1
|
Sharma H, Koirala S, Chew YL, Konopka A. DNA Damage and Chromatin Rearrangement Work Together to Promote Neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04331-0. [PMID: 38977621 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04331-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases have a complex origin and are composed of genetic and environmental factors. Both DNA damage and chromatin rearrangement are important processes that occur under pathological conditions and in neurons functioning properly. While numerous studies have demonstrated the inseparable relationship between DNA damage and chromatin organization, understanding of this relationship, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, requires further study. Interestingly, recent studies revealed that known hallmark proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases function in both DNA damage and chromatin reorganization, and this review discusses the current knowledge of this relationship. This review focused on hallmark proteins involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as the microtubule-associated protein tau, TAR DNA/RNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), fused in sarcoma (FUS), huntingtin (HTT), α-synuclein, and β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). Hence, DNA damage and chromatin rearrangement are associated with disease mechanisms in distinct neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting common modulators of DNA repair and chromatin reorganization may lead to promising therapies for treating neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhole RP, Chikhale RV, Rathi KM. Current biomarkers and treatment strategies in Alzheimer disease: An overview and future perspectives. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:8-42. [PMID: 38169888 PMCID: PMC10758887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive degenerative disorder first identified by Alois Alzheimer in 1907, poses a significant public health challenge. Despite its prevalence and impact, there is currently no definitive ante mortem diagnosis for AD pathogenesis. By 2050, the United States may face a staggering 13.8 million AD patients. This review provides a concise summary of current AD biomarkers, available treatments, and potential future therapeutic approaches. The review begins by outlining existing drug targets and mechanisms in AD, along with a discussion of current treatment options. We explore various approaches targeting Amyloid β (Aβ), Tau Protein aggregation, Tau Kinases, Glycogen Synthase kinase-3β, CDK-5 inhibitors, Heat Shock Proteins (HSP), oxidative stress, inflammation, metals, Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) modulators, and Notch signaling. Additionally, we examine the historical use of Estradiol (E2) as an AD therapy, as well as the outcomes of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that evaluated antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as alternative treatment options. Notably, positive effects of docosahexaenoic acid nutriment in older adults with cognitive impairment or AD are highlighted. Furthermore, this review offers insights into ongoing clinical trials and potential therapies, shedding light on the dynamic research landscape in AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh P. Bhole
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Pimpri, Pune, India
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, India
| | | | - Karishma M. Rathi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Dr. D. Y. Patil institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Pimpri, Pune, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abasi LS, Elathram N, Movva M, Deep A, Corbett KD, Debelouchina GT. Phosphorylation regulates tau's phase separation behavior and interactions with chromatin. Commun Biol 2024; 7:251. [PMID: 38429335 PMCID: PMC10907630 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein often found in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Beyond this context, mounting evidence suggests that tau localizes into the nucleus, where it may play a role in DNA protection and heterochromatin regulation. The molecular mechanisms behind these observations are currently unclear. Using in vitro biophysical experiments, here we demonstrate that tau can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with DNA, mononucleosomes, and reconstituted nucleosome arrays under low salt conditions. Low concentrations of tau promote chromatin compaction and protect DNA from digestion. While the material state of samples at physiological salt is dominated by chromatin oligomerization, tau can still associate strongly and reversibly with nucleosome arrays. These properties are driven by tau's strong interactions with linker and nucleosomal DNA. In addition, tau co-localizes into droplets formed by nucleosome arrays and phosphorylated HP1α, a key heterochromatin constituent thought to function through an LLPS mechanism. Importantly, LLPS and chromatin interactions are disrupted by aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation. These biophysical properties suggest that tau may directly impact DNA and chromatin accessibility and that loss of these interactions could contribute to the aberrant nuclear effects seen in tau pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lannah S Abasi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nesreen Elathram
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Manasi Movva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Amar Deep
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Galia T Debelouchina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abasi LS, Elathram N, Movva M, Deep A, Corbett KD, Debelouchina GT. Phosphorylation regulates tau's phase separation behavior and interactions with chromatin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572911. [PMID: 38187700 PMCID: PMC10769318 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein often found in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Beyond this context, mounting evidence suggests that tau localizes into the nucleus, where it may play a role in DNA protection and heterochromatin regulation. Models of tau depletion or pathology show loss of genetically silent heterochromatin, aberrant expression of heterochromatic genes, and transposable element activation. The molecular mechanisms behind these observations are currently unclear. Using in vitro biophysical experiments, here we demonstrate that tau can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with DNA, mononucleosomes, and reconstituted nucleosome arrays under low salt conditions. Low concentrations of tau promote chromatin compaction and protect DNA from digestion. While the material state of samples at physiological salt is dominated by chromatin oligomerization, tau can still associate strongly and reversibly with nucleosome arrays. These properties are driven by tau's strong interactions with linker and nucleosomal DNA, while magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR experiments show that tau binding does not drastically alter nucleosome structure and dynamics. In addition, tau co-localizes into droplets formed by nucleosome arrays and phosphorylated HP1α, a key heterochromatin constituent thought to function through an LLPS mechanism. Importantly, LLPS and chromatin interactions are disrupted by aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation. These biophysical properties suggest that tau may directly impact DNA and chromatin accessibility and that loss of these interactions could contribute to the aberrant nuclear effects seen in tau pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lannah S. Abasi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nesreen Elathram
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manasi Movva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amar Deep
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kevin D. Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Galia T. Debelouchina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Passaro ML, Matarazzo F, Abbadessa G, Pezone A, Porcellini A, Tranfa F, Rinaldi M, Costagliola C. Glaucoma as a Tauopathy-Is It the Missing Piece in the Glaucoma Puzzle? J Clin Med 2023; 12:6900. [PMID: 37959365 PMCID: PMC10650423 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the visual system which can result in vision loss and blindness. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying glaucomatous optic neuropathy are ultimately enigmatic, prompting ongoing investigations into its potential shared pathogenesis with other neurodegenerative neurological disorders. Tauopathies represent a subclass of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the abnormal deposition of tau protein within the brain and consequent microtubule destabilization. The extended spectrum of tauopathies includes conditions such as frontotemporal dementias, progressive supranuclear palsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Notably, recent decades have witnessed emerging documentation of tau inclusion among glaucoma patients, providing substantiation that this ocular disease may similarly manifest features of tauopathies. These studies found that: (i) aggregated tau inclusions are present in the somatodendritic compartment of RGCs in glaucoma patients; (ii) the etiology of the disease may affect tau splicing, phosphorylation, oligomerization, and subcellular localization; and (iii) short interfering RNA against tau, administered intraocularly, significantly decreased retinal tau accumulation and enhanced RGC somas and axon survival, demonstrating a crucial role for tau modifications in ocular hypertension-induced neuronal injury. Here, we examine the most recent evidence surrounding the interplay between tau protein dysregulation and glaucomatous neurodegeneration. We explore the novel perspective of glaucoma as a tau-associated disorder and open avenues for cross-disciplinary collaboration and new treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Passaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Porcellini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Fausto Tranfa
