1
|
Min JH, Sarlus H, Harris RA. Copper toxicity and deficiency: the vicious cycle at the core of protein aggregation in ALS. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1408159. [PMID: 39050823 PMCID: PMC11267976 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1408159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of ALS involves many signs of a disruption in copper homeostasis, with both excess free levels and functional deficiency likely occurring simultaneously. This is crucial, as many important physiological functions are performed by cuproenzymes. While it is unsurprising that many ALS symptoms are related to signs of copper deficiency, resulting in vascular, antioxidant system and mitochondrial oxidative respiration deficiencies, there are also signs of copper toxicity such as ROS generation and enhanced protein aggregation. We discuss how copper also plays a key role in proteostasis and interacts either directly or indirectly with many of the key aggregate-prone proteins implicated in ALS, such as TDP-43, C9ORF72, SOD1 and FUS as well as the effect of their aggregation on copper homeostasis. We suggest that loss of cuproprotein function is at the core of ALS pathology, a condition that is driven by a combination of unbound copper and ROS that can either initiate and/or accelerate protein aggregation. This could trigger a positive feedback cycle whereby protein aggregates trigger the aggregation of other proteins in a chain reaction that eventually captures elements of the proteostatic mechanisms in place to counteract them. The end result is an abundance of aggregated non-functional cuproproteins and chaperones alongside depleted intracellular copper stores, resulting in a general lack of cuproenzyme function. We then discuss the possible aetiology of ALS and illustrate how strong risk factors including environmental toxins such as BMAA and heavy metals can functionally behave to promote protein aggregation and disturb copper metabolism that likely drives this vicious cycle in sporadic ALS. From this synthesis, we propose restoration of copper balance using copper delivery agents in combination with chaperones/chaperone mimetics, perhaps in conjunction with the neuroprotective amino acid serine, as a promising strategy in the treatment of this incurable disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hong Min
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Haddad MR, Patel KD, Sullivan PH, Goldstein DS, Murphy KM, Centeno JA, Kaler SG. Molecular and biochemical characterization of Mottled-dappled, an embryonic lethal Menkes disease mouse model. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:294-300. [PMID: 25456742 PMCID: PMC4259894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mottled-dappled (Mo-dp) is a mouse model of Menkes disease caused by a large, previously uncharacterized deletion in the 5' region of Atp7a, the mouse ortholog of ATP7A. Affected mutants die in utero at embryonic day 17, and show bending and thickening of the ribs and distortion of the pectoral and pelvic girdles and limbs. To characterize this allele, we designed a custom 4x180K microarray on the mouse X chromosome and performed comparative genomic hybridization using extracted DNA from normal and carrier Mo-dp females, and identified an approximately 9 kb deletion. We used PCR to fine-map the breakpoints and amplify a junction fragment of 630 bp. Sequencing of the junction fragment disclosed the exact breakpoint locations and that the Mo-dp deletion is precisely 8990 bp, including approximately 2 kb in the promoter region of Atp7a. Western blot analysis of Mo-dp heterozygous brains showed diminished amounts of Atp7a protein, consistent with reduced expression due to the promoter region deletion on one allele. In heterozygous females, brain copper levels tended to be lower compared to wild type whereas neurochemical analyses revealed higher dihydroxyphenylacetic acid:dihydroxyphenylglycol (DOPAC:DHPG) and dopamine:norepinephrine (DA:NE) ratios compared to normal (P=0.002 and 0.029, respectively), consistent with partial deficiency of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, a copper-dependent enzyme. Heterozygous females showed no significant differences in body weight compared to wild type females. Our results delineate the molecular details of the Mo-dp mutation for the first time and define novel biochemical findings in heterozygous female carriers of this allele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Reine Haddad
- Section on Translational Neuroscience, Molecular Medicine Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Keyur D Patel
- Section on Translational Neuroscience, Molecular Medicine Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Patricia H Sullivan
- Clinical Neurocardiology Section, Clinical Neuroscience Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - David S Goldstein
- Clinical Neurocardiology Section, Clinical Neuroscience Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Kevin M Murphy
- Division of Biophysical Toxicology, Joint Pathology Center, Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic, Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs, MD 20762, USA.
| | - Jose A Centeno
- Division of Biophysical Toxicology, Joint Pathology Center, Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic, Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs, MD 20762, USA.
