogeneity at the molecular level, previous studies detailing heterogeneous gene expression in DA neurons, and finally recent work which brings together previous heterogeneous gene expression profiles in a coordinated manner, at single cell resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Anderegg
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Jean-Francois Poulin
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Rajeshwar Awatramani
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dissecting the role of Engrailed in adult dopaminergic neurons--Insights into Parkinson disease pathogenesis. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3786-94. [PMID: 26459030 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The homeoprotein Engrailed (Engrailed-1/Engrailed-2, collectively En1/2) is not only a survival factor for mesencephalic dopaminergic (mDA) neurons during development, but continues to exert neuroprotective and physiological functions in adult mDA neurons. Loss of one En1 allele in the mouse leads to progressive demise of mDA neurons in the ventral midbrain starting from 6 weeks of age. These mice also develop Parkinson disease-like motor and non-motor symptoms. The characterization of En1 heterozygous mice have revealed striking parallels to central mechanisms of Parkinson disease pathogenesis, mainly related to mitochondrial dysfunction and retrograde degeneration. Thanks to the ability of homeoproteins to transduce cells, En1/2 proteins have also been used to protect mDA neurons in various experimental models of Parkinson disease. This neuroprotection is partly linked to the ability of En1/2 to regulate the translation of certain nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs for complex I subunits. Other transcription factors that govern mDA neuron development (e.g. Foxa1/2, Lmx1a/b, Nurr1, Otx2, Pitx3) also continue to function for the survival and maintenance of mDA neurons in the adult and act through partially overlapping but also diverse mechanisms.
Collapse
|
26
|
Bodea GO, Blaess S. Establishing diversity in the dopaminergic system. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3773-85. [PMID: 26431946 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic neurons (MbDNs) modulate cognitive processes, regulate voluntary movement, and encode reward prediction errors and aversive stimuli. While the degeneration of MbDNs underlies the motor defects in Parkinson's disease, imbalances in dopamine levels are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and substance abuse. In recent years, progress has been made in understanding how MbDNs, which constitute a relatively small neuronal population in the brain, can contribute to such diverse functions and dysfunctions. In particular, important insights have been gained regarding the distinct molecular, neurochemical and network properties of MbDNs. How this diversity of MbDNs is established during brain development is only starting to be unraveled. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the diversity in MbDN progenitors and differentiated MbDNs in the developing rodent brain. We discuss the signaling pathways, transcription factors and transmembrane receptors that contribute to setting up these diverse MbDN subpopulations. A better insight into the processes that establish diversity in MbDNs will ultimately improve the understanding of the architecture and function of the dopaminergic system in the adult brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela O Bodea
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sandra Blaess
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development has been an intense area of research during recent years. This is due in part to a growing interest in regenerative medicine and the hope that treatment for diseases affecting mDA neurons, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), might be facilitated by a better understanding of how these neurons are specified, differentiated and maintained in vivo. This knowledge might help to instruct efforts to generate mDA neurons in vitro, which holds promise not only for cell replacement therapy, but also for disease modeling and drug discovery. In this Primer, we will focus on recent developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development of mDA neurons in vivo, and how they have been used to generate human mDA neurons in vitro from pluripotent stem cells or from somatic cells via direct reprogramming. Current challenges and future avenues in the development of a regenerative medicine for PD will be identified and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Arenas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Mark Denham
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - J. Carlos Villaescusa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno 61137, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Blaess S, Ang SL. Genetic control of midbrain dopaminergic neuron development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 4:113-34. [PMID: 25565353 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Midbrain dopaminergic neurons are involved in regulating motor control, reward behavior, and cognition. Degeneration or dysfunction of midbrain dopaminergic neurons is implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, substance use disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Understanding the developmental processes that generate midbrain dopaminergic neurons will facilitate the generation of dopaminergic neurons from stem cells for cell replacement therapies to substitute degenerating cells in Parkinson's disease patients and will forward our understanding on how functional diversity of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain is established. Midbrain dopaminergic neurons develop in a multistep process. Following the induction of the ventral midbrain, a distinct dopaminergic progenitor domain is specified and dopaminergic progenitors undergo proliferation, neurogenesis, and differentiation. Subsequently, midbrain dopaminergic neurons acquire a mature dopaminergic phenotype, migrate to their final position and establish projections and connections to their forebrain targets. This review will discuss insights gained on the signaling network of secreted molecules, cell surface receptors, and transcription factors that regulate specification and differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic progenitors and neurons, from the induction of the ventral midbrain to the migration of dopaminergic neurons. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Blaess