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hedna R, Kovacic H, Pagano A, Peyrot V, Robin M, Devred F, Breuzard G. Tau Protein as Therapeutic Target for Cancer? Focus on Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5386. [PMID: 36358803 PMCID: PMC9653627 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being extensively studied for several decades, the microtubule-associated protein Tau has not finished revealing its secrets. For long, Tau has been known for its ability to promote microtubule assembly. A less known feature of Tau is its capability to bind to cancer-related protein kinases, suggesting a possible role of Tau in modulating microtubule-independent cellular pathways that are associated with oncogenesis. With the intention of finding new therapeutic targets for cancer, it appears essential to examine the interaction of Tau with these kinases and their consequences. This review aims at collecting the literature data supporting the relationship between Tau and cancer with a particular focus on glioblastoma tumors in which the pathological significance of Tau remains largely unexplored. We will first treat this subject from a mechanistic point of view showing the pivotal role of Tau in oncogenic processes. Then, we will discuss the involvement of Tau in dysregulating critical pathways in glioblastoma. Finally, we will outline promising strategies to target Tau protein for the therapy of glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rayane Hedna
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Kovacic
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Alessandra Pagano
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Peyrot
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Robin
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), UMR 7263, CNRS, IRD 237, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - François Devred
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Breuzard
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Regulating Phase Transition in Neurodegenerative Diseases by Nuclear Import Receptors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071009. [PMID: 36101390 PMCID: PMC9311884 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with a low-complexity prion-like domain (PLD) can undergo aberrant phase transitions and have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and FTD. Several nuclear RBPs mislocalize to cytoplasmic inclusions in disease conditions. Impairment in nucleocytoplasmic transport is another major event observed in ageing and in neurodegenerative disorders. Nuclear import receptors (NIRs) regulate the nucleocytoplasmic transport of different RBPs bearing a nuclear localization signal by restoring their nuclear localization. NIRs can also specifically dissolve or prevent the aggregation and liquid–liquid phase separation of wild-type or disease-linked mutant RBPs, due to their chaperoning activity. This review focuses on the LLPS of intrinsically disordered proteins and the role of NIRs in regulating LLPS in neurodegeneration. This review also discusses the implication of NIRs as therapeutic agents in neurogenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Macromolecular structures and proteins interacting with the microtubule associated tau protein. Neuroscience 2022; 518:70-82. [PMID: 35609757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies are characterized by the presence of filamentous forms of phosphorylated tau protein inside neurons. However, the causal relationship between the initial symptoms of a particular disease and the molecular events affecting tau and leading to the appearance of tangles of filamentous forms of this protein remains unknown. Even the main function (or functions) of tau inside neurons is debatable and controversial. Tau seems to be a multifunctional protein. I review here some of the most studied interactions of tau with different macromolecules and proteins, which can be classified according to the structural o functional unit within which the interaction works: Microtubule, Nuclear localization and DNA, Synaptic activity, RNA metabolism, Fats transport, Proteostasis, Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis, Mitochondria and Phosphorylation. Although this seems to be a broad spectrum of tau functions, interactome studies of tau reveal hundreds of plausible partners of tau, suggesting that it engages in an extensive network of interconnected regulatory interactions by means of its high capability to interact with all kinds of proteins and complex structures, combined with its vast number of post-translational modifications. I include also some thermodynamic data concerning the interaction of tau with some partners.
Collapse
|
9
|
Cimini S, Giaccone G, Tagliavini F, Costantino M, Perego P, Rossi G. P301L tau mutation leads to alterations of cell cycle, DNA damage response and apoptosis: evidence for a role of tau in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 200:115043. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
10
|
Montalbano M, Jaworski E, Garcia S, Ellsworth A, McAllen S, Routh A, Kayed R. Tau Modulates mRNA Transcription, Alternative Polyadenylation Profiles of hnRNPs, Chromatin Remodeling and Spliceosome Complexes. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:742790. [PMID: 34924950 PMCID: PMC8678415 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.742790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau protein is a known contributor in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It is well-established that tau forms pathological aggregates and fibrils in these diseases. Tau has been observed within the nuclei of neurons, but there is a gap in understanding regarding the mechanism by which tau modulates transcription. We are interested in the P301L mutation of tau, which has been associated with FTD and increased tau aggregation. Our study utilized tau-inducible HEK (iHEK) cells to reveal that WT and P301L tau distinctively alter the transcription and alternative polyadenylation (APA) profiles of numerous nuclear precursors mRNAs, which then translate to form proteins involved in chromatin remodeling and splicing. We isolated total mRNA before and after over-expressing tau and then performed Poly(A)-ClickSeq (PAC-Seq) to characterize mRNA expression and APA profiles. We characterized changes in Gene Ontology (GO) pathways using EnrichR and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). We observed that P301L tau up-regulates genes associated with reactive oxygen species responsiveness as well as genes involved in dendrite, microtubule, and nuclear body/speckle formation. The number of genes regulated by WT tau is greater than the mutant form, which indicates that the P301L mutation causes loss-of-function at the transcriptional level. WT tau up-regulates genes contributing to cytoskeleton-dependent intracellular transport, microglial activation, microtubule and nuclear chromatin organization, formation of nuclear bodies and speckles. Interestingly, both WT and P301L tau commonly down-regulate genes responsible for ubiquitin-proteosome system. In addition, WT tau significantly down-regulates several genes implicated in chromatin remodeling and nucleosome organization. Although there are limitations inherent to the model systems used, this study will improve understanding regarding the nuclear impact of tau at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. This study also illustrates the potential impact of P301L tau on the human brain genome during early phases of pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth Jaworski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Stephanie Garcia
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Anna Ellsworth
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Salome McAllen
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Andrew Routh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Siano G, Falcicchia C, Origlia N, Cattaneo A, Di Primio C. Non-Canonical Roles of Tau and Their Contribution to Synaptic Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810145. [PMID: 34576308 PMCID: PMC8466023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau plays a central role in a group of neurodegenerative disorders collectively named tauopathies. Despite the wide range of diverse symptoms at the onset and during the progression of the pathology, all tauopathies share two common hallmarks, namely the misfolding and aggregation of Tau protein and progressive synaptic dysfunctions. Tau aggregation correlates with cognitive decline and behavioural impairment. The mechanistic link between Tau misfolding and the synaptic dysfunction is still unknown, but this correlation is well established in the human brain and also in tauopathy mouse models. At the onset of the pathology, Tau undergoes post-translational modifications (PTMs) inducing the detachment from the cytoskeleton and its release in the cytoplasm as a soluble monomer. In this condition, the physiological enrichment in the axon is definitely disrupted, resulting in Tau relocalization in the cell soma and in dendrites. Subsequently, Tau aggregates into toxic oligomers and amyloidogenic forms that disrupt synaptic homeostasis and function, resulting in neuronal degeneration. The involvement of Tau in synaptic transmission alteration in tauopathies has been extensively reviewed. Here, we will focus on non-canonical Tau functions mediating synapse dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Siano
- Laboratory of Biology, BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Chiara Falcicchia
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.F.); (N.O.)
| | - Nicola Origlia
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.F.); (N.O.)
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Biology, BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.D.P.)