| | - Stephen G Kaler
- Section on Translational Neuroscience, Molecular Medicine Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koeppen AH, Ramirez RL, Yu D, Collins SE, Qian J, Parsons PJ, Yang KX, Chen Z, Mazurkiewicz JE, Feustel PJ. Friedreich's ataxia causes redistribution of iron, copper, and zinc in the dentate nucleus. THE CEREBELLUM 2013; 11:845-60. [PMID: 22562713 PMCID: PMC3497958 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-012-0383-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) causes selective atrophy of the large neurons of the dentate nucleus (DN). High iron (Fe) concentration and failure to clear the metal from the affected brain tissue are potential risk factors in the progression of the lesion. The DN also contains relatively high amounts of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), but the importance of these metals in FRDA has not been established. This report describes nondestructive quantitative X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and "mapping" of Fe, Cu, and Zn in polyethylene glycol–dimethylsulfoxide (PEG/DMSO)-embedded DN of 10 FRDA patients and 13 controls. Fe fluorescence arose predominantly from the hilar white matter, whereas Cu and Zn were present at peak levels in DN gray matter. Despite collapse of the DN in FRDA, the location of the peak Fe signal did not change. In contrast, the Cu and Zn regions broadened and overlapped extensively with the Fe-rich region. Maximal metal concentrations did not differ from normal (in micrograms per milliliter of solid PEG/DMSO as means ± S.D.): Fe normal, 364 ± 117, FRDA, 344 ± 159; Cu normal, 33 ± 13, FRDA, 33 ± 18; and Zn normal, 32 ± 16, FRDA, 33 ± 19. Tissues were recovered from PEG/DMSO and transferred into paraffin for matching with immunohistochemistry of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and ferritin. NSE and GAD reaction products confirmed neuronal atrophy and grumose degeneration that coincided with abnormally diffuse Cu and Zn zones. Ferritin immunohistochemistry matched Fe XRF maps, revealing the most abundant reaction product in oligodendroglia of the DN hilus. In FRDA, these cells were smaller and more numerous than normal. In the atrophic DN gray matter of FRDA, anti-ferritin labeled mostly hypertrophic microglia. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of the Cu-responsive proteins Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase and Cu++-transporting ATPase α-peptide did not detect specific responses to Cu redistribution in FRDA. In contrast, metallothionein (MT)-positive processes were more abundant than normal and contributed to the gliosis of the DN. The isoforms of MT, MT-1/2, and brain-specific MT-3 displayed only limited co-localization with glial fibrillary acidic protein. The results suggest that MT can provide effective protection against endogenous Cu and Zn toxicity in FRDA, similar to the neuroprotective sequestration of Fe in holoferritin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnulf H Koeppen
- Research Service (151), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
ATP7A gene addition to the choroid plexus results in long-term rescue of the lethal copper transport defect in a Menkes disease mouse model. Mol Ther 2011; 19:2114-23. [PMID: 21878905 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Menkes disease is a lethal infantile neurodegenerative disorder of copper metabolism caused by mutations in a P-type ATPase, ATP7A. Currently available treatment (daily subcutaneous copper injections) is not entirely effective in the majority of affected individuals. The mottled-brindled (mo-br) mouse recapitulates the Menkes phenotype, including abnormal copper transport to the brain owing to mutation in the murine homolog, Atp7a, and dies by 14 days of age. We documented that mo-br mice on C57BL/6 background were not rescued by peripheral copper administration, and used this model to evaluate brain-directed therapies. Neonatal mo-br mice received lateral ventricle injections of either adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) harboring a reduced-size human ATP7A (rsATP7A) complementary DNA (cDNA), copper chloride, or both. AAV5-rsATP7A showed selective transduction of choroid plexus epithelia and AAV5-rsATP7A plus copper combination treatment rescued mo-br mice; 86% survived to weaning (21 days), median survival increased to 43 days, 37% lived beyond 100 days, and 22% survived to the study end point (300 days). This synergistic treatment effect correlated with increased brain copper levels, enhanced activity of dopamine-β-hydroxylase, a copper-dependent enzyme, and correction of brain pathology. Our findings provide the first definitive evidence that gene therapy may have clinical utility in the treatment of Menkes disease.