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Brichta L, Greengard P. Molecular determinants of selective dopaminergic vulnerability in Parkinson's disease: an update. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:152. [PMID: 25565977 PMCID: PMC4266033 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are attributed to the selective death of distinct neuronal cell populations. Interestingly, in many of these conditions, a specific subset of neurons is extremely prone to degeneration while other, very similar neurons are less affected or even spared for many years. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), the motor manifestations are primarily linked to the selective, progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). In contrast, the very similar DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) demonstrate a much lower degree of degeneration. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of differential DA vulnerability in PD has proven extremely challenging. Moreover, an increasing number of studies demonstrate that considerable molecular and electrophysiologic heterogeneity exists among the DA neurons within the SNpc as well as those within the VTA, adding yet another layer of complexity to the selective DA vulnerability observed in PD. The discovery of key pathways that regulate this differential susceptibility of DA neurons to degeneration holds great potential for the discovery of novel drug targets and the development of promising neuroprotective treatment strategies. This review provides an update on the molecular basis of the differential vulnerability of midbrain DA neurons in PD and highlights the most recent developments in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Brichta
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Greengard
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Veenvliet JV, Smidt MP. Molecular mechanisms of dopaminergic subset specification: fundamental aspects and clinical perspectives. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4703-27. [PMID: 25064061 PMCID: PMC11113784 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral mesodiencephalon control locomotion and emotion and are affected in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). A clinical hallmark of PD is the specific degeneration of DA neurons located within the substantia nigra (SNc), whereas neurons in the ventral tegmental area remain unaffected. Recent advances have highlighted that the selective vulnerability of the SNc may originate in subset-specific molecular programming during DA neuron development, and significantly increased our understanding of the molecular code that drives specific SNc development. We here present an up-to-date overview of molecular mechanisms that direct DA subset specification, integrating our current knowledge about subset-specific roles of transcription factors, signaling pathways and morphogenes. We discuss strategies to further unravel subset-specific gene-regulatory networks, and the clinical promise of fundamental knowledge about subset specification of DA neurons, with regards to cell replacement therapy and cell-type-specific vulnerability in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V. Veenvliet
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Domanskyi A, Alter H, Vogt MA, Gass P, Vinnikov IA. Transcription factors Foxa1 and Foxa2 are required for adult dopamine neurons maintenance. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:275. [PMID: 25249938 PMCID: PMC4158790 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteins Foxa1 and Foxa2 belong to the forkhead family of transcription factors and are involved in the development of several tissues, including liver, pancreas, lung, prostate, and the neural system. Both Foxa1 and Foxa2 are also crucial for the specification and differentiation of dopamine (DA) neurons during embryonic development, while about 30% of mice with an embryonic deletion of a single allele of the Foxa2 gene exhibit an age-related asymmetric loss of DA neurons and develop locomotor symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, both Foxa1 and Foxa2 factors continue to be expressed in the adult dopamine system. To directly assess their functions selectively in adult DA neurons, we induced genetic deletions of Foxa1/2 transcription factors in mice using a tamoxifen inducible tissue-specific CreERT2 recombinase expressed under control of the dopamine transporter (DAT) promoter (DATCreERT2). The conditional DA neurons-specific ablation of both genes, but not of Foxa2 alone, in early adulthood, caused a decline of striatal dopamine and its metabolites, along with locomotor deficits. At early pre-symptomatic stages, we observed a decline in aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1, subfamily A1 (Aldh1a1) protein expression in DA neurons. Further analyses revealed a decline of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) and a complete loss of DAT expression in these neurons. These molecular changes ultimately led to a reduction of DA neuron numbers in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of aged cFoxa1/2−/− mice, resembling the progressive course of PD in humans. Altogether, in this study, we address the molecular, cellular, and functional role of both Foxa1 and Foxa2 factors in the maintenance of the adult dopamine system which may help to find better approaches for PD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrii Domanskyi
- Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell I, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Alter
- Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell I, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam A Vogt
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ilya A Vinnikov
- Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell I, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Panman L, Papathanou M, Laguna A, Oosterveen T, Volakakis N, Acampora D, Kurtsdotter I, Yoshitake T, Kehr J, Joodmardi E, Muhr J, Simeone A, Ericson J, Perlmann T. Sox6 and Otx2 control the specification of substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Cell Rep 2014; 8:1018-25. [PMID: 25127144 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct midbrain dopamine (mDA) neuron subtypes are found in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but it is mainly SNc neurons that degenerate in Parkinson's disease. Interest in how mDA neurons develop has been stimulated by the potential use of stem cells in therapy or disease modeling. However, very little is known about how specific dopaminergic subtypes are generated. Here, we show that the expression profiles of the transcription factors Sox6, Otx2, and Nolz1 define subpopulations of mDA neurons already at the neural progenitor cell stage. After cell-cycle exit, Sox6 selectively localizes to SNc neurons, while Otx2 and Nolz1 are expressed in a subset of VTA neurons. Importantly, Sox6 ablation leads to decreased expression of SNc markers and a corresponding increase in VTA markers, while Otx2 ablation has the opposite effect. Moreover, deletion of Sox6 affects striatal innervation and dopamine levels. We also find reduced Sox6 levels in Parkinson's disease patients. These findings identify Sox6 as a determinant of SNc neuron development and should facilitate the engineering of relevant mDA neurons for cell therapy and disease modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lia Panman
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK.
| | | | - Ariadna Laguna
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Dario Acampora
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso," CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli IS 86077, Italy
| | - Idha Kurtsdotter
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Takashi Yoshitake
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Kehr
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eliza Joodmardi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Muhr
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Simeone
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso," CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli IS 86077, Italy
| | - Johan Ericson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Perlmann
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tripathi P, Di Giovannantonio L, Sanguinetti E, Acampora D, Allegra M, Caleo M, Wurst W, Simeone A, Bozzi Y. Increased dopaminergic innervation in the brain of conditional mutant mice overexpressing Otx2: Effects on locomotor behavior and seizure susceptibility. Neuroscience 2014; 261:173-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
34
|
Di Giovannantonio LG, Di Salvio M, Omodei D, Prakash N, Wurst W, Pierani A, Acampora D, Simeone A. Otx2 cell-autonomously determines dorsal mesencephalon versus cerebellum fate independently of isthmic organizing activity. Development 2013; 141:377-88. [PMID: 24335253 DOI: 10.1242/dev.102954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, the rostral neuroectoderm is regionalized into broad areas that are subsequently subdivided into progenitor compartments with specialized identity and fate. These events are controlled by signals emitted by organizing centers and interpreted by target progenitors, which activate superimposing waves of intrinsic factors restricting their identity and fate. The transcription factor Otx2 plays a crucial role in mesencephalic development by positioning the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) and its organizing activity. Here, we investigated whether Otx2 is cell-autonomously required to control identity and fate of dorsal mesencephalic progenitors. With this aim, we have inactivated Otx2 in the Pax7(+) dorsal mesencephalic domain, previously named m1, without affecting MHB integrity. We found that the Pax7(+) m1 domain can be further subdivided into a dorsal Zic1(+) m1a and a ventral Zic1(-) m1b sub-domain. Loss of Otx2 in the m1a (Pax7(+) Zic1(+)) sub-domain impairs the identity and fate of progenitors, which undergo a full switch into a coordinated cerebellum differentiation program. By contrast, in the m1b sub-domain (Pax7(+) Zic1(-)) Otx2 is prevalently required for post-mitotic transition of mesencephalic GABAergic precursors. Moreover, genetic cell fate, BrdU cell labeling and Otx2 conditional inactivation experiments indicate that in Otx2 mutants all ectopic cerebellar cell types, including external granule cell layer (EGL) precursors, originate from the m1a progenitor sub-domain and that reprogramming of mesencephalic precursors into EGL or cerebellar GABAergic progenitors depends on temporal sensitivity to Otx2 ablation. Together, these findings indicate that Otx2 intrinsically controls different aspects of dorsal mesencephalic neurogenesis. In this context, Otx2 is cell-autonomously required in the m1a sub-domain to suppress cerebellar fate and promote mesencephalic differentiation independently of the MHB organizing activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Di Giovannantonio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wurst W, Prakash N. Wnt1-regulated genetic networks in midbrain dopaminergic neuron development. J Mol Cell Biol 2013; 6:34-41. [DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjt046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|