| | - Cristina Di Primio
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.F.); (N.O.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.D.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Biomolecular Condensates in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1483. [PMID: 34573116 PMCID: PMC8465482 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are membraneless organelles (MLOs) that form dynamic, chemically distinct subcellular compartments organizing macromolecules such as proteins, RNA, and DNA in unicellular prokaryotic bacteria and complex eukaryotic cells. Separated from surrounding environments, MLOs in the nucleoplasm, cytoplasm, and mitochondria assemble by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) into transient, non-static, liquid-like droplets that regulate essential molecular functions. LLPS is primarily controlled by post-translational modifications (PTMs) that fine-tune the balance between attractive and repulsive charge states and/or binding motifs of proteins. Aberrant phase separation due to dysregulated membrane lipid rafts and/or PTMs, as well as the absence of adequate hydrotropic small molecules such as ATP, or the presence of specific RNA proteins can cause pathological protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. Melatonin may exert a dominant influence over phase separation in biomolecular condensates by optimizing membrane and MLO interdependent reactions through stabilizing lipid raft domains, reducing line tension, and maintaining negative membrane curvature and fluidity. As a potent antioxidant, melatonin protects cardiolipin and other membrane lipids from peroxidation cascades, supporting protein trafficking, signaling, ion channel activities, and ATPase functionality during condensate coacervation or dissolution. Melatonin may even control condensate LLPS through PTM and balance mRNA- and RNA-binding protein composition by regulating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. There is currently a lack of pharmaceuticals targeting neurodegenerative disorders via the regulation of phase separation. The potential of melatonin in the modulation of biomolecular condensate in the attenuation of aberrant condensate aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders is discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tau oligomers accumulation sensitizes prostate cancer cells to docetaxel treatment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:1957-1971. [PMID: 33811272 PMCID: PMC8164592 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03598-3] [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: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human tau is a highly dynamic, multifunctional protein expressed in different isoforms and conformers, known to modulate microtubule turnover. Tau oligomers are considered pathologic forms of the protein able to initiate specific protein accumulation diseases, called tauopathies. In our study, we investigated the potential association between autophagy and tau oligomers accumulation and its role in the response of prostate cancer cells to docetaxel. METHODS We evaluated in vitro the expression of tau oligomers in prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 and DU145, in presence of autophagy inhibitors and investigated the role of tau oligomers accumulation in resistance to docetaxel treatment. RESULTS Tau protein was basally expressed in prostate cancer lines as several monomeric and oligomeric forms. The pharmacologic inhibition of autophagy induced in cancer cells the accumulation of tau protein, with a prevalent expression of oligomeric forms. Immunofluorescence analysis of untreated cells revealed that tau was visible mainly in dividing cells where it was localized on the mitotic spindle. Inhibition of autophagy determined an evident upregulation of tau signal in dividing cells and the presence of aberrant monoastral mitotic spindles. The accumulation of tau oligomers was associated with DNA DSB and increased cytotoxic effect by docetaxel. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that autophagy could exert a promoting role in cancer growth and during chemotherapy facilitating degradation of tau protein and thus blocking the antimitotic effect of accumulated tau oligomers. Thus, therapeutic strategies aimed at stimulating tau oligomers formation, such as autophagy inhibition, could be an effective adjuvant in cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Colnaghi L, Rondelli D, Muzi-Falconi M, Sertic S. Tau and DNA Damage in Neurodegeneration. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E946. [PMID: 33297375 PMCID: PMC7762255 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are a family of incurable conditions. Among them, Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies are the most common. Pathological features of these two disorders are synaptic loss, neuronal cell death and increased DNA damage. A key pathological protein for the onset and progression of the conditions is the protein tau, a microtubule-binding protein highly expressed in neurons and encoded by the MAPT (microtubule-associated protein tau) gene. Tau is predominantly a cytosolic protein that interacts with numerous other proteins and molecules. Recent findings, however, have highlighted new and unexpected roles for tau in the nucleus of neuronal cells. This review summarizes the functions of tau in the metabolism of DNA, describing them in the context of the disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Colnaghi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rondelli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.R.); (M.M.-F.)
| | - Marco Muzi-Falconi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.R.); (M.M.-F.)
| | - Sarah Sertic
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.R.); (M.M.-F.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gil L, Niño SA, Chi-Ahumada E, Rodríguez-Leyva I, Guerrero C, Rebolledo AB, Arias JA, Jiménez-Capdeville ME. Perinuclear Lamin A and Nucleoplasmic Lamin B2 Characterize Two Types of Hippocampal Neurons through Alzheimer's Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1841. [PMID: 32155994 PMCID: PMC7084765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports point to a nuclear origin of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aged postmitotic neurons try to repair their damaged DNA by entering the cell cycle. This aberrant cell cycle re-entry involves chromatin modifications where nuclear Tau and the nuclear lamin are involved. The purpose of this work was to elucidate their participation in the nuclear pathological transformation of neurons at early AD. METHODOLOGY The study was performed in hippocampal paraffin embedded sections of adult, senile, and AD brains at I-VI Braak stages. We analyzed phospho-Tau, lamins A, B1, B2, and C, nucleophosmin (B23) and the epigenetic marker H4K20me3 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Two neuronal populations were found across AD stages, one is characterized by a significant increase of Lamin A expression, reinforced perinuclear Lamin B2, elevated expression of H4K20me3 and nuclear Tau loss, while neurons with nucleoplasmic Lamin B2 constitute a second population. CONCLUSIONS The abnormal cell cycle reentry in early AD implies a fundamental neuronal transformation. This implies the reorganization of the nucleo-cytoskeleton through the expression of the highly regulated Lamin A, heterochromatin repression and building of toxic neuronal tangles. This work demonstrates that nuclear Tau and lamin modifications in hippocampal neurons are crucial events in age-related neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gil
- Departamento de Genética, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad “Alfonso X el Sabio”, 28691 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.)
| | - Sandra A. Niño
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Erika Chi-Ahumada
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | | | - Carmen Guerrero
- Banco de cerebros (Biobanco), Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Rebolledo
- Banco de cerebros (Biobanco), Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Arias
- Departamento de Genética, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad “Alfonso X el Sabio”, 28691 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.)
| | - María E. Jiménez-Capdeville
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rane JS, Kumari A, Panda D. The Acetyl Mimicking Mutation, K274Q in Tau, Enhances the Metal Binding Affinity of Tau and Reduces the Ability of Tau to Protect DNA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:291-303. [PMID: 31886644 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of tau, a microtubule-associated protein, is known to play an important role in several neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is considered to be associated with the dyshomeostasis of metal ions such as aluminum, zinc, copper, and ferric ions. Tau is predominately acetylated at the K274 residue in Alzheimer's disease, and the acetylation of the K274 residue is thought to be linked with dementia. Using acetyl mimicking K274Q mutation in tau, we have examined the effects of the acetylation at K274 residue of tau on the interactions of tau with metal ions and also on the ability of tau to protect DNA from the heat and other stressors. We found that Zn2+ and Al3+ increased the liquid-liquid phase separation of tau, an initial stage of tau aggregation. Further, Zn2+ and Al3+ considerably reduced the critical concentration for the phase separation of K274Q tau. Using far-UV circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, we provide evidence suggesting that the binding of Zn2+ and Al3+ induces conformational changes in tau. The K274Q mutation enhanced the binding affinity of tau for Zn2+, Al3+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ ions. In addition, Zn2+, Al3+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ significantly enhanced the aggregation propensity of K274Q tau in comparison to tau. Interestingly, tau binds to DNA with a higher affinity than K274Q tau. Tau protects DNA from the DNase treatment in vitro as well as from the heat stress in neuroblastoma cells more efficiently than K274Q tau. The results indicated that the acetylation of K274 residue of tau may increase metal ion-induced toxicity and diminish the ability of tau to protect DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra Subhash Rane
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Anuradha Kumari
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Dulal Panda