Collapse
|
5
|
Dickson P, Pariser A, Groft SC, Ishihara R, McNeil D, Tagle D, Griebel D, Kaler S, Mink J, Shapiro E, Bjoraker K, Krivitzky L, Provenzale J, Gropman A, Orchard P, Raymond G, Cohen B, Steiner R, Goldkind SF, Nelson RM, Kakkis E, Patterson M. Research challenges in central nervous system manifestations of inborn errors of metabolism. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 102:326-38. [PMID: 21176882 PMCID: PMC3040279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.11.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Revised: 11/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Research Challenges in CNS Manifestations of Inborn Errors of Metabolism workshop was designed to address challenges in translating potential therapies for these rare disorders, and to highlight novel therapeutic strategies and innovative approaches to CNS delivery, assessment of effects and directions for the future in the treatment of these diseases. Therapies for the brain in inborn errors represent some of the greatest challenges to translational research due to the special properties of the brain, and of inborn errors themselves. This review covers the proceedings of this workshop as submitted by participants. Scientific, ethical and regulatory issues are discussed, along with ways to measure outcomes and the conduct of clinical trials. Participants included regulatory and funding agencies, clinicians, scientists, industry and advocacy groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P.I. Dickson
- Department of Pediatrics, LA Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, 1124 W. Carson St, HH1, Torrance, CA 90502
| | - A.R. Pariser
- Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, WO22-6474, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
| | - S. C. Groft
- Office of Rare Diseases Research, National Institutes of Health, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 3A-07, MSC-7518, Bethesda, MD 20892-7518
| | - R.W. Ishihara
- Division of Gastroenterology Products, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, WO22-, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
| | - D.E. McNeil
- Office of Orphan Product Development, Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, WO32-5118, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
| | - D. Tagle
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Neuroscience Center, Room 2114, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - D.J. Griebel
- Division of Gastroenterology Products, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, WO22-5112, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
| | - S.G. Kaler
- Unit on Human Copper Metabolism, Molecular Medicine Program, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 5-2571, MSC 1832, Bethesda, MD 20892-1832
| | - J.W. Mink
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 631, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - E.G. Shapiro
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - K.J. Bjoraker
- The Children’s Hospital-Denver, University of Colorado, 13123 East 16 Avenue, B-155, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - L. Krivitzky
- Children’s Research Institute, Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Medical Center, National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010
| | - J.M. Provenzale
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710, and Departments of Radiology, Oncology and Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - A. Gropman
- Neurogenetics Program, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010-2970
| | - P. Orchard
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Human Genetics, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - G. Raymond
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 707 North Broadway, Suite 500, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - B.H. Cohen
- Neurological Institute, Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Mail Code S-60, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - R.D. Steiner
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular and Medical Genetics, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, Mali Code:CDRC, 707 SW Gaines Road, Portland, OR 97239
| | - S. F. Goldkind
- Office of Good Clinical Practice, Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, WO32-5110, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
| | - R. M. Nelson
- Office of Pediatric Therapeutics, Office of the Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, WO32-5126, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
| | - E. Kakkis
- Kakkis EveryLife Foundation, 77 Digital Drive, Suite 210, Novato, CA 94949
| | - M.C. Patterson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kennerson ML, Nicholson GA, Kaler SG, Kowalski B, Mercer JF, Tang J, Llanos RM, Chu S, Takata RI, Speck-Martins CE, Baets J, Almeida-Souza L, Fischer D, Timmerman V, Taylor PE, Scherer SS, Ferguson TA, Bird TD, De Jonghe P, Feely SM, Shy ME, Garbern JY. Missense mutations in the copper transporter gene ATP7A cause X-linked distal hereditary motor neuropathy. Am J Hum Genet 2010; 86:343-52. [PMID: 20170900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2010.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 01/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Distal hereditary motor neuropathies comprise a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. We recently mapped an X-linked form of this condition to chromosome Xq13.1-q21 in two large unrelated families. The region of genetic linkage included ATP7A, which encodes a copper-transporting P-type ATPase mutated in patients with Menkes disease, a severe infantile-onset neurodegenerative condition. We identified two unique ATP7A missense mutations (p.P1386S and p.T994I) in males with distal motor neuropathy in two families. These molecular alterations impact highly conserved amino acids in the carboxyl half of ATP7A and do not directly involve the copper transporter's known critical functional domains. Studies of p.P1386S revealed normal ATP7A mRNA and protein levels, a defect in ATP7A trafficking, and partial rescue of a S. cerevisiae copper transport knockout. Although ATP7A mutations are typically associated with severe Menkes disease or its milder allelic variant, occipital horn syndrome, we demonstrate here that certain missense mutations at this locus can cause a syndrome restricted to progressive distal motor neuropathy without overt signs of systemic copper deficiency. This previously unrecognized genotype-phenotype correlation suggests an important role of the ATP7A copper transporter in motor-neuron maintenance and function.
Collapse
|