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Díaz-Martín RD, Ambrosio JR, Flores RM, Gonzáles-Pozos S, Valencia-Caballero L. Cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix proteins resist the burning of bones. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 305:110027. [PMID: 31704515 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Due the proteins from bone remains are highly resistant to pass of time and environmental conditions, they could tell us about the events that probably happened in the past. In the forensic and physical anthropology context, burnt bone remains are one of the most common pieces of recovered evidence and, generally, they are associated with funerary practices, criminal scenes or massive catastrophic events. In the present study, bone pieces of pigs were calcined at different calcination temperatures, and proteins were searched using biochemical, immunochemical and ultrastructure visualization under these experimentally conditions. For this purpose, it was successfully developed a non-demineralizing protein extraction method from burnt bone remains and the use of specific antibodies permitted the identification of different extracellular matrix and intracellular proteins. While collagen proteins type I and IV were identified and detected under middle and high calcination temperatures (300°C and 600°C); cytoskeletal proteins as actin, tubulin and, the microtubule associated protein Tau, were found under calcination process, even up high calcination temperatures. Under ultrastructural analysis, fibrous materials with a classical disposition of collagens were observed even at high calcination temperatures of the burnt bone remains. The protein identification and characterization in burnt bones as performed in present studies, is clearly demonstrating that using specific strategies for protein characterizations it is possible to found protein biomarkers in burnt bone remains and this strategy could be useful for forensic and anthropological purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Darío Díaz-Martín
- Departamento de Innovación en Material Biológico Humano (DIMBIH), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, México; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Javier R Ambrosio
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ricardo Mondragón Flores
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), México
| | | | - Lorena Valencia-Caballero
- Departamento de Innovación en Material Biológico Humano (DIMBIH), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jadhav S, Avila J, Schöll M, Kovacs GG, Kövari E, Skrabana R, Evans LD, Kontsekova E, Malawska B, de Silva R, Buee L, Zilka N. A walk through tau therapeutic strategies. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:22. [PMID: 30767766 PMCID: PMC6376692 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau neuronal and glial pathologies drive the clinical presentation of Alzheimer's disease and related human tauopathies. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that pathological tau species can travel from cell to cell and spread the pathology through the brain. Throughout the last decade, physiological and pathological tau have become attractive targets for AD therapies. Several therapeutic approaches have been proposed, including the inhibition of protein kinases or protein-3-O-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)-L-serine/threonine Nacetylglucosaminyl hydrolase, the inhibition of tau aggregation, active and passive immunotherapies, and tau silencing by antisense oligonucleotides. New tau therapeutics, across the board, have demonstrated the ability to prevent or reduce tau lesions and improve either cognitive or motor impairment in a variety of animal models developing neurofibrillary pathology. The most advanced strategy for the treatment of human tauopathies remains immunotherapy, which has already reached the clinical stage of drug development. Tau vaccines or humanised antibodies target a variety of tau species either in the intracellular or extracellular spaces. Some of them recognise the amino-terminus or carboxy-terminus, while others display binding abilities to the proline-rich area or microtubule binding domains. The main therapeutic foci in existing clinical trials are on Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and non-fluent primary progressive aphasia. Tau therapy offers a new hope for the treatment of many fatal brain disorders. First efficacy data from clinical trials will be available by the end of this decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Jadhav
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska 9, 845 10, Bratislava, Slovakia
- AXON Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Dvorakovo nabrezie 10, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jesus Avila
- Centro de Biologia Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones, Cientificas, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, C/ Nicolas Cabrera, 1. Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative, Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Schöll
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of, Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Dementia Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, AKH 4J, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1097, Vienna, Austria
| | - Enikö Kövari
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- AXON Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Dvorakovo nabrezie 10, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lewis D Evans
- Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Eva Kontsekova
- AXON Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Dvorakovo nabrezie 10, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbara Malawska
- Department of Physicochemical Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Rohan de Silva
- Reta Lila Weston Institute and Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, 1 Wakefield Street, London, WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | - Luc Buee
- Universite of Lille, Inserm, CHU-Lille, UMRS1172, Alzheimer & Tauopathies, Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille cedex, France.
| | - Norbert Zilka
- AXON Neuroscience R&D Services SE, Dvorakovo nabrezie 10, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Siano G, Varisco M, Caiazza MC, Quercioli V, Mainardi M, Ippolito C, Cattaneo A, Di Primio C. Tau Modulates VGluT1 Expression. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:873-884. [PMID: 30664870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tau displacement from microtubules is the first step in the onset of tauopathies and is followed by toxic protein aggregation. However, other non-canonical functions of Tau might have a role in these pathologies. Here, we demonstrate that a small amount of Tau localizes in the nuclear compartment and accumulates in both the soluble and chromatin-bound fractions. We show that favoring Tau nuclear translocation and accumulation, by Tau overexpression or detachment from MTs, increases the expression of VGluT1, a disease-relevant gene directly involved in glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Remarkably, the P301L mutation, related to frontotemporal dementia FTDP-17, impairs this mechanism leading to a loss of function. Altogether, our results provide the demonstration of a direct physiological role of Tau on gene expression. Alterations of this mechanism may be at the basis of the onset of neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Siano
- Laboratory of Biology, BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Varisco
- Laboratory of Biology, BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Mainardi
- Laboratory of Biology, BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Biology, BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Alonso AD, Cohen LS, Corbo C, Morozova V, ElIdrissi A, Phillips G, Kleiman FE. Hyperphosphorylation of Tau Associates With Changes in Its Function Beyond Microtubule Stability. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:338. [PMID: 30356756 PMCID: PMC6189415 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau is a neuronal microtubule associated protein whose main biological functions are to promote microtubule self-assembly by tubulin and to stabilize those already formed. Tau also plays an important role as an axonal microtubule protein. Tau is an amazing protein that plays a key role in cognitive processes, however, deposits of abnormal forms of tau are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD), the most prevalent, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the most recently associated to abnormal tau. Tau post-translational modifications (PTMs) are responsible for its gain of toxic function. Alonso et al. (1996) were the first to show that the pathological tau isolated from AD brains has prion-like properties and can transfer its toxic function to the normal molecule. Furthermore, we reported that the pathological changes are associated with tau phosphorylation at Ser199 and 262 and Thr212 and 231. This pathological version of tau induces subcellular mislocalization in cultured cells and neurons, and translocates into the nucleus or accumulated in the perinuclear region of cells. We have generated a transgenic mouse model that expresses pathological human tau (PH-Tau) in neurons at two different concentrations (4% and 14% of the total endogenous tau). In this model, PH-Tau causes cognitive decline by at least two different mechanisms: one that involves the cytoskeleton with axonal disruption (at high concentration), and another in which the apparent neuronal morphology is not grossly affected, but the synaptic terminals are altered (at lower concentration). We will discuss the putative involvement of tau in proteostasis under these conditions. Understanding tau’s biological activity on and off the microtubules will help shed light to the mechanism of neurodegeneration and of normal neuronal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra D Alonso
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.,Biochemistry Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leah S Cohen
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Christopher Corbo
- Department of Biology, Wagner College, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Viktoriya Morozova
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Abdeslem ElIdrissi
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Greg Phillips
- Department of Biology and Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Frida E Kleiman
- Biochemistry Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rossi G, Redaelli V, Contiero P, Fabiano S, Tagliabue G, Perego P, Benussi L, Bruni AC, Filippini G, Farinotti M, Giaccone G, Buiatiotis S, Manzoni C, Ferrari R, Tagliavini F. Tau Mutations Serve as a Novel Risk Factor for Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3731-3739. [PMID: 29794074 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its well-recognized role in neurodegeneration, tau participates in maintenance of genome stability and chromosome integrity. In particular, peripheral cells from patients affected by frontotemporal lobar degeneration carrying a mutation in tau gene (genetic tauopathies), as well as cells from animal models, show chromosome numerical and structural aberrations, chromatin anomalies, and a propensity toward abnormal recombination. As genome instability is tightly linked to cancer development, we hypothesized that mutated tau may be a susceptibility factor for cancer. Here we conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing cancer incidence in families affected by genetic tauopathies to control families. In addition, we carried out a bioinformatics analysis to highlight pathways associated with the tau protein interactome. We report that the risk of developing cancer is significantly higher in families affected by genetic tauopathies, and a high proportion of tau protein interactors are involved in cellular processes particularly relevant to cancer. These findings disclose a novel role of tau as a risk factor for cancer, providing new insights in the various pathologic roles of mutated tau.Significance: This study reveals a novel role for tau as a risk factor for cancer, providing new insights beyond its role in neurodegeneration. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3731-9. ©2018 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomina Rossi
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy.
| | - Veronica Redaelli
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Contiero
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Sabrina Fabiano
- Cancer Registry Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tagliabue
- Cancer Registry Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Benussi
- NeuroBioGen Lab-Memory Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Amalia C Bruni
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, ASPCZ, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Farinotti
- Neuroepidemiology - Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Manzoni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raffaele Ferrari
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Tagliavini
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Federico C, Gil L, Bruno F, D'Amico AG, D'Agata V, Saccone S. Phosphorylated nucleolar Tau protein is related to the neuronal in vitro differentiation. Gene 2018; 664:1-11. [PMID: 29684490 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Tau is a multifunctional protein, originally identified as a cytoplasmic protein associated with microtubules. It is codified by the MAPT gene, and the alternative splicing, in the neuronal cells, results in six different isoforms. Tau was subsequently observed in the cell nucleus, where its function is not yet clearly understood. Here, we studied the MAPT gene and the cellular localization of the AT8 and Tau-1 epitopes of Tau protein, in the SK-N-BE cell line, which differentiates in neuronal-like cells after retinoic acid treatment. These epitopes correspond to the phosphorylated Ser202/Thr205 and unphosphorylated Pro189/Gly207 amino acid residues, respectively, possibly involved in conformational changes of the protein. Our results demonstrated the presence of the smaller Tau isoform (352 amino acids), whose amount increases in differentiated SK-N-BE cells, with Tau-1/AT8 nuclear distribution related to the differentiation process. Tau-1 showed a spot-like nucleolar localization, in both replicative and differentiated cells, while AT8 was only detected in the differentiated cells, diffusely occupying the entire nucleolar region. Moreover, in the replicative cells exposed to actinomycin-D, AT8 and Tau-1 move to the nucleolar periphery and colocalize, in few spots, with the upstream binding transcription factor (UBTF). Our results, also obtained with lymphocytes exposed to the mitogenic compound phytohaemagglutinin, indicate the AT8 epitope of Tau as a marker of neuronal cell differentiation, whose presence in the nucleolus appears to be related to rDNA transcriptional inactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Gil
- Department of Genetics, Medical School, University "Alfonso X el Sabio", Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca Bruno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Taleski G, Sontag E. Protein phosphatase 2A and tau: an orchestrated 'Pas de Deux'. FEBS Lett 2017; 592:1079-1095. [PMID: 29121398 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal microtubule-associated protein tau serves a critical role in regulating axonal microtubule dynamics to support neuronal and synaptic functions. Furthermore, it contributes to glutamatergic regulation and synaptic plasticity. Emerging evidence also suggests that tau serves as a signaling scaffold. Tau function and subcellular localization are tightly regulated, in part, by the orchestrated interplay between phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events. Significantly, protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A), encompassing the regulatory PPP2R2A (or Bα) subunit, is a major brain heterotrimeric enzyme and the primary tau Ser/Thr phosphatase in vivo. Herein, we closely examine how the intimate and compartmentalized interactions between PP2A and tau regulate tau phosphorylation and function, and play an essential role in neuronal homeostasis. We also review evidence supporting a strong link between deregulation of tau-PP2A functional interactions and the molecular underpinnings of various neurodegenerative diseases collectively called tauopathies. Lastly, we discuss the opportunities and associated challenges in more specifically targeting PP2A-tau interactions for drug development for tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goce Taleski
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Estelle Sontag
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gil L, Federico C, Pinedo F, Bruno F, Rebolledo AB, Montoya JJ, Olazabal IM, Ferrer I, Saccone S. Aging dependent effect of nuclear tau. Brain Res 2017; 1677:129-137. [PMID: 28974363 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tau protein is characterized by a complex pattern of phosphorylation and is localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Human AT100 nuclear tau, endowed by phosphorylation in Thr212/Ser214, was recently shown to decline in cornus ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but a defined function for this nuclear tau remains unclear. Here we show that AT100 progressively increases in the nuclei of neuronal and non-neuronal cells during aging, and decreases in the more severe AD stages, as recently shown, and in cancer cells (colorectal adenocarcinoma and breast cancer). AT100, in addition to a co-localization with the DAPI-positive heterochromatin, was detected in the nucleolus of pyramidal cells from the CA1 region, shown to be at its highest level in the more senescent cells and in the first stage of AD (ADI), and disappearing in the more severe AD cases (ADIV). Taking into account the nuclear distribution of AT100 during cell aging and its relation to the chromatin changes observed in degenerated neurons, as well as in cancerous cells, which are both cellular pathologies associated with age, we can consider the Thr212/Ser214 phosphorylated nuclear tau as a molecular marker of cell aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gil
- Department of Genetics, Medical School, University "Alfonso X el Sabio", Madrid, Spain
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Fernando Pinedo
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Department of Pathology, Alcorcon, Spain
| | - Francesca Bruno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Ana B Rebolledo
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Department of Pathology, Alcorcon, Spain
| | - Juan J Montoya
- Department of Genetics, Medical School, University "Alfonso X el Sabio", Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel M Olazabal
- Department of Genetics, Medical School, University "Alfonso X el Sabio", Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Institut Neuropatologia - Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ibáñez-Salazar A, Bañuelos-Hernández B, Rodríguez-Leyva I, Chi-Ahumada E, Monreal-Escalante E, Jiménez-Capdeville ME, Rosales-Mendoza S. Oxidative Stress Modifies the Levels and Phosphorylation State of Tau Protein in Human Fibroblasts. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:495. [PMID: 28936161 PMCID: PMC5594088 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the tau protein is closely involved in the physiopathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), studying its behavior in cellular models might lead to new insights on understanding this devastating disease at molecular levels. In the present study, primary cultures of human fibroblasts were established and used to determine the expression and localization of the tau protein in distinct phosphorylation states in both untransfected and tau gene-transfected cells subjected to oxidative stress. Higher immunopositivity to phospho-tau was observed in cell nuclei in response to oxidative stress, while the levels of total tau in the cytosol remained unchanged. These findings were observed in both untransfected cells and those transfected with the tau gene. The present work represents a useful model for studying the physiopathology of AD at the cellular level in terms of tau protein implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ibáñez-Salazar
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Bernardo Bañuelos-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | | | - Erika Chi-Ahumada
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | | | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Asadollahi K, Riazi G, Rabbani Chadegani A, Rafiee S. DNA-binding mode transition of tau in the presence of Zinc ions. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2017. [PMID: 28636842 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2017.1343684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Asadollahi
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Riazi
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran , Tehran , Iran
| | | | - Saharnaz Rafiee
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran , Tehran , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hou Y, Song H, Croteau DL, Akbari M, Bohr VA. Genome instability in Alzheimer disease. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 161:83-94. [PMID: 27105872 PMCID: PMC5195918 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. Autosomal dominant, familial AD (fAD) is very rare and caused by mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PSEN-1), and presenilin-2 (PSEN-2) genes. The pathogenesis of sporadic AD (sAD) is more complex and variants of several genes are associated with an increased lifetime risk of AD. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA integrity is pivotal during neuronal development, maintenance and function. DNA damage and alterations in cellular DNA repair capacity have been implicated in the aging process and in age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. These findings are supported by research using animal models of AD and in DNA repair deficient animal models. In recent years, novel mechanisms linking DNA damage to neuronal dysfunction have been identified and have led to the development of noninvasive treatment strategies. Further investigations into the molecular mechanisms connecting DNA damage to AD pathology may help to develop novel treatment strategies for this debilitating disease. Here we provide an overview of the role of genome instability and DNA repair deficiency in AD pathology and discuss research strategies that include genome instability as a component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Hou
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Hyundong Song
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mansour Akbari
- Center for Healthy Aging, SUND, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Arendt T, Stieler JT, Holzer M. Tau and tauopathies. Brain Res Bull 2016; 126:238-292. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
29
|
Noel A, Barrier L, Ingrand S. The Tyr216 phosphorylated form of GSK3β contributes to tau phosphorylation at PHF-1 epitope in response to Aβ in the nucleus of SH-SY5Y cells. Life Sci 2016; 158:14-21. [PMID: 27343974 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS GSK3β activation in Aβ conditions leading to tau phosphorylation at pathological sites is a well-known phenomenon. However, the serine/tyrosine phosphorylation processes implied in Aβ-induced GSK3β activation and responsible for tau phosphorylation, especially at the GSK3β specific Ser396/Ser404 (PHF-1) site, are still debated. MAIN METHODS Experiments were performed on SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 20μM Aβ1-42 in a time ranging from 5min to 8h. The phophorylated forms (Ser9 and Tyr216) of GSK3β and pTau at PHF-1 epitope were measured by immunoblotting in nuclear extracts. KEY FINDINGS We showed a superimposable time-dependent increase of nuclear pGSK3βTyr216 and nuclear pTau at PHF-1 site, both reaching their maximal level after 8h of Aβ1-42 exposure. In addition, nuclear accumulation of pTau is accompanied by its cytoplasmic decrease suggesting that pTau is translocated in response to Aβ treatment. Besides, our experiments showed that specific pGSK3βTyr216 inhibition is required to drop nuclear pTau, ensuring the involvement of Tyr216 phosphorylation in Aβ-mediated tau phosphorylation at PHF-1 epitope. SIGNIFICANCE These data suggested that in response to Aβ exposure in SH-SY5Y cells, GSK3β activation is performed through Tyr216 phosphorylation and resulted in tau phosphorylation at PHF-1 epitope and in its translocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Noel
- Université de Poitiers, Groupe de Recherche sur le Vieillissement Cérébral, GRéViC, EA 3808, Poitiers, France
| | - Laurence Barrier
- Université de Poitiers, UFR Médecine&Pharmacie, Service de Biochimie et Toxicologie, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - Sabrina Ingrand
- Université de Poitiers, UFR Médecine&Pharmacie, Service de Biochimie et Toxicologie, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Silva JL, Cordeiro Y. The "Jekyll and Hyde" Actions of Nucleic Acids on the Prion-like Aggregation of Proteins. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:15482-90. [PMID: 27288413 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r116.733428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding results in devastating degenerative diseases and cancer. Among the culprits involved in these illnesses are prions and prion-like proteins, which can propagate by converting normal proteins to the wrong conformation. For spongiform encephalopathies, a real prion can be transmitted among individuals. In other disorders, the bona fide prion characteristics are still under investigation. Besides inducing misfolding of native proteins, prions bind nucleic acids and other polyanions. Here, we discuss how nucleic acid binding might influence protein misfolding for both disease-related and benign, functional prions and why the line between bad and good amyloids might be more subtle than previously thought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerson L Silva
- From the Programa de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear Jiri Jonas, and
| | - Yraima Cordeiro
- the Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Asadollahi K, Rafiee S, Riazi GH, Pooyan S, Afrasiabi A. Trichloroacetic acid treatment as a tricky way for rapid purification of 1N/4R tau protein. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 118:98-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
32
|
Maj M, Hoermann G, Rasul S, Base W, Wagner L, Attems J. The Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau and Its Relevance for Pancreatic Beta Cells. J Diabetes Res 2016; 2016:1964634. [PMID: 26824039 PMCID: PMC4707345 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1964634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural and biochemical alterations of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) are associated with degenerative disorders referred to as tauopathies. We have previously shown that MAPT is present in human islets of Langerhans, human insulinomas, and pancreatic beta-cell line models, with biophysical similarities to the pathological MAPT in the brain. Here, we further studied MAPT in pancreatic endocrine tissue to better understand the mechanisms that lead to functional dysregulation of pancreatic beta cells. We found upregulation of MAPT protein expression in human insulinomas when compared to human pancreatic islets of Langerhans and an imbalance between MAPT isoforms in insulinomas tissue. We cloned one 3-repeat domain MAPT and transduced this into a beta-cell derived rodent cell line Rin-5F. Proliferation experiments showed higher growth rates and metabolic activities of cells overexpressing MAPT protein. We observed that a MAPT overexpressing cell line demonstrates altered insulin transcription, translation, and insulin secretion rates. We found the relative insulin secretion rates were significantly decreased in a MAPT overexpressing cell line and these findings could be confirmed using partial MAPT knock-down cell lines. Our findings support that MAPT may play an important role in insulin granule trafficking and indicate the importance of balanced MAPT phosphorylation and dephosphorylation for adequate insulin release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Maj
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- *Magdalena Maj:
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sazan Rasul
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Base
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Wagner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Attems
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hernández-Ortega K, Garcia-Esparcia P, Gil L, Lucas JJ, Ferrer I. Altered Machinery of Protein Synthesis in Alzheimer's: From the Nucleolus to the Ribosome. Brain Pathol 2015; 26:593-605. [PMID: 26512942 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomes and protein synthesis have been reported to be altered in the cerebral cortex at advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Modifications in the hippocampus with disease progression have not been assessed. Sixty-seven cases including middle-aged (MA) and AD stages I-VI were analyzed. Nucleolar chaperones nucleolin, nucleophosmin and nucleoplasmin 3, and upstream binding transcription factor RNA polymerase I gene (UBTF) mRNAs are abnormally regulated and their protein levels reduced in AD. Histone modifications dimethylated histone H3K9 (H3K9me2) and acetylated histone H3K12 (H3K12ac) are decreased in CA1. Nuclear tau declines in CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG), and practically disappears in neurons with neurofibrillary tangles. Subunit 28 ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) expression is altered in CA1 and DG in AD. Several genes encoding ribosomal proteins are abnormally regulated and protein levels of translation initiation factors eIF2α, eIF3η and eIF5, and elongation factor eEF2, are altered in the CA1 region in AD. These findings show alterations in the protein synthesis machinery in AD involving the nucleolus, nucleus and ribosomes in the hippocampus in AD some of them starting at first stages (I-II) preceding neuron loss. These changes may lie behind reduced numbers of dendritic branches and reduced synapses of CA1 and DG neurons which cause hippocampal atrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Hernández-Ortega
- Institute of Neuropathology, Service of Pathologic Anatomy, IDIBELL-Bellvitge University Hospital, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Neuropathology, CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Garcia-Esparcia
- Institute of Neuropathology, Service of Pathologic Anatomy, IDIBELL-Bellvitge University Hospital, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Neuropathology, CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Gil
- Department of Genetics, Medical School, Alfonso X el Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada; Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB), CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - José J Lucas
- Neuropathology, CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) CSIC/UAM, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Service of Pathologic Anatomy, IDIBELL-Bellvitge University Hospital, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Neuropathology, CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Song YX, Miao JY, Qiang M, He RQ, Wang XM, Li WW. Icariin protects SH-SY5Y cells from formaldehyde-induced injury through suppression of Tau phosphorylation. Chin J Integr Med 2015; 22:430-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-015-2116-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
35
|
Rossi G, Tagliavini F. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration: old knowledge and new insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms of tau mutations. Front Aging Neurosci 2015; 7:192. [PMID: 26528178 PMCID: PMC4604311 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases which includes tauopathies. In the central nervous system (CNS) tau is the major microtubule-associated protein (MAP) of neurons, promoting assembly and stabilization of microtubules (MTs) required for morphogenesis and axonal transport. Primary tauopathies are characterized by deposition of abnormal fibrils of tau in neuronal and glial cells, leading to neuronal death, brain atrophy and eventually dementia. In genetic tauopathies mutations of tau gene impair the ability of tau to bind to MTs, alter the normal ratio among tau isoforms and favor fibril formation. Recently, additional functions have been ascribed to tau and different pathogenetic mechanisms are then emerging. In fact, a role of tau in DNA protection and genome stability has been reported and chromosome aberrations have been found associated with tau mutations. Furthermore, newly structurally and functionally characterized mutations have suggested novel pathological features, such as a tendency to form oligomeric rather than fibrillar aggregates. Tau mutations affecting axonal transport and plasma membrane interaction have also been described. In this article, we will review the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying tau mutations, focusing in particular on the less common aspects, so far poorly investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomina Rossi
- Division of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Tagliavini
- Division of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Multhaup G, Huber O, Buée L, Galas MC. Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Metabolites APP Intracellular Fragment (AICD), Aβ42, and Tau in Nuclear Roles. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:23515-22. [PMID: 26296890 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r115.677211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolites (amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides) and Tau are the main components of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the two histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease. Consequently, intense research has focused upon deciphering their physiological roles to understand their altered state in Alzheimer disease pathophysiology. Recently, the impact of APP metabolites (APP intracellular fragment (AICD) and Aβ) and Tau on the nucleus has emerged as an important, new topic. Here we discuss (i) how AICD, Aβ, and Tau reach the nucleus and how AICD and Aβ control protein expression at the transcriptional level, (ii) post-translational modifications of AICD, Aβ, and Tau, and (iii) what these three molecules have in common.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Multhaup
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada,
| | - Otmar Huber
- the Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, D-07743 Jena, Germany, and
| | - Luc Buée
- the Jean Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Alzheimer & Tauopathies, INSERM, CHU-Lille, UMR-S 1172, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marie-Christine Galas
- the Jean Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Alzheimer & Tauopathies, INSERM, CHU-Lille, UMR-S 1172, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Maizels Y, Gerlitz G. Shaping of interphase chromosomes by the microtubule network. FEBS J 2015; 282:3500-24. [PMID: 26040675 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that microtubule dynamics play a major role in chromosome condensation and localization during mitosis. During interphase, however, it is assumed that the metazoan nuclear envelope presents a physical barrier, which inhibits interaction between the microtubules located in the cytoplasm and the chromatin fibers located in the nucleus. In recent years, it has become apparent that microtubule dynamics alter chromatin structure and function during interphase as well. Microtubule motor proteins transport several transcription factors and exogenous DNA (such as plasmid DNA) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Various soluble microtubule components are able to translocate into the nucleus, where they bind various chromatin elements leading to transcriptional alterations. In addition, microtubules may apply force on the nuclear envelope, which is transmitted into the nucleus, leading to changes in chromatin structure. Thus, microtubule dynamics during interphase may affect chromatin spatial organization, as well as transcription, replication and repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yael Maizels
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - Gabi Gerlitz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Qi H, Cantrelle FX, Benhelli-Mokrani H, Smet-Nocca C, Buée L, Lippens G, Bonnefoy E, Galas MC, Landrieu I. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy characterization of interaction of Tau with DNA and its regulation by phosphorylation. Biochemistry 2015; 54:1525-33. [PMID: 25623359 DOI: 10.1021/bi5014613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of endogenous Tau to bind DNA has been recently identified in neurons under physiological or oxidative stress conditions. Characterization of the protein domains involved in Tau-DNA complex formation is an essential first step in clarifying the contribution of Tau-DNA interactions to neurological biological processes. To identify the amino acid residues involved in the interaction of Tau with oligonucleotides, we have characterized a Tau-DNA complex using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Interaction of an AT-rich or GC-rich 22 bp oligonucleotide with Tau showed multiple points of anchoring along the intrinsically disordered Tau protein. The main sites of contact characterized here correspond to the second half of the proline-rich domain (PRD) of Tau and the R2 repeat in the microtubule binding domain. This latter interaction site includes the PHF6* sequence known to govern Tau aggregation. The characterization was pursued by studying the binding of phosphorylated forms of Tau, displaying multiple phosphorylation sites mainly in the PRD, to the same oligonucleotide. No interaction of phospho-Tau with the oligonucleotide was detected, suggesting that pathological Tau phosphorylation could affect the physiological function of Tau mediated by DNA binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoling Qi
- UMR8576 CNRS-Lille University , 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Camero S, Benítez MJ, Cuadros R, Hernández F, Ávila J, Jiménez JS. Thermodynamics of the interaction between Alzheimer's disease related tau protein and DNA. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104690. [PMID: 25126942 PMCID: PMC4134230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau hyperphosphorylation can be considered as one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and other tauophaties. Besides its well-known role as a microtubule associated protein, Tau displays a key function as a protector of genomic integrity in stress situations. Phosphorylation has been proven to regulate multiple processes including nuclear translocation of Tau. In this contribution, we are addressing the physicochemical nature of DNA-Tau interaction including the plausible influence of phosphorylation. By means of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) we measured the equilibrium constant and the free energy, enthalpy and entropy changes associated to the Tau-DNA complex formation. Our results show that unphosphorylated Tau binding to DNA is reversible. This fact is in agreement with the protective role attributed to nuclear Tau, which stops binding to DNA once the insult is over. According to our thermodynamic data, oscillations in the concentration of dephosphorylated Tau available to DNA must be the variable determining the extent of Tau binding and DNA protection. In addition, thermodynamics of the interaction suggest that hydrophobicity must represent an important contribution to the stability of the Tau-DNA complex. SPR results together with those from Tau expression in HEK cells show that phosphorylation induces changes in Tau protein which prevent it from binding to DNA. The phosphorylation-dependent regulation of DNA binding is analogous to the Tau-microtubules binding inhibition induced by phosphorylation. Our results suggest that hydrophobicity may control Tau location and DNA interaction and that impairment of this Tau-DNA interaction, due to Tau hyperphosphorylation, could contribute to Alzheimer's pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Camero
- Departamento de Química Física Aplicada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María J. Benítez
- Departamento de Química Física Aplicada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Cuadros
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan S. Jiménez
- Departamento de Química Física Aplicada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lu J, Li T, He R, Bartlett PF, Götz J. Visualizing the microtubule-associated protein tau in the nucleus. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2014; 57:422-31. [PMID: 24643416 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-014-4635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although tau is mainly known as an axonal microtubule-associated protein, many studies indicate that it is not restricted to this subcellular compartment. Assessing tau's subcellular distribution, however, is not trivial as is evident from transgenic mouse studies. When human tau is over-expressed, it can be immunohistochemically localized to axons and the somatodendritic domain, modeling what is found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Yet, in wild-type mice, despite its abundance, tau is difficult to visualize even in the axon. It is even more challenging to detect this protein in the nucleus, where tau has been proposed to protect DNA from damage. To establish a framework for future studies into tau's nuclear functions, we compared several methods to visualize endogenous nuclear tau in cell lines and mouse brain. While depending on the fixation and permeabilization protocol, we were able to detect nuclear tau in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, we failed to do so in N2a murine neuroblastoma cells. As a second method we used subcellular fractionation of mouse tissue and found that in the nucleus tau is mainly present in a hypophosphorylated form. When either full-length or truncated human tau was expressed, both accumulated in the cytoplasm, but were also found in the nuclear fraction. Because subcellular fractionation methods have their limitations, we finally isolated nuclei to probe for nuclear tau and found that the nuclei were free of cytoplasmic contamination. Together our analysis identifies several protocols for detecting tau in the nucleus where it is found in a less phosphorylated form.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pathological implications of nucleic acid interactions with proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Biophys Rev 2014; 6:97-110. [PMID: 28509960 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-013-0132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding disorders (PMDs) refer to a group of diseases related to the misfolding of particular proteins that aggregate and deposit in the cells and tissues of humans and other mammals. The mechanisms that trigger protein misfolding and aggregation are still not fully understood. Increasing experimental evidence indicates that abnormal interactions between PMD-related proteins and nucleic acids (NAs) can induce conformational changes. Here, we discuss these protein-NA interactions and address the role of deoxyribonucleic (DNA) and ribonucleic (RNA) acid molecules in the conformational conversion of different proteins that aggregate in PMDs, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prion diseases. Studies on the affinity, stability, and specificity of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases and NAs are specifically addressed. A landscape of reciprocal effects resulting from the binding of prion proteins, amyloid-β peptides, tau proteins, huntingtin, and α-synuclein are presented here to clarify the possible role of NAs, not only as encoders of genetic information but also in triggering PMDs.
Collapse
|
42
|
Liu C, Götz J. Profiling murine tau with 0N, 1N and 2N isoform-specific antibodies in brain and peripheral organs reveals distinct subcellular localization, with the 1N isoform being enriched in the nucleus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84849. [PMID: 24386422 PMCID: PMC3875548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the adult murine brain, the microtubule-associated protein tau exists as three major isoforms, which have four microtubule-binding repeats (4R), with either no (0N), one (1N) or two (2N) amino-terminal inserts. The human brain expresses three additional isoforms with three microtubule-binding repeats (3R) each. However, little is known about the role of the amino-terminal inserts and how the 0N, 1N and 2N tau species differ. In order to investigate this, we generated a series of isoform-specific antibodies and performed a profiling by Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses using wild-type mice in three age groups: two months, two weeks and postnatal day 0 (P0). This revealed that the brain is the only organ to express tau at significant levels, with 0N4R being the predominant isoform in the two month-old adult. Subcellular fractionation of the brain showed that the 1N isoform is over-represented in the soluble nuclear fraction. This is in agreement with the immunohistochemical analysis as the 1N isoform strongly localizes to the neuronal nucleus, although it is also found in cell bodies and dendrites, but not axons. The 0N isoform is mainly found in cell bodies and axons, whereas nuclei and dendrites are only slightly stained with the 0N antibody. The 2N isoform is highly expressed in axons and in cell bodies, with a detectable expression in dendrites and a very slight expression in nuclei. The 2N isoform that was undetectable at P0, in adult brain was mainly found localized to cell bodies and dendrites. Together these findings reveal significant differences between the three murine tau isoforms that are likely to reflect different neuronal functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Rossi G, Conconi D, Panzeri E, Paoletta L, Piccoli E, Ferretti MG, Mangieri M, Ruggerone M, Dalprà L, Tagliavini F. Mutations in MAPT give rise to aneuploidy in animal models of tauopathy. Neurogenetics 2013; 15:31-40. [PMID: 24218087 PMCID: PMC3968519 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-013-0380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Tau is a major microtubule-associated protein in brain neurons. Its misfolding and accumulation cause neurodegenerative diseases characterized by brain atrophy and dementia, named tauopathies. Genetic forms are caused by mutations of microtubule-associated protein tau gene (MAPT). Tau is expressed also in nonneural tissues such as lymphocytes. Tau has been recently recognized as a multifunctional protein, and in particular, some findings supported a role in genome stability. In fact, peripheral cells of patients affected by frontotemporal dementia carrying different MAPT mutations showed structural and numerical chromosome aberrations. The aim of this study was to assess chromosome stability in peripheral cell from two animal models of genetic tauopathy, JNPL3 and PS19 mouse strains expressing the human tau carrying the P301L and P301S mutations, respectively, to confirm the previous data on humans. After demonstrating the presence of mutated tau in spleen, we performed standard cytogenetic analysis of splenic lymphocytes from homozygous and hemizygous JNPL3, hemizygous PS19, and relevant controls. Losses and gains of chromosomes (aneuploidy) were evaluated. We detected a significantly higher level of aneuploidy in JNPL3 and PS19 than in control mice. Moreover, in JNPL3, the aneuploidy was higher in homozygotes than in hemizygotes, demonstrating a gene dose effect, which appeared also to be age independent. Our results show that mutated tau is associated with chromosome instability. It is conceivable to hypothesize that in genetic tauopathies the aneuploidy may be present also in central nervous system, possibly contributing to neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomina Rossi
- Division of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133, Milan, Italy,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Lu J, Miao J, Su T, Liu Y, He R. Formaldehyde induces hyperphosphorylation and polymerization of Tau protein both in vitro and in vivo. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1830:4102-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
45
|
Ternary Polymeric Nanoparticles for Oral siRNA Delivery. Pharm Res 2013; 30:1228-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-012-0961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
46
|
Camero S, Benítez MJ, Jiménez JS. Anomalous Protein–DNA Interactions Behind Neurological Disorders. PROTEIN-NUCLEIC ACIDS INTERACTIONS 2013; 91:37-63. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411637-5.00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
47
|
Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Alzheimer′s Disease*. PROG BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2012. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1206.2012.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
48
|
Walker S, Ullman O, Stultz CM. Using intramolecular disulfide bonds in tau protein to deduce structural features of aggregation-resistant conformations. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:9591-600. [PMID: 22291015 PMCID: PMC3308815 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.336107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Because tau aggregation likely plays a role in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, understanding the processes that affect tau aggregation is of considerable importance. One factor that has been shown to influence the aggregation propensity is the oxidation state of the protein itself. Tau protein, which contains two naturally occurring cysteine residues, can form both intermolecular disulfide bonds and intramolecular disulfide bonds. Several studies suggest that intermolecular disulfide bonds can promote tau aggregation in vitro. By contrast, although there are data to suggest that intramolecular disulfide bond formation retards tau aggregation in vitro, the precise mechanism underlying this observation remains unclear. While it has been hypothesized that a single intramolecular disulfide bond in tau leads to compact conformations that cannot form extended structure consistent with tau fibrils, there are few data to support this conjecture. In the present study we generate oxidized forms of the truncation mutant, K18, which contains all four microtubule binding repeats, and isolate the monomeric fraction, which corresponds to K18 monomers that have a single intramolecular disulfide bond. We study the aggregation propensity of the oxidized monomeric fraction and relate these data to an atomistic model of the K18 unfolded ensemble. Our results argue that the main effect of intramolecular disulfide bond formation is to preferentially stabilize conformers within the unfolded ensemble that place the aggregation-prone tau subsequences, PHF6* and PHF6, in conformations that are inconsistent with the formation of cross-β-structure. These data further our understanding of the precise structural features that retard tau aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Collin M. Stultz
- From the Research Laboratory of Electronics
- the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sultan A, Nesslany F, Violet M, Bégard S, Loyens A, Talahari S, Mansuroglu Z, Marzin D, Sergeant N, Humez S, Colin M, Bonnefoy E, Buée L, Galas MC. Nuclear tau, a key player in neuronal DNA protection. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:4566-75. [PMID: 21131359 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.199976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau, a neuronal protein involved in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease, which is primarily described as a microtubule-associated protein, has also been observed in the nuclei of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. However, the function of the nuclear form of Tau in neurons has not yet been elucidated. In this work, we demonstrate that acute oxidative stress and mild heat stress (HS) induce the accumulation of dephosphorylated Tau in neuronal nuclei. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrate that the capacity of endogenous Tau to interact with neuronal DNA increased following HS. Comet assays performed on both wild-type and Tau-deficient neuronal cultures showed that Tau fully protected neuronal genomic DNA against HS-induced damage. Interestingly, HS-induced DNA damage observed in Tau-deficient cells was completely rescued after the overexpression of human Tau targeted to the nucleus. These results highlight a novel role for nuclear Tau as a key player in early stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Sultan
- Inserm UMR837, Alzheimer and Tauopathies, 1 rue Michel Polonovski, 59045 Lille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
New evidences on Tau-DNA interactions and relevance to neurodegeneration. Neurochem Int 2010; 57:51-7. [PMID: 20435075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tau is mainly distributed in cytoplasm and also found to be localized in the nucleus. There is limited data on DNA binding potential of Tau. We provide novel evidence on nicking of DNA by Tau. Tau nicks the supercoiled DNA leading to open circular and linear forms. The metal ion magnesium (a co-factor for endonuclease) enhanced the Tau DNA nicking ability, while an endonuclease specific inhibitor, aurinetricarboxylic acid (ATA) inhibited the Tau DNA nicking ability. Further, we also evidenced that Tau induces B-C-A mixed conformational transition in DNA and also changes DNA stability. Tau-scDNA complex is more sensitive to DNAse I digestion indicating stability changes in DNA caused by Tau. These findings indicate that Tau alters DNA helicity and integrity and also nicks the DNA. The relevance of these novel intriguing findings regarding the role Tau in neuronal dysfunction is discussed.
Collapse